Fic: Observations, Ch 260
Spock’s Brain
“Fascinating. Activity without end, but with no volition.”
“Spock? Spock, don’t tell me that’s you.”
“I am incapable of lying, as you well know.”
I heard Jim snort.
“Fuck. It’s you. Great.”
“I have come to the conclusion that I have been integrated into a computer.”
“How’s it feel, you hobgoblin, finally with your own kind?”
“There is a definite pleasurable experience connected with the hearing of your voice, doctor. My programming must need repair.”
“Spock where are you?”
“I am uncertain, ndugu. None of you have been effected by this?”
“They took your brain. God. I’m bonded to a computer. Spock, I can hear the binary. Is there a way to tone it down?”
“Is that better?”
“Yeah. Thanks. Do you have any idea where they might be keeping your brain? I’ve got your body. Bones did some surgery thing-listen, it’s freaking me out. You walk like a zombie. I want you back.”
“It may be difficult to do so. I may trust Leonard to remove a splinter to lance a boil, I do not believe he has the knowledge to restore a brain.”
“Thanks for your confidence.”
“No denigration intended, Leonard. The skill does not yet exist in the galaxy.”
“I’ll find a way, damnit. When’ve I not?”
--
“Congratulations, Leonard. And thank you.”
“You’re welcome. How’re you feeling, Jim?”
“Like you just reconnected Spock’s brain to his body. Dizzy.”
“And you, Spock?”
“On the whole, I believe I am quite fit. Fascinating. A remarkable example of a retrograde civilization. At the peak, advanced beyond any of our capabilities and now operating at this chaotic and primitive level which you saw. It all began thousands of years ago when runaway warming occurred. This complex was developed for the most promising children so that the society might be preserved, but the genetic pool was too small and it seems that several of the children were carriers for autism. Unable to socialize and cohere yet possessing remarkable mental facilities, a schism between the survivors above and this protected population before. A fascinating cultural development-”
“I knew it was wrong. I shouldn’t’ve done it.”
“What, Bones?”
“I should never have reconnected his mouth.”
--
The Enterprise Incident
“Jim, you look extremely...”
“Vulcan?”
“Disturbing.”
“You don’t like my ears?
“Somehow they do not look aesthetically agreeable.”
“I kind of like them.”
“Scotty, you must stop smiling. Romulans are not knowing jokes. You are going to blow our cower.”
“I’m wearing pointed ears, lad. And Nyota shaved my eyebrows. And you look like an elf. Spock, are you sure that Romulans have curly hair?”
“I haf a tattoo! It is wicious!”
I raised an eyebrow.
“We may have to shave his hair.”
Sulu entered.
“Have you seen? Yota looks hot as a Romulan.”
“Watch your mouth, Sulu. That’s my girl you’re talking about.”
“The object of this mission is locate the rumored replication of Red Matter, not impress the Romulans by your successful impersonations.”
“If Scotty is continuing his giggling, they will know immediately.”
Nyota walked in.
“Everyone reviewing their Romulan? I don’t hear you practicing.”
There was silence. Nyota was-there is no other word for it-stunning as a Romulan. She is graceful, exudes an aura of power and menace, and has an exquisite understanding of the language.
“What? Is there something wrong with my tattoo?”
“No. Nothing. You’re perfect,” Jim smiled. “Okay. Let’s go over the plan one more time.”
--
“Do you have a thing for Vulcanoids or something?”
“It is fortunate that Romulan telepathy is not as developed as its Vulcan counterpart, else their Commander could have learned much more from you.”
“Jim, Spock, calm down. All I did was kiss her.”
“After she figured out you were human.”
“We got what we needed. Scotty got all the files for the Red Matter prototype.”
“Nyota, I share a bond with a Vulcan-I know what an emotionally compromised Vulcanoid looks like. That Commander looked pretty fucking devastated. And this,” Jim gripped my hand, “is a pretty intense kiss.”
“I did what I needed to do, captain.”
Silence.
“You love Scotty?”
“Absolutely.”
“Because I don’t want his heart getting crushed or something. That’s not cool.”
“Jim, you of all people should know that it was a job.”
A pause.
“All right. All right. We’re never talking about this again. I never saw whatever that was on the bridge.”
--
The Paradise Syndrome
“Makkoi, it is true. It is true, you are safe, love.”
“Hush, Ahnee. I’ll get you fixed right up, don’t you-don’t you-” Leonard gathered up the woman in his arms and pressed her to him, shoulders shaking.
“My chief. My brave chief, you saved our people. I knew you would. Didn’t I tell you?”
“Hey keptan-” Pavel entered.
Jim shook his head sharply.
“When I am better, it will be as it was, will it not? You can take me to your longboat in the sky.”
“Miramahnee, don’t go. Don’t go, please, goddamnit. God damnit!”
Her voice was weak and fading.
“We will live long and happy lives. We will have strong daughters and strong sons. I’ll love you always, each kiss as the first. Kiss me, love. Each kiss as the first.”
Silence.
“God. GOD!”
