Spock scowled at Caris… as much as a Vulcan scowls. "You will not aide me in proving your friend cheated?" He asked in a darker than usual voice.
She shook her head. "No Spock, I won't. I'm sure he cheated on the test, hell I helped you program the thing I should know how unbeatable it is. But he is also my friend."
"As am I. I am requesting your help, as a friend." He said in the same dark voice. She wanted to frown. Was he upset? Hurt? By her refusing to choose one over the other?
"I am your friend." She explained patiently. "Which is why I'm not siding with him. I am refusing to choose sides between my friends. So while I cannot help you I won't try to stop or mislead you." She turned on one of her music data files, letting the soft, soothing music wash over the room. "But I will keep you company."
He gave a dark look at her before the edge to his eyes faded. He understood, as she knew he would eventually, once he got past his injured pride. "I WILL catch him." He insisted.
She smiled and gently brushed her fingers across his clothing clad arm, the most touch either of them dared. "I know. He deserves it and I am honestly rooting for you. But I just can't help."
There was a slight smile in his eyes now. "Rooting for me?"
She saw the faint teasing in those chocolate orbs. "You remember everything Spock, don't pretend you don't remember what that means." She'd had to explain the saying when they went to see a classic football game. Along with why she liked football, given that she admitted it was barbaric and illogical (hot, buff guys, tight clothing, enough said).
"True enough." He answered but she knew his mood had seriously increased.
Caris sat and watched Spock 'debate' with Kirk. She flinched as her stoic friend brought up the occurances on the U.S.S. Kelvin. So not a good move… she'd have to explain it to him later how unkind that was. She knew Spock had been harsh to make such an unbeatable test, but she understood his point… just as she understood Kirk's. There is no such thing as a no-win situation.
When the runner came in she was relieved and annoyed. She wanted to know how it was settled… And then she heard his news… Vulcan in trouble… She saw Spock's shoulders and back tense. Oh no. Amanda was on Vulcan still… Her gut clenched. In her last visit the woman had become a… sort of surrogate mother. Caris stood and practically ran to the hanger bay.
"Uhura, Farragot. Pike, Farragot. Okay, dismissed, get moving." The Commander snapped. Galia smiled and ran to the Enterprise shuttle while Nyota and Caris shared dark looks.
"Do we let this happen?" Nyota asked, her eyes dark with hurt.
"Oh HELL no." Caris snapped. "You take Spock, I'll take Daddy. I'll see you on board." Her friend grinned and they headed in separate directions.
Her father was sorting out some last minute supplies when she found him just outside the Enterprise shuttle. "Capitan." She said in a firm, professional voice.
He turned and looked her over, his lips quirking into a small grin. "Yes Cadet?"
Really it wasn't a question, he KNEW what she wanted. She could feel his amusement. "The Farragot, sir? I am one of the best engineers in my class, a fine pilot and a very skilled diplomat. The Farragot is a waste of my talent. I assume there was a mistake. I AM assigned to the Enterprise, sir."
He smiled and was filled with… relief?... "I thought it might be preferred if you did not feel… watched over."
She snorted. "The other way around, sir, as always." She joked. To be honest she felt safer knowing she was under her Father's command.
He lifted his datapad. "Yes, Cadet. There was a mistake, you were supposed to be assigned to the Enterprise, step aboard."
She smiled. "Thank you Capitan." She said to her father and bounded happily up the steps. Not a full five minutes later Nyota and Spock stepped on board, Nyota smiled and sat beside her.
"Hello, fancy seeing you here Cadet Pike." Her friend teased.
Caris grinned. "And you, Cadet Uhura. Such a pleasant surprise." She saw Spock's look. He thought they'd planned it. She grinned at him and nodded very minutely. They had, obviously.
Caris watched Spock belittle Kirk and flinched a second time. No need for him to be unkind. But then Kirk settled and began laying out the facts and Caris' heart chilled. She'd been there, with Nyota. She'd gotten the transmission too, she'd helped translate it. Gods no…
And the the poor lieutenant admitted he didn't know the difference between Romulan and Vulcan, gods what an idiot. "Cadet…" Her Father began.
"Uhura, sir." Noyta replied.
"Cadet Uhura, can you speak Romulan?" Caris fought the urge to roll her eyes. Duh she could.
"Yes sir, all three dialects." Uhura said grimly. Caris ought to know how well her friend could speak the languages. She'd taught her. Uhura was the only one who knew she could speak as many languages as she did, as well as she did.
"Relieve the Lieutenant Cadet."
"Yes sir." Uhura took the seat and Caris fought a tiny smile of pride. She'd helped her friend become that confidant, that good. Only her nervusness and the seriousness of the situation kept her from smiling and winking at her friend.
"Caris, hail the U.S.S. Truman." He snapped at her, but she heard the oh so slight softening of his voice.
"They're dropped out of warp, sir, and have arrived at Vulcan. But… but we seem to have lost all contact." Caris replied to her father, looking up at his familiar blue eyes. Hs face was grim, and that scared Caris more than anything ever had.
"Sir I pick up no Romulan transmission, or transmission of any kind in the area." Uhura said with a contemplative look.
"That's because they're under attack!" Kirk insisted, his blue eyes firm and defiant.
Caris's father walked to his helm, passing a grim looking Spock. "Shields up, all stations red alert." He ordered.
