Medal of Valor

Chapter 13

By Diddlepie

Thank you to my beta, Simplymare. You're the best!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except for my own creations. I make no profit from this work of FF. It is strictly for my own and ST fans pleasure.

McCoy hadn't stopped grumbling since they'd beamed down. The fact that it was as hot as an oven, well, Kirk couldn't argue with that. The large sun was already high in the sky, and its little cousin, was dutifully following right on time. The first time Kirk saw them, he thought they were beautiful, now they reminded him of a crematorium.

Kirk saw the doctor had brought along his medical tricorder, and another little bag of medical goodies. "I never leave home without them", the doctor replied jauntily to Kirk's appraising glance. Later, as they went through the security check of the Great Hall, McCoy peevishly explained to the attendant, another big muscular Vulcan, that he was a doctor, and without a doubt, someone was going to "skin a knee" and would need his attention. The Vulcan must have been told not to question human logic, as he looked placidly at McCoy, and let him pass.

Topping off the good doctor's mood was the formality of wearing a dress uniform. The fabric was engineered to accommodate many climates for the comfort of the wearer, but New Vulcan was a challenge for any material. However, they did look darn good, Kirk thought.

They found a small patch of shade in the shadow of a building as they waited for Uhura, Spock, and Ambassador Sarek to arrive. The Enterprise security detail had beamed down earlier, and were taking their stations for the event. Ensign "Cup Cake" Prince was assigned to the command team, and so he stood waiting patiently with Kirk and McCoy.

Only a few Enterprise staff would be attending. Kirk had left Scotty in command. He wanted to keep his best bridge staff on duty just in case there were any uninvited guests. The event would be transmitted to the large bridge view screen, as well as many other view screens around the ship set up by engineering.

As they waited in the shade, Kirk found his mind wandering over the last year. Although it had only been a year, it seemed like ten, that he was a student at Starfleet Academy, meeting Nyota Uhura so ungraciously in a bar. He remembered his first shuttle flight with a cantankerous doctor, who spoke with a slight Southern accent and professed a fear of flying and space. If he recalled correctly, McCoy had threatened to throw up on him during that first flight. Then there was the Kobayashi Maru test and his first meeting with…

Spock waited impatiently for Nyota, although his exterior appearance would never suggest his anxiety. It was rare for her to be tardy, one of her qualities that he valued, and yet today she was 6.2 Earth minutes late for their departure to the Council Chambers.

He was waiting in the garden of his father's house with Sarek and Gpt Effu't, who would provide security for the Ambassador, and Spock. He stole a glance at his father who was an imposing picture of dignity in his richly embroidered robes of dark and rust tones. It had been a matter of consternation when Spock chose to wear his formal Starfleet uniform instead of more traditional Vulcan attire. Spock had logically argued that he was in the service of Starfleet when he performed the accomplishment for which he was being recognized. The Vulcan High Council had not been pleased, and a compromise solution was reached that he would wear a Vulcan T'mift, or knee length thick sash over his shoulders in addition to the uniform. The sash, although beautiful with more brilliant colors than Sarek's robes, irritated his neck, only adding to his annoyance. Where was….

Nyota Uhura emerged from the house, forcing a smile on her face as she walked towards the three Vulcan men. She looked radiant in her red pant- suit dress uniform, and had wound her hair into a complex bun, allowing a few ebony strands to escape around her face. It was a style that Spock enjoyed.

Sarek commented politely on how improved the garden was since she had spent hours tending to its shriveled, and neglected plants. It was never his intent to ignore the garden, but time always seemed scarce for such tasks. She thanked him for the compliment and his hospitality. Her conversation was taking an ominous tone of finality which she didn't like, so she simply smiled and said nothing more.

