Where there is mystery, it is generally suspected there must also be evil. ~Lord Byron

Spock could stand it no longer. He needed to talk to Jim like he needed the oxygen that he inhaled, the food that he ate, the water that he drank. That they had already tried and failed to meet on common ground did not deter him from wanting, needing to try again. He was willing to admit that he was at fault for their failure to reconcile. If he had told Jim that he could, would accept him no matter what he did for or at the behest of the Consortium, things would have turned out much differently. What had he thought Jim would say at the restaurant? Had he expected him to repudiate his connection? Tell Spock his life would miraculously be simpler and he would no longer work as an assassin for hire? Surely Spock was not so delusion that he had convinced himself that Jim would say those things.

Being in love clouded his vision. Of that he was certain, making him think that perhaps Surak was right in teaching Vulcans the dangers of emotions. Spock had been brought up with those Vulcan tenants - that logic was essential while emotions were dangerous. Despite the beliefs which had been instilled in him since his first years, he had fallen in love with a mysterious, intriguing, infuriating Human. And he might possibly have ruined any chance they had at a future.

The emotions of regret and melancholy were fighting for supremacy. He had tried meditating them away. And failed. He had tried ignoring them. And failed. He had talked to his mother. That had been a mistake. She encouraged him to try again. To not be discouraged by the incident at the restaurant. "Your hearts are made to be together, dear. He knows it too."

Spock sighed, something he could not have imagined doing before falling in love with Jim. This situation was entirely unacceptable. And what was it his mother had told him? That Jim was appearing on that talk show today? When was that on? At four according to Amanda.

Admitting to himself that he was not going to get any work done in the state he was in, Spock left the office and went up to his penthouse. He made himself a cup of tea before going into the guest bedroom where the only TV he owned was located. He settled in the comfortable chair and switched on the set, consulting the guide to determine the correct channel.

It was still twelve minutes before 4:00 o'clock. He was equally assaulted and mesmerized by the advertisements that blared out at him while he waited. Did people really need a rag that could hold ten times its weight in water? What was wrong with using a towel? Everyone had towels. He finally turned off the sound, content to only watch the madness and not be deafened by it.

When the screen indicated that the show was about to begin, he resumed the sound, listening to the lovely woman about whom he had heard so much introduce Jim Kirk. Spock felt an uncharacteristic catch in his throat when Jim walked out, a warm genuine smile on his face as he greeted her. They exchanged light kisses and… was that jealousy that Spock would never admit to welling up? The camera panned the audience and there on the front row center, looking calm and collected, was Dr. McCoy. That also made Spock jealous – that the Doctor was privileged to spend so much time with Jim – time Spock had denied them both.

Spock shoved those unwanted thoughts aside, focusing on the conversation between Jim and Oprah. The tea grew cold in his hands as he stared at the vision of Jim on the television screen. The close-ups were almost more than he could bear to witness, so mesmerizing was Jim's personality even from the box of the TV set.

He was shaken from his reverie when Oprah mentioned that she had heard of talks about turning his books into movies. How was that possible? House Net'no'kwa would be required to provide the necessary releases and permissions. Had Christopher Pike negotiated directly without informing him? This was not acceptable.

Just as soon as the show concluded, Spock dialed Jim's cell phone, not in the least surprised that there was no answer. He did not bother to leave a message as Jim undoubtedly would not call him back even if he did.

Disconnecting, he dialed Christopher Pike's number.

"Pike here."

"Mr. Pike," Spock said in a deceptively even tone.

"Mr. Spock," he returned. "What can I do for you?"

"I was watching the Oprah Winfrey presentation. What is this about a movie studio expressing an interest in the Paraguay series?"

"It is still very preliminary," Pike said.

"Preliminary or not. House Net'no'kwa must be represented at any future negotiations."

"Not until a decision is made. Your company owns the publication rights. Jim retains ownership of all copyrights," Pike reminded him.