--
“Bones. Bones, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Jim.”
“We tried to get here as fast as we could, I swear.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“But... but she was your wife. They made you medicine chief. You were going to have-”
“Look, I just need some time to myself.”
“Doctor?”
Leonard looked at Pavel.
“Ya ob odnom mol’yu, taskuya: O bud’ so mnoi-nye uhodi.”
--
And the Children Shall Lead
“Tomas, wait. I want to ask you a question. Is that okay?”
“Question about what?”
“About what you saw down there.”
“Oh,” a blank look. “What about it? You were there, weren’t you?”
“Did you see your dad?”
“I dunno. Yeah.”
“Did he seem upset?”
“Maybe. I dunno.”
“Why was he upset?”
“I dunno. I didn’t ask. He’s always in his lab.”
“Do you remember anything, anything odd or out of place?”
“No. He was always upset.”
“Come on, Tomas, work with me here. You don’t remember seeing anything weird?”
“They were angry. I dunno. Can I go? I’m tired.”
“Yeah, just two more questions. Are you okay with leaving Triacus?”
“Duh. I hated it there. It was boring.”
“Do you know where your parents are?”
“No. Probably in the lab. They love the lab. Can I go now?”
“Yeah. Yeah, you can go.”
Jim watched the security personnel escort Tomas back to his quarters.
He’s hiding something. I know kids like him.
?
He’s got that look. That blank look I had after Tarsus and the counselors were trying to get me to talk. This isn’t going to end pretty.
--
“I command you! I command you! To your posts! Carry out your duties, or I will destroy you! You will be swept aside to make way for the strong!”
“Oh shut up. Stop embarrassing yourself and shut up, or I’ll pull Chekov’s Law on you.”
Christine stood to the side, the children huddled around her.
“It’s all right. You’re safe now, we’ll take care of you. That ugly ghost can’t hurt you anymore. Don’t be afraid, it’ll okay to cry.”
“Death! Death to you all! Death to you all! Death to you all! Death to you all!”
“Chekov?”
“Aye keptan. Gorgan-I am asking you a question. Are you omniscient, omnipotent, and eternal?”
“I build empires! I create generals! I raise armies of followers! The victories are mine and all who oppose me shall be exterminated! I am all powerful! You will see, you will see!”
“Well, there’s our answer.”
“I am thinking that we should subtitle this entire mission Star Trek: The Search for Non-Idiotic God. If there is such a thing.”
“Probably not.”
--
Is There No Truth in Beauty?
“The things I do for my ship. You know this is basically a threesome we’ve got going here?”
“Captain, I am wholly contained in Spock’s mind. He allows nothing of your bond to touch me, and I am careful to avoid it. It would be gravely inappropriate.”
“Spock?”
“I am here, Jim.”
“... I don’t like sharing you.”
“It will hopefully be of short duration.”
“Then let’s head up to the bridge.”
I could feel Kollos’ anticipation to experience Miranda through my sense of sight. We entered the bridge.
“Why, this is delightful. I know you,” I heard him say. “All of you-Leonard McCoy, friend and half-brother? There seems to be some controversy on this point. Uhura, whose name means freedom. ‘She walks in beauty, like the night.’”
“That’s not Spock.”
“Are you surprised that I’ve read Byron, doctor?”
“Glad to see you’ve still got your Vulcan sass.”
“I also recall-Hikaru Sulu. ‘Se armó de todas sus armas, subió sobre Rocinante, puesta su mal compuesta celada, embrazó su adarga, tomó su lanza, y, por la puerta falsa de un corral, salió al campo.’”
“It’s an honor to have you with us, Kollos sir.”
“A pleasure, an absolute pleasure.”
“Am I addressing the Ambassador Kollos?” Nyota asked.
“In part. That is, part of us is known to you as Kollos. We will answer to either name, depending whom you desire to address.”
“Understood.”
“Miranda. Miranda, the truth of such beauty. ‘O brave new world, that has such creatures in it.’”
“‘Tis new to thee.”
“I will take you to my world-I have long desired it. Captain Kirk, I speak for all Medusans, and sincerely apologize for the complications my presence has created for your ship and crew.”
“We don’t hold you responsible for what happened, and thank you for your help.”
“Then I shall proceed with navigation. With your permission, captain.”
--
“How compact your bodies are. And what a variety of senses you have. This thing you call language, most remarkable. You depend on it for so very much, but is any one truly its master? Even Spock, with his scientific grasp on its nuances and varieties. But most of all, the aloneness that once filled his life. It tormented him, and he did not even understand the source of that emptiness. And now-he has you, all of you. Not simply the link with his captain, but the emotional bonds built with this crew.”
Silence.
“Kollos, we appreciate your words. But out of respect for my bondmate-I ask that you dissolve the link.”
“So soon?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps it is best. Yes, it is best.”
“Thank you.”
“Captain, the visor-!”
“Fuck-” Spock don’t look don’t look don’t look
Jim screams.
--
Specter of the Gun
“I really don’t get this. What’s High Noon? Why does Bones have a tin star pinned to his chest?”