Caris turned and pressed the appropriate switches. "We'll drop out of warp in five seconds. Four… three… two…" And then she ship dropped from the silvery blue of warp… and right into hell.
Caris had a vague sense of her Father barking orders and Spock moving to his position, but her world became a mass of fear and nervousness. She responded with the automatic response that had been ingrained into her. Fear was no stranger to her, not after so many summers aboard star ships, but this was new.
And then she saw it… the massive ship that she knew still haunted her Father's dreams. She suddenly understood why it haunted him, and knew it would haunt her forever. And from the look in everyone's faces… it would haunt them as well.
"Capitan they're locking torpedoes." Spock said in his calm voice, and that helped Caris remain in control of the terror that threatened to consume her.
"Divert auxiliary power from power cells to forward shields." Even her father was calm, if firm and afraid. He was in control. She began rerouting all her unnecessary power to the shields. The blow his them and shook Caris in her chair. "Sulu, status report!"
"Their weapons are powerful, sir, we can't take another hit like that." The asian man said. 'No shit' Caris thought bitterly, continuing to reroute power…
"Get me Star Fleet Command." Her Father ordered.
"Capitan," Spock said immediately after, "The Romulan ship has lowered some kind of high energy pulse device into the Vulcan atmosphere. It is blocking out comminucations and transporter abilities."
"All power to forward shields. Prepare to fire all weapons." Her father ordered. Caris began shutting down all her unimportant systems, diverting that power to the shields and praying…
"Capitan, We're being hailed!" Uhura said, standing to look at the screen.
"Hullo," came a dark, rather unpleasant voice. Caris turned to look and saw a tattooed, angry looking Romulan.
"I am Capitan Christopher Pike, to whom am I speaking to?" Her father said calmly.
"Hi Christopher," said the Romulan and Caris bristled. How DARE he… "I'm Nero."
"You've declared war against the Federation. Withdraw and I will set up a conference with Romulan leadership at a netural location." Damn her Father was impressive. She watched him from the corner of her eye, awed at how the man she'd known her whole life really WAS the heroic person she'd thought he was as a child…
"We do not speak for the Empire," said Nero, "We stand apart." He peered past her Father. "As does your Vulcan crew member, isn't that right? Spock."
Caris released her empathic ability and focused it on the man in the other ship, Nero. She shuddered and missed Spock's comment and Nero's following one. She was lost in swirls of black hate, evil and terrible. Nero's emotions grabbed her and pulled her in, drowning her.
"Capitan Pike," Caris pulled free at her Father's name, "Your transporter has been disabled, as you can see by the rest of your Armada, you have no choice. You will man a shuttle, come aboard the Narada, for negotiations. That is all." The image disappeared.
Her father looked contemplative for a moment before standing and walking toward the turbolift.
"He'll kill you, you know that." Kirk said firmly. Caris stood, filled with fear.
"You're survival is unlikely." Spock added.
"Capitan we gain nothing by diplomacy, going over to that ship is a mistake." James fired off immediately after Spock.
"I too agree. You should rethink your strategy." Spock said firmly. Caris knew she would have caved under the weight of their protests… but she was not her Father.
"I understand that." Her father insisted, calmly, as if debating dinner options. "I need officers who have been trained in advanced hand-to-hand combat."
"I have training sir." Sulu offered.
"Good, come with me. You too Kirk, you're not supposed to be here anyway." The four men began to walk out and Caris scrambled after them. "Chekov, you have the conn."
She heard the cute Russian kid answer but wasn't paying attention. She simply followed her Father and said nothing, knowing her protests would do little to stop her Father if Spock's had not.
"Without transporters we can't beam off the ship, we can't assist Vulcan, we can't do our Job." And he took his job seriously. "Mr. Kirk, Mr. Sulu, Engineer Olsen will Space Jump from the shuttle." Caris felt a thrill of fear for her obnoxious friend. She set her hand on his arm as they walked and he gave her a soft look. He didn't want her to worry. "You will land on that machine they have lowered into the atmosphere that is scrambling out gear. You will get inside, disable it, them beam back.
"Mr. Spock, I am leaving you in command of the Enterprise. Once we have transport abilities and communications back up you will contact Star fleet Command and tell them what the HELL is going on here. And if all else fails, fall back and roundevieu with the fleet in the Lorentian System."
He turned to Kirk. "Kirk I'm promoting you to First Officer."
Caris fought a giggle at the absurdity of it, especially since it wasn't a half bad idea. "What?" Kirk exclaimed but because of his hand on hers Caris could feel his excitement.
"Captian," Spock said only half a heatbeat behind. Her Father looked at him. "Please, I apologize but the complexities of Human pranks escape me."
"It's not a prank, Spock. And I'm not the Capitan, you are." Her Father said before he grasped Caris' hand in his. He didn't say a thing but he felt his love for her, and his determination. He was going to come back. "Alright, let's go." He said stepping into the last lift.
Caris stood beside Spock as the men followed her dad and Kirk shared a glare with Spock. "Sir," Kirk said, "after we take out that drill, what happens to you?"
"Well I guess you'll just have to come get me." He pressed the close button and looked Spock directly in the eyes and said with as blank a face as possible. "Careful with the ship, Spock, she's brand new."