"House Net'no'kwa must release the rights before it can be utilized in any other medium," Spock said.

"Those are technicalities," Pike said. "You aren't going to refuse if they want to make them into movies."

"How can you be certain?"

"Because no publisher will refuse to allow their authors to bring even more attention to their works."

"Where is Jim now? I called. There was no answer."

"You know I'm not at liberty to discuss that," Pike reminded him. Spock thought he detected a possibility of guilt, or sympathy, but he was not certain.

"Indeed," Spock said. "I take it he is no longer in Chicago."

"I didn't say that," Pike replied.

Spock quelled the impatience he felt trying to well up. "Would you ask that he call me when he has the opportunity?"

"I'll pass on your request," Pike said.

"Very well," Spock said. "You will alert me should the talks on the movies progress."

"Certainly," Pike agreed.

"Thank you," Spock said, hanging up before Pike could respond. Not only was he in danger of losing control of his emotions, his manners were equally ready to abandon him.

~o0o~

"Mother," Spock said as he answered his phone in the early evening several days later.

"Hello dear," Amanda responded. "You're doing okay?"

"I am," he lied easily. He was far from fine but did not see any point in imposing that on his mother when there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. Not surprisingly, Jim had not returned his call, much as he predicted.

"I don't suppose you've been watching Access Insider, have you?"

"I take it that is some sort of television program?" Spock responded.

"Yes. It's quite ridiculous. And wants to be scandalous but mostly it's innocuous. I happened to be watching it tonight. Waiting for the news, you know," she laughed lightly.

"Of course," Spock agreed, wondering why her viewing habits warranted a phone call. This was most unusual.

"They were showing Jim Kirk's picture," she said. "I thought it was because of the release of his book. But it's not. Did you know he's in Rahth Mutadaffaq?"

"Rahth Mutadaffaq?" Spock repeated, certain that could not be right. What would he be doing in the Middle East?

"The reporter said they were trying to track him down because they heard that he is getting ready to marry Wajeeha, heir to the throne of Bahegmha Smhasahe."

"And he is currently in Rahth Mutadaffaq?" Spock asked.

"He is staying at the Emirates Pavilion. They are apparently getting married next week. Does that make sense to you, dear?" Amanda asked in genuine concern.

"It does not," Spock said. "This is most surprising."

"It is," Amanda said. "I'm very sorry."

"As am I," Spock replied, for more reasons than his mother could ever understand. "Thank you for informing me."

"Are you all right, dear? Would you like to come for dinner?"

"Thank you, Mother. I am perfectly fine. I appreciate the invitation."

"Very well," Amanda said, disconnecting after their farewells.

Spock immediately called Chris Pike's cell phone, annoyed that there was no answer until after 7 long rings.

"Pike here," he finally answered.

"I do not believe that Jim is marrying anyone. Least of all not in Rahth Mutadaffaq," Spock informed him.

"Do you know where the Consortium offices are?" Pike asked.

"No," Spock said.

"All right. I'll come to your office."

"When will you arrive?" Spock asked. Demanded.

"It will take me 20 minutes."

"Very well," Spock said, hanging up. He informed T'Lura that he was not to be disturbed until Mr. Pike arrived. That done, he used his computer to search for references to the supposed marriage for which Jim had flown to Rahth Mutadaffaq. He found one passing mention on the website of that television show his mother had spoken about, saying that Jim and Wajeeha, heir to the throne, had been inseparable since their arrival. The somewhat blurry photo was definitely of Jim, the woman wearing a blue thobe, a matching blue scarf loosely over her flowing black hair. The woman seemed to be smiling up at Jim, perhaps laughing at something he had just said. Vaguely in the background, Spock could see Dr. McCoy and two other men who looked like they were trying to be inconspicuous. He thought he recognized the one on the right but the poor quality of the photo made it impossible for him to be certain.