“I think you look quite dashing, captain. And you too, Leonard,” Christine laughed, taking off her bonnet.
“What’s with Spock’s getup? You look-you look good. Kind of exotic, actually.”
“Are you serious? Y’all’ve never seen High Noon? It’s a goddamn classic.”
“Nope.”
“Let me spell it out. I’m Marshal Will Kane, you’re Harvey Pell, Jim. Chris, you’re Amy Fowler and Spock,” Leonard bowed his head. “Spock’s Helen Ramirez, as far as I can tell.”
“And you need to shoot Frank Miller dead?”
“Yeah, that’s the idea, Jim.”
“Amy Fowler? You mean to say that I’m Grace Kelly?”
“Yup.”
Christine touched her hair.
“I’m flattered. This dress is a little old fashioned, I have to say, but it’s beautiful, for something made entirely of an illusion.”
“I can’t believe you’re Harvey, Jim. The irony’s enough to make me kill me.”
“I believe we should search for a method by which we may break this illusion.”
“Said Helen.”
I raised my eyebrow at Jim. He grinned.
“You’re hot.”
“All right, I know y’all’re in love and all, but I’m not going to stand around watching you reenact some cowboy with a Mexican señorita love story. That’s the last thing I need.”
“I am hardly a ‘Mexican señorita’, doctor.”
Christine looked at me with her head tilted.
“If I remember the movie correctly, Helen was Will’s lover.”
“What?!”
“I was going to try and keep that part quiet, Chris.”
“And Harvey’s lover. And Frank’s.”
“Spock, is there something you want to tell me?”
“Jim.”
“All right, okay.”
“At this rate, Nyota’s going to be Frank or something.”
“Enterprise High Noon. I’d like to see that.”
“Well, Chris, you just might get your wish. Here comes the town.”
--
The Day of the Dove
“Baroner, we meet again.”
“Hey Kor, what’s up? How’s raping and pillaging these days in the Klingon Empire?”
“Fair. The Empire has not forgiven your Lt. Chekov for winning Sherman’s Island.”
“You were the ones who tried to cheat, not us. And I didn’t know Klingons were terrified of tribbles.”
“The sound they emit is extremely painful to Klingon ears.”
“Yeah, I’m going to believe that line.”
“Actually, captain, I did some research into the matter and tribbles were once common in the Klingon Empire. However, they were also convenient carriers of a disease not dissimilar to Terra’s bubonic plague. The disease swept through the Empire and is one of the factors that has contributed to its state today.”
“Wow. That sucks.”
“Klingons despise tribbles, constantly feeding and multiplying, yet spreading disease wherever it goes.”
“Now I feel like I should go apologize to that guy-what’s his name? Koloth. Do you know him, Kor? We transported all the tribbles into his bridge.”
“Do not apologize. The Empire has not forgiven you for winning, but we appreciate all methods of warfare.”
“Biological warfare is hitting below the belt, don’t you think?”
“If they were disease ridden, the Empire would have declared war,” Kor nodded. “Unfortunately, they were not. It was an admired tactic. You fight strangely, Baroner, but you fight with honor. Klingons admire you.”
“Good to know. What do you think? Think we can get rid of this ghost, live to fight another day? I’m still waiting for a fair fight, your ship against mine, equally matched.”
“I am also. Lead the way, Kirk. We will get rid of this ghost.”
--
For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky
“If you don’t tell them, Chris, I will.”
“Leonard, it’s my choice and I don’t want-captain. Commander.”
Scotty, Nyota, Sulu, and Chekov filed in as well.
“What is it? What’s the emergency?”
Leonard gave Christine a pointed look. Her grey eyes were hard.
“You might as well know, if he’s going to force my hand. We’ve completely physicals for the entire crew.”
“And? What’s wrong, Chris?” Sulu asked.
“Nothing’s wrong. Everyone’s fine, except for one exception. We’ve been running tests all day-”
“Chris has-”
“Leonard so help me God if you’re going to force this on me let me tell this on my own terms.”
He was silent.
Christine seemed to take hold of herself and blink back tears.
“I have xenopolycythemia,” she said suddenly.
There was no reaction. No one understood the nature of the disease.
“Um, that is bad, da?”
“It’s a terminal illness with no known cure,” she said, voice quiet. “I’ve got a year to live.”
Silence.
“No,” Nyota said, voice firm. “No. You’re a sister to me and we’ll find a cure.”
“Nyota, don’t-”
“She right,” Sulu answered. “We’re not going to lose you. I’m not going to lose you-”
“You’re making this so much harder than it needs to be. Please, just,” Christine shuddered. “I haven’t-I need-it’s not that simple-”
She turned away.
Silence. No one knew what to do.
“Lads, Nyota darling,” Scotty said quietly. “We’ve all got good intentions, but we aren’t doing any good right now.”
He began herding everyone out of Sickbay.
“Doctor, you come too. Give her some peace.”
“Nurse Chapel?” I asked quietly.
“Yes, Commander?” her voice was shaky and tears were already streaming down her cheeks.
