DEGUELLO - Chapter 22
by Trish Bennett
When the Enterprise officers finally arrived at the Starbase courtroom, they found the atmosphere there resembled the dizzying commotion of an old-fashioned circus.
The gallery was already filled with people, many of whom McCoy recognized as members of the Enterprise crew. And as he and the other officers moved to line the front row, he had to admit that it was a striking display of moral support for the First Officer of the Enterprise.
As the trial officially began, a hush fell over the crowded courtroom. McCoy watched in nervous silence as the proceedings opened like a well-rehearsed, finely-tuned drama.
The court recorder entered first and moved to position himself rigidly beside the computer table.
Moments later, Spock entered the courtroom and proceeded directly to the table designated for the defense. His face was absolutely expressionless, and he stood at rigid attention beside the table, his hands locked firmly behind his back.
The entire gallery rose to their feet at the entrance of Admiral Fitzpatrick and the three officers who comprised the panel of jurists. McCoy found it interesting that Portmaster Stone, the base commander who had officiated at Kirk's court martial hearing, had relinquished the court to the Admiral and taken a subordinate position on the board.
Once they were all in their appointed seats, Fitzpatrick raised the brass mallet to strike an ancient naval ship's bell.
"The General Court of Starbase Eleven is now in session," he announced crisply. "The defendant will remain standing. All others, please be seated."
He paused briefly while the members of the gallery seated themselves, then looked squarely into the Vulcan's dispassionate face.
"Commander Spock," he said at last. "You are certainly aware of the severity of these proceedings. I must ask you again, before we begin, to reconsider your declination of defense counsel."
Spock remained as aloof as ever. "I do not require counsel, Admiral."
Fitzpatrick's eyes betrayed his disapproval, but he continued without hesitation.
"Very well. I have appointed as members of this court Portmaster Stone; Starfleet Command Representative Chandra; and Starfleet Captain Martinez. You have the right to ask for substitute officers if you feel that any of these named harbor prejudice to your case."
"I have no objections, Sir," Spock replied.
"Do you also consent to my service as Chief Judge?"
"Affirmative, Admiral."
Fitzpatrick squared his shoulders. "Commander Spock, you are charged with insubordination. Specifications: In that, on Stardate 5896.3, you did willfully disobey direct Starfleet order in an attempt to rescue Captain Kirk and members of his landing party from Klingon terrorists. You are also charged with a violation of interstellar law. Specifications: In that, on the same stardate, you did willfully order the Enterprise into an established Neutral Zone to carry out said rescue attempt. To these charges and specifications, how do you plead?"
"I plead guilty, Your Honor," Spock replied without hesitation.
Fitzpatrick gazed at him steadily a moment, then turned to the court recorder. "Please read Commander Spock's service file into the court records."
The young man quickly responded by sliding an identity disk into the recorder. A moment later, the room was filled with the sound of the computer's feminine monotone.
"Spock," it said. "Serial number S-179-276-SP. Service Rank: Commander. Position: First Officer, Science Officer. Current Assignment: U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701. Commendations: Vulcan Scientific Legion of Honor. Awards of Valor: Twice decorated by Starfleet Command."
Fitzpatrick looked back at the Vulcan. "Is there anything you wish to say in your own defense, Commander?"
"I offer no excuses, Admiral," Spock said. "I believe there can be no defense. I was aware of my actions when I took them. I was also aware of the consequences involved, and I am prepared to face those consequences."
This can't be it!, McCoy thought. Kirk had said that, without offering a defense, it would be a short trial. But the Doctor had no idea that a man's entire career could crumble at his feet after just a few brief words quoted from an official Starfleet manual.
McCoy jammed his elbow into the ribs of the Chief Engineer at his side. "Do something!" he whispered urgently.
It was clear that Scotty was just as puzzled and amazed as he was. After a moment, though, a look of determination crossed his face, and he rose somewhat awkwardly to his feet.
"Er..." Scott mumbled quickly. "Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick gazed at him over the high desk with mild curiosity. "Permission granted."
Scott moved past McCoy and through the thigh-high partition to stand just inside the court arena.
"If it would please the court," he began somewhat hesitantly, but as he spoke the words seemed to come much easier. "I feel that Commander Spock was faced with a very difficult choice. I don't know what I would have done had I been in his place. But he did what he thought was best for the Enterprise as well as for Captain Kirk. I hope that the court will take that into consideration when making their decision."
