DISCLAIMER: Star Trek belongs to Paramount and no copyright infringement is intended. This story, however, belongs to me. It is not for profit and is for entertainment purposes only. Please do not publish this story or post this story on a website without asking my permission.

I welcome any comments, criticisms, or whatever.

Sandra Gray


Victim of the Nova

Sandra Gray

copyright 1982 Sandra Dennis Gray

The turbolift doors swished open and the Captain stepped onto the bridge. He paused to survey the crew, his rugged face unsmiling and his dark eyes sharp. Then he stepped down and walked over to take his seat in the command chair.

It still felt strange to him. But he never let weakness show, even though he knew the crew was doubting his abilities as commander of the Enterprise. But so far they had remained subservient. He ran a slender hand over the gold sleeveless tunic that was now his uniform. The color was not particularly flattering to his sallow skin, but that was not what held his thoughts. He was thinking of his former commander, James T. Kirk, and his counterpart from the alternate universe.

A man vastly different, but yet the same. That Kirk had had some very disturbing ideas, but ideas that were quite logical for a human. He remembered that when he had helped that Kirk back to his own universe, he had promised to consider them.

But the time to consider had come too soon. Shortly after getting his own Captain back, Kirk was assassinated. And Spock found himself in command of the Imperial Space Ship Enterprise. It was not a job he'd wanted at the time, but it was his duty.

"Captain," said Sulu, breaking into his thoughts. "There's a ship approaching."

Spock looked up. Taking shape on the viewscreen was a sister ship, the I.S.S. Constellation. "Captain," said Uhura. "Receiving a request for ship-to-ship communications."

"Open the channel, Lieutenant," said Spock. When she had done so, he said, "This is Spock, commanding the I.S.S. Enterprise."

"Captain Victors, commanding the I.S.S. Constellation."

Spock's voice warmed ever so slightly at the voice of an old friend. "Captain. How may I be of service?"

"I request conference with you. Do I have your permission to come aboard?"

"Permission granted," said Spock. He ended the contact and said to Sulu, "Mr. Sulu, you have command. I will be in the transporter room and then in my quarters should you need me."

Sulu's sidewise glance was sly as he said, "Yes, sir." Spock ignored the slight drawl in the helmsman's voice and went to the elevator.

Seconds later, he was in the transporter room, where three shapes soon began to take shape in the transporter beam. Two were large and muscular security men. The third shape was clad in a gold Captain's tunic (slightly modified), black boots, and a gold-sashed, gold skirt. She was of average height and slender with a sharp-boned face, black hair, and keen green eyes. She was Mercy Victors, first and only female commander of an Imperial Starship!

The transportation complete, Captain Victors sighed. Then she saw Spock and her sharp features softened into a smile. "Spock," she said. He stepped forward and offered a hand to assist her from the platform. But she characteristically ignored the gesture and stepped down unassisted.

"Captain," said Spock respectfully.

"You don't need to be so formal," said Mercy. "We've been friends too long for that." They left the transporter room and started down the corridor, the guards of both Captains following them.

"True," said Spock. "But it is difficult to break old habits."

"Still full of the old logic, I see."

"I merely intended to show respect for your newly acquired position. I heard of your promotion and the festivities it engendered; I only regret my duties on the Enterprise kept me from attendance."

"Don't regret it. It was a dreadful bore."

Spock lifted an eyebrow in amusement. They had reached his cabin and the guards were left to stand outside the door while their respective commanders held a private conference. As soon as the door swished shut, Spock said, "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing, Spock," replied Mercy. Spock raised an eyebrow. "I just wanted to visit with my old friend."

Spock walked over to the food slot and ordered two brandies. "I find that difficult to believe," he said, handing her a glass.

"Why? It's been a long time since we've seen each other." Spock's gaze was intent. "Must you look like that? It reminds me of stories of pirates I read when I was young." His gaze did not waver. Mercy sighed. "All right. I'll tell you the real reason-because we're friends, and because I think you should know where you stand." Her face had taken on its hard, sharp look again. "I was sent here by Starfleet-to investigate rumors and reports that you are-incapable of commanding the Enterprise." Spock turned away and sat down at his desk.

"On what rumors and reports is Starfleet basing this action?"

Mercy took a chair opposite him and said, "There have been several. Statements by some of your crew-"

Sulu, thought Spock immediately, the oriental's sly face popping into his mind. "and certain-actions-on your part," Mercy continued.

"Actions?"

"Your refusal to kill the inhabitants of DejaVu, for one. When you knew that troublemakers should be destroyed."

"The DejaVuans are great telepaths. Their instruction as spies to the Romulan and Klingon Alliance seemed to me a better use for them than having them destroyed."

"We already have spies in the Alliance."

"But none with the capabilities of the DejaVuans. Besides their telepathic gifts, they also have the ability to influence other minds-"

"Including ours. They are a danger to us."

"Not if they are treated correctly."

"Correctly?!" Mercy rose from her seat and looked at Spock, wide-eyed. Then she sighed and said, "Spock, I don't like this assignment. And I have to warn you that if your present leniency to certain cultures in the Empire continues, Starfleet will see you dead." She paused. "And you are too valuable to the Service to be dispensed of so lightly. But unless you get over your softness-"

Spock rose. "Softness? Whatever actions I have taken have been based on logic, not 'softness,' or any other 'feeling.'"

Then what do you hope to gain? More power?" Spock was silent. "Or perhaps allies for a revolt against the Empire!" Spock's eyes met his friend's sharp green ones. Then he said,

"Are you content in Starfleet?"

"Yes, I am! I have all the power and riches I've always wanted! I worked long and hard to get where I am now. It's been difficult-you don't know how difficult it was for me to rise to the Captaincy. It's a position no woman has held-but me!" Her eyes flashed and she tossed her head. "And I intend to let no one endanger my position. Not even you, Spock."

Spock glanced down at his drink, took a sip, and then looked back at Mercy. "What are your instructions?" he asked.

"I am to examine ship's log and question members of your crew. From that, I am to make a determination as to your-suitability-for command."

"Starfleet itself usually handles such matters."

"They wanted to take no chance of you-tampering with evidence. I will, of course, show you my written orders to examine your records. I estimate three days aboard your vessel to accomplish my instructions."

"You will need accommodations then. I will have it arranged."

"Good. I will have to beam back to my ship to leave instructions with my crew." She started for the door and Spock moved to accompany her. "I can find my own way to the transporter room, Spock." Spock inclined his head and stepped back. The door swished twice and he was alone. He sat down.

'There is no way to change the system,' he thought. But he really had not expected it to be easy. He glanced around the cabin and noticed a light which indicated Sulu was monitoring him. He half-closed his eyes and almost smiled. 'There are some things even you cannot monitor,' he thought. Then he closed his eyes and said mentally, 'Sandor.'

'I am here,' came the reply.

'You heard.'

'Yes.' There was a pause. 'What must I do?'

Spock had contemplated the alternative many times. His loyalty had always been to Starfleet but the alternate universe Kirk was right. The Empire could not continue as it was forever. Still, he experienced a sinking sensation in the region of his heart when he confirmed, 'Contact them. Present my plan.'

'It will be done,' replied the DejaVuan.

###

On the Constellation, Mercy packed a few things for her stay on the Enterprise, then sat down and pressed the button to her Personal Log. "Personal Log, star date 6131.2. I am preparing to board the I.S.S. Enterprise on a mission I-detest, but I have my orders. I must attempt to prove Captain Spock incapable of command. If I succeed, my orders are to destroy him and place Mr. Sulu in command...All for the-security-of the Empire." She switched off the log. "No room for friendship," she muttered and left her cabin.

On the Enterprise, Mercy found Spock very accommodating. She began to believe that perhaps the reports were wrong-mostly malicious lies on the part of Sulu. But she was loyal to the Empire. She left no stone unturned in her examination of the ship's records.

She did not like what she saw. There were instances of leniency-almost kindness-on Spock's part. Still, there were logical reasons for his actions-at least they were logical to him. Perhaps a reprimand, or a rest leave...

Mercy went to Spock's cabin, to find him with drink in hand observing the bridge on his viewscreen. He looked up in surprise as she entered without ceremony. "You have completed your analysis of ship's tapes."

"Yes."

"And what is your verdict for me?"

"I have made none-yet. I want to ask you some questions first."

"Go ahead."

"I examined tapes from the start of your command onward. I also examined tapes of a few days before Captain Kirk's death."

"And?"

"There was an instance of hesitation on his part-on dealing with the Halkans."

"He was tired."

"That was all?""

"Of course. He completely annihilated their planet, didn't he?"

"Yes," she said slowly. She sat down. "Spock, I'm giving you a chance to convince me-that your loyalty to the Empire has not wavered," she said urgently.

"What can I tell you that is not on the tapes?"

"You can tell me what's happened to you. I can remember a time at the Academy when an undergraduate was being beaten by her fellow classmates and you stepped to her aid, killing one with a Vulcan death grip and scaring the others away. I've never forgotten that, Spock. I admired your strength then. But you've changed."

"I have not changed."

"Then explain the reasons for your actions. If you have not changed, then what is it? Do you hope to gain something? Do you seek more power?"

Spock rose from his seat and paced to the other side of the room. "Have you found so many instances of leniency?" he said, not looking at her.

"No. But there are enough to cast suspicion on your motives." Spock looked at her.

"Do you trust me?"

"I once would have said you were the only person I'd ever trust in the Empire."

"Then trust me now. Know that I would do nothing that I did not think was right."

"I'd like to believe that. But I can't. Not without some proof." Spock was silent. "Spock, if I find you incompetent, my orders are to kill you."

Spock's eyes glittered. "That, no doubt, was a breach of confidence."

Mercy's gaze did not waver. "I felt you should know the serious position you are in."

