Return to Tomorrow II

 

by Zelda Scott, Zelda.Scott@web.de, www.sttos.net

 

 

Time Setting: Series (original mission)

 

Rating: PG/K+, general/action/adventure

 

Codes: Kirk, Spock, McCoy, crew, Sarek, Amanda, Sargon, Thalassa

 

Summary:

The story is a direct sequel to the Star Trek episode "Return to Tomorrow".

Please note:
Thanks to Madlyn Cardwell and Randy Landers for proof-reading!
Special thanks to Gamin Davis, the best beta-reader I had so far.

This story is finished but nevertheless there will be slight changes in the next couple of weeks to clean up the text concerning grammar, spelling mistakes and bad wording (while the content itself will remain). English is not my native language and thanks to Gamin Davis I hope to make the text sound better to English natives that way which will take a moment. Last change: 04/04/2009

Feedback is welcome, positive and/or negative.

 

 

“Oblivion together does not frighten me, beloved.”

 

Thalassa completely surrendered to the embrace and was feeling every word she had said. As long as Sargon was with her, she wouldn’t be frightened.

 

“Promise we’ll be together,” she suggested.

 

“I promise… beloved.”

 

“Together forever.”

 

“Forever… beloved. Forever.”

 

His kiss was the last thing she felt before following him into oblivion.

 

Suddenly, James T. Kirk, who had witnessed the whole scene as a silent observer, was aware that he was standing in the middle of his bridge, pressed close to his astrobiologist Doctor Anne Mulhall. Sargon had left his body; and what remained were a leaden weariness and an embarrassing situation to attenuate.

 

“Well, I’m sure that, uh… Sargon appreciated your cooperation, Doctor Mulhall,” he finally said, breaking up the hug.

 

“Yes, I was, uh… happy to cooperate, Captain.”

 

“It was beautiful,” Chapel declared, glancing over to Spock.

 

Kirk cleared his throat, looking shortly at Chapel who had just begun to realize what she had said. For a moment, the bridge crew was paralyzed, now that the visit of Henoch, Sargon and Thalassa had found such an abrupt end. Kirk finally remembered his responsibility as Captain.

 

“Well, I guess that we won’t meet our guests again. Please return to your posts.”

 

The situation dissolved. Anne Mulhall threw a last glance at Kirk but then she left the bridge with decisive steps, entering the turbolift. McCoy, on the other hand, didn’t move. As was his habit, he took his place at one side of Kirk’s chair while Spock moved to the other. Everything was as it was before. Kirk threw a relieved glance at Spock. He had almost lost his best friend on this mission not only once, but twice. That he was now standing right beside him seemed like a miracle.

 

“I’m wondering…” he started, but didn’t finish.

 

“What, Jim?”

 

“I’m wondering whether that was really the last we saw of Sargon, Thalassa and Henoch.”

 

*****

 

Two days went by without any unusual occurrences. Everything went smoothly – the Enterprise was mapping an unknown sector that turned out to be extremely boring. For a brief moment during their encounter with Sargon and Thalassa, the crew had gotten a glimpse of wonders normally beyond their reach. In contrast, their daily life seemed more somber than usual, and Kirk was not the only one who found his thoughts drifting back to Sargon and Thalassa. The thought of Henoch was less pleasant, though. Spock, who had shared his mind with the super being, was convinced that the alien would do *anything* to gain absolute control over every living being in the universe.

 

Despite the familiarity of the daily routine, Kirk noted that it seemed harder and harder for him to relax. During his chess games he made mistakes he usually would not have made, and more than once, the Vulcan commented with a raised eyebrow on moves that could only be described as illogical. One week after Sargon, Thalassa and Henoch had left Kirk had lost the third game in a row after only 6.35 minutes. Spock hesitated and faced his friend and superior with piercing black eyes.

 

“Captain, I perceive an unusual lack of concentration in you. Is there anything disturbing you?”

 

Kirk hesitated. "Basically, no--" he began, then continued after a short silence. “Well, there's actually nothing amiss that I know of, but something's still bothering me that I can't put my finger on.” He grinned. “That must sound pretty strange to you.”

 

“Not at all, Captain. In fact, I also perceive a certain...agitation.”

 

Kirk was alarmed. At the same time, Spock realized from the look on the captain’s face that Kirk was just having one of his famous hunches. Kirk stood up and went to the nearest intercom to call the bridge.

 

“Uhura, Kirk here. Please have Doctor Mulhall, Doctor McCoy and Nurse Chapel report to the briefing room in fifteen minutes.”

 

When Kirk returned to the chess board, he felt relieved for the first time in a week. Now he knew that he was not just imaging things although he hoped against hope that his hunch would turn out to be wrong...

 

*****

 

McCoy was anything but pleased to be ordered to a meeting this late-it was around 2250-without even knowing what it was about. That was not what he would call a nice evening. Only a few hours ago he had told Jim that he was looking forward to turn in early. As far as he knew there was no emergency. In fact, Sickbay was deserted, and for the first time after more days than he dared to count, he had had the opportunity to check his supplies and to deal with the necessary red tape. When he entered the small briefing room, he was very close to snapping at Jim Kirk. Not only had the captain ordered him here, he hadn't even taken the responsibility for doing so himself, and the fact that Spock, Chapel and Mulhall had been included in the meeting seemed odd. What was worse, he couldn't express his anger toward Kirk with them there.

 

Kirk took his seat and gestured for the others to do so as well. He looked in faces that expressed half curiosity, half anger. “Thank you all for coming, despite the unusual time. Before I tell you the reason for this meeting, I like to know, if you, Doctor Mulhall, have felt somewhat unusual in the last week.”

 

The astrobiologist peered at Kirk, taken aback. “Well, not really, sir. It was a normal week.”

 

The captain seemed impatient. “I don’t refer to your work. I’m interested whether you have perceived an unusual agitation, some kind of restlessness with no obvious reason?”

 

She gazed at him, obviously surprised. “Now that you are addressing it, sir, I did indeed feel somewhat uneasy.”

 

This was the moment for McCoy to hit the roof. “Jim, really. What is this all about? Of course, she feels uneasy after having exchanged her body with an alien.”

 

“The tests you ran on us showed nothing, didn't they?”

 

“No. I wouldn’t have you all certified fit for duty otherwise.”

 

“Exactly. In addition, Nurse Chapel, I bet that you felt pretty normal although you were also involved?”

 

Chapel looked a little uncomfortable and threw a quick glance at Spock. “Yes, sir. There was nothing unusual.”

 

“Well, that supports my theory,” Kirk stated.

 

“What theory, Jim? Don’t keep us on tenterhooks! I want to hit the sack this very moment.”

 

“Spock and I felt the same as Dr. Mulhall, Bones. For me, it started nearly half a day after Sargon, Thalassa and Henoch were gone.”

 

Mulhall nodded and Spock signalled his agreement, too.

 

“I can’t prove it,” Kirk continued, “but I believe that the three of them didn’t dissolve into oblivion. They are still close by. Apparently, Doctor Mulhall, Spock and I can feel the presence of our counterparts.”

McCoy was not convinced. “Assuming that you are right–and I'm not saying that I think you are –where do we come in?”

 

“That is easy, Bones. First, I don’t believe that Henoch has given up yet. He will try to harm us and to get his hands on the Enterprise again. I think that Sargon is close, too.”

 

Suddenly, Spock grinned. That seemed so out of character for him that everybody else froze.

 

“Henoch,” Kirk commented, although it had become unnecessary.

 

“Indeed, Captain. My compliments. Your deductions were fairly accurate. You are wrong concerning Sargon and Thalassa, though. Maybe there is a trace of them left, but they can’t come back for sure. I will see to that. And now, Captain, please be so good to hand me over your ship.”

 

“I don’t think so,” Kirk replied, as he surreptitiously gestured to the others to leave on his signal.

 

“That is an unwise decision, Captain. There is nobody left to protect you. It is up to you; you can do what I’m telling you and survive–or you can resist, and I will become very unfriendly.”

