Disclaimer: The rights to Star Trek belong to Gene Roddenberry, and NuTrek belongs to J.J. Abrams, Orci, and Kurtzman.
A/N: I took a little bit of liberties with the Borg, but they were for plot purposes only. ;) Hope you like it.
.~.
Ch. 18: Federation versus Borg
.~.
The Enterprise, near New Vulcan
T'Pau was waiting expectantly on the viewscreen. The bridge crew was also eager to hear their captain's plan for freeing the Vulcans from the influence of the Borg.
Jim paused and glanced over at his bondmate. Their eyes held. Regret flowed through the bond from Kirk's end.
/Spock, I don't want to do this, but…/
/You need to use me as bait./
/Yeah. I just thought I'd ask before I ordered you to risk your life./
/I am honored to take that risk, if it means helping my people./ Spock sent his mate a wave of reassurance, that he was the most logical being for the task.
Kirk turned his attention back to T'Pau. "Spock has just agreed to seek out Sybok, and coerce him into a meld. Once inside his brother's mind, Spock will attempt to convince Sybok that his alliance with the Borg is not what it seems. If he is successful, he will attempt to break the mind-link between Sybok and the Borg. Once that happens, I imagine the Borg will send a ship to investigate, and then we, along with the other two starships, can hopefully disarm it."
T'Pau regarded her grandson-in-law. "What makes thee so certain Sybok will agree to see Spock?"
"Spock is going to appeal to his emotions," Kirk said dryly.
"I will pretend to be yet another Vulcan who is suffering from the losses of that terrible day," Spock expanded. "When he melds with me to 'rid me of my pain', I will impart the truth about the Borg."
"I believe your plan has merit." The Vulcan matriarch nodded at them in approval. "Spock may beam down whenever he wishes – my staff will be expecting him." Her fingers formed the ta'al as she gave the traditional greeting. Then the screen went dark.
"And that's that." Kirk let out a long breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Now there's just one thing left to do before leave."
"We must tell Saavik," Spock realized. He was not looking forward to it.
"She's not gonna like it, but I think she deserves to know."
Kirk turned to his helmsman. "Sulu, you have the conn."
.~.
Commander's Quarters
Saavik just stared at her parents. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"What do you mean Sa-mehk is going to meld with Sybok? He's the one who messed with my memories back at the orphanage."
Jim pulled her into his lap. "He's going to tell Sybok that he's being used by the Borg. This is the only way he will believe Spock, but having a direct link to his mind." Kirk sighed when Saavik made an angry face at him.
"The meld is necessary for the survival of New Vulcan," Spock gently added.
"I know," she whispered. "But I still don't want you to do it. Sybok's really powerful. What if he hurts your mind… permanently?"
Neither Kirk or Spock had a good answer to that.
.~.
After Spock said goodbye to Saavik, he and Kirk made their way to the transporter room.
"Jim, I thought you said that it was unprofessional to say goodbye in the transporter room," said Spock, nodding at the ensign behind the controls.
"In this case I think I'll make an exception." Kirk gazed into his bondmate's warm eyes. He was about to give Spock a hug, when the doors slid open, revealing Dr. McCoy and Dr. M'Benga, the Vulcan specialist. Kirk and Spock pulled apart, looking quizzically at the doctors.
"Before you go," M'Benga began, "I wanted to tell you that I think you'll have a better chance of success on this mission if you reestablish your bond."
"Dr. McCoy, do you agree?" Spock asked, as previously, they'd been told it would be best to wait for a few more days and give Spock's mind more time to heal.
"Against my better judgment, I'd say M'Benga's right," McCoy grumbled. "Ideally I'd rather you wait a few more days to restore your link, but our Vulcan specialist thinks that having Jim as an anchor will give you a better chance at resisting the Borg."
"Yes!" Jim cried, pumping his first in the air. "I've waited long enough to get our full bond back."
"I find your decision to be quite logical," said Spock. He did not balk when his bondmate hugged him in celebration.