Spock walked over to a panel in the wall and looked at it. Then he said, "You have, I am sure, no doubt noted certain complete disappearances of my would-be assassins in the tapes."

"Yes," said Mercy slowly.

Spock looked at her. "Then you realize your risk should you try to eliminate me."

"Yes, I do. But even if you kill me, Spock, someone else would come. You cannot wipe out the entire Empire."

"Can't I?"

"Do you really possess that much power?"

"No," Spock acknowledged. The alien device behind the panel had its limitations and he had not perfected its range. A minor irritation, considering the circumstances.

Mercy Victors rose and walked over to stand before him. "They call me 'No Mercy' Victors, Spock, do you know that?"

"I have heard it said."

"But because I have found nothing that seriously condemns you, I will recommend that Starfleet issue a medical sick leave. You will be sent to Tantalus for psycho-analysis."

Spock stiffened. Psycho-analysis on Tantalus? He would either be brainwashed into submission to the Empire or be turned into a vegetable in the process. "I would prefer dying," he said.

Mercy walked back to the table. "I'm-sorry, Spock. I've made my decision."

Spock came over to her. "We have been friends in the past."

She looked at him, a hard look on her face. "I know. That is why I will send you to Tantalus. It's for your own good. You need the rest-and treatment."

"When do you intend to relieve me of command?"

Mercy looked away, unable to continue to meet her friend's dark gaze. "As soon as possible," she said.

"What about the ceremony to install the new governor on Altair VI?"

"What about it?"

"The Enterprise will be one of three starships appearing to commemorate the event. The Vulcan delegation on Altair will be displeased if I am not the commander."

"That is unfortunate."

"Mercy," said Spock. She looked at him. The Vulcan said her name so seldom. He took her hand. "I-beg of you. Do not dishonor me before my brethren." Mercy stared at him. The touch of his hand on hers made the woman in her want to respond in a thoroughly unmilitary way. But there could never be a romance between them, she knew. He had never thought of her in that way. She pushed away the thoughts and concentrated on her command.

"I'll do what I can," she said brusquely. "I cannot guarantee anything." Spock released her hand and poured them both a drink.

###

Later, on the Constellation, she thought about the scene more rationally. It was unlike Spock to beg, even stiffly. But perhaps there was something to Vulcan honor. She had seen evidence of it before. But still she had a strange feeling that something was not right. She looked at the Enterprise floating motionless on her cabin viewscreen. Then she punched a button. "M'Hress!"

A growl came over the speaker, then the voice of her communications officer said, "Yes, Captain?"

"Get me Admiral Komack."

"Yes, Captain." Mercy waited tensely for the Admiral's stern face to appear on the viewscreen. Despite what she had told Spock about sending him to Tantalus, she was not at all sure if it was in her power to do so. Her original orders had not stipulated any such contingency. But surely, under the circumstances...

"Captain Victors. How goes the investigation?"

Mercy focused her attention on the viewscreen. "I have finished it, sir."

"And have you found Captain Spock unsuitable for command?"

Mercy hesitated. "I have not found any clear-cut instances of disobedience, taking into account Vulcan rationale."

"But?"

"I-have observed a certain-leniency in some of his actions." She went on hastily before he could interrupt. "I feel a sick leave on Tantalus would be beneficial-"

"The Empire does not condone leniency."

"I am aware of that, sir. But Mr. Spock is an asset to the Empire. I feel these instances are minor lapses, perhaps brought on by the recent demise of Captain Kirk. This is his first starship command."

"As is yours, Captain. I remind you that your loyalties are to the Empire, and you are bound by your oath to carry out Starfleet orders."

"If this was a clear-cut case, I would not hesitate to carry out my original orders."

Admiral Komack studied her briefly, then said, "I will take your recommendation on Captain Spock's disposal under consideration. Have your communications officer forward copies of the Enterprise's tapes." He started to raise his arm to end contact.

"Admiral!"

"Yes, Captain Victors?"

"I must make one further request. Should Starfleet decide Captain Spock needs treatment on Tantalus, I request that it not be scheduled until after the governor's coronation on Altair VI."

"That is an unprecedented request, Captain."

"I know. But I am familiar with Captain Spock's background. It would be a dishonor to remove him of command before then, especially with the Vulcan delegation attending the Altair ceremony."

"If Captain Spock is unfit for command, I see no justification for such a request."

"We can not afford to alienate the Vulcans. And they might be displeased. The Vulcans are an asset as spies to the Romulans."

"You are placing yourself in a precarious position, Captain Victors."

"Sir?"

"This-pleading-on behalf of Captain Spock is uncharacteristic for one loyal to the Empire. I wonder if Starfleet has made a mistake in giving you a captaincy."

Mercy bristled, but tried to make her voice sound calm as she replied, "I only offer my recommendations. I abide by the decisions of the Empire."

"And if the decision is to eliminate Spock?" The Admiral was watching her closely.

"I will carry out any orders, Admiral."

"As I recall, this mission was supposed to have been left to your judgment. Have you allowed your feelings to color matters?"

"No, sir. I felt it was the Empire's decision to decide on the fate of Captain Spock, considering the circumstances."

The Admiral hesitated, then said, "I will contact Starfleet Headquarters about your recommendations and relay their reply." He raised his arm in salute. "Your honor, Captain."

Mercy raised her arm in response. "For the Empire, Admiral," she responded. Then he was gone.

Mercy leaned back in her chair with a sigh. Always she had to fight tooth and nail with Starfleet Command. She had proven herself a commander, but still they doubted her abilities. Hadn't she wiped out the Aldebarans without a twinge for plotting against the Empire? Hadn't she been instrumental in breaking up the pirating of ore from the Coridan system? She suspected Starfleet had assigned her this mission to investigate Spock to see if she showed any feminine weakness in dealing with him. She rapped her fingers on her desk.

Would they order her to kill him? Was this to be the supreme test of her loyalty to the Empire? The final step in her apparent initiation?

If so, then so be it. She would allow nothing to stand her way, nothing to jeopardize her position. Not even Spock.

But-she found it hard to sleep that night.

###

The next morning, Mercy walked onto the bridge for her day's duties to be entreated by the feline communications officer Lt. M'Hress with, "Admiral Komack is waiting to speak with you."

"Put him on the screen, Lieutenant," ordered Captain Victors. The white-haired Admiral took the place of the Enterprise and Mercy tensed. "Yes, Admiral" she said, willing herself to be calm.

"Starfleet Command has reviewed the tapes from the Enterprise and discussed your recommendations," said Admiral Komack. He paused. "We cannot agree with them. However, so we will not disturb our Vulcan allies, Captain Spock is not to be 'relieved of command' until after the governor's coronation ceremony on Altair."

"That will not be for two standard weeks, Admiral," Mercy said. Her voice was strangely calm.

"The Constellation will assist the Enterprise during that period."

"But what about my scheduled mission to Arcturus?"

"The I.S.S. Exeter has finished its refitting at Starbase 13. It will temporarily be covering the Constellation's missions."

"I see." So she was not even to be allowed to occupy her mind with other missions until the Altair coronation was over. It would be difficult to keep the truth from Spock. But somehow she must. Fortunately, all starships in the fleet had their own transmission codes so Spock could not have heard what the Admiral had ordered.

"You have your orders, Captain. Your honor."

Mercy raised her arm. "For the Empire, Admiral." The screen reverted to its view of the Enterprise. Mercy noticed the eyes of her helm personnel on her, and that she had been clenching her chair arm. "This is not a joy ride, gentlemen!" she snapped. "Return to your duties!" Then she rose from her chair. "Lt. M'Hress, I will be in my quarters. You will page Captain Spock on the Enterprise and have him report to me there as soon as he is able."

"Mmmrrrow. Yesss, Captain. Mmmmrrrr."

The turbolift seemed to take an endless time to get to Deck Five. When it did, Mercy stalked out and down the hall, to hit her door switch. If she could have slammed the door closed again, she would have.

What could she tell Spock? He must not suspect the truth-which was why she had paged him to her ship. Here, she felt, she could be reasonably safe from any secret weapons Spock might possess, such as the one responsible for the "disappearances" of several of his enemies on board the Enterprise. She wondered illogically why he had not long ago eliminated Sulu. The oriental was sly, hard-prime Empire material, she thought wryly.

Somehow she would have to find and disable that secret device in order to eliminate Spock, or else lure him to his doom on her own ship. But she could not seem to concentrate on her plans of action. All she could think of was a beaten cadet and a comforting Vulcan upperclassman.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her door buzzer and she said, "Come." The door opened to reveal Spock and his two bodyguards. Mercy rose from her seat, smoothed her skirt, and forced a smile. "Captain, please come in," she said.

Spock entered, after instructing his bodyguards to wait outside. "You have heard from Starfleet Command."

"Yes."

"Have they agreed to your recommendation?

Mercy turned away, and poured two drinks for them. "They have agreed to do nothing until after the Altair coronation." She turned and handed him his drink.

"Then we are enemies now."

"Please don't feel that way. The good of the Empire must always be considered."

"The good of the Empire?"

"Well, of course the Empire cannot operate with good intentions. We are not the Alliance."

"And is there no order there?"

"No! They do not control! Not as we do!" She paused, studying him. "Why such strange thoughts?"

"Oh, I don't know." Spock paused, then said, "Perhaps you're right; I do need the rest on Tantalus."

Mercy looked at her drink. "Yes. You do."

"Is there anything further you require? Or was your message about the decision your only purpose in requesting my presence?"

"There is one other thing," said Mercy, looking at him. "Starfleet has requested I accompany you with the Constellation on the Enterprise's missions these next two weeks."

Spock raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Purely routine."

