Casual Contact

A/N: Finally another update, hope you enjoy :)

He had yet to fall unconscious.

Although the state he was in didn't particularly classify as consciousness either.

A fog clouded his mind, every few… time frame he'd manage to drag his eyelids open for a moment only for them to drown him back into darkness.

Cross referencing blurred fragments of Katina's memories with the brief glimpses of the surroundings meant he was relatively certain he was being hosted in the rebel's home base; his ability to determine this allowing reassurance that he had not yet completely succumbed to his biological deficiency.

O'Kal had yet to return; raising the question of whether he had even originally been in the room or if he had just been a hallucination projected onto the relevant scenery - in fact nobody had entered since his arrival which left little insight into the purpose of his abduction.

He heavily dragged his arms from his side and clasped them between his legs; another unexplained factor, as a captive he should be restrained to his chair in a locked room, yet if he currently had his normal health he could simply stand up and walk through the curtain of leaves over the arch in the stone wall and towards the nearest exit.

Perhaps the group was aware he had no capability of attaining such a feat so felt the security would be wasted, however after going through such an effort to take him in the first place that reasoning didn't fit with their behavioural pattern.

There was a faint rustle and Spock rolled his head back.

"I was informed you were more coherent," O'Kal hovered under the entrance with one arm keeping a parting in the leaves, "Are you well enough to talk?"

His voice left no echo and the Vulcan couldn't help feel gratitude for his purposefully soft tone; however considerate measures didn't equal trust so he just gave a single nod, it was much easier to withhold information if they thought he couldn't speak.

The Kandrian's lips spread upwards yet the expression was awkward as it only showed on the lower half of his face; the black eyes hiding any emotion that may be poured into them.

"I am glad, we wished to have our medical professionals perform a check on your arrival considering the unknown condition you are suffering however I regret we have minimal knowledge about your species and do not wish to cause you harm."

It seemed Spock didn't need the use of his eyebrow to convey his thoughts.

O'Kal's lips tightened, "Allowing you to remain for treatment on your vessel wasn't an available option but do not mistake our actions for malicious intent," He stepped out of sight and returned with a chair, placing it where their knees were a breath apart, "We hoped to contact you earlier however you did not make it a simple task."

The image of a Kandrian trailing his footsteps through the halls flashed through his mind.

"Not that it matters, your habits of suspicion and observation actually solidified our decision to approach," He tilted his head, "You would probably like to be informed why we went through this trouble."

It wasn't posed as a question, but the dramatics of a man who believed his goal to hold the greatest importance.

O'Kal smiled and raised his head slightly so he could fully meet the Vulcan's eyes, "Our movement was birthed twenty-five years ago; when we discovered the extent of oppression we had been subjected to all our lives and simultaneously an alternative to that world."

The words could have been extracted from a book yet the pride in his tone and unwavering focus of his gaze evidenced that this story was one formed from memories not literature.

"I was selected to pioneer the first expedition to another planet; my experience piloting inner atmosphere ships qualified me for the position not my knowledge of the Terran population – to that day only our leaders had met with the species so apart from the information those few told the rest of our people we had very few details surrounding the planet we had joined under a Federation banner. That included the other eight who were assigned to the mission; a leader with prior meeting was unavailable therefore we left with just some pictures and five sheets of notes."

In one way it was fortunate Spock lacked the energy to provide facial reactions; his intrusive mind-meld with the young rebel woman Katina meant he already had this speech ingrained from lessons in her class of seven, yearly group meetings, initiation sessions and whenever someone felt the need to repeat their fights origin around the fire.

So the inexistence of intrigue went unnoticed.

"Within our first day it was apparent the accounts we had read gave only basic facts, the humans are more complex than we could have imagined; they speak with hidden intent and strategize what information to reveal to which people yet they can interpret expressions or body cues to gain insight even when not told. To convey every thought is socially awkward, even among family degrees of secrets are acceptable, there is no obligation to bear your life to all and they have these privileges wrapped up into one term… privacy."

