Author: kira-nerys
Title: From the Mouth of a Predator

Rating: NC17
Summary: Spock and Kirk are kidnapped by Klingons, and Spock goes into pon farr ...
Feedback: Please at: (kira at kardasi.com)
Disclaimer: Star Trek, characters etc aren't mine. Surprised? No, I didn't think so.
Note: This was written for Beyond Dreams 3 and was just released for publishing on the Internet. I hope there are still people out there who enjoy this. With some hindsight, I don't think this is the best story I ever wrote, but it's definitely the longest.

FROM THE MOUTH OF A PREDATOR ...

Drawing by kira-nerys (Ingela)

PART ONE

Kirk's calm demeanor wasn't any indication of how he felt. He was angry and exhausted after spending days in a cold cell on a Klingon spaceship. He and Spock had gone with very little food and barely enough water for close to a week.

Spock didn't seem overly concerned walking beside Kirk, although the Vulcan was tied and had a disrupter aimed between his shoulder blades.

Klingons!

He and Spock had been captured while trying to find A'sharon, their leader. Going in alone hadn't been the smartest thing they'd ever done, Kirk admitted. Their questions had alerted A'sharon's underdogs, and the Enterprise probably had no way of finding them. Their communicators were gone and the impatient Klingon guards who had practically herded them out of the battlecruiser pushed them into an underground building, resembling a stone fortress from Deneb II.

The building was huge, covered with natural rock, and the Klingon hideout was virtually undetectable from the surface. Kirk realized that A'sharon's operation must be much larger than even Starfleet had suspected. Going after this man with a single starship had been insane, even if the ship was the Enterprise.

"Stop," a harsh voice commanded. Kirk's musings were interrupted and he halted, but not soon enough. The Klingon behind him pulled mercilessly at his shackles. Kirk tried not to flinch as the iron bands around his wrists buried into his already bruised and tender flesh.

Kirk could see the other muscular Klingon forcing Spock to his knees. Even the Vulcan wasn't strong enough to break free from his bonds, and what good would it do if he did? Kirk met Spock's eyes, and he knew they were in agreement.

Kirk, too, was forced down, and he bit back a moan as his sore knees hit the hard stone floor. He nearly lost his balance. Anger rose, but he forced it away. This was no time to let his feelings take control. He could get both himself and Spock killed if he wasn't careful.

A deep voice reached them, and Kirk tried not to let his surprise show when he realized the truth.

"Ah, Captain Kirk of the starship Enterprise. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The mocking voice could only belong to A'sharon, and Kirk lifted his head to meet the eyes of the one in charge of the largest Golden Dust operation in the quadrant. He nearly cursed aloud. No wonder they'd been unable to find the Klingon leader. For months they had worked under the assumption that the head of the quvQu sect was a male. But here she was, tall and remarkably beautiful—for a Klingon. Her hair was black and shiny, and her body had a slender but muscular build that appealed to him. But the beauty was cold, and no mercy could be seen in her steely eyes. Looking into them, Kirk knew there was no way this woman would let them go. Her cold gaze lingered on Kirk for a moment before she moved on to assess his first officer.

"And Spock of Vulcan, Kirk's ever-present shadow. I'm thrilled to meet you both. A pity our acquaintance will be so short."

Kirk bit his lip, physically forcing back his angry response.

"But I will allow you to amuse me for a time before you die." A'sharon bared her teeth in an insinuating smile, and her long, black curls danced when she laughed. Kirk's eyes narrowed.

"What are you going to do to us?" He couldn't stop the question before it spilled over his lips.

"Oh, I don't know," A'sharon replied casually. "Humans are such weak creatures. You will not endure torture for long. I will have to find some other use for you."

She paced back and forth in front of them, lithe and tall even for a Klingon female. Despite her slender build, Kirk was conscious of the power she harbored. She was Klingon, and she was a warrior. He would not make the mistake of underestimating her. She walked like a jungle cat, and she was equally dangerous.

"A Vulcan might prove more entertaining," she purred as she stopped in front of Spock, who was staring above her shoulder. The smile disappeared from her lips as she addressed the Klingon officers behind them. "Guards. Put them in the holding cell below. That will keep them subdued and make them more cooperative. I have to decide what I shall do with them."

Kirk winced as he was lifted to his feet. The guards forced them to walk again, this time through another door behind A'sharon's U-shaped desk. They stepped into a corridor leading deeper into the complex. The Klingons' boots echoed eerily on the stone floor, their pace increasing, and he and Spock had difficulty keeping up. The Vulcan stumbled, and Kirk wanted to reach out to steady him, but with his hands bound before him there was no way he could. Kirk saw the same concern for his welfare in Spock's eyes, and despite the gravity of their situation, Kirk couldn't help but smile. They were a pair, weren't they? Always looking out for one another.

Kirk tried to memorize where the guards took them. At first to the right and then through a long corridor until they reached a turbolift. He only got a glimpse of the panel before the guards shoved them inside and pressed a series of buttons. Of course—the turbolift was encoded.

Damn!

Reaching their destination took several minutes, even for the high-speed lift. The guards pushed Spock through the door. Kirk heard the groan of pain from the Vulcan as he hit the ground. Then Kirk was pushed inside as well, and the air was knocked out of him when he fell.

It was pitch dark.

It was wet.

Kirk drew a deep breath and closed his eyes before opening them again. There was no difference. It was still pitch dark and wet. Breathing heavily, he realized how very weak he was, and he knew that if they were going to escape they would have to act quickly. Soon neither he nor Spock would have the strength required.

"It appears they are in no need of guards down here," Spock said.

"M-hmm," Kirk replied. The darkness didn't seem so absolute anymore. His eyes were getting used to it, and he could see the contours of Spock's body.

"The light must be coming from somewhere," Kirk pointed out.

"Indeed."

"Let's find out."

Together they moved, slowly and very carefully, through the darkness. Kirk was grateful for Spock's presence. Feeling the Vulcan's shoulder brush against his was a familiar comfort. There was no one he would rather be in this situation with.

It soon became clear to Kirk, as they neared a source of light, that they were inside some kind of subterranean dungeon. It had to be situated far underneath A'sharon's fortress.

The further they went, the lighter it became. Water trickled down the walls, gathering at the base of the wall in a small stream. At least they wouldn't be thirsty. They followed the water, and soon they were standing at an entrance covered by a thin waterfall. The smell of moisture was unpleasant.

"What the hell?" Kirk frowned. "A'sharon would never put us here if there was a way out."

"No," Spock agreed. "This would appear a too easy way out of our confinement. I would assume something prevents us from using this exit."
 

"Maybe she thinks we can't swim with our hands tied? Most Klingons don't swim very well. The water looks deep enough…." Kirk peered through the sheet of water, the image he got was blurry, but it was clear that the opening led outside.

Spock moved closer and lifted his eyebrows.

"The water does look deep, but that would not be a problem for either of us."

"No," Kirk said. "It can't be that."

"One moment," Spock cautioned. The Vulcan's eyes narrowed and he appeared to be deep in thought.

"What?"

Spock fell to his knees and ducked his head through the waterfall. Kirk followed, feeling the lukewarm water pour over him. Behind the veil of water was a large pond—almost a lake—surrounded by high mountains. The landscape was barren and stony, but it wouldn't be impossible to get out of the water on the other side of the pond. There had to be another catch. He watched as the Vulcan quickly dipped his head into the stream and pulled out in the space of a heartbeat. As soon as Spock retreated, the surface bubbled violently, and beneath, Kirk could see silvery fish gathering quickly.

Spock shook his head free of the water before he spoke.

"I assume you have heard of the Earth creature known as the piranha?"

He looked like a drenched, very unhappy feline. Under any other circumstances, Kirk would have laughed, but their current situation was hardly a laughing matter.

"Yes, they're fish."

"That is correct," Spock said.

"Are you telling me there are piranhas in the water?"

"Negative," Spock said, and Kirk felt instant relief, but then he remembered his first officer's way of often discovering even more dire circumstances. He wasn't disappointed.

"Still, I suggest we avoid the water. If I remember correctly there is a fish indigenous to several planets in the Klingon Empire that resembles the piranha. They gather in large groups when an animal enters the water and they, like piranhas, strip it of flesh within moments."

"And what else?" Kirk sighed. He just knew there had to be more.

"These fish are extremely poisonous, which means that even in small numbers they are lethal."

"As long as they don't have legs and come crawling into the dungeon with us," Kirk muttered as he reluctantly turned from the opening.

"They do not."

"Thank you for the reassurance, Mr. Spock."

They returned to the underground corridors. At least there it wasn't as dark as it had been by the turbolift.

"We're both wet, Spock, and it's not warm enough in here for a Vulcan. You must be freezing."

"I have to admit, the ambient temperature is quite uncomfortable. However, I saw no other solution if I were to find out if the water was safe to enter," Spock pointed out.

"Did it ever occur to you that I could have checked?" Kirk's voice was patient.

Spock's face went blank as if the thought had not even crossed his mind.

"All right, there's no reason to argue about it. What's done is done."

Spock followed one step behind his captain, as was his habit. They found their way back to the lift and decided to look around a little more.

"I suggest we stay together, Captain. We cannot know what we might find in this structure. Some of the Klingon fauna is even less appealing than the tarHo fish."

Kirk nodded. They had no weapons, no communicators, not even a tricorder, and with their hands tied there wasn't much they could do if they were attacked. If they stayed together, their chances of survival, and escape, would increase.

