Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1

In the name of thy father

Chapter 2

"Spock," Kirk said softly. Rising quickly he approached the turbolift, but he was too late. The doors closed before he could step inside, he turned around and said, "Bones."

Impatiently he waited for the next car, and when the door opened, McCoy followed him into the lift. They stopped on the deck where their respective quarters were located. Kirk used his override capability to access Spock's quarters when he didn't get an answer. Looking around he realized quickly the first officer had not packed yet for his trip home.

"Where could he have gone," Kirk asked McCoy, "and why isn't he packed."

"Come on," McCoy said as he started for the door. "I know where he's at."

On the observation deck, Spock sat quietly in the lounge; his fingers interlaced, and glanced absently out at the stars. Silent and dimly lit the lounge offered him the privacy he required to unravel the chaotic thoughts in his mind. He did not have to turn around when the lounge doors parted behind him. Instinctively he knew that it was Kirk and McCoy.

"Lights," Kirk called out.

"No," Spock said almost harshly. "I prefer it dark." He did not want his friends to see him in pain.

"Spock," Kirk asked quietly. "You don't think your father could actually be guilty of this."

Spock drew in a deep breath as he spoke. "It is illogical to believe that my father would do this for monetary gain," he said grimly.

"Well of course it is," McCoy said angrily. "We've known your dad for a few years now, and even before the conference on Babel, his reputation has been nothing but honorable. I can't believe for one minute that he'd do something like taking bribes."

"Spock, McCoy's right," Kirk said. "We just can't believe what there're saying."

"With all due respect, Captain," Spock replied. "It is not what we believe that matters; it is convincing the council on Vulcan."

"Speaking of Vulcan," Kirk asked, "why are you not ready to go."

"Captain," Spock replied quietly. "My first duty is to this ship…

"Bullshit, Spock," McCoy replied harshly. "Your duty is to your family, and I suggest….

The whistle from the intercom interrupted anything further McCoy may have said.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk," Uhura paged.

Kirk went over the bulkhead and pressed the button to the comm. unit.

"Kirk, here," he said. "What is it Uhura?"

"Captain, an incoming priority one communiqué from Admiral Komack," Uhura said.

"Pipe it down to the observation lounge, Lieutenant," Kirk replied.

"Aye, sir," Uhura said.

Kirk took a seat at one of the tables and waited for the image of Admiral Komack to appear on the viewer. The Admiral was momentarily distracted, but turned around quickly to face the viewer.

"Jim," Admiral Komack said.

"Admiral," Kirk replied. "What can I do for you, sir?"

"I wish this communiqué was under better circumstances, Captain," Admiral Komack said. "I'm sure by now you're aware of the situation with Ambassador Sarek."

"Yes, sir," Kirk replied.

"Well," Admiral Komack said hesitantly. "Jim, you must believe that I had nothing to do with this."

"With what Admiral," Kirk asked.

"I'm being pressured by the bureaucrats in Starfleet," Komack replied. "They want Spock off the Enterprise until this thing with his father is taken care of."

Kirk absently made a fist with his right hand, and then released it; his anger slowly subsided as Spock came to stand beside him.

"A logical choice, Admiral," Spock said softly.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Spock," Admiral Komack replied.

"There is no reason to apologize, sir," Spock said. "As you stated, you had nothing to do with it."

"Yes, well," Admiral Komack replied. "I don't believe its right for the children to suffer the sins of the father."

"If only everyone believed that way, sir," Kirk said.

Komack nodded. "Jim," he said. "The Enterprise is at your disposal. Take your First Officer to Vulcan."

Kirk nodded in return. "Thank you, Admiral," he said.

"Komack, out," he said and ended the communiqué.

Kirk hit the button on the comm. unit.

"Uhura," he said when she answered. "Shore leave is being cut short, recall all crew members.

"Aye, sir," she replied.

"Have Chekov and Sulu report to the bridge," Kirk ordered. "Tell them to plot a course for Vulcan."

"Yes, Captain," Uhura said and ended the call.