Medal of Valor: Chapter 7

By Diddle

Thank you to my beta readers, Simplymare and blueblack angel. Every writer should be blessed with such diligent, dedicated editors.

Disclaimer: I wish I was making a few dollars from this, but alias I am not, and I don't intend to try.

Thank you to all my readers. I'm so pleased to see I've made some people's favorite story list, and even favorite author list.

As Commander Luf' Tiea led the rest of the Enterprise landing party away to the Earth Embassy, Spock watched as they disappeared into Kr'trkkla. He had a sudden feeling of being alone and vulnerable in a strange world. How illogical, he thought, that he should experience such a sensation among his own people, in his own world. He quickly composed himself and dismissed it as a result of too little meditation. The prolonged time he spent immersed with humans had increased his need for centering contemplation, to counter the disquieting effects of their continuous emotional turmoil. He felt the watchful eyes of his father, but he did not acknowledge him, continuing to scan the horizon in the landing party's direction.

"You have attentive and loyal compatriots," Sarek said, breaking the silence. "Their devotion to you is sincere."

"Yes, I believe you are correct, Father," Spock replied turning in his father's direction. His voice was level and calm, never suggesting the isolation he still felt.

"Come," said Sarek. "We will have a walking meditation together and clear our minds of illogical and futile thoughts. We will then speak. Does this course of action meet your requirements?"

"It is a most logical plan, Father, and one from which I believe we both shall benefit."

Father and son stood facing each other silently with so much unsaid, both battling emotions that threatened to topple their calm restrained demeanors, but they felt each other's thoughts brushing across their consciousness. They would no longer hold any secrets between them.

They both began to walk silently towards the vast red, empty landscape that stretched out beyond the city.

Their company was the sounds of the desert, and the crunch of the sand under their shoes. Spock could hear the life sounds that existed underground of New Vulcan. There was water running deep below him, and with water came diversity of life. He heard the grunts, squeaks and calls of many creatures large and small that burrowed through vast underground tunnels. The average Human would hear only the gentle hushed sounds of the hot wind as it blew. Most of the life on New Vulcan lived under the land hiding its daily tribulations, tragedies, and successes from prying eyes leaving the impression of a planet devoid of life, liveliness, and purpose. The deep running water was the life force that held it together, and made it meaningful. How similar Spock mused that this planet should be home now to his people. This planet and the Vulcan people shared so much; with what they hid from the outside world and what they shared.

As they continued wordlessly, Spock could sense his father's grief and weariness. Sarek made no attempt to shield his mind and shared his thoughts. And Spock began to realize that perhaps he had been the one saved by staying in Star Fleet, as his Elder Self had advised. He had developed close relationships with the Enterprise crew, and unlike the chaos that threatened New Vulcan, there was predictability, structure, and most importantly hope in his environment. He felt a sudden wash of guilt for having taken a more advantageous path.

They had walked for 2.4 hours when they rounded a small hill and saw a spring that bubbled from the darkened red clay. Surrounding the pool it formed were vegetation specimens that took advantage of the limited supply of above ground moisture; larger plants shading the smaller plants growing below. Spock had read that New Vulcan's vegetation grew at the rate of a meter a day given such positive conditions, and as quickly as the spring had erupted, it would return to its underground route, leaving only the dying stalks of the newly erupted life. What appeared as wasteful energy though, was the life cycle of surface vegetation on this intolerant planet. In their short lives, the plants would produce seeds which would be realized when the flora dried. The dry winds would carry the seed packets for many kilometers, until they found an oasis, and would repeat the cycle.

The twin suns blazed in the sky, and Spock and Sarek walked towards the shade of a duvek tree. They sat in the cool shadow.

"New Vulcan is a most auspicious planet," Spock stated.

"It holds great promise for our race," Sarek replied staring at the distant mountain ranges. "I fear that this gift will be lost on us though, if as a people, we are unable to overcome the grief and anger that threatens to destroy what we have left… threatens to finish what one deranged Romulian began. "

Turning to face him, Sarek began with an uncharacteristic sigh, "There is significant dissent in the Vulcan High Council and among the people about our diplomatic associations with Romulus. As you know, we have never had fortuitous relations, but many feel we now need to build an offensive military force with the goal of crushing our enemies with brute force." The older man stopped, and for a moment Spock thought he saw a tear stray down Sarek's cheek only to immediately evaporate in the dry air.