McCoy glanced quickly toward Spock at the defense table. His expression was absolutely unreadable, and he continued to gaze stolidly at the front of the judge's bench.
Fitzpatrick, however, studied the Scotsman closely, as if unsure what to make of the oration. "Thank you, Mr. Scott," he said finally. "You may be seated."
As the Engineer moved back to his seat, McCoy saw no other option. He followed Scotty's lead and rose quickly to his feet.
"Lieutenant Commander Leonard McCoy," he said crisply. "Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick's eyes narrowed slightly. "Granted," he said finally.
The Doctor moved quickly to assume Scott's previous position just inside the arena.
"Admiral," McCoy said, "I agree that Mr. Spock did what he thought was best, but I think you should know he did not reach that decision entirely on his own. We all played a part in persuading him to take the action that he did. And I think it is very unfair of the court to place the responsibility for that action entirely on one person."
The Admiral's steady gaze suddenly became very intimidating.
"Uh..." McCoy muttered uneasily. "That's all I...really had to say..."
Fitzpatrick looked into Spock's expressionless face before turning back to McCoy. "Your opinion is duly noted, Doctor," he said sternly. "Please be seated."
As McCoy returned to his seat in the gallery, he glanced quickly at Uhura and Chekov, attempting to urge them on.
The Captain had told them to stall the proceedings as long as possible. This could be their only remaining hope. If they could just get the other 428 members of the Enterprise crew to do the same thing, they might still have a fighting chance.
McCoy almost laughed at the absurdity of the notion, though there was nothing funny about it in the least.
Jim...where the hell are you?...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Organian's words struck Kirk like a blow. It has already begun. He searched the alien's face for the slightest hint of agreement.
"Ayelbourne, please..." he said. "You must help me. Three members of my crew gave their lives for this insanity. Please don't let Spock be added to that list."
Ayelbourne considered him thoughtfully. "You have deep feelings for Commander Spock."
Kirk nodded. "He is my friend."
"Yes. Be that as it may, you cannot allow yourself to dwell on his predicament."
Kirk gazed at his host with mounting alarm. "You're telling me I should just turn my back on him? Forget about him?"
"You must, Captain," the Organian replied. "It may be the only way to save him."
Kirk shook his head in frustration. "Ayelbourne, you're not making any sense..."
The Organian treated him to a look of absolute compassion. "I have witnessed the greatest virtues in the universe, Captain. I have also witnessed its greatest atrocities. But I cannot make the distinction for you. You must make that determination for yourselves."
Kirk closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, trying desperately to remain calm. "Ayelbourne," he said finally with rigid control. "I would love to debate universal truths with you any other time, but right now Spock's life is on the line.
Now will you help him, or won't you?"
"I have great faith that you, yourself, will find a way to help Commander Spock," he said, resting a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "After all, you are running out of time."
In that flash of an instant, Kirk found himself in the back of the courtroom at Federation Starbase Eleven with Sulu still positioned firmly beside him. The Organian, however, was nowhere to be found.
The bright white light that usually accompanied such an entrance was curiously absent from their transport. And with the drama that was unfolding at the front of the crowded courtroom, their sudden appearance went completely unnoticed.
Sulu started forward, but the Captain stopped him by laying a hand on his arm. The Organian had gotten them where they needed to be, but it was clear Spock's defense rested entirely in Kirk's hands. He had to get his bearings if he had any chance at all of helping his friend. And, for now at least, he thought it best to remain silent.
Kirk watched Doctor McCoy move back into the gallery from where he had been standing inside the arena. What the hell was he doing?
As soon as the Doctor had returned to his seat, Pavel Chekov rose rather unsteadily to his feet.
"Ensign Pavel Chekov," he said nervously. "Navigator, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick glanced quickly toward the other board members before turning back to the Ensign. He seemed almost amused.
"Granted."
Chekov moved quickly through the partition into the arena. "I would just like to say, Admiral, that Mr. Spock is a credit to the Enterprise. He is a perfectionist...and I think it makes us all work a little harder to live up to his expectations."
Fitzpatrick shook his head in amazement. "Very well," he said at last. "You may be seated, Ensign."
As Chekov moved back to his seat, Uhura rose from her chair without a moment's hesitation and moved to take his place inside the arena.
"Lieutenant Uhura," she said. "Chief Communications Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
The Admiral shook his head. A smile played on his lips as he turned to the court recorder.
"Let the record show that the entire crew of the Enterprise wishes to speak on behalf of Mr. Spock."