Spock's brow lifted and he nodded as the door closed. Immediately he took off and Caris followed him, though she wanted to stand and stare after her Father. "That was a joke, by the way." She told him simply as they strode into the turbolift, before stepping onto the bridge, where she left being his friend behind and became a member of his crew again.
He sat in the Capitan's chair and Caris's gut clenched. Gods it was all real…
"Doctor Purry, report." He ordered.
"It's McCoy, Dr. Purry was on deck six." Bones' frantic, worried voice snapped from over the com. "He's dead."
"Then you have just inherited his responsibility of Chief Medical Officer." Spock told him.
"Yea, tell me something I don't know!" He snapped before turning off the com.
Spock sent her a look, one brow raised. She shrugged. "If you don't need me here Comm… Capitan, sorry." She said swiftly, standing, "I could run down there and give them a hand, since it seems like we'll need it."
She saw his mind working. He knew, as well as she and most of the crew did, that she was on the bridge to be looked after. Spock shook his head. "No, I require you where you are." She wanted to protest but she didn't dare, it was not the time. He'd obviously understood her father's hidden meaning behind the joke… 'Look after my girl'. She'd hoped he'd missed it.
She sat down. "Yes Sir."
There was a few minutes of general quiet before Chekov said "Avay team is entering de atmosphere. 20,000 meteres." Caris flinched. Her Father was alone and Kirk was in harms way… And Amanda was still not safely on board.
She closed her eyes and murmured a quiet prayer for her loved ones, thet her Father would be safe, that Kirk would return successful and not seriously injured, and that they could help Amanda in time. When she opened her eyes Spock was giving her an odd look. She offered him a wan, scared smile in return.
"Approaching the platform at 2800 meters!" Checkov said, snapping their attention back to the screen and the problems at hand.
"Kirk to Enterprise." Kirk's voice said, riddled with static. Caris' heart leapt at hearing his voice. "Distance to target, five thousand meters."
"4600 meters from the platform." Chekov said.
"4500 meters to target." Sulu's voice said over the com. Caris tensed again… so close…
"4000 meters." Kirk said calmly.
"3000 Meters!" Yelled the Irish engineer, excitement laden in his voice. Caris immediately was worried and focused on him… He was intoxicated on his excitement, drowning in it where Kirk and Sulu were riding above it, using it as opposed to being used by it. Her gut tied itself into a knot.
"Something's wrong." She murmured. "Olsen was a bad choice for this…"
Spock didn't spare her a look but she knew by the slight twitch that he heard her.
"Two thousand meters." Kirk yelled.
"Pull the shoot!" Sulu ordered. Instantly the speed of their respective colored dots slowed on the screen.
"Two thousand meters!" Olsen yelled. "Fifteen hundred meters!"
"Come on Olsen, pull your shoot" Kirk yelled. Silently she screamed it at the man, knowing something was going to end terribly…
"No, not yet, not yet." It degraded into a match of yelling between Olsen and Kirk and Caris lost track of it until…
"O... Olsen is gone sir." Chekov said. Caris' heart leapt into her throat, her hands clenched. "Kwrk has landed Sir." Her hands relaxed. Kirk was safe… "Sulu has landed." Her stomach relaxed a little. She was ashamed that she felt no real grief for Olsen yet… she was too relieved for her friends.
"Thank the gods." She murmured, relaxing into her seat like a limp noodle.
"The jamming signal is gone!" Uhura said suddenly.
"Transportability are reestablished!" Caris said, checking her screens.
"Check on the gravitational sensors. I want to know what they are doing to the planet." Spock snapped.
"Aye Commander. Ach, Capitan, sorry, Capitan." Chekov said and Caris grinned slightly. She'd done the same thing, but Chekov was younger than her, and not Spock's friend. She felt his nervousness and couldn't help herself, she reached out and touched his arm, sending him a wave of calm. Instantly his hands stopped shaking as he did as ordered.
Spock gave her another funny look but she ignored him to share a knowing glance at Uhura. Nyota knew… not that she was part Vulcan but that she was part Betazoid, that she could sense and offer emotions.
"Kirk to enterprise, they just launched something into the planet. Into the hole they just drilled." Kirks voice came in over the com but there was too many voices speaking at once to respond to him.
"Gravitational sensors are off de scale. If my calculations are correct zey're creating a singularity…" Chekov spun in his chair to look at Spock, "dat will consume the planet."
Caris felt the fear and horror that ripped through Spock before he could control it. "They are creating a blackhole at the center of Vulcan?"
"Yes, sir."
"How long does the planet have?" You'd think he was talking about the weather except for the fear in his eyes.
"Minutes sir." The kid said. "Minutes."
Spock was instantly out of his chair. He spun to Nyota. "Alert Vulcan Command to give a planet wide exacuation. All channels, all frequencies." He ordered as he made his way to the turbolift.
"Spock wait!" Nyota insisted.
"Maintain standard orbit."
"Where are you going?" Nyota asked though Caris already knew. He was going for Amanda.
"I must evacuate the Vulcan High Council, they are tasked with protecting our Cultural history. My parents will be amoung them." Spock answered gently as he could. Caris stepped into the lift beside him.
"Can't you beam them out?" Nyota asked though Caris knew he'd of done that if he could.
"It is impossible. They will be in the Katragark. I must get them myself. Chekov, you have the con." He pressed the close button. "You should not come." He informed her.
Caris shrugged. "Unless you order me to stay I am coming with you." She said with as much force as she could. "You're my friend and I adore your Mother. I will not risk losing you both."