“If there is any way that I might assist you, please do not hesitate to ask.”
She nodded, then sobbed. Then shakily put her arms around me.
“I’m so scared, Spock. I’m so scared. I want to live. I want to live.”
I held her close.
“I know.”
--
“Captain, she’s not coming back with us,” Sulu said over the communicator.
“What the hell happened to my chief nurse? What’d they do to her?”
“Leonard, she fell in love,” Nyota answered.
“What?”
“There’s a ceremony going on right now to marry her with the High Priestess Natira. They look happy together.”
“She’s got a terminal illness, Nyota.”
“I think she already knows that, Doc.”
“Discussion of Nurse Chapel’s illness and her sudden relationship will have to be discussed at a later time. At this moment, our first priority is to the trajectory of their planet-ship. It is still on collision course with Daran Five.”
“I thought Scotty said we could nudge it off course with some well placed rockets,” Nyota said. I could hear her frown.
“The size of their planet-ship is such that with our current resources, any change in momentum created by such a strategy would be negligible. They must change their course.”
“You said that Chris is getting married to their high priestess?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think she could convince her to change course?”
“She’s tried. They keep talking about their great Oracle. We haven’t made any headway.”
“Keep trying. And about that data you guys sent us-”
“My calculations on their path-if we are account for assumptions about welocity and applying Miguellan Theorem-is they are from old Fabrini system. DNA mitochondrial analysis results are werifying hypothesis.”
“And I’m working with Spock through those medical files you got me. We’ll find something. Tell Chris that.”
--
“Come with me, Natira.”
“No. I can’t.”
“The Oracle doesn’t have power over you anymore. You don’t have to be afraid.”
“It’s not fear, Christine. I love you, but I can’t go with you. I have a responsibility to my people, as High Priestess, just as you feel an obligation towards yours. We both must honor our vows.”
“Then I’ll stay with you. Your people cured me, and I am your wife.”
“You will always be my wife, but you must return to them. I cannot take you, not today. Perhaps another time, Christine. Wait for me, as I will wait for you. Wait for me, and if the Oracles are willing, you will find Yonada again.”
--
Turnabout Intruder
“You are not the captain.”
The imposter’s eyes widened. Dr. Lester was leaning casually against the wall.
“I told you it wouldn’t work,” she tapped her head. “Mental link. Can’t fake that shit.”
“Spock, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you well?”
“Look, Janice, you don’t even speak like me. It’s never going to work. If you switch our bodies back right now, we won’t bring you up on charges.”
“Jim, you do not speak for us both.”
“Do you want me to stay in her body for the rest of time?”
“Of course not.”
“Then don’t argue with me right now.”
“Security, arrest this man. He’s emotionally compromised.”
No one moved.
“Why aren’t you following my orders! I said to escort Mr. Spock to the brig for insubordination.”
This is a little painful to watch.
It is extremely painful to watch, Jim.
“Captain? Do you want us to arrest-you?”
“Janice, just tell me how you transferred our bodies in the first place and we’ll work everything out afterwards.”
“I am not Janice Lester!”
“Spock, is the unethical for you to meld with my body when it’s being occupied by another person?”
“I am your husband. Your body is part of me as much as mine is a part of yours.”
“I meant legally.”
“That is the law among Vulcans. Or shall I remind you that we were married under Vulcan law?”
“Great! So why don’t you figure things out?”
“It is unethical, however, to extract information from an individual’s mind without that person’s consent.”
“And there’s the line I was looking for. All right. I guess we’ll have to beam onto the ship and ask Bones about it.”
--
“Give it a few hours.”
“...And?”
“And it’ll go away. You’ll be in your body again.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s what my tricorder says.”
“You don’t seem that worried about this. Bones, I’m in the body of another person right now.”
“Jim, you’re breathing, walking, and talking. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing in my books.”
“Even if it’s not in my body.”
“You’ve been out of body so many goddamn times, it doesn’t bother me. Now get. I’ve got work to do.”
“I want a second opinion.”
“Feel free. M’Benga’s in the other room,” Leonard said absentmindedly. He continued working through his datapads.
Jim pouted. It was strange to see the expression on another’s face.
“He doesn’t even think this is a big deal!”
“It is not the most unusual thing that has happened on this ship, Jim.”
“You don’t think this is a big deal either!”
I held a neutral expression.
“Fine,” Jim said, voice somewhat petulant. I’ll go wait in my quarters for this to wear off.”
“You go do that, Jim.”
“How long will it be?”
“A few hours, maximum.”
“A few hours?!”
“Don’t whine. It could be worse. Sleep it off and you’ll be waking up in the brig in no time.”
“Thanks. Thanks a lot,” Jim rolled his eyes. “Spock, you coming with me?”
“I will be on the bridge.”
“No sympathy from anyone,” he grumbled. “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Jim left.
“Don’t look at me that way. He’s your husband.”
I put my hand to my forehead. Jim was sending various complaints to me through our link.
“I am aware of this.”