Kirk's eyes narrowed as he stared at the Admiral behind the high judicial bench. A distinguished officer's career, his very life, was on the line, and his fellow officers were rallying to his aid. What in that bleak situation could the Admiral find so amusing? Kirk found that he could no longer hold his tongue.
"You're hearing them, Admiral...but you're not listening to them."
Kirk moved slowly up the aisle as he spoke, trying to ignore the fact that his stride bordered on a haltering limp.
Fitzpatrick straightened his spine at the sound of Kirk's voice, and his eyes scanned the gallery until they fell upon the Captain. The Admiral's face clouded almost immediately, creating an expression that was unreadable.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," he said evenly, his tone matching his expression.
Although Kirk was aware of the stunned gazes of the court audience, his eyes never left the Admiral's face.
"James T. Kirk," he said finally. "Captain, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
The Admiral paused an unbearably long moment before he finally responded. "Granted."
Kirk finally passed through the partition to stand before the judge's bench in the center of the court arena. He gazed at his First Officer at the defense table for a long moment before turning back to face the Admiral.
Kirk had no idea where to begin. His conversation with the Organian had left him frustrated and bewildered. Though he now understood Ayelbourne's motivation for coming to their aid, his visit to Organia had not provided him with the clear-cut defense he had sought for his First Officer.
His only hope now was to talk it through, and to hope he could strike some chord with his fellow officers comprising the court martial board.
"With all due respect to the members of this court," he said, "I would like the record to show my formal protest of these proceedings."
"Captain," Fitzpatrick replied with a hint of disapproval. "The court is well aware of your feelings in this matter. However, your protest will be duly noted in the court records."
Kirk's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked into the Admiral's face. Fitzpatrick's demeanor was cool and stern, not at all what the Captain was accustomed to when dealing with the elder officer. Maybe it was the burden of the court martial, an uncomfortable situation to say the least. But no matter the reason, Kirk found the Admiral's manner extremely disquieting.
"How can you sit in judgement of this man when you don't even begin to understand his motivations?"
"We understand Commander Spock's motivations, Captain," Fitzpatrick said sternly, "and we can sympathize. But even the best intentions are no excuse for a blatant violation of established law."
"The law you're referring to was established by the people of Organia," Kirk countered. "If anyone should take offense at a violation of that law, shouldn't it be them?"
"You're grasping at straws now, Captain. Is there a point to this?"
Kirk wanted desperately to tell the Admiral everything. Spock's actions in the Neutral Zone were the primary reason for the Organian's assistance. His actions were quite probably the only reason that the Federation was not currently engaged in a bloody war with the Klingons. He wanted to disclaim the Organian Peace Treaty for what it was...a reprieve. But something Ayelbourne had said resounded clearly in his memory.
...such information could be dangerous in the wrong hands...
"The point, Admiral, is Commander Spock's career. This man has proven his loyalty to Starfleet time and time again. He has devoted his life to the Federation, and has been decorated for it on numerous occasions. Now that life is on the line...and for what? What exactly was his crime?"
"The charges and specifications have already been read into the court records," the Admiral replied coldly. "If you had been here, you would already know that."
Kirk had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Something was dreadfully wrong. Beligerence and hostility were two things he had never heard from John Fitzpatrick, and yet that was all Kirk was sensing now. What was going on?
And again, the Organian's words echoed in his memory. ...men sometimes have their own motivations, Captain. Motivations which, when acted upon, can affect us all...
"You knew of the Klingons' plan to test the Organian Peace Treaty," Kirk said. "Spock was not privy to that information. He was forced to act in accordance with his conscience, his duty and his oath to Starfleet, and I believe he did just that. How can he be punished for it now?"
"You're changing the subject, Captain," the Admiral interjected quickly. "I believe we were discussing your late arrival to the court. I know you haven't been aboard the Enterprise the past few days. I'd like to know where you've been, Captain. I think the court would find it very interesting."
Kirk realized that it was Fitzpatrick who was trying very hard to change the subject. It was as if he was trying to direct the court's attention away from...something else...
The Organian had told Kirk that he should forget about the plight of his First Officer. It may be the only way to save him. The meaning of those words were now uncomfortably clear. Mr. Spock was not the issue. This trial was a smoke-screen, a way to draw everyone's attention away from...
"It was you!"
Fitzpatrick continued to gaze at him steadily, but it was obvious from his expression that he was shaken by the Captain's accusation. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Kirk was breathing heavily now, and he gazed at the Admiral in mounting disgust. "You knew about the Klingon offensive. You even brought me here to offer me a choice of a counter-offensive. You had no authority to make that offer, did you, Admiral?"