"So it's okay to meld now?" An eager Jim asked.
"There's no time like the present." M'Benga smiled at them. He hoped that having full access to Kirk's mind would be Spock's best defense against his telepathically superior brother.
Not wasting any time, Spock placed his fingers on his adun's meld points. He was yanked into the soothing heat of Jim's mind. Locating the barrier between them that impeded full communication, Spock began to tear it down. He dissolved it slowly, giving Jim time to adjust to Spock's presence. But the barrier crumbled sooner than he'd expected. Apparently, Jim had been working on it from his end. The reunion of two soul mates was glorious, as the command team rekindled their strong mental connection.
/Spock, you're back!/
/It is pleasing to have you in my head again, Jim./
The bondmates reveled in their reopened telepathic channel, but they knew they couldn't stay locked in the meld for long. Sybok was waiting.
/We'd better break the meld./ Jim advised, although Spock sensed his reluctance. /We'll have more time for this after we defeat the Borg./
/I look forward to it./ Spock smiled at his bondmate, freely expressing his emotions in the safety of their minds.
He slowly brought them out of the meld.
"Did it work?" McCoy asked.
/Testing, testing, one two three…/ Jim winked at Spock, who raised an eyebrow and responded,
/Very amusing./
"It works," Jim happily told the doctors. "Now we get to hold secret head conversations again."
"Captain, I am afraid I must leave," said Spock. "Patience was never one of Sybok's attributes."
"Yeah, you'd better go." Spock was surprised that Jim didn't try to hug him, but attributed the lack of PDA to the three other people in the room. The Vulcan stepped up on the transporter pad and ordered,
"Energize."
"Wait!" Kirk leapt up on to the pad and pulled an unsuspecting Spock toward him. Spock automatically responded to his bondmate's kiss, temporarily forgetting his surroundings. Kirk didn't let it last too long – he didn't want to cross a line.
"Jim?" A confused Spock looked to his captain for an answer.
"I've always wanted to do that," Kirk said, sounding sheepish. "Now I'm even with Uhura."
Spock suddenly understood the reasoning behind Jim's public display of affection. It was true that he'd kissed the lieutenant goodbye on the transporter, way back when they had still been dating, and Kirk had had to watch.
In reply, Spock stated, "When I return, I will inform Nyota that the score is even."
"I want to be there when that happens," said a gleeful Bones.
Jim groaned. "Just be careful, okay?"
"I will." Spock nodded at the ensign behind the controls. "Energize."
Kirk watched as his bondmate vanished in swirls of twinkling lights. He then returned to the bridge, knowing he could monitor his bondmate's status even while he was on duty.
.~.
New Vulcan, Grand Audience Chamber
Spock was beamed directly into the room that T'Pau had arranged for his meeting with Sybok. His brother was already there, waiting for him. Apparently he'd come right away once he'd been told of Spock's request.
"Greetings, Brother." Spock held up the ta'al, which Sybok returned. "It has been a long time since we last met."
"Spock, your presence is… unexpected," Sybok said, breaking into a wide smile. The blatant display of emotion on a Vulcan face disturbed Spock, and he had to remind himself that Sybok was V'tosh Ka'tur. "I did not think you to be receptive to my alternative methods in healing our race."
"Then I am afraid you have misjudged me," Spock coolly informed him. "I have come here to ask you to remove my psychic pain. I have lost much."
/And gained much./ Jim helpfully supplied.
/Thank you for the reminder, t'hy'la./ Spock was thrilled that he could once again have direct telepathic contact with his mate at all times. It made discussions like these much easier.
"The Spock I used to know would not have allowed such a drastic measure," Sybok scoffed.
"The Spock you used to know did not lose his planet and his mother all in one day. Did you know how she died, brother? She fell from a crumbling mountainside because I was not quick enough to pull her to safety. It is my fault that she perished." Thankfully, Spock no longer believed that his mother's death was his fault. But as he had once felt that way, it was not difficult to lie to Sybok.