He did not blink or argue but she felt his gratitude under the layers of fear and determination.
As they stepped into the transporter room she heard the screaming of Kirk and Sulu and she shuddered. Chekov brushed past her and literally shoved the woman aside, his fingers moving rapidly. She turned her empathy from him to Spock, unable to handle his swirling snarl of feelings. Spock was composed now, calm as a lake on a cloudless, windless day. She needed that… needed him to control her own roiling emotions.
Sulu and Kirk crashed onto the pad and she fought a laugh of pure relief. Chekov bounded up, elated over his victory. But the two men on the pad looked worse for wear.
"Thanks" Sulu half said half groaned.
"No problem." Kirk assured him. Spock brushed past her, slipping the phaser into her palm.
She followed him to the pad and stood beside him, tucking her belt on and tightening it. "Clear the pad, I am beaming to the surface." Spock ordered the two men.
They stood but Kirk was already arguing. "The surface of what?" Spock crouched and she followed suit. "Wait, you're going down there? Are you NUTS?" Debatable… but possibly. "Spock you CAN'T do that!" Kirk argued.
"Energize." Spock ordered and Caris felt her body begin to float away…
And then she solidified again… and it really was hell. Rocks fell around them, flames engulfed mountain sides. Spock looked around and then broke into a run up an embankment. She followed him, right behind him.
They entered a beautiful chamber Caris would have killed to be allowed to study but there was no time. They raced up stairs and Amanda saw them and stood. "Spock!" she exclaimed.
"The planet may have only seconds left, we must evacuate." He said without preamble. "Mother, now!" The older Vulcans, one she recognized as Spock's father, turned and followed her out as Spock took his mother under one arm and ran with her, just behind Caris. She heard the crumbling, the groaning of strained rock, the gasps and cries of pain but she dared not look back. As long as Spock and Amanda were right behind her she didn't care.
They reached the outside and they skidded to a stop. "Spock to Enterprise, get us out NOW." He ordered into a little com. Amanda released Spock as she should for beaming up.
"Okay, don't move. Stay right were you are." Chekov ordered back and Caris felt relieved. The kid was a genius, he could get them up safely.
Her body began to feel floaty as the ground under them began to crumble. Amanda turned, her eyes wide and afraid and suddenly Caris knew... something bad was about to happen. The countdown roared in her ears, the thundering of rock falling… And then Amanda dropped away.
Caris lunged for her as Spock reached out for his mother… they both missed. Caris felt the cloth against her fingers as she was beamed up. They materialized on the pad aboard the Enterprise and she lost her balance and crumbled to the floor, tears stinging her eyes and falling rapidly onto her cheeks.
"No." she whispered. "Damn it no."
Spock said nothing, he just turned to where Amanda should have been and stared. The only sound to break the silence of the room was Spock's footfalls as he walked to the pad. But Caris could feel it… could feel the overwhelming sorrow and loss, the hate and anger from Spock and, surprisingly, his Father. She felt the failure Chekov felt and the sympathy from Kirk and Sulu and the others.
She wasn't sure how she got to the Medlab, but suddenly she was there. She forced her ability to turn off, tried to shut herself down… but her heartbreak and her fear… Gods… where was her Daddy? Was he alright? She could not turn off her gift completely. But she managed to shut out everyone but Spock and her Father.
And slowly… slowly Spock began to lock down on his emotions. She could still feel them, struggling at the surface of his mind, trying to break free. But he was trying to remain logical.
McCoy's fingers brushed across a cut on her head, hidden under her hair, and she wimpered. She could feel, through their contact, his fear, his anger, but his relief. "You're an idiot. You shouldn't have gone. We could have lost you too." He scolded but his hands were gentle as he dapped at the cut. He frowned when he saw the green blood on the pad.
"Shhh." She murmured. She lifted her hair, which was miraciously still in its bun and hiding her ears, to expose the tipped ears. "Mama was half-Vulcan." Se murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Why didn't you tell us?" He asked sharply.
She cringed. "Pointy-eared, green blooded hobgoblin." She quoted. He flinched.
"You're not like them." He said forcefully before retuning to tending her injuries.
She returned to the bridge when Spock did. But when he lost his internal battle and stormed out she let him go. Nyota followed and she knew that was what he needed. He needed her affection to help him blow off a little steam before he returned. He needed more than a little steam released but there was only so much they could do.
When Spock returned Caris was able to focus on him once more. His proximity making him much easier to focus on so her mind did not wander to the deep bond she had with her Father… the bond that screamed pain and terror into her mind.
So she focused on her Vulcan friend, his psudo-calm as he discussed strategy with the bridge. Nero was going to Earth. Why were they left alive? Caris could have answered that. Because Nero hates Spock for some reason and needed to see him suffer. Spock had to live, thus the enterprise was left alone. But that would mean admitting what she was.
Thankfully Spock was very intelligent and picked up on all those subtle clues too. And apparently some she hadn't. When Spock insinuated that Nero was from the future her jaw about dropped to the floor. But she trusted his logic…
Bones snapped. "Damn it man I'm a Doctor not a Physicist! Are you suggesting they're from the future?"
"If you illuminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." He lifted his brow just slightly at McCoy and Caris wanted to smile, if only she had the energy. That was so Spock.
"How poetic." Bones muttered, sarcastically.