"Tread lightly, Captain," Fitzpatrick warned, his voice firm but subdued. "You're on pretty shaky ground."
"I don't think so, Admiral."
"Neither do I," said Commodore Stone, rising from his seat on the board. He stared at the Admiral solemnly. "The court will hear this witness. Please continue, Captain."
Kirk tried to acknowledge the Commodore's request, but he found he could not look away from Fitzpatrick's face.
"You said the Klingons already had the Enterprise's mission docket. And Kor told me it was a simple matter to obtain it. I know Federation security procedures, Admiral...and to bypass them would be far from simple. You gave it to them, didn't you?"
Fitzpatrick looked as though he wanted to refute the Captain's statement, but he apparently couldn't bring himself to do it while looking Kirk directly in the eye.
"They would have gotten it anyway," he confessed softly. "I just made it a little easier for them."
Kirk was suddenly hit with a nauseating flood of memories...the pain, and the loss, and the grief...and it took a concerted effort to keep his legs steady beneath him. His crew had been to hell and back in the past few days, and one of their own had led them to it. He found he could only stare at the Admiral in utter repulsion.
"Why, John?"
"Because I had to know," he said, his voice somewhat stronger now. "The Federation had to know. And the Council is so blinded by politics and diplomacy that they refuse to face the facts."
"What are the facts, Admiral?" Kirk spat angrily.
"That the peace and stability of the Federation rests entirely in the edict of an alien race...an edict which, until now, had never been proven. But the validity of the treaty had to be verified...and the opportunity presented itself. I did what I had to do in the interest of Federation security."
"Tell that to the families of my dead crewmen," Kirk replied sullenly.
Fitzpatrick's eyes closed briefly, then finally opened to look back into the Captain's face.
"Jim, you have to believe I never intended any of this to turn out the way it did. I grieve for the loss of your landing party...and I am truly sorry for what you've been through. But please try to understand. We had to know."
There was an unbearably long silence in the courtroom before Commodore Stone finally found his voice. He was clearly shaken.
"Admiral Fitzpatrick," he said at last. "By the authority vested in me as a Starfleet Commodore, I hereby relieve you of your duties, and am placing you under arrest pending an official hearing into this matter. Security..."
A security team promptly appeared in front of the high judicial bench. Fitzpatrick offered no resistance. He rose from his chair with all the dignity he could muster and moved to join the security team on the floor of the court arena.
Fitzpatrick started toward the doors flanked by the guards, but suddenly hesitated, then turned back to face the Captain.
"I am sorry, Jim," he said.
Kirk found he could no longer look at Admiral Fitzpatrick. He looked away as the security team led the Admiral through the doors of the courtroom.
The Commodore waited until they were gone before he leaned in to consult briefly with his fellow board members. It took only a moment before he straightened and moved to assume the Admiral's former position behind the high bench.
"Will the defendant please rise?"
Spock rose to his feet, clasping his hands firmly behind his back as he faced the Commodore.
"Commander Spock...I am sure you are aware that Starfleet does not condone insubordination by its officers, nor do we condone your decision to disregard established law." He gazed solemnly into the Vulcan's face. "However...given the circumstances, it is clear to this court that you acted in the best interests of the Federation and the crew under your command...and we cannot condemn you for that. A formal reprimand will be placed in your service file, but the charges against you in this court are hereby dismissed. You are free to return to duty."
He moved to strike the naval bell once with the mallet, but it could barely be heard over the clamor of the gallery.
"This court stands adjourned."
Kirk realized only at that moment that Doctor McCoy had a firm grip on his arm, and that he had actually been relying on the Doctor's steadying force. He and McCoy breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief.
Kirk looked around him, searching for Spock in the swarm of people now surrounding them in the court arena. As his eyes scanned the crowd, he noticed a robed, bearded figure at the rear of the court who offered him a gentle smile and an elaborate flourish of his hands. Kirk returned the smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you", and Ayelbourne silently vanished from the court.
Glancing around, Kirk realized his entire senior staff were happily crowded around him. He looked up to find himself face to face with his First Officer.
"Request permission to return to duty, Captain," Spock said, as if nothing at all had happened.
Kirk stared at him, then broke into a weary but delighted chuckle. He offered Spock a warm handshake.
