Spock is cured, but his troubles are only just beginning.
The cure is worse than the disease
The Enterprise may have been diverted to Betazed instead of Vulcan but at last they finally arrived at a destination! Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy were on the bridge of the Enterprise when they made their first contact with the planet and its representatives.
"Captain, may we ask that only the patient beam down to our facilities?" The head neuroscientist from Betazed's most prestigious hospital asked. Kirk had not met a Betazoid before, but he was not surprised to see that the doctor looked like an ordinary humanoid male in his late twenties or early thirties.
"May I ask why, Doctor?" Kirks said.
"As you know, we Betazoids are a telepathic race. Though we can communicate verbally as I am with you, many choose not to. I worry your crew may be uncomfortable with our silent method of communicating, unless... Do you have other telepaths among your crew?" the doctor asked expectantly.
"Doctor, we have contacted telepaths before. I'm sure communication will be no problem." Kirk reassured him.
"With all due respect Captain, we have had incidents with humans before. This request will prevent any further problems."
"Doctor, if you will forgive me, I do not feel comfortable sending a sick crewman to the planet surface unaccompanied. If there should be some emergency..." Kirk stopped talking when it became apparent the doctor was no longer listening.
The doctor was silent for a long moment and his eyes were unfocused. Jim had the feeling he was silently communicating with someone off-screen. Finally, the doctor nodded. "We understand Captain. The patient may beam down with ONE companion. Betazed out."
Kirk turned to confer with McCoy. "Well, what do you make of that, Bones?"
"I don't make anything of it. They seem to think their telepathy will creep us out, and to be honest Jim I don't disagree. It was obvious the doctor was using telepathy while talking to you. And having had Spock in my head before, I can tell you it was not a pleasant experience."
"But that was not OUR Spock. And it was a mind-meld, not simple telepathy. Do you think they are hiding something?" Kirk asked with a worried frown.
"Like what Jim? We're here for humanitarian aid, this isn't an official diplomatic visit."
"I don't know Bones. You're the expert on these people, you tell me. Are they friend or foe?"
"I don't know anything more than you do, and that is just what was available in the ship's records. They are an associate member of the federation, they are one of the KNOWN telepathic races along with Argelians and Medusans, and they are one of the more um... shall we say the more liberal-minded societies. I hear their weddings are even more exciting than a Vulcan one." Bones smiled broadly.
"I don't care about their weddings Bones. I want to know if it's safe for Spock to beam down there alone?"
"Jim, they are the only people who have the antidote, and they understand this virus far better than I do. From the medical documentation they sent over, Spock needs to be examined telepathically by one of their neuro specialists. Now, I can administer the antidote, but I cannot give him the scans he needs to make sure it's working. We just don't have the equipment on the ship or the experience. He needs to beam down."
"If that's your medical opinion, then I can't help but comply. I'll go with him," Kirk decided.
"No Jim, I think I better go. I'm his doctor after all, and this is a chance for me to learn all I can about telepaths and the diseases they are susceptible to. You never know when it may be needed again in the future."
"I don't like this, Bones. What if something goes wrong?"
"What if it does? Are you going to perform neurosurgery?" Bones asked. "Look, I know you want to go with Spock, but be logical Jim. He's sick, and if only one of us can go then it should be the one who can keep an eye on things medically."
Jim looked defeated but he agreed. "Okay Bones, I trust your judgment. When can you beam down?"
"Just as soon as the patient can get to the transporter. I'll collect some equipment and meet him there."
*/*/*
When Spock and Dr. McCoy beamed down to Betazed the medical staff and the Betazed Ambassador to the Federation greeted them with standard verbal communication, apparently for McCoy's benefit. The Chief Medical Officer of the facility offered to give McCoy a tour, and answer any questions about the procedure he may have while a neuro specialist administered the antidote to Spock. And then they would allow McCoy to observe the neuro exam, though they warned him there would be little for him to see that he would understand.
