USS Endeavour, enroute to the Ross 128 Star System

Personal log, supplemental. I am disturbed by recent events of which the investigation ordered by Admiral Nogura is a part. The Admiral has ordered the Endeavour diverted to P'Jem before continuing the voyage to Earth. Dr. McCoy shares my unease. I must set aside my preoccupation over the death of James Kirk and focus on this development.

Hope may be an illogical concept, but I find myself hoping that it was merely the product of fevered minds. Fevered minds. Those two words remind me of my illogical consternation concerning the possibility of Bendii's Syndrome in my father. If, as Surak said, logic is the beginning of wisdom, what of illogic?

"What's P'Jem?"

Spock turned away from his computer. Dr. McCoy was standing in his quarters, waiting for his answer. "P'Jem was an ancient Vulcan monastery established in the Terran 9th century BCE. In the century before the forming of the Federation, it was used as a surveillance outpost to spy on the Andorians. That distasteful aspect was found out by the Andorians who then subsequently destroyed the monastery."

"Wait, wait, Spock. Your people used a monastery to spy on other people?"

The Vulcan coolly looked at the doctor. "It was a…shameful time for my people. The Vulcan government was subverted by the military which had allowed fears to dictate their actions."

"Uuuh-huh." McCoy had a ghost of a smile pulling at his lips. "So you're telling me that Vulcans weren't always the logical people you're boasting of."

Arched eyebrows showed Spock's humorous disdain. "Doctor, you know very well that we have not 'always' been logical. Were that true, we would have no need for Surak."

"Okay, okay, we're going off track. Why P'Jem? Why the hell are we going there?"

"The monastery of P'Jem has been rebuilt in the early years of the Federation as part of the Andorian effort to creating an intimate relationship with Vulcan. As for the choice of location, I expect that it is due to its isolation and scarcity of witnesses."

"'Scarcity of witnesses'? It's a monastery, Spock. There has to be people there!"

Patiently, Spock said, "The monks there have taken a vow of silence."

McCoy was surprised. "Spock, that's very…human."

"That, Doctor, is a result of human influences. The monastery has reasoned that this ancient practice has merit for meditation on logic. Furthermore, the first monks to return to the planet reasoned that it would be a good way to redeem themselves in light of the illegal surveillance done on the Andorians."

A bosun's whistle sounded, announcing the activation of the ship's intercom. "Bridge to Captain Spock. We're approaching P'Jem."

"Thank you," said Spock. "I'm on my way."

"Logic," said McCoy, referring to Spock's explanation before they were interrupted by the bridge. "There are times like this that I wish we have plenty of that."

"So do I, Doctor. So do I."

xXx

Spock, back in his Starfleet uniform, entered the transporter room with Dr. McCoy. The transporter operator stood by, waiting for them.

"Is there anything…untoward, ensign?" queried Spock.

"Well, there are two starships in orbit around the planet. One is the Republic commanded by Thelin, and the other is the Farragut, Captain Bruce Finnegan commanding."

McCoy and Spock exchanged a meaningful look. Both ships were where James Kirk once served in his career, and Finnegan once tormented Kirk in their Academy days. There were too many coincidences related to the late captain.

Spock spoke to quickly break the silence before the ensign could think about that. "Has the coordinates for the monastery been laid in?"

"Yes, sir."

Spock went up to the transporter pad but he stopped when he saw that McCoy was following him.

"Doctor, I'm beaming down alone."

"Alone?" McCoy was alarmed. "It's dangerous! You could—" He stopped at a sharp look from Spock.

"Alone, Doctor." Spock glanced at the transporter operator to be sure of the ensign's naiveté. "A monastery, as you very well know, is hardly a dangerous locale. Ensign, energize."

P'Jem

Spock materialized in the small courtyard in front of the massive double doors of the monastery. He was alone. Concluding that he might find answers inside the monastery, he pulled heavily on the thick rope hanging by the doors, ringing the bell.

The double doors opened, revealing a single hooded monk dressed in a white robe. Silently, the monk raised his hand to deliver the Vulcan greeting. Spock returned the greeting silently.

"I am expected," said Spock.

The monk nodded and turned away to walk deeper into the monastery, clearly intending for Spock to follow.