 

“Now,” Kirk ordered.

 

Chapel and Mulhall managed to reach the door while Kirk threw himself at Spock’s figure to buy them some time. Kirk didn’t even manage to touch the Vulcan. Unbearable pain filled every inch of his body and erased every coherent thought.

suddenly, as if he had walked into a bulkhead

 

McCoy stopped suddenly, as if he had walked into a bulkhead. As a physician, he was unable to stand seeing anybody suffer. His profession was healing. That was even more valid especially if his friends were involved. Here, both his close friends were affected. To see that evil sneer on Spock’s face was almost harder to bear than Kirk’s features contorted with pain. “Stop it!” he demanded, filled with anger.

 

Henoch's grin spread even wider, as he proportionately re-inforced his power over Kirk. The captain jerked up once more only to slump motionless to the floor. McCoy wanted to look after him but was stopped by Henoch. “Stay where you are, Doctor. You do what I’m telling you or you can say ‘good bye’ to him immediately. Is that clear?”

 

McCoy nodded hesitantly.

 

“Bring him to Sickbay. It’s possible that I will need him again,” Henoch ordered.

 

McCoy bent over Kirk. His medikit was in Sickbay. Even without his instruments, McCoy saw that the captain was in bad shape. His pulse was racing and his face was ashen grey.

 

Henoch only smiled viciously as he activated ship-wide communications. “This is the captain speaking - Captain Henoch. From now on, you are under my command. Infringements will be punished with death. All personnel not working on crucial systems will return to their quarters immediately. Anyone who doesn’t follow that order within fifteen minutes will be executed. Henoch out.”

 

Then he laughed like the devil himself, enjoying the power of his Vulcan body. McCoy still heard Henoch's laughter in his mind, long after he had left for Sickbay with the Captain...

 

*****

 

McCoy stared on the readings above Kirk’s bed and wondered – not for the first time – how often he had feared for the captain’s life. And how often would he get this opportunity in the future? Jim was a magnet for trouble and put his own well-being at the bottom of a pretty long list containing duty, noble principles and the health of nearly everyone else except himself.

 

The captain blinked when he slowly regained consciousness. McCoy, knowing by experience what would come next, pushed his friend down onto the bed before the captain would be able to jump up.

 

“Bones?” Kirk mumbled.

 

“I’m trying to stop you from bouncing of the bed. Promise to stay put at least for a moment when I take my hands off?”

 

“I’ll promise you anything as long as you stop crushing me,” Kirk commented dryly.

 

McCoy grinned and loosened his viselike grip. “Obviously, you are still yourself.”

 

Kirk stayed put indeed but looked at McCoy accusingly. “Well, am I allowed to get up?” he asked.

 

McCoy sighed. Kirk’s bio readings were nearly back to normal but they also showed the grandmother of a headache and slight exhaustion. So nothing would stop Kirk from returning to duty, especially in a situation like this one. McCoy nodded Kirk his approval. “Yes, but slowly.”

 

Kirk swung his legs over the bed’s edge full of verve. McCoy grimaced. “How is the situation?” the captain asked.

 

“You don’t want to know.”

 

“Tell me anyway.”

 

“Spock – Henoch – has taken over. He can use Spock’s knowledge and with that there are no obstacles. Anyone who stands in his way is knocked off.

 

“Anyone injured or dead?”

“No dead, but several are hurt. Fortunately nothing serious–so far.”

 

Kirk nodded and pulled himself fully on his feet.

 

“What do you have in mind, Jim?”

 

“I don’t know yet, but I have to stop him somehow.”

 

*****

 

Kirk entered the bridge and tried to put an imperturbable expression on his face. It hurts him watching Spock’s figure in the command chair. Usually, the slender frame would have swivelled to him and would have gotten up in one smooth and elegant motion. Spock would have turned the command over to him with an emotional glint in his eyes meant for Kirk only. Henoch’s personally distorted the Vulcan’s character beyond recognition. Kirk could almost feel his sorrow about Spock fueling his headache.

 

“Captain,” Henoch grinned. “Nice to have you back.”

 

“I’m sorry not being able to return the compliment.”

 

“Why so impolite? It should be obvious to you that you can’t do anything against me.”

 

“Should it? I got a different impression.”

 

Henoch’s face hardened. “Don’t try me, Captain. Tell your crew that the situation has changed and that my orders are to be followed to the letter.”

 

“No.”

 

“You should think about your ‘no’ once again.”

 

Kirk didn’t move. He felt the eyes of his whole bridge crew upon him. If he did now what Henoch expect him to do, he would smash the hopes of everyone aboard at the same time. No matter what the costs for him might be, this hope was not to die. Kirk prepared for the pain he knew would come soon, and he was not disappointed. The contours blurred when pure agony made thinking impossible again. He heard Uhura’s voice through a fog the woman had gotten up from her chair.

 

“Leave him alone.”

 

Indeed, the pain subsided as fast as it had come. Kirk fought the fatigue away and get up shakily. He didn’t even remember to have fallen. His head was pounding.

 

Henoch’s gaze rested on Uhura, he was clearly amused. “What is this? Does anybody here have a crush on a certain strong and heroic captain?”

Uhura didn’t even blink. “You might have more power than we do, but you can’t break us.”

 

“You are wrong, my dear. Every sentient being can be broken. Only the threshold makes the difference. Where is yours?”

 

Uhura was already lying on the floor, cramped and writhing in pain. Kirk took a step forward to stand between Henoch and his communications officer.

 

Henoch continued to torture Uhura, unperturbed. At the same time, he addressed Kirk: “How touching. You are not returning the feelings of your Nubian beauty, are you, Captain?”

 

“She didn’t harm you. If you must take it out on someone take me.”

 

Henoch’s grin widened even more. “I can take both of you, Captain. Or the whole crew, for that matter. It is up to you. Firstly, I would be content if you made the announcement I had requested of you earlier.”

 

Kirk took a look at Uhura on the floor. She was barely moving at all anymore. He nodded stiffly.  “You’ve won this fight. I’ll doing what you want but stop it.”

 

Henoch released his grip on Uhura. She remained motionless on the floor. Kirk wanted to look after her, but Henoch shook his head and gestured toward the buttons on the command chair that would establish ship-wide communications. Kirk knew that this battle was not worth fighting for. He placed himself right beside Henoch, pushed the comlink button. “All hands, this is Captain Kirk. As you all know by now, Commander Spock’s body has been taken over by an alien being. I order you to stay calm and follow his commands – until we find a possibility to regain the control of the ship. We…”

 

Kirk was not able to finish the sentence as stabbing pain extinguished every clear thought once again.

 

*****

 

McCoy just shook his head in silence when Kirk struggled to consciousness in Sickbay for the second time within a few hours only. Uhura occupied the bed besides Kirk; she still hadn’t moved at all. This time, it took Kirk much longer to gather his senses. His bio readings were not too good after this new trip into oblivion, either. Kirk’s pulse was slightly irregular; he ran a light fever; and according to the K2 readings, his headache must have the dimension of a thunder storm. However, this time McCoy wasn’t fast enough to prevent Kirk from getting up practically the moment he had opened his eyes. He was fast enough to hold him, though, just in time before Kirk’s legs buckled. Kirk gathered himself visibly then he stripped of McCoy’s helping hand.

 

The CMO pierced his captain with his gaze. “Was that really necessary?”

 

Kirk seemed amused despite the situation. “What are you referring to—my announcement or getting up without your permission?”

“That is not funny, Jim. You belong into a bed. And…”

 

Kirk didn’t waste time to answer. With a side-glance on the other bio bed, he asked, “How’s Uhura?”

 

“She will survive but she is still unconscious.”

 

Kirk nodded and was about to leave Sickbay.

 

“Not so fast. Where do you think you are going?”

 

“Visiting Anne Mulhall.”

 

No matter what McCoy had expected, it had not been that. “Anne Mulhall?” he echoed.

 

Kirk nodded. “Whatever Henoch was telling us, I’m convinced that Sargon and Thalassa are very close by. And they are the only ones able to help us.”