"Is it? Or do they hope to gain information against me to negate the leave to Tantalus?" Mercy turned away from him. "Thank you, Captain Victors. Since I appreciate your help, I will be on my best behavior." The words ripped coldly through the air, but with an undertone of almost human vehemence. Mercy turned and looked at him, but the stoic mask was again in place. The dark eyes were piercing and cold. "Do I have your permission to return to the Enterprise and my duties?" he asked calmly.

"Certainly," Mercy replied. Spock set his glass on her desk and turned away. The door swished twice and he was gone.

Strange, that vehemence. 'Must have been his human half,' she thought. She wondered if that half had helped lead him into the Imperial Service.

She noticed he hadn't touched his drink.

###

Spock beamed back to the Enterprise. Mercy had tried to hide it, but Spock knew Command had given her orders to kill him. What mystified him was why they wanted to wait until after the Altair coronation. It might be a ruse on Captain Victor's part. He had carefully avoided drinking the drink she'd offered him for that reason. She would be given time to do the job, however, so perhaps the Altair ceremony was her deadline. Or perhaps the Empire truly wished to avoid unpleasantness with the Vulcan delegation to Altair. He had made himself a reputation in the Empire, after all.

But Sandor would have to be informed of the possibility of his demise, and the fourth ship. He went to his cabin where he could commune in private. There he closed his eyes and thought, 'Sandor.'

'I am here,' came the inner voice across parsecs of space.

'What is the status of the project?'

'All is in readiness.'

'The Alliance has agreed to my terms?'

'You will be given rulership of the New Territory.'

'Are the others prepared to take control of my crew?'

'Yes.'

'The highest dignitaries will be at the Altair coronation. I will transmit ship deployments as soon as I obtain them.'

'The Empire is suspicious though.'

'Yes. They may try to eliminate me before the coronation. I will endeavor to stay alive, but you should know the danger. I will be watched.'

'We can perhaps control the I.S.S. Constellation.'

'No! Not unless I think it becomes necessary.'

Spock ended the contact. He was off duty so he poured himself a drink and fingered his beard. Suddenly his door swished and he jumped. Then he relaxed. "Marlena," he said.

"Spock," said the dark-haired, lovely lieutenant. Marlena Moreau had been the "Captain's woman"-Kirk's-and had remained the Captain's woman after his death. Spock had no real preference in women so had allowed the charade. Besides, she knew about the "disappearing" device, and about the alternate universe Kirk. Her position beside him was a small price to pay for her knowledge. And he disliked killing unless it was absolutely necessary. As yet, she was no threat to him.

She was, however, sometimes disturbing. As now, when she pranced into the room seductively. Spock had not encouraged her advances, and wondered why she didn't seek someone to satisfy her desires. He offered her a drink.

"No, thank you. I only want you, Spock." She put her arms around his neck.

"Why, Marlena? Your position is secure. I do not object to you taking others."

"They are not kind. You are."

"How do you know?"

"I know you would be kind."

Spock looked at her speculatively. He was betrothed, but she was far away. He remembered his former ruthless commander and almost smiled. Then he said, "I wonder if it is not wild passion you desire." Marlena started to speak, but Spock pulled her roughly to him and crushed her lips with his. 'If I may die,' he thought, 'I may as well enjoy myself while I'm here.'

Later, as he was putting his uniform back in place in preparation to going on duty, Marlena looked up from where she lay nude on his bed to say, "I could kill you."

Spock looked at her. "But you won't," he said.

"Are you so sure?" she asked, her voice quavering.

Spock stared at her for a moment, then gripped her arm. "It is you who should worry."

"You are not Kirk! You never can be!"

"I do not want to be, believe me," said Spock. Then he reached his right hand to her face. She drew back, but he pressed his fingers to her temples and cheek. "Our minds are merging," he said. "I feel what you feel." He forced his mind into hers as he had to obtain the "disappearing" device knowledge. He saw that she had been touched by the alternate Kirk too and had really desired kindness. "I am sorry," said Spock. "I did not know." He let go of her.

"I believe you are sorry," said Marlena, wiping away her tears.

"Go back to your quarters."

Marlena got up from the bed. "Next time it will be different?"

"There will be no next time. I made a mistake."

Marlena smiled, pressing close to him. "There will be a next time," she said softly. He watched as she picked up the remnants of her torn clothing and went into his bathroom.

Spock raised his eyebrows, briefly considering the future possibilities. Then he thought about Mercy Victors and left for the bridge.

###

The next few days were spent fairly routinely. The Enterprise was due for a refurbishing job on Starbase 7 in preparation for the coronation on Altair VI. The I.S.S. Constellation shadowed the route like some stealthy sur-snake.

Spock faced several problems due to the surveillance. Receiving ship deployments at the Starbase would be only a minor one. The DejaVuans had their limitations, after all. They could not, for instance, penetrate the force screen around Starfleet Command. So Spock had been forced to make personal contact with a certain Wilson Probitt. He remembered how surprised Wilson had been to see him three months ago when he rang his bell.

###

"Why, Spock!" said Wilson, his eyes behind his glasses widening. "What brings you here?"

"May I come in?" said Spock.

"Oh! Of course, yes, please come in!"

"Thank you," Spock said shortly. He stepped past Wilson into his sparsely furnished living area. "Still a Spartan, I see."

"Oh no! I just moved. All my things haven't arrived yet. I can get you some Antarean brandy though." Spock inclined his head as a signal that the refreshment would be acceptable and watched as Wilson nervously fixed the drinks and returned with them. "Your new uniform looks good. Sorry about Captain Kirk, of course." He handed Spock his drink.

Spock swirled the liquid around in the glass, then took a sip. "Wilson, can we speak freely?"

"Of course. No-bugs here."

"I hope not, for your sake. I need your assistance, Wilson."

"My assistance? What can I do for you?"

"You have access to Starfleet ship deployment records." Wilson almost choked on his drink. "Is that correct?"

"Yes, but-you know that information is accessible only to approved members of Starfleet Headquarters staff."

"Like yourself."

"No, Spock. I wouldn't dare. I'd be prosecuted-executed probably-for Breach of Confidence."

"Would you rather be executed for Secret Interest?"

"What-what do you mean?"

"I know you are operating a mining interest on Coridan under an assumed name."

"That's a lie!"

"Then you will not mind if I go to Starfleet Base Headquarters with the rumor then, will you?" Spock set his glass on a cabinet and turned to go.

"No, wait!" said Wilson. "You're right. The taxes, you know, are so high for people in my position. Please don't go to Headquarters."

Spock turned to look at him. "I won't, if you do as I request."

"Fleet deployments? Why?"

"That is my concern. Will you obtain them or must I go to Starfleet Headquarters?"

"I'll obtain them. You want them now?"

"No. I'll contact you again when I need them."

"But how-will you come yourself or-"

Spock lifted the drink he had off the cabinet. "You always had good taste in liquor, Wilson. I've always been grateful that you introduced me to this particular brandy in the Academy. Someone, perhaps myself, perhaps another, may appreciate a gift box of Antarean Brandy 'as I enjoyed on Sandoval' from your brother's store. You will see the fleet deployments for that time are gift wrapped with it. Now I must return to my ship. It has been pleasant to see you again." He returned the glass to the cabinet and turned again to go.

"Spock-how-how did you find out about-"

Spock looked at him and lifted an eyebrow. Then he touched his earlobe and said, "Just attribute it to Vulcan hearing. And remember what will happen should you fail me. Good day, Wilson." He left, and the door swished shut behind him with quiet finality. Blackmail was distasteful to him (in fact, he had never used it before) but it was a common way to get things done after all.

###

He had not realized that he would be using Wilson's aid quite so soon. But chance had made the circumstances fortunate in that four ships of the front line would be occupied at Altair. Circumstances also made the move imperative, since Spock doubted whether he would live long after the coronation otherwise.

No, Wilson would not betray him since he risked death at the hands of Starfleet Command should he admit his part in Spock's plan. Unless Mercy intervened, of course. Spock had every expectation that she would be watching him closely. Fortunately, he would not be picking up the information himself. Necessity makes for quick changes in plans.

But if she caught on-Captain Victors was shrewd. His mind went back to the friendship formed by her beating. He could see her qualities then-the shrewdness, the intelligence, the determination. She had been poor, had gotten into the Academy on a scholarship, and had tenaciously held on to the chance. Making enemies in the process though, which was the reason for the fight. Competition in class was fierce and her classmates resented her abilities, and her aspirations. Still...

Her position as Captain now proved her worth. And her summoning of Sulu to the Constellation for a "conference" showed him that she was placing her own watchers from his crew. How many credits had she given him to distribute? he wondered.

It would be difficult, then, but not impossible. He only regretted destroying her world...

###

The I.S.S. Enterprise reached Starbase 7 in four solar days. There had been no word from Sulu about what was happening out of the ordinary on the Enterprise. Was Spock truly being on his best behavior?

Every instinct Mercy had told her something was in the air, something wrong. She switched on the viewer and looked at the sister ship. Tiny spacesuited figures were making minute examinations of the Enterprise's hull.

More workers were examining the interior. Would they find the "disappearing" device? Technically, they were to examine only damaged and stressful areas of the ship. She slapped her hand on the desk top in irritation. 'Damn!' she thought. 'Why is it me cooling my heels on this mission?' She wanted to be in deep space, conquering for the glory of the Empire (and for herself).

But still the nagging memory of her first meeting with Spock haunted her. It had all started almost innocently...

###

Mercy had finished her classes for the day and was headed back to dorm. Her mind was on the next day's exams so she did not notice Arne Raytag until she bumped right into him.

With him were three of his male cronies. (Arne thought he was a big man on campus.)

"Sorry," said Mercy, and started to go around him.

"Hey, Mercy, how about a contact?" asked Arne, smiling his best female-enticing grin.

"No, thank you. I have to study."

"Aw, c'mon Mercy, show a little mercy!" He tried to kiss her and she slapped him. Arne's face grew red as his friends laughed. Angry, he grabbed her arm. "You keep acting like that and you'll never be my woman when I get to be a starship Captain!"