“Gotta love married life, Spock. Gotta love it.”
“Fascinating. Activity without end, but with no volition.”
“Spock? Spock, don’t tell me that’s you.”
“I am incapable of lying, as you well know.”
I heard Jim snort.
“Fuck. It’s you. Great.”
“I have come to the conclusion that I have been integrated into a computer.”
“How’s it feel, you hobgoblin, finally with your own kind?”
“There is a definite pleasurable experience connected with the hearing of your voice, doctor. My programming must need repair.”
“Spock where are you?”
“I am uncertain, ndugu. None of you have been effected by this?”
“They took your brain. God. I’m bonded to a computer. Spock, I can hear the binary. Is there a way to tone it down?”
“Is that better?”
“Yeah. Thanks. Do you have any idea where they might be keeping your brain? I’ve got your body. Bones did some surgery thing-listen, it’s freaking me out. You walk like a zombie. I want you back.”
“It may be difficult to do so. I may trust Leonard to remove a splinter to lance a boil, I do not believe he has the knowledge to restore a brain.”
“Thanks for your confidence.”
“No denigration intended, Leonard. The skill does not yet exist in the galaxy.”
“I’ll find a way, damnit. When’ve I not?”
--
“Congratulations, Leonard. And thank you.”
“You’re welcome. How’re you feeling, Jim?”
“Like you just reconnected Spock’s brain to his body. Dizzy.”
“And you, Spock?”
“On the whole, I believe I am quite fit. Fascinating. A remarkable example of a retrograde civilization. At the peak, advanced beyond any of our capabilities and now operating at this chaotic and primitive level which you saw. It all began thousands of years ago when runaway warming occurred. This complex was developed for the most promising children so that the society might be preserved, but the genetic pool was too small and it seems that several of the children were carriers for autism. Unable to socialize and cohere yet possessing remarkable mental facilities, a schism between the survivors above and this protected population before. A fascinating cultural development-”
“I knew it was wrong. I shouldn’t’ve done it.”
“What, Bones?”
“I should never have reconnected his mouth.”
--
The Enterprise Incident
“Jim, you look extremely...”
“Vulcan?”
“Disturbing.”
“You don’t like my ears?
“Somehow they do not look aesthetically agreeable.”
“I kind of like them.”
“Scotty, you must stop smiling. Romulans are not knowing jokes. You are going to blow our cower.”
“I’m wearing pointed ears, lad. And Nyota shaved my eyebrows. And you look like an elf. Spock, are you sure that Romulans have curly hair?”
“I haf a tattoo! It is wicious!”
I raised an eyebrow.
“We may have to shave his hair.”
Sulu entered.
“Have you seen? Yota looks hot as a Romulan.”
“Watch your mouth, Sulu. That’s my girl you’re talking about.”
“The object of this mission is locate the rumored replication of Red Matter, not impress the Romulans by your successful impersonations.”
“If Scotty is continuing his giggling, they will know immediately.”
Nyota walked in.
“Everyone reviewing their Romulan? I don’t hear you practicing.”
There was silence. Nyota was-there is no other word for it-stunning as a Romulan. She is graceful, exudes an aura of power and menace, and has an exquisite understanding of the language.
“What? Is there something wrong with my tattoo?”
“No. Nothing. You’re perfect,” Jim smiled. “Okay. Let’s go over the plan one more time.”
--
“Do you have a thing for Vulcanoids or something?”
“It is fortunate that Romulan telepathy is not as developed as its Vulcan counterpart, else their Commander could have learned much more from you.”
“Jim, Spock, calm down. All I did was kiss her.”
“After she figured out you were human.”
“We got what we needed. Scotty got all the files for the Red Matter prototype.”
“Nyota, I share a bond with a Vulcan-I know what an emotionally compromised Vulcanoid looks like. That Commander looked pretty fucking devastated. And this,” Jim gripped my hand, “is a pretty intense kiss.”
“I did what I needed to do, captain.”
Silence.
“You love Scotty?”
“Absolutely.”
“Because I don’t want his heart getting crushed or something. That’s not cool.”
“Jim, you of all people should know that it was a job.”
A pause.
“All right. All right. We’re never talking about this again. I never saw whatever that was on the bridge.”
--
The Paradise Syndrome
“Makkoi, it is true. It is true, you are safe, love.”
“Hush, Ahnee. I’ll get you fixed right up, don’t you-don’t you-” Leonard gathered up the woman in his arms and pressed her to him, shoulders shaking.
“My chief. My brave chief, you saved our people. I knew you would. Didn’t I tell you?”
“Hey keptan-” Pavel entered.
Jim shook his head sharply.
“When I am better, it will be as it was, will it not? You can take me to your longboat in the sky.”
“Miramahnee, don’t go. Don’t go, please, goddamnit. God damnit!”
Her voice was weak and fading.
“We will live long and happy lives. We will have strong daughters and strong sons. I’ll love you always, each kiss as the first. Kiss me, love. Each kiss as the first.”
Silence.
“God. GOD!”
--
“Bones. Bones, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Jim.”