He leant forward, their knees now touching, "On that first day we saw liberation."

The feral passion in his voice triggered images of collections of bedraggled Kandrians latching onto these words of hope; even within the few inches between them Spock could see the influential status O'Kal possessed.

"All our lives it has been expected that we share all that is personal with no advantage but to occasionally speed through common disputes yet many consequences that cause emotional or physical harm; no Kandrian has not had an embarrassing issue casually passed among their peers and colleagues, or lost friendships because despite trying to hide a true feeling to not cause upset your eye colour has betrayed you.

It is rumoured that in our history we lost this concept of privacy due to wars that formed over hatred and rage fed by our eyes giving knowledge to a person's deceit – yet is it really any better to speak a painful truth simply to ensure it is not known you have lied? Our ancestors may have made a decision to follow a path of openness but there is no logic demanding we blindly do the same; when a new or improved remedy is discovered we don't ignore it because we already have a solution in place, we alter it – the same idea is applicable to our people's culture."

Although multiple times, Spock had only experienced the movements purpose for existence through Katina's mind; a girl who was cut from her home due to her parents decision to join the rebels and grew with the ideology not by choice but situation.

However first hand he could understand the reasoning of why these people had stayed true to their fight for twenty-five years; this rebel group wasn't creating mindless havoc or working in the name of a crazed belief – their desire to have the right to privacy was a legitimate request which held valid content.

O'Kal flashed his teeth and leant out of the Vulcan's space, "Therefore we created a new way of life for those who wish to escape the old world."

With the flare of a magician's performance, the Kandrian slowly lifted two fingers to his left eye and laid gentle pressure onto the orb; as he withdrew his hand a thin black glass slid away to reveal an iris blanketed by dark blue.

It was a shade Spock had expected; one meaning power and knowledge.

"We got the idea from the humans," He lay the glass in the middle of his flat palm, sliding it under the Vulcan's nose, "One day we were touring their Ophthalmology Research Department and while being informed of the perfected laser eye surgery it was briefly mentioned that before the current treatment became popular many instead used items called contact lenses. Of course the eyes are the feature we hold the most interest in so we asked if they still had any models and there was astonishment at the discovery of having this thin glass that could comfortably stick to them – then one of the scientists joked about how some people would buy contacts just for the purpose of getting different colours and it gave us an answer."

The corner of his lip twitched up and he slid the lens back into place, as if not comfortable having his colours showing for even those handful of seconds, "Do you like them? I am aware the pitch black is quite menacing and cliché for a 'rebel group' but it was the only shade that blocked out the whole eye range so there was little choice."

Spock couldn't deny he was impressed by the lenses; he had been when learning the concept through Katina and now seeing them up close they were an impressive development – if he had the focus or energy he would be delving into how the glass works with their eye span or the issues with transparency.

Yet as it was he simply noted they looked darker in real life.

"However we can get into those details later," O'Kal swiped a hand through the air, brushing off his own divergence, "More importantly, now you have been informed of our plight I can put forward the proposal for which we brought you here."

"We've done research on your species; with the re-signing due we managed to procure a rough list of who would be attending from the Federation to see if there would be anyone with understanding for our cause," He tilted his head with a smile, "And we found a distance brother with the Vulcans."

Spock eyelids flickered.

"Your kind is well-know and praised throughout the galaxy; the famous intellect that has given new medicines and technology – the path of logic which has helped form peace treaties over the centuries, there is little it seems your ancestors have not had a hand in, it was a great shame to hear of your planets destruction –"

O'Kal's mouth snapped shut and he blinked, "I apologise… that was highly insensitive of me, sometimes old habits die hard; I do offer my deepest condolences."

He left a pause, although clearly out of curtesy than waiting for a response; which was fine since the Vulcan refused to give even the slightest indication to hearing the sympathy.

Having apparently waited a respectable time length the Kandrian nodded and continued with an energy that suggested he hadn't just broken the flow to reference the murder of the near entirety of a species.