"I should not have assumed that you would be immune to the effects of Amanda Grayson's death," Sybok said. "Our father certainly was not."
"May I see him?" Spock asked, mildly concerned about his father's status. However, that was not his primary objective. Sarek would be safe once Sybok's link with the Borg was severed.
"Soon," Sybok mysteriously replied. "However, I cannot believe this measure is what your captain would want for you. I doubt he trusts me."
"It was not his first choice, no," Spock truthfully agreed. "But he agreed that it was necessary." And it had been necessary, for Spock to expose his mind to Sybok and his connection with the Borg.
"Very well," said the full Vulcan, his eyes full of pity and understanding for Spock's plight. "Show me your pain; allow me to take it from you." He placed his fingers upon Spock's meld points, and suddenly Spock was pulled into a world that was not his own.
Once inside Sybok's mind, Spock felt the siren call of the Borg, luring him to link with the Collective. He did his best to ignore it, focusing his mind on the mission.
/Brother, you have been deceived./ Spock mentally spoke. /The entity that has contacted you only wants to assimilate the Vulcan race into drones. They have already successfully colonized the Orion sector, and perhaps even more systems. I cannot allow this to be the fate of our race!/
/You must be in error, the entity that calls to me is not a race of Cyborgs. The entity is humanoid – I have seen him in my vision./ Sybok seemed so sure about this.
/That is what they wish you to believe./ Spock spoke gently. /They are powerful enough to deceive even a strong telepath like you./
/Where is your proof?/
/In my memories. Let me show you./
Sybok gave his assent. Spock pulled his brother into the memories of his time on Orion, showing Sybok the horrors he had witnessed. Besides the slave auction, he'd also watched as some of the captives enter a Borg ship and come out as drones.
/This is what will happen to our people if you are allowed to continue on your present course./ Spock warned. /This must not happen./
A stricken Sybok jerked away from his brother's fingers, abruptly breaking the meld. Spock opened his eyes to find remorse written all over his brother's face.
"I did not know," Sybok whispered. "I believed that I was using my gift to help our people, when in reality the Borg just wanted to control them."
"I know your intentions were honorable," said Spock, laying a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Do not judge yourself too harshly."
/Jim, I was able to convince him./ Spock informed his captain while Sybok came to grips with what he had done.
/I'm so glad!/ Kirk sent his relief over the bond. /I'll be waiting for you./
"How do I stop this from happening?" Sybok's resolve was firm, his eyes flashing with determination.
"There are three Federation starships orbiting the colony," Spock informed him. "We must lure the Borg here, scan their ship, and destroy it before it has a chance to assimilate the surviving Vulcans."
"I didn't think you had it in you to destroy anything," said Sybok.
Spock cocked his head. "The Borg is a formidable force that must be stopped. There is no way to reason with the Collective, therefore a peaceful solution is forfeit. The loss of life will be regrettable, but then those lives were not truly their own after they were assimilated."
"What must I do to make this right?"
"Beaming up to my ship would be a good start." Spock pulled out his communicator. "Once aboard we can reconvene with the captain and senior staff and develop a plan." Sybok nodded as Spock called for a beam up. In a flash, they vanished.
.~.
U.S.S. Enterprise
Spock was met with the welcoming sight of his bondmate when he rematerialized on the transporter pad. Jim flashed his radiant smile at him before turning to their guest.
"Welcome aboard the Enterprise. You must be Sybok."
"I must apologize for my role in all of this, Captain," Sybok said in a rush.
"Sending Spock in to slavery was not your best moment," said Jim. "But I'll overlook that for now."
"Thank you," the Vulcan said gravely as he stepped off the pad. An awkward silence followed, which Spock quickly broke.
"Sybok, this is Captain James Kirk. He is also my bondmate of five years."
"Congratulations," said Sybok, not sounding the least bit surprised. Probably because he could sense their bond.