“We tried to get here as fast as we could, I swear.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“But... but she was your wife. They made you medicine chief. You were going to have-”
“Look, I just need some time to myself.”
“Doctor?”
Leonard looked at Pavel.
“Ya ob odnom mol’yu, taskuya: O bud’ so mnoi-nye uhodi.”
--
And the Children Shall Lead
“Tomas, wait. I want to ask you a question. Is that okay?”
“Question about what?”
“About what you saw down there.”
“Oh,” a blank look. “What about it? You were there, weren’t you?”
“Did you see your dad?”
“I dunno. Yeah.”
“Did he seem upset?”
“Maybe. I dunno.”
“Why was he upset?”
“I dunno. I didn’t ask. He’s always in his lab.”
“Do you remember anything, anything odd or out of place?”
“No. He was always upset.”
“Come on, Tomas, work with me here. You don’t remember seeing anything weird?”
“They were angry. I dunno. Can I go? I’m tired.”
“Yeah, just two more questions. Are you okay with leaving Triacus?”
“Duh. I hated it there. It was boring.”
“Do you know where your parents are?”
“No. Probably in the lab. They love the lab. Can I go now?”
“Yeah. Yeah, you can go.”
Jim watched the security personnel escort Tomas back to his quarters.
He’s hiding something. I know kids like him.
?
He’s got that look. That blank look I had after Tarsus and the counselors were trying to get me to talk. This isn’t going to end pretty.
--
“I command you! I command you! To your posts! Carry out your duties, or I will destroy you! You will be swept aside to make way for the strong!”
“Oh shut up. Stop embarrassing yourself and shut up, or I’ll pull Chekov’s Law on you.”
Christine stood to the side, the children huddled around her.
“It’s all right. You’re safe now, we’ll take care of you. That ugly ghost can’t hurt you anymore. Don’t be afraid, it’ll okay to cry.”
“Death! Death to you all! Death to you all! Death to you all! Death to you all!”
“Chekov?”
“Aye keptan. Gorgan-I am asking you a question. Are you omniscient, omnipotent, and eternal?”
“I build empires! I create generals! I raise armies of followers! The victories are mine and all who oppose me shall be exterminated! I am all powerful! You will see, you will see!”
“Well, there’s our answer.”
“I am thinking that we should subtitle this entire mission Star Trek: The Search for Non-Idiotic God. If there is such a thing.”
“Probably not.”
--
Is There No Truth in Beauty?
“The things I do for my ship. You know this is basically a threesome we’ve got going here?”
“Captain, I am wholly contained in Spock’s mind. He allows nothing of your bond to touch me, and I am careful to avoid it. It would be gravely inappropriate.”
“Spock?”
“I am here, Jim.”
“... I don’t like sharing you.”
“It will hopefully be of short duration.”
“Then let’s head up to the bridge.”
I could feel Kollos’ anticipation to experience Miranda through my sense of sight. We entered the bridge.
“Why, this is delightful. I know you,” I heard him say. “All of you-Leonard McCoy, friend and half-brother? There seems to be some controversy on this point. Uhura, whose name means freedom. ‘She walks in beauty, like the night.’”
“That’s not Spock.”
“Are you surprised that I’ve read Byron, doctor?”
“Glad to see you’ve still got your Vulcan sass.”
“I also recall-Hikaru Sulu. ‘Se armó de todas sus armas, subió sobre Rocinante, puesta su mal compuesta celada, embrazó su adarga, tomó su lanza, y, por la puerta falsa de un corral, salió al campo.’”
“It’s an honor to have you with us, Kollos sir.”
“A pleasure, an absolute pleasure.”
“Am I addressing the Ambassador Kollos?” Nyota asked.
“In part. That is, part of us is known to you as Kollos. We will answer to either name, depending whom you desire to address.”
“Understood.”
“Miranda. Miranda, the truth of such beauty. ‘O brave new world, that has such creatures in it.’”
“‘Tis new to thee.”
“I will take you to my world-I have long desired it. Captain Kirk, I speak for all Medusans, and sincerely apologize for the complications my presence has created for your ship and crew.”
“We don’t hold you responsible for what happened, and thank you for your help.”
“Then I shall proceed with navigation. With your permission, captain.”
--
“How compact your bodies are. And what a variety of senses you have. This thing you call language, most remarkable. You depend on it for so very much, but is any one truly its master? Even Spock, with his scientific grasp on its nuances and varieties. But most of all, the aloneness that once filled his life. It tormented him, and he did not even understand the source of that emptiness. And now-he has you, all of you. Not simply the link with his captain, but the emotional bonds built with this crew.”
Silence.
“Kollos, we appreciate your words. But out of respect for my bondmate-I ask that you dissolve the link.”
“So soon?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps it is best. Yes, it is best.”
“Thank you.”
“Captain, the visor-!”
“Fuck-” Spock don’t look don’t look don’t look
Jim screams.
--
Specter of the Gun
“I really don’t get this. What’s High Noon? Why does Bones have a tin star pinned to his chest?”