He looked over at his door as T'Lura knocked and opened it to allow Christopher Pike to enter. He wore an immaculate dark navy business suit with a smart blue tie and equally immaculate shoes.

"Mr. Pike," Spock said, looking up at him from where he still sat behind his desk.

"Spock," Chris returned, deciding they were way past the formality of honorifics. "Are you reasonably certain that your office is secure?"

"I am. We have the building checked for possible security breaches on a weekly basis."

"Good," Chris said, looking down at him.

"Sit. Please," Spock offered reluctantly, waiting as Chris complied. "While I acknowledge I have no claim to Jim, I am certain that if he were planning to marry, he would have informed me."

"He would have," Chris agreed. "I can't provide you any details. You must realize that."

"I am not asking for confidential information. I am asking if Jim Kirk is planning to marry the heir to the throne of Bahegmha Smhasahe."

"He is not. She is not. The woman they think is Wajeeha is a member of the Consortium. If their assignment demands it, they will marry while in Rahth Mutadaffaq. It will not be legally binding."

"I see," Spock said. "He flew there directly from Chicago?"

"Yes. It was a change of plans. He was informed only after he finished on Oprah."

Spock nodded at that, glancing down at his desk before looking up to meet the steel grey of the other man's eyes. "Is Jim well?" Spock finally asked, the words leaving his mouth only reluctantly.

"Do you want the truth? Or do you want convenient platitudes?" Chris asked in return.

"The truth," Spock said.

"He's heartbroken," Chris said bluntly. "I don't know what went on when you met at the restaurant. Jim didn't say. But I can tell you that whatever you said hurt him deeply."

Spock considered those words. "It was that which I did not say that was the most cruel."

"I'm not trying to patch things up with you," Pike said. "But I've known Jim a long time. A really long time. And I've never seen him like this."

Spock nodded. "When he returns, I wish to speak to him. To… make amends."

"Make amends? Or drive him further away?" Pike asked.

"I never intended to drive him away," Spock said in a tight voice. "There is some difficulty in reconciling the man that I know with the actions he undertakes."

"Clearly. And if you aren't willing to accept him – all of him – you have to stay away from him. And we will break his contract in order to go elsewhere," Pike warned.

"That will not be necessary," Spock said. "Threats also are not necessary."

"I don't make threats," Pike said. "I have already contacted three publishing houses who are willing to pay the 'out-clause' of Jim's contract to have him on their imprint. If it comes to that, we won't think twice about accepting one of their offers."

"I understand," Spock said. "It will not come to that."

"I hope not. House Net'no'kwa has been very good to Jim. We hope to maintain that relationship indefinitely."

"As do I," Spock said. "Jim has been very good to the House."

"Yes. Well. He's an enormously talented writer. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that."

"He also has talents which lie elsewhere."

"He's enormously talented in all that he does," Chris confirmed.

"I have no doubts," Spock said. "Have you had further contact with the movie studios?"

"I have not. I will inform you should the occasion arise."

Spock nodded at that. "I need to be kept informed."

"You wish to be kept informed," Pike corrected.

Spock did not respond to that, looking directly at Pike as though daring him to add anything further. He had the impression that the older man was having some difficulty in suppressing his amusement which only caused an unwelcome swell of annoyance on Spock's part.

"I have taken enough of your time," Pike said, standing. "If you haven't done so already, might I encourage you to discuss this situation with your parents?"

"My parents," Spock repeated, understanding there was more to his statement than parental relationships.

"Yes. Perhaps have dinner with them. Tonight."

"Indeed," Spock said.

Chris nodded once at that. "I'll let you know when Jim gets back."

"Thank you," Spock said before walking Pike to the door. After their good-byes, Spock returned to his desk to call his mother. "Mother."

"Hello dear," Amanda said, delight in her voice.

"May I rescind my refusal to join you for dinner?"

"Of course," Amanda agreed. "Please come whenever you are ready."

"I will leave shortly. Is Father home?"