What they found was something he should have expected, but hadn't.

Skeletons.

They found three of them, completely stripped of flesh. If Kirk were to guess how these beings had died, he would have thought starvation. Water was obviously not a problem. A'sharon had simply "forgotten" these people and left them to die. Would he and Spock meet the same fate?

"It appears A'sharon uses this dungeon frequently," Spock said dryly. "It also appears that she is not particular about how she kills her captives."

"Let's get away from here. We should try and find the most comfortable spot."

Together they searched the underground corridors. They found one area where the ground was covered with sand, and it provided a better place than the hard rock floor around the turbolift. They sat beside each other with their backs to the rock wall.

"We should get out of these wet shirts." Kirk could see the faint tremors running through the Vulcan's body. "We have to share body heat," he explained patiently. "If you allow me, I will do my very best to get you out of that shirt, and then you can do the same for me."

Spock seemed reluctant and Kirk attributed his hesitation to the fact that they would have to touch. Kirk was one of the few people Spock allowed to touch him, but this might be more than the Vulcan could tolerate, even from his captain.

Spock wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Listen, Spock. We have to do this or you'll be very uncomfortable. You'll freeze, and in the condition we're both in, we have to avoid that."

Spock still didn't respond, and anger and hurt rose in Kirk. "It's me. I'm your friend, remember?" he said impatiently. He put a hand on Spock's shoulder.

"Very well, Captain," Spock finally said. "Proceed."
 

The Vulcan turned his back to Kirk, who pulled the black undershirt out of Spock's pants. It was strangely intimate and the moment was drawn out, since it was difficult to work with tied hands. Of course, he couldn't take the shirt off the Vulcan completely, but at least the wet garment would be out of the way.

The situation was more awkward than Kirk had expected. It was as if Spock wasn't really there.

"Thank God they didn't tie our hands behind us," Kirk said, trying to lighten the mood: it didn't help much as Spock didn't answer. He simply waited while Kirk pulled the tunic as far down his arms as possible. Finally it lay about the Vulcan's wrists in a wet heap.

"Your turn," Kirk said uneasily, and turned his back to the Vulcan. It was even more complicated for Spock to help him with his own shirt in the way.

Fortunately for Kirk, the temperature in the cave was rather comfortable for humans. He sat on the cave floor awkwardly and leaned against the wall. Then he spread his legs.

"All right, Mr. Spock. Sit between my legs and lean against me."

Again, Spock hesitated, but at the impatient look from his captain, he did as ordered. Kirk nearly chuckled at the stiffness in Spock's body. The Vulcan sat, straight as a steel rod, refusing to relax. Kirk lifted his arms and moved them carefully over Spock's head.

"What are you doing, Captain?"

"I have to do this to get my hands out of the way. Now calm down, for heaven's sake, Spock. This way you'll never get warm."

Spock finally relaxed and leaned against Kirk. The Vulcan's chilled skin touched Kirk's for once warmer body. Seldom before had they been forced to be this close to each other, and at that moment Kirk realized his idea might not have been the best he'd ever had. In order to avoid putting a soaking wet shirt in Spock's lap, he had to lower his hands so that they were resting between the Vulcan's spread legs. It was uncomfortably intimate, and if he felt that way, how did his very private first officer feel? Kirk forced himself to relax and not think about it. Instead, he pressed closer to Spock, trying to get as much of his warm body in contact with the other man as he could.

'"Okay," he said, a bit too cheerfully. "What are we going to talk about to pass the time?"

Spock was still trembling from the cold. Kirk's torso pressed against the Vulcan's back, and at that moment, he found it comfortable, as though he had come home. He leaned his head against Spock's shoulder.

"We might as well try to relax, Spock," he said. "We haven't slept much in the last few days."

"True," Spock said and shifted.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

There was a silence before Spock replied. "No, I am not."

"Good. Do you think the Enterprise is searching for us?"

"Most likely," Spock replied. "We have failed to contact Mr. Scott twice in the last week. They must be aware that something is amiss."

"Yes."

"I am concerned…" Spock began.

"What?"

"There is a very high probability that this complex is situated deep in Klingon space."

Kirk nodded.

"It may take longer, but they will find us." Spock said confidently.

Kirk knew this, but it was still a relief to hear Spock say it.

"Don't get me wrong, Spock, but I'm glad you're here."

The Vulcan seemed to relax at that. "I understand. Although I wish we were not in this predicament, I am also glad I am with you."

Kirk leaned against the rock wall. It was knobbly and hard, but it was still surprisingly comfortable. Spock leaned back, too, and Kirk realized that they were sitting in a lover's embrace.

"This is kind of strange," he mused aloud.

"Indeed."

"Does it bother you—being so close to me, I mean?"

"No, it does not."

"I'm glad."

Spock tilted his head, and the Vulcan's sharp profile was barely visible in the darkness. Drawing a hesitant breath, Spock then seemed to make a decision. His voice was deep and sincere. "Being close to you has never bothered me, Jim," he said. "In fact, even Vulcans need the reassurance of touch and closeness to someone. I am grateful that you do not find this offensive, and I value your touch more than you know."

Kirk swallowed and was shocked at the sudden jolt of desire that shot through him. His groin pressed into Spock's backside, and he felt shame when he realized that he was getting hard. He was forced head on to admit to feelings he had tried to keep hidden, and the unexpected arousal scared him. This wasn't the time nor the place to confront his feelings, so he tried to push them far back in his mind. Spock certainly wasn't the right object, but perhaps he had felt it? They were in such close proximity….

Kirk wet his suddenly dry lips before speaking.

"Spock?"

"Yes, Jim?"

"Can you read my thoughts?"

"I could if you would allow me, although I would not presume to do so without your permission…."

Kirk held back a sigh of relief.

"Although…" Spock continued hesitantly, "…at such close proximity, it is very difficult for me not to read emotions."

Kirk bit his lip and tried not to feel anything. Damn Spock and his unfailing honesty. Couldn't he have told a little white lie just once? It would have made this situation a lot less awkward. But Spock was the most honest person Kirk knew, and the Vulcan wouldn't keep his knowledge to himself at a time like this.

"Uh, I'm sorry, Mr. Spock. This was not…. I didn't expect this." He tried to maintain the chain of command and a sense of distance by addressing Spock formally, but it was difficult. And yet, somehow, he had to rid himself of the inappropriate feelings that had surfaced.

"Nor I, Captain," Spock said breathlessly and twisted around to look at Kirk. It was still very dark around them, and all Kirk could see was the outline of the Vulcan's face, and all he could feel was the hot breath against his skin. Spock's eyes were always his most expressive feature, but now Kirk couldn't see them. The Vulcan opened his mouth to say something.

Kirk realized that he was holding his breath in anticipation. Something very important was about to be revealed.

At that moment, they heard the buzz of the turbolift approaching. Kirk nearly cursed but stopped himself in time. Instead, he lifted his arms over Spock's head, and they both quickly got on their feet. But he just couldn't stop thinking about what had happened so suddenly. What had Spock been about to tell him?

The guards handled them roughly. Kirk gasped as his shoulder slammed into the wall, and he stifled a groan as the pain shot like a spear through his entire left side. Spock hit the wall right next to him, and the pained groan that slipped past his lips made Kirk want to kill the guards. The harsh light in the lift made the dark shadows under the Vulcan's eyes stand out, and his face looked gaunt. Spock was still trembling from the cold, and he blinked against the bright light in the turbolift car. As the lift started moving, the guards turned their backs to them in obvious disrespect.

They were led back to the center room of the large complex, circular in shape. It reminded Kirk of a cathedral, but the furnishings and the decorations of the walls had nothing to do with religion, unless you considered A'sharon a goddess. She did resemble one as she sat behind a large U-shaped desk.

"Ah, First Officer Spock and Captain Kirk. It is a pleasure to see you again," A'sharon said and rose from her chair. She examined them both critically. "You are in luck. I have decided what to do with you. You should be pleased. It is not often that I come to a decision so quickly, as I am sure both of you are aware." She let her gaze travel over Kirk's body and he tensed. Her gaze was rude, if not lecherous.

"Take off their shackles and wet shirts," she ordered. The guards complied immediately, and Kirk was oddly grateful to get rid of the soaked shirt. "I take it you have made your acquaintance with our friends in the water?"

"If you are referring to the tarHo, we did not acquaint ourselves with them," Spock replied icily.

"That is fortunate," A'sharon said and turned her gaze to the Vulcan. "Such beautiful flesh should remain unmarred," she continued, and she put her hand on Spock's bare shoulder and let it travel across the finely muscled torso. From the look in Spock's eyes, Kirk could tell the touch was unpleasant, but that was obviously part of the enjoyment for her. A hot surge of a volatile emotion shot through Kirk's gut. He watched as Spock tensed but didn't shy away from her touch. Spock knew that showing his disgust might cost them their lives. It came to Kirk then that Spock would never have allowed A'sharon to touch him had he been alone. He would rather have died than be humiliated in such a way.

Kirk wanted to kill A'sharon. The Klingon's gaze traveled over Spock's lean body as if it were a work of art she desired very much. Kirk nearly gasped when her hand slipped from the flat, lightly furred stomach to grip the Vulcan's genitals through his trousers. Spock didn't even flinch as she moved her hand over his crotch, but Kirk had to force himself not to react. He could barely tolerate watching Spock being groped so intimately.

