A/N: An old story that I figured somebody somewhere might get something out of, so here it is. Although it was inspired by the Star Trek characters and universe, it could take place almost anywhere. If some of these folks seem a little out of character, think of the pressure they're under.
I can't list copyrights, because to be honest I have no idea who owns Star Trek these days. However, the main characters and setting are not mine. Some incidental characters were made by me, but all I really take credit for is the plot and storytelling.
LIBERATIONS
Chapter 1
About the time that the dispatches stopped arriving, the hints of a change in Spock became too obvious to ignore.
He went about his tasks in his usual way, efficiently; but that little extra charge of pedantic enthusiasm had evaporated. Not suddenly, not at all suddenly – but Kirk had been, and still was, preoccupied. All the same, noticing such things was part of his responsibility as captain of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.
He decided to speak to his first officer one day when his unease finally overcame a certain deep reluctance of which he was hardly aware.
"Spock, you know Starfleet hasn't contacted us in days. Why do you sit here? Leave the equipment on automatic – when a message comes in, it'll alert you instantly. There's no need for you to spend all your off-duty hours on the bridge."
Spock continued to gaze down at the white button that would flash if a message on the right wavelength came in.
"Spock – wh-what are you waiting here for?"
"I want news of the progress of the war."
"There is no war! Nobody's declared war!"
"'The Federation hasn't. Yet. They will. They'll have to. They should have long ago. It should never have come to be necessary. It–" Spock shut his mouth, his eyes, for a moment.
As Kirk struggled to quell it, the guilt in his stomach changed to rage.
"Mr. Spock, there is no war. Starfleet has sent no indication that there will be. It is not up to you or me to speculate on the matter. Your actions and your talk are both out of line – you are not far from treason, First Officer. Your tour of duty starts at 0800 hours; until then you are to remain in your quarters. There'll be no more of this haunting Communications. Now get out of here."
Spock swivelled and from his seat gave Kirk a long, thorough – insubordinately unaggressive, quintessentially Vulcan stare. Then he rose. He left the bridge. Kirk wanted to kick him, though he furiously wanted even more to kick himself.
When, precisely on time, Spock returned to the bridge for his tour of duty, he showed no sign that any off-hours incident had ever occurred. The captain was relieved and further exasperated.
"Captain Kirk, a communication from Starfleet–"
"Put it on the screen, Lieutenant!" commanded Spock before Kirk could open his mouth. Startled, Uhura obeyed.
The viewscreen bloated to display the familiar cast-brass features of Admiral Rotola.
"Captain Kirk, this is to notify you that your orders have been changed. You are to head to the Letmos system where you will pick up a diplomatic envoy to be taken to Pithicus X." There was a pause.
"–Acknowledged," Kirk barked. He was still overwhelmed by a tidal wave of relief, as a massive tension washed out of his muscles.
"Excuse me, Sir – First Officer Spock here," Spock said, stepping abruptly forward. "Sir, you are rerouting us away from a course that would have taken us near the Talosian system. May I ask why?"
"You may not, First Officer."
"Sir, why have we received no news of events on Talos and on Vulcan?"
"There's nothing to send news about! Kirk, your crew seem inclined to insubordination. Would you kindly see in the future to their proper understanding of discipline. Rendezvous with Letmos at Star Date 28:42; you will receive further orders then. Starfleet out." As Kirk opened his mouth to acknowledge, the Admiral dissolved to a sea of stars.
The captain turned slowly to face his first officer. The rest of the bridge glanced sidelong at them in covert fascination. Spock had become a pillar of stone.
"Mr. Spock, you are relieved of duty and confined to quarters until further notice."
Calmly the Vulcan walked to the door. Kirk burst out: "Just a moment!"
Spock halted and turned patiently to see what was the matter.
"You'll need an escort, Mr. Spock. You, guard, take him to his quarters."
Spock continued to pause, with a look of inquiry, as though he had no idea he had just received a deadly insult. Kirk remembered himself.
"Take him to his quarters!" They went out, leaving Kirk alone with his strange sick dread.