"Anyway, putting all of those achievements and legacies aside the aspect that particularly drew our eye was your culture; specifically the high regard in which you hold your privacy. It was clear to us that you of all people must understand the reasons we have dedicated our lives to bringing the option of that basic privilege to our own society and hence be open to aiding the cause.

Now of course this isn't requesting extreme assistance such as remaining on Kandra to join our ranks; after all this is not your fight and such a notion would not only be widely far-fetched but also hold too much expectance," He linked his fingers under his chin, elbows resting on his knees, "No, what I am asking is for you to consider becoming one of our off-planet contacts; it doesn't entail full integration into the mission or anything that would break aspects of your Federal contract – after all getting you court-marshalled isn't in our best interests."

O'Kal smirked as if the two of them were sharing a joke; seemingly the Kandrian was translating Spock's silence to mean they were of the same understanding and due to this his mouth was loosening, "We already have people dealing with getting us weapons so there is no need for you in those terms – the discussion to ask for your involvement was primarily around the company you keep; unlike those hiding in their Halls who probably thought they could hide this whole situation from the Federation we aren't as naïve so it's likely that your Captain is already suspicious which is what we had to plan for when your visit was scheduled."

The Vulcan tilted his head; it wasn't difficult to deduce the role he was being handed.

"So we need you to deter your people from investigating our planet because it's clear who would be labelled the enemy in that case – throw off questions, help out one of our spies if they get into issues when smuggling equipment, basically be the go-to-source for all the off-world contacts," He crossed his arms and shrugged, "It's no different from your requirements as a First Officer."

That was highly debatable; aiding and hiding a civil war wasn't something that came up on his Federal contract.

Throughout the speech Spock had kept his silence as he attempted to draw the energy to be able to make an eventual response; slowly he dragged his tongue against the inside of his mouth, testing the movement and forcing his brain to focus on the ability to form words.

It was heavy and slurred but his message was understandable and the Kandrian raised an eyebrow, clearly not having thought this session would involve any verbal contribution other than his own.

"So… you want me – to hold your cover?"

O'Kal nodded, "That's the summary; so do you accept the proposition?"

He knew that the quickest way to be released was to give a simple agreement; the leaders pride had blinded his capability of believing somebody couldn't be swayed to his cause with his words so they'd probably just send him straight back to the ship with confidence he's start under-handily negotiating for their corner.

However his curiosity was not satisfied and with his filters down he was having difficulty keeping to the normal route of logic.

"Just… one thing," Each syllable came with a scratched pant, "I – understand why you… want the right to privacy –" He lifted his head so their gazes were locked, "But I don't see… how you use that – to justify mass murder."

Suddenly there were hands in his shirt and he could no longer feel the chair beneath him.

"I am not a murderer!" O'Kal hissed, beads of spit shooting onto the Vulcan's face, "I didn't ask for this! All I wanted was to bring our people the option for a way of life that is rightfully theirs – not lead the revolution for a political war!"

Spock didn't make the effort to lift up his head, "Then – why did you?"

"It was them!" He barked, stabbing his arm to the left as if the leaders were huddled in the far corner and letting the officer slump back down, "They were the first to choose violence!"

The Kandrian was practically shaking as he threw a gesture with every other word, "I sent a message to the Keeper when we were two days away from arriving home – it detailed our findings and thoughts about the culture of Earth's population as well as the ideas we'd had on discovering their contact lenses… I explained how we wished to arrange a meeting on our arrival to begin discussions about the consideration of allowing this concept of privacy to be shared with the population – a calm and reasonable request."

"And do you know what I got in return!" He spat, "Six lines stating that we had committed an act of treason against our planet and were to be taken into custody upon our landing with warnings that our ship would be destroyed if their radars picked up that we diverted off course! It was nonsensical and we were furious at the injustice but we didn't consider forming an attack as retaliation."