"Thanks, he's the best," said Jim, patting Spock on the shoulder. "Oh, we're all meeting in conference room A. I would like it if you joined us."
"Of course." Sybok followed the command team to the conference room, which was already full. Among the staff were McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, and Giotto. They quickly devised a plan, based on what they so far knew about Borg technology. The plan consisted of Sybok telepathically contacting the Borg, and informing them that he'd 'converted' as many Vulcans as he could and would they please uphold their end of the agreement by showing up?
"They're coming," Sybok announced after a few minutes of mental communication. "I estimate they'll be here within the hour."
"Go to yellow alert," Jim ordered. "Have all non-essential personnel report to their safe zones."
"Aye, sir!" Chekov left to make the announcement.
"The rest of us are needed at our stations." Jim rose from his seat. "Sybok, you will accompany me to the bridge. If you're half as smart as Spock is, you'll be a help."
.~.
One hour later
As the ship shook from the Borg cube's fire, Saavik and her friends anxiously waited out the battle in the relative safety of her quarters. School had been temporarily cancelled, as the teachers were needed at their stations. Like the ship, Saavik's hands were trembling. Unbeknownst to her friends, she hid them behind her back. Saavik, Clopek, Kira, and Norvek sat on the floor in a circle. Clopek looked paler than usual, and had his right arm around Kira's shoulder. Norvek sat on Saavik's right. His face was perfectly composed, like always. Saavik admired him for it – she wished her Vulcan control was that good.
"Saavik, don't be scared," Kira tried to reassure her. "We're on the safest starship in the Alpha quadrant."
"While that may be true, a galaxy-class ship has never engaged in a battle with a Borg vessel," Norvek cautioned. "A vessel, I might add, is more than four times its size."
"Thanks for that lovely reminder," said Saavik. "We can always count on you to be the group's voice of optimism." The two children glared at each other.
Clopek spoke up, trying to head off a fight. "You are forgetting that there are two other Federation starships besides the Enterprise engaging the cube in battle."
"That's true," Saavik allowed. "But I'm not worried about us, not really. I'm afraid for my father." She explained all about the plan involving Commander Spock. Just as she finished, the door chimed.
"Come in," Saavik called. Her face brightened when she saw who was her visitor. "Sonak!" She ran towards the adolescent Vulcan, and this time he was ready for her 'ambush'. He picked her up and Saavik immediately flung her arms around his neck. It was not a Vulcan response, but Sonak was used to his student's behaviors by now.
"How are you faring?" He asked her. She leaned back to look at him, and her sad eyes told him all he needed to know.
"I do not mean to be rude," Norvek cut in, "but why are you here?" Sonak brought Saavik over to the group and sat down with them. Saavik crawled into his lap, and Sonak had no objections, as he was beginning to think of her as the little sister he never had. Norvek, however, did not look thrilled.
"I was seeking a place where I would not be in the way of the crew, and also some company," Sonak answered quietly.
"Well, you found it here!" Kira said cheerfully. "You're more than welcome to wait out the battle here with us."
Norvek raised an eyebrow. "Do not tell me you are frightened. Are you?"
"I admit that after my time serving as a slave, my resolve is shaken during emergencies," Sonak confessed. "It brings back memories of the times when I was not safe, when my choices were made for me."
Norvek had the decency to look abashed. An awkward silence followed.
"I'm glad you came here," said Saavik, easily breaking the uncomfortable atmosphere. "We can help each other not be scared. How 'bout we do something to get our minds off our current situation?"
"That sounds logical," Norvek agreed. He was eager to win back Saavik's favor, as she was currently avoiding his gaze. (He knew he'd dropped in standing when he all but taunted Sonak about being afraid.)
"What do you suggest?" asked Clopek.