"Permission granted, Mr. Spock," he said happily. "Permission granted."
by Trish Bennett
When the Enterprise officers finally arrived at the Starbase courtroom, they found the atmosphere there resembled the dizzying commotion of an old-fashioned circus.
The gallery was already filled with people, many of whom McCoy recognized as members of the Enterprise crew. And as he and the other officers moved to line the front row, he had to admit that it was a striking display of moral support for the First Officer of the Enterprise.
As the trial officially began, a hush fell over the crowded courtroom. McCoy watched in nervous silence as the proceedings opened like a well-rehearsed, finely-tuned drama.
The court recorder entered first and moved to position himself rigidly beside the computer table.
Moments later, Spock entered the courtroom and proceeded directly to the table designated for the defense. His face was absolutely expressionless, and he stood at rigid attention beside the table, his hands locked firmly behind his back.
The entire gallery rose to their feet at the entrance of Admiral Fitzpatrick and the three officers who comprised the panel of jurists. McCoy found it interesting that Portmaster Stone, the base commander who had officiated at Kirk's court martial hearing, had relinquished the court to the Admiral and taken a subordinate position on the board.
Once they were all in their appointed seats, Fitzpatrick raised the brass mallet to strike an ancient naval ship's bell.
"The General Court of Starbase Eleven is now in session," he announced crisply. "The defendant will remain standing. All others, please be seated."
He paused briefly while the members of the gallery seated themselves, then looked squarely into the Vulcan's dispassionate face.
"Commander Spock," he said at last. "You are certainly aware of the severity of these proceedings. I must ask you again, before we begin, to reconsider your declination of defense counsel."
Spock remained as aloof as ever. "I do not require counsel, Admiral."
Fitzpatrick's eyes betrayed his disapproval, but he continued without hesitation.
"Very well. I have appointed as members of this court Portmaster Stone; Starfleet Command Representative Chandra; and Starfleet Captain Martinez. You have the right to ask for substitute officers if you feel that any of these named harbor prejudice to your case."
"I have no objections, Sir," Spock replied.
"Do you also consent to my service as Chief Judge?"
"Affirmative, Admiral."
Fitzpatrick squared his shoulders. "Commander Spock, you are charged with insubordination. Specifications: In that, on Stardate 5896.3, you did willfully disobey direct Starfleet order in an attempt to rescue Captain Kirk and members of his landing party from Klingon terrorists. You are also charged with a violation of interstellar law. Specifications: In that, on the same stardate, you did willfully order the Enterprise into an established Neutral Zone to carry out said rescue attempt. To these charges and specifications, how do you plead?"
"I plead guilty, Your Honor," Spock replied without hesitation.
Fitzpatrick gazed at him steadily a moment, then turned to the court recorder. "Please read Commander Spock's service file into the court records."
The young man quickly responded by sliding an identity disk into the recorder. A moment later, the room was filled with the sound of the computer's feminine monotone.
"Spock," it said. "Serial number S-179-276-SP. Service Rank: Commander. Position: First Officer, Science Officer. Current Assignment: U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701. Commendations: Vulcan Scientific Legion of Honor. Awards of Valor: Twice decorated by Starfleet Command."
Fitzpatrick looked back at the Vulcan. "Is there anything you wish to say in your own defense, Commander?"
"I offer no excuses, Admiral," Spock said. "I believe there can be no defense. I was aware of my actions when I took them. I was also aware of the consequences involved, and I am prepared to face those consequences."
This can't be it!, McCoy thought. Kirk had said that, without offering a defense, it would be a short trial. But the Doctor had no idea that a man's entire career could crumble at his feet after just a few brief words quoted from an official Starfleet manual.
McCoy jammed his elbow into the ribs of the Chief Engineer at his side. "Do something!" he whispered urgently.
It was clear that Scotty was just as puzzled and amazed as he was. After a moment, though, a look of determination crossed his face, and he rose somewhat awkwardly to his feet.
"Er..." Scott mumbled quickly. "Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick gazed at him over the high desk with mild curiosity. "Permission granted."
Scott moved past McCoy and through the thigh-high partition to stand just inside the court arena.
"If it would please the court," he began somewhat hesitantly, but as he spoke the words seemed to come much easier. "I feel that Commander Spock was faced with a very difficult choice. I don't know what I would have done had I been in his place. But he did what he thought was best for the Enterprise as well as for Captain Kirk. I hope that the court will take that into consideration when making their decision."
McCoy glanced quickly toward Spock at the defense table. His expression was absolutely unreadable, and he continued to gaze stolidly at the front of the judge's bench.
