Hi, my dear readers,

And once again sorry for the delayed update but at the beginning of a year there is always a lot to do besides the ordinary work and time runs short.

Thank you so much for the many feedbacks and I'm glad that you still like this story so much.

As the most of you already assumed, in this chapter a beloved 'old' character will appear – Prime Spock. I planned to have him in this story from the beginning, and I so looked forward to have him eventually in the third movie, too, yet Leonard Nimoy's passing took this possibility from us all forever.

The following chapter – and Prime Spock's whole appearances in the rest of the story – is not only a necessity for the story-line, but is also a payment of homage to Leonard Nimoy and his immortal portrait of Mr. Spock. I hope that I caught his characteristic correct, because the old Spock differs a little bit from the man we met first within the first three seasons almost fifty years ago. Yet there are several things which haven't and will never change – for example his deep friendship with Jim and his affections for him which always influenced his decisions (*smile*).

I hope you're going to enjoy the new chapter.

Love

Yours Starflight

Chapter 53 – A hell of plan, part 1

The nights on the planet that was now charted as New Vulcan were equally as long and cold as the nights on the former homeworld of the Vulcans. Additionally, temperatures climbed almost to the same levels as in the deserts of their now-destroyed planet during the day. From a distance, New Vulcan even looked similar to its predecessor – russet red with a beautiful play of sand and grey colors, yet there were a few though important differences.

One of those differences was the lack of the sister-planet T'Rukh. Having the same rotation as Vulcan, she'd always been on the same side of the planet; bathing the landscape in bright silver light every night. But instead of the mighty neighbor, only two small moons circled New Vulcan.

The first and foremost difference on the planet itself was the existence of larger bodies of water – two oceans and several lakes twice the size of the Aral Sea in Russia, partly connected by rivers. The coasts and riversides were rife with vegetation, while the rest of the planet's surface was covered with sand and tall rocky mountains, all in every-sand colored hue possible. The whole planet resembled a large desert with several oases; giving a glimpse how the original Vulcan must have appeared thousands of years before its destruction.

The second difference was the lack of settlements. There was only one until now – a town that had been constructed in a new record time within a year, and was situated on the shores of the largest fresh-water lake. The city – New Shi'Kahr – was home for the fewer-than-ten thousand Vulcans who had survived their homeworld's destruction, as well as for the more-than-six thousand Vulcans who had returned from the colonies to help rebuild their species.

Sky scrapers were in the center of the town and where most of the population lived, but lower buildings occupied the waterfront and at the other edges of the city – built in the functional yet aesthetically pleasing style typical of the Vulcans. The New Academy of Science, as well as the hospital was near the space harbor, while the High Vulcan council and other government buildings could be found on the other side of the town, not far from the rising mountains. Streets and bridges connected the homes, yards, with trees offered as places to find rest. Several restaurants had opened, as well as a library that was attached to the primary school and college.

The town was young, there was no doubt the moment you laid eyes on it, yet it would grow. It would never be able to replace the original Shi'Kahr – the capital of Vulcan – yet it was a new start. With Vulcan many ancient and important places had been destroyed: Mount Seleya, the holy mountain were once Surak himself founded the new culture of logic and peace, and where the immortal katras (souls) of thousands of Vulcans had been held – utterly lost with the holocaust. The ancient part of the Vulcan Academy of Science, which housed documents written by Surak himself, lost too, just like the cloisters in which the Kolinahr was taught – the removal of all remaining emotions.

So many things had perished that many Vulcans barely coped with the losses – despite all rationality and logic. Those who lost their bond-mates suffered the most, not a few had even died because from the mental shock. Others mourned their children, their parents, their uncles and aunts. And the knowledge that the loss of the katras of their ancestors had torn open wounds none of the survivors had ever anticipated. The remaining population had been in shock for months, and never before had so many physicians been needed to attend one race. Yet, Vulcans were strong – both in body and spirit. Those who didn't die after the holocaust regained their mental stability with a lot of meditation and mind-melds with their closest relatives.

But the man who laid wide awake in the darkened bedroom of the small townhouse near the government buildings had no relative who could help him to overcome the losses. Well, fact was not completely accurate, as his father had survived the catastrophe, and even the chief of his clan could offer support, yet he refused it. Not because of pride or lack of trust, but because of completely different circumstances. It simply was not right that his own father was younger than this son, and that said son was only a little younger than the matriarch – his own grandmother. Furthermore he could not turn to his younger self who followed more-or-less the same path he had all those decades ago, as he himself was still young, still stubborn as hell; his place among people who meant the world to him.

Time travel…

Whether intended or not, it always bore the risk of changing the past – and exactly that had happened in the most terrible way with his appearance in this timeline. Not exactly due to his entry into this alternative past; it had been Nero who had destroyed Vulcan and had been about to do the same to Earth, but Nero had done it seeking revenge – revenge taken on him, Spock.

This vengeance had set off a completely different timeline, yet the universe always tried to recover itself. Several things were inevitable – just like the man's younger self finding himself aboard a certain starship where he got together with his captain. A few events were inevitable, like their close friendship – like the tight comradeship of the whole bridge crew.

Spock of Vulcan rolled onto his other side and briefly looked at the chronometer on his nightstand even if he didn't need it to tell him what time was. Like all Vulcans, his time sense was extraordinary.

"I don't need a chronometer when you're with me," his T'hy'la had once said, with a large amused smile on his face, hazel eyes shining with fondness. Jim had always found the right words and the right tone of voice with which to tease without any mockery – showing him the special way the deep friendship and even love he had held for him.

Jim Kirk…

His Jim Kirk, not the younger self of this timeline. Yet they were one and the same, even with the different eye color, because here James Kirk's eyes were bluer than Terran skies – the result of being born in space near a worm whole, and its strong magnetism. And this Jim Kirk had been even younger than Spock's soul-brother when he had taken command of the Enterprise, yet this was the first step in the repair of the timeline.

It had been joy and anguish in one to meet again the younger vision of his long-dead T'hy'la on Delta Vega – to see Jim after all the lost years, and to touch his mind. A mind that was similarly vivid, strong, and warm, yet it had suffered differently. His Jim had had a protected childhood and was raised in Iowa with his parents and his brother – this Jim had lost his father the moment he'd been born and his mother had never coped with it; handling her sons (and especially Jim) in a way that had to have hurt the little boy beyond imagining. Spock hadn't seen many memories during his meld with the young Jim; he had been in rather a hurry to make the human understand what was happening, yet he had caught glimpses of Kirk's childhood, and it had pained the old Vulcan. This Jim would have a longer way to rise to become the man he ought to be, but he was about to take that first step in becoming that great individual. He was already a hero, but his true way had not started until then.