Sarek continued, "I fear, that if Vulcan should allow itself to become an aggressor, turning our backs on the logic, emotional control, and peaceful teachings of Surek, that we will annihilate all we touch. Vulcans are by nature a hostile, destructive people. Before Surek, we almost destroyed ourselves with our lust, jealousy, and greed. With our capabilities, we could obliterate any world we wish, and I fear after Romulus, we would continue to, with a blood fervor never before seen."

He paused, "Spock, I am afraid, and I fear us."

Sarek whispered, "That we should have survived so that we can become the murderer. Such irony."

Spock felt his father's despair as it washed over his consciousness.

Tentatively, Spock began, "Your distress is apparent, Father. I am aware of the dynamic of which you speak, but I did not realize the magnitude of the situation until now." He wanted to touch Sarek, to gently rub his back as Uhura did to him when she knew he was disquieted, but touching another Vulcan was highly unusual unless it was in the act of procreation. He kept his hands by his side.

He began again, with a more confidant voice, knowing that he needed to move the conversation forward constructively.

"You have not spoken of my Elder Self, and I am unaware of his role in these debates. Will you elaborate?"

Grateful to have a direction for discourse, Sarek looked at Spock, his emotions unmasked, by an expression of affection creeping across his lined features, "Your Elder Self has been a powerful, if not obscure force. He has worked tirelessly for days at a time in speaking with the citizens and the most obstinate council members. He has been a compelling voice for logic, restraint, and reflection, but he is but one man, and I fear for his… and your safety."

"Clearly not all of Vulcan has such murderous delusions," Spock responded.

"You are correct, my son. Most Vulcans remain committed to way of Surek and peace. They see what our Federation brethren have done to facilitate our new life and recognize that it was the act of but one frenzied mad man that has brought us here, but the voices of anger are loud and persistent."

"They speak of conspiracies against us; schemes to exterminate Vulcan or weaken us to the point of enslavement. And unfortunately, there are many so dominated by misery that their words of hatred resonate. They seek revenge and no amount of logic can stem their desire for violence. They will strike at anyone that they judge to be a threat."

Sarek, his eyes having been focused on the sweeping red sands, turned to face his son. His voice became more self-assured, his posture straighter.

"And that is why you are so important, Spock. You and Captain Kirk are the only ones who know, without doubt, that Nero's attack was a singular event. You were on his ship. You conversed with him. You saw that he was an unsettled being from the future acting on his own accord, not on some grand plot launched by conspiracy. You are the hero our people need now. You represent control, logic, restraint, bravery, self-sacrifice and valor." Sarek's voice lingered on the last word.

Spock could see the pride in his father's face as he spoke.

"Father, you credit me with accolades I do not deserve. I am a Star Fleet officer. I simply carried out my duty."

"I am glad to see that not all Vulcans have lost their way," the older Vulcan responded. "Your humility is refreshing."

Changing tone, Sarek queried, "Tell me of your Captain Kirk. You seem to have a constructive relationship, and yet I saw this has not always been so."

This time it was the younger Vulcan who paused, reflecting, while he scrutinized the horizon. Two psherks, one large, one small, rolled lazily in the distance. Spock wondered if they were mother and offspring. The twin suns blazed in their fiery glory, and he savored their heat.

Sarek waited patiently until finally, Spock began.

"James Kirk is a gifted leader with intelligence, fortitude, and a flair for illogical solutions. It is a most peculiar trait, but one in which he often experiences success. He is impulsive though, which makes his reasoning weak at times, and in his pursuit of innovative solutions, he forgets to consider crucial details. It is a major deficit. On the other hand, he is respected by the crew for his fearlessness, and the odd human phenomenon called charisma."

Spock continued, "He has made considerable effort to gain my trust, and engage in activities he knows to be pleasurable to me. I consider this to be sincere. I believe he wishes to be my friend. I find his company to be stimulating, and not as abrading as other humans. My Elder Self told me of a great friendship that would result from this partnership, and the ability to achieve things together that neither of us could attain on our own. It is a fascinating prospect."