The robed Vulcan led the Starfleet officer into a backroom. Waiting there were three people: Ambassador Sarek, an Andorian and a blond human man, both with the insignia of a starship captain. The monk left, closing the doors behind himself.

Sarek stepped forward, holding his earth-colored robes close to himself. "Spock."

It was then that Spock noticed that the Andorian and the human were aiming phasers at him. With an arched eyebrow directed at them, he responded simply, "Father."

"How do you feel?"

Surprised at the emotion-loaded question, Spock nearly frowned. "As adequately as I can be under the circumstances."

"Ah," said Sarek simply as he slowly stepped closer to Spock. "So you do not feel…fine?"

Now Spock frowned. Yet another emotion-loaded question. "Father, what is the meaning of this? I do not know how this was done, but…." He gestured at the phaser-bearing captains. "…this is illogical, not to mention disrespectful of the monastery's sanctuary."

"Indeed." For a short while, Sarek's eyes slid down to where Spock's neck and shoulder met. Surely, he wasn't thinking about knocking Spock out with a Vulcan pinch? His fear of Bendii's in his father increased.

But now Sarek was close to Spock. His father raised an arm, reaching for the Vulcan captain's neck. Spock tensed, expecting a pinch to send him into unconsciousness. Inside, he was feeling very bewildered, confused and alarmed, but he showed none of that on his face. He could resist, but there was little he could do with two Starfleet captains pointing phasers at him. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know if the phasers were set on stun.

Sarek touched Spock's shoulder and gently grasped it. Spock waited for the pinch. The moment stretched on until he realized that a pinch wasn't forthcoming. Oddly, Sarek appeared to look as relieved as only someone who has known him for a long time could tell. His father released him. He nodded once at the others who then lowered and holstered their phasers.

"Father, perhaps it is past time that I am aware of the cause of this meeting."

"Indeed. Spock, meet Captains Thelin and Finnegan."

The Andorian, who was smiling, offered Spock his pale-blue hand. Spock shook it, feeling surreal. The last time he had met Thelin was in an alternate timeline where he was the executive officer on the Enterprise and Spock had died as a child. According to Thelin's perspective, it was the first time that Spock met him.

"Do you know, Spock, that I was once considered for a post on the Enterprise?"

A chill went through Spock. It was a feeling akin to what humans described as someone walking on his grave, macabre as that was. He replied noncommittally, "Indeed."

"Still, it's an honor to command a ship that once had Captain Kirk serving aboard."

Spock turned his gaze to the human blond man. He also recognized him. "Bruce Finnegan. You were in the Academy with James Kirk."

Finnegan chuckled. "Of course! You would know me! I got a good laugh when I read of your mission on the Amusement Park Planet."

"Father?" By calling on Sarek, Spock showed he wanted to know what's going on.

"We came in secret, my son, to discuss a threat."

"Yes. I was told that there was a threat. Vaguely, I might add."

Thelin said, "Have you noticed anything about Starfleet Command lately? Anything unusual?"

"We have been in the alternate universe and had no contact with Command until recently. We may have been gone for quite a while but once contact with Command has been reestablished, Starfleet has been indeed behaving unusually. They forced us to choose between going back to Earth and leaving a few ships behind to help Babylon 5 or staying and be court-martialed with absolutely no help for Babylon 5 whatsoever."

The captains and the ambassador looked at each other. "Is that all?" asked Finnegan.

"Yes."

Sarek said, "Some of us have discerned emerging patterns. Unusual orders, such as the one you've received; high-ranking officials supporting irrational proposals—"

"—Starbase 6, near Qualor, has been ordered to shut down all subspace and hyperspace experiments and completely evacuated for two days, no explanation given," interjected Finnegan.

"And what about the deaths?" put in Thelin. "Xon, Harry Morrow, James Styles, Shakti Jataras."

Spock was stunned. Xon was the Vulcan science officer of the Enterprise in its second five-year mission under Captain Kirk; Harry was an Admiral who'd retired from the post of Commander-in-Chief; James Styles was the first captain of the Excelsior during the Federation's brief experiment with transwarp technology; and Shakti Jataras was Fleet Admiral William Toddman's aide-de-camp. All dead. He turned to his father for confirmation.

"Officially, their deaths were a result of…'accidents'," said Sarek.