They began discussing what Nero wanted with her Father but Caris didn't want to hear it. She stopped listening for a few moments, trying to better block out her father's bond to her.
Her head snapped up at the discussion of a rescue attempt but Spock's reply, while cold and clinical, was correct. They'd die trying. But… she WANTED to go back. They HAD to go back… She looked between Spock and Kirk… who did she back? Kirk had a good point with the too late comment… until he degraded into the blathering about Nero knowing what they'd do.
No way, alternate reality theory trumped that line of thought… and lost Kirk all the points he'd scored with Spock. Caris knew Spock would refuse, even if kirk was right. And then Kirk devolved into emotional snapping as Spock ordered their new corse… away from her Father. She turned her back on them both, knowing Spock would not yield and that his refusal was going to kill her Father.
She heard the yelling, the arguing, and then Spock call for security. She turned and caught Kirk's eye as he let himself be led away. He must have seen the desperation in her eyes because he started to fight… And then he went down when Spock used the nifty Vulcan nerve pinch.
"Get him off my ship." Spock ordered angrily. She could feel the anger in him… She would have protested but she knew how angry he was under the mask of calm… she dared not push him.
Caris was not speaking to him. Spock could not handle her crisp silence. She had been giving him soft glances that spoke to him of her pain at his… their… loss without words. She had been making quiet comments to try and lighten the mood… But since ordering them to the fleet she had turned him out.
It hurt. Perhaps it shouldn't have but given everything that had happened… He needed her. After three years he had come to … rely on her. He could survive without her friendship were he not so emotionally unstable, but he needed her now.
"Cadet Pike, please follow me." He said sharply, standing and walking toward the turbolift. After a moment she followed him. "Speak your mind Chris." He said softly as the door hissed closed.
"I trust you and your logic but damn it Spock… you're wrong this time." He felt as if she had hit him. "Do you remember when I beat your test?" She asked him softly. He nodded. "You said it was impossible. I beat it, beat you. And last week Kirk beat you too."
Spock frowned. "He cheated."
Caris rolled her eyes. "Spock, is it possible to cheat in real life? Are there rules that cannot be broken? Real life has no rules" She said, without waiting for his answer. "In real life there is nothing that's impossible. No one thinks of everything. And by refusing to see that you've condemmed my Father to death.
"And damn it Spock, I know you've lost your Mum and your home… but you're not the only one." To his utter astonishment she brushed her hair back and exposed her pointed ears. "I just lost my Granmother and my Mother's entire side of my family. And as much as they hated me they were my FAMILY! And now you have condemned me, with your choice, to lose my only remaining home AND my last remaining family member." The door opened and she stormed away, toward sick bay. "I'll send McCoy up for you."
Spock wondered how she knew he also wished to speak to the Doctor… He forced her hurt and her anger from his mind, as well as his curiousity and her lies. They would deal with them at a better time.
Caris spent the night in Sick bay. Not because she was ill, but because she couldn't be near Spock. McCoy was better company, even if he was mildly abrasive and a total worrywort.
"So tell me about your family, Chris, since what I know is a lie." Bones said after lights out, having just returned from the bridge and his 'talk' with Spock.
"Mama was half Betazoid and half Vulcan. My Pere, grandfather, was a Betaziod Star Fleet officer who was working with a Vulcan scientist. She had an accident and went into Pon Farr early, it's… basically Vulcan PMS except it's only once every seven years. But her to be mate died in an accident the year before and she hadn't bothered to find a new one.
"My Pere was the only viable option since they couldn't get her back to Vulcan in time. My mama was the result. Meme, my grandmother, didn't want a thing to do with her daughter or her new mate. She left them and went home to Vulcan."
"That is terrible." Bones said softly, walking to the bed she lay in and sitting on the edge, looking down at her. "So you never knew her?"
Caris laughed. "Oh… I WISH. When I was five my Mother died. Pere was off planet for a year, Daddy had work to do, and Daddy's parents died years before I was born. Meme was the only option. So we tracked her down. She came and took me to Vulcan.
"That would have been… star date 2241-10. I had just turned five. I was there until 2242-04, when she decided she'd had enough of me, the 'little half-blood demon'. Because I'm only quarter Vulcan I have the ears, the life span, the blood, and the emotions of a Vulcan. And yes we DO have emotions… the problem is that they're so much more powerful than human ones."
Bones brushed his fingers across her injured arm. It was an absent minded gesture, he was focused so completely on her. "Are you sure?"
Caris laughed and nodded. "I'm part betazoid after all. I can feel them…"
Spock listened to Caris as she and Dr. McCoy talked. Usually he did not eavesdrop but he could not help himself. The doctor seemed to be… flirting with Caris, and she seemed to be allowing it.
"I was bullied and teased a lot on Vulcan. Because I can't control my emotions like Vulcans do. Eventually I was in enough fights that Meme returned me to my father. Said I was a demon and she refused to take me any longer.
"So Daddy began teaching at the Academy during the school year and taking me on star ships during the summer. I learned a lot those summers you know… Like I am an excellent engineer, I can pilot pretty well, and as much as I love Uhura… she's not the best xenolinguist on board. I am. I taught her all the pretty languages she knows."
Spock bit back his shock. Uhura never said this ti him…
"You seem pretty close with Spock." The Doctor prompted.
