CHAPTER 25
Spock was bent over the scope at the science station when he felt a psychic blast that reminded him of the scorched plains that covered much of his home planet. He recognized the sharp intellect behind the anger, for he had joined his consciousness with it on an occasion.
"Captain," Spock acknowledged, straightening.
"Tell me you've got something, Spock," Kirk demanded before the turbo-lift doors had even closed. "Because I'm this close"—he held up his index finger and thumb, pressing them together firmly—"from blowing that bastard out an airlock."
"I assume you are speaking of Agent Gray."
"He was with her, Spock. Gray was in the brig." Kirk's adrenaline was making it difficult for him to stand still. He paced back and forth in front of the Vulcan. "He said something to her, but she won't tell me. He's either threatened her or—" Kirk broke off suddenly as if realizing he'd begun to rant. He turned to glare at Spock. "I want that bastard off my ship!"
"Indeed," Spock agreed emphatically, and then asked, "Perhaps the security tapes would—"
"Off! " Kirk barked. "He turned the recorder off, the sneaky little shit." Kirk stopped suddenly to draw in a deep breath then exhaled it slowly. By the time the air had fully escaped his lungs, Spock could see that Kirk was once again in command of his emotions, his rage focused like a laser.
Spock felt admiration for the man standing in front of him. He was, without a percentage of doubt, one of the most unique and fascinating individuals that Spock had the privilege of knowing.
"Where are we on getting a message through to Star Fleet?" Kirk asked, glancing across the bridge toward Communications. Uhura didn't look up from her panel as she dragged a hand back to a reset key and reached for another dial. Scott was lying on his back, his chest covered in a scraggly knot of tangled wires.
"Mr. Scott has increased power by 37.879 percent by streamlining the relays between internal sensors," Spock reported. "I have run scans on the magnetic storm and found a weak area which our signal will be able to breach with another 2.077 percent in signal strength."
"Can we get it?" Kirk asked.
"With Mr. Scott's last adjustment," he replied. "I believe we will be able to send a message shortly."
A smile spread slowly across Kirk's face. "Good, because I've got messages for every high-ranking official I can think of, especially those who owe me a favor. I once played wingman for Waverleigh, even though I spotted her first, so he better—"
"Jim."
Kirk stopped mid-sentence. Spock watched the captain's facial features tense as though expecting a sudden, unstoppable blow. "The deadline for getting a return message from Star Fleet?" He asked softly, his sharp mind already making connections.
Spock paused, suddenly reluctant to speak, but his logical side forced him to answer. "The deadline passed twenty-two minutes ago, Captain."
Kirk stepped past him to drop into Spock's chair. He seemed momentarily stunned by the news, and then Spock watched as severe disappointment cut into the captain's features.
Spock's announcement, although spoken softly, had been heard by the entire command crew. The bridge had become silent except for the occasional computer bleep. It was as if the air had been abruptly sucked from the room, leaving them unable to breathe.
Kirk was the first to collect himself. "You bring bitter news, Mr. Spock. So close." Kirk swallowed, hard, and moved as though to stand. "I need to . . . I need to tell Bones."
"Sir," Spock said quickly, motioning for him to remain seated. "If I may, I would like to speak with Dr. McCoy."
"Why, is there some other way to . . ." Kirk's voice trailed off as he sank back into the chair, obviously hoping for a miracle.
Spock pursed his lips. "No, Captain. I know of no other way to reach Star Fleet in time."
"Mr. Spock, you are aware that this is especially bad news for McCoy? It needs to be handled with some emotional sensitivity."
Spock remained silent. He was acutely aware of everyone's emotions, especially McCoy's. He contemplated the court-martial offense he was about to undertake, and wondered if he was acting out of respect for a fellow officer or sympathy for a grieving friend. To his fascination, he realized that it was both.
"Captain, I understand what you are implying and despite my adherence to non-emotion, I believe it would be for the best if I spoke with Dr. McCoy," Spock said evenly, locking his hands behind his back. Should the plan go awry, he did not want Jim involved, and in order to forestall any more questions from his friend, he added, "Jim, it would be best for Leonard if I left now."
Kirk's eyes narrowed, obviously suspicious by the Vulcan's unusual request and demeanor. Spock kept his face an absolute mask of neutrality.
After a moment, Kirk nodded slowly. "All right, Spock. McCoy's in his quarters putting together medical documents on Aggie to be sent to Star Fleet."
"Thank you, Captain," Spock said and then added, "I would recommend replaying your logs in preparation of the transmission."
Kirk looked at him knowingly. "Thus ensuring my time-stamped location?"
Spock froze and his dark eyes locked with the captain's all too perceptive ones.
"Go on, Mr. Spock," Kirk said with a sad smile. "Better sooner than later, I think."
The turbo-lift doors slid shut, and Spock immediately accessed the datapad he'd brought with him. It was his personal pad, heavily modified to equal that of the Science Station with a few more unconventional programs. He opened a file which contained 38.8 minutes of visual feed from the brig's security cameras. It looped seamlessly together—a simple task since the brig's only occupant rarely moved—and activated the sequence. There was a microscopic blip and shift, and then everything continued as normal.
"You are relieved of duty, Lieutenant Dormer," Spock said as he walked into the brig and went to the security station where he hit the button that would disengage the energy barrier. "Remain in your quarters for the remainder of this shift."
Dormer, who had appeared to be deep in meditation, opened his eyes and smiled at him. Strangely, Spock heard him mumble something about thanking the "Ether" and left the room without a backward glance.
Spock went to the cell and came face-to-face with Aggie who had heard him enter.
"I cannot stop Agent Gray from taking you to Section 31," he said bluntly. He saw her flinch, but he did not have time to soften his words. "But I can give you this night."
Aggie's lips parted in understanding, and then she said, "Take me to him, Spock. Please."
Working hard to get the next chapter up. . . hopefully soon. I'm figuring out what to do with the next scene.
~Coop