 

*****

 

Like everybody else Anne Mulhall had been confined to her quarters which she shared with Leslie Barenbaum. Both women hadn’t exchanged a word for the past hours, and the silence that stretched between them seemed crushing. When the door buzzed, Anne Mulhall jerked and Barenbaum let her glass go which she was about to drink from. “Who’s there?”

 

“It’s Captain Kirk.”

 

Doctor Mulhall threw a surprised glance at her room mate. Kirk was anxious to be approachable for his crew all the time and his regular tours through all departments were legend but visiting his crew in their quarters was a little bit unusual even for him. “Come in, Captain.”

 

Kirk was impatient when he entered the cabin. In addition, he looked worn and seemed to have difficulty to keep standing. There was not much imagination necessary to guess the reason… “I don’t have much time before Henoch will miss me,” Kirk started the discussion without wasting time.

 

“It is about Sargon and Thalassa, isn’t it?”

 

Kirk nodded. “They are our only chance to fight Henoch. With the powers of a starship he can do plenty of damage.”

 

“Do you know what he is up to?”

 

Kirk smirked. “Well, Henoch didn’t really fill me in. But our present course will put us at Vulcan in about three weeks. Heaven knows what will happen then. That’s why I urgently need to talk to you, Doctor Mulhall.”

Ensign Barenbaum looked at them sheepishly. Mulhall knew that her room mate harbored some secret feelings for Kirk like so many other crewmembers of both sexes. Obviously, she felt uncomfortable and murmured something about “taking a shower” although she had left their bathroom only an hour ago.

 

When they were alone, Mulhall looked quizzically at Kirk. Even if his analysis was accurate – what should they do about it? She had absolutely no idea how to reach Thalassa.

 

The captain seemed to read her mind because, he finally said, “I’m aware that you probably have no idea how to reach anyone of them, I don’t do either.”

 

Doctor Mulhall raised her eyebrows. This man had an intuition that was almost uncanny. “What are you proposing, Captain?”

 

“I’m not convinced that Henoch is telling us the truth. Sargon and his wife are very close, and they will help us for sure. The agitation we were feeling must have a reason. Are you still feeling it?”

 

The astrobiologist concentrated on herself then she shook her head.

 

“No. Now, that you are mentioning it: it is gone. Strange.”

 

“Not at all. I would say that Henoch controls both of them.”

 

She looked at him, surprised. “Control?”

 

He nodded. “I assume that all three had tried to contact their former hosts–us–after Sargon ascertained that Henoch had survived. And Henoch won the race. That is even worse since Spock was the only telepath aboard, and so we haven’t got a chance to contact them by ourselves. That’s why we must try something else.”

 

“What are you thinking about? Are you proposing that we beg Henoch politely?”

 

Kirk smirked. “Hardly. But I think that it must be possible to overtax him a bit. To control Sargon and Thalassa must strain him considerably. In addition, he must pay attention all the time to keep an eye on us. As soon as he has fallen asleep that should be different. If my theory is correct you should be prepared to host Thalassa.”

 

The astrobiologist grimaced. She still felt the weakness after having shared her body with somebody else, and it had not been pleasant. “I will be there,” she said simply.

 

*****

 

Kirk didn’t have much time until Henoch summoned him again. Obviously, the stranger in Spock’s body was having fun to rule and to control the crew. The waste of people was remarkable. Henoch punished even the smallest objection in a Draconian way. While McCoy got more and more patients, Uhura returned to her post. Kirk still tried to protect his crew and was therefore on the receiving end of Henoch’s rage another two times. Apart from that, he didn’t get a chance to do anything. After 42 hours spent continuously on the bridge in the presence of Henoch, Kirk cursed Spock’s condition that enabled him to keep going even for weeks without sleep. He was painfully aware that he would soon reach his own limits. Compared to what they had gained their efforts were ridiculous.

 

Kirk took comfort in the thought that because of Uhura’s abilities Starfleet had been informed. So the Vulcans knew what they were facing, too. Maybe they would be able to help. Vulcan abilities had proved as redemption in the past pretty frequently. The crew did also everything possible to boycott Henoch. There had been a row of unexplainable technical problems that had slowed them down considerably. Henoch had punished Scotty and his men severely, but that didn’t change the equipment failures. Kirk was just glad that like by some miracle nobody had died. Yet. The list of his crew members killed in action under his command was already far too long…

 

*****

 

After Uhura was notified about her relief on the bridge, she almost sneaked on toes along the deserted gangways of the Enterprise. The ship that usually was so full of life appeared lonely and abandoned. It was frightening to cross the familiar corridors like a thief. Fortunately, her goal was not far way. The door to Scott’s quarters slid open almost immediately after her signal. With twenty persons, the small room was overcrowded and even a place to stand was hard to get, but nobody complained. Everyone was here voluntarily, and nearly every face showed a more or less severe level of concern.

 

Chekov was leaning onto the desk and appeared with his black eye as if he had just returned from an especially exciting shore leave. Scott was grumpy, but that was nothing compared to McCoy. The CMO was bouncing on his toes and seemed to be looking for a vent for his rage. No wonder, Uhura thought, Sickbay was overcrowded with victims and some were in really bad shape. Uhura herself had been released from Sickbay–for the second time–only a few hours ago, and if she was honest with herself, she felt everything but all right. Every part of her body was aching and when she took a seat somewhere her eyes shut themselves without her will. Not for the first time she asked herself how Kirk must feel. Whenever possible the captain had put himself in the line between a crewmember and Henoch’s rage. Kirk tried to cover it, but the bridge crew knew him well enough to not being able to overlook the clear signs of exhaustion anymore. It was only a question of time until even Kirk would reach his limits sooner or later. Most likely sooner, Uhura assumed.

 

And even though, all of their attempts had not brought the desired effect. Spock’s body seemed to be able to go on forever without sleep, no matter how many persons stepped into his way. He didn’t even seem to notice the energy drain.

 

Uhura felt all eyes on her, and she tried to appear self-confident and optimistic. “We all know why we are here. We must stop Henoch,” she said.

 

“But we’re already trying to do that,” a security man threw in.

 

Uhura nodded. “Yes, but we must focus our efforts more sensibly. I see our only chance in attacking Henoch from multiple sides at the same time.”

 

“And how should that take place?” the chief engineer asked.

 

“It is a dangerous plan–we must sabotage Henoch on as many levels as possible. The whole ship must be paralyzed. At the same time, as many people as possible must attack Henoch.”

 

“That’s suicide,” McCoy burst out.

 

Uhura looked at them sadly. “We can’t guarantee that everybody will survive. Only one thing is sure: if we do nothing, we will all die, and the captain will be the first. We can’t leave it all to him this time. As a single person, he’s not able to overtax Henoch enough. Only a coordinated attack can have success even if it is a suicide squad.

 

Silence was spreading. Then, Meyers from security broke it. “I’m in.”

 

“Me, too,” a second voice exclaimed and then a third. In all, there were eleven persons who were willing to attack Henoch at the risk of their own life in the vague hope to weaken him enough. Uhura let out her breath but at the same time her stomach twisted. Was Kirk feeling the same when sending someone into a potential deadly mission? But there was no turning back. In an hour they would know if everything had been in vain.

 

*****

 

“Is it logical to sacrifice such many where few can make that sacrifice unnecessary?” Sarek’s voice was emotionless and provocative at the same time.

 

The Federation’s president narrowed his eyes, obviously annoyed. What the Vulcan ambassador was saying sounded logical. Then why did he have the impression that Sarek was cooking his goose? “Ambassador Sarek, I understand how you feel about your son and I assure you that we don’t want to destroy the Enterprise, but…”

 

“Mister President, as a Vulcan, I don’t ‘feel.’ I accept what is. And it is absolutely illogical to sacrifice life and valuable Federation property for nothing.”