Saavik's eyes gleamed with mischief. "The other day I was researching Terran games and discovered one called Truth or Dare…"
Meanwhile
The Enterprise had taken light damage, as their shields were holding well. Still, the battle with the Borg vessel (an enormous metallic cube) was by no means over. Every time one of the Starfleet ships hit the cube, it would spontaneously regenerate! Scotty and his engineering staff had poured over the scans taken of the Borg vessel, but they couldn't find any weaknesses. Apparently, the Borg just kept on causing damage until they either crippled their enemies or caused them to turn tail.
Uhura had attempted to contact the vessel, but there was no response. The Borg were not willing to negotiate – they came for the Vulcans, and they weren't leaving until they got what they wanted.
"Captain, we need a plan, and we need it now," said Sulu, as he altered their course to evade enemy fire. "The U.S.S. King has taken heavy damage."
"The captain and I have been formulating a plan for the past twenty minutes," Spock informed him, as the ship lurched to starboard. The crewmembers were used to their telepathic conversations by now.
"But we wanted to run it by you first," Kirk added. "So the plan sounds something like this," he began. "First, we send the Copernicus out. Hopefully the Borg will take the bait and lower their shields to use their tractor beam to pull in the shuttle. Next, we beam a rigged torpedo in to the center of the ship near the power source. Then we beam the shuttle pilot out, and get the hell out of there before the torpedo is detonated."
"I was the one that brought this on the surviving Vulcan people – I shall be the one to pilot that shuttle," Sybok said with conviction. Jim knew that Sybok wouldn't budge on the issue, and frankly, he approved of the Vulcan wanting to atone for his mistake.
"Thanks for volunteering." He nodded at Sybok. "So is this plan a go?"
Chekov timidly raised his hand. "Keptin, it's not that I don't like your plan, but –"
"Go ahead, Mr. Chekov."
"I'm afraid it's not that simple. Remember the Borg have already scanned our ship. They will integrate that knowledge into their databanks."
"It's unfortunate they'll learn how our starships work, but it can't be helped." Kirk shrugged.
"You don't understand!" Chekov cried. "That's not the problem. The problem is that they will be able to block our transporter locks, as they know what frequency we use."
"That is a problem," Kirk admitted. "I'd rather not lose my bondmate's brother. Not before I've gotten to know him." The captain flashed a charming smile Sybok's way. "I still can't wait to hear your rationale for selling Spock into slavery."
Sybok visibly winced.
"Captain-" Spock began.
"I know, now's not the time." Jim shot an apologetic look at his First.
"Jim, there's also the matter of the Borg being able to read Sybok's mind," Uhura added. "They could find out all about the trap before they ever lower their shields.
"I may not be able to shield my mind from the Borg," Sybok admitted. "The lure of the collective, all that knowledge, every thought in synchronicity, no more pain…"
"Alright, so we need someone who can shield Sybok's mind from the Borg," announced Kirk with a sinking feeling.
"There is only one logical choice," said Spock. "Me."
"You," Kirk agreed.
"Jim, if you cannot beam us out for whatever reason, you much destroy the shuttle," Spock said calmly. "I cannot allow Vulcan's knowledge to be added to the Borg database."
"And I would rather kill you myself than let you live as a Borg drone." Kirk's expression was grave as he glanced at his bondmate. /I wish there was another way, t'hy'la./
/We cannot allow the Borg to assimilate the Vulcan colony. I am honored to help defend my people./
/I know, Spock. Believe me, I know./
Jim looked away, trying to keep his composure as he thought of sending his bondmate on such a dangerous mission. "Mr. Spock, I need to speak with you before your departure. Sulu, you have the conn."
Spock followed him into the turbolift, where they could say their goodbyes in private.
"Please be careful, Spock," Jim pleaded, cupping his adun's face with his hands. "You have to come back for our daughter's sake, and mine."
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. "Is that an order?"
"Yes."
The bondmates shared a long kiss, and then Jim clung to his Vulcan, wishing they had time for a meld. But every second they wasted was a second that their ship and the others could sustain more damage. So Jim let go and fondly watched as Spock straightened his uniform shirt.