He'd cheated on the Kobyashi Maru test, and was saved the embarrassment and probable expulsion by a sudden call to duty. It was Captain Christopher Pike, who had saved him from his juvenile existence in Iowa, and ushered him into a meaningful life with Starfleet. And it was that introduction that led him to the Enterprise, the ship that he now called his, and his nemesis, Vulcan Commander Spock. Together they would begin a journey through tragedy, genocide, attempted mutiny, insubordination, discovery, final victory, and a tenuous friendship.

Kirk had learned more than could be imagined in such a short, intense time. He'd learned honesty, leadership, trust, diplomacy and friendship. Now he was being tested in all of those areas. He glanced up as the two suns began to steal the sliver of shade that he and McCoy shared. He knew Spock and Uhura were on their way with the Ambassador. He wished he'd had one more chance to speak to….

Sarek walked quietly, slightly behind his son and Nyota Uhura. He saw the discreet touch she initiated, her finger tips brushing against Spock's as they walked side by side. Sarek recalled that Amanda often did the same action with him. He had told her such public intimacy bordered on indecent, and she had laughed, calling him a Vulcan prude. Secretly, he had enjoyed it and she knew he did too, even though he protested to the contrary. He missed her terribly.

He realized now that he had erred when he failed to predict Spock would fall in love with a Human. Spock had never been accepted on Vulcan for who he was, and he'd grown up familiar with Earth customs. But he had been brought up as a Vulcan, with the expectations, training, and rituals that all Vulcan males experienced. After Spock had joined Starfleet, Sarek wouldn't speak to him and forbade Amanda to also, although he knew that she did. He had remained deeply disappointed, perhaps even angry, as much as he would ever admit such an emotion to himself. However, his outward appearance never hinted at any of these.

Because of his status as Earth Ambassador, he heard of Spock's accomplishments at the Academy. Although they did not speak, he was silently proud.

They had spent much time together on this trip to New Vulcan, and forged a relationship as a loving father and son. He hoped, come the end of the day, that he still had a son.

Spock could see the Enterprise party waiting in the vanishing shade of the square. He gently grasped Nyota's fingers, and let his feelings for her freely flow. They had made love that morning, and he had told her he loved her, and would forever. She cried, and he understood why. Now he telepathically sent to her his promise that he would always be with her, no matter the outcome of this day. Should it be necessary, he had given his instructions for the placement of his katra, his immortal living spirit, to both his father, and Nyota. They had agreed.

As did Elder Spock. At one time he might have chosen James Kirk, but the James Kirk he knew so well had died many years ago. He did not share the same friendship with this James Kirk, not yet at least.

He finished dressing in a dull grey cloak, and pulled the hood over his head. It was the appropriate dress for an elderly Vulcan citizen of no importance. He didn't want to draw any more attention to himself than would already be focused on his younger self. He began the short walk to the Council Building, scanning the square, looking for the one Council Member he wanted to see, or more precisely by whom he wanted to be seen.

Council Member Clet-pa approached from across the street. He travelled with three young Vulcan men, who wore the uniform of the Vulcan Defense Guard, but Elder Spock wondered where their loyalties lay; to Clet-pa or the citizens of Vulcan. Perhaps in their mental state, stripped of logic, they saw them as one in the same. There were many parallels in Earth history when spellbound soldiers, acting mindlessly, would carry out the most horrific orders of some despot or dictator without thought or reason.

Clet-pa's long thin face was emotionless, but Spock could feel excitement and anticipation roll off of him in waves. His black hair was pulled into a tight knot at the back of his head, his robes brilliant in rich deep colors.

His pale grey eyes studied Elder Spock before he spoke. "I see you are well, distinguished citizen of Vulcan, or perhaps you feel more akin to Earth these days for your citizenship."

Spock ignored his insult, remaining relaxed. A slow smile lingered on his lips as he said, "I am afraid, Clet-pa, your attempts to insult me really are too juvenile for me to respond to. I only wish for you to know that the outcome of this day will not be favorable to you or the Ka-ta-pak Ketchelebs."

He gave a shallow nod to Clet-pa and his party and, turned his back, and walked away.