He could hear the scowl in Caris' voice. "He's my closest friend… but this order to regroup… it's a death sentence. I can FEEL my Father. He's in so much pain… and he's so afraid. By the time we get back to Earth with the fleet Earth will be gone, just like Vulcan, and my Father will be dead. I will have no family, no home, nothing, all because of Spock."
He closed his eyes and fought back the hurt that final statement made him feel. "He had no choice." McCoy said, defending him to his surprise. "Don't get me wrong, I really don't like the damned hobgoblin, but… we'd die too."
"I know," Chris whispered, "I know. But… how can I ever look at him the same again? It's not his fault, and I know this logically but…"
"You're too human." McCoy murmured.
"Yes." Chris admitted. "And I'm afraid I'll lose the only thing I have left… my friend."
Spock turned and slid away. She would not lose him, not as a friend. He had lost too much to be willing to lose her as well. They would just… have to be on time somehow.
Caris walked onto the bridge the next 'morning'. Her hair wasn't in it's usual bun or braid, hiding her ears. During her night with Bones she'd decided she was sick of hiding. In her Cadet's uniform, boots, and with her blonde hair in a low ponytail that exposed her ears she braved her comrades.
They stared for a few minutes before the whispering started. Finally Uhura walked over. "Why didn't you tell me?" Her friend demanded.
Caris shrugged. "It's habit to hide my ears, I never thought about it, and then I didn't want to be treated differently. I see how people treat Capitan Spock."
"Are you half then?" Sulu asked, leaning to look at her from his station.
Caris shook her head. "Naw, My mom was half Vulcan and half Betaziod."
"Dat is why you calmed me." Chekov said, smiling.
Caris nodded. "Yea, you were feeling a little too stressed." She ignored Spock and his Father, who were both on the bridge also. They didn't speak to her.
"Did your Mother's family live on Vulcan?" Sulu asked gently.
Caris frowned and tried to keep her eyes free of tears. "Yes, my Meme lived there. I do not know if she is living but seeing as she hates me and my Father I doubt it matters. I haven't seen her since 2242." She turned her eyes to Spock's father. "The Vulcan culture is very insular, most are hostile to those who are not pure-bloods, my Mother was so shunned that she and Pere never set foot on Vulcan."
She felt no flickr of anything from the tall, older Vulcan but she felt the flicker of sympathy from Spock. She dropped her eyes to his and his were gentle as they watched her. She sighed and offered him a weak smile. She could feel the relief he felt.
She wasn't going to lose her closest friend over this. During the night she'd realized he was doing exactly what her Father had ordered, as much as it hurt.
Two hours later Chekov looked up, his entire body lined with his surprise. "Capitan Spock, detecting unauthorized access to water turbine control board."
Spock walked to the kids station, his eyes saying he was intrigued and a little annoyed. "Bring up the video." He requested. Chekov did as requested and Caris had to stifle a giggle as she saw Kirk on the screen, helping a soaking wet stranger. Typical Kirk, pulling something they all thought impossible… "Security we have intruders in turbine section three." Spock said over the com. "Set phasers to stun."
"Is that necessary, Capitan Spock?" Caris asked, unable to contain her amusement. "Kirk's not really a physical threat to anyone." Those dark eyes turned on her and she bit back the rest of her comment. "Nevermind, sorry I said anything."
Less than five minutes later Kirk was frog marched onto the bridge at phaser point. Caris smiled and waved at him from Spock's back.
"Who are you?" Spock demanded of the poor, sopping wet bloke.
"Ah'm wiv 'im." He answered in an accent thick with Celt. Ahh, a Scottsman. Fun fun.
"He's with me." Kirk said at the same instant.
"We are traveling at warp speed, how did you manage to beam on board this ship?" Spock asked with a bit of a snap.
"You're the genius," Kirk said flippantly, "You figure it out." Caris felt the anger and annoyance begin to bubble up from where ever Spock had hidden it in his heart.
"As acting Capitan of this vessel I order you to answer the question." Spock said, calm as a cucumber on the outside.
"Well I'm not telling, acting Capitan." Kirk taunted. Caris felt the anger begin to push at Spock's control. She saw it in the lines of his body as they subtly shifted, hardened. "What? What that doesn't frustrate you, does it? My lack of cooperation. That, that doesn't make you angry." Kirk continued.
"Are you a member of Star Fleet?" Spock demanded of the Scottsman.
"I… umm, yes. Can Ah get a towel, please?" The stranger replied. Which REALLY didn't help Spock's mood…
"Under penalty of Court marshal, I order you to tell me how you came to beam aboard this ship while traveling at warp."
"Well…" he began.
"Don't answer." Kirk interrupted, calm but firm. Everyone turned to look at Kirk.
"You will answer me." Spock said, a bit of growl and menace to his voice. Caris knew they were in trouble if Kirk continued… She motioned for him to quit but he ignored her.
"I'd rather not take sides." The Scott said, grinning in a friendly manner and stepping back slightly.
"What is it with you, Spock?" Kirk demanded, stepping forward, invading Spock's personal space completely. "Hum? Your plaet was just destroyed, your Mother murdered, and you're not even upset." Caris bristled. He WAS upset, he was just trying not to let it compromise… oh… she knew what Kirk was doing suddenly. She forced herself not to get involved.
"If you are presuming that these experiences in anyway impede my ability to command this ship you are mistaken." Spock replied.