"He is. Do you want to speak with him?" Amanda asked.

"I will talk with him when I arrive," Spock said.

"All right, dear. We'll wait until you get here to have dinner."

"Very well," Spock said, hanging up after saying farewell. He tidied his already immaculate desk before closing down his computer and locking his desk. When he entered the outer office, he was not surprised to find it unoccupied. As it was Friday he was certain everyone had left precisely at closing time. Except T'Lura who had no doubt left as soon Mr. Pike arrived.

The door to his parents' house opened as he exited his car. He left his coat with the J'Zarh, who directed him to the living room where he would find his parents.

"Spock," Amanda said when he entered. She approached to grace him with a light kiss, Spock returning it in kind. He then greeted his father properly, accepting the invitation to sit on the couch.

"Amanda informs me that she told you of James Kirk's purported marriage."

"She did. I have been assured by Christopher Pike that is not an actual engagement."

"Did Pike give you any indication as to Kirk's reasons for being in Rahth Mutadaffaq?"

"He is not at liberty to discuss it. He said that it is an assignment with the Consortium. He did, however, encourage me to discuss it with you," Spock said.

Sarek and Amanda exchanged a look, Amanda nodding in encouragement.

"I spoke with T'Pau," Sarek said finally, clearly reluctant to admit it. Which would have seemed strange. But under the circumstances, Spock could not think what would seem normal.

"Regarding Jim." Spock said.

"She expressed some concern," Sarek said.

"In what way?" Spock prompted, some part of him wishing his father would simply tell him what he had to tell him.

"She has received information that the Consortium was contracted to restore Sheik Siraj Khalil-Gheisari to the throne."

"That is why Jim is there?" Spock asked.

"That is why the Consortium sent him," Sarek said. Why did that sound like a contradiction?

"I do not understand."

"T'Pau was told that Sheik Jmhanahe Wahenrha-Grhadrha is aware of their plans to remove him from power and restore Khalil-Gheisari. She said that it is entirely likely that the members of the Consortium dispatched to Rahth Mutadaffaq are walking into a trap," Sarek said, Spock's breath catching in this throat at those words.

"A trap."

"T'Pau spoke with Pike. He refuted what she was told. He is apparently unconcerned about the safety of his agents."

"Apparently?" Spock repeated. "How reliable is the information that T'Pau received?"

"She would not have informed me if she was not certain of the veracity of the communication."

"Yet Pike does not believe her," Spock said, wanting to make sure he understood.

"She is not at liberty to tell him the source of her information. Without it, he could not substantiate it. With no independent verification, he is powerless to recall or warn his agents."

"He cannot warn them?" Spock asked, some tense anger in the words.

"To warn them could compromise the operation if she is not correct," Sarek said.

"This is unacceptable," Spock said. "Pike is willing to risk their lives?"

"He does not believe that he is," Sarek said.

"Have you communicated with Tahla?" Spock asked.

"I have been unable to reach her. Nor can I contact Kheri. They are incommunicado."

Spock looked at his father then at his mother. "This is unacceptable."

"It is," Sarek said. "Although Pike is unwilling and unable to intervene, T'Pal informed me that it is entirely possible that Montgomery Scott is going to Rahth Mutadaffaq. To deliver accoutrements for the wedding. Mr. Scott believes that is the only reason he is going."

"When is he leaving?" Spock asked.

"In one hour and 21 minutes. He will need to leave his house in 47 minutes to arrive at the airfield at the appointed time," Sarek said.

Spock nodded. "How will I explain my presence?"

"You want to talk Jim out of marrying her," Amanda said. "You saw it on TV and it's not acceptable that he marry before you have the chance to explain."

"Montgomery will believe this?"

"Vulcans don't lie, dear," Amanda said with a secret smile.

"Indeed. Thank you, Father. I will contact you as soon as I can do so securely," Spock said, kissing his mother and leaving.