“I think you look quite dashing, captain. And you too, Leonard,” Christine laughed, taking off her bonnet.
“What’s with Spock’s getup? You look-you look good. Kind of exotic, actually.”
“Are you serious? Y’all’ve never seen High Noon? It’s a goddamn classic.”
“Nope.”
“Let me spell it out. I’m Marshal Will Kane, you’re Harvey Pell, Jim. Chris, you’re Amy Fowler and Spock,” Leonard bowed his head. “Spock’s Helen Ramirez, as far as I can tell.”
“And you need to shoot Frank Miller dead?”
“Yeah, that’s the idea, Jim.”
“Amy Fowler? You mean to say that I’m Grace Kelly?”
“Yup.”
Christine touched her hair.
“I’m flattered. This dress is a little old fashioned, I have to say, but it’s beautiful, for something made entirely of an illusion.”
“I can’t believe you’re Harvey, Jim. The irony’s enough to make me kill me.”
“I believe we should search for a method by which we may break this illusion.”
“Said Helen.”
I raised my eyebrow at Jim. He grinned.
“You’re hot.”
“All right, I know y’all’re in love and all, but I’m not going to stand around watching you reenact some cowboy with a Mexican señorita love story. That’s the last thing I need.”
“I am hardly a ‘Mexican señorita’, doctor.”
Christine looked at me with her head tilted.
“If I remember the movie correctly, Helen was Will’s lover.”
“What?!”
“I was going to try and keep that part quiet, Chris.”
“And Harvey’s lover. And Frank’s.”
“Spock, is there something you want to tell me?”
“Jim.”
“All right, okay.”
“At this rate, Nyota’s going to be Frank or something.”
“Enterprise High Noon. I’d like to see that.”
“Well, Chris, you just might get your wish. Here comes the town.”
--
The Day of the Dove
“Baroner, we meet again.”
“Hey Kor, what’s up? How’s raping and pillaging these days in the Klingon Empire?”
“Fair. The Empire has not forgiven your Lt. Chekov for winning Sherman’s Island.”
“You were the ones who tried to cheat, not us. And I didn’t know Klingons were terrified of tribbles.”
“The sound they emit is extremely painful to Klingon ears.”
“Yeah, I’m going to believe that line.”
“Actually, captain, I did some research into the matter and tribbles were once common in the Klingon Empire. However, they were also convenient carriers of a disease not dissimilar to Terra’s bubonic plague. The disease swept through the Empire and is one of the factors that has contributed to its state today.”
“Wow. That sucks.”
“Klingons despise tribbles, constantly feeding and multiplying, yet spreading disease wherever it goes.”
“Now I feel like I should go apologize to that guy-what’s his name? Koloth. Do you know him, Kor? We transported all the tribbles into his bridge.”
“Do not apologize. The Empire has not forgiven you for winning, but we appreciate all methods of warfare.”
“Biological warfare is hitting below the belt, don’t you think?”
“If they were disease ridden, the Empire would have declared war,” Kor nodded. “Unfortunately, they were not. It was an admired tactic. You fight strangely, Baroner, but you fight with honor. Klingons admire you.”
“Good to know. What do you think? Think we can get rid of this ghost, live to fight another day? I’m still waiting for a fair fight, your ship against mine, equally matched.”
“I am also. Lead the way, Kirk. We will get rid of this ghost.”
--
For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky
“If you don’t tell them, Chris, I will.”
“Leonard, it’s my choice and I don’t want-captain. Commander.”
Scotty, Nyota, Sulu, and Chekov filed in as well.
“What is it? What’s the emergency?”
Leonard gave Christine a pointed look. Her grey eyes were hard.
“You might as well know, if he’s going to force my hand. We’ve completely physicals for the entire crew.”
“And? What’s wrong, Chris?” Sulu asked.
“Nothing’s wrong. Everyone’s fine, except for one exception. We’ve been running tests all day-”
“Chris has-”
“Leonard so help me God if you’re going to force this on me let me tell this on my own terms.”
He was silent.
Christine seemed to take hold of herself and blink back tears.
“I have xenopolycythemia,” she said suddenly.
There was no reaction. No one understood the nature of the disease.
“Um, that is bad, da?”
“It’s a terminal illness with no known cure,” she said, voice quiet. “I’ve got a year to live.”
Silence.
“No,” Nyota said, voice firm. “No. You’re a sister to me and we’ll find a cure.”
“Nyota, don’t-”
“She right,” Sulu answered. “We’re not going to lose you. I’m not going to lose you-”
“You’re making this so much harder than it needs to be. Please, just,” Christine shuddered. “I haven’t-I need-it’s not that simple-”
She turned away.
Silence. No one knew what to do.
“Lads, Nyota darling,” Scotty said quietly. “We’ve all got good intentions, but we aren’t doing any good right now.”
He began herding everyone out of Sickbay.
“Doctor, you come too. Give her some peace.”
“Nurse Chapel?” I asked quietly.
“Yes, Commander?” her voice was shaky and tears were already streaming down her cheeks.