"I love you," he said easily, just like he did every night before they went to sleep.
"And I cherish thee, Jim."
Kirk blew out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "I want you to know that if something does happen, I won't fall apart. I'll be there for Saavik, because I know that's what you'd want."
"I know," Spock said softly. "Jim, you are stalling."
Kirk winced. "Guilty as charged. You know, your brother's really weirding me out. He acts so much like a human-"
"Jim." Spock frowned at his captain.
"Fine." Kirk steeled himself, and once again his captain's persona shone through. "Let's do this."
.~.
Ten minutes later
Spock launched the shuttle Copernicus on his captain's command. He and Sybok were silent as the tiny vessel flew towards the immense Borg ship. Spock wanted to start a conversation, but what do you say to your long-lost brother who rejected logic and almost caused the downfall of your species? Not wanting to make things worse between them, Spock kept his mouth shut. Suddenly, the shuttle stopped responding to his commands.
"What happened?" Sybok demanded, as they began to increase in speed.
"That will be the tractor beam," Spock said flatly, just as an eerie, green glow enveloped the shuttle. As they were pulled closer and closer to the cube, an all encompassing voice was transmitted to them via telepathy.
"We are the Borg. Existence as you know it, is over. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Resistance is futile."
The shuttle neared one of the docking bays, and as soon as they entered it, Spock sealed the exit shut. He spotted two drones just outside the shuttle, but they didn't approach the shuttle. Spock knew they wouldn't force their way in, as they wouldn't want to damage their newly captured technology. Then he transmitted,
/Jim, their shields are down!/
/I'm giving the order now!/ Kirk responded, as the rigged torpedo was beamed over to the cube. /As soon as you two are beamed out, I'll give the order to detonate it./
Spock waited for the familiar tingling transporter sensation, but nothing happened.
/Jim?/
/Argh!/ His bondmate's frustration flooded their link. /There's too much interference from the Cube. You'll have to fly the shuttle back out./
/Very well./ Spock turned to his brother. "Sybok we must-"
"I don't wish to go back." Sybok's eyes were blank, as if in a trance. "All those minds together, thinking as one – I want to merge completely with them." He stepped in front of the controls, blocking Spock's access. "Spock, don't you see? You don't understand because you aren't linked with us."
And before Spock could stop him, the larger Vulcan forced a mind-meld upon him. All at once, the tempting voices of the Borg collective flooded Spock's mind, like a great choir they resonated in every pitch. As the voices tried to convince Spock with logic, his bondmate's frantic voice sounded over the din.
/Spock, what's goin' on?/
/Jim, Sybok is attempting to link me to the Collective. I am partially shielding from him for the moment, but I do find the voices rather enticing. I am not certain how long I can hold out against them./
/You must!/ Jim commanded. /Spock, there's only one way you can get out of this. Break Sybok's link with the Collective. Then you can fly home./
/His telepathic powers are stronger than mine, and he has the entire Borg collective on his side./ Spock reminded him.
/I'll help guide you./ Jim encouraged him. /You won't get ensnared by the Borg. I won't allow it./
/Neither will I./ A third voice joined their mental conversation.
/Saavik, no!/ Spock cried, recognizing her young voice immediately. /You must close your mind, it is not safe to link with me at this time./
/I want to help you./ She insisted.
/We can both anchor you./ Jim thought firmly. /She's safe enough on the Enterprise, T'hy'la. We have Doctor M'Benga if anything goes wrong. You, on the other hand, are not safe./
/Very well./ Spock agreed. He slowly peeled back his shield, which revealed thousands of ghostly Borg drones amidst a never-ending dark corridor, speaking in unison about the benefits of being Borg. His brother's true essence was among them, somewhere. If he could just find him, Sybok could show him where the network of links was located.
/Sybok!/ Spock mentally shouted. /Where are you?/ The drones kept crowding him, making it difficult to think, much less seek out his brother. The crowd was beginning to overwhelm him, as his Vulcan senses were on overload.