"And yet you were the one who said fear was necessary to command. Did you see his ship, did you see what he did?" Kirk asked calmly but cruelly.
"Yes, of coarse I did." Spock said and Caris could feel the over powering guilt and pain he felt as he said those few words.
"So are you afraid or aren't you?"
"I will not allow you to lecture me about the merits of emotion." Spock snapped.
"Then why don't you stop me?" Kirk taunted.
"Step away from me" Spock ordered.
"So what is it like, not to feel anger, or heartbreak?" Okay, that was unkind. And Caris would have stepped in but she felt the guilt Kirk felt, the urgency, the sorrow. Could he understand how wrong he really was? Possibly… probably. "Or the need to stop at nothing to avenge the death of the woman who gave birth to you?"
Caris knew Spock was snapping before he replied, before he acted. She knew that the one thing no one should ever mess with was Spock's mother, the only person who showed him love as a child, who always accepted him.
"Back away from me." Spock said in a more breathy voice than before, his temper rising.
"You feel NOTHING! It must not even compute for you." Kirk said, his voice cold, biting, enough to make Caris flinch. Oh no, no, Spock felt so much… to much. "You NEVER loved her!"
Spock's precious control shattered and he roared as he struck Kirk, sending him flying. He beat James, seemingly enjoying the loss of control. No one dared to stop him, to reach out. Consoles broke, glass shattered. Kirk never fought back. Finally Spock had in on his back, one strong hand wrapped around James' throat, slowly strangling him.
Spock was like a wild beast, all raw power and hate and anger. Everyone was afraid, even Nyota. But not Caris. And apparently not Spock's father.
"Spock." He calle, his voice laden with disapproval. But it didn't work. It didn't soothe Spock.
Caris took a risky chance and stepped forward, her hand gently brushing and then landing on his back. While not as ideal as skin to skin, skin to clothing was enough. She sent him as much compassion, understanding, and calm as she had in her. His face was the first thing to fall from it's enraged expression, then his hand and his body relaxed and he stood, stepping away from James.
Caris stepped away, trying to block Spock's embarasment and shame, the horror at what he had done. She focused on James, who panted and coughed, not moving from the console. She stepped forward to see if he was alright as Spock turned slowly to see the horror in everyone's faces. She heard his panting and felt when he looked at her.
She lifted her gaze and met his, knowing there was no horror or shock or fear in her gaze to condemn him. Still, he turned and he walked away. "Doctor I am no longer fit for duty." He told McCoy as he reached him. "I here by relinquish my command based upon the fact that I have been emotionally compromised. Please note the time and date in the ships log."
He walked away and no one said a thing. Nyota walked quickly up to him before he could leave but he met her eyes and looked away, ashamed. She did not go after him. Caris knew that this episode would be the beginning of the end for them unless they were strong. Because Spock would never forget the horror in Nyota's eyes.
When Spock's father followed Spock out Caris went with him.
"You are Caris Pike." The older man said as they searched for Spock.
Caris nodded. "Yes, I am. You are Sarek, Father to Spock and mate of Amanda."
"I am." He answered.
"You should tell him the truth." Caris said softly. She received a sharp look. "He's half-Vulcan. If you keep pushing him to be wholly Vulcan you'll deny him the beauty of his human half." She gave him a sideways glance. "Amanda's half."
"What do you know child?" He asked, but his tone did not feel condescending. He was asking a real question.
"Spock feels guilty for loving her, for needing her as he did. He thinks you do not, and never did. But I know better. I felt how much you loved her, how much her death hurts you… He needs to know that." She didn't bother consulting the computer for his whereabouts, she simply led Sarek to the transporter room, where she could feel her friend's aching heart.
He moved to the door but stopped when he realized she was not with him. "You are not coming?" He asked softly.
Caris smiled. "No, not this time. Spock knows I love him as dearly as I could. He knows he has never horrified or frightened me. He knows I understand and accept him, just like his mother. What he needs… is to know that you to do." She turned and left the older man standing there, praying he wouldn't mess it up. The crew NEEDED Spock… she needed him.
Caris met Spock and Kirk at the transporter room, Nyota by her side. She ignored all rules of proper engagement and behavior with commanding officers and threw her arms around Spock. "Be safe my friend." She told him quietly in Vulcan.
"I will." He assured her, his hands just gently touching her back. She felt his discomfort but also how much he needed the touch. "And I shall, if possible, return with your Father."
She released him and eyed Kirk as Noyta kissed Spock. "I'm going to hug you, but if you grab my ass I swear you will never have kids." She threatened her Capitan and friend before throwing her arms around him. He returned the hug with force, holding her to his chest.
"Don't worry Chris, your Dad's way to scary for me to make a pass at you." He joked. "But I'll take a kiss as reward for bringing Capitan Pike back safe."
Caris released him and laughed, "You bring back my Dad, save the Earth from destruction and get us out of here alive, you'll get that kiss." She promised.
They separated and Caris watched Kirk try not to watch Nyota's farewell with Spock. She heard the comment about her name before they were beamed away. She turned to Nyota and met her friend's worried, frightened eyes. "It will be alright. They'll come back safe."
"How do you know?" Nyota demanded as they headed quickly back to the bridge.
Caris smiled. "I've had bad feeling after bad feeling this whole time. But now… I have a good feeling about this. They're coming home. I promise."