A feeling of dread pooled in Kirk's gut. He suspected what A'sharon might have in mind for them. He had heard about such things—how the Klingons sometimes gave their captives one way out and one way only.

Kirk turned his gaze away, trying to give his friend some privacy in his humiliation.

"Don't look away," A'sharon ordered immediately. "Or I will squeeze so hard that he will never be able to father any children, should he so desire. Although I doubt he does," she laughed smugly.

Kirk met Spock's eyes in a silent apology, but the Vulcan's returning gaze was steady and not the slightest bit embarrassed. He was enduring this with his pride intact.

"I am sure you know what I have planned for you," A'sharon continued and pulled away from Spock. The Vulcan's shoulders relaxed a fraction. "It is not a new thing among us, and I am sure experienced spacefarers such as yourselves have heard about it. If your actions meet with my approval, I will let you go. My guards will take you to a place where the Enterprise will pick you up." A'sharon looked at Kirk first and there was an evil smile on her lips. "I am a woman of my word, Captain."

Kirk ventured another glance at his Vulcan friend. She was too confident. She had to be lying. How could she let them go? Spock shook his head almost imperceptibly. He didn't believe her either.

Spock stood unmoving. He had stopped trembling since his shackles and wet clothing had been removed.

"Look at me," A'sharon said, and Kirk reluctantly turned his gaze from Spock to her. She smiled. "You do know what I want, don't you?" His eyes were glued to A'sharon's.

"Answer me!" she ordered, and Kirk knew that he didn't have a choice.

"Yes, I know."

A'sharon's smile grew wider. "Tell us—tell him—what it is I want you to do, Captain Kirk. I can see that you know exactly what I am talking about. Tell your cold, unemotional Vulcan what you will have to do to him in order to save both your lives."

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't utter them.

"Oh no," A'sharon tsk-ed, and her facial expression grew even more satisfied. "Your hesitation will cost you. You will both have to do it, or I will not let you go. That will make this so much more interesting. We will see what truth there is to the rumor of the Vulcan seven-year cycle."

Kirk could see the tension in Spock's body as he finally suspected what was going to take place.

"Perhaps this is the one time in your illustrious career that your Vulcan first officer will not come through for you, Kirk?"

If there had been doubts before, they were gone now. He knew what A'sharon expected from them.

"There is no need to explain further, Captain," Spock said. "I have heard of this pirate ritual."

"Oh, but I disagree, Mr. Spock," A'sharon protested as her eyes wandered from Kirk to Spock and back again. "I will take as much pleasure from this as I possibly can, and you will not ruin it for me. Neither of you." She moved away from them and sat in her chair before she continued to speak. "I want to hear Captain Kirk say it. Tell him!" Her eyes darkened. The guards stepped closer.

"Tell him, or I will order my warriors to kill the Vulcan where he stands."

"Very well, Captain. Do as she wishes. Tell me what it is you must do," Spock said calmly.

Even before the guard moved, Kirk knew what the result of Spock's approving words would be. He wished that Spock had stayed quiet, but as always, the Vulcan's first concern was for his captain.

The Klingon's fist against the side of his face was so forceful it brought Spock to his knees. Still, he accepted the blow without a sound leaving his lips, but a trickle of dark green blood ran down the squared chin. Kirk knew that if the Klingon had aimed his violence at him instead, he would have passed out. Spock only closed his eyes for a moment and then the dark gaze met Kirk's as Spock waited to hear the words, and silently, the Vulcan got to his feet.

Kirk cleared his throat. He knew A'sharon's patience was definitely wearing thin. "If we're going to get out of here, I'll have to use you…" Kirk halted, but forced himself to keep looking at his friend, "…to use you—sexually."

"Not good enough," A'sharon said. "Spell it out. I want to hear you say it."

"Damn it!" Kirk shouted. "Isn't it enough that we'll have to do it? Do I have to talk about it as well?"

"Ah, yes, Captain Kirk," A'sharon said. She didn't laugh, she didn't even smile as she walked toward him. She did not speak until she was close enough for him to detect the unmistakable scent of a Klingon. Maybe their smell was why he disliked them so much? A'sharon smelled sweet, dirty, and sickening.

"I wish to know if the rumors are true. Do Captain Kirk and his Mister Spock spend their nights together, mating like a pair of targs in heat?"

Kirk stared at Spock, who didn't even blink. Were there rumors like those going around? The chuckle that came from A'sharon made his blood boil. He loathed the way she seemed able to read his mind.

"My dear Captain, did you not know? Did you not know the rumors that speculate whether or not the stoic Vulcan loses control while you fuck him in the ass? If he lets you fuck him, or if he is the one on top all the time? Didn't you know that Kang once said he wished he could find out whether you give a decent blowjob after practicing on a double-ridged Vulcan cock for so long?"

Her crudeness made bile rise in Kirk's throat. She made everything he had ever felt for Spock seem filthy, and he had strong feelings, very strong feelings for his first officer. Until just before they were brought back to this room, he had never consciously had sexual thoughts about his first officer. He'd loved Spock for a long time, but he'd tried to tell himself that it was a brotherly love. He knew that it wasn't true, of course.

Back in the dungeon, when he had finally admitted the truth to himself, he had felt shame, then a wish that Spock might feel the same desire. He remembered the look Spock had given him, a look full of—hope? Now, A'sharon had shamed them both, and made what they might mean to each other seem wrong, when his first thought had been how right the realization had felt.

A delicate hand cupped his chin, and A'sharon's dry palm rested against his cheek. The Klingon moved even closer. She exuded power and danger. Kirk nearly backed away but forced himself to remain still as her eyes locked with his. "Now, whether it is true or not, I want to hear you say it, and then you are going to do it and make those rumors true. While you are fucking each other, I want you to tell your Vulcan exactly how it makes you feel. If you lie, I will kill you both. Your eyes, Captain, will show me if you speak the truth."

What had A'sharon seen in his eyes? How could she know what was in his heart when he hadn't admitted it until so recently?

It would be rape, Kirk told himself, but the way A'sharon looked at him told him that she was losing her patience, so he started talking. "I will have to fuck you, Spock…" Kirk said, and this time he didn't look at his first officer. He couldn't, "…and then you will have to do the same to me, and by God…I hope we're both capable of doing it, or we will die."

A'sharon patted Kirk's cheek.

"Very good, Captain. Very good." Then she turned to her guards. "Take the prisoners away. Move them to the rokeg section. You know what to do."

Kirk glared at A'sharon, who flashed him a smile. Her face revealed nothing, and Kirk wondered if they had been fooled. If this was simply a part of her plan to torture them….

Kirk bit his lip, holding his hands stubbornly by his sides. He was boiling inside at the way she had treated Spock. So help him, he would kill that Klingon bitch with his bare hands. The desire to hurt this woman was overwhelming, and the hatred was debilitating, making it difficult to think. He tried to fight it, but then he remembered what this woman had done. Kirk had seen too many Golden Dust victims. The statistics of thousands dead from the drug didn't affect him half as much as the memories of addicts he had seen on pleasure planets throughout the quadrant. Shore leave wasn't always all good times.

A'sharon had supplied many systems with Golden Dust, and for what? Money? She had no regard for life whatsoever. Kirk remembered the skeletons beneath the structure; he remembered how her guards had treated them for the past week. They had gotten almost no food, and barely enough of the foul-tasting water to keep them alive.
 

But the image that was burned into his retinas was the way she had touched Spock.

If she killed Spock, Kirk would die trying to capture her, both to avenge his friend, and to punish her for the crimes she had committed. Of course, he would do it anyway, if given half a chance. But he was manhandled through the corridors, forced to move forward by blows to his back and shoulders.

He could hear Spock's labored breathing just a few steps behind him. Eventually, they were thrown into a room. There were two tiny shower stalls, with only the nozzles protruding from the wall. There were no cabinets or drawers, and the room was completely sterile and empty. It reminded Kirk of a morgue.

"Shower," said the guard. "We will be back in ten minutes, and by then you will be finished."

They had no choice but to follow instructions. Kirk shed his boots and pants, trying not to watch Spock doing the same beside him. Instead, he surveyed the place. The walls were bare, and there was no loose equipment of any kind they could use as a weapon.

Stepping into one of the two showers, he was surprised to find warm water gushing from the overhead faucet, and he hoped the fine spray would help Spock to feel warmer.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"As well as can be expected under the circumstances," Spock replied coolly, as he stepped into the shower stall beside Kirk.

How many times had he seen Spock naked? A hundred? More? And yet, it had never been so difficult to ignore the long-limbed grace of his friend.

To distract himself, Kirk closed his eyes and rubbed the water over his body, trying to get rid of days of sweat and grime. There was no soap or anything else to wash away the dirt. Ignoring the sudden longing for Starfleet standard soap, Kirk tried not to think, but his mind lingered on their situation. What if this were just another part of the sick game A'sharon was playing? Perhaps she was only giving them their last shower and last meal before they were executed—after performing like whores at a brothel.
 

Or perhaps A'sharon only treated them to these things, and then she would make him watch while the guards tortured Spock. Kirk knew these pirates; they had many ways of tormenting their captives, and A'sharon had made it clear that she would find torturing Spock the greater challenge. Several of the methods used flew through Kirk's mind as he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to rinse away sweat.

"So, are we going to go through with this?" Kirk asked aloud as he wiped the water out of his hair. He watched the dirt flowing down the drain.

"Yes," Spock said.