/Easy, ashaya./ Jim coaxed.
/You can do this, Sa-mekh./ Saavik encouraged.
Rejuvenated by their words and strength, Spock pressed on. He nerve-pinched one of the drones, and when he dropped to the ground, the rest of the drones kept their distance. Spock stared running now, shouting his brother's name. He thought he heard a distant reply, but the drones were so numerous, he could not see his brother anywhere.
/Sybok!/ Spock called, louder this time.
/I'm over here!/
Spock jogged in the direction of the voice, and found his brother huddled alone, near the end of the corridor.
/Sybok, you must help me find the link to the Borg so we can sever it./ Spock instructed.
/Will it make them go away?/ Sybok asked, meaning the drones.
/Yes./
Spock held his hand out, and he helped his brother to his feet.
/This way./ Sybok led them to a secret door in the corridor. He unlocked it, and then motioned for Spock to enter. Sybok then closed the door behind them. Once inside, Spock marveled at the numerous shimmering, silver cords that broke off from the main cord, much like branches on a tree.
/These are my links with the Vulcan people./ Sybok stated proudly. But then his expression grew fearful. /Will it hurt them when we break the connection?/
/No, it will free them./ Spock reassured him.
Sybok then pointed out the largest cord of them all. /This is my link to the Borg. I do not know how to break it./
/We must detach it from its source, your mind./ Spock informed him. /However, I must warn you; it may cause you some discomfort./ They put their hands around the cord, ready to 'up-root' it, when the voices returned, at triple the volume they were before.
"You will be assimilated. You will be at one with us. You will be Borg."
/They are too loud!/ Spock protested, covering his sensitive ears to block some of the noise.
/Steady, Spock. Don't forget your objective./ Kirk cautioned.
Spock gritted his teeth, and lowered his hands. He was about to yank on the offending cord, when he heard a loud thud. He turned to find Sybok, passed out on the floor from shock. Spock's eyebrows flew up – this meant he would have to rip out the cord by himself. Self-doubt began to creep in, amidst the cacophony. If Sybok, who had the superior telepathic powers, couldn't outlast the Borg, then how was he going to? Then Spock heard the banging on the door – the drones had finally discovered his hiding place!
/Quickly, Father!/ Saavik cried. /You can't let them stop you./
/We're right there with you, Spock./ Jim promised. /You can do this. Sybok wasn't strong enough, but he didn't have help. You do./
The exhausted half-Vulcan re-focused his efforts, bringing his hands around the cord. Everything depended on this one action. He thought of his people, of Starfleet, of those who would suffer if Vulcan knowledge was integrated into the Borg collective.
/We love you, Spock!/ Jim cried. /Break the link! Now, do it now!/
Spock yanked the cord out of the wall, severing the connection with the Borg. He was thrust out of the mind-meld, back to the real world. Drained from his mental encounter, he could barely stagger over to the pilot's console.
/Spock, they stopped firing at us./ Kirk informed him. /They must know you're on the ship!/
/Understood./
That was when Spock's brother decided to wake up. Sybok winced, and clutched at his head. The creepy, blank look had disappeared from his face. He turned to his brother for answers. "Spock, what-"
"There is no time to explain," Spock said tersely. "We must leave, immediately." He powered up the shuttle, not bothering to complete the normal pre-flight check. Protocol was the last thing on his mind at a time like this. He eased the shuttle out towards the docking bay exit, but was alarmed to find the bay doors had begun to close.
"We're not going to make it!" Sybok screamed as Spock sped them towards open space and freedom.
"We shall make it," Spock growled. But he knew the odds off them succeeding weren't particularly high.
/Saavik, Jim, I love you…/ He projected as he turned the shuttle on its side, aiming for the space in the dead center of the two doors. Sybok grabbed his hand, and Spock squeezed it. At least if they died, they wouldn't be in the hands of the Borg. Spock closed his eyes as the doors closed in on them, and braced himself for impact.