Spock had to appreciate the irony. Here they were, discussing suspicious deaths and nebulous threats in a monastery once used in a deception against the old Andorian Imperial Guard. "Do you have evidence?"

"No. Interfleet communications are at a minimum," replied Thelin. "But something is clearly happening."

At the look of skepticism on Spock's face, Finnegan exploded. "Dammit, Spock! Some of Starfleet's top command people are changing! This could affect the very core of the Federation. Hell, your father's here! He agrees with our suspicions! If that's not enough, what will convince you!"

"Indeed," intoned Sarek. "Officers and officials I've known for years are not…themselves."

"That's not enough to threaten the Federation, Father."

"Perhaps. You would still do well to…'keep your eyes open' as the humans would say."

"Of course, Father."

"Keep in contact with us, Spock—discretely. As far as Starfleet—indeed the rest of the Federation—is concerned, this meeting never occurred. I'm going with Captain Thelin to Vulcan to handle this from there. The V'Shar is expecting me. Investigate the patterns yourself, my son, and you'll find yourself agreeing with us."

Spock was surprised again. The V'Shar was another name for Vulcan's Ministry of Security and Intelligence.

Finnegan said with a sly smile, "Watch your back, Spock."

USS Endeavour, enroute to Earth

Spock was disturbed to say the least. He hadn't told anyone of his meeting, least of all Dr. McCoy in spite of his incessant badgering about it. He didn't want to implicate any of them, at least until he had hard evidence. Were they all chasing shadows and dust?

Including his father, Ambassador Sarek?

Patterns, his father said.

"Computer, this is Captain Spock. Access all Starfleet Command orders to starships, starbases and colonies, for the past two months." Two months may not be enough, but Spock, even though he was Vulcan, could only handle so much information.

"Working."

xXx

On the bridge of the refit Constitution class starship, the captain sat watching his crew work as starlines made a false tunnel on the main viewer.

"Captain…," said the tactical officer, puzzled. "I'm picking up an unusual disturbance in a nearby sector."

"Confirmed," said the navigator. "It's near the Wolf 359 System."

"Be specific. What kind of disturbance?" The captain couldn't be too careful since the odd diversion to P'Jem and the strange lack of communications with those other two starships.

"Hard to say at this distance, Captain Cerra."

"Alter course. Let's investigate."

xXx

"Bridge to Captain Spock."

Spock was slightly startled out of his intense study. "This is Spock."

"Will you come to the bridge?"

He looked at the readings on his computer screen. It was too interesting to stop now. Suppressing a sigh, he saved the work and shut it off. "On my way."

xXx

Spock came out of the turbolift and saw that the whole crew was looking at the main viewer. Clearly, he was summoned for something there. All he could see were what looked like a slowly expanding field of boulders.

Spock was slightly annoyed. He was summoned away from his work for this? "Captain Cerra, what is the relevance of this to me?"

The captain looked at Spock, carefully keeping his face neutral. "Lieutenant, magnify."

The boulders now became what looked like twisted pieces of metal—debris from a space vessel.

"Identify," ordered Cerra.

The tactical officer reported, "There's no identifying mark. Sensors are not detecting bodies in the debris field, but judging from the amount of wreckage." She looked at Spock and continued hesitantly. "The field has the mass of a Baton-Rouge-class starship. It could only be the Republic."

Spock was so shocked that his face actually betrayed the emotion and he had to put a hand to a wall to support himself.

"Father…," he whispered.

xXx

The Endeavour was now cautiously moving into the debris field, probing and scanning the remains of the Republic. Occasionally, a piece would vanish in a transporter effect, having been beamed aboard for further analysis.

Personal log, supplemental. The death of my father Sarek of Vulcan has had a powerful impact on me. Our relationship has not been amicable in the best of time, but as a father, he has had great influence on me, even on my choice of career in Starfleet though he opposed it. Of my family, there is only myself, my mother Amanda Grayson and T'Val, my daughter by Saavik. I now believe there may be a cancer growing within the ranks of Starfleet. I've decided to alert my friend and colleague Doctor McCoy to the suspicions voiced by Sarek and the two Starfleet captains.

"Spock, are you sure? There's no proof." McCoy was looking concerned. He knew that in spite of their claims of emotion control, Vulcans could be affected by family deaths as much as any human.