Mercy jerked away from him, angry herself. "I have no intention of being any 'Captain's woman.' I'm going to be a Captain myself!" The statement completely broke up the four men.

"No woman will ever be a Starfleet Captain!" said Raytag.

"I will! I have better grades than all of you put together!"

The men sobered. They had surrounded her and Mercy realized her anger had put her in a bad position. Raytag glanced at the others, then fastened a cold gaze on Mercy. "Oh, really! Let's see how good you are at combat!"

Before Mercy could move, Raytag hit her full in the stomach. She reeled slightly, then regained herself as the four men launched themselves at her. She fought bravely, tooth and nail, using every dirty move she could think of. But she was outnumbered. Soon she had fallen to the ground, dully thinking, 'This is the end of my dream. And it's all my fault.'

Then she became aware of a new disturbance. Looking up through blurred eyes, she saw a tall Vulcan male grab Raytag by the temples with one hand. Raytag looked briefly shocked, then slumped to the ground. The Vulcan turned toward the other men but, seeing what had happened to their comrade, they turned tail and fled.

The Vulcan bent and assisted Mercy to a semi-sitting position. "Are you injured?" he asked.

"My arm," she said. It hung limply, broken, she knew, in at least two places. "Raytag?" she asked, indicating with a glance the prone form on the ground near her.

"He's dead," said the Vulcan.

"Oh, but that will get you in terrible trouble!"

"I doubt it, not when I explain the circumstances," said the stranger. "What were they beating you for?"

"I told them I was going to be a starship Captain."

The Vulcan raised one eyebrow. "Indeed!" he said. Then he said, "But you need medical assistance." He rose and started off.

"Wait!" said Mercy. "Thank you, Mr.-"

The Vulcan turned. "Spock," he said briefly. Then he was gone.

###

She would put it out of her mind. Practice the Vulcan technique of... She slapped her hand again.

She would beam over to the Enterprise. Invite Spock down to Starbase. This decided, Mercy got up and swished strongly out the door.

Spock was somewhat tense, she noticed, when she was ushered into his presence. A dark-haired, lovely young woman was with him. She felt irritated again. "I don't want to go!" Spock was saying. "Now, is that clear?"

The girl cowered meekly. "Yes, Sp-Captain." She stood around awkwardly.

"Well, Lieutenant, you may go. Captain Victors and I have business to discuss."

The girl slinked out of the room. Mercy looked at Spock in speculation. "Your woman?" she asked.

Spock looked at her. "Only in a manner of speaking. She was Captain Kirk's woman."

Then Mercy remembered. Lt. Marlena Moreau! She had seen her on the Enterprise tapes she'd examined. She eyed Spock as he moved to the wall outlet to get them both a drink. She wondered what his relationship with Lt. Moreau was. Although she had once entertained fantasies about the Vulcan, she had eventually come to associate him with something beyond male-divorced from male urges. So her voice sounded mildly surprised to her ears when she said, "I see."

Spock tried to brush off the incident nonchalantly. "She wanted me to go shopping with her," he said, handing her her drink and seating himself.

Mercy sat too, feeling amused. The girl was stupid; Vulcans considered their women associates as capable of doing their own shopping. Spock, apparently, still did not understand human women. "She probably just wanted your opinion," she said. "Women usually like their men to be pleased with their choices of clothing and accessories and such."

Spock shifted in his seat. "What did you want to talk to me about, Captain?"

"Nothing particular. I was bored."

"Why don't you go down to the base and shop?"

"Why don't you?"

"It's not necessary. I do not want to give cause for any more suspicion."

"I don't understand."

"I know you have me under surveillance, Captain. Have I been on my best behavior?" His eyes glittered coldly.

"Of course," said Mercy. 'What kind of game is he playing?' she thought. 'What is going on?'

Spock drained his drink. Mercy saw the briefest cat's flicker in his eyes as he glanced at her before getting up to refill his glass. "I suppose you are bored," he said, his back to her. "There are no riches in shadowing a fellow commander." He came back over to take his seat across from her. "I am not being good company; excuse me. Blame the situation. And drink your drink. I assure you; it is not poisoned."

Mercy lifted the glass to her lips, her eyes on Spock. He was watching her covertly. She sipped the drink, then placed it on the table again. "Antarean Brandy," she said. "Very good." Then she went on. "Spock, I'm sorry. I didn't choose this mission. I don't like it any more than you do."

"I know. It is unfortunate that you should be involved. But they must test you."

"Yes." Both she and Spock were silent for a minute. Then Mercy said, "I know something's wrong, Spock. Can't you tell me?"

Spock got up and walked over to stand before a panel on the wall. Then he turned to her. "Have you ever seen a sun go nova?"

"On tapes-"

"No, on screens. On one of your missions." Mercy shook her head no. What was Spock trying to say?

"All that force-exploding-destroying its system. And what is left?"

Mercy frowned. "Glory?" she ventured.

"The glory is the Empire. But I-" Spock sat again. "I am one of the planets. Unpermanent." Mercy looked at him. "You will destroy me unless I destroy you because you are the Empire. Can it ever be different?"

Spock's dark eyes seemed to be searching hers. Mercy felt a wave of nausea rising in her. She stood up. "I've stayed too long. I must get back to my ship." It was a weak excuse, she knew, but she had to leave.

"They will not find the disappearing device, Captain," said Spock. "Be careful."

Mercy left Spock's cabin, not looking back. She was upset, and vainly tried to bring herself under control. There was no pretense now, no meeting ground between them. Spock knew he was to die at her hands. They were enemies.

And it hurt. She had tried to pretend the truth wasn't there. But he knew. Was that what she sensed wrong? It was his life or hers, his life or the Empire. Can it ever be different?

###

Spock watched Mercy on the alien device after she left his cabin. Her chin was stiff, a sure sign that she was upset by what he'd said. He watched her in a detached manner as she proceeded down the corridor to the transporter room. His finger raised to the button that would wipe her out of existence. Raised and hovered there. It would be easy to end her pain.

But not necessary. Not yet. He watched her step onto the transporter and shimmer out of existence. Logic would tell him when and if he needed to take action against her. He would not acknowledge the fact that that was something he was very loath to do.

He poured another drink and sat down to wait for Marlena.

She arrived at his cabin an hour later, loaded with boxes, a smile on her face. "Wait until you see what I bought!" she exclaimed.

"That may take some time, by the appearance of things. Did you get the wine I asked you for?"

Marlena was suddenly serious. "Yes. When I mentioned to the proprietor how much you had enjoyed Antarean Brandy on Sandoval, he hunted it up right away. Well, it took him a little while." She took a small box and handed it to him.

Spock unwrapped the package, and removed the bottle. A quick glance at the top page underneath told him what he needed to know. He had the fleet deployments that would be in effect through the Altair coronation.

"What is it?" asked Marlena softly.

Spock raised a quick finger to his lips. "A new label," he said. "Heights, Inc. has taken over the bottling. I hope it is still of the same quality." Fortunately, Spock knew it would be difficult to rig a camera in his cabin. But he could not discount sound monitoring devices, particularly now that he was under such suspicion. He checked every day, but it never hurt to be cautious. Mercy herself may have left something. Such devices could be made very minutely. For effect, Spock loudly corked open the bottle of brandy and said, "Well, let me see what you have bought while I am pouring drinks."

Marlena hesitated, then picked up a box. She smiled and headed for the bathroom with, "I think you'll like this."

Spock silently made a final check of his cabin while she was occupied, but still found no bugging devices. Still, there were the air vents. He got out two glasses. It would be wise anyway to keep his secrets to himself. Marlena had been useful, to be sure, although he thought she would probably demand something in return for her favor. As long as she was obedient and not too curious.

Spock heard a swish and turned. Marlena stood in the doorway of the bathroom, dressed in a filmy green gown of some sort, laced with beads and tinkling bells. "Do you like it?" she asked.

Spock came closer to her and handed her her drink. "It is very attractive," he said.

"How attractive?" she asked, pressing closer.

It was apparent what her price was gong to be for her errand. Spock was mildly irritated-still, Marlena did look extremely attractive. He eyed the firm breasts (lightly tinted green from the gown) and decided that she looked quite good. Better, in fact, than his betrothed, although he knew she meant more to him than Marlena ever could. But Marlena deserved thanks. He bent his head and kissed her, his arm circling her waist to draw her closer.

But Marlena hung back. "You'll be gentle?" she asked.

"I will try," said Spock softly, "to please you." The wine he'd had earlier was mixing with the new wine and Marlena to make him comfortably warm. He pulled Marlena close and led her over to his bed.

He was gentle, yet firm too, taking Marlena to the heights of her ecstasy and leaving her perhaps a little too pleased with him. She curled beside him with a sigh and said, "I love you, Spock." Spock looked at her. "I am betrothed, Marlena. You can never be more to me than 'the Captain's woman.'"

Marlena looked briefly hurt, then said, "Things may change."

"Yes, you may," said Spock, grabbing Marlena's shoulder and simultaneously putting his right hand to her head. 'I am sorry, Marlena,' he thought as he applied an ancient Vulcan grip while reaching into her mind. 'This is for your good as well as mine.' He concentrated.

When he released her, she rose, eyes blank, and quickly dressed. Spock watched as she silently left the room for her cabin. Fortunately it was not far. The paralyzing coma would not hit her until she got there.

He regretted using the technique, but it would cause no lasting harm. It would baffle Dr. McCoy. But it would also assure the safely of his plans. Marlena could do no harm-and she would not be questioned-while in her coma.

When she woke in two weeks, the Empire would be no more. Somehow he thought she'd like that. He took out the fleet deployments and began to relay them to Sandor.