O'Kal's hands continued to fly around with sudden jerks; throwing items that weren't there against the walls, "We were just going to peacefully go along with the situation – let them arrest us and then calmly re-explain whatever made them think we had committed treason… but when we landed it was clear they had no such intentions. Myself and two others were on the bridge gathering up notes we had made on our trip that could be used to convey our innocence, the rest were already making their path along the central corridor to the exit –"

Spock's right hand twitched in substitute of jumping as the Kandrian kicked the legs of his chair.

"They slaughtered them!" His voice hitched among the feral cry, "They were on their way to willingly get off the ship when a dozen guards stormed on and opened fire! No warning, no order to surrender, just a second of shock as bullets tore through their chests! Litina had a weapon on her and managed to take a group of them out whilst we believe the others got hold of the fallen guns to also return fire but they weren't prepared or trained for combat – they were scientists! All it did was ensure their murders died alongside them…"

He shook his head, letting out a hollow laugh, "You know that's not even the worst of it… the three of us heard the gunshots the second they fired and we ran to grab the emergency weapons to help but even as we sprinted down the corridor we could tell we were too late - I can't even try to explain the horror we saw… but I'll say that there was no means of telling the floor in that section was originally white. We checked all of our team, praying that we would find a pulse…"

"And we did," He sighed, slowly stepping back until he came against the far wall, "Litina was crumpled between two guards… her gun still in an iron grip, eyes wide with rapid colours - tears streaming down her face… the wounds – they were treatable, we could have wrapped them up but the sound of a second wave of attack could be heard outside, there was no way we could bring her with us without all getting caught… I wanted to try anyway but she knew it would be suicide…"

A drop of blood trickled from his clenched fist.

"So I left her…" He finished in monotone, staring unseeingly at the floor, "And as I left, the last thing I heard her say - was 'don't let us die for no reason'…"

The sound of shallow breaths took prominence for the next few seconds; O'Kal slowly uncurled his fingers and turned his hand to watch the slither of blood fall to the floor, his eyebrows pulled inwards.

Spock could only stare.

Eventually black eyes met his once more and the air of the mission orientated leader returned as his posture stiffened and his chin rose to a superior level; he was the image of the man who had first walked into the room however now the Vulcan could see the anger which lined his every muscle.

"So do not believe you have the right to sit and judge us," His words were sharp and clipped, "If we had been given the decision our cause would have been led through peace and negotiation – but they began with murder and therefore made it so violence was the only means to make ourselves heard."

He linked his hands behind his back, taking steps towards the exit, "You see Mr Spock; people cannot peacefully protest if the ones their message is aimed for shoots them the second they step onto open ground."

Their gazes remained locked for a moment and then O'Kal lifted the vines, "I will return later to see if you have reconsidered our proposition."

With no further comment he turned his body away from the Vulcan and turned right as he pushed the curtain of leaves aside; leaving him in the exact situation he had come in focus to but with a completely different understanding of why the situation existed.

And he didn't know what to do.

His eyes were still lined onto the vines as they fell back into their natural position; his mind trying to fit all the different threads of information into separate compartments despite the fogginess that clouded everything.

So he caught sight of a dusty wheelchair being pushed past his room as the curtain swung back.

And he had a spilt second where the occupant of the chair and himself met gaze.

Katina.

Spock let his head fall back against his chest.

It was hard to tell whether this would make everything that much easier or a lot more complicated.

Jim stepped onto the bridge and headed to Uhura's station, his gaze automatically flicking to where K'Son still stood by the corner of the main screen not looking or touching anything just as he had been told.

It frustrated him that he was frustrated by the compliance.

They had been scanning the uninhabitable regions for just over five hours now and had found nothing – which was ridiculous, the masks only held for a few hours so the base couldn't be that far out.

Furthermore the agitation in the room was getting worse with each passing minute; Sulu now had a permanent grip on the seventeen year olds wrist to prevent him from throwing himself at the Kandrian every time he made a less than useful comment, Uhura was keeping up a constant tap against her desk with no awareness of the glares she was receiving from the officer sat on her right and even Scotty had arrived to work on his assigned station which Jim had thought he didn't know existed.