 

The president admitted defeat. “Very well, Ambassador Sarek. I don’t believe that you will succeed, and I deeply regret to let you run into your own perdition. If you insist, however, I cannot hold you back. You have exactly forty-eight hours to regain control over the Enterprise. Thereafter, the ship and everyone aboard will be destroyed. If that super-being that has taken over your son should do something to endanger the safety of the Federation or a member world, this agreement is obsolete, and we attack immediately. Did I make myself clear?”

 

Sarek bowed his head slightly. “Perfectly clear. Live long and prosper, Mister President.”

 

The screen went dark. Although he didn’t believe it he hoped against hope that the Vulcan succeeded. The loss of the flag ship would be a tremendous loss for Starfleet.

 

*****

 

Uhura returned to the bridge noting relieved that her little conspiracy had remained unnoticed. Spock’s body still occupied the captain’s chair, Henoch’s evil grin firmly in place. Kirk was leaning heavily against the bridge rail, but his eyes revealed alertness. He is just waiting for an opportunity, Uhura thought. Well, he should get that opportunity. Very soon they would have one, one way or the other.

 

“Captain, a vessel is approaching us.”

 

“Origin?” Henoch and Kirk asked at the same time. Both men exchanged hostile glances. The situation would have been funny under other circumstances.

 

Chekov decided to give his answer to empty space without addressing one of both directly. “It is a Vulcan vessel, sir, with an IFF signal belonging to the the Diplomatic Corps.”

 

A bleeping lamp on her station attracted Uhura’s attention. Shortly afterwards, she announced, “Sir, we’re being hailed. It’s the Vulcan Ambassador Sarek.”

 

The silence that spread afterwards was so profound that it would have been possible to hear the famous pin drop. Uhura thought that she saw Kirk taking a deep breath. Not long ago Spock’s father barely escaped death on board the Enterprise. Retrospectively, it seemed like a miracle that their mission to Babel had had no ill effects. Sarek’s attendance now complicated the whole matter further. Uhura just hoped that their plan would still work.

 

“Put him on screen,” Henoch ordered.

 

The stars on the main viewing screen were replaced by the familiar face of the Vulcan Ambassador, revealing no emotions at all.

 

Henoch/Spock grinned brightly. “Daddy, so nice to see you again.”

 

“Leave the body of my son and return the control of the Enterprise, Henoch,” Sarek said without introduction. While Henoch’s attention was focused exclusively on Sarek, Kirk started to shift his position slowly but persistently. Uhura could read in his face that he was up to something. She ached to meet him halfway, but that was impossible so she remained were she was. In the meantime, the discussion between Henoch and Sarek continued.

 

Henoch was saying, “Why should I do something that stupid? Your son has a magnificent body or can you offer me a better one? I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you are much too old for my taste. Besides, I have no use for a patchwork with a weak heart.”

 

Some on the bridge took in sharp breaths, but Sarek didn’t let himself be insulted or even shaken in his calm. “My personal involvement is of no concern, Henoch. And I assure you that I have no intention to offer my body. What I do offer, however, is continued existence, no more but no less. If you can access Spock’s memory, you will see that my people do have the means to be most unpleasant.”

 

In the meantime, Kirk had reached Uhura. He gave her a compuclipboard that she took as unobtrusively as possible. Kirk didn’t even blink as he put again some distance between them. Getting curious, Uhura opened the file. It read, “I know what you are up to. Inform Sarek.”

 

Surprised, Uhura raised her eyebrows. How Kirk had been able to write the message without anybody noticing—let alone how he managed to ascertain details of the secret meeting—was beyond her. Nevertheless, Uhura knew instantly what he was planning. Sarek was a valuable ally, and together with him, it could be possible to overpower Henoch. Of course, Henoch must know of the danger imposed by Sarek, and he would do everything to keep the ambassador away from the Enterprise. A glance on the chronometer told Uhura that they had seven minutes left before their little mutiny would start. Unnoticed by everyone except Kirk, she composed a message and sent it to Sarek’s ship. At the same time, Henoch ended his discussion with Sarek. The screen was replaced by the small Vulcan vessel against the background of stars.

 

Henoch said, “Mister Chekov, fire photon torpedoes two, three and six at the Shi’kahr. If you are thinking about missing the target, take into account that either the ship will be destroyed or you will die at my hand.”

 

Chekov swallowed.

 

“Mister Chekov, disregard that order.” Kirk’s voice was cold as ice, piercing the silence.

 

The grin on Spock’s face vanished as he turned to Kirk with dangerous calm. “Obviously, Captain, you still misjudge your position. Until now, your little rebellion was somewhat entertaining, but I thought that even you would have understood in the meantime that this is no game. I’m as superior to you as are you compared to protozoa. Look at yourself! You want to be the captain of this ship? You are barely able to keep standing, and I haven’t even started to deal with you. You have the choice: either obey me once and for all, or die before I take care of your navigator.”

 

The whole bridge held their breaths. Uhura looked at the clock, nervously. Just a minute. Only one minute. Silently, Kirk stared at Spock.

 

“Obey me,” Henoch rumbled, shaking the whole bridge with his voice only. Kirk didn’t move.

 

“Then you will die!” Plain rage blazed in Henoch’s eyes as he focused all of his destructive forces against Kirk. Then, the light went out and eleven men entered the bridge at the same time to attack the Vulcan.

 

*****

“You can’t accompany us, Amanda.”

 

Sometimes, there were moments in which Amanda’s Human emotions were really an obstacle. This was such a moment. “Sarek, you haven’t enough time to argue with me. And don’t tell me that you never argue. I don’t remain here doing nothing if Spock is so close by, needing my help. You can’t stop me, and you know it. Isn’t it illogical to fight the inevitable?”

 

Sarek almost smiled as he listened to Amanda. He had already had no intension of taking her aboard the Shi’kahr; how should he win now after losing the first discussion? He touched the stretched index and middle finger of his wife with his own. Looking at him with affection, he felt Amanda’s love for him through the bond they was sharing.

 

Sarek bowed to the inevitable and took Amanda with him to the Enterprise as he beamed aboard the majestic ship together with four well-trained B’chatal warriors just in time when the shields of the starship went down…

 

*****

 

Completely taken my surprise, Henoch lost control at all ends. Abruptly, he let Kirk alone when everything went dark and from everywhere hands were trying to grasp him. It wasn’t an effort for him to build up an energy wall that protected him from his attackers as if they were blowflies. He was filled with rage. Now his benevolence would come to an end…

 

When Sarek materialized on the bridge, everything was pitch black. For a moment, he believed being in space but he discarded that thought almost immediately. His mind told him that he wouldn’t have lived long enough to be able wondering about it. Then, an energy wave lightened the bridge. Sarek didn’t hesitate for even a second as multiple Enterprise crewmen fell to the ground. He fired his phaser and saw in the light provided by the weapon his son collapse.

 

Kirk lay on the floor. Don’t lose consciousness, just don’t lose consciousness was the only thought he was still capable of. It was not only the blackness surrounding him that was crushing him but also the darkness in his mind. His head was mounding, and the pain was drowning him, pulling him into a maelstrom of oblivion.

 

Then, there was a familiar presence in his mind: Sargon.

 

Although all his body functions rebelled at the arrival of his guest, the adrenalin that was pumped through his veins as a result cleared his mind. Blurred, he recognized Spock’s figure. Additionally, the sight of his friend needing his help gave him the strength to stagger to his feet.

 

Sarek’s Vulcan eyes enabled him to cope with the semi-darkness. Somewhere, an emergency light went on, and the bridge was immersed in a haunted twilight. The Humans were still disoriented, trying to understand what had happened in front of their eyes. Spock was lying unmoving on the floor, unconscious. Captain Kirk was not far away from his son, and Sarek was sure he was seeing the movements of a man using the last of his energy reserves. Even after the Babel mission, he was astonished that the captain’s primary concern was obviously his son. A trace of parental pride was overwhelming Sarek, pride that his son had been able to form such a strong bond. He suppressed the emotion immediately.