"It might not do any good. I wonder if A'sharon is going to keep her promise."

"Your concern is relevant. Yet, doing as she requests…."

Kirk's anger rose, and he interrupted. "Dammit, Spock. She's forcing us to have sex!" He was hoping to get some kind of reaction from the Vulcan.

Spock ran his long fingers over his right leg, refusing to look up. Kirk watched the slender body as the Vulcan straightened finally and wiped water from his eyes. There was nothing between them. No shower walls, no curtains—nothing. They were together, nude, and soon they would have to fuck each other. Kirk swallowed.

You want this.

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes. I see no reason for your agitation. If it saves our lives…."

"It might not."

"It may give the Enterprise the time she needs to find us, Jim," Spock said, and finally lifted his head to meet his captain's gaze. Kirk saw determination there and not an ounce of fear. Would Spock actually go through with this?

"If we do not follow her orders, we may…."

Horrible visions appeared in Kirk's mind, clear as day.

She would torture Spock and use Klingon painsticks or—even worse—mind-probes that would drive a telepathic Vulcan insane…. He could see Spock screaming from the pain, losing control, going crazy. Kirk couldn't allow that to happen. He would never forgive himself if that brilliant, shining soul were damaged.

"All right," Kirk said. "So, we go through with it?"

"Yes."

"You seem very at ease with the situation, Spock," Kirk said. He was puzzled by the Vulcan's ready acceptance.

"We do not have much of a choice, Jim. The situation will not improve by my refusal to cooperate. We must comply with A'sharon's demands, unless you have a more efficient plan," Spock said patiently.

"I don't."

Forcing the unpleasant thoughts away, Kirk ran his fingers over his chest. The water was clean, and he could have stayed forever. Watching, and trying not to watch Spock, was heaven and hell, both at the same time.

How could he possibly make this ordeal as painless as possible for both of them? Would A'sharon decide who would do what first?

Kirk would prefer Spock to take him first, for—god help him—he knew that he could go through with it, because he actually wanted Spock. He would have no trouble fucking his first officer. Kirk swallowed. But if Spock wasn't able to…perform, they'd both die anyway. If he made sure Spock was first, he could at least spare his friend the humiliation of being fucked in front of that Klingon bitch.

Kirk fought the sensation of warmth pooling in his gut at the thought of Spock…doing that…to him. He was growing hard at the mere thought.

Disgusted with himself, Kirk stepped out of the shower, turning away from Spock. He snatched one of the small towels left there by the guard, drying himself quickly. How did Spock feel about this? He turned the question over and over again.

"Spock…" he began.

"Yes, Jim."

Kirk glanced over at Spock, who seemed completely unselfconscious as he dried himself. Even now, gaunt from lack of food and with his usually neat hair tousled and damp, Spock was tall, muscular, and absolutely beautiful.

"I…."

Kirk was interrupted as the doors opened, and a guard handed them clean clothes. The moment was lost, and he couldn't believe he had let it slip away. Cursing inwardly, he pulled on the black trousers and the cream-colored tunic. Spock was efficient, too, and still the guard barked impatiently.

"Move," he said and waved the disrupter at them. They were both ushered out of the shower stalls and through a short corridor. Kirk was getting mightily tired of being bossed around, but there was nothing they could do about it. Moments later they stepped into another room, where A'sharon waited for them. Spock first. Kirk thought he still looked tired, but at least he was clean. Kirk realized that being clean would make Spock more calm and focused. Being filthy was something the Vulcan abhorred.

"I have been waiting impatiently for you. Join me," A'sharon ordered.

Stiffly, Kirk moved to sit at the round table. The room seemed very much like a dungeon. The walls were a dark kind of rock, and torches on the walls lit up the place. As soon as they were seated, the guards stood around them, weapons at the ready.

"I apologize," she said unnecessarily. "Having guards at the table is rude, I am aware of that, but you know the reason for their presence."

"Indeed," Spock commented dryly. "You are fearful that we will attack you, overpower you, murder you, and then attempt to escape this structure."

"I…."

"You are perfectly correct, of course," Spock continued as if he hadn't noticed A'sharon's attempt at speaking.

She remained silent for a moment. "I had forgotten Vulcans' habit of always pointing out the obvious," she commented icily. "Do you not find that an annoying habit in your first officer, Captain?"

"Spock is the best first officer in Starfleet, and his honesty is one of his most valuable traits," Kirk said.

"We shall eat," A'sharon said and called for food.

Young slave-boys of different species entered, filling the table with what were probably considered Klingon delicacies.

Kirk's stomach rumbled. He felt weak and ravenous. Even the ra'cht and the gagh seemed tempting at this point.

"I suggest we eat, Captain," Spock commented when Kirk didn't move to taste the food.

"I assure you, it isn't poisonous." A'sharon laughed and dug in.

Obviously, she enjoyed the meal, but her table manners left a lot to be desired. Her face showed utter bliss as she tasted several of the dishes on the table. Watching her eat with her fingers, Kirk couldn't help wondering if she had taken a shower, too. He doubted it. She poured herself a glass of Klingon blood wine and shot him a toothy grin.

"Would you care for a taste, Captain?" she asked.

Kirk shook his head. Klingon Blood wine on an empty stomach was a bad idea. Especially if A'sharon still insisted that he and Spock…. Kirk let the thought trail into nothing. He didn't want to think about it. He could think of nothing else.

Thoughts of Spock as a sexual being were something he avoided. Long ago, he had realized he could be attracted to his first officer, but he had consciously tried not to think about it. Never before, though, had that attraction been brought into the open this way. A'sharon's crude words still rang in his mind.

"…if the stoic Vulcan loses control while you fuck him…is he on top all the time?…give a decent blowjob after practicing on a double ridged Vulcan cock for so long…."

A'sharon's smile told Kirk she knew what he was thinking. The way her dark eyes seemed to know his every thought and every feeling unnerved him.

"Eat, Captain. You'll need your strength later tonight. I had planned for you and Spock to provide this evening's entertainment. Perhaps I will keep you for more than a day if you come through for me…."

Kirk ignored her comments, as did Spock, who was already eating one of the few vegetarian dishes on the table. Kirk loathed following the Klingon's command, but he knew he had to eat. So he did, despite the fact that the water tasted strange and made him feel weak. Kirk didn't remember the last time he had drunk water that didn't taste like it was polluted.

The food could just as well have been field rations. Spock seemed to, if not enjoy it, at least not dislike the meal. Kirk sometimes envied the Vulcan's ability to focus on one thing at a time. He was quite sure Spock's mind didn't even touch the subject of what they were about to be forced to do.

"That's enough," A'sharon said suddenly, and the boys who had served the food came back and took it away.

¯¯¯

No matter how prepared Kirk thought he was, the sight of A'sharon lying on a divan made him shiver with unease. She looked at them both with a gaze he knew all too well. Despite her condescending attitude, Kirk knew she found them both attractive, and she was going to enjoy this spectacle.

"We will get through this, Captain," the Vulcan said, and Kirk turned his head to Spock, standing next to him. Kirk felt an overwhelming sense of fondness and gratitude for Spock at the words. He spoke so calmly and he was giving support in every way he knew how.

They were standing in front of A'sharon's divan, with the guards behind them. The room was the most beautiful one Kirk had seen so far. Of course, A'sharon would want to be comfortable when watching them….

Kirk willed himself to relax. He wanted Spock, he couldn't deny it, and he'd be damned if he were going to feel guilty for his desire. There was nothing he could do to stop A'sharon's plans. Spock knew that, and so did he.

"Get those clothes off," A'sharon barked.

Finally as calm as he could get, Kirk watched Spock pulling the black shirt out of his pants. Transfixed, he followed the Vulcan's long-fingered hands as they undid each button. He couldn't help drinking in the sight of the naked skin and the firmly sculpted musculature that was slowly revealed.

God, Spock, I want you.

He looked up, but the Vulcan's eyes were closed. What was going on in Spock's mind right now? Was he scared, angry, disgusted or just determined? Would this ruin their friendship? Damn A'sharon to the deepest hells. Spock means more to me than any other person. If I lose his friendship, it'll kill me.

"You too," A'sharon ordered.

Kirk started. He'd forgotten that he was supposed to get out of his own clothes. Watching Spock….

Maybe he should tell A'sharon that he would rather die than do this? But that would mean Spock's death as well. Wouldn't he rather lose his friend's respect than see him die from A'sharon's torture?

Yes.

Kirk closed his eyes for a moment, trying to will away his erection, but why should he fight it? Spock would notice soon enough, and Kirk thought that perhaps he should be grateful that he was able to get hard. Or else they would die.

The Vulcan's hands were steady and Kirk lifted his head to meet the dark gaze. To his relief, there was nothing but acceptance and calm in Spock's eyes.

"You must begin, Captain," Spock said, and Kirk was torn out of his jumbled thoughts. He shook his head.

"No, Spock. You have to begin…." But he was unable to explain to his first officer why he wanted it that way.

Kirk couldn't tell Spock that he actually wanted this, and that he could never forgive himself if he fucked Spock and the Vulcan ended up hating him for it.

But if Spock began, if Spock was able to go through with it…what did that mean? Something nagged at Kirk's mind. Something about Vulcans…but the thought slipped from him, illusive.

A'sharon snorted, "Isn't this cute? I don't care who starts fucking who, but since you two are acting like human gentlemen…" the word was spat out like an insult, "I suppose I'll have to decide."