From the outside, Spock heard a night bird through the open window, and its call echoed through the dark bedroom.

Spock sighed. He was used to having less sleep since becoming a diplomat, and especially after his unwanted travel from the future back into a past he thought he was long done with, but this night seemed to find no end. He was…restless, something very rare for a Vulcan. Something had been nagging him for days now and he couldn't put a finger on its source. Jim would have called it a 'gut-feeling', but Vulcans didn't have them – well, they shouldn't have them, yet Spock was half-human and he simply knew that his unrest was a result of his Terran roots. He had long ago come to terms with both sides of his being; he even embraced both parts of his heritage – something Jim had taught him.

The sudden buzzing of his terminal in the attached room almost startled him and he quickly sat up. "Lights, fifty percent," he ordered the computer, and slipped out of bed. His bare feet made no sound as he walked over the equally bare floor into the next room, and saw the signal indicating an incoming message. Who would call him at this time? It had to be something very important, otherwise the Interstellar Communication Center, whose emblem he could see on the screen, wouldn't have contacted him this late.

Age could wear down even Vulcans, and he stiffly sat down at his desk and activated the screen. "Selek here," Spock said, using the pseudonym under which he was known on New Vulcan. No, Vulcans couldn't lie – at most times – yet this had been one of the few necessities, to use a twisted truth to hide the real truth. Only a handful of people knew who he really was – Spock, son of Sarek and Amanda Grayson.

It would have led to too many questions and confusion – even to turmoil – if the public were aware of his true identity. He knew too much of the future; his presence had changed this present, and therefore the future that should have been. And even the logical Vulcans weren't free of prejudice when it came to future actions. He had experienced it as a child, yet his decision to stay anonymous then hadn't resulted in upheaval. In his opinion, he deserved nothing less than obscurity after his arrival in the year 2258 led to the destruction of Vulcan. No, his agreement to T'Pau's and Sarek's suggestion to give himself a new name resulted from pure logic.

His technical knowledge was that of many decades yet to come. This know-how could, and was supporting to build a new home for the survival of Vulcan, and Spock threw himself into this challenge like he had rarely done before. Guilt was illogical so long as there was no intent, yet Spock was – after all – half-human, and the agonizing guilt he had felt the first weeks after the holocaust had almost eaten him alive. That was, until he forgot about it briefly, turning his attention to his surroundings in the area near San Francisco where the last of the living Vulcans had taken refuge for some months, and had come face to face with Sarek.

To see his father alive and healthy – as healthy as a Vulcan suffering from a severed bond could be – had been another shock for Spock. He hadn't been near Vulcan when his father had died in his time-line. Jean-Luc Picard, captain of another Enterprise, had brought him the sad message of Sarek's passing. Picard had even risked being taken captive by the Romulans to bring Spock the news, because the Vulcan had stayed on Romulus when his father had died. Spock had mourned his father, even though he had had his differences with him. Meeting him now again had further torn open old wounds.

Sarek was no one to be fooled easily and within seconds he had realized that the other older Vulcan was his own son. Maybe Spock's presence had given his father the strength to carry on – the human part of him hoped it was. Even though Amanda had not been a telepath, her bond with her husband had been strong, and Sarek suffered immensely from the sudden loss. Helping Spock might have been the reason the ambassador had been able to overcome the continuing aftermath from the shock.

Many days later, Spock had helped direct where to search for a new planet, one that could offer their drastically reduced race shelter, and what was needed to build a new colony. And Sarek had suggested that Spock should take the lead on the project. At first the former Starfleet officer and ambassador had refused, but Sarek could be very convincing when he had set his mind to something. Contacting one of the few surviving Elders – T'Pau – had sealed the deal.

The old matriarch had looked at Spock for several seconds before the truth hit her with a force that almost sent her reeling. She all but ordered a mind-meld and learned of everything. In her own way she gave him absolution, almost soothing his inner torment by telling him gently that everything that happened wasn't his fault – that there had been nothing he could have done. Afterwards she agreed that Spock would be the best candidate to master the giant challenge that lay ahead for them all. His double-sided heritage was an advantage now, because he saw solutions and ways to find answers pure Vulcans could not because their strict logic hindered them.

His pseudonym was that of a son of faraway relatives which all had been killed in the catastrophe. So the old Spock became Selek, High Minister of New Vulcan – of which T'Pau and Sarek were also responsible. His enhanced knowledge would and had helped to build the colony in a surprisingly short time, and he founded the Confederation of Surak made up all Vulcan colonies and the new homeworld. The half-Vulcan who faced rejection and even mockery when he was still nothing more than a mere boy was now one of the mightiest men within the Federation – something he never wanted to be.

"Life goes sometimes weird ways," Jim Kirk had said several days after he'd got back the Enterprise after V'Ger, and never before had Spock agreed more with him than the day the surviving members of the High Council and the Elders chose him as the new High Minister.

This all had given him a soft aura of peace, yet his soul would never be free of the turmoil and horror he'd faced as he was forced to watch his homeworld torn into pieces. Even over the long distance to Delta Vega he'd thought he heard the death-screams of the other Vulcans; their katras reaching out for help and comfort in the second of death. He had experienced something likewise during the first five-year-mission of the Enterprise as the Intrepid – a Starfleet cruiser manned by Vulcans – had been destroyed. But this time the mental cries had been a thousand times stronger; bringing him almost to his knees. And he still dreamed of it.

All this was contributed to the aging Vulcan's insomnia. Sometimes even meditations didn't help –as it had in the last days. Something held him on the tip of his toes. That someone wanted to contact him in the middle of the night was only another piece of the puzzle that lay in front of him.

As the screen came to life, he looked at the aesthetically pleasing, even beautiful face of T'Nay, a young Vulcan female from one of the outer colonies. She had also mourned losses within her own family, yet her bonding-partner and her children were still alive and lived now on New Vulcan – a blessing for the threatened race.

"High Minister Selek, I apologize for disturbing you so late, but we were hailed by the USS Enterprise requesting an immediate and direct transmission to you. Captain Kirk would like to speak with you, code Priority One." Usually not even a senior staff officer would have dared disturb the High Minister at this time of night, but the Federation was at war. And after all, Kirk's role in the mess with Nero and the fact that his actions had saved the Vulcan survivors warranted him some advantages. Most Vulcans knew his name and who he was – the savior of their race's remains – and therefore Jim had several privileges within New Vulcan's new High Council that Federation diplomats and politicians could only dream of.