###

Mercy had finally gathered her thoughts together. Automatically, as in the past several days, she reran the tape of Spock's doings in his cabin. Sometimes there were only snatches of conversation, and she suspected Spock daily searched his cabin for bugs. That, in itself, was suspicious action, but perhaps he was only trying to protect the "disappearing" device from discovery. She had a suspicion that it was in his cabin, but unless she could come up with sufficient proof of that fact, she could not put through orders for a search. It wouldn't matter anyway, after Altair. Either he would die, or she would. But even if he destroyed her, there was still all of the Empire to contend with.

She smiled. She had to admire his daring. Few people would risk confronting the Empire. She almost wished she could fail her mission, and could watch the results.

The tape fast forwarded to the conversation of the day. She heard again her visit with him. Then there was a pause in the tape, and the sound of Marlena Moreau returning. Mercy listened to their conversation with interest, and the sounds of lovemaking afterwards. So Marlena was still the "Captain's woman." Strange, she didn't consider Marlena as someone that interesting to Spock.

But men were often interested in purely physical forms of relationships. She had encountered that often enough in her own career. But Captain Victors has wanted to be the Captain, not his woman. Women's positions being what they were, it had been difficult, to say the least, to be taken seriously. Marlena Moreau was taking the only course open to her. Until she proved herself, that is.

Marlena did sound as if she was enjoying herself. Part of Mercy envied her. But, as Spock said, he was betrothed, and his tone suggested the real light in which he held Marlena. Marlena could never want that on a permanent basis.

But there was something else about the conversation... She reran the taped segment again. But she heard nothing amiss-just some talk about shopping, and wine. She frowned. Then she switched off the tape. She undressed and got into bed, switching off the light.

An hour later she woke. She remembered now what had bothered her about the tape! They did not serve Antarean Brandy on Sandoval! There had been a ban on it since before she could remember! Some process in the fermentation had an adverse affect on the natives.

Mercy switched on the light and dressed. This time she would get to the bottom of whatever was going on. Summoning a security team, she prepared to beam to the Enterprise.

###

Spock was sleeping when the knock came on his door and blinked in the light as Mercy Victors and two security men entered his cabin. "Unauthorized entrance, Captain?" he said. "You must have a serious reason."

"I do," said Mercy. "Antarean Brandy is not served on Sandoval."

Spock inwardly winced. He had forgotten that. "Where were your monitoring devices?"

"In the air vent. Now, are you going to tell me what is going on, or must I use less pleasant methods?"

"You must know Vulcans are resistant to physical torture. However, I will answer any questions. I have nothing to hide."

"Collins, Xeronia, search this cabin." The two men separated and began to follow their orders. Mercy Victors stood firmly, legs slightly apart, at the foot of his bed.

"Is this interview to be as is, or will I be able to dress for it?" asked Spock. He saw Mercy's eyes flicker down to his bare chest, but there was no trace in her manner of embarrassment.

"You may dress. Collins?" The security guard came over to the bed. Spock moved to toss aside the cover, and Mercy turned away to examine his desk. The man Collins followed him to the bathroom and watched while he dressed. When he returned to his living area, Mercy had seated herself at his desk. "Sit down, Captain," she said.

Spock took the chair across from her. Mercy motioned Collins away to the search again. "Now, Captain, I want answers."

"There is nothing to tell."

"Antarean Brandy is not sold or even carried on Sandoval. Why did Lt. Moreau say that you had enjoyed it there?"

"A mistake on her part. She probably mean to say Sandian."

Mercy eyed him intently. "I know you are hiding something."

"What would I hide?"

"I don't know. But I intend to find out. You may be resistant to torture, but Lt. Moreau is not." There was the sharp whistle of Spock's intercom and he looked at it. Mercy hit the switch and he saw one of her security team. "Walters, Captain. Lt. Moreau did not respond to our knock so we entered her quarters. She's unconscious-in some kind of coma." Mercy glanced sharply at Spock. "We've notified sickbay."

"Very well, Lieutenant. Keep me informed." She switched off the contact. "Lt. Moreau seems to be incapacitated."

"Unfortunate," said Spock.

"What did you do to her?"

"Nothing beyond what you heard." He saw her eyes flicker.

"You forget I have seen evidence of certain Vulcan abilities."

"Combat moves. They do not induce coma."

"You are treading on dangerous ground, Captain. If Dr. McCoy discovers this is not a natural coma, there will be nothing I can do for you."

"Would you do anything?"

"I am asking the questions here! You say Lt. Moreau made a mistake?"

"Antarean Brandy is served on Sandian."

"It is, however, unfortunate that I can not ask her. A rather ill-timed illness, I should say."

"Indeed."

"Captain," came a voice, and Spock swiveled to see Captain Victors' security men, holding a disassembled device of some sort between them. Mercy motioned them over.

"Your 'disappearing' device, Captain?" she asked. She hit the intercom switch and paged her other security, Andrews and Razak, to the cabin.

Spock said nothing. Fortunately, he had decided long ago to make a non-working copy of his secret weapon. It would take them some examination before they discovered it was not the real device. That was securely placed behind the panel on the wall. Captain Victors looked at the device with satisfaction. Then she rose. "You are restricted to quarters, Captain, until this investigation is finished. Do not try to leave, as my men will have orders to kill you if you do."

"I would not think of leaving, Captain."

"Collins, Xeronia, stand guard. I will be in sickbay." Spock watched as she strode out the door, followed by her new guards and his device. He settled back in his chair with a sigh.

###

When Mercy entered sickbay, her man Walters was there to greet her. He led her to the examination room where Lt. Moreau lay pale and unmoving on a diagnostic bed. The Chief Surgeon, Dr. Leonard McCoy, was in attendance. He turned grumpily at her approach.

"Dr. McCoy, what is the diagnosis of this crewmember?" she asked.

"She's in a coma, Captain! Midnight raids! I must voice my disapproval. Couldn't this have waited until morning?"

"No, doctor. And I suggest you consider your position, unless you wish to bring yourself under suspicion."

The doctor calmed some. "Sorry, Captain. But this was my sleep period."

"What is the diagnosis?"

"It's hard to say without some tests."

"Is it an illness or something artificially induced?"

Dr. McCoy eyed her warily. "I'll have to run tests. It looks like a natural coma. But I may be wrong."

"Then run your tests, Doctor. I want facts, as soon as possible." She turned to leave. "I will be in guest quarters."

"Captain!" said McCoy. He came close and led her over to the side of the room, away from her guards. "Spock is in serious trouble, isn't he?"

"He could be," Mercy acknowledged.

"I haven't liked his command since Jim Kirk died, but I've always found him a logical man. He knows the value of the Empire."

"Does he? Lt. Moreau may be able to say."

Dr. McCoy looked crestfallen. "I'll get started on the tests right away." He walked back to his patient.

"Do that, Doctor," said Mercy. "I want Miss Moreau conscious again as soon as possible." She left the room.

Hours passed in the guest quarters. Spock was apparently behaving himself, since the guards she'd left with him had not contacted her. Andrews and Razak had taken his secret weapon back to the Constellation for examination. Depending on the success of reviving Lt. Moreau she would soon have to decide whether to contact Starbase about this. Considering her previous Command reception, it might be better to keep the matter in her own hands.

Her door buzzer buzzed. "Come," she said, and looked up as Dr. McCoy entered. "Doctor McCoy. You have news? Please, sit."

Dr. McCoy took the chair opposite to her. "I have news. But I'm not sure you're going to like it."

"Go on."

"Lt. Moreau is in a deep coma. It's doubtful whether I'll be able to revive her any time soon."

"And what is the cause of her condition?" managed Mercy.

"I'm not sure."

"What does that mean?"

"Well, I know the cause-a pinched blood vessel. I've opened it, but she has not responded to further treatment. As to what caused the stopped blood vessel, I can't hazard a guess."

McCoy hesitated before saying, "Doctor, are there any Vulcan techniques that could be responsible for her condition?"

"I've never heard of any, but I suppose it's possible."

"Would Lt. Moreau have died without treatment?"

"Eventually, perhaps. But not right away. The vessel was not completely closed. I don't know how long she was in the coma, though. It could be the time factor that is causing the slow recovery."

"I see. Can you estimate when Lt. Moreau will be conscious again?"

"No. I honestly don't know. There may be an emotional block to contend with."

"Then you're saying this could be a natural condition."

"I am."

"Why?"

"Some crewmembers saw Marlena last night when she was going to her quarters. They said she looked upset. It's no secret on board ship that she's been trying to get Spock to notice her."

"But she's the Captain's woman."

"In name only, I think. Spock doesn't concern himself with women much. He wasn't concerned about not having her still hold the position though."

"I see. That is all, then?"

"For now. I'll keep you informed." He rose to go.

"Thank you, Doctor McCoy. I'm sorry to have disturbed your sleep." Dr. McCoy smiled bleakly and left the room.

What to do now? Suspicion was heavy on Spock, but a case could still be made for natural mistake and illness. Or was she just grasping at straws?

She could leave the matter to Starfleet, but that would be the easy way out, and would not endear her further with Command. No, the thing to do was to continue to watch Spock. He would slip up if he was hiding something. Even Vulcans were not infallible. After telling her guards where she'd be, she went to Spock's cabin.

Spock eyed her calmly. She ordered her security guards outside. She could summon them quickly if she needed them. Without Spock's secret device, she had only to fear a physical attack. She sat down.

"How is Lt. Moreau, Captain?" asked Spock.

"Still in her coma." She went on to explain Dr. McCoy's diagnosis. "Dr. McCoy can give me no definite reason for her condition," she ended. Spock nodded. "I have made a decision," she continued. "I will transfer temporarily to the Enterprise and keep you under my personal surveillance."

"Can you ship survive without you?"

"I think they can manage for the five day trip to Altair."

"And after Altair?"

"Your actions will decide your fate."