"Admiral Nogura tried to warn me of a subversion in the Federation. Then Ambassador Sarek, Captains Thelin and Finnegan tried to warn me. Now Thelin and Sarek are dead."

"A conspiracy, Spock?" McCoy rolled his eyes. "Not again! First it's Khitomer and now this. When has we become conspiracy nuts!" The doctor paced around his quarters before finally sitting at Spock's desk. "Okay. I know this looks suspicious. A warning and then death. The Republic's destruction could be an accident."

With an arched eyebrow, Spock said, "I do not believe that the destruction of the Republic was an accident. I believe it was sabotage."

"Spock, there's no evidence. I know the death of your father was a bad blow, but—I can't believe I'm saying this, but I gotta—you have to be clear-headed about this. Be logical. The Endeavour's working around the clock on it but so far we haven't found any evidence of foul play. Not even evidence of weapons fire."

Spock looked patiently back at the doctor. "Doctor, my father's death indeed affected me but I am being logical." He activated the computer screen on his desk. It showed a layout of the charted parts of the galaxy, focusing on Federation space. Certain stars and symbols were highlighted in red. "With my father's warning in mind, I've searched for abnormal patterns in Starfleet's directives. I have not completed my research but I believe we have enough to go on." He pointed at the map. "These are various outposts and starbases where I have detected unusual activity over the past two months."

In spite of himself, McCoy's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of activity?"

"An uncustomary shuffling of personnel, usually in the command positions. The new officers have had abnormally frequent contact with the highest levels of Starfleet Command."

Now the doctor was looking disturbed. If Spock was being serious and was being as Vulcanish as usual, then he would have to take his words seriously. "You noticed it. One single man. Granted, you're Vulcan, but surely others with greater resources have noticed. Why hasn't anyone else noticed it?"

"The orders were given subtly. As is normal in very large organizations and in bureaucracies, various departments wouldn't know what other departments were doing."

"In other words, Spock, Starfleet's left hand didn't know what its right hand was doing."

Spock peered at McCoy. "I wouldn't have put it so eloquently, but that is essentially correct, Doctor."

The doctor studied the map for a while. Pointing at different locations, he said, "A lot of these are vital sectors of Federation territory. If you're right, someone's trying to control them." He looked up at Spock with concern. "A prelude to invasion?"

"I do not know. I have not yet completed my analysis. And I doubt I would be able to get the information for us to know."

"What about Admiral Nogura? He seems to know something."

"Yes…."

xXx

Nogura could never get used to the pre-echo properties of the technology. Whenever he wanted to move a certain way, his body has already moved a split-second before he moved; whenever he spoke, the words came a split-second before his voice sounded them.

"Why do you persist in calling me 'Doctor Claw', Admiral?"

Nogura studied the silhouette of the being within the pillar of rippling energy shining upward from a pad identical to the one the admiral was standing on. All he could discern was that the being was humanoid and male.

And from the future.

"Oh, it's from an ancient entertainment fiction show called 'Inspector Gadget'. In it, there's a leader who spoke in a distorted voice and, despite appearing in almost every episode, was almost never clearly shown. Since you won't give me your name, I thought 'Doctor Claw' is fitting."

The shadowy head moved as if the humanoid was looking at Nogura from a different angle. Quizzically, the admiral guessed. Did the being know that Claw was a villain in that show? "What happened? There was a disturbance in the timescape just now."

Apparently, there were limits even to this being's knowledge. Still, he hesitated before delivering the news. "The Republic has been destroyed. Ambassador Sarek was on it."

There was silence as the humanoid digested the news. "We didn't plan to involve Sarek…not yet. He should have—"

The doorchime interrupted the conversation. Time to cut this short. Nogura said, "When will we speak again?"

"Don't be concerned with when." The figure faded away and a moment later, the pillar of rippling energy vanished. Nogura quickly stepped down and put the pads in a closet. The doorchime rang again.

The admiral made sure he looked like he just stepped out of bed. He had already been dressed for the part in just such an eventuality. "Come."

At least the disturbing pre-echo property was gone with the man from the future.

The door parted to reveal Spock and McCoy.

"Captain…?" Nogura yawned.

"I apologize for disturbing your sleep but we require information."

"About…?"