Clet-pa seethed with hidden anger. The old man would pay for his insolence, and the payment would be the supreme. He turned quickly and headed for the Council Building. Today would mark the end of Vulcan cooperation and subjugation by any other nation. He'd let the Federation exist in name alone, but ruled by Vulcan. The Humans could remain. They were frightfully incompetent in their constant emotional disorder, but they did come up occasionally with good science.

Yes, the Humans could stay, at Vulcan's bidding, of course. But, he would quickly rid the Federation of the stupid and weak. The Tellerites, with their piggish faces would be relegated to menial labor. The Orions, clever though they were, quickly became boring with their constant need for physical pleasures. They presented no challenge, perhaps amusing for a night, then to be discarded. And these pesky, little Addie Ures with their superior attitudes have no business interfering in powerful national and interplanetary negotiations. He would find a use for them, but not of the status that they currently held. And what of the rumored alliance the Addie Ures had with the Klingons? The Klingons, although fierce, are too dim-witted to ever withstand a proper Vulcan armada. They would pose no problem.

And then the Romulan question. He would feign a peace with Romulus, only until he had his plan and firepower in place. Then Romulus would be annihilated as was Vulcan. It was of no consequence if they were guilty or not. Revenge was the only acceptable solution.

Centuries of Surak's teachings were coming to an end. He would see to it. Peace, logic, and emotional control had led to Vulcan's destruction. Vulcan will become the supreme power of the known universe, and no one will stop its glorious rebirth.

People were beginning to gather in the square. Vulcans and aliens alike were gathering in an immense circle, snaking around buildings and streets until all present could join. Some physically touched, others shared a mind link, and the gathered crowd would meditate or pray for the victims and the future when the ceremony began. Audio speakers had been set up to broadcast the ceremony itself as it took place in the Grand Hall of the Council Building.

The Enterprise crew, Sarek and Gpt Effu't walked together, passing the awaiting crowds. Kirk fell in step with Spock and Uhura. They were acknowledged with deep bows, Vulcan salutes, and a few waves.

They were a noble trio. In her red dress uniform decorated with gold braid, and her black hair shinning in the brilliant sun, Uhura wore a tight smile, and tried to hide the worry that was etched in her eyes. Kirk could see they were threatening to over flow, and she took an occasional swipe with her hand to prevent tears from running down her cheek. Spock was stoic and emotionless as always. He gave an occasional nod to the crowd, but otherwise looked straight ahead. For his part, Kirk waved and smiled, and searched the crowd for an indication of what the Ka-ta-pak Ketchelebs might be planning.

They arrived quickly at the Council Building. Spock, Sarek and the assigned guards walked to a different entrance, leaving the rest of them to enter the Grand Hall. Although Kirk had been to the Council Building several times, he'd never entered the Hall. The ceiling towered over 50 meters overhead. The walls were not flat, but were an uneven texture as though they had been carved from native rock. They were smooth to the touch, though, as if polished from years of wind blasted sand. The interior would have looked dull, all grey and rust colored were it not for the brilliance of the two suns streaming in the tall windows, creating an ever changing pattern of shadows on the walls' craggy surface.

It reminded Kirk of some of the old cathedrals of Earth, except there was no alter, or even designated front of the building. The chairs, or benches depending on how they were arranged, could all be moved into a number of configurations: rows, semi- circles, or U-shape. Computer controlled, he thought, as he watched the seating move soundlessly into orderly circular rows as they entered. It looked like the ceremony would take place in the middle of the hall, with dignitaries and guests seated around the low platform.

Kirk and his group were directed toward the area where Ambassador Eastcott and the Earth delegation were seated, while other dignitaries were also being seated. He caught a glimpse of Addie Ures Peacefinder Friwis, her large hat bobbing up and down just above the level of the seats as she walked with her staff to the front of the circle.

He was looking for Commander Luf'Tiea, when the Orions blocked his view. They were dressed in shimmering fabric, which barely covered their provocative green- hued bodies. One of the women mistook his searching eyes for an invitation, and seductively winked at him. Kirk returned her gesture with a tight smile and small wave, and cursed himself for not being able to find Vulcan Commander Luf'Tiea.

She and her security staff were stationed around the perimeter of the building. The Enterprisesecurity team was covering all egresses. Cup Cake and Gpt Effu't were assigned to the ceremony platform with the specific purpose of life and body protection.

Kirk took a seat beside McCoy, with Uhura seated the other side of the doctor. He caught sight of Luf'Tiea near the wall under several rows of overhanging balconies that were noiselessly rotating into position. The security teams were using short- range communicators, or ITECs* as they were called, that fit invisibly into the ear, with speech activated throat transmitters.

Kirk desperately wanted to be on the floor with security, but he was scheduled to give a short speech, ("a hallelujah Federation chorus", was what McCoy called it), about the Federation's role in the defeat of Nero, after Spock's medal ceremony.

All the guests were seated. There were easily thousands of them, between all the balconies and floor seating. Rows of chairs continued to ghost around the hall, full of people, being maneuvered into better positions to maximize the seating area as well as view.

With the slow beat of a deep drum, the hall fell silent, as The Vulcan Council Members, Clet-pa, Ambassador Sarek, Spock, and other dignitaries filed out in a slow procession. They mounted the platform to the heavy rumble of the drum, with each member of the procession standing around the edge of the round dais, facing the assembly. From where they sat, Spock faced them. He made brief but intense eye contact with Kirk before glancing up to the many rows of balconies. The platform began to rotate slowly with each dignitary giving a brief non-verbal acknowledgement to the gathered crowd. Clet-pa passed slowly by the Earth delegation, and stared challengingly at Kirk.

The pounding drum ceased, and the Chief Council Member began to speak. But Kirk wasn't listening as he turned again seeking Luf'Tiea's position. He had been hearing routine voice traffic on his ITEC, but it had suddenly stopped.

He caught sight of her moving stealthily, like a cat stalking prey, along the distant wall behind him. He was getting communications now on the ITEC, about an intruder moving toward one of the balconies. The Vulcan guards were beginning to shift positions, unnoticed by the assembly.

Kirk touched McCoy's arm. "I'll be right back."

"What? Where the hell are you going? Jim…?" McCoy whispered after him, but Kirk was already threading his way through the complex arrangement of seats heading in the direction that Luf'Tiea had disappeared.

She was creeping up a steep secondary spiral staircase. The chatter on the ITEC had increased with Enterprise security acknowledging an intruder.

The shattering gong of a large cymbal had the crowd's attention, as Kirk scrambled up the stairs behind Luf'Tiea. She had gotten far ahead of him and he was trying to catch her. On the ITEC she was calling for back-up personnel. She said she had the intruder in sight, and he appeared to be armed with a recent model phaser rifle.

He was beginning to breathe heavily when he reached the top of the long dark twisting stairs. He could see the dais clearly about 100 meters away. It had stopped rotating, and the Council Members, Sarek and Spock had moved to the middle of the platform with Cup Cake and Gpt Effu't standing to the back. It was an unobstructed view and a clear shot, Kirk realized. He stayed low to the ground, listening for any sounds of movement.

The balcony was dark, with none of the natural light that flooded the rest of the Great Hall. As he looked around waiting for his eyes to adjust, he noticed it was oddly empty while all the others were filled to capacity. He saw a quick dark motion moving on the opposite side. He silently mouthed into the ITEC, "Luf'Tiea. Position. Kirk"

Emerging from the blackness, not fifty meters away, was a lone figure, tall and thin dressed in dark-matte clothing. By the height, Kirk figured a male. The intruder surprised Kirk with how close he was. By his movements, Kirk could tell the he was unaware of the captain's presence. Kirk's heart began to race as he reached instinctively for his phaser. Damn! By Vulcan protocol, only security could carry weapons in the Great Hall, and Kirk had beamed down unarmed.

His ITEC buzzed in his ear. "Ninety degrees your position. Intruder in-sight. Luf'Tiea". The Vulcan guards were closing in on the stairways from below, his ITEC hummed with chatter. Kirk crouched on the balls of his feet. He knew Luf' Tiea was armed.

The intruder moved forward toward the edge of the balcony. Now Kirk could see he had a large phaser rifle by his side.

"Target armed. Phaser rifle. Kirk," he mouthed to his ITEC. There was a noise below. The intruder heard it and suddenly raised the rifle, trained on the dais.

"Move!Move!" Kirk yelled to his ITEC. Luf'Tiea suddenly stood, her position directly across from Kirk, and fired at the unknown assailant, while Kirk charged toward him. The intruder ducked the shot, and immediately rose pointing the deadly device at the dais and fired. Kirk plowed into the shooter, knocking him to the ground. The rifle clattered to the floor. He scrambled for a tackle hold. With all his strength, Kirk began punching the intruder in the face, hoping for a knock out.

But now he saw, between blows, the upturned eyebrows of a Vulcan.

Leering at him, the Vulcan reached up with one hand and grabbed the young captain's throat in a crushing grip. It was an odd moment of déjà-vu as Kirk remembered the last time a Vulcan tried to strangle him with a death grip. That was the same Vulcan for whom he was risking his life now. Stars flashed in his eyes as his tracheae began to succumb to the force.

There was a sudden flash of light. A searing heat passed by his face, and the intruder's hand fell to the floor. Kirk struggled for breath, as he rolled off the unconscious Vulcan. From the corner of his eye, he saw Luf'Tiea run past him to the balcony edge, phaser in hand.

His heart pounding in his ears, Kirk struggled to his feet. He could hear yelling and more phaser fire from below, as chaos enveloped the hall. He quickly realized the attack wasn't just a single sniper, but a terrorist strike against the Vulcan High Council. The sniper had been a decoy to draw securities attention away from the main floor.

Stumbling to the balcony railing, he saw a battle raging below. The Enterprise security team was trying to rush civilians out the doorways while shielding them with a spray of phaser fire. Rows of seats were flashing across the floor in organized bedlam as the operators were trying to move guests quickly out of the battle zone. Kirk frantically scanned the dais for Spock. Through the trails of smoke Kirk caught a glimpse of him supporting a limping Sarek as they both ran towards the back of the platform.

Positioned near the platform's edge were Gpt Effu't and Cup Cake, crouched low, with phasers blasting as they provided cover for the dignitaries as they attempted to flee. Off to one side, he caught a glance of Clet-pa's robe as he rushed from the platform.

From somewhere below the balcony, heavy firepower was directed at the dais. The distinct acrid smell of a Klingon disrupter blew up the stairs.

More shots were aimed at the platform. He watched as Sarek fell, and Spock turned to go back for him.

Involuntarily Kirk screamed,"NO!" as he saw Spock hit squarely in the chest. Sarek, who was on the ground, was reaching for him, trying to cover his prone body with his own.

Luf'Tiea, her phaser drawn, leapt over the side of the balcony directly into the war zone below them. Kirk was tempted to jump after her, but realized he'd end up with two broken legs, unlike the Vulcan commander. He searched for another way.

The craggy rock walls were his answer. Climbing off the railing, he held on, his fingers scrapped raw by the rock, as he made a controlled fall to the floor. He landed directly on top of a Ka-ta-pak Ketcheleb gunner.

Surprise on his side, he slammed his fist into the man's face. Grabbing his neck before the Vulcan recovered, he drove his knee into his solar plexus, and the man feel like a rag doll to the ground. Suddenly Kirk was in control of the tripod mounted disrupter. He wasted no time spinning the deadly weapon around and pointing it at the handful of Ka-ta-pak Ketcheleb terrorists. Within the brief moment it took for them to register that the battle was over, the Vulcan Defense Force, and the Enterprise team moved in.

Standing in disbelief of his luck, Kirk spun around, a foolish grin plastered on his face, as he sought out Spock. But it vanished instantly as he realized this wasn't the astonishing, heady success that together they had achieved in their victory over Nero.

He had seen Spock fall from a direct hit. Kirk's stomach caved, and his legs refused to propel him forward, as he stared at the platform. The phaser smoke was clearing but the acrid air was sickening with the smell of charred flesh. The security teams were sweeping the area for remaining threats, while the Ka-tal-pak Ketchelebs were being rounded up by the Vulcan Defense Guard.

There was a small crowd of people on the platform. Some were kneeling over the wounded. He could hear McCoy's voice above the din, and a thin transporter beam was operating in the middle.

Kirk willed his legs to work, and rushed the distance from the back of the hall to the dais. The air burned his damaged throat. Pushing people out of the way, and clamoring over seats, he reached the platform. He could hear McCoy yelling orders. Seeing Kirk approach, Cup Cake made way for him to enter the circle.

Spock was lying on his back, his ashen face turned to one side, eyes closed. His chest was a mass of green, as though someone had thrown a can of paint at him. He can't be alive, Kirk thought. But McCoy was issuing orders in rapid fire succession and Kirk realized Spock must be alive, or at least revivable.

Kirk recognized a Vulcan healer kneeling opposite McCoy. She was working quietly and efficiently to remove what was left of the Ra-lash body armor. She never looked up, but must have felt his torment, as she said quietly, "Commander Spock is alive. The Ra-lash absorbed most of the disrupter blast, however his lungs are only thirty eight percent viable."

Beside McCoy, Peace Finder Friwis held the medical tricorder reading off ever changing biological readouts of Spock's functions. Uhura was kneeling by Spock's head, quietly sobbing, while Sarek stood unsteadily behind her, a large phaser burn on his leg. He saw Sarek reach down and gently put a hand on Uhura's shoulder.

With Spock covered in a bio-blanket, and a portable thoracic stabilizer positioned across his chest, McCoy yelled for everyone who wasn't going to the Enterprise, "To get the hell off the platform!" Sarek stepped away, his eyes locked with Kirk's.

"Have Alpha surgical team waiting in O.R. One, and the Beta surgical team standing by. Transport!" Standing in a cloud of swirling sparkles, McCoy, Uhura, Spock, and those around him disappeared.

Kirk watched, unmoving. He had failed.

But James T. Kirk was never one for inaction and in a moment, he shook himself free of the inertia that gripped him. All around the Great Hall were wounded and dying guests. The hall was full of cries for help, and the able bodied were rushing about seeking aid, and bandages. More Vulcan healers appeared with hover gurneys beamed in from the Vulcan Infirmary.

Although injured themselves, Gpt Effu't and Cup Cake were tending to the wounded on the dais. The image of the two of them, facing direct disrupter fire as they defended the platform, flashed across his mind. He would recommend them both for commendations. Refusing offered assistance, Sarek limped towards him. Kirk could see he must be in great pain by the raw and bleeding mess that was his upper leg. However, his face was a study in determination, with strong eyes, a steady brow, and thin lips.

"Captain Kirk," his voice was solid and clear. "Council Member Clet-pa will not escape. The Ka-ta-pak Ketchelebs will be flushed out, and detained."

"And Spock?" Kirk asked.

"The good of the many outweigh the good of the few…. or the one." Sarek's voice trailed off to a bare whisper. "Spock was aware of the risk, and accepted it. I do not wish to see my son become a martyr Captain."

Kirk's communicator suddenly buzzed to life, breaking the silent tension between the two men.

"Kirk here."

Lt Sulu answered. "Captain. We have a Romulan war bird decloaking directly in front of us."

*ITEC= Intra Throat and Ear Communicators (my word)