Spock lowered his eyelids until his eyes were slits.

###

The next three days passed unevently. The crew of the Enterprise knew something was wrong, but they dared not make mention of their suspicions except in whispers. Spock's ears caught snatches of comment about him as he performed his duties, accompanied by Captain Victors. He might have found the situation severely embarrassing had he been full human.

Marlena remained unconscious. Spock had no concern on that score. He had perfected many ancient Vulcan techniques years ago-some techniques that were not even in use in this day. He had only to play his part until the Altair ceremony. Sandor already had the fleet deployments-had probably already forwarded them on to the Alliance. Spock had destroyed each page after sending it. No physical record remained of his plans.

The only problem was Captain Victors. If she was still on board the Enterprise when the time came, she would have to be controlled too. That would be no problem for the DejaVuans, certainly, but Spock strangely did not want to force her to do anything. He could, of course, render her unconscious as he had Marlena. He would consider what to do when the time came. But privately, he thought she deserved to be on her own ship when the attack came. He had a curiosity about seeing her battle training brought to the fore, and there was still some chance she might be trusted-

Spock stopped thinking and proceeded to the bridge.

At least she did not keep a personal twenty-four hour guard. At night he was left with one or more of her security in attendance. He wondered briefly what he would have done had she insisted on spending the nights with him. She was an attractive woman in her own way-perhaps he had become spoiled by Marlena. No, Mercy Victors was an entirely different woman. He was not at all sure what his reaction to her would have been. They had been friends so long.

They were two days from Altair when Captain Victors was paged from her own ship. She was breakfasting with Spock, in his cabin, so he was able to hear firsthand the conversation. "What do you mean, it doesn't work?" she said. "It must work!"

"As near as we can figure it, there's a vital piece missing. Unless we can get it, the whole device is worthless."

Captain Victors looked at Spock across the table. "All right, Commander Thelev. Carry on." She ended the contact. "So you've hidden a vital piece of your secret weapon? I thought you seemed rather unconcerned at its discovery, but put it down to Vulcan unemotionalism."

Spock raised a forkful of T'aiga root to his mouth, saying nothing. Mercy waited for a minute, then said, "You might as well give it to me. Or I'll just be forced to have my guards search your quarters again."

"They have already been searched," Spock reminded her. Let her think the part was elsewhere on the ship.

Mercy studied him. "Well it makes no difference," she finally said. We have the rest of the device, so you can do nothing with it. We will find the piece after-"

"Altair?" Spock said in the silence that followed. "Has my fate been decided then?"

"You know it has."

"The 'rest' on Tantalus?" he enquired wryly. She said nothing. "I wonder if you will find it so easy." He got up and proceeded to the bridge. After a moment's hesitation, he heard Mercy follow.

The day passed without further incident. Spock retired early, but lay awake a long time. Tomorrow morning was the time. He found himself remembering his entire career in the Imperial Empire. It had not been all bad. Perhaps he even felt some regret for what he knew was going to happen.

###

Mercy lounged in her guest quarters. Spock had been on his best behavior, seemingly unconcerned at the suspicions being leveled against him. True, he had concealed a part of the alien device she'd confiscated, but that was natural protection of what he considered his property. Where had that device come from? And how had he discovered it? Had Captain Kirk entrusted him with the knowledge?

Something else bothered her more. It was his statement that morning, "I wonder if you will find it so easy." Spock was extremely intelligent. Did he have another alien device-a copy of the original? Or was he just referring to his superior physical capabilities? He had no weapons of the standard or unstandard variety now. She could end his life very quickly. But killing him was going to be the hardest thing she would ever have to do.

Her intercom whistled. The Enterprise communications officer, Lt. Uhura, informed her, "Message from Starfleet, Captain."

For her? What could it be? "Go ahead, Lieutenant. Put it on."

The attractive Negress' face was replaced with that of Admiral Komack. "What are you doing on the Enterprise, Captain?"

"Just-visiting, Admiral," she lied.

"I want you back on your ship at once. Since the Constellation has started accompanying the Enterprise, I thought it advisable to make your ship part of the coronation parade. Maneuvers have been worked out for you to comply with."

"Very well, Admiral. Beam the information to my ship and I will be on it shortly."

"Good. Your honor, Captain." He raised his arm.

"For the Empire, Admiral," she responded in traditional return. The Admiral disappeared, to leave her in thought. The coronation ceremony was stupid, as all such events, but Starfleet orders were Starfleet orders. She would just have to leave her guards with Spock until after the event was over, and then come back. She knew if she didn't appear on her own ship for the maneuvers, some jealous underling would tell Starfleet Command. And she dared not give any cause to place her own career in jeopardy. She punched the intercom and got her man Collins. She explained the situation and gave him and Xeronia their new orders.

###

Spock listened with interest to the new orders. Even though he lay in bed, with several yards and a door between him and the guards outside, he heard the conversation quite clearly. People, for the most part, tended to underestimate Vulcan hearing. Besides, they probably thought he was asleep.

So Mercy would not be on the ship tomorrow. Strangely comforted by that, Spock finally fell asleep.

He was awakened to early breakfast call and the cheerless faces of Collins and Xeronia. They stood silently by as he ate and he wondered whether they would eat this morning. The maneuvers would not be over until 1400 hours, and that was quite a while to go without eating. He set up his contact with Sandor, as planned.

'I am here,' came the voice.

'All is in readiness?' asked Spock.

'Yes. The ships are massed and we are ready to take over control of your crew.'

'There are two guards from the Constellation. Can you handle them also?'

'No. Insufficient image. It must be clearer. What about Captain Victors?'

'She is no threat. She will be on the Constellation, taking part in the maneuvers for the coronation.'

'But she will fight.'

'Of course. But the Enterprise will aid. I am going to the bridge now. You will maintain contact.'

'Yes.'

Spock wiped his mouth and smoothed his beard. Then he rose and headed for the bridge, the two Constellation guards following him. Left to his own devices, he might have to summon his personal guards to deal with them since they were too unfamiliar to him for him to project a clear-cut image of them to the DejaVuans. Not so with his crew.

Weeks ago he had changed the duty roster so that the people in his crew he was the most acquainted with would be on duty on the bridge for a trial test of the DejaVuans' control capabilities. As he entered, he glanced around to make sure everything was as planned. Uhura was at communications, the Vulcan Saruk at sciences, Aragon and King at defense and environmental stations. Chekov and Sulu manned the helm. Spock was pleased at the thought that the sly oriental would soon be under his complete control.

Engineering station was vacant but that was not alarming. Mr. Scott would be manning the position directly from Engineering, unless there was some difficulty. To be sure, he punched the intercom in his chair arm and said, "Spock to Engineering."

"Scott here, Captain," came the Chief Engineer's crisp tones.

"Status."

"We're all ready to go. Standing by for your orders."

Spock consulted the chronometer. They were just approaching the Altair system, right on schedule with the clock. "Begin maneuvers," Spock ordered briefly. He glanced at Mercy's guards, standing side by side next to his chair. Their eyes were on the viewscreen as the hum of the engines increased.

The Enterprise passed the outermost planet, frigid Altair X, and Spock got his first glimpse of sister ships Hood and Lexington, approaching from opposite sides of the forward line he was taking. Curious, he ordered a full scan, and discovered the Constellation was directly behind the Enterprise.

As they passed Altair VIII and entered the asteroid belt, however, the Constellation moved to the Enterprise's port side. Obviously Command felt a hand-in-hand approach was best. He wondered how HQ had explained the presence of the Constellation to the delegates on Altair VI. No doubt Admiral Komack had assured them that she was just an added surprise tribute. Little did Altair know what surprises were in store.

The Hood and the Lexington fell into their prearranged maneuvers with the Enterprise. Uhura informed Spock that they were receiving a request to activate their central viewer. Spock nodded at her to comply with the request and the bridge personnel and Mercy's guards were confronted with a view of the crowded coronation hall. Prime Minister Sturjen was looking all set to make a speech. The words droned out, and Spock hoped it would not last long.

He was feeling restless. He had continued contact with Sandor, but of course Sandor could not tell him when the attack would come. He searched the skies for alien ships out of the ordinary Empire vessels but saw nothing save the dignitary vessels of the Empire domains in orbit around Altair and, of course, the Empire sister ships of the Enterprise. Had the Alliance been repelled? Or worse, had they thought the fleet deployments mere Empire strategy and bowed out?

The visual contact on the screen would be the cue for Sandor and his people to move into action. Governor Malaki was finally coming to the end of his ceremonial obligations when Sulu said, "Captain, I'm picking up some blips on starboard scanners."

"Configuration?"

"Too far to tell, but they're approaching rapidly."

"Activate starboard screens on central viewer." The view of the coronation was replaced by one of stars and planets and twelve indistinct lights growing larger by the minute. "Saruk!" said Spock.

The Vulcan science officer straightened from consultation of his viewer. "Long range scanning indicates the vessels are of Alliance design!" His voice showed surprise at the development.

As did Uhura's. "This far in Territory?!" she uttered.

"Go to Red Alert!" ordered Spock.

Uhura overcame her surprise and signaled battle status. Spock thought quickly, 'Sandor, are you still with me?'

'Yes,' came the reply.

'It's now." And his first moment of uncertainty came as he wondered whether his impressions of his key personnel would be image enough for the DejaVuans to grasp. He would soon find out. "Mr. Chekov, interception course, warp eight. Mr. Sulu, ready phasers and photon torpedoes."

He noticed his sister ships had also broken formation, alerted, as the Enterprise had been, of the danger. Spock also noticed that the guards Captain Victors had left aboard were engrossed in the viewscreen, caught up in temporary confusion at the turn of events. He calmly reached out and quietly put Xeronia under with a nerve pinch. Collins turned as Xeronia slumped, but Spock was prepared. His foot shot out, kicking away the phaser Collins was drawing from his belt. In another quick move, he had met the same fate as his companion.

