Vulcan Shadows
By Estellio
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Spock goes missing and all evidence points to McCoy while he is following cryptic clues to find him. However, after discovering one of Spock's most shocking secrets will McCoy still be able to help or will he condemn his friend to death and commit professional suicide? First, do not harm.
A/N: He and the Master are two different people, just so you know. When my friend read over my draft notes she got kinda confused…although that could have been my mad, all over the place, demented, curly writing. I'm back writing, obviously,don't forget to read, review and most importantly...enjoy.
IOIOIO
The Comm on his desk beeped and he reached over to switch it on. Upon seeing the I.P. Address he scowled.
"I told you not to call me at home." He snarled at the screen, it's blank face reflecting back his own image. This was an audio transmission only.
"Kek has failed. Spock was rescued by the Doctor…there was one fatality."
"Who?" He asked, frowning slightly. Who could possibly have died of any importance?
"Apparently V'au came after Kek to save him." He blanched at the screen.
"V'au! But she…she and Spock haven't been in contact for years."
"You know of her?"
"I do…she was…it was a regrettable tragedy, her loss of life. I did not expect her to become a problem. Tell Kek to go in pursuit. I want no more sloppy work. Spock and Dr. Piper are to be eliminated immediately." There was a pause at the other end of the line.
"Who?"
"Commander Spock and Dr. Piper. I told you. The First Officer and Doctor of the Enterprise"
"…The doctor of the Enterprise is called Dr. McCoy." He paused, staring at the screen for a long moment before speaking.
"No, the Doctor of the Enterprise is Doctor Piper. Doctor Mark Piper."
"No. Doctor Leonard Horatio McCoy! Your information must be out of date." He remained silent a long time.
"This McCoy, what do you think he has learned from the situation. Does he need to be eliminated also?"
"He has come this far, he is stubborn and Spock is his friend. He will not rest unless he finds the truth…or is put to rest." He sighed.
"Put him to rest then, but I want another assassin hired. Someone who'll be discreet. Kek has made a farce enough of this as it is. Exhibitioning himself. Their deaths were meant to cause no fuss, look like accidents. Fool of a Cardassian. He could ruin everything. It is a thin line we walk, eh Admiral?"
"Yes, Sir. I'll get on it right away. You'll have no more trouble with Spock and McCoy, I'll see to it."
"They are returning to Enterprise, yes?"
"I'd presume so."
"Recall Enterprise to Earth…it'll be easier there."
"Sir, with all due respect there is only so much…"
"The fate of your Federation is at stake. Such a small price I ask."
"Now that the girl is dead, surely there is no need to kill these men."
"Oh, but there is every need. It has transcended a personal matter to be a matter of honour. They are the only ones who know, them and V'au. I was hoping to spare my young sister but she was always too nosey for her own good. It seems Kek has finished a job I stated fifteen years ago. They could ruin everything, I wont let that happen, Admiral, there's too much at stake. For me…and for you. Now go. See everything is done." He switched off the Comm. Sitting back. All he could do now was wait…and pray his father didn't find out what he had done. Pray he didn't find out that V'au, all these years, had been alive and on Vulcan.
IOIOIO
Meanwhile on Earth the Admiral Commed another planet.
"Yes Master?" A female voice came over the line.
"There's been a change of plans."
IOIOIO
McCoy looked over at the rather large Klingon who was sitting beside him. He handled the controls of the unusual ship like a pro, knowing where buttons were without even having to look at them but there was a stiffness in his motions and a tightness to his jaw. He was upset and angry and in true Klingon fashion he wanted to take it out on someone but there was no one to take it out on.
"We are within hailing distance of your ship. Do you want to contact them?" Therris asked suddenly and McCoy was surprised at how soft his voice was. Usually Klingons sound gruff and threatening…but then again, the only time he was talking to them was when they were threatening him.
"Yes, thank you." McCoy said, letting Therris open the channel. Immediately Jim's face appeared on the screen looking tired and worried and McCoy couldn't help but smile.
"Jim!"
"Bones…is that a Klingon." Therris looked up.
"What do I look like, a Vulcan? Of course I am." He snapped, before getting up and going into the backroom.
"How did you meet up with the Klingons?"
"Klingon, Jim. He's the only one. If it weren't for him, both Spock and I would be dead right now." The concern on Jim's face doubled.
"You two are alright? Where's Spock."
"He's out back meditating…Jim…V'au is dead." There was a muffled cry from the bridge and he saw Uhura covering her mouth. She was the only one who knew.
"I understand, you did what you had to…"
"JIM! V'au wasn't the enemy. She was trying to keep us safe! If it weren't for her Spock would be dead by now and probably so would I. She died saving Spock's life! Dammit Jim if only you know what we've done over the last twenty four hours."
Had it only been that long? He felt like it had been weeks but in reality, only a few hours had passed, a little under a day.