Spock lifted an ice-grey brow. If Jim – this time-line's Jim – tried to reach him with such urgency something had to be truly out of order. Spock had promised himself that he wouldn't interfere with his younger self and the other officers on the Enterprise. He wished for them to find their own way, and he made certain that they knew that he stood by this decision. Yet he could not and never would deny Jim support if he really needed it. He may be an altered younger version of his T'hy'la, yet the comfortable fondness still remained and had bloomed anew after he'd met his lost soul-brother again.

"Please put him through," he answered, feeling his heartbeat quickening and anticipation running through his whole being – illogical but undeniable.

A moment later the picture on the screen changed and he looked directly at the Terran. The eye color was still wrong, but it was the same face he was so familiar with, only younger. And something else, something new that Spock realized instantly: Jim looked tired, worn down but nonetheless alert. He was pale and almost thin and his gaze held a desperate determination Spock knew all too well.

Maybe this was another reason for Spock's inability to find rest and sleep within the last few days. Maybe he had felt that something was wrong with Jim – which would mean that despite the twist in the time-line, there was still a bond between himself and the young captain. The link between them had always been strong after it had been forged. It even had reached his mind during his last test of the Kolinahr, and called him back to the Enterprise when the ship was the Federation's last hope to stop the strange cloud that had destroyed so many planets and vessels on its way to Earth. The entity that was later known as V'Ger. So this same link still existed here. Maybe he wasn't that alone in this time as he'd thought to be.

"Hello, my old friend," he said softly, and a gentle wave of joy he would have denied to feel decades ago breathed over him, as he watched those youthful, well-known features relaxing with relief.

"Hello, Spock."

ST***ST

As soon as Uhura called him into briefing room 2 and told him that she had a weak but functional connection with the Interstellar Communication Center on New Vulcan, Kirk strode to the door. Calling "Behave while I'm away, guys!" over his shoulder he left the conference room, and heard something that sounded very much like "Yes, Mom," from McCoy. Rolling his eyes, Jim almost ran to briefing room 3, where he had to wait for more than two minutes until the screen finally came to life. His heart missed a beat as he looked at the Vulcan who appeared.

His hair and eye-brows were ice-grey and white, numerous deep wrinkles were etched into his face, yet Jim would have recognized these features and those warm brown eyes anywhere. Like always during the few times he had been in contact with the older self of his first officer and friend, Jim felt a wave of protectiveness and fondness, coupled with wonder and joy. The mind meld hadn't been that pleasurable – to be honest, it had shaken him deeply – yet during the mental connection he had felt so much warmth, and even love, that out of nowhere he trusted the old Spock within seconds and without any hesitation.

This hadn't changed, and as he heard the Vulcan's familiar voice, rough from age, he couldn't help but smile.

"Hello, Spock." Kirk returned the gentle greeting and took a moment to let his gaze roam over the other man's form. He saw the dark, casual tunic and remembered what Uhura had told him about the time in New Shi'Kahr. "I'm sorry to disturb you at night," he said a little bit sheepishly.

"There is no need to apologize, Jim. As far as I understand your reason to hail me is urgent."

Kirk nodded. "Yeah, it is." He gulped. Now that he had the old Spock – Prime Spock, as he called him in secret – on the line, he didn't know how to begin. "Well, I… Uh… I need your help."

The typical gesture in which the Vulcan cocked his head took away a part of Jim's uncertainness. "If it is within my power to help you, I will of course give you my support, Jim. Never doubt this." The voice held even more warmth, and Kirk moistened his lips.

"You see…it's not really me who needs help but…a friend and his family." He felt his mouth going dry; the speech he had prepared somehow lost in the suddenly almost-black hole where his mind used to be. "Spock… The other Spock, told me of his brief contact with you last year during the crisis with Section 31 and Khan." He rubbed his neck. "Well, I'm calling you because of Khan."

He saw the weathered face become more firm. "Jim," the old Vulcan answered softly. "As I told you and my younger counterpart, I will never reveal anything of the future to give you a chance to have your own one."

"Yet you gave Spock advice regarding Khan," Kirk pointed out and was baffled to hear the older vision of his friend sigh; the sound utterly human.

"You were in danger and…I do have some vulnerabilities. You are one of them," Spock confessed and Jim felt heat rising to his cheeks.

"Uh… thank you, I think."

"Are you in danger now, Jim? And if so, what has Khan to do with it? As far as I know he is in cryosleep and…"

"How do you know that?" The young captain looked at him with large eyes. "Even most Council members don't know about his existence." He caught a short curling of Spock's lips and rolled his eyes again. "Yeah, I know, you've got your sources and can certainly hack into every computer system we use at the moment, after all you're familiar with the systems decades to come. Our computers must be like a trip to a museum for you."

The edges of the Vulcan's eyes crinkled ever so slightly. "During my voyages with 'my' Jim I saw a computer that really would belong in a museum today – large enough to take up and entire wall, with magnetic tapes and sounds you would not believe. These systems today are…nostalgic, that is all."

Jim chuckled. "I bet they are." He pushed back the lock of hair that had begun to grow and often fell over his forehead now. "Well, regarding my call… This is about Khan, yes, but…certainly in a complete different way than you can imagine."

Spock allowed himself a little frown. "What do you mean, Jim? Did he escape?"

Kirk took a deep breath. "Yes, but not from cryosleep as you think. He escaped from a secret lab where he was kept and abused."

That took Spock by surprise. "I do not understand," he said, as astonished as a Vulcan could be.

Jim nodded slowly. "I'm certain that's confusing to you. I was bowled over when I learned the truth. They put Khan back into cryosleep, yes, but then smuggled him to a secret lab in Nevada, held him in stasis most of the time and… They used him for experiments and tests, Spock. A few times he was even awake enough to know what was happening to him and to feel… how his body tried to adjust to the maladies they injected him with to regain antidotes, not caring for the agony he had to put up with during these tests."

Disbelief and something close to loath shimmered in Spock's eyes. "That is…illegal and utterly inhuman," he said slowly. "No one, not even Khan, deserves that. Who were 'they' – and how did you gain this knowledge?"

Jim bent forwards. "Spock, is your terminal secure?"

The Vulcan High Minister watched him warily, already assuming that his old friend had stumbled once again into one of those dreadful adventures which would accompany him his entire life. "Yes it is. I programmed it myself."

Kirk was relieved to hear that he could speak freely with Spock. "Riiight. 'They' are Section 31 which still exists – hidden and only regrouping now. I learned from everything from Nien himself and got proof later from some of the admirals and scientists who'd thought it to be a good idea to use Nien's enhanced biology for their own purposes."