Once Spock was alone in the exam room, the doctors had done nothing but speak to him telepathically. It was an unusual experience. Though he was no stranger to telepathy, Spock had little occasion to practice it. The way the Betazoids casually spoke to him in his mind, as if he was just another Betazoid patient not an alien with different biology, beliefs, and abilities fascinated him. He didn't know why, but he felt at peace. Like he was at home and it wasn't long before he was totally relaxed.
"Mr. Spock?" a gentle voice spoke to his mind.
"Yes?" he answered the telepathic inquiry.
"How do you find living among humans?" He felt that the question was coming from the physician operating the scanners.
"I find it is challenging sometimes, but mostly there is no issue. I am also half-human myself."
"I see. You seem very much like the Vulcans I've met previously."
"Have you had many Vulcan patients?" Spock wondered.
"We have had some Vulcan visitors, mostly diplomats, and fellow medical scholars," his doctor smiled. "I think we disturbed them with our openness. But you seem to take everything all in stride."
"Vulcans can be reserved upon meeting, but I am grateful for your generosity and willingness to provide the antidote for my illness."
"We are grateful to you as well. Starfleet keeps this sector of space free of conflict. It is a mutual benefit being part of the Federation."
"Agreed," Spock said.
"Tell me, Mr. Spock, how does Starfleet treat you?" the doctor asked.
"I don't understand the question. Can you specify what you mean?"
"Well, I've been thinking of joining Starfleet, but my parents are against it. They think Starfleet would be unwelcoming to a Betazoid. They think humans and other non-telepathic races are biased against us. How do you fare?"
"Ah, I see. I am the only Vulcan assigned to my ship, and that is a difficult situation. I have no other Vulcans to converse with or practice cultural ceremonies or remembrances with. To use a human phrase, it can be lonely. However, I am also human and I find it sufficient to commiserate with them."
"Yes, but what about being a telepath? Do most humans find you frightening? Disturbing? Invasive?"
"I do not practice telepathy with anyone on the Enterprise except my wife. In fact, very few know that I have telepathic abilities."
"Oh, so you've concealed it?" The doctor nodded in understanding. "Just as I suspected."
"Do not misunderstand. I do not know of any open prejudice to telepathic races within Starfleet or the Federation."
"Open prejudice? Mr. Spock, Vulcan is one of the very few telepathic races in the Federation, and you one of the few in Starfleet. Surely you would know the situation for us better than anyone?"
"I do not identify as a telepath," Spock confessed.
"Why is that Mr. Spock?" a fresh voice entered his head. He recognized it as the Betazed Ambassador he met earlier.
"Sir," Spock said, acknowledging the new participant. "I do not think of myself as a telepath, though I do possess some psi ability"
"Only some? You seem like a normal telepath to me. My colleagues tell me your psi rating would put you at the upper percentile even for a Betazoid."
Spock didn't answer. Was this a medical exam or an interrogation?
"Humans seem very uncomfortable with psi abilities," The Ambassador took a different tack, "how does your wife feel about yours?"
Spock became alert and tense at the mention of his wife. "She has no issue with my abilities or lack thereof."
The doctor and ambassador nodded. Were they discussing him even now? Apparently, his psi ability was not strong enough to sense any personal conversation between them.
"I see," The Ambassador continued, "so she is aware of your skills and is not put off?"
"No."
"Do you think other humans are as understanding as your wife?"
"I believe they are. My Captain knows of my abilities as well and he has no issue. We Vulcans believe in infinite diversity in infinite combinations. I believe the Federation and Starfleet will welcome Betazed into our union as a valued member."
"Let us hope so, Mr. Spock. And I suppose I should put your mind at ease. Though most Betazoids are telepathic, not all of our citizens are as skilled in shielding their thoughts from others as you are. We are a very open society used to other telepaths. I thought it best to limit human exposure to us until our people can become better acquainted, and we learn not to invade your privacy with our probing.