Fitzpatrick, however, studied the Scotsman closely, as if unsure what to make of the oration. "Thank you, Mr. Scott," he said finally. "You may be seated."
As the Engineer moved back to his seat, McCoy saw no other option. He followed Scotty's lead and rose quickly to his feet.
"Lieutenant Commander Leonard McCoy," he said crisply. "Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick's eyes narrowed slightly. "Granted," he said finally.
The Doctor moved quickly to assume Scott's previous position just inside the arena.
"Admiral," McCoy said, "I agree that Mr. Spock did what he thought was best, but I think you should know he did not reach that decision entirely on his own. We all played a part in persuading him to take the action that he did. And I think it is very unfair of the court to place the responsibility for that action entirely on one person."
The Admiral's steady gaze suddenly became very intimidating.
"Uh..." McCoy muttered uneasily. "That's all I...really had to say..."
Fitzpatrick looked into Spock's expressionless face before turning back to McCoy. "Your opinion is duly noted, Doctor," he said sternly. "Please be seated."
As McCoy returned to his seat in the gallery, he glanced quickly at Uhura and Chekov, attempting to urge them on.
The Captain had told them to stall the proceedings as long as possible. This could be their only remaining hope. If they could just get the other 428 members of the Enterprise crew to do the same thing, they might still have a fighting chance.
McCoy almost laughed at the absurdity of the notion, though there was nothing funny about it in the least.
Jim...where the hell are you?...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Organian's words struck Kirk like a blow. It has already begun. He searched the alien's face for the slightest hint of agreement.
"Ayelbourne, please..." he said. "You must help me. Three members of my crew gave their lives for this insanity. Please don't let Spock be added to that list."
Ayelbourne considered him thoughtfully. "You have deep feelings for Commander Spock."
Kirk nodded. "He is my friend."
"Yes. Be that as it may, you cannot allow yourself to dwell on his predicament."
Kirk gazed at his host with mounting alarm. "You're telling me I should just turn my back on him? Forget about him?"
"You must, Captain," the Organian replied. "It may be the only way to save him."
Kirk shook his head in frustration. "Ayelbourne, you're not making any sense..."
The Organian treated him to a look of absolute compassion. "I have witnessed the greatest virtues in the universe, Captain. I have also witnessed its greatest atrocities. But I cannot make the distinction for you. You must make that determination for yourselves."
Kirk closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, trying desperately to remain calm. "Ayelbourne," he said finally with rigid control. "I would love to debate universal truths with you any other time, but right now Spock's life is on the line.
Now will you help him, or won't you?"
"I have great faith that you, yourself, will find a way to help Commander Spock," he said, resting a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "After all, you are running out of time."
In that flash of an instant, Kirk found himself in the back of the courtroom at Federation Starbase Eleven with Sulu still positioned firmly beside him. The Organian, however, was nowhere to be found.
The bright white light that usually accompanied such an entrance was curiously absent from their transport. And with the drama that was unfolding at the front of the crowded courtroom, their sudden appearance went completely unnoticed.
Sulu started forward, but the Captain stopped him by laying a hand on his arm. The Organian had gotten them where they needed to be, but it was clear Spock's defense rested entirely in Kirk's hands. He had to get his bearings if he had any chance at all of helping his friend. And, for now at least, he thought it best to remain silent.
Kirk watched Doctor McCoy move back into the gallery from where he had been standing inside the arena. What the hell was he doing?
As soon as the Doctor had returned to his seat, Pavel Chekov rose rather unsteadily to his feet.
"Ensign Pavel Chekov," he said nervously. "Navigator, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
Fitzpatrick glanced quickly toward the other board members before turning back to the Ensign. He seemed almost amused.
"Granted."
Chekov moved quickly through the partition into the arena. "I would just like to say, Admiral, that Mr. Spock is a credit to the Enterprise. He is a perfectionist...and I think it makes us all work a little harder to live up to his expectations."
Fitzpatrick shook his head in amazement. "Very well," he said at last. "You may be seated, Ensign."
As Chekov moved back to his seat, Uhura rose from her chair without a moment's hesitation and moved to take his place inside the arena.
"Lieutenant Uhura," she said. "Chief Communications Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
The Admiral shook his head. A smile played on his lips as he turned to the court recorder.
"Let the record show that the entire crew of the Enterprise wishes to speak on behalf of Mr. Spock."