"'Nien'?" Spock echoed in alarm, almost knowing to whom Jim was referring.

"Nien – as in Noonien, a shortened vision," the young captain explained carefully, eyeing the older self of his friend, whose eyes widened. "It is what I call him. Now, at least."

Then one brow lifted. "Do I understand you correctly? You and Khan…have reached a sort of consensus?"

"Yes," Jim confirmed. "I know it sounds crazy – insane even, but after you know about everything that's happened, you certainly will understand." He smiled ruefully. "But I've got to warn you: this'll take a little while."

Spock leant back in his chair, his stiff frame betraying his inner alertness. "I have time, old friend," was all he said, and then he began to listen – and even if he had thought that was nothing that could shock him anymore, he had been wrong…

ST***ST***ST

Caviw listened to the strong, hard and very clear-sounding language that came from the speakers. She did know several languages, but Romulan wasn't one of them.

Ritek, who sat at the comm station, balled his fists and shook his head after the discussion they had intercepted came to an end. Switching off the frequency they'd been able to establish, he took a deep breath before turning around and glancing up at the Caitian. "There is no doubt," he said slowly. "Orion slave traders have offered four Starfleet staff officers to the Romulans." Caviw gasped, while he continued. "The offer was made two days ago and this was confirmation that the Romulans will send two of their own officers as well as some guys from their secret service to 'test the goods', as they put it." He pressed his lips together into a thin line, before he added, "There was also talk about some more 'interesting' slaves, among them two Vulcans, and it seems the Romulans are ready to buy them too."

"There is talk of the Romulans experimenting with Vulcans because of their stronger telepathic abilities, but that's just rumor, nothing more," one of the bridge crew murmured. "Maybe it's true."

"Two Vulcans…" Caviw placed her fists against slender hips and cocked her head. "Didn't Jim tell us that the father of his first officer had been among the diplomats who'd been killed?"

"Ambassador Sarek, yes," Ritek nodded. "One of the most important and finest diplomats the Federation has. I saw a report about him last year. His successes are countless. If he is one of those two Vulcans caught by the Orions, then the Romulans would get their hands on a very important man indeed."

"They won't!" the Caitian growled. "We shall prevent it!" She bent over Ritek and opened another frequency. "Santo Domingo to landing party. Galven?"

"Galven here," came the reply several moments later; the Tellarit was slightly out of breath. Caviw looked at the screen, where the surface of Yaska shimmered where they had landed half an hour ago. Galven, Jeff, and four other members of The Shadow had been out there since then, examining the shuttle debris the Santo Domingo's sensors had found when they reached the moon. The destroyed vessel could be seen at the right edge of the screen, illuminated by Yaraka's sun that hung like a large disk at the dark sky.

"Ritek intercepted a transmission between Orion traders and the Romulans. Guess what they offered the pointy ears?" She didn't wait for Galven to answer this and continued, "Four Starfleet staff officers and two Vulcans. Does that ring a bell?"

A tirade of snorting and squeaking noises came over the speaker, followed by words in Standard. "That fits with what we found here. The shuttle is a mess, and missing its roof. We found four bodies, but nothing more. Jeff found copper-based blood – Vulcan – and human blood, yet there is no trace of any passengers who'd have it in their veins. And we found something more: footprints in the dust and sand around the shuttle, and the traces of another vessel that must have landed nearby and launched again. I'd bet my last shirt that those Orions took the survivors and are now trying to sell them."

"So, there are indeed survivors, exactly as Khan and Jim assumed," Ritek murmured, sighing. "I think it's about time to contact the Enterprise."

"Do it," Galven ordered. "We're on our way back to you – and then we should leave this icy place as soon as possible. I really don't want to get caught by the green-skins as well!"

ST***ST***ST

It was silent in briefing room 3. Jim had ended his tale, leaving out only a few delicate details, such as Khan and he being bond-mates now, let alone "a couple" – or the fact that Nien had visited him in his San Francisco apartment. Jim also skipped telling the old Vulcan that Khan had not only been abused as a lab rat, but had also been violated in the most intimate way. But everything else concerning the Augment and Section 31 he'd laid open. If Kirk wanted Spock's support in this whole matter, he had to reveal everything.

The wrinkled face of the High Minister was now paler than usual; his gaze was lost somewhere between the desktop and the screen and a frown was edged into his mouth and forehead. For more than a minute the old Vulcan didn't say anything, yet Jim could see the turmoil deep in those familiar dark eyes. Even though Kirk didn't know how the encounter with Khan had ended in the other reality, he felt it must have been bad – or at least worse than in this reality. Which was saying a lot, considering how things had played out here. His Spock had told him that his older self had mentioned something about how that to gain victory over Khan, the highest price had been paid, and Jim could only assume what this price had been. Yet, although that had come to pass in this time line, too, everything was different – and the nature of his relationship with Nien during all the recent events had changed to the opposite of enmity.

Finally, after a small eternity, Spock took a very deep breath and looked up; their eyes met over the distance of many parsecs. "I had not known what happened to Khan in this universe," he said quietly. "I only learned that he had been woken by the head of Starfleet, Admiral Marcus, who founded a secret department and that its purpose had backfired. I believed Khan to be a part of it – the actions of Section 31 displayed spoke of his influence. As it seems, I was misinformed."

"As we all were," Jim nodded. "Yes, Khan went too far – he snapped under the pressure – but that wasn't his fault. Not really. Watching four of his crew being killed almost broke him, then the torture, and then finally witnessing Marcus ordering the Augments killed. Nien had no reason to doubt that his family was dead, murdered in their sleep. Or worse. It was too much for him." He lowered his head. "I can understand him. If someone killed you… I mean both of you, or Bones, or Scotty – Uhura, Pavel, Hikaru…" He shuddered. "I would lose it, too."

The High Minister sighed again. "You and Khan are very similar, yet where you are the light, he is the darkness – at least in my timeline. In yours, you have managed to win him over, and to gain a very strong, brilliant, and fiercely loyal ally as it seems." He glanced away. "In my universe he was all of those, too, but he was never your ally, and finally your mortal enemy. He…lost his mind in seeking revenge against you. He even…sacrificed his crew in attempting to kill you."

Jim's eyes widened. "He sacrificed…" He shook his head. "Nien would never willingly sacrifice one of his family to fulfill his own wishes."

"And yet he was ready to die along with you, leaving his 'family', as you call them, to their fate," Spock pointed out.

"That's… is different," the young captain murmured. "I'm family to him too."