"You are fortunate then," Sarek sighed, "to achieve much on a personal level. And you and Captain Kirk stand as symbols of what we Vulcans can achieve in accord with The Federation, instead of standing outside of it. Your abilities complement each other. Vulcans have achieved a multitude of positive outcomes with Humans, and we can do it again."

Sarek stretched his back and stood. "You will speak of this when you accept The Medal of Valor, Spock." Hesitating, Sarek glanced at Spock as he began to stand next to his father.

"Spock, I have spoken incorrectly. My prior statement is a request of you. You are a man and you have far exceeded anything I could have imagined. You have made me, …and your mother exceeding satisfied with whom you have become."

"When you address the Transitional High Council and the people of Vulcan will you speak of what we've discussed today?" Sarek corrected.

Spock gave a deep bow to the older man, "I am honored to serve Vulcan and aid in any way to the reestablishment of our race."

Sarek smiled. It was modest on a human scale, but dramatic for a Vulcan.

"Come. We need to journey back to Kr'trkkla, as the native creatures begin to move above ground this time of day. The larger ones, although easily overcome by a healthy Vulcan male, can prove most inconvenient if one should catch you off guard."

They walked together, their stride relaxed, unlike their original journey. The larger sun was moving lower in the sky, painting the red sand in shades of dark purple and grey.

"If I might query you, Spock, I am curious about your relationship with Lt. Nytoya Uhura. She appears to be an intelligent, strong-willed Human woman. As you are aware, I have had some experience with this variety of human female." Spock detected a hint of mischief in his father's eyes, and felt his warmth as Sarek's mind lingered on memories of Amanda.

"Lt. Uhura has been a commendable friend. Her language abilities are unsurpassed, and her dedication to Star Fleet is admirable. I will admit that my human side has been severely challenged by recent events, and Lt Uhura has been effectual in helping me cope with difficult ….emotions."

"Spock, you do not need to apologize to me for your Human tendencies. I accept you for who you are."

Sarek stopped and faced Spock, continuing, "Perhaps , you have inherited my proclivity for Human females. I loved your mother deeply, and there is no Vulcan woman who could ever take her place," Sarek said.

He turned to begin walking again. "Lt. Uhura is an important person in your life and I would like to know her better. I hope you will consider my offer of lodging with me during your stay."

Spock replied with a nod but giving neither a yes or no. He would need to talk with Nytoya about such an invitation.

In the distance, they could see a shuttle approaching fast, its silver shape shimmering in the sun.

It reminded Sarek of something as he suddenly stopped and grabbed Spock's arm.

His voice was solemn, "My son, while you are here, you must take caution at all times for your safety. As I have said, there are those who would seek to harm or even kill you."

"The Ka-ta-pak Ketchelebs are overwhelmed by the emotions of grief and anger. They have pleaded with your Elder Self to join them; to lead them in their vengeance. He has resisted, and spoken of peace. It has angered them, and I am apprehensive that, in their frustration, they will see him and yourself as a new enemy."

"Do not travel alone, and use only trusted guards at all times. Commander Luf'Tiea is one of those. You can trust her with your life. I will point out the others with whom you will be safe. You must promise me that you will do this."

Spock could feel his father's fear radiate up his arm. He acknowledged his father's request with a bow, and answered with an affirmative thought that crossed between them telepathically.

The shuttle landed in front of them and Luf'Tiea stepped out. Spock could see her uniform had phaser burns, and green blood stains. She seemed to be limping. She gave a quick bow to both men. "Ambassador, Commander Spock, I have come to transport you back to Kr'trkkla. There has been an attack on the Earth Landing party resulting in injuries." Her statement was delivered with the usual flat Vulcan affect.

Anticipating the next question, she continued, "Captain Kirk and Ambassador Eastcott both sustained injuries as well as several others. At this time, I do not know the severity of their traumas. If you would board with me now, I will hasten our departure."

As they entered the shuttle, Spock noted she carried a large phaser belted on her hip.

I'm away for a week, and although I'm taking my trusty lap top, I'm not sure how much writing I'll get done. So, do not be alarmed if you don't get another chapter for a bit.

Thank you for reading, and hearing from you would make my efforts even more rewarding!