 

In the meantime, Kirk had reached Spock and was trying to ascertain Spock’s condition. That spurred Sarek to action; he was only seconds faster but these moments should prove vital…

 

James Kirk didn’t belong to those that despair easily, but when he saw Spock lying there, a wave of hopelessness washed over him. How should he get Henoch out of his friend’s body? Indeed, he had felt the presence of Sargon, but for seconds only, and he was wondering now whether he’d really felt Sargon’s presence or had just fooled himself by wanting to. A life on the Enterprise without Spock? Was that possible? Maybe, but not for Kirk. He knew without doubt that his life wouldn’t be the same without his Vulcan friend.

 

With his last resources, he was crawling towards Spock when he finally felt a strong hand on his shoulder. It was as if he had been connected to an electric circuit. Sargon’s personality overwhelmed everything, erasing every clear thought. Then, Sargon was gone, and the captain knew that this time he would not be able to push the darkness away…

 

*****

 

With tired eyes, McCoy was observing several screens at the same time. When he had slept for the last time, he couldn’t say. Not that it mattered. As a physician, the well-being of his patients came first, always, overriding his own needs. This was different, though; more was at stake. In addition to the thirty-seven crewmembers that had been victim to Henoch’s moods, Jim Kirk was laying in the next room and in a separate area, Spock was resting. How long they would be able to keep the Vulcan unconscious was a different matter; Henoch was fighting the chemical chains that held him down.

 

Apart from his patients confined to Sickbay, there were two more persons that gave him reason for concern. After Sargon had ascertained that Kirk was too weakened to host his mind, he had used the second best possibility open to him: Sarek. And where Sarek was, his wife was not far away. It was somehow fitting that Thalassa was inhabiting Amanda’s body now. But how should it go on? How would Sarek and Amanda deal with the stress? Questions, that give McCoy a hard time and for which he didn’t have an answer.

 

McCoy decided to distract himself with work. Slowly, he walked along the lines of his patients, offering comfort here, talking to others there. He smiled as he noticed an improvement in his fosterlings.

 

Then, he had reached the last bed and with a heavy heart faced the encounter with his friend. Even after twenty-two hours, the captain was still unconscious. Not really surprising considered what he’d been through. Kirk’s face had an unhealthy ashen pallor; all of his readings were out of the usual range even if not life threatening low. The dolorimeter showed a constant level of considerable pain although McCoy had already tried various pain killers.

The CMO sighed. “Damn it, Jim, how often are you planning to do that to me?”

 

“Always if necessary,” a weak voice answered him.

 

McCoy raised both of his eyebrows. “You shouldn’t be awake.”

 

The CMO was about to increase Kirk’s medication when he felt a weak grip on his forearm.

 

“Don’t …”

 

“Jim, I’m a doctor, not a magician. You need rest, for heaven’s sake.”

 

“How is Spock?”

 

McCoy grimaced. “Not well. Henoch is still there, and we have no idea how to get rid of him.”

 

“Sargon and Thalassa?”

 

“In the bodies of Sarek and Amanda, They’re not responding to well to it either, I should add, especially Amanda. Chapel has given them some of the formula that we used before. The one regulating the body functions.”

 

“Bones, give me something to bring me back on my feet.”

 

“I’m not crazy. Didn’t you even listen to me when I told you that rest is imperative?”

 

McCoy observed concerned the rise of the dolorimeter as Kirk tried to sit up. Annoyance was overwhelming him. Wasn’t this man capable of listening to his advice just once? McCoy didn’t lift a finger, hoping that the weakness would be enough to convince his captain of the infeasibility of his actions. To his dismay, however, Kirk was finally able to put himself erect, even though slightly bent and sweating. Damn stubbornness, McCoy mused.

 

“Bones, don’t fight me. Spock’s life may depend on it.”

 

“What can you do, Jim? There is nothing that you can change.”

 

“I’ll come up with something.”

 

“Do as you please but without me.”

 

Exasperated, the doctor turned. A small part of him was hoping that Kirk would just lie down again. The by far larger part turned again to catch his friend once more as the captain tried in vain to stand up on his own.

 

*****

“Fascinating,” Sarek mused. He was inside his own body but had ascertained that he was not in control. At the same time, Sargon’s presence was extraordinarily stimulating. Had Kirk been referring to things like this when he had tried to make Amanda understand on their way to Babel that Starfleet offered more possibilities for a scientist than the Vulcan Academy of Science would ever be able to provide? Indeed, it was true that Sarek had ‘buried the lirpa,’ but nevertheless he and Spock had not reached an unrestrained level of communication yet. The thought that it would remain that way if they found no way to free Spock of Henoch, if his son would die just like that, was astoundingly–unpleasant.

 

Sarek had discussed the problem in a nonverbal way with Sargon, and therefore knew that even the Vulcan mindmeld would be of no use here. If Henoch didn’t want to, there was no way to force him out of the occupied body. In addition, even then their problem would not be solved. Henoch imposed a threat to everyone in his vicinity. Sargon had given him some details of the war that had extinguished his people almost completely. The destructive energy was far beyond imagination and even as a Vulcan, Sarek shrank away from the notion of highly advanced beings with nothing better to do than destroying each other. Back then mind had collided with mind, knowledge with knowledge, fraud with cattiness.

 

Sargon and Thalassa had been prepared to extinguish their very own existence when they had sensed Henoch’s survival. They had known that they were not allowed to go, but at the same time they had already been weakened considerably. That weakness still remained; Sargon and Thalassa were not in any position to fight Henoch’s power.

 

Sargon’s and Sarek’s shared minds were interrupted by the door buzzer of exactly the same quarters Sarek had already shared with Amanda on their way to Babel. Sarek raised an eyebrow as he recognized Captain Kirk standing in the door frame.

 

Kirk would have almost smiled if the situation had not been that serious – the resemblance to Spock was too strong to be ignored. Over the course of years, the captain had learned to read the slight nuances in Spock’s face, and there was no sign clearer than a raised eyebrow. That’s why he said with a slight smile, “Surprised to see me?”

 

The eyebrow rose even more. It was Sargon’s voice that answered him. “My son, we are glad to see you again, even considering the circumstances. However, shouldn’t you be resting?”

 

Kirk grinned slightly. “McCoy agreed that I could visit you.”

 

“Yeah, he blackmailed me,” another voice behind Kirk growled and McCoy’s form surfaced. The doctor added, “You didn’t really believe that I let you walk around all by yourself, did you?”

 

“Shouldn’t you stay with Spock?” Kirk replied.

 

McCoy shook his head. “M’Benga is with him and keeps him sedated. Henoch is fighting though, and I’m not sure how long we can keep him unconscious without killing Spock.”

 

“That’s why we’re here, Bones,” Kirk threw in. “Can we come in, Sargon?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Kirk and McCoy entered the cabin and saw Amanda resting in the separated area containing the bedroom. Instantly, McCoy was concerned and picked up his scanner while asking, “How is she?”

 

“She is sleeping naturally. But she is exhausted.”

 

Sargon said, “I regret to cause you so much distress, Captain. If we had been able to forecast the events, I would have never summoned you.”

 

“It is as it is, Sargon. The problem concerning Henoch is not your fault. We just have to find a way solving it.”

 

“Easier said than done, Jim. As far as I can see, no one has even the glimpse of an idea how.”

 

“You are right, Doctor. Unfortunately, Thalassa and I can offer no permanent solution. We had been gone almost completely when we discerned the necessity to return. We lost much of our power in doing so.”

 

“There have to be something to save Spock and get rid of Henoch,” Kirk insisted.

 

“Sarek didn’t see a logical alternative either, and I must confess, my son, that there seems to be no solution at all.”

 

“There’s always a solution, no matter how difficult the problem.”

 

“I agree,” said Amanda, rising slowly. Spock’s mother still possessed the same dignity which she had already emanated during the Babel mission but she seemed to have aged at leased for ten years since.

 

Sarek glanced at his wife.

 

“Well, who is who now?” asked McCoy. He sounded irritated.

 

“I am Thalassa,” Amanda said.

 

“I am Sargon, but Sarek has a strong mind and is here also.”

 

“How charming. I’m already having a headache sorting things out.”