Kirk's eyes narrowed as he stared at the Admiral behind the high judicial bench. A distinguished officer's career, his very life, was on the line, and his fellow officers were rallying to his aid. What in that bleak situation could the Admiral find so amusing? Kirk found that he could no longer hold his tongue.
"You're hearing them, Admiral...but you're not listening to them."
Kirk moved slowly up the aisle as he spoke, trying to ignore the fact that his stride bordered on a haltering limp.
Fitzpatrick straightened his spine at the sound of Kirk's voice, and his eyes scanned the gallery until they fell upon the Captain. The Admiral's face clouded almost immediately, creating an expression that was unreadable.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," he said evenly, his tone matching his expression.
Although Kirk was aware of the stunned gazes of the court audience, his eyes never left the Admiral's face.
"James T. Kirk," he said finally. "Captain, U.S.S. Enterprise. Request permission to address the court."
The Admiral paused an unbearably long moment before he finally responded. "Granted."
Kirk finally passed through the partition to stand before the judge's bench in the center of the court arena. He gazed at his First Officer at the defense table for a long moment before turning back to face the Admiral.
Kirk had no idea where to begin. His conversation with the Organian had left him frustrated and bewildered. Though he now understood Ayelbourne's motivation for coming to their aid, his visit to Organia had not provided him with the clear-cut defense he had sought for his First Officer.
His only hope now was to talk it through, and to hope he could strike some chord with his fellow officers comprising the court martial board.
"With all due respect to the members of this court," he said, "I would like the record to show my formal protest of these proceedings."
"Captain," Fitzpatrick replied with a hint of disapproval. "The court is well aware of your feelings in this matter. However, your protest will be duly noted in the court records."
Kirk's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked into the Admiral's face. Fitzpatrick's demeanor was cool and stern, not at all what the Captain was accustomed to when dealing with the elder officer. Maybe it was the burden of the court martial, an uncomfortable situation to say the least. But no matter the reason, Kirk found the Admiral's manner extremely disquieting.
"How can you sit in judgement of this man when you don't even begin to understand his motivations?"
"We understand Commander Spock's motivations, Captain," Fitzpatrick said sternly, "and we can sympathize. But even the best intentions are no excuse for a blatant violation of established law."
"The law you're referring to was established by the people of Organia," Kirk countered. "If anyone should take offense at a violation of that law, shouldn't it be them?"
"You're grasping at straws now, Captain. Is there a point to this?"
Kirk wanted desperately to tell the Admiral everything. Spock's actions in the Neutral Zone were the primary reason for the Organian's assistance. His actions were quite probably the only reason that the Federation was not currently engaged in a bloody war with the Klingons. He wanted to disclaim the Organian Peace Treaty for what it was...a reprieve. But something Ayelbourne had said resounded clearly in his memory.
...such information could be dangerous in the wrong hands...
"The point, Admiral, is Commander Spock's career. This man has proven his loyalty to Starfleet time and time again. He has devoted his life to the Federation, and has been decorated for it on numerous occasions. Now that life is on the line...and for what? What exactly was his crime?"
"The charges and specifications have already been read into the court records," the Admiral replied coldly. "If you had been here, you would already know that."
Kirk had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Something was dreadfully wrong. Beligerence and hostility were two things he had never heard from John Fitzpatrick, and yet that was all Kirk was sensing now. What was going on?
And again, the Organian's words echoed in his memory. ...men sometimes have their own motivations, Captain. Motivations which, when acted upon, can affect us all...
"You knew of the Klingons' plan to test the Organian Peace Treaty," Kirk said. "Spock was not privy to that information. He was forced to act in accordance with his conscience, his duty and his oath to Starfleet, and I believe he did just that. How can he be punished for it now?"
"You're changing the subject, Captain," the Admiral interjected quickly. "I believe we were discussing your late arrival to the court. I know you haven't been aboard the Enterprise the past few days. I'd like to know where you've been, Captain. I think the court would find it very interesting."
Kirk realized that it was Fitzpatrick who was trying very hard to change the subject. It was as if he was trying to direct the court's attention away from...something else...
The Organian had told Kirk that he should forget about the plight of his First Officer. It may be the only way to save him. The meaning of those words were now uncomfortably clear. Mr. Spock was not the issue. This trial was a smoke-screen, a way to draw everyone's attention away from...
"It was you!"
Fitzpatrick continued to gaze at him steadily, but it was obvious from his expression that he was shaken by the Captain's accusation. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Kirk was breathing heavily now, and he gazed at the Admiral in mounting disgust. "You knew about the Klingon offensive. You even brought me here to offer me a choice of a counter-offensive. You had no authority to make that offer, did you, Admiral?"