"The subversion inside the Federation."

Nogura was surprised. He would have expected Spock to be preoccupied with the death of his father. But then he was an exceptional Starfleet officer and a Vulcan on top of that. He glanced at the human doctor. He guessed that since he was with Spock, McCoy could be trusted.

"Go on."

Spock and McCoy explained what they have found out so far, to Nogura's slowly growing alarm. When they were done, he said, "That's exactly what I was afraid of! My God, men, we're talking about a threat to the entire future of the Federation. We shouldn't rest easy until we have this solved." Nogura turned to his windows, seeking answers from the stars. Soon, the stars appeared to move and streak, becoming a flash of whitish rainbow-hued light covering the windows. The flash quickly faded into starlines. The Endeavour had gone to warp. This meant that the vessel's captain felt the investigation of the Republic's wreckage was complete and they were back on course to Earth. Admiral Nogura took two small boxes from a table under the windows. "The Federation public is wary of a protective Starfleet torn apart by scandals such as the Khitomer Conspiracy."

The admiral handed one of the small black boxes to the human doctor. "Doctor McCoy, will you accept the post as Chief of Starfleet Medical?"

Drawn up by the urgency, McCoy said, "I accept." With that, he opened the box and took out his new admiralty insignia.

The second box was handed to the Vulcan. "And, Captain Spock, do you accept the post as Commandant of Starfleet Academy?"

"I do not."

Stunned, Nogura frowned. "You…do not? Why?"

Guardedly, Spock replied, "I have my reasons. I, however, accept the promotion to Admiral." He took the box without opening it. He didn't need to open it to confirm that it indeed contained an admiral's insignia.

"But, as Commandant of the Academy, you can help counter the possibility of a hostile takeover of important Federation sectors!"

"Admiral, I have errands that I must do. The Academy would keep me from doing them."

"What are those errands, Spock?"

"I can only say that they are indeed important to the future of the Federation, perhaps as important as the threat within Starfleet."

Nogura scowled. "I hope so, Admiral Spock. I sincerely hope so."

Hyperspace, somewhere in Federation territory

The Shadow warship has determined that it was now between the Federation star systems of Sol and Wolf 359. The body of the bioship rippled and shimmered as it phased into normal space. Once the phasing was complete, a much smaller vessel emerged from the skin of the bioship and moved away from the Shadow. If there were any observer, he would note that the vessel was clearly a Federation shuttlecraft. He would further note the name written on it: Plato, USS Republic NCC 1371.

The shuttle sped up and went to warp, leaving the Shadow ship behind which then phased back into hyperspace.

USS Endeavour

Doctor McCoy and the newly-promoted Captain Uhura were in Spock's quarters. The doctor had recruited her to gang up on Spock.

"Doctor," said Admiral Spock, "I have my reasons to refuse the post."

Uhura pointed out, "Spock, we've worked together for years. We've known each other. If you can't trust us after all that time and all the things we've gone through together, what can you do? It is foolish to trust absolutely no one. In that direction, Spock, lies a kind of madness I do not wish on anyone, least of all, you."

"Nyota, I agree." By using Uhura's personal name, Spock was showing how much he appreciated her.

"And…?" pressed McCoy impatiently. "I know you're a private man, but you must tell us. You turned down one of the biggest posts in Starfleet. Why?"

Spock let out a tiny sigh and closed his eyes. He was flashing back to an encounter with Lady Morella.

Spock grasped Morella's proffered hand. She took a quick sharp breath and closed her eyes at the physical contact.

A dead barren gray planet hung in space. Then a torpedo case quickly flew at the planet. A massive fiery explosion fountained at the night side, converting itself into an expanding fire which quickly engulfed the entire world, turning night into day, even briefly making the planet seem to be a weakly burning sun. The fire faded. A blue-hued atmosphere slowly appeared on the dead world and bodies of water grew among the mountains and craters. Greenery reached out from the water to cover the land while snow appeared on high mountains. Soon, the gray dead barren planet became a living, breathing Minshara-class world.

Genesis.

Lady Morella's eyes flew open in shock.

Spock was a bit steady for a moment. Concerned, McCoy approached him. "You okay?"

"I was…remembering the Lady Morella, daughter of Hudec."