 

“Bones, please. That doesn’t help us. To be able to help, however, we need some information, Sargon. On your planet, only three of your kind survived. What happened to the others, why and how did they die? Do you need the receptacles or generally a host of some kind?”

“Good questions, my son. The receptacles make it easier for us to cling to our very existence. Losing the focus is our death. That can happen by choosing that way or if the mind gets too weak. The others died because of that.”

 

“Are there any environmental conditions accelerating that process?”

 

“If we’re inside a foreign body and our host dies, a state of shock is the consequence, leading to death. There are certain radiations, too, that makes it difficult for us to focus. Ultraviolet radiation for instance does have this effect, especially in connection with absolute cold.”

 

“I strongly doubt that Spock would survive if we throw him out of a lock in front of the next sun without an XE spacesuit or a life support belt,” McCoy commented.

 

Kirk glanced at him, annoyance clearly shown in his eyes, when suddenly his vision was blurred for a moment. He swayed, steadying himself at the door frame. McCoy uttered a noise sounding suspiciously like ‘grmpf’ but spared himself any further comment.

 

“We’re not far away from a Vulcan research station,” said Amanda. “There we can get help.”

 

“Well, we can only hope that Spock can hold on that long.”

 

“We must try,” Kirk mentioned and ordered the bridge to change their course.

 

*****

 

McCoy stopped by in Sickbay once again to make sure he wasn’t needed at the moment. Indeed, it was still overcrowded with patients, but everyone was taken care of. Now time must do what the space medicine couldn’t. Spock was in the same bad condition. Henoch was fighting against the sedation; more and more drugs were necessary to hold the Vulcan at bay. On medical advice, Thalassa had moved to the body of Doctor Mulhall since Amanda was not able to tolerate the stress anymore. Then, McCoy had personally seen to it that Jim Kirk rested in his quarters. To be sure, he had brought ‘that damn pig-headed fool’ directly to his bunk. Not, that McCoy was having illusions. Now, he must care about himself. Lack of sleep and permanent stress had caused a seemingly endless weariness. Too tired to think clear anymore….

 

*****

 

“What do you mean by ‘You do not have permission to head for the Vulcan science station?’”

 

“Which part of my statement did you not understand, Captain?” Komack’s grim face was stern.

 

“With all due respect, Admiral, but we’re in an emergency situation.”

 

“I gave you a direct order. You are dangerously close to insubordination, so control yourself. The risk for the general public is too large. It is an unfortunate loss, but we’d rather sacrifice one person or even one starship than to let lose this superbeing upon the Federation.”

 

“I’m sorry, Admiral. I can’t accept that would be the inevitable outcome of our visit there. The Vulcans are willing to take that risk, and it is our damn duty to Commander Spock that…”

 

“Commander Spock knew the risk, as you do, Captain. For the last time, I’m giving you the order to kill Commander Spock and with him that superbeing. Once that unpleasantness is done, the Enterprise is to head straight for Starbase 9. You are ordered to not enter the Vulcan station. Did I make myself clear?”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“Good, Kirk. Don’t forget it. Komack out.”

 

The screen went dark. For a moment, Kirk gave in to his exhaustion, laying his head on the monitor and closing his eyes. His orders were perfectly clear, but even clearer was the fact that he would not obey them. He owed Spock his life, not once but hundred times over. Kirk thought about all the sacrifices he had made. Edith Keeler crossed his mind, her face then turning into the one of Spock.

 

Kirk already had broken the rules once to rescue Spock. He couldn’t do any less now.

 

“Bridge to Captain.”

 

He straightened. “Kirk here.”

 

“Sir, Admiral Komack ordered us to set a direct course to Starbase 9, sir.”

 

Chekov’s comment included an unvoiced question. “Belay that order, Mister Chekov. Plot a course to the Vulcan station, maximum speed. ETA?”

 

“Eighteen hours and twenty-four minutes, sir.”

 

“Very well. Please give me Uhura.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“Captain?” Uhura asked through the comlink.

 

“I would appreciate it, Uhura, if you wouldn’t repair our broken communications system immediately.”

 

“Sir?” Uhura sounded confused.

 

“You know what I’m referring to, Uhura. In case, Admiral Komack calls us within the next eighteen hours and twenty-four minutes. Oddly enough, the malfunction will not affect our communications when the Vulcans are signaling us.”

 

“Aye, sir, understood.”

 

When the screen went dark again, the captain threw a half-longing glance at his bed. He didn’t doubt how the consequences of his insubordination would look like. In 18 hours and now 21 minutes, his command would be history. So he would take care that it was worth the sacrifice. Twenty minutes later he had showered and donned a new uniform, heading to Sarek/Sargon.

 

*****

 

Sarek stared at Spock, rolling to and fro under the influence of heavy sedation. M’Benga looked concerned. “He’s waking up, and there’s absolutely nothing what we can do against it. At least not if we have no intention of killing Spock.”

 

Sargon just nodded while Kirk showed no reaction at all.

 

The dark-skinned physician looked helplessly from one to the other. “Should I wake Doctor McCoy?” he asked.

 

“No. Bones needs his sleep, and it doesn’t help us if he is sharing our worries.” He’ll do that soon enough, Kirk added in his mind.

 

M’Benga shrugged his shoulders and left the men alone. He would have liked to say that in his humble opinion Kirk needed more sleep as well but who was he? So he returned to his terminal; maybe there was something that he had overlooked and which would prove useful.

 

After M’Benga had left, Sarek/Sargon looked up. “It is illogical to prolong the inevitable. We can’t save Spock.”

 

Kirk looked at the Vulcan, stunned. “You aren’t serious, are you?”

 

“I’m quite serious.”

 

“And what is your wife thinking about it?”

 

“Amanda hasn’t been informed about the course of events yet.”

 

“Supposed I do what you want–how can you justify that to yourself? Spock is your son. Do you think Amanda will ever forgive you?”

 

“I’m a Vulcan, Captain. I don’t let myself be led by emotions. Kaiidth. What is is. If you have another solution to offer, you have Sargon’s and my support. The fact remains that Spock’s continued existence will cease within a few hours but that time will demand the life of everyone aboard. You should have served long enough together with my son to know that for Vulcans, the well-being of the many outweighs the well-being of the few or the one. Spock is the last person who would want us to turn away from that principle, and Amanda will understand that, too. As a starship captain, you are forced to make life and death decisions. Make your decision now, Captain.”

 

Sarek’s words sent shivers along his spine. Had Kirk really put the well-being of his crew in front of his own personal interests or vice-versa? Would he do the same for any of his crew? At the same time, Kirk’s decision was made. He would not endanger his crew.

 

Uhura was somewhat surprised when Kirk ordered her to his quarters.

 

The captain appeared to be quite fatigued; his face was haunted when he took place behind his desk and gestured her to take a seat opposite to him. “What I have to tell you, Lieutenant, is not to leave this room under any circumstances.”

 

“Sir?”

 

“You will take the conn and bring the ship to Starbase 9, as the admiral ordered.”

 

“Captain, are you…”

 

“Sure? Yeah, I’m sure. I will leave the Enterprise with Spock and hopefully with Henoch, too. Scotty is preparing a shuttle for us. He will sabotage the drive system so that we can’t change course.”

 

Uhura swallowed noticeably. “That is suicide, sir.”

 

“No. It is Spock’s only chance.”

 

“Sir, the whole crew supports you. Why aren’t you staying on the Enterprise?”

 

“It is my task to protect ship and crew against unnecessary dangers.”

 

“But, sir…?”

 

Kirk smiled thinly. “I have no intention to debate this with you, Uhura. What I need is your word and your silence until the shuttle is far away.”

 

Uhura hesitated. Hundreds of thoughts crossed her mind. Didn’t Kirk know that his crew would follow him even into death if he would order it? – Yes, most likely he knew. And he wanted to avoid it. Finally, Uhura made her decision.

 

“Very well. If that is what you want, Captain, I will support your decision.”