Her words were cut off by a strange, familiar sensation. Kirk straightened as he met A'sharon's gaze. Her eyes blazed with fury, and a satisfied grin spread on his lips. She wouldn't get what she wanted, and that pleased him no end. The feeling intensified, gripping him—it was a transporter beam. He turned his head toward Spock, watching the almost naked form dissolving.

Kirk had never been so relieved and so disappointed in his life. As they materialized on the transporter platform, he couldn't stay on his feet. Spock's arms went around him in a supportive grip.

"Blast that fucking underground complex to hell!" Kirk whispered angrily, knowing his orders for once wouldn't be followed.

¯¯¯

PART TWO

Kirk awakened feeling disoriented. He blinked against the bright light and at Nurse Chapel's face hovering over him. Oh, so he was in sickbay?

"Captain, you're awake." The relief in Chapel's voice was obvious. He tried to move, but a splitting headache and a bout of nausea made him change his mind.

"What…."

"We've been cleaning mercury out of your system for almost twenty-four hours," Nurse Chapel explained. "I'll go fetch Dr. McCoy." She was gone before Kirk could say anything, but he didn't have to wait long before McCoy showed at his bedside.

"Sleeping Beauty—awake at last," the doctor teased. "I was starting to worry that this thick skull of yours had taken permanent damage."

"What did you do to me?"

"What do you mean?" McCoy said.

"You sedated me!"

"Well," McCoy squirmed a little. "If I hadn't, you'd have gone off to the bridge and stayed there until you dropped. You had a load of mercury in your system. I had to get rid of it."

"Mercury?"

"Probably from the water."

"So that's what it was. It tasted funny, that's for sure. And you couldn't have told me this?"

McCoy didn't answer and Kirk sighed. That doctor just knew him too well.

"Bones, just give me the status of the ship."

"Uh-uh, no shoptalk yet. You've just woken up from being comatose. The Silver Lady will have to make do without you for another day or so."

"Dammit, Bones. Just tell me what's going on. What happened to A'sharon and her people? Where's Spock? How did you find us?"

Bones sighed impatiently. "All right, all right. I should have known. We found you because Scotty upgraded the sensors and managed to penetrate the shielding of the Klingon complex."

"How did you find out we were there?"

"I don't know exactly, but Scotty said something about Sulu beating the crap out of a Klingon he ran into at a bar on Starbase Four."

"I guess Starfleet wasn't too happy about you going into Klingon territory, eh?"

"Starfleet? No. But they took it a whole lot better than the Klingon High Council did, I can tell you that," McCoy said dryly.

Kirk laughed but stopped when it resulted in a coughing fit.

"Damn," he groaned. "How long will I have to stay here?"

"Another day or so," Bones replied.

"And where's Spock?"

Bones looked away. "He's running the ship while you rest, so don't you worry. If A'sharon is out there, he'll find her."

Spock had of course been cleared for duty long before Kirk, and the Vulcan hadn't even shown up in sickbay to brief him. That was unheard of.

After a day cooped up in too-close proximity to McCoy and another blood-filtering, Kirk was ready to explode. Just finding out that A'sharon had escaped was driving him nuts.

"Dammit, Bones. There's nothing wrong with me. Just let me out of here!"

A grunt was the only reply he got. Kirk sighed heavily. The nausea was gone and so was the headache. He felt tired and slightly weak, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

"There are still traces of mercury in your bloodstream, Jim. I'm not letting you out of here before I've gotten rid of it. A few more days in A'sharon's loving care and the water could have killed you. I've no idea how you managed to stay on your feet for so long."

"I'm a lot tougher than you give me credit for," Kirk groused.

"I don't give a flying fuck what you think, Jim! I'm the doctor, and you'd better just let me do my job."

Kirk knew his friend had probably been worried sick for both him and Spock. After all, they'd been gone for a week without contacting the ship

"If I've managed to purge your system of another twenty percent of the mercury by tomorrow, I'm going to let you out of here to rest in your own quarters. But you won't be back on the bridge for another couple of days. You hear me?" McCoy's voice was softer, but Kirk recognized the steel beneath and fell back on the bed, defeated.

"Try to get some sleep, Jim," McCoy said, as he walked out of the relative seclusion of the private room.

The lights lowered at McCoy's command and Kirk shut his eyes. He immediately regretted it. Memories from the Klingon ship came over him, and he opened his eyes again. Kirk knew McCoy would be there in a flash if he indicated he needed to talk, but he really didn't want to.

I want to know what's going on. Why hasn't he shown up in sickbay to brief me? I want the details on A'sharon's escape.

Kirk stopped. He knew that wasn't all. He needed to know that he and Spock were all right.

Spock, damn you. Where are you? You're the one I need to talk to!

Spock had probably meditated his way through this ordeal. Others might believe that the Vulcan hadn't been affected, but Kirk knew better. Beneath that calm, cool exterior, Spock was vulnerable, too. Unfortunately, he wasn't likely to talk about what had happened. Maybe that was why Spock was avoiding him?

¯¯¯

As Kirk was on the edge of dozing off, he sensed something outside his private cubicle. When his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, he saw movement in the corridor. He could discern a tall, dark figure in the shadows.

Of course, it was Spock, looking at Kirk with an indecipherable expression on his face.

As soon as Kirk realized the Vulcan was there, the lithe figure disappeared into the darkness of ship's night.

"Spock!" he whispered harshly. His voice was strangely weak, as if it, too, was strained from exhaustion. He got out of bed and tried to shout. "Spock!" but the word came out as a hoarse whisper. He was sweating and breathing heavily. He hadn't realized just how weak he still was. Sometimes he envied the Vulcan's healing capabilities and his strength.

"Captain. What are you doing out of bed? You still require bed rest."

Relief washed over Kirk when he heard the Vulcan's deep voice only a few feet away. He met the dark, compassionate gaze. At least Spock didn't hate him. He hadn't even realized that he'd been worried about that.

"I need to talk to you."

"At this hour?" Spock said disapprovingly, but his voice was a soft murmur.

"I saw you. Why are you avoiding me?"

The Vulcan averted his gaze.

"I shall help you back into bed," Spock said, ignoring the question.

"Dammit, Spock. I don't need your help!"

Anger flared suddenly, hotly in Kirk at the Vulcan's dismissal. He pushed himself from the wall and climbed back into bed unsteadily. He didn't want to be touched and shrugged the Vulcan's hand off his shoulder. Suddenly he didn't want Spock there. Talking to him seemed much less important now. Kirk had forgotten how cold and unapproachable Spock could be when he wanted. But two could play at that game.

"Please, Jim. Let me help you."

"Why should you want to? I haven't seen you around sickbay the entire time I've been confined here. What's with this sudden care?" Kirk spat, and he hated himself for the vulnerability in his voice. He sounded like a disappointed child. God, he hated this. He hated the weakness, he hated the guilt, he hated the distance and the coldness in the Vulcan's eyes moments ago. But he also hated the pity and concern he could see now. He didn't want to be pitied, especially not by Spock.

"I…apologize, Captain, for not seeing you in sickbay. I believed that our spending some time separately would make our…experiences on Praxis easier to deal with. I regret it if I was mistaken."

"We need to talk, Spock."

"You should rest. You are still weak from the mercury poisoning."

Kirk knew better than to push, but he was disappointed. It hurt to realize that Spock had been avoiding him.

Spock turned to leave, but paused in the doorway, hesitating. Then the gaze became warmer. "I am…gratified that you are feeling better."

Kirk couldn't help flashing a weak smile at Spock. Perhaps they would talk after all. But not now. Not yet.

"As am I, Spock. As am I. Will I see you tomorrow?" Kirk asked.

"We shall see."

Kirk watched him go, and soon the black-clad figure was one with the shadows in the corridor.

¯¯¯

The next day, McCoy released him to rest in his quarters, and late in the afternoon Kirk awakened to the sound of the door chime. He sat and rubbed sleep from his eyes.

"Come."

The person who stepped inside his quarters was the one he had wanted to see since he woke up that morning.

"Spock."

The Vulcan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, not meeting his gaze. Still, he was a sight for sore eyes.

Kirk pushed himself up to lean against the wall, feeling a little cold and dizzy. No doubt the effects of the mercury poisoning. He crossed his legs at the ankles and waited.

Spock had regained some of his weight and was no longer so painfully thin. He wasn't so pale, and his eyes were clear. Vulcans certainly handled poison better than humans did

"You wished to speak with me, Captain?" Spock said.

"I want a status report," Kirk said, thinking that perhaps the other would loosen up if they started out with business. "Sit down."

Spock hesitated, but eventually he sat on the chair beside the bed, folding his hands in his lap.

His first words came hesitantly. "We are following a weak warp-trail from the vessel in which A'sharon escaped. Mr. Scott has been working to boost the sensors and I believe that we will catch up with her in approximately twenty-six point one hours."

Kirk frowned. He'd been out of the loop for two days and they still weren't closer than that? "How did she get so far ahead of us?"

"Mr. Scott transferred all power to the transporters and the short-range scanners in his attempt to rescue us from the underground complex. The sensors did not pick up the escaping vessel immediately."

"I see, but when they did, why didn't the Enterprise go into pursuit right away?" Kirk felt disappointed. They'd been so close to capturing A'sharon, and destroying this Golden Dust operation and now….