"Tread lightly, Captain," Fitzpatrick warned, his voice firm but subdued. "You're on pretty shaky ground."
"I don't think so, Admiral."
"Neither do I," said Commodore Stone, rising from his seat on the board. He stared at the Admiral solemnly. "The court will hear this witness. Please continue, Captain."
Kirk tried to acknowledge the Commodore's request, but he found he could not look away from Fitzpatrick's face.
"You said the Klingons already had the Enterprise's mission docket. And Kor told me it was a simple matter to obtain it. I know Federation security procedures, Admiral...and to bypass them would be far from simple. You gave it to them, didn't you?"
Fitzpatrick looked as though he wanted to refute the Captain's statement, but he apparently couldn't bring himself to do it while looking Kirk directly in the eye.
"They would have gotten it anyway," he confessed softly. "I just made it a little easier for them."
Kirk was suddenly hit with a nauseating flood of memories...the pain, and the loss, and the grief...and it took a concerted effort to keep his legs steady beneath him. His crew had been to hell and back in the past few days, and one of their own had led them to it. He found he could only stare at the Admiral in utter repulsion.
"Why, John?"
"Because I had to know," he said, his voice somewhat stronger now. "The Federation had to know. And the Council is so blinded by politics and diplomacy that they refuse to face the facts."
"What are the facts, Admiral?" Kirk spat angrily.
"That the peace and stability of the Federation rests entirely in the edict of an alien race...an edict which, until now, had never been proven. But the validity of the treaty had to be verified...and the opportunity presented itself. I did what I had to do in the interest of Federation security."
"Tell that to the families of my dead crewmen," Kirk replied sullenly.
Fitzpatrick's eyes closed briefly, then finally opened to look back into the Captain's face.
"Jim, you have to believe I never intended any of this to turn out the way it did. I grieve for the loss of your landing party...and I am truly sorry for what you've been through. But please try to understand. We had to know."
There was an unbearably long silence in the courtroom before Commodore Stone finally found his voice. He was clearly shaken.
"Admiral Fitzpatrick," he said at last. "By the authority vested in me as a Starfleet Commodore, I hereby relieve you of your duties, and am placing you under arrest pending an official hearing into this matter. Security..."
A security team promptly appeared in front of the high judicial bench. Fitzpatrick offered no resistance. He rose from his chair with all the dignity he could muster and moved to join the security team on the floor of the court arena.
Fitzpatrick started toward the doors flanked by the guards, but suddenly hesitated, then turned back to face the Captain.
"I am sorry, Jim," he said.
Kirk found he could no longer look at Admiral Fitzpatrick. He looked away as the security team led the Admiral through the doors of the courtroom.
The Commodore waited until they were gone before he leaned in to consult briefly with his fellow board members. It took only a moment before he straightened and moved to assume the Admiral's former position behind the high bench.
"Will the defendant please rise?"
Spock rose to his feet, clasping his hands firmly behind his back as he faced the Commodore.
"Commander Spock...I am sure you are aware that Starfleet does not condone insubordination by its officers, nor do we condone your decision to disregard established law." He gazed solemnly into the Vulcan's face. "However...given the circumstances, it is clear to this court that you acted in the best interests of the Federation and the crew under your command...and we cannot condemn you for that. A formal reprimand will be placed in your service file, but the charges against you in this court are hereby dismissed. You are free to return to duty."
He moved to strike the naval bell once with the mallet, but it could barely be heard over the clamor of the gallery.
"This court stands adjourned."
Kirk realized only at that moment that Doctor McCoy had a firm grip on his arm, and that he had actually been relying on the Doctor's steadying force. He and McCoy breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief.
Kirk looked around him, searching for Spock in the swarm of people now surrounding them in the court arena. As his eyes scanned the crowd, he noticed a robed, bearded figure at the rear of the court who offered him a gentle smile and an elaborate flourish of his hands. Kirk returned the smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you", and Ayelbourne silently vanished from the court.
Glancing around, Kirk realized his entire senior staff were happily crowded around him. He looked up to find himself face to face with his First Officer.
"Request permission to return to duty, Captain," Spock said, as if nothing at all had happened.
Kirk stared at him, then broke into a weary but delighted chuckle. He offered Spock a warm handshake.
"Permission granted, Mr. Spock," he said happily. "Permission granted."