 

Kirk nodded. “Good. Please go to the bridge and prepare everything.”

 

“What should I tell the ambassador and his wife? And Doctor McCoy?”

 

“Nothing if possible. But you must not lie. Just give me enough time.”

 

Kirk got up, and Uhura followed his example. Disapprovingly, the communications officer watched Kirk sway, balancing his weight heavily against his desk. Yes, she had made her decision. One that Kirk most likely wouldn’t approve of. 

 

*****

 

McCoy felt as comfortable as he had in a long time after awaking after nine hours of undisturbed sleep. For several seconds, he simply enjoyed the feeling of comforting warmth, stretching himself and waggling his toes until his body felt revived. “McCoy to Sickbay.”

 

“M’Benga here.”

 

“Ben, how is Spock?”

 

“Uh, well, I believe you should take a look by yourself, sir.”

 

“Damn, what’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“That you should rather take a look by yourself.”

 

McCoy switched off the intercom without bothering to answer. An adrenalin rush brought him to Sickbay faster than he had ever dreamed of. The names he thought of giving his colleague were everything but flattering. Who did that guy thought he was? At the same time, there was concern. Was Spock worse? Or had he even died? The more he considered it, the more that seemed the likely prospect. Under every other circumstance, Ben and Jim would have wakened me, wouldn’t they?

 

McCoy’s dread seemed to prove real when he entered Sickbay, finding Spock’s bed empty. A lump in his throat was forming, and he recalled all the nasty things he had said to the ‘overgrown elf’ in the course of years. McCoy swallowed hard fighting back the tears only with sheer force of will. How had the captain taken the news?

 

“Leonard?”

 

McCoy hadn’t heard anybody entering and he jerked as he heard Doctor M’Benga’s voice.

 

The assistant chief medical officer recognized with only one glance to which conclusion the other man had come. “Spock lives. At least still. If—”

 

“What? And where the hell is he? I hope you have a really good explanation. Otherwise I might persuade Jim to throw you out of the nearest airlock without a spacesuit.”

 

M’Benga smiled thinly. “That is hardly possible. The captain left the ship in a shuttle for the Vulcan science station together with Spock.”

 

“Alone?”

 

M’Benga nodded.

 

“And you let him go? Without calling me? I won’t ask Jim first before throwing you out of the ship; I’ll do it by myself. Are you nuts? Why in hell didn’t you rouse me?”

 

“You needed the sleep.” M’Benga raised his hand reassuringly as McCoy was about to burst out. “I’m your doctor, and as such made a medical decision to not wake you. There wouldn’t have been anything you could have done.” M’Benga waved aside again McCoy’s further protests, adding, “Secondly, I had orders not to wake you coming directly from the captain. He wanted to leave with Spock as a ‘lone rider’ because he was of the opinion that otherwise the crew’s lives would be endangered. He transferred command to Uhura with the order to follow Admiral Komack’s command to head for Starbase 9.”

 

“You’re telling me that Jim and Spock are heading in one direction and we in the other?”

 

“Of course not.” M’Benga smiled. “The Enterprise is following the shuttle, just out of scanner reach for the shuttle sensors. The captain doesn’t know about it.”

 

Now, McCoy was grinning, too. “Well, I think Jim Kirk will be very upset when he learns about it.”

 

*****

 

Kirk almost made it. The Vulcan research station was only half an hour away; the shuttle was expected. He had not put his plan into action before making sure that the scientists on the station knew exactly would they have agreed to. They were aware of the consequences, and some of the healers were expecting their guests with something were much resembling pleasant anticipation. The possibility to study a hybrid obsessed with a god-like creature was really a unique opportunity.

 

Against better judgment, Kirk had hoped that Spock would stay unconscious until then. Another sedative was out of the question, that much M’Benga had made clear. Kirk did the only thing open to him: he sent a notice to the station. Then, he heard Henoch’s evil laugh and unconsciousness enveloped him.

 

*****

 

On the Enterprise, the recent events were well known. Sarek/Sargon retreated to his cabin, joined by his wife and Doctor Mulhall to discuss the situation with the station. Uhura would have preferred to be there as well, but she respected their privacy while desperately hoping for a miracle. And a miracle they would need for sure.

 

In the meantime, Komack had ceased to sending a variety of threats, pleas and curses. Instead, he had set another starship on them. The Lexington was supposed to ‘bring the Enterprise command crew to their senses,” with force of arms, if necessary. Even though Bob Wesley was an old acquaintance of Kirk’s, Uhura saw absolutely no way to get out of the fire in one piece. Kirk had disobeyed a direct order not once but several times, and the ‘malfunctions’ would not live up to a close inspection nor would they explain Kirk’s shuttle tour. Uhura sighed. Why did such things always happen to the Enterprise?

 

A yeoman came and gave her a fuel report. Uhura hesitated shortly then she grabbed the data pad. Even red tape was better than the thoughts haunting her…

 

*****

 

Kirk woke up in the shuttle with the great-grandfather of headaches. His thinking returned only bit by bit. Spock. Kirk skyrocketed and paid promptly with an attack of nausea.

 

Five minutes later, his headache had not really abated but his ability to think clearly had returned. Enough at least to wonder where he was. Where was Spock/Henoch?

 

The intercom beeped.

 

“Kirk here.”

 

“Captain?” Uhura’s voice.

 

“Yes. What are you doing here?”

 

“Well, it appears that not only communications had a malfunction, sir. There had been problems with navigation.” The humor in Uhura’s tone could not be mistaken.

 

“Understood. Report.”

 

“Sir, I think it would be better if you get aboard so that we can inform you here about the recent events.”

 

A moment of silence followed. Then Kirk said, “Very well. Permission to come aboard.”

 

“Permission granted, sir. The shuttle hangar is prepared.”

 

To bring a shuttle back into the hangar was usually no task requiring extreme concentration. This time, however, Kirk needed to mobilize all his forces still left to him. After reaching the Vulcan station, the autopilot had been turned off automatically, leaving the shuttle orbiting. The Enterprise was encircling the station, too, so it was a matter of minutes. Usually.

 

Kirk was bathed in sweat after descending–or more accurately, falling out of the shuttlecraft. McCoy was already there to catch him until Kirk was able to steady himself. A buzz indicated that McCoy had activated his tricorder. “Please don’t say anything, Bones. Just give me something to keep me on my feet.”

 

McCoy was about to say something but the look Kirk gave him made him closing his mouth without uttering a word. Finally, McCoy grabbed his medikit, conjuring up a hypo. The effect was palpable immediately.

 

“Thanks, Bones. I feel rejuvenated.”

 

Uncharacteristically, McCoy remained silent another time, but he grimaced as if he had bitten into an extremely sour lemon. Of course, the doctor knew that Kirk knew that stimulants and painkillers only gave a faulty pretense of wellness without solving the real problem. Both also knew that opposite comments would annoy McCoy. It was part of their game, one of which McCoy was not very fond of. But what could he do? He was a doctor, not a wizard and so he followed the captain to the bridge. There, beside the bridge crew, Sarek/Sargon, Amanda, Doctor Mulhall/Thalassa and a delegation of five Vulcans were present.

 

“Report,” Kirk ordered almost the moment the lift doors opened.

 

“We’re orbiting the Vulcan station, sir, that has been taken over by Henoch. Suvall and his colleagues were able to escape to the Enterprise, and they are protecting the ship with their mental abilities.”

 

Kirk turned to face the Vulcans. “You are Suvall?”

 

The oldest one nodded in dignity. “We cannot protect your ship for long. Henoch is very strong.”

 

“Can you beat him and rescue Spock?”

 

“We already tried that, Captain.”

 

Considering the circumstances, nobody needed to explain to Kirk that the attempt had failed…

 

“I see no other option but to destroy the station,” said Sarek/Sargon.

 

“I agree,” Suvall replied. “As much as I want to avoid that option, it is the only logical alternative.”

 

“This is not a situation to fight with logic. We need illogical options.”

 

Sarek raised his eyebrows on Kirk’s remark. “What do you have in mind?”