Bones also appeared every half an hour claiming he urgently needed the medical data on someone from the main server.

Nobody pointed out that the information was just as accessible from his own office.

The waiting was the issue – if they could rush around kicking down doors or manually exploring potential holding areas the nerves would be hidden under their adrenaline… plus they'd actually feel like they were doing something proactive.

Jim's own tension had overloaded his workaholic tendencies; all of his reports were completed as well as any of his First Officer's he could do, he'd helped Chekov finish a mathematical problem he had been working on for the past week and had fixed the irritating squeaky noise his chair made.

He'd also sent an Ensign to the Kandrian war control room to report any new rebel attacks in the hope they could grab their own hostage and find the base that way, however since the Vulcan had disappeared the city had been quiet and he couldn't tell if that was good or bad news.

Which meant as his list of distraction activities fell short he had begun considering the implications of K'Son's eyes showing he had been lying while given his story of the rebels actually being victims of a violent disease.

His main conclusion was that whatever this group were rebelling against the Kandrian government weren't as clean in the whole thing as they'd like people to believe.

So since hoping K'Son would give him answers wasn't an option he had gone to the conference room to video conn a selection of other political leaders in the Halls.

He perched on the edge of Uhura's desk; his back turned to their guest's corner and his body leant slightly to the side to block her from view as well, "I think K'Son is in this alone."

She forced her eyes away from the radar screen and adopted the hushed tone, "What did they say?"

"Same story he did – diseased mad men on killing sprees who they've told the public are a rebel force to cause the lesser panic," He crossed his arms, "Only difference, their eyes didn't change colour during the explanation."

Uhura's eyebrows pulled up and she edged her chair closer, "But that would mean K'Son managed to create a cover that only he knows isn't true - which just isn't possible."

"Exactly," He hissed, running a hand over his mouth, "Clearly he's used this illness theory to hide the fact the attackers actually are rebels from basically everyone but I can't see how he did that without giving away the fact that it's a lie."

"And why even go through such trouble to hide the rebel group in the first place?"

"Well either it's because he's part of the group or he comes across in a bad light in whatever their cause is."

Her grip tightened around the pen in her hand, "So we still don't know anything of use!"

"Not yet," He whispered, sliding a hand over her white knuckles to indicate she needed to control her expression, "But at least we only have K'Son to worry about – and he's right under our noses, if he tries anything we'll know."

She briefly closed her eyes and released a long breath through her nose before looking back to him with a professional façade; the fact her cracks were showing evidenced the worry that was gnawing at.

But the icy gaze aimed at the Kandrian couldn't be restrained, "I assume when we locate the base particular individuals will not be informed."

Jim gave a humourless smirk, "You amuse right."

The two of them looked at the Keeper for a few more moments; minds whirring around all the possibilities of his plan and motive.

He broke out of it first, clapping the communications officer on the shoulder and muttering, "Keep me updated."

She knew he wasn't just referring to the search.

Sliding off the desk he took a step towards the lift but turned his head back when a hand gripped his wrist.

Uhura was staring up at him; hesitation in her eyes.

Jim raised an eyebrow.

She swiped her tongue across her lips, "Look – about Spock," Her voice lacked any of its normal confidence, "You know that I –"

He wrapped his fingers gently around her hand; there'd been an unspoken tension between the two of them since he found out her idea of helping the Vulcan with his grief was taking a break in their relationship and he still held the view that it had been a poor decision.

However she hadn't done it to hurt him; clearly all her other attempts of help hadn't been successful and she'd thought perhaps some time on his own would work - it had been done with good intentions.

Plus he could tell she also recognised it had been a mistake.

He offered a smile, "I know."

Squeezing her hand he turned and continued his exit - he had to go and tell Bones the new slice of information.

Thank you for reading, feel free to drop a review :)