"I expect a full debriefing when you come aboard, now I'd like to speak to Spock."
"Dammit Jim his…" McCoy paused, did Jim even know? He knew the last thing Spock would want is him announcing this to the bridge crew. "I'll talk to you later." He cut him off. He was going to get an earful for this later but he didn't care. He really didn't care.
"You did not have to do that, you know." He turned to see Spock standing at the hatchway to the small bunk.
"Yes, yes I did." He sighed, rubbing his eyes.
"Thank you for not telling them."
"No problem Spock. Listen, if you ever need someone to talk to, someone you can trust…"
"I know…thank you…Bones." McCoy smiled, the use of his nickname not lost on him.
"No problem, Spock. I know what it's like to lose someone you love." Spock didn't say anything but he heard the boot steps resounding on the metal deck as he returned to the cabin.
"How does he know her?" Therris asked, returning to the cockpit.
"You were eavesdropping?" McCoy asked, a little sharply.
"This is a small ship, ye were loud. Who's the woman locked up in back?"
"Oh…I had forgotten about her. It's no one. Forget about it…Therris. Spock is V'au's father."
"Oh." The Klingon was quiet.
"You said your name was Therris, right?" The Klingon nodded. "V'au spoke about you. Sounded like she was really smitten." He nodded.
"I loved her."
"I think she loved you too." The Klingon looked over, running a hand through his short, spiky hair.
"…I think I'm beginning to see why she came out here. To Klingons, family is everything…maybe to Vulcans it is the same." McCoy nodded.
"Family is important to everyone. I know I'd die for mine, I just wish it didn't come to this."
"It's not over yet, McCoy of Earth. Kek is not dead."
"Yet…you're forgetting. That ship we're going to is the Enterprise. Jim will find a way, he always does." Therris nodded.
"Yes, Jim Kirk. My father often spoke of him."
"Oh really, who's your father?"
"Kang."
"WHAT!"
"Kang, and my mother is Mara. I believe you met and attempted to kill them before. Yes?"
"Once or twice…" He turned back to the screen. Fifteen minutes till they rendezvoused with the Enterprise…Oh god.
IOIOIO
Captain Kirk, Nurse Chapel, Commander Scott and about five Security Officers all waited in the transporter room that they had waited for V'au in that morning. Scotty was over by the console, waiting for the signal and Nurse Chapel was busy chewing her lip into non existence.
"I'm sure they'll be fine, Christine." Kirk said softly to her as she paced by him.
"Oh, you don't know Len like I do. That mouth of him will get him into some foul trouble and who knows what they could have subjected Mister Spock to. Not to mention they've one of my Nurses on board." Kirk was always astounded by women's capacity to worry no matter what but he left her too it because he was sure there was no way to talk her out of it until they were on board.
"Here they come Cap'n." Scotty said, "Energising." Four people appeared on the transporter platform. One of them lying on the floor bound and gagged.
Immediately Nurse Chapel ran over to 'worry' over her patient but McCoy stopped her.
"No Christine. She's to be taken to the brig immediately." McCoy said and at the cue from Kirk, two security officers marched over and picked up the hog tied Nurse Palmas.
"Bones, Spock, it's good to have you back. Care to introduce me to this gentleman?"
"I am Therris." Therris said striding forward and extending a hand. "Son of Kang."
"WHAT!" The look on Kirk's face redefined the old saying…Kodak moment.
"My father spoke very highly of you. I am honoured to meet the man whom he considered such a worthy advisory."
"I'm…honoured to meet you too. I didn't know Kang had a son."
"I'm his Second son. The fifth of his line." Kirk nodded slowly.
"Right. I hope you don't mind me asking but how did you come into all this and why are you in Federation space?"
"I am…was V'au's life partner…I was looking for my wife. That is why I am in your space. Unfortunately I came upon her too late." Kirk nodded slowly and caught a glimpse of Spock out of his eyes. He was staring at the Klingon as if he had just grown a set of pointy ears and slanty brows. McCoy gave him a nudge in the ribs and he straightened up.
"Captain, if you will forgive me, the sedatives Kek injected me with are after leaving me some what drained. If I could retire.
"Oh no you don't." Christine said, pushing her way past Kirk and McCoy and running a scanner over him.
"Two of you in sickbay now, I've got to make sure neither of ye did something stupid while I wasn't there to watch over ye. Move."
"Women" McCoy harrumphed and stalked past her. Before Spock could get past him, Jim reached out and caught his arm.
"Spock, are you alright?" He looked up and into his friends eyes.
"No, Captain, I'm not. Not at all." He eased his arm from Jim's grip and walked out.
"What was that about?" He whispered softly to himself.
"You don't know?" The Klingon asked and Kirk looked over at him.
"Know what?"