"Captain!" cried Uhura. The rest of the bridge personnel were also mystified and puzzled by his actions, trying to divide their attention between the screens and Spock. Now he would test the completeness of DejaVuan control.

"Back to your posts. Uhura, summon my personal guards to the bridge," he ordered. Uhura's face suddenly cleared and she said,

"Aye, sir."

Spock settled back into his command chair. His guards, he knew, were faithful and would not question any orders he gave them. When the two men arrived on the bridge, he said, "Escort these gentlemen to the brig." Collins and Xeronia were just beginning to groggily come around. Spock handed his men their phasers and, as the two men struggled to their feet, said, "This is for your safety and my efficiency in command." Mercy's guards glared in anger at what they now perceived as Spock's treachery, Collins even going so far as to say,

"You-you're behind this invasion!" He looked around the bridge. "This man is a traitor! Rise up and arrest him!" He was met by glances of curiosity from his bridge personnel, nothing more. Spock was pleased. He hoped the Auxiliary Control and Weapons Control heads would be content to follow his lead too. But if the DejaVuan control was this good, he need not be concerned at all.

"Take them away," he ordered. Then he directed his attention to the viewscreen. The twelve Alliance ships were becoming more distinct as the Enterprise and her sister ships raced to do battle. Spock allowed the Enterprise to trail the other ships. His plan involved making enough moves to convince his compatriots that he was bravely defending the Empire, then fleeing to a prearranged rendezvous site to finalize his agreed terms with the Alliance. He would also aid the Alliance ships if necessary, but, judging by their attacking force numbers, he doubted if he would need to do so.

The I.S.S. Constellation surged to the front of the battle line and began to open phaser fire on the now in range Alliance ships. The bolt hit but Saruk, at his station, reported that the shot had been absorbed by the enemy ship's screens. The Alliance ship retaliated and Spock watched in pleasure as Mercy deftly pulled her ship out of range. Despite the problems with non-humans serving on human-crewed ships, Spock wished he had a tripodal alien like Arex on navigation. Three hands and quick reflexes made him a definite battle asset.

The Lexington and Hood had entered the fray, and Spock judged that it was time he made his move. He sighted on a likely ship and opened fire with phasers. He hit on the Alliance ship's screens and it turned to fire back on him. Saruk reported no damage, but added that the bolt thrown at the Enterprise was of a 75% effectiveness as compared to the Enterprise. Spock was pleased.

Uhura cut in with a report. "Captain, I'm picking up distress signals from our sister ships in other quadrants. They're also under attack by Alliance ships."

"We've our own problems here, Lieutenant. Forward a report to Starfleet Headquarters," Spock replied.

###

"Good work, Arex," said Mercy Victors, congratulating the orange tripodal alien navigator on his dexterity in maneuvering the Constellation out of the path of the attacking Alliance ship's disruptor bolts. The sleek enemy ships were quicker than her ship, so the feat was doubly impressive. Not to encourage relaxation though, she ordered, "Now, hard about! Let's go after the devil!"

Arex brought the ship around and behind the enemy and her weapons control officer, Lt. Adamson, was ready as she ordered, "Arm photon torpedoes one and two." He pressed some buttons.

"Armed and ready."

"Fire!" She watched as the matter/anti-matter globes raced toward the rear of the Alliance ship that had attacked her. Both torpedoes hit and she was pleased when her science officer, Lieutenant Commander Marv Darvin, reported, "Damage to right rear warp engine."

Suddenly the bridge shook as the Constellation sustained an attack on her rear. Darvin reported a damage to shield efficiency of 20%. 'The Alliance ships may not be as strong, but we're outnumbered three to one,' she thought, but said, "Evasive maneuvers." If she could get far enough away from the thick of battle, maybe she could meet them on a one-to-one basis.

"Captain," said M'Hress.

"Not now, M'Hress," said Mercy, intent on the viewscreen.

"But, Captain. All Empire starships are reporting attack by Alliance ships."

"All starships?"

"Yesss, Captain."

Mercy frowned. All I.S.S. starships under attack simultaneously? That hardly seemed possible unless they had knowledge of I.S.S...fleet...deployments... "Spock," she muttered in disbelief. The bridge shook as the Constellation suffered another hit.

"Rear shield capacity down to 30%," reported Darvin.

'By the Empire, what have I done?' thought Mercy. Although her heart refused to believe it, her mind saw that it was very possible that Spock was behind the Alliance invasion. How he had accomplished it, she didn't know. But, by the stars, she would see that he paid for it!

"Arex, hard about!" she ordered angrily. Arex hesitated at the illogical change of tactics. "I said hard about!" He complied. "Adamson, arm photon torpedoes three and four and fire!" The helmsman obeyed the orders. The pursuing Alliance ship was caught by surprise and Mercy was intensely pleased as Darvin reported damage to disruptor banks and auxiliary control. Quickly, before the Alliance ship could retaliate with anything, she ordered Adamson to attack with full phasers. The enemy ship's forward bubble hull was shattered, and she passed it by with not so much as a backward glance.

Nearing the thick of the battle again, Mercy observed that the Lexington was fighting a losing battle. The Hood was holding her own as, also, was the Enterprise. She ordered Darvin to scan the battle the Enterprise was engaged in, and then turned her attention to two Alliance ships that were rapidly approaching.

They opened fire on her simultaneously and although Arex tried to compensate, even his quick alien reflexes could not prevent the Constellation from sustaining some damage. Darvin reported that the damage was only minor, however.

"And the Enterprise?" said Mercy.

"Also minor damage," replied Darvin.

And if that was not confirmation enough of Spock's treachery, Mercy watched in horror as one of the ships "attacking" the Enterprise disengaged from its group and approached her. Angered but frantic, she thought quickly over her location. The asteroid belt between Altair VII and VIII could provide protection-if she could reach it-until help arrived from Altair VI. The dignitaries there, although their ships were not of the capabilities of starships, were heading for the battle at their various, mostly sublight speeds, and would provide some problems and diversions for the attacking Alliance ships.

So, although the order almost choked out of her mouth, Mercy said, "Arex, retreat. Warp eight, course seven point five."

"Aye, aye, Captain," said the alien.

###

On the Enterprise, Spock played out his charade battle, at the same time observing the rest of the fight with interest. He watched the Constellation especially, noting with satisfaction Mercy's drawing of one Alliance ship out of the area and her surprise attack and defeat of said ship. Then he was puzzled when she returned to the front lines. Surely she could not be expecting to dupe another Alliance ship with the same maneuver. He watched as two, and then a third, Alliance ships rushed out to meet her. He worried briefly, until he noticed her retreat and course for the asteroid belt. A good maneuver, but one doomed to failure. He hoped she would have the good sense to surrender, but doubted that she would do so.

The Enterprise was now under attack by only two ships and Spock decided his cover was wearing thin. Dignitary ships from Altair VI would soon be in range and he dared not risk discovery. The Lexington was done for and the Hood was in trouble. Remembering Mercy's maneuver, Spock decided it could be used to advantage. What better cover could there be than going to the aid of a sister ship? A few parting shots for effect and he was off, following Mercy's trail.

###

As Mercy pushed the Constellation to the limit and tried to stay ahead of the pursuing Alliance ships, her mind raced over all the things that Spock had said and done that she, in her ignorance, had not seen was traitorous. To make things worse though, she also remembered all that had been good in Spock.

This invasion was her fault as much as his-her fault, for allowing friendship to get in the way of duty. She should have killed him! She would kill him! The Empire might die but she would see it avenged, if it took her last breath to do it! It would be her final act of atonement.

The asteroid belt grew close, but so did the enemy. Arex darted into the planetary remains and Mercy directed her attention to a new game-cat and mouse.

###

Spock was about five minutes behind Mercy as the Enterprise entered the asteroid belt. Saruk was put on close watch on scanners for signs of the Constellation and the "enemy." The asteroids obscured readings, but eventually Spock found them.

Mercy was cornered by the three ships. There was no flight from her position. Spock hoped she would surrender but watched as the Constellation fired. He wasn't surprised. Mercy was of the Empire bred.

As so, once, was he. Perhaps it was past loyalty, or the remembrance of friendship, but Spock found himself ordering, "Chekhov, intercept course. Sulu, full phasers and fire!"

Of course he wasn't trying to destroy the Alliance ships, since that would endanger his own position. But a little friendly diversion never hurt anyone. As he expected, one of the ships turned toward the Enterprise and fired. Spock retreated, and the maneuver left enough space for Mercy to dart away.

It was time he made for his rendezvous. Spock gave the orders and soon the asteroid belt was left far behind. Spock hoped Mercy would leave the Alliance ships just as far behind. His maneuver on her behalf was the last thing he could do for her.

###

Mercy's game had failed and now it was she who was the mouse-cornered by three Alliance cats. The idea had been a good one and not without its advantages. She had several times been able to sneak shots on the Alliance ships from behind. Unfortunately, the quickness of the enemy had made it difficult to get away once she had exposed herself. She had sustained enough damage so that they had finally been able to corner and surround her.

Well, at least she would go down fighting. She ordered Adamson to open phaser fire on the ship in front of them, knowing that the combined retaliation would destroy the Constellation. But if that was the result, then so be it. She would never surrender to Alliance scum. The Constellations shook as it suffered the resulting disruptor bolts.

Suddenly there was another disturbance. The Enterprise had appeared on the scene and Mercy watched in surprise as it fired full-strength phasers on the port side Alliance ship. It turned to fire back at the Enterprise, then moved away as it saw the enemy retreating.

Mercy wasted no more time. She ordered Arex to proceed through the gap left by the moved Alliance ship, and soon they had disappeared into the asteroids again.