"Engineering managed to transfer the power back to the essential systems in four point six hours. However, the inertial dampers were inoperable—"

"How did that happen?" Kirk couldn't stop himself from asking, and sat up straighter, watching Spock intently.

He should know that Spock would give him all the information necessary in due time, but the Vulcan lifted a patient eyebrow and responded to his question.

"The Enterprise was engaged in battle with a Klingon scoutship only hours before A'sharon escaped. Mr. Scott managed to destroy it, but not before the dampers were disabled."

"Damn," Kirk muttered to himself. With the dampers off line there was no way the ship could have gone into warp.

"It took the crew fourteen point five hours to correct the problem. By then, the warp-trail had weakened."

"And we haven't been able to catch up with them?"

"We nearly lost A'sharon's trail," Spock explained patiently. "I am certain she knows we are stalking her. She is flying at her ship's top warp speed and it is close to our maximum speed. However, my estimates are that she cannot keep doing so for much longer. A'sharon's craft is not capable of sustaining such high velocity for more than four standard days. Those days are coming to an end."

"That's good," Kirk said and returned to his relaxed position on the bed.

At least they hadn't lost her. Spock had done a good job. Kirk was satisfied, knowing that even in a crisis he could trust his crew to perform their duties to the best of their ability. Of course, he knew that already. They'd pulled through too many times for him not to. And he could always trust Spock to take care of both ship and crew when the captain couldn't be there.

Kirk was unable to stop the warmth from flooding his eyes. Spock noticed and swallowed hard. Eventually, the Vulcan looked down at his hands.

"What about Starfleet Command? What orders have they given us?" Kirk said, his voice more curt than he meant. Spock's obvious reluctance to meet his eyes hurt more than he expected.

"We are to apprehend A'sharon…." Spock seemed to hesitate.

"What?"

"We have been ordered to cooperate with the IKC baHwI and her commander, Korasz."

Kirk sighed. Not quite able to keep the disbelief from his voice, he said, "Starfleet has ordered us to cooperate with the Klingons?"

"Yes. I have begun initial contact with Commander Korasz," Spock explained. "He is impatient. Having the Enterprise in Klingon space so close to the home world made the council…uncomfortable."

"I can imagine," Kirk said dryly.

Kirk got out of bed and started pacing. His body was suddenly coursing with nervous energy, but he soon sat on the bed. Spock was quiet. Kirk smiled crookedly. How typical of Spock to wait for his nervousness to dissipate. By god, the Vulcan knew him too well.

"Why do they want our help?" Kirk said eventually.

Some of Spock's tension seemed to bleed out of him. Kirk knew there was more to his friend's discomfiture than just reluctance to tell his captain about the forced truce with the Klingons, but it saddened him to see Spock acting so awkwardly around him. Not even during, or after, the pon farr had Spock been so…jumpy. But this was no time to discuss their personal problems, so Kirk waited patiently for the rest of Spock's report.

"A'sharon has been exposed, her facility closed down and some of the people from her sect have been brought to Qo'Nos for trial."

"But not all?"

"No, she, of course, and several of her men managed to escape. The members of the Klingon High Council have been trying to apprehend her for a very long time, and I believe that the information of her whereabouts has…dishonored them and made them look incompetent. A'sharon has, in essence, been operating 'right under their noses….’"

Kirk smiled at the colloquialism. It sounded unfamiliar coming from his correct first officer.

"…for quite some time. They are not pleased with this revelation. They are eager to help us pursue and capture A'sharon and punish her accordingly."

"I can see why," Kirk agreed thoughtfully. "This must be a slap in the face. If the situation weren't so grim, I'd say it served them right." He didn't even try to hide his distaste for the High Council's incompetence. The fact that A'sharon had been operating so close to the home world was incredible. Spock knew exactly how he felt, but Spock would also know that they would both have to put their dislike aside in the line of duty.

"The Klingons have promised to work with the Federation to catch A'sharon and the remaining members of the quvQu sect. Klingons abhor drugs, and Golden Dust is one of the worst drugs created in many years."
 

"All right," Kirk continued, sighing. "Starfleet orders us to cooperate with Korasz, so cooperate we will. Where is he now?"

"He is moving towards our position, but while we are moving at maximum speed, the baHwI will be unable to catch up with the Enterprise."

"And we can't afford to wait," Kirk stated matter-of-factly.

There didn't seem to be much he could do. The Enterprise would pursue A'sharon's vessel with Scotty or Spock on the bridge just as easily as it would with him commanding.

Kirk hated to admit that it was a good thing he wasn't indispensable, for he also knew that Bones was right—he had to get well. He'd take the opportunity to rest and prepare for the meeting with A'sharon while he waited. Meanwhile, he and Spock had more personal matters they needed to address.

With that, he decided that Spock's debriefing was concluded. Knowing that it was up to him to get them talking, Kirk rose and walked over to Spock. His palms were damp, and he swallowed. Why was it suddenly so difficult to be close to this man? Still, he didn't stop until he was standing so close that he could feel heat radiating off the warmer-than-human body. The tension was instantly back in Spock's body

It almost seemed as though Spock were afraid of him. It had been years since Spock had been formal with him, years since the Vulcan hadn't called him Jim in private, it had even been years since he had shied away from Kirk's touch or his closeness.

Had A'sharon destroyed everything? Not only their friendship, but their innocence as well? Kirk suddenly wished the truth had never been revealed. Everything was so much easier before he had realized that he wanted Spock.

The attraction was certainly physical, but it was more than that. It was the lure of a truly intimate relationship.

Kirk forced himself to move closer, to push through the barrier that had been erected between them since Praxis. Breaking that barrier meant going back and mending the comfortable friendship they used to have. He valued the security and loyalty their connection incorporated: the friendship and the humor, their quiet evenings while playing chess, or the intense arguments they sometimes had.

Spock was intelligent and stood his own ground, and he was one of the few people around Kirk who really dared oppose him. He could remember many topics on which they didn't agree, but also how they could always discuss even those matters.

He didn't want to lose that, but most of all he didn't want to lose Spock.

Now, the Vulcan seemed like the ice block Bones sometimes accused him of being.

"Do I disgust you so, Spock?" he asked softly.

The Vulcan didn't move, nor did he say anything. Kirk closed his eyes, not wanting to see the coldness he feared was in Spock's gaze.

"Is our friendship in shambles because of what A'sharon did to us?" Kirk whispered and finally had to step away from his friend. He couldn't stand it if Spock loathed having him so close. "Can we talk about this?" Kirk continued, hoping that Spock wouldn't keep denying him an answer. He couldn't force Spock to speak, but he made himself look into the other's eyes again, waiting with a patience he didn't truly feel.

Spock's face wasn't filled with disgust as Kirk had expected. There was pain in the Vulcan's eyes. Kirk swallowed.

Pain. But why?

"What is there to talk about, Captain?" Spock said finally. "There is nothing we can say or do to change what happened on Praxis. I do not understand why we must dwell on such an unpleasant experience."

"Is that your final word, Mr. Spock?" Kirk said, and knew that he, too, was adept at hiding his true feelings if he had to—or so he'd thought. The memory of how A'sharon had seen right through him made him waver.

Just then, a subtle change in the Vulcan's facial expression caught his eye. What was it? Kirk had had years learning to decipher the changes in Spock's features. He didn't think there was another person in the universe able to read Spock the way he could, and yet right now…it was difficult. What had the passing emotion across Spock's face been? Had it been disgust, shame or denial? What? Could it have been fear?

"If I ask you to please talk to me about this, would you?" Kirk asked softly.

Something in Spock's eyes told him that he had to press just a little bit harder, push just a bit more, and maybe he would get through. He had to make the Vulcan realize that they had to talk about this or it would fester, become an ugly infection. Silence would spread through their friendship and eventually cause its death.

"You are my captain. There is nothing I would not do if duty required it of me."

That response hurt more than anything else Spock could have said. Swallowing hard, Kirk fought off a sense of futility. Had he already lost the person who meant more to him than anyone else?

"And what if it isn't Captain Kirk who is asking you to talk?" he continued quietly. "What if it's Jim, your friend?"

Spock seemed trapped. His knuckles turned white, gripping the armrests. For some reason, that gesture gave Kirk hope.

"What do you wish to talk about, Jim?" Spock said, his voice raspy with emotions he couldn't seem to hold back.

Kirk relaxed. Somehow he had managed to reach Spock, and maybe they could get past this. But how?

Was Spock so ashamed of what A'sharon had demanded from them? Or was he disgusted by the idea that Kirk actually wanted him?

Spock must know exactly how much Kirk had wanted him that day, despite the circumstances.

"I want to talk about what happened between us on Praxis, Spock."

"There is no reason to discuss the matter," Spock said stubbornly, not meeting his gaze.

"Yes, there is," Kirk protested, gripping the armrests of the chair, looming over Spock, causing their hands to brush lightly.

Spock inhaled as if the touch was painful, and his face was mere inches from Kirk's. He held Spock's gaze—he could be just as stubborn—and this was far too important to let go.

"We must talk about it. Our friendship depends on it. Everything depends on it!"

"What you are saying is that you wish to speak of how I shamed myself, and how I tainted our friendship with emotions that have no place between us!" Spock said and shot out of the chair, pushing Kirk aside so fast that he had no time to react. He was taken aback by the disgust in Spock's deep brown eyes, by the absolute horror and self-loathing there.

Spock must be very distraught to be showing his emotions so openly, but before Kirk was able to deny the misunderstanding between them, Spock had bolted from the room.