“If there is any way that I might assist you, please do not hesitate to ask.”
She nodded, then sobbed. Then shakily put her arms around me.
“I’m so scared, Spock. I’m so scared. I want to live. I want to live.”
I held her close.
“I know.”
--
“Captain, she’s not coming back with us,” Sulu said over the communicator.
“What the hell happened to my chief nurse? What’d they do to her?”
“Leonard, she fell in love,” Nyota answered.
“What?”
“There’s a ceremony going on right now to marry her with the High Priestess Natira. They look happy together.”
“She’s got a terminal illness, Nyota.”
“I think she already knows that, Doc.”
“Discussion of Nurse Chapel’s illness and her sudden relationship will have to be discussed at a later time. At this moment, our first priority is to the trajectory of their planet-ship. It is still on collision course with Daran Five.”
“I thought Scotty said we could nudge it off course with some well placed rockets,” Nyota said. I could hear her frown.
“The size of their planet-ship is such that with our current resources, any change in momentum created by such a strategy would be negligible. They must change their course.”
“You said that Chris is getting married to their high priestess?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think she could convince her to change course?”
“She’s tried. They keep talking about their great Oracle. We haven’t made any headway.”
“Keep trying. And about that data you guys sent us-”
“My calculations on their path-if we are account for assumptions about welocity and applying Miguellan Theorem-is they are from old Fabrini system. DNA mitochondrial analysis results are werifying hypothesis.”
“And I’m working with Spock through those medical files you got me. We’ll find something. Tell Chris that.”
--
“Come with me, Natira.”
“No. I can’t.”
“The Oracle doesn’t have power over you anymore. You don’t have to be afraid.”
“It’s not fear, Christine. I love you, but I can’t go with you. I have a responsibility to my people, as High Priestess, just as you feel an obligation towards yours. We both must honor our vows.”
“Then I’ll stay with you. Your people cured me, and I am your wife.”
“You will always be my wife, but you must return to them. I cannot take you, not today. Perhaps another time, Christine. Wait for me, as I will wait for you. Wait for me, and if the Oracles are willing, you will find Yonada again.”
--
Turnabout Intruder
“You are not the captain.”
The imposter’s eyes widened. Dr. Lester was leaning casually against the wall.
“I told you it wouldn’t work,” she tapped her head. “Mental link. Can’t fake that shit.”
“Spock, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you well?”
“Look, Janice, you don’t even speak like me. It’s never going to work. If you switch our bodies back right now, we won’t bring you up on charges.”
“Jim, you do not speak for us both.”
“Do you want me to stay in her body for the rest of time?”
“Of course not.”
“Then don’t argue with me right now.”
“Security, arrest this man. He’s emotionally compromised.”
No one moved.
“Why aren’t you following my orders! I said to escort Mr. Spock to the brig for insubordination.”
This is a little painful to watch.
It is extremely painful to watch, Jim.
“Captain? Do you want us to arrest-you?”
“Janice, just tell me how you transferred our bodies in the first place and we’ll work everything out afterwards.”
“I am not Janice Lester!”
“Spock, is the unethical for you to meld with my body when it’s being occupied by another person?”
“I am your husband. Your body is part of me as much as mine is a part of yours.”
“I meant legally.”
“That is the law among Vulcans. Or shall I remind you that we were married under Vulcan law?”
“Great! So why don’t you figure things out?”
“It is unethical, however, to extract information from an individual’s mind without that person’s consent.”
“And there’s the line I was looking for. All right. I guess we’ll have to beam onto the ship and ask Bones about it.”
--
“Give it a few hours.”
“...And?”
“And it’ll go away. You’ll be in your body again.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s what my tricorder says.”
“You don’t seem that worried about this. Bones, I’m in the body of another person right now.”
“Jim, you’re breathing, walking, and talking. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing in my books.”
“Even if it’s not in my body.”
“You’ve been out of body so many goddamn times, it doesn’t bother me. Now get. I’ve got work to do.”
“I want a second opinion.”
“Feel free. M’Benga’s in the other room,” Leonard said absentmindedly. He continued working through his datapads.
Jim pouted. It was strange to see the expression on another’s face.
“He doesn’t even think this is a big deal!”
“It is not the most unusual thing that has happened on this ship, Jim.”
“You don’t think this is a big deal either!”
I held a neutral expression.
“Fine,” Jim said, voice somewhat petulant. I’ll go wait in my quarters for this to wear off.”
“You go do that, Jim.”
“How long will it be?”
“A few hours, maximum.”
“A few hours?!”
“Don’t whine. It could be worse. Sleep it off and you’ll be waking up in the brig in no time.”
“Thanks. Thanks a lot,” Jim rolled his eyes. “Spock, you coming with me?”
“I will be on the bridge.”
“No sympathy from anyone,” he grumbled. “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Jim left.
“Don’t look at me that way. He’s your husband.”
I put my hand to my forehead. Jim was sending various complaints to me through our link.
“I am aware of this.”
“Gotta love married life, Spock. Gotta love it.”