"Zoomorphism, Doctor, is the representation of a deity in the form of an animal."

"Blast it, Spock, I know that." Doctor McCoy looked at Spock, "It is just that it is a strange final word."

"A possible warning, Captain?" .

"It could be. There are cultures who worship different gods. The Federation is eager to form good relations with Thoron and there has been a request for further contact from Thoron. Thoron is in a very strategic position."

"It is also a Class M planet with a technologically advanced humanoid population. The last Federation contact from them was to report the deaths of the fourteen members of the reconnaissance team who had not been there long. The last word Starfleet tracked from there was 'zoomorphists'."

"Yes," Kirk nodded, "The Starat'sya had to leave them after three days as the ship had to return urgently to Command. We were the closest so we are to investigate how the fourteen died of natural causes and transport ten of their senior governing body back with us. Now, let's go."

Anger momentarily flared in Kirk when he saw one of the two officers was not armed with a phaser then remembered there were thirty-nine officers who would not carry weapons but who could defend and protest others. Those who did not carry weapons clearly had reasons accepted by Starfleet even though he found it a bit disconcerting.

Almost as soon as they had materialized there was a cry of, "Devil alien!" and, before any of them could react, Spock lay on the ground stunned. The armed security officer reached of his weapon only to also be stunned. McCoy went to make a move but Kirk gripped his arm.

As he saw the two unconscious forms being dragged away Kirk turned to confront the obvious leader, "I am Captain James T Kirk of the Federation starship Enterprise and I demand to know why you just attacked two of my officers and where you are taking them."

"I am Habenton, leader of all on Thoron, keeper of the ways. You were expected. The two who were removed will be tested."

"Test? What the hell kind of test will they be fit to pass after what you did to them?"

"Ahhh, a doctor? If you wish you may go with them and report that they went in for the test alive and healthy."

McCoy and Kirk looked at each other and Kirk nodded, "He will not be tested if he goes as well?"

"As long as he respects our ways he will return uninjured."

"Bones?"

"You saw Spock. He's in no shape for any sort of testing other than a medical exam on the ship."

After McCoy had walked off Habenton had them follow him till they were standing overlooking a small arena circled by rows of benches filled by the populous. At the center of the arena was a raised dais topped by a golden statue of a very large canine beast. The animal deity. As he looked at the beast Kirk got a sick feeling in his stomach.

Habenton stood, "Bring in the ones to be tested."

Spock and the security guard were dragged into the arena and McCoy raced in, kneeling beside Spock.

"He's not fit, neither of them are fit, for any physical test!"

"Leave him or be tested with him."

"I'm sorry, Jim, but I won't leave him."

"Very well. Now there are three release nine. Now."

Nine canines, like the one atop the dais, rushed into the arena circling the officers. Kirk first thought the voice was in his head then he realized it was coming from the unarmed officer.

"Tell me go. Tell me go."

Looking at Habenton Kirk saw the man had not heard, "If I send my other officer in,"

"He too will then be tested."

Kirk looked at the officer, "Go!"

There was an excited roar then a stunned silence as the officer jumped down into the arena, drawing the pack's attention to him. Kirk thought there something primal, almost animal about way the man walked, the steady deliberate steps.

Just feet from the officer the dogs stopped, except the leader. The beast confronting, challenging the officer. As the officer started to pass the dog lunged and gripped his hand.

"No!" it was a growl more than a word. The dog released the hand, momentarily lay down, then followed the officer to where the three others were. Silently the officer bent down, picked up the other officer while McCoy assisted Spock, and they walked across the arena, the pack sfollowing him, to stand before Kirk and Habenton.

There was a moment of almost total stillness then Habenton stood and faced Kirk, "Captain Kirk, what we have is yours for you have a god master. Only once every hundred years does one such as he come. None of us dare enter the arena with the sacred pack for none in memory has passed the test."

"Well, right now I need to get these three to Sickbay, Captain."

"I do not require, Sickbay, Doctor. Starfleet requires the Captain have security."

"Okay, I must inspect that hand of yours."

Habenton beckoned his aides, "Show them the Honoureds rooms. See that the Captain has access to and can transfer any and all data about Thoron to his ship. Whatever the doctor needs to treat the Special One, ensure he gets it."

"My First Officer and other officer should beam up to my ship."

"Of course."

Once Kirk confirmed the men were on the Enterprise, Habenton looked at Kirk, "What is it like, to know one like him could control you as he does the beasts yet he allows you to control him?"

"I appreciate being his commanding officer." he looked at Habenton knowing it to be the truth, then at the officer, knowing as he said the words it was a lie, "I am aware of his talents and gifts."

When they were alone McCoy looked at Kirk, "He will be fine in two days as long as he takes these tablets."

"Officer Andrews, may I ask you a personal question?"

"Certainly, Sir."

"How did you do what you just did?"

The officer smiled at him, "I grew up in a Federation pioneer family. I grew up learning how to co-exist with animals, how to respect them, how to read them. What I did just proves my mother was right in what she called me."

"And what was that?"

"She always called me a strong-willed, stubborn son of a bitch."


A/N Some of these my friend later asked me to expand into full stories and I did some before she died. They were just weekly bits - not the fortnightly full story at this stage. Should have them all up in two weeks.