The Vulcan cocked his head again. "Because Dr. McCoy used some of Khan's blood to revive you – to bring you back from the dead?"

"That… In the beginning, yes," Jim admitted. "And then…we grew closer."

"'Closer'?" Confusion began to shimmer in Spock's eyes again. "Please explain."

Kirk needed all his self-control to prevent himself from blushing. "As you already assumed at the start of our talk, we're friends now. He's saved my life several times, he's protected my ship and my crew when he shared the SDD, and he saved us all only two days ago during the battle. He trusts me with his own life, with the lives of his family, and he sought out comfort from me after I learned more about his past – his whole past. He's becoming adjusted to my crew, and he and Scotty already make bets on things, and he and Bones are trying to out-best each other to mother-hen me. Not unlike your younger self does," he added with a teasing tone to his voice before becoming serious again. "And he is ready to face a real court, a real Federation trial, yet all he wants is his crew to be safe. That Luengo ordered their death is…"

"Barbaric. It would be genocide, as you have already correctly noted," the High Minister nodded, then took another deep breath. "Jim," began quietly. "I do understand that you want to help the Augments. In this timeline they have done nothing to deserve being held captive in cryosleep or even to be sentenced to death. I also can respect that you supported Khan and shielded him, yet I have to warn you. Khan is still Khan – a former king of a large area of Earth. He is someone who was created to be superior and to win, no matter the cost. As long as he gets what he wants he might cooperate, but if not, then he will use other methods – and would not hesitate to walk over any number of dead bodies to achieve his goals."

Jim shook his head. "No, Spock, he wouldn't, not anymore. He's changed – a lot. Even Spock – the other Spock – admitted this. And believe me, the two of them had a very rough start, yet they have managed to come to terms with one another. Nien knows that Spock, Bones, and the others in my crew are my family, and that was and still is reason enough for him to support them, because for him is nothing more important than family." He rubbed his neck. "All he wants is for his own to live somewhere in peace – to know that they're safe and sheltered. He loves them dearly, and after that order came… Spock, he is desperate. Desperate enough to forget his sometimes-silly pride and to ask for asylum – to beg anybody ready to listen to give his people a chance. They are people, Spock. Although designed, they are still human – with feelings, longings, loves, and dreams. They have souls which suffer or soar. I see it every time Nien laughs, listens, talks, or fights. There is so much depth in his heart, I really can't understand how others can't realize it. For Luengo, Norton, and Section 31 – especially for those scientists – he's nothing more than a piece of flesh they can use for experiments. For them he isn't even a person but a creature, a prisoner with a number, yet he is more human than many others I know. And his people are no different.

"He told me about them, of the newly married couple, Katie and Otto, of his little brother Joaquin – he's only 20, for god's sake – of Rodriguez, Pablo, Chang and all the others. He told me of his best friend Kabir who'd sacrificed himself to give Nien and the others a chance to escape from New Delhi. He told me of a maid he tried to save together with other servants, but had to watch how she was killed and literary butchered by his enemies because she dared to be loyal to him. He told me of the days in the labs when he was a child, of the freedom he experienced after he and the others had fled… There is so much to him, I don't know where to start and where to end. It is utterly wrong to deny him and his people the simplest basic needs like a place to live – to live at all!

"And there's more. Today Section 31 fears the Augments, tomorrow it could be the Vulcans, or the Rigelians because they are telepaths – or other races who are stronger at some things we Terrans aren't. The Federation was founded as a harbor for a peaceful co-existence of different races despite their appearances, their special abilities, and their strengths and weaknesses. What Section 31 began now will lead to the destruction of the Federation. You fear someone, strip him of any basic rights and lock him away – maybe he can serve as a blood donor or something. We want to show strength? Just let us start a war. We are explorers? Just let us build a fleet of war ships in secret and change the explorers into soldiers. This all had begun under Marcus. And Luengo is trying to carry it on, walking indeed over dead bodies. Literary. I've got every reason to believe that the Excalibur wasn't attacked from average Klingons but that this whole thing was a farce to get rid of those admirals who would never allow the return of Section 31. The death of the diplomats was a sacrifice they simply couldn't prevent, that's all."

Spock had listened to the passionate and almost imploring speech Jim had given – revealing more between the lines than he had thought. The way the young Terran spoke about the man who had been his deadliest enemy in another timeline indicated to Spock that Jim Kirk and Khan Noonien Singh had grown indeed into close friends. The fury as Kirk told him of the violence Khan had endured, the compassion as he spoke of the Augments Marcus killed, the warmth as Jim mentioned the way Khan had saved and protected him… The Vulcan sensed that there was more than the words spoken, yet he wasn't ready to assume more in this relationship. A relationship that brought Jim Kirk to him, Spock, as a spokesman, and even a representative. Jim had effectively begged him to take action – to offer the Augments shelter and to grant them asylum – something High Minister Selek would have to discuss first with the Vulcan High Council before he could say 'yes' or 'no'. But given his position and influence, the council members would decide as he indicated.

But before he could relate this to Jim, Kirk spoke of an assumption that was more than daring. Section 31 could have had a hand in the incident in Borderland? Of course Spock knew of the attack and the resulting deaths of the whole delegation, including the admirals and further officers from the Excalibur. This bad news had been delivered to the three Vulcan members of the Federation council within an hour after President Robertson had received it.

Spock had needed a moment to stomach this information, because he was very aware of the fact that Sarek belonged to that delegation! And if the delegation had been killed, then so had his father…

A sharp stab of pain had gone through his whole being. He had mourned the loss of his father only several years ago, and he had tried to become less attached to Sarek in this time-line, knowing it would be wrong to pursue a relationship. Yet he could not deny that his human side had been glad to have a second chance to be and to work with Sarek, even if their relationship was odd; after all, he was older than his father. Nonetheless, he had hoped to have some years to enjoy his father's company whenever Sarek stayed on New Vulcan. To learn that not only his mother, but his father now had found death long before their time should have come, pained him.

"I know of the demise of the admirals and the diplomats, Jim. After all I am personally effected because of Sarek's death." He cocked his head. "And you have proof that Section 31 is responsible for them perishing?" he asked quietly, and watched those blue eyes widening.

Jim realized that not only his Spock, but also the old Vulcan had lost his father. Officially. In secret Kirk hadn't give up faith that there were some survivors and that Sarek was perhaps among them. But this didn't change the fact that just now Sarek of Vulcan had been declared dead, and as he saw a flicker of pain in those dark eyes on the screen, he felt bad all over again. To see his own Spock mourning had been heart-wrenching, to watch the old Vulcan now suffering too made Jim cringe. And he felt like an asshole for having not shown more tact as he mentioned the Excalibur.