Shocked by Spock's outburst, Kirk was unable to move. The Vulcan was always logical and Kirk had never seen him acting or thinking so irrationally….

Spock had said something so completely illogical that Kirk had to stop and think. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what Spock meant. His words brought Kirk back to that moment when they both thought they were going to have to go through with the sexual act.

Spock had been calm, centered. He had even encouraged Kirk. Reliving the memory, he wondered if he hadn't seen more than just acceptance in Spock's eyes. Had there been a hint of anticipation as well? Had they both secretly wanted this forced encounter? No wonder Spock was blaming himself. It was just like him to take the blame for something he couldn't control. Kirk wasn't surprised that Spock resented the feelings once they surfaced and made him do things he normally wouldn't. Rushing to Spock's cabin before making some decisions on his own was of no use.

Suddenly, his mouth was very dry. Kirk brought out a bottle of scotch and poured himself a drink. He grimaced at the burning sensation as the amber liquid slid
 

down his throat, but he knew that no matter what he decided, at least Spock cared for him, very much indeed. Whatever his decision about their future, he must let Spock know that the reverse was also true.
 

¯¯¯

Early next morning, Kirk was torn from his deep sleep by the sound of yellow alert klaxons blaring through the corridors. Reflexively, Kirk got dressed, and stopped dead in his tracks just as he was about to leave his cabin. He thought he would go mad. McCoy would have his head if he went to the bridge now.

"Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk."

"Yeah, Bones, I'm here. I'm not going."

The doctor chuckled knowingly. "I was just about to offer to go with you, to make sure you don't over exert yourself. Put your uniform on."

Relief washed over Kirk at the physician's words and he didn't bother trying to keep it from his voice. "Thanks, Bones."

The doors to Kirk's quarters slid open to reveal the physician waiting in the corridor outside.

"All right, Captain, let's go."

Together they strode to the turbolift. The ride felt twice as long as usual. When the doors finally slid apart and Kirk could step onto the bridge, he felt like he'd finally come home. It had been over two weeks since he'd sat in the command chair. Two long, agonizing weeks. Some of the aches and pains just drained away when Spock turned the command chair to see who had just entered.

"Captain," he said calmly, as if there were nothing amiss between them.

Kirk smiled into the dark brown eyes. Spock rose and offered the chair to him. With a look at Bones, who nodded, Kirk slid into it. He touched the armrests fondly, reveling in the feel of the soft leather, and rejoicing in the fact that he was back on the bridge.

"Should we leave you two alone, Captain?" McCoy quipped.

"What?" Kirk didn't realize what the doctor meant until he looked pointedly at Kirk's hands, still moving across the armrests as if they were the soft skin of a lover. He blushed and stopped.

"Mr. Spock. Report," he said curtly and ignored the chuckle coming from McCoy. Spock had taken his place at the science station, and was now studying the readouts.

"The vessel we are pursuing seems to have…vanished, Captain," Spock informed him.

"Vanished?" Kirk leaned forward. "How could that happen? Mr. Chekov?"

"Unknown, sir. The sensors are no longer picking up a varp signature. Ve have been following it steadily, but here it just…ends, keptin," Chekov responded.

"Keep scanning."

"Yes, sir."

Three hours later, no trace of A'sharon's vessel could be found. Kirk's body was rigid with tension, and a dull ache throbbed behind his eyelids. Staring at the screen for so long, only seeing blackness, was wearing him down, and still he didn't want to leave. He felt as if by staying, he could make the lost ship appear by force of will.

"If you don't leave now, Jim, I'm gonna drag you back to sickbay and have you stay there for another week," McCoy threatened.

Kirk sighed and rubbed his eyes. "All right, Bones. I'm leaving."

"Good."

He looked at Spock, but the Vulcan still leaned over the science station with his back turned. It seemed he wasn't even going to acknowledge that the captain was leaving. Kirk wouldn't have it, and he stepped from the center seat to put his hand on Spock's iron-hard shoulder. The Vulcan could seem standoffish and cold to a lot of people, but Kirk had never seen him so tense.

"Spock."

The Vulcan finally met his gaze.

"Yes, Captain."

"I'll see you later."

Spock didn't reply. Kirk hadn't expected him to, so with a nod, he left the bridge with McCoy.

¯¯¯

"Spock?"

Again, Kirk heard the door chime ring inside the Vulcan's quarters. Impatiently, he banged at the door when it was ignored yet again. Since Spock refused to come to him, it was Kirk's move. "Come on, Spock! Open the door. We have to talk…."

Kirk knew that Spock would let him in if he kept pleading like that. Anyone who heard the captain practically begging to be let into the first officer's quarters would have a scoop as far as the scuttlebutt went on the Enterprise, and Spock detested it when gossip included him. Kirk had no qualms about using that to his advantage.

Still, he was unprepared when the door slid open and he could step inside. Spock turned from him immediately.

"Speak," Spock said curtly.

He didn't invite Kirk to sit or even to come further into the room. A couple of hours had passed since Spock had come off his duty shift, and he was still aloof.

"I should have come sooner," Kirk said.

"There is no need to apologize, Captain. I was not expecting you."

"Perhaps you should have. Can I sit?"

Spock arched an eyebrow before nodding.

Kirk stepped further into the room and sat on the chair next to Spock's desk. He crossed his legs, trying to relax. The Vulcan remained standing.

"I don't want you to talk at all right now, Spock. I just want you to listen to what I have to say, all right?"

Spock turned his back to Kirk and went into the sleeping area. He was dressed in his black meditation robe and seemed even more intimidating than usual.

This wasn't going to be easy, but nothing really worth anything was ever easy. He waited for Spock's reply and rubbed his hands together, noticing how sweaty his palms were.

After a few moments, Spock turned toward him and nodded.

"I shall listen to what you have to say, Captain."

"First, would you please go back to calling me Jim? We're friends, remember? This isn't an official visit."

At that, the Vulcan seemed to tense even more.

"Very well—Jim," he said pointedly.

Kirk looked down at his hands and cleared his throat. How to begin?

"I don't want you to blame yourself for what happened on Praxis, Spock. Neither you nor I could stop what A'sharon nearly forced us to do. The mercury poisoning weakened us both, and even healthy, you and I couldn't have taken on the guards alone. You know that."

"That is not…."

"No, Spock," Kirk said and held up his hand. Spock silenced immediately. "I know you desired me, and it's all right."

All right? That was an understatement, Kirk.

"You shocked me in my quarters last night—and I will never forget what you said to me." He contemplated what to say to make Spock truly understand. This was probably the most important thing he would say in his life. He must get it right.

"I want you to listen to me and listen very carefully. You haven't tainted our friendship in any way. We were forced into that situation and it revealed some things that neither of us had expected, but I don't think I'm wrong when I say that those feelings weren't new for you."

Spock averted his eyes, and slowly moved over to the fire-shrine, looking into it as though it held all the answers he would need. Kirk remained seated, trying to find the right words. His heart constricted when he saw the incredible tension in the Vulcan's tall body. He must make sure Spock knew there was no reason for shame or guilt.

"There's nothing wrong with what you feel, Spock," he said softly, but realized that was probably not the right thing to say. He had felt shamed, too, by A'sharon's words, her actions, and the way she had described the rumors about their relationship. She had made their feelings sound like something they should be ashamed of. "Maybe there was something wrong in feeling the way we did under the circumstances."

Spock turned his gaze from the fire-shrine and looked at him quizzically. Kirk sighed, feeling weary. "I'm not doing this very well, am I?" Impatiently, he ran his fingers through his hair. He rose and started pacing in front of Spock's desk. He couldn't sit still. Spock's dark eyes followed him for each step, and Kirk felt like he would break apart. He wanted to do this right, but damn, it was difficult. He moved further away from Spock, hoping that some physical distance between them would make it easier for him to think.

"What I'm trying to say is that A'sharon turned what we feel for each other into something dirty, when it isn't. What you feel for me isn't wrong or something to fear, Spock." Kirk paused and the words he uttered next came so easily. "I feel the same way about you."

Their eyes met across the room for a long moment and held. It felt as though they were closer now than they had been in days, and yet, Spock's entire cabin separated them. Kirk took one step closer to the Vulcan, and then another. Something flickered in Spock's eyes. Warmth. And Kirk then realized just how painful Spock's distance might be. Still, he felt as though Spock hadn't truly listened.

"Didn't you understand that? Didn't you see how much I wanted you, despite A'sharon, despite the circumstances?" Kirk waited for Spock to answer, but the Vulcan remained silent, as though he was trying to make sense of Kirk's words. There was pain and a quiet, hesitant hope in the dark eyes. With a wry smile Kirk said, "You can answer that if you want, Spock."

"No," the Vulcan said. "No, I did not realize the desire was mutual. I have never suspected that it was." Spock tilted his head. "Is it true?"

Now what was he going to do? If he admitted the truth, he would have to prove that he meant what he said, and that was impossible.

"Wait," Kirk said and held his hand out to the Vulcan, who was slowly moving closer. Spock froze only inches away. The dark eyes looked at him expectantly, and Kirk felt like the lowliest worm. After all that Spock had gone through in his life…he didn't deserve this. T'Pring had rejected him, and now Kirk was about to do the same.

"Spock," he said softly, apologetically. "We can't do this. I want you, too, never doubt that, but…."