Caris Pike watched her Father be relieved by Capitan James T. Kirk. She smiled. He was a good man, even if he was a bit of a perv. And she owed him a kiss. It could wait. A familiar emotional signiature flickered from behind her… surprise and recognition. "Hullo Spock." She called, not bothering to turn around. "You knew I was going to be here, why are you surprised to see me?" And then she felt something warm, soft and tender… he was feeling love.
She spun around and came face to face with a much older Vulcan offering her a smile that didn't touch his lips but shone from his eyes. "It is unbelievably wonderful to see you, My Chris."
She just stood, staring at him. "Spock?" She asked, thought she already knew it was him.
"A much older Spock from the same future as Nero." He explined gently, walking to her side, his fingers brushing her arm absently. She quivered, the gesture, if she was correct, was a very intimate one among Vulcans.
"You love me." She whispered, awed.
He gave her a look that said he was laughing, and she could feel his sheepish amusement. "Never could hide a thing from you, Chris." He looked down at the assembly, at James. "Many things were damaged by Nero and myself." He said softly. "Some things have been corrected, Jim the Capitan of the Enterprise and the younger me his First." He felt a small bit of sadness. "But some things may not be made right." He turned to look at her again.
"In your time… we were lovers?" She asked softly, "Not Nyota and you?"
He nodded. "Indeed. Nyota and I were interested in one another but she met James and was enthralled. We became much more than friends." He extended his hand and offered her a slip of paper, she accepted it. His fingers brushed her hand in a loving gesture and it was awkward but… comforting, right in some way. "Should you need me, T'hy'la."
Caris watched him walk away, bermused. "Bye." She called after him. He stopped and turned and she flashed him the typical Vulcan farewell hand gesture. He returned it and nodded his head before leaving her alone.
"Dad, I should stay, with you." Caris argued with her Father, annoyed that he was pressing her to leave so adamantly.
"No, Chrissy, this time you get to go on your own." He smiled at her. "I'm ready to let you go now baby, and you already proved you don't need me." He looked over her shoulder to where she could feel James standing behind her. "Besides, I trust that your Capitan will take good care of you."
Caris smiled slightly. "I'll always need you Dad. But if you insist…" Really she could hardly contain her excitement. This was what she always wanted, to be part of a real crew, not just the little girl under foot.
"I do." Christopher said firmly, giving his girl a gentle shove.
Caris kissed her Father's cheek. "Then I'll get out of your hair." She stood and joined Jim and together they walked away from the wheelchair bound Admiral. "Love you Daddy!" Caris called, looking over her shoulder, not caring who was watching. She was done hiding.
She could feel his love and his joy. She hadn't called him Daddy to his face in a long, long while. "James T. Kirk," He called.
"Sir?" Jim answered from across the hanger bay.
"Look after my girls, or it'll be your hide. Do you understand me boy?" He threatened.
Caris smiled slightly at her taller, slightly older friend. "I will sir!" Jim called before dropping his arm over her thin shoulder. "You still owe me that kiss, Pike." He teased.
"Later, Capitan, we don't want to be late to take off, do we?" She taunted.
"Thrusters and impulse engines at your command, sir." Sulu said, turning to Jim as he entered the Bridge with Caris behind him.
"Weapons and shields on stand by." Chekov said, smiling up at them both. Caris gave him a little wink.
"Dock control reports ready, Capitan." Nyota said. Caris blinked. Since when did Nyota talk to Jim with respect? Was that a dash of lust she felt from her friend? Maybe a little friendship too? Caris wanted to smile. Maybe Nyota and Jim would end up together as they should be…
Jims looked around a little before grinning. "Bones!" He called to the poor CMO. "Buckle up." He taunted.
Caris gently squeezed Bones's arm as she passed him, giving him a dash of serenity. He shot her a look of mingled thanks and annoyance.
"Scotty, how are we doin'?"
"Di-lithium chambers at maximum Capitan." Answered the richly accented voice from over the Com.
Caris took her seat near Jim. Ship's councelor… a new position for a uniquely gifted crew member. She'd of felt better in engineering but she had a sneaking suspicion her Father had convinced someone, somewhere to keep her on the bridge. Eh, at least she got a nice chair out of the gig.
"Mr. Sulu, prepare to engage thrusters." Jim ordered, looking as capitanly as he could with his legs crossed like a pansy… Caris would have to tell him about that later…
The turbolift doors hissed open and Spock stepped onto the bridge. Caris looked up at him and smiled. "Permission to come aboard, Capitan?"
She saw the grin Jim gave Spock. "Permission granted." Finally, she felt like everything was exactly right, how it was supposed to be.
"As you have yet to select a First Officer, respectfully I would like to submit my candidacy." He stepped onto the slight platform she and Jim sat on, Jim stood. "Should you require I can provide character references." He offered.
"It would be my honor, Commander." Jim said and Caris knew he meant it. Jim was pleased to have Spock on board, nearly as pleased as Caris herself and Nyota.
Spock's eyes flickered down to hers and Caris felt his happiness. He was exactly where he wanted to be. She flashed him a smile. Those dark eyes traveled the bridge before he went to his station.
"Manuvering thrusters, Mr. Sulu." Jim ordered as he sat down. Nyota flickered with exceeding happiness and some slight conflicted emotion Caris didn't bother trying to read. It wasn't her problem… at long last, she was home.