"Shit – that came out the wrong way," Kirk murmured. "I'm… I'm sorry, Spock. I should have referred to this topic more sensitively, seeing as Sarek was part of the delegation." He gulped. "I'm sorry, my friend," he repeated; compassion and own sorrow was plainly written on his face. "I mourn with you – yet I hope that there maybe are some survivors. As I tried to explain, I've every reason to believe that Styles – the captain of the Excalibur – played a dirty game. There are discrepancies in his report, and in the audio records from the Excalibur's bridge, which also hint that maybe the second of the two shuttles wasn't destroyed."

A slow frown appeared on the wrinkled forehead of the old Vulcan. "You are saying that there is still the possibility that some members of the delegation survived – and Starfleet has done nothing to recover them?"

"Starfleet is now in the hands of Luengo – the man I assume to be the new head of Section 31. The death of the admirals paved the way for him to become the Chief in Command. At the moment he's only the acting head, yet when he succeeds in winning this war – and he will ensure that that happens no matter what the cost – the Council will certainly promote him permanently to the position. Therefore, he really can't have even one of the survivors found."

"Why do you believe that Luengo is the new head of Section 31?" Spock asked. "If this organization really still exists, then –"

"There are so many reasons I barely know where to start." Jim took a deep breath, before he revealed the next part of what he was convinced of being the deed of Section 31. Spock listened very closely, interrupted here and there to obtain more details and also filed all the information as the young captain explained his own assumptions, as well as those of the other Spock, Khan, Dr. McCoy, and Mr. Scott.

As Kirk came to the end, the High Minister nodded slowly. "These are very serious charges, Jim. Without proof you will be fighting a battle you can't win."

"Yeah, I know – yet I don't believe in no-win-scenarios. Everything depends on the chance that some of the delegation survived…"

Jim felt his Spock's presence just a second before his friend's deep voice said from behind, "There are survivors."

Kirk turned around. The door closed behind the first officer, who quickly closed the distance to the conference table. Looking at his older counterpart, the younger one bowed his head politely. "Mr. Spock," he greeted.

"Mr. Spock," the other Vulcan replied and Jim groaned,

"Jesus, you do know how creepy this is?" Two identical lifted brows and the same confused look were directed at him and he sighed, before he simply chuckled and shook his head. "That's crazy," he whispered, and both Vulcans thought it better to skip an answer. Then Kirk became serious again. "So, what's up, Spock? You said there were survivors? Has Galven…"

"Mr. Ritek contacted us several minutes ago and as you were occupied with another transmission, I answered The Shadow's hail. They found the second shuttle that crashed on Yaska, just as you anticipated. Mr. Galven also found four dead bodies, no more, but also blood traces, among them Vulcan and Terran."

"Were they taken captive?" 'Selek' concluded and his younger self nodded.

"Obviously. There were not only traces of another spacecraft nearby and footprints leading to the destroyed shuttle and back again. Mr. Ritek also intercepted a transmission between an Orion slave trader and the Romulans."

"The Romulans?" Jim's voice was pitched as high as a dog whistle, while his eyes widened. "Let me guess, the Orions offered them our Federation citizens."

"Your assumption is correct, Captain," his first officer affirmed. "They spoke of four staff officers and two Vulcans, in which the Romulans also have an interest."

"The telepathy tests," the older Spock murmured. "But those took place approximately twelve years later."

"So the Romulans experimented with Vulcans in your timeline, too?" Jim asked, and as 'Selek' nodded, he groaned again. "Great! Not only they will get their hands on four of our admirals, but also one of our most important diplomats who just happens to be your father!" He rubbed his face. "God dammit, we've to stop this insanity – now!"

"If circumstances were different I would suggest that you contact Command and update them on the survivors, but given the possibility that the interim Chief in Command himself instigated the current situation, it seems to be up to us to 'deal with this', as you would say," the younger Spock addressed his captain.

"And I can't act on it, because I've got this damned order concerning Gamma 12. I wouldn't give a shit about this order if Nien's people weren't depending on me. If I don't destroy Gamma 12, another captain will and he wouldn't beam them out first, but would kill them. No doubt about it." Jim's hands balled into fists. "This is so fucked up!"

The younger Spock looked at the older Spock. "Has Jim already asked for your support concerning the Augments?"

"Yes, he has, even if he had not become as…explicit until now." 'Selek' glanced at Kirk. "You want to pave the way for Khan to find a home for his people here on New Vulcan and for this you need my support."

Jim smiled sheepishly. "Yeah," he confirmed. "As soon as I have the other Augments on board and Luengo learns that I…took his order to evacuate the facility too seriously, he'll try to hunt us down. There is no doubt about it. Marcus had been ready to sacrifice the Enterprise for his plans, his assumed successor has certainly even fewer scruples if he really is the one responsible for the Excalibur's assault. We need to get Nien and his family to a planet that grants them asylum as quickly as possible. We have a few days at best for that, and New Vulcan is four and half days away from Gamma 12. With the SDD activated, Starfleet will not be able to locate us, but Luengo is clever. He'll assume that I'll race to New Vulcan because he knows your true identity and that I will certainly turn to you for help. We have to be very, very quick – and at the same time, we have to recover the survivors of the delegation. I can be counted on to achieve a lot, but to be in two places at the same time is something even I can't manage." He shook his head.

"You told me about this civilian crew who aided first Khan and now you as well," 'Selek' mused. "And they are already in Borderland. Maybe they can be of further help."

"The Orion pirates know of them. They know that a Tellarit, a Caitian, a Rigelian, and several humans belong to the little militia. But Galven and the others would put themselves at enormous risk if they try to recover the survivors."

"And, additionally Mr. Ritek informed me that they are not aware of the location of this slave 'market'."

"Market?" Jim echoed and the Vulcan at his side nodded.

"There will be an auction. Apparently there are other survivors which are to be sold into slavery."

Kirk closed his eyes. "Dammit to hell!" he whispered, then he took a deep breath. "We have to act! Maybe Bob carry off this rescue, while we continue to obey the orders we were given."

Jim had already told 'Selek' that Bob Wesley knew of Khan's presence aboard, and that the commodore even supported the Augment by making arrangements for a patent of the new device, while simultaneously ensuring that Command learned of this new technology and bought it. That Bob Wesley had decided to help Khan was not unimportant to the High Minister. He knew the commodore from his own timeline and had always held a high regard for him. If Wesley was ready to protect Khan then – indeed – several fundamental things had changed.