Spock's eyes narrowed, and Kirk winced as the Vulcan started talking. "But I do doubt it, Jim. I believe that you are saying this to alleviate the shame I feel." Spock's voice was very cold. "You do not wish to lose my friendship or 'the best first officer in the 'fleet.’"

Kirk could detect the bitterness and the pain in the Vulcan's voice. Spock was hurt, or he wouldn't talk this way. The deep voice went on. "You are afraid that I will transfer off the Enterprise if I realize that your emotions for me do not include…desire and…." Spock cut himself off.

Normally, Kirk would never stand for such unfair accusations, but all he could feel was need rising inside when he saw the way Spock reacted because he believed that James Kirk didn't…love him? Kirk stepped into the Vulcan's personal space. So close that he could feel warmth emanating from Spock.

"You're right, I don't want to lose you and it scares the shit out of me, thinking that what's happened might convince you to transfer off the Enterprise. But you're also wrong," he said calmly. "You are so very wrong, Spock."

"Am I?"

"Damn it—you're always the one telling me to be logical! I'm trying to be just that. You know how Starfleet frowns upon sexual liaisons between their officers."

"I do. I am also aware of many such partnerships, which are not addressed by the powers that be, Jim."

"It's not the same thing. You're my first officer. That's different. You know it is."

"Indeed," Spock said ironically. "I am also male."

It seemed Spock was determined not to believe that his feelings were reciprocated. Or perhaps it was only that Spock truly didn't believe they were. He had been rejected so many times in his life. He didn't know what it was like to be truly loved—by anyone. And it was clear he wouldn't believe it now. Not without a demonstration.

Kirk couldn't give into that. He would be utterly lost if he gave Spock what he wanted. For some reason Kirk couldn't determine, losing control with Spock was the most dangerous thing he could ever do.

"Your being male has nothing to do with it, Spock," Kirk said.

"Then perhaps it is the fact that I am Vulcan that frightens you, Jim."

Kirk swallowed.

"A relationship with me would be a commitment for life," Spock finished.

The thought hadn't occurred to Kirk until then. He had only been vaguely aware of something he had overlooked and that something had scared him. Now he knew; Vulcans mated for life, they bonded, and a chill traveled down his spine at the very thought.

Committed for life.

Kirk met Spock's knowing eyes. Feeling defeated, and as though he hadn't made any difference, Kirk left Spock's quarters.

¯¯¯

The following days were spent attempting to track down A'sharon's vessel with no luck.

"Klingon wessel decloaking," Chekov reported.

"It is the IKC baHwI," Spock clarified.

"Open a channel," Kirk ordered.

"Captain Kirk," grunted a broad-shouldered Klingon with little hair. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Commander Korasz of the IKC BaHwI."

"Pleased to meet you, Commander," Kirk replied, feeling like a real hypocrite.

"Captain?" Spock said questioningly, and Kirk nodded in response.

Don't worry, Spock. I'll be good, his glance at the first officer said.

It was eerie how well Spock knew him. Even now, through the uneasy truce between them, his first officer read him like an open book. Did anyone else know him that well? Would he even want anyone to know him the way Spock did?

"I hear you lost A'sharon's trail," Commander Korasz said, with a hint of disdain in his voice.

"That's true, but we've got great hopes that we'll find her again, soon."

"I fear that your hopes are not well-founded, Captain."

"Oh, really?" Kirk leaned forward, watching the Klingon commander intently. "Would you care to be more specific?"

"Bah!" The Klingon waved his hand in the air as if to get rid of an annoying insect. "A'sharon…."

Another Klingon—this time a female—appeared on the view screen. She shot Kirk a look and he shuddered, the mere gaze making him feel ill. She and A'sharon were the spitting image of each other.

"Captain, meet She'zaron, A'sharon's sister," Korasz said. "She brought some very interesting information to our attention a few days ago."

Kirk stiffened, but he wasn't really surprised.

"And why should we trust this woman?" he said coldly.

"Because…" Korasz said, "…she is my wife."

Kirk didn't know what to say to that. He had many questions, but how to express them without insulting the Klingons?

"With all due respect, Commander," Spock interjected. "I do not wish to offend, but if this is true—how can it be that the Klingon High Council was not aware that A'sharon is a woman?"

"A'sharon is a very common name—both male and female—among our people, Commander," She'zaron informed. "Of course, I don't expect you to know this." Her disdain for the Enterprise's crew was clearly visible on her face. "My sister was believed dead, but when I recently found out that she is alive and that she is the head of the Golden Dust operation, I decided to help the Klingon government. She has dishonored my family in a way that—"

"How noble of you," Kirk interrupted.

"Isn't it though?" she leered.

"Tell him," Korasz said, waving his hand impatiently.

"Are you certain?" She'zaron hesitated, as though her look could make Korasz change his mind.

"Yes. There is no reason to drag this out any longer."

"What?" Kirk interrupted. "Get to the point."

"Such impatience. Are all humans this way?" The Klingon female looked at Spock, and Kirk watched as the Vulcan's eyebrow lifted.

"No more than the Klingons I have encountered in my time," Spock replied.

"Very well, Captain. The information I have may help us find A'sharon."

Kirk frowned, and the Klingon commander continued as if he already knew the question that was on the tip of Kirk's tongue.

"There is only one reason we are giving you this information, and that is the fact that catching A'sharon and putting a stop to her activities is more important to my people than anything else. She has caused much trouble for us on the home world because of her greed and her callousness. She is like a disease spreading throughout the Klingon Empire."

Kirk tapped his foot, but he didn't say anything. Luckily, She'zaron gave her husband a curt look and it interrupted him in his poisonous monologue.

"A'sharon has stolen her sister's research."

"You are a scientist?" Spock asked.

"Yes, I am," She'zaron confirmed.

"Interesting. In what field?"

"I am the head scientist of the Department of Star Cruiser Development."

"Indeed?"

"My specialty is cloaking devices."

The silence on the bridge of the Enterprise was deafening.

"I see," Kirk finally said, understanding at last what the Klingons were getting at. "So, what you are telling us is that A'sharon has gotten hold of your latest research, which involves a new type of cloaking device. This is also the reason why we can't find her?"

"Correct."

Kirk turned to Spock with a puzzled look on his face. "But why didn't she use it sooner? Why wait for us to almost catch up with her before engaging the cloak if she had one?"

"Maybe I can shed some light on that, Kirk," Korasz said. "A'sharon is not a scientist herself, but she has managed to persuade people from She'zaron's staff to join her. There are Klingons whose greed is more important to them than their honor. Making the cloak operational requires taking the original device off line, which would leave the ship vulnerable for a time, but once they have the new cloak operable, there would be no way for an enemy ship to detect them. She could be anywhere by now."

"Unless the ship in pursuit has the necessary information to detect her," She'zaron added.

"I see," Kirk repeated, waiting patiently now. He knew that a normally cloaked vessel would be somewhat tricky for the Enterprise to track, but in no way impossible. The Federation had learned to read warp trails from cloaked ships well enough to pursue them a long time ago. Most Federation vessels could pinpoint their location with nearly one hundred percent accuracy. Military secrets were seldom secrets for very long.

"Why are you telling us this?" Spock said. "Why does not the Klingon Imperial Fleet track A'sharon down on its own?"

"Because, Mister Spock.…" Korasz hesitated for a moment, looking grim, then drew a deep breath and continued. "…Our equipment is not sensitive enough to detect the emanations from this new cloaking device. However, I am quite sure that Federation sensors can…if you know what to look for."

Again, the silence on the bridge was so thick it was uncomfortable. Kirk crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair. For the Klingons to admit to this, they really must want to catch A'sharon very much.

"Fine, Commander. You and your scientists may beam over. Mr. Spock will work with you on the necessary configurations of the Enterprise's sensors."

Uhura closed the connection and Kirk was out of his chair almost before the image of Commander Korasz had disappeared.

"Mr. Spock. You're with me. Mr. Sulu, you have the bridge."

"Aye, sir."

In the turbolift, Spock didn't look at his captain. Kirk wanted to talk to his friend. But what was he supposed to say? No matter what he did, nothing would change. He was between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

Kirk sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had a pounding headache that McCoy might have blamed on the remnants of the mercury in his system, but he wasn't so sure that was the cause. He was worried about how to repair the damage to his friendship with Spock. Could they even be friends anymore?

He loves me, he wants me. What do I want? What I don't want is a life without Spock.

His mouth went dry, and he barely finished the thought, but he couldn't address this now. It was hard to believe that the individual beside him harbored feelings so strong that they would last a lifetime and beyond. Kirk felt like he was standing without protection on the ice planet Bo'oree.

Funny, he thought wryly. I thought Vulcans were supposed to exude heat.

Remembering the sensation of Spock's body against his own, deep in A'sharon's dungeon, sitting so close to him, Kirk knew that the Vulcan indeed emanated considerable warmth. Despite that truth, Spock could certainly give off a bone-chilling coldness. Never before had Spock cut Kirk out in such a way, and he reminded himself that the distance was Spock's way of protecting himself. It wasn't born from malice or even anger, and that made it easier to bear. Once they had captured A'sharon, Spock and he would talk, and all would be right between them. It had to be.

They entered the transporter room, and four Klingons materialized.

"Captain Kirk," Korasz said, stepped forward and grabbed his hand in a firm, dry grip. The Klingon's eyes met his without hesitation, and Kirk's respect for Commander Korasz rose a notch.

"Welcome aboard the USS Enterprise, Commander," he said.