 

“A bluff.”

 

“About what, Captain? Do you think he would get caught in the same trap twice?”

Kirk just grinned.

 

*****

 

“If you have nothing else, Kirk, you have courage at least.”

 

“If the compliment wouldn’t come from you, Henoch, I would be flattered.”

 

“What do you want? You know it is only a matter of time until your feeble attempts to stop me will fail. And you have already proven that your friend is too close to you. I would say you have lost.”

 

“You are underestimating us. What is even more important: you underestimate the Vulcans. You already had difficulty maintaining control of the Enterprise–you weren’t able to stop the Vulcan researchers from leaving the station and cannot penetrate their defenses of my ship! And you will lose against Spock as well. I’m here to offer you a last alternative to survive.”

 

Henoch laughed. “Are you expecting me to believe you?”

 

Kirk smirked. “It is up to you whether you believe me or not. If you don’t do it, you will pay with your life.”

 

“And what exactly, Captain, is your silver bullet?”

 

“No silver bullet, Henoch. Vulcan physiology only. You have already perceived that Vulcans are superior to Humans.”

 

Kirk made a well measured break and continued, “They are not only physically stronger but psychologically as well. So much even you should have understood by now. Until now you control Spock. But you don’t control his body long enough to know that Vulcans possess disciplines that are able to destroy you. And before you ask why Spock hasn’t used these skills already: he is patiently waiting for his opportunity. At some point, you’ll need to sleep, Henoch, and then Spock has won. Aren’t you tired already? Why, do you think, have we tried to weaken Spock’s body? Because that makes his mind stronger, Henoch. Only you were too stupid to notice.”

 

Henoch’s smile lessened a bit. “Suppose you are right, and I believe your pack of lies. Why are you telling me this? All you would have to do is waiting!”

 

“You have already answered yourself. Starfleet wants to destroy you. Not tomorrow, not in five hours but now. I offer you a trade. You leave Spock’s body and accept the offer of the Vulcans to survive as pure energy.”

 

“Pen me up? Voluntary? Never!”

 

“Then, Henoch, you will die.”

 

“No, Captain. You yourself had offered the perfect solution.”

 

Spock’s body collapsed as if the strings of a puppet were cut. Satisfied, Kirk registered how the Vulcan was taken away in a transporter light. Then he already sensed Henoch take over his body. It had worked, was his last thought, before he collapsed once again.

 

*****

 

“Stop, Jim. This time you stay put. I’m a doctor, not a miracle healer.”

 

“The ship? Spock? Henoch?”

 

Kirk’s voice was more a whisper and the readings above the biobed showed clearly that only pure force of will held him conscious. Their plan had been risky. Before the captain had beamed to the station, he had been doused with a chemical spray. Its vapors would knock not only him out in a short period of time but Henoch as well.

 

Reassuringly, McCoy put a hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Everything is all right. The Vulcans have put Henoch in a stasis box which he can’t leave, and have returned to their station. The whole fuss went up in smoke. We’re on our way to Starbase 9. According to Scotty, the engines are not working at full efficiency. Our trip may take some time. Scotty wants to let you know that the defect will stay as long as you need it.”

 

“Spock?”

 

“Here, Captain,” a voice of the bed next to him responded.

 

“He rode it out, Captain.”

 

“Then, Doctor, there is no logical reason to keep me further away from my duty.”

 

“You kindly stay where you are, you green-blooded, pointy-eared…”

 

“I see no reason why you have to repeat the same facts over and over again, Doctor. Maybe your capacity for remembering had suffered.”

 

“If something had suffered here, Spock, it is definitively not my brain. Most likely Henoch would not have been able to stand you any longer anyway. You…”

 

Over Kirk’s bed, it started to beep and Spock as well as McCoy became serious at once. Spock threw a deliberate non-interested look at the other bed.

 

McCoy recognized concern when he saw one, though. “Don’t worry; he’ll be all right,” he said to Spock. “I’ve adjusted the medication. What he needs now is sleep.”

 

Then, McCoy moved to the Vulcan and fumbled at a tube. “By the way, you too, Spock. That’s why you’re gonna sleep now as well. Sometimes I have the last word!”

 

*****

 

Admiral Komack fumed when he heard of the malfunctions on the Enterprise, but his mood even got worse after hearing of the recent events. Kirk had done it once again. This time, Ambassador Sarek took the chestnuts out of the fire for him. In addition, neither the Federation president nor Admiral Nogura was too angry, especially given that the Enterprise had not been destroyed. Once again, Kirk had disobeyed a direct order, and once again there wouldn’t be any consequences for him. One day, Komack swore to himself that would change…

 

On board, there had been several other things that were more important than Komack’s sensitivities. After two days, McCoy had considered himself not able to stand Spock’s teasing anymore and declared the Vulcan fit for duty. In addition, McCoy wanted to give him time to spend with his parents.

 

Sargon and Thalassa were still aboard, and they wanted to wait until Kirk’s dismissal of Sickbay for saying goodbye forever. They remained obstinately silent considering their destination although it could be guessed that they had found a possibility to survive. One way or the other, the crew would not see them again, ever. Sarek had become more and more proficient to share his body with the alien super mind. For a person that had been close to death only a few months before and who had undergone heart surgery under the most trying of circumstances, he was extremely well. Amanda and Doctor Mulhall were taking rounds in hosting Thalassa’s mind. Amanda was just not healthy enough to bear the stress all the time, even with medical support. The familiarity between Sarek and Amanda was a great asset for her relationship to Sargon, though, and she wanted to savor it as long as possible.

 

Then, finally, after four days, the time to say goodbye had come. Kirk had returned to the bridge, even though McCoy had allowed light duty only. Sarek, Amanda and Spock were there already. Sargon and Thalassa begged their farewell to their Human friends and to the bodies of their hosts until they disappeared. Spock commented the touching and totally emotional farewell scene of his parents with raised eyebrows.

 

“Well, Spock, doesn’t that give you reason to think?”

 

“I can’t image to what you are referring to, Doctor.”

 

“Sargon and Thalassa are so far advanced–and what they value most are plain, good old Human emotions.”

 

Sarek intervened. “You forget, Doctor, that these same emotions were the reason for both of their people to come to the brink of total annihilation.”

 

Spock added, “In general, there seems to be a tendency to wish for something which is not desirable.”

 

“And what are you wishing for, Spock?”

 

“That you start thinking logically, Doctor. But I would be pleased with a vow of silence for a start.”

 

*****

 

Sarek and Amanda left the Enterprise shortly afterwards on Starbase 9. They were welcomed by an irritated-looking Admiral Komack. The fact that he was verbally not up to Sarek’s standard didn’t help to improve his mood, either.

 

In the evening, in their cabin, Amanda asked him about it. “You shouldn’t have insulted the admiral that much.”

 

“Insults are illogical, Amanda. I just stated facts.”

 

“You know exactly that it can be seen as an insult to name someone the ‘bureaucratic branch of the administrative machinery.’”

 

“It still remains a fact, Amanda.”

 

She looked at her husband and recognized in his apparently stoic and motionless features the hint of a twinkle in his eyes. “I love you, my dear.”

 

She offered him middle and index finger, and he replied wordlessly with the same gesture.

 

After a short break she said, “I’m also very pleased that you got along so well with Spock. I only wished that we would have had more time together.”

 

“Spock is a good officer. He will go his own way.”

 

“He isn’t just a good officer. He is the best son we could have wished for, and he has such good friends as well. I’m just not sure whether he really knows how you think about him.”

 

“It is illogical to reply the obvious.”

 

“It isn’t that obvious. But I still have hope concerning both you pig-heads!”

 

Sarek raised an eyebrow. “Such an expression is beneath you, Amanda.”

 

She smiled. “Oh, it isn’t, and Thalassa would agree.”

 

“A fascinating encounter, wasn’t it?”

 

“Oh, yes. What a pity that we were unable to tell Spock and his captain what will become of both of them.”

 

“The time has not yet come. But I’m sure that one day the Federation will contact the Continuum.”