Therefore the old Vulcan nodded slowly. "If someone is able to recover the survivors besides yourself, it could be Bob Wesley. You will have to involve him in this particular matter too, Jim."

Kirk sighed. "I know. And I also have to trust him with my plan to rescue Nien's people and take them to safety." He looked the older Spock in the eye. "Please, don't deny them a chance to live," he said softly. "You are the only one I can think of to turn to. Life is sacred to Vulcans – the life of every life form, genetically altered or not. Your people and the Augments share an almost similar fate. You and they have much in common, and not only the demise of the most of your peoples. The Augments are highly intelligent, logical, controlled and utterly loyal to their family members and their friends – and to those who help them.

"Nien told me that there are two architects among his people, and nine engineers, including himself. There are also three doctors. I'm certain that they will repay your hospitality by helping you to extend New Shi'Kahr – by supporting your colony. But this is not the only reason why I think New Vulcan would be the perfect place for them to settle. They are utterly new to this century. They will certainly be confused at first and the calm demeanor of the Vulcans could help them to come to terms with everything. Augments are proud, yes, but they respect equal intelligence, and even enjoy it. Nien does and some of his stories tell me that his is a typical attribute of his people – to learn and to grow. Both sides could benefit with such an arrangement."

'Selek' lifted again one brow; something close to amusement sparkled in his eyes. "You thought this through thoroughly while discussing it with me," he stated, knowing Jim Kirk too well to even think that the young man had wasted a thought on his arguments before he hailed him.

"Yes," Jim nodded. He was aware that he couldn't fool Spock – either Spock, actually.

"What will become of you?" the High Minister asked. "Even if Commodore Wesley can recover the survivors of the delegation and you can prove Luengo's guilt, you still will face court for sheltering Khan and for insubordination."

"I know," the young captain sighed. "And I'll state for the record that my officers were only following my orders." He ignored that the younger Spock grew stiff at his side. "There is still General Order 26 that states that Starfleet personnel can't be held responsible for the actions of their superiors, and that they won't share any disciplinary measures because of it. Therefore…"

"You forgot the part in which said persons can be called responsible if they had an active part in such an infringement," his first officer interrupted him. "And in this endeavor, that is indeed the case." He lifted a hand as Kirk wanted to protest. "We are all in this too, Jim – Dr. McCoy, Mr. Scott and I. If you take the General Order literally, the whole bridge crew would face trial, not to mention those who identified Khan and did not alert Command."

Jim looked unhappily at him. "I really didn't want to get you all in trouble, Spock. I…"

"I know, Jim. It was our own choice to support you and your 'friendship' with Mr. Singh, particularly after learning of everything that happened to him, and how he saved you, repeatedly, under the most deadly circumstances. In my experience, most Starfleet members I have encountered have a strong sense of justice and this sense simply encouraged us to decide as we did. It is not your fault that we are at this point now." Spock's voice was gentle and reassuring – almost comforting. And 'Selek' smiled inwardly to himself as he realized how close his counterpart and young Jim Kirk had become. The universe tried to mend the rip of the timeline manipulation – at least in this matter.

"Thanks," Kirk murmured, grateful for the utter loyalty his T'hy'la displayed once again. Then his attention returned to the old Vulcan. For a long moment they only looked at one another – Jim pleadingly, 'Selek' thoughtfully. And like to many times before in another universe, Spock was not able to refuse his soul-brother anything – especially when the topic was so important to him. Sighing, he gave in.

"Very well, against my better judgment I will speak with the other members of the High Council," he said – and was rewarded with a wide, brilliant smile, full of relief and joy.

"Thank you, Spock," Jim said and all of his heart echoed in his voice. "Thank you so very, very much."

"I can't promise you anything, Jim, but I will try my best," 'Selek' tried to calm Kirk, but for naught. Jim beamed at him with such shining eyes that the old Vulcan couldn't find it in himself to douse this joy by stating facts such as the possibility that the Council wouldn't give its permission for the Augments to set a foot on New Vulcan.

"Be careful, old friend. If this order is indeed a trap for you – and all evidence points to this – then they'll be waiting for you at Gamma 12."

"Yes, I have to outsmart them – not an easy task but nothing I haven't done before with Marcus."

"And note how well that turned out," his Spock murmured, clasping his hands behind his back and looking very innocent. Kirk glared at him.

"Rrrright," Jim grumbled. "Leave it to you to remind me."

On the screen, 'Selek' was the living example of an amused Vulcan. Alas, how much this all reminded him of the thousands of times and more he and his Jim had teased each other.

The Enterprise's captain pouted for a second longer, then turned his attention back to the High Minister. "As I said, I'll take complete responsibility, maybe facing trial with Nien together. There is no way on Earth that they can make a case in separate courts because both our cases are completely tied together. I'll try to keep my friends and the rest of the crew out of the whole mess, but maybe they could stay on New Vulcan until any trial is finished. Starfleet has no authority on your planet, not even a star base. So no one could arrest them."

"Captain, do you really think Dr. McCoy, Mr. Scott, Nyota, nor I would hide on New Vulcan while you faced trial?" Spock sounded as baffled as a Vulcan could be.

"It would be the only logical thing to do," Jim answered, and saw irritation glittering in his friend's eyes.

"The logical thing for a coward to do," the first officer said with a low growl in his voice. "None of us is going to let you down."

"First you have to make it safely to New Vulcan and ensure that the survivors are recovered – the admirals could vouch for you, Jim. Above all, you must gain proof of Luengo's treason," 'Selek' interrupted the quarrel. "And if I understood you correctly, you have only four or five days to do so." He bent forwards again. "Maybe I can be of further help. Whatever Luengo intend concerning you, he needs active support, meaning he has to stay in contact with his fellow conspirators for his plan to work. I may have a way to 'overhear' some of these conversations. If I find anything important or damning, I will contact you."

"Spock!" Jim cried, mock-scandalized. "Are you about to spy on the Chief in Command?" He shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, and that from a former officer, ambassador, and now leader of a whole planet." His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth.

"You were the only one who could bring out the worst of me – and still can," 'Selek' almost sighed; the fondness in his tone took away the harshness of his words.

"I know what you mean," his younger counterpart deadpanned, keeping his face absolutely expressionless, yet Jim saw straight through him.

"I'll get you for this, Mister!" he threatened playfully, then turned serious again.

"You asked me to be careful," he addressed the old Vulcan. "But the same goes for you. If Luengo or one of his henchmen catches you spying on them, they'll find a way to eliminate the threat either politically, or literally. Please promise me you'll be careful. I'm very grateful for your help but I don't want to endanger you more than I already have when I asked for your support concerning Nien and his people."