"And my son here" The ambassador pointed to the doctor attending Spock and grinned, "he wants to marry a human. I had to be sure... And Vulcans are known for their truthfulness. I hope you understand?"
"That is quite understandable, Sir. Humans are open to new experiences and will willingly seek them out, but they are by and large psi null and are protective of their private thoughts. They would consider it a grave violation for someone to read their minds without prior consent, but with consent all is possible."
The Ambassador nodded. "I see. And you have no such concern with us, do you?"
"As you stated, I can detect your telepathy and shield my mind from you," Spock said, letting the ambassador know he was aware of his attempt to probe his mind.
The Ambassador laughed. "Good! Just as I suspected. Mr. Spock, my people welcome you to Betazed and my son will administer the antiviral to you immediately. I am sure you would like to resume your life without the hassle of this pesky illness?"
Spock agreed.
"By the way, I was surprised to learn that a member of a Federation starship had contracted Zanthi Fever. It is usually contracted by our middle-aged females. Unfortunately, the virus mutates quickly so there has not been a successful vaccine available. Perhaps with the combined knowledge of the federation's medical facilities, we can finally eliminate it."
"Indeed, one can hope," Spock said.
"Father, I think you should leave my patient alone now. He has answered your questions, and more gracefully than I would have in his place." The doctor inserted himself into the conversation again.
"Yes, I'll leave you to it." The Ambassador departed, and the doctor administered the antidote.
"Mr. Spock, thank you for answering our questions. I apologize for the pretense."
"It was enlightening," Spock said.
"How so?"
"Your father loves you very much, and he risked his career to question me on your behalf."
"How do you know that?"
"Though the ambassador was unsuccessful in probing my mind, I was not unsuccessful in probing his," Spock said.
The doctor erupted into laughter. "How do you like that! That will teach him to mind his own business," the doctor said.
"I highly doubt that," Spock said, causing the doctor to laugh even harder.
*/*/*
"Well, how do you feel, Spock?" McCoy asked when he was allowed to visit Spock who was now resting in a private waiting room.
"I did not feel ill before. My physical condition has not changed."
"Good. Good. They tell me your viral count is next to zero and your neuro scans look good. I didn't understand the scans, but I transferred them to your healers on Vulcan and they are looking them over now. Once they give the all-clear you're free to go."
"That is welcome news. I find it tiring to converse with the Betazoids and constantly shield my mind from their relentless probing."
"Probing? What do you mean?" McCoy asked.
"Betazoids are not just telepathic, but they are also empathic. They are constantly probing my mind trying to read my 'feelings'." Spock explained.
"Well, they could have asked me about your feelings. I would have told them not to bother. You don't have any," McCoy joked.
"Doctor. I find your attempt at humor tiring as well."
"Is that so? Are you sure you feel alright, Spock?"
Spock quirked a brow at the good doctor for his word choice. "You know what I mean. Are you in ship shape?" McCoy rephrased the question.
"I am fine. What is the delay?" Spock said, sounding irritated, which concerned McCoy.
"I don't know. Vulcan should have approved those scans by now." McCoy opened his communicator and called the ship. "Enterprise. What's the word on those scans? Are we free to go? Enterprise? Come in, Enterprise?"
The door to Spock's room burst open and a federation security team entered, accompanied by someone Spock recognized. Lieutenant Westervelt, Komack's assistant.
"They will not answer you, Doctor. They would not be able to assist you if they could. They've been ordered to stand down and I have a warrant for Mr. Spock's arrest."
"Arrest! For what?" McCoy demanded.
"Abduction, assault, illegal commandeering of a Starfleet vessel. I'm sure we'll find more charges in the course of our investigation."
"What in the blazes is going on? What investigation?" McCoy asked while trying to block their view of Spock in his bed.
"Do not interfere Doctor." Westervelt turned to the guards and then pointed to Spock. "Gentlemen, arrest that man!"
Note:
I think there is only one more chapter left to go. We'll see how things end for our favorite ship and crew.