"Ah yes, Doctor Chapel's clone," quipped the doctor. "What of her?"

"She knew about Genesis."

Uhura widened her eyes. "She knew? How?"

"She was a seer."

McCoy rolled his eyes. "Tell me another one!"

"Back on Argelius II, Sybo was a seeress and we took her seriously," pointed out Uhura.

The doctor muttered rebelliously at that point. But he wanted Spock to continue his explanation and indicated that.

"Morella was a prophetess as well. She reinforced the claim by saying:

Morella was seated on her couch beside Spock, staring straight at him. "You've experienced death and resurrection."

"My God!" exclaimed McCoy as Uhura looked impressed. "She knew about you!"

"Indeed. She also said:

"You are not supposed to be in this universe. You must reunite your people or the stars shall be rent in blood and fire."

"And she was right," said Spock. "The second sentence was a prophecy. I am certain that she meant my people and the Romulans."

"'Reunite'?" McCoy was skeptical again.

"That is a major factor in my decision to reject the post of Commandant of Starfleet Academy."

Uhura now looked worried. "We've been hearing about rising tensions between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. How can you do that?"

"By going to Romulus."

McCoy and Uhura were flabbergasted. "Have you taken leave of your Vulcan senses!" bellowed the doctor.

"I've met a Romulan senator at Khitomer. He told me that there has been an underground movement on Romulus since before the Romulan War—a movement in favor of reunification with Vulcan. When we came back, I've contacted Senator Pardek and have remained in touch with him since Starbase 10."

Throwing up his hands, McCoy laughed mirthlessly. "Spock, a modern-day Che Guevara!"

Uhura gently bit her lower lip. "I'll be transferring to Starfleet Intelligence. I…think I might help you there."

"Et tu, Uhura?"

Spock ignored the quip. "There were two more prophecies from Lady Morella:

"You must beware the man who remembers Surak's face." Morella's eyes softened with sympathy. "If you would have your friend live, he must die."

"What kind of ridiculous thing is that! Surak's been dead for centuries! No one remembers him! And how can someone live by dying!"

"I do not presume to know, Doctor. However, there is one possibility:

On a planet supposedly hostile to humanoid life, a young-looking Surak in an archaic-seeming tunic raised his right hand and parted fingers in the traditional Vulcan greeting. "Peace and long life."

"The Excalbian incident?" said Uhura.

"But then…Morella could only mean you!" suggested McCoy. "Jim's dead, so you're the only one left to 'remember' Surak!"

"It is intriguing," commented Spock. "She may mean that I must beware myself. Is there not an old Terran adage that your worst enemy is yourself?"

"What about the friend who must die?" McCoy looked at Spock nervously. "Would it be…me?"

"I do not know, Doctor. I hope not." Spock looked at the windows along with the others. The Endeavour, at this moment, was dropping out of warp and the distant blue penny-sized dot of Earth could be seen. "I will seek answers. I am certain that we will find the necessary answers soon."

Elsewhere

The shuttle Plato was, at this moment, coasting into the Sol System at low warp. It was passing the ringed planet Saturn.

Earth Spacedock

Spock had settled in his new quarters on the massive starbase in orbit around Earth. He had lit the single candle under a mirror. He studied himself the mirror in the dark. If he was to be his own worst enemy, he must then know himself. The new admiral turned to a glass of chamomile tea sitting on a dresser. He could see the irony of using a human drink to calm himself when he had logic at his fingertips.

He studied himself drinking the tea. If he was McCoy, he would imagine that seeing a Vulcan looking over the rim of a tea glass would look decidedly menacing. Was the human side of himself letting his imagination run away?

The door to his quarters chimed for his attention.

Who could it be at this late hour? Perhaps it was Doctor McCoy coming again with his emotional concerns, or Captain Uhura coming with new information concerning the Romulan Star Empire.

"Enter."

The door opened and the figure, darkly silhouetted by the bright light of the outside corridor, stepped in. The figure didn't have the contours or the size of either McCoy or Uhura. Spock remembered his father's news of the 'mysterious' deaths of various Starfleet officers and he tensed.

The person came closer to the candle's light, bringing well known features into view.

"Hello, Spock."

The tea glass slipped from Spock's fingers and fell to the floor. Both the tea glass and Spock's world shattered in the same instant of time.