The younger Spock shifted uncomfortably as he saw the open affection on his older counterpart's face at those words. "Do not worry, old friend. I did my share of spying during my active years in Starfleet and, as you have already pointed out, the computer security systems of this time are 'old hat' to me. As soon as I obtain some answers I will contact you." He lifted his right hand and his fingers parted in the Vulcan greeting. "Long life and peace, my friend."

Jim mirrored the gesture, less elegantly, but he managed. "The same for you, my friend. Take care of yourself."

Then the two Vulcans greeted each other in a similar way, before the transmission was ended. Jim took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes. "Another hurdle overcome," he murmured, "but I have this bad feeling that we will all be pushed to our limits before everything is over."

Spock didn't answer, not because of his 'gut-feeling' but because his logical mind told him the same.

A minute later they entered briefing room 2 where Khan, McCoy, and Scotty had been discussing the recovery of the delegation's survivors, when Spock had answered Ritek's hail. All three stopped as the commanding team stepped in, yet Jim only had eyes for the Augment who looked with a mixture of fear and hope at him.

"He supports us," Jim said, and watched how Khan closed his eyes for a moment. He not only saw, but also felt his mate's relief, and had to control himself not to go to him and to gather him in his arms.

McCoy shook his head and snorted. "Of course he does – after all it's you who asked for his help." His gaze wandered to Spock. "And our hobgoblin never ceases to hurl your ass out of the hot water you maneuver yourself into over and over again."

The first officer simply lifted a brow and gave the CMO one of those glares which were indignant but simultaneously expressionless.

"Who is 'he'?" Nien asked, looking up again and straight at Jim. "Neither Mr. Spock nor the others would give me an answer, but I think I should know who's going to help my family to safety."

Kirk nodded. "Of course you should know. 'He' is High Minister Selek. Besides the Elda T'Pau, the most important person on New Vulcan. I told him everything, and even though he's not exactly thrilled with my request, he promised his help. He'll speak with the members of the Vulcan High Council, and if they agree to harbor you and your people, you can apply for asylum. I think we can expect an answer within a day. Selek knows that we're running out of time, and he'll help facilitate a speedy decision." He sat down. "In the meantime, we need to work out details of this plan for saving Nien's people, to avoid the trap Command set up for us, and also have to find a way to prevent Sarek, another Vulcan, and four of our admirals to fall into Romulan hands. Not forgetting the other survivors who are about to be sold in the slavery market." He looked around while Spock took his seat beside him. "So, gentlemen, any suggestions?"

ST***ST

One strong index finger punched the button that closed the connection with enough violence to almost break it. A tirade of guttural words echoed through the room, before a chair was pushed back, a solid shape rose, and a fist landed on the desktop with enough force to make the terminal shake.

Kor, son of Rynar needed to remember every technique for self-control to force back his rage.

How dare they?!

How dare they accuse him of disobedience and dishonorable behavior – because that's what this was, an accusation! It was a demand for an exact report to the Klingon Council, and M'Rek wanted it in person immediately! He had kept the Empire's word concerning the ceasefire, and had been ready to kill the renegade commanders and their crews in defense of the Enterprise – Kirk's ship of all ships! He'd been itching to open the fire on the heavy cruiser himself, but never, under any circumstances, would he bring shame on his people by breaking a promise – a promise that had been made between the two highest men of the Empire and the Federation!

Just think! Asking him if he really had attacked the Excalibur – a vessel that traveled under a white flag, as the Earther's saying went – had been like a slap in the face. As if he would launch an assault on a diplomatic spacecraft and destroy evacuation shuttles with the whole delegation aboard! Whoever had done this wasn't even worth dying in battle and gaining a place among the Black Fleet. Whoever this traitor was, who even dared to use his name to commit this shameful crime, would die painfully and without honor. He was going to take care of that, personally.

The transmission from K'Thar, one of the ministers, had caught Kor by surprise and had awoken his upmost fury. For several moments he even thought the Federation might have come up with this nonsense in order to cancel the conference in a very cowardly way. Or maybe it was some of the generals who weren't content with the agreed ceasefire and tried to lure him into a trap. But after K'Thar, who had been a friend of Kor's father, had shown him Robertson's message, there was no doubt that this wasn't all a very bad joke. Someone had killed the Federation's delegation – someone who'd pretended to be him.

It was really an odd twist of fate that he – Kor – had been away from Borderland to support another Starfleet vessel when the attack against the Excalibur occurred. Otherwise they'd be back at war already. Not that he would mind. He was a warrior, and if there was a war to win, he would battle to the bitter end. But to be back in combat just because the opponent had been led to believe the Klingon Empire had broken a ceasefire was something Kor would loathe. The thought made him tremble with wrath.

He bent forwards and contacted the officer of duty on the bridge. "Klasz!" he barked, and his hail was immediately answered.

"Yes, M'lord?"

"Set course to Yaska, moon of Yaraka, maximum speed! Calculate ETA!"

"Twelve hours and thirty two minutes, M'lord," came the information only seconds later.

"Right, maximum warp! Kor out!" He cut off the link and took a seat behind his desk again. He would have to make the report now and he would tell the Council exactly what he'd done within the last three days! And afterwards he would be on the hunt – on the hunt for this imposter who had attacked and insulted his honor!

TBC…

So, my dear readers, the way is settled for our friends – a way full of danger. And I can promise that there will be a lot of action and hurt until the big show-down comes to an end.

I really love to write 'Prime' Spock into this story; his experiences, his acceptance of his two sides and his affection for Jim that had grown during a whole life-time, will be of important matter soon. It also is fun to have the 'old' Spock back during writing. The Spock of the new time-line is different; more emotional if you could say this about a Vulcan, more twisted inwardly but also more open towards risks in personal ways. Right, he is younger than his counterpart during the first five-year-mission and he suffered great losses what changed him a lot, therefore I have two different characters I can 'play' with.

There are many authors who also chose 'Selek' for Spock's new identity in the new time-line; a pseudonym he also used in the old time-line as he met his younger self at Vulcan. It sounds logical that he uses this name again in a like-wise situation and I had this idea from the beginning, too, so please don't flame me.

In the next chapter Wesley will learn of everything and he has to act – acting in a way he never dreamed of (*snicker*). You also will meet Barnett and the others again, our boys have a cuddle-session and dear Wesley will face an old acquaintance again.

I hope you liked the new installment as well as the explanations around Prime Spock's new position and his talk with Jim and his younger self. As always I'm really curious what you think about it.

Until soon,

Love

Yours Starflight