"It is not my place to tell you, now Captain, I shall return to my ship. You will forgive me if I fly with you a while. I must exchange words with your Mister Spock. I have something to give him but I shall not impart it to him until he is ready. Please, pass on the message. Good day." Kirk watched the soft spoken Klingon get back on the pad and Kirk nodded to Mister Scott who beamed him back over.
"What was all tha' aboot?" Scotty asked, dismissing the security personnel who had been watching the Klingon like a hawk.
"I don't know Mister Scott, but I intend to find out…have you ever seen a Klingon like him before?"
"Neh, I can' say I have. He was so young and…well spoken and soft spoken, very neatly kept unlike the other Klingons we've seen and d'ya see his forehead? Was it jus' me or were there a few bumps along the crest?"
"I noticed that too, thought it was a trick of the light. Can you picture a Vulcan and a Klingon? I can't."
"I can but it proves for some disturbing lookin' children, I'll tell ya that." Kirk laughed and shook his head.
"I'll let you get back to engineering. I'm getting back to the bridge…Scotty, I want you to have weapons ready if I call for them. Not charged just…ready."
"Aye, Sir." They went their separate ways.
IOIOIO
Enterprise: 2252
Dr. Piper was just finished patching up a Red Shirt when Spock came in.
"Ah, Lieutenant Spock, come on in. Do you play Velocity?" Spock raised an eyebrow at the odd question.
"I do not."
"Well at least someone has enough common sense to risk their life and limb for a little boredom alleviation. Start reading books, worse you can get is a paper cut." The Red Shirt laughed and hopped down off the bed, flexing his leg.
"I've already read War and Peace twice, what more do you want?"
"Nurse, do you have any books to lend Ensign Crowler?" Niara looked up from her station.
"Not unless he wants to read a few trashy romances, no."
"OH! Please!" Crowler said, grinning madly and Piper laughed, shooing him towards the door.
"Don't encourage them, Liya." He scolded jokingly and she laughed.
"You just want to keep them all for yourself, dirty old man." She teased, walking into her office. Dr. Piper turned back to Spock.
"I'm glad you got here so early, I have to start the monthly physicals in an hour. Please come into my office, I want to show you something." Spock followed the older Doctor into his office and watched him take a seat at his desk, pulling up a file.
"This, Mister Spock, is your last brain scan, this is your DNA that we have on file and this is a the results from your bone exam, remember when you broke your leg on that planet…Well. Look here, this is V'au's last brain scan, taken three days ago, this is a sample of her DNA and this is a bone scan I took shortly after the brain scan." Spock examined the data on the screen for a moment before Piper continued. "These dark patches are the telepathic areas of your brain, they're mainly at the front. Notice the lack of them in V'au scans. She's as telepathic as the carpet, which for the record isn't telepathic at all."
"Some Vulcan's are born with the ability latent, some are even psi-blind. It is uncommon but not unheard of."
"Spock, look at her DNA, this is yours, this is hers. See a difference?"
"I may be a scientist but my fields of expertise do not include genetics." Piper sighed.
"Vulcan's are built to survive with very little water and survive in an arid, hostile environment, not only that but the gravity on Vulcan is heavier than normal. V'au wasn't born, nor did she grow up on Vulcan and I'm guessing she is the latest in a very long line of people who didn't. She has none of your nifty little water storing capabilities. She has sweat glands and no nictitating membrane and she is just as water based as humans are. Her bones and muscles aren't as condensed as yours are and it's even different in parts. She has these cranial ridges I've never seen before. Stretching from her eyes sockets in a diagonal slant to her lobes. They probably wont become too prominent till she's much older but even then I doubt they'll be too noticeable but…Vulcan's don't have that. She came from a much wetter, lighter, friendlier environment than Vulcan has to offer."
"Vulcan has several colony worlds…"
"Spock, I'm telling you, whatever her ancestors were…she's not a Vulcan. This would have taken decades upon decades of evolution."
"Perhaps it is not evolution but crossbreeding with another species."
"No Spock, I would have scene redundant or latent strands in her DNA, it's all the one. She's a specie we've never encountered before…Spock…We've made first contact and didn't even know it…Spock…Spock?" Spock had a far away look in his eyes as he calculated the distance they were from the Romulan Neutral Zone and the rate of drift that could have occurred over the few days she would have been trapped in the ship.
Apparently the rumours of The Sundered weren't really rumours at all. If anyone found out…
"I am fine…However I must make an urgent call."
Perhaps V'au and he weren't go to part ways after all.
IOIOIO
A/N: Got my friend hooked on Star Trek today! Yeah! Too bad it's Voyager and not TOS but she'll come around. Also got mocked by my Media teacher for a solid class after she saw my fanfic A4 which is where I write my ideas when not at my comp. I have printed off pics in there and one is of Spock and Kirk posing. She nearly fell of the chair she was laughing so hard and wouldn't take me seriously for the rest of the class. Grr. Anyway, this is a reminder to review. Just click the little blue button over there, you know you want to…okay you don't but click it anyway!