She wondered what had motivated Spock to come to her aid. Could he have regretted his betrayal of the Empire? Or perhaps he had just remembered past friendship. As she thought about it, she decided the latter was the more likely reason. But it didn't change anything.

Suddenly Mercy became aware of another disturbance. One of her personal guards, Lt. Winston, yelled, "Captain, look out!", and she jumped away from her chair just in time to avoid the lethal blow aimed at her by her other, knife-wielding, personal guard, Ensign Matthews. Winston and Matthews soon came to blows. Some members of the bridge crew started to rise from their seats, but Mercy ordered, "Stay at your posts! Everything is under control!"

But everything was not under control. Matthews soon had dealt Winston a severe knife wound to the stomach, and he slumped to the floor, gasping. "Mercy drew her own knife as Matthews turned to her, saying, "Put the knife away, Matthews, before you complicate your punishment!"

"No!" he said, coming toward her. He was bleeding from a wound in his side. "You are a traitor, in league with your friend Spock!"

"I am loyal to the Empire!"

"Then why did he help you?"

"Matthews, you, of all people, should know where my loyalties lie!"

Matthews paid no attention. He lunged at Mercy and she felt a wave of pain as his knife plunged into her left upper arm. But he was weak from loss of blood and she was able to swiftly drive her own knife into his heart. As he slumped to the floor, she sank into her chair and said, "M'Hress, get Dr. Taylor and a medical team up here on the double."

Then the Constellation shook. The Alliance ships had found her again! Ignoring the pain and the hot liquid running down her arm, Mercy turned her attention to trying to preserve her ship.

A brief, fierce battle ensued between the Constellation and the enemy ships. Dr. Taylor and his crew arrived on the bridge and, in an aside, Mercy directed them to take care of Winston, who was more severely wounded, first.

But Dr. Taylor insisted on staying behind to bandage Mercy's arm since she had, he said, suffered a bad laceration and what could prove to be a substantial loss of blood. Mercy did not object to his staying since she was, in fact, starting to feel dizzy.

But she did object to going to sickbay. "I'm needed here," she said. "Just give me a shot of something until we can get out of this." She was beginning to think that retreat was the better part of valor, and if she could get away, perhaps it might be better to live and fight another day. But there was one person she could never let get away.

Dr. Taylor, although dubious, did as he was ordered.

###

For some time, Spock's mind had been traveling over the past, just as the Enterprise traveled through space. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted. "Vessel pursuing, Captain," said Saruk. He rose. "It's the Constellation."

"Activate rear scanners." The central viewer changed to show that, indeed, the crippled Constellation was pursuing the Enterprise. Spock had to admire Mercy's persistence. Perhaps there was some hope...

"Decrease speed to sublight," ordered Spock. He need not rush to the rendezvous point. The Alliance could, and would, wait. He watched as the Constellation warily closed on the Enterprise. Then he said, "Lt. Uhura, make contact."

At first there was no reply, then the shattered bridge of the Constellation met his eyes. By its appearance, Mercy had forced it on by apparently sheer will alone. Only she and three other crewpersons manned the bridge. Her face was tense and drawn. The green eyes blazed-but she said nothing. So Spock spoke. "Captain Victors, why are you pursuing me instead of defending the Empire?"

Mercy rose from her command chair and stepped forward to the helm. "You-you-were behind this invasion, weren't you? What did they offer you?"

"I set my own terms. Governorship of the New Territory."

"Traitor!"

Spock was disturbed by the anger, and yes, the disappointment, mirrored on her face. He felt compelled to try to explain. "Mercy, I did what I did for the best reasons. Worlds and peoples deserve the peaceful order of the Alliance. I'd like you to try to understand and-"

He hesitated, then added, "-join me on the Enterprise."

"Never!" spat Mercy.

Spock sighed, disappointed but not surprised. Was their friendship to end thus, on this note of division? Keeping his voice neutral, he said, "Loyal to the end. That is one of the traits I admired about you all these years. I had hoped you would understand."

"I understand only that you have destroyed my world, my life, and my existence."

"I am offering you safety."

"And I don't want it! My loyalty is to the Empire!"

"The Empire is dead. And if you do not come with me, you will also die."

Mercy laughed harshly. "Better to die a nova, than a nova's planet."

Spock frowned. "I-am sorry we have come to this-division. You can not reconsider?"

"No."

"Then I wish you luck. You are a good fighter." He signed to Uhura to cut contact, then ordered the crew to proceed on to the rendezvous point. And tried to still the sadness in his heart.

###

And on the Constellation, Mercy leaned over the helm control panel. It had not been easy to escape the Alliance ships but she had done it and she was here. A brief smile replaced the returning pain in her arm as she remembered how she had duped them all into believing she was dead. One bank of photon torpedoes was still operable and the shot on the Enterprise's rear clear.

A thousand memories rushed through her mind as her finger hovered over the firing button. And paused.

She watched the Enterprise disappearing into the black sky, and let him go. All her rage deserted her and her vision blurred, but not from loss of blood. For the first time in many years, she cried.

###

The Enterprise reached the rendezvous point in two hours. It seemed deserted near the planetoid Yolanda. Then suddenly, three Alliance ships emerged from the hidden side, disruptor bolts blazing forth full strength.

The battle was fierce and brief, and not without casualties and damage on the Enterprise. But she triumphed and Spock limped her away from the site, not really surprised. They were only trying to protect their new interests. 'After all,' he reasoned, 'would I make a former Empire commander the governor of my New Territory?' He doubted it, but he had hoped the Alliance would have more trust.

'Sandor, they have betrayed me,' he thought.

'I know,' came the sad reply.

'My ship is severely damaged.'

'But what you did was right. Come to DejaVu. We will aid you.'

'No.'

'It is not far.'

Spock looked at the stars parading toward him on the viewscreen. A man could get lost out here, and if he remembered correctly- 'No, I know a place,' he thought. 'Thank you for your aid. Please continue until I give you word to stop.'

'What are you going to do?'

'Find my own sanctuary.' He paused, then thought, 'Enjoy your freedom, Sandor, and I will try to enjoy mine.'

'Good luck, Spock, and thank you.'

Spock rose from the command chair. He looked around the shattered bridge. The crew, wounded though some were, were routinely beginning repairs of the damage. Uhura glanced at him in puzzlement, then ignored him as he picked his way to the turbolift. Sandor, at least, was true to his word.

Strangely enough, the turbolift still worked and he directed it to the shuttlecraft bay. Crewmen dashed around fallen beams and exposed wiring as he entered. He located the highest ranking officer, a lieutenant, and said, "Prepare my personal shuttle with standard survival supplies."

"But-"

"After that, begin preparing the other shuttles for evacuation of ship personnel. I expect my craft to be ready to go in thirty minutes."

"Aye, sir," said the young man, with a visible swallow. He began to get a crew together.

Spock turned around and proceeded to his cabin. Methodically, he picked up the few belongings he wanted to keep. Various Starfleet medals winked up at him from his jewel box. He studied them briefly, then shut the lid. They were better left behind. He picked up his case and left the room.

Then, in the hall, he thought of something. He got on the turbolift and traveled to Deck Seven. She was probably dead from the attack, but he had to see.

Sickbay was a shambles. McCoy lay on the floor near the entrance with his head split open. Spock hoped his death had been quick.

But Marlena! She still slept on in her bed, apparently undamaged. Spock studied her for a moment. Then he picked her up. He did not love Marlena, but she did not deserve to be left on this dying ship. She was the one person on board who most deserved to know the Empire was no more. Besides, once Sulu had control of the ship, it was not hard to guess what would happen to her.

Her body was warm in his arms as he carried her down the hall to the turbolift. Passing crew gave him strange looks but offered no resistance. When he entered the shuttlecraft bay, he was relieved to see the crew on duty were fitting and checking out the other shuttles for evacuation. They looked up but apparently no one was surprised to see him with "his woman."

He carried Marlena onto his shuttle and strapped her in a seat. His woman? His thoughts returned to her declaration of love for him. Maybe he would never return to Vulcan; there were loyalists to the Empire there who would never appreciate his betrayal of the Empire. He briefly thought of the disgrace to his family. If the Alliance had held to their end of the bargain, he would not have worried. But he was a marked man now, even though he knew in his heart that he had done what was right. Perhaps in time Vulcan, and all of the-Empire, would agree with him.

Spock checked the shuttle outfittings and operations and started the engines. "Open shuttlecraft bay," he said into his speaker. "I will check outer hull status and supervise evacuation from outside." At first he thought he wouldn't be obeyed, but the deck cleared and depressurized. The hangar deck doors inched open, revealing the black, diamonded space beyond. Before the duty crew could think about whether he was following proper procedure of not, he nosed the shuttle through the bay doors and outside.

Spock switched his viewer to rear scanning and studied the Enterprise. She was very battle worn and he wondered if Sulu would continue the evacuation or try to salvage and repair the ship. As the ship dwindled away to nothing but a dot, Spock became grateful that Kirk had not lived to see the destruction of his ship. He would never have condoned it. He wished, though, that the alternate universe Kirk could see that he had followed his advice. Strange, that one meeting should so change lives.

There was nothing but star-studded blackness behind him now so he switched to forward scanners. Consulting the star charts, he plotted his course. Then he thought, 'Release control of the crew now, Sandor.'

'It will be done,' came the reply. Then, 'Remember you will always have friends.'

Spock did not reply. Friends like the DejaVuans were of little help now. Once their part in the overthrow of the Empire was discovered, they would be harassed by the underground movement, since it would be several years, he had no doubt, before the Alliance quelled all the rebellions and established control. Perhaps even they would want to find him, just to be sure he wouldn't stage a rebellion because of their betrayal of him.

Spock glanced back at Marlena. He would revive her when they reached their final destination and, if he was lucky, maybe she would prove to be the solace he knew he would need in his remaining time.

THE END