Chapter 14
Spock
Spock sighed heavily. He was beginning to lose hope of ever finding Jim. He had been searching for over two weeks and was no closer to finding him. In fact, over the past weeks Bones was his only companion. They had yet to come across any Vulcans. The desert stretched on seemingly endless. He was able to gather and scavenge just enough food for himself and Bones eked out on small lizards and insects. Despite his meager diet, the sehlat was growing at an astounding rate. He was nearly the size of a fully-grown domestic sehlat (wild sehlats grow considerable larger than their domestic counterparts). His shoulder blades come level with Spock's hips. Spock was grateful for his company.
Spock closed his eyes and attempted to focus inward hoping to sense something from Jim, however small. The trail had long since run cold and without any leads finding Jim would be like finding a needle in a haystack. He had lost track of how many miles that he and Bones had traveled during their search.
Guilt came rushing back again. This was his fault. He had promised himself that he would keep Jim safe, but had failed at that mission thus far. Spock could not even be sure if Jim was even still alive. He could only imagine what Jim would be forced to endure at the hands of his abductors. Bones' soft call pulled Spock from his musings and he scanned the horizon searching for what the sehlat had spotted. It did not take him long to find it. There in the distance was a tribe. Spock ducked low behind a dune for cover with Bones following suit. He squinted to get a better look searching amongst the members for a glimpse of Jim. To his disappointment, he saw no sign of Jim amongst them. Spock debated his next move. He could allow the tribe to pass and continue his search without revealing himself, which would be the safest course of action; or he could risk attack by revealing himself in the hopes of uncovering information regarding Jim's whereabouts.
Spock knew the logical answer was to take the safe route. After all, if he was killed, injured or enslaved then he would of no help to Jim, but Spock may never find Jim in time if he allowed the opportunity for intel to pass by. Jim's words echoed in Spock's mind. No guts, no glory. Spock took a deep breath and moved into view and called out to the tribe in Vulcan hoping that he has not committed a grievous error by doing so.
I am in search of a human who was taken as a slave; male, with golden hair and blue eyes. Spock watches warily as the tribe looks at him in disbelief. Bones stands resolutely by his side and a growl erupts from his throat as a large male Vulcan approaches Spock with a lirpa in his hands. He is clearly poised for battle. I merely wish to find the human, not to start a quarrel.
The fierce look on the warrior's face remained as he approached. His eyes shifted between Spock, who remained neutral but braced for impact and Bones, who continued to growl and had stepped in front of Spock in a defensive posture. Spock stroked down the sehlat's spine hoping to calm his agitation. "Easy, Bones." He murmured softly.
You are not welcome. We have no slave fitting that description. Have you come to purchase our slaves? We have none to spare. You best look elsewhere. The Vulcan warned coldly as he raised the lirpa in a threatening manner. Other tribe members were now coming closer in order to investigate. The warrior thrust the weapon in Spock's direction and he dodges just in time to avoid being impaled. Bones strikes at lighting fast speed pulling the lirpa from the warrior's hands taking him by surprise. Stop! Called a female, clearly highly ranked amongst the tribe as the warrior snapped to attention and followed the command without hesitation. She approached seemingly curious and spoke sternly with a glance at her fellow tribe members. Heed his words. He has not come here to fight.
She then looked at Spock with a knowing gaze, which seemed to burn into his very soul. Head east and you may come across a rival tribe willing to part with the one, which you seek. I recall catching a glimpse of a golden haired beauty amongst their wards. She confided looking at him critically. You will not last long on your own, even with you're fateful beast. Keep the weapon. You will need it. Your time draws near. She turns before Spock can question her, leaving him with more questions than answers. The tribe begins to move away and Spock grits his teeth in frustration knowing when to pick his battles. For some reason, the female had granted him a reprieve. He takes the lipra and calls Bones to follow him as he moves east.