It didn't come. Instead, when Spock re-opened his eyes, he was on the transporter pad, safe on the Enterprise.
Jim was waiting for him, but he didn't greet him, save for a burst of mental joy. "Scotty, give the order for our ships to remain on the far side of the colony. As soon as we're at maximum safe distance, prepare to detonate that torpedo. "
"Yes, sir!" Scotty's reply sounded cheerful.
Spock and Sybok stepped off the transporter pad together, and were greeted by McCoy and Dr. M'Benga, who waved their medical scanners over them.
"Signs of psychic trauma, we need to get you to Sickbay right away," M'Benga said crisply, and escorted a subdued Sybok away.
"Spock, you check out fine, other than the obvious fatigue." McCoy gave him a wry smile. "I guess that Vulcan voodoo of yours really worked."
"I will explain the complexities of my mental feat later," Spock promised.
"Captain, we're reached a safe distance!" Scotty reported.
"Fire!" Kirk ordered.
They all waited nervously, hoping that their plan would work. Spock moved close to Jim and offered two forefingers. Jim returned the Vulcan kiss, his solemn gaze locking eyes with his bondmate. The seconds trickled by. Finally Jim could wait no longer.
"Scotty, talk to me!"
"The cube's been destroyed, sir!" Scotty's voice sounded jubilant. "We've won!"
"Well done, Mr. Scott." Jim broke into a wide grin and he pulled his bondmate in for a hug. "You did it, Spock," he whispered.
"I had help," said the Vulcan. "I am most gratified that my actions saved my people from assimilation."
Shaking his head, Kirk just grinned at him.
"Shall we go see our daughter?" Spock asked, after they pulled apart.
"I was just going to suggest that."
Side by side, Jim and Spock headed for the turbolift.
.~.
They found Saavik and her friends (as well as Sonak) in her quarters. Will Saavik was thrilled to see them, she looked a bit put out. Apparently the children were in the middle of 'Truth or Dare' and Norvek had been asked to reveal who he 'liked' on the ship. Their timely appearance saved the blushing boy from further embarrassment.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Sa-mekh," said Saavik, getting up to give her Vulcan father a hug.
"I am grateful for your mental presence during the mission, Saavik-kam." Spock picked her up, and he, Saavik, and Jim shared a three-way hug. "I would not have succeeded if it had not been for my family."
"Is the Borg ship destroyed?" Clopek asked.
"Indeed, the Borg vessel has been eradicated," Spock replied.
"That is a relief," said Sonak.
"I know what we can do to celebrate," said Kira. "We still need to give Saavik a birthday party."
"Oh that's right," Jim moaned. "Saavik, I'm sorry. With all that's been going on lately, I completely forgot."
"I did not forget," said Spock, sounding high and mighty as usual. "In fact, we have a present for you, Saavik-kam."
"We do?" Jim frowned.
"Indeed," Spock confirmed. "Saavik, I have determined that your mental control is sufficient to form a familial bond with Jim, if you are willing."
"Are you kidding?" Saavik stared at him, wide eyed. "That would be the best present ever!"
"I'm glad you think so," laughed Jim as he ruffled his daughter's hair.
Just then, Sonak's stomach growled. "I apologize," said the Vulcan. "It seems I am in need of sustenance."
"Why don't we all go to the mess hall?" Jim suggested. "I'll have to clear it with Scotty, but I don't think he'll mind remaining as acting-captain for another hour."
"Yay!" Saavik grinned as her friends got to their feet.
How lucky was she? She had the best parents anyone could ask for, friends her own age, and she was making friends with Sonak. It wasn't a 20th century Terran traditional family, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Then her thoughts turned to her birthday party. She was going to plan the best sleepover party ever, and stay up all night with her friends watching holo-vids and eating sweets. After all, you only turn nine once.
End Ch. 18
A/N: I know I still left a lot of things untied, but I will wrap everything up in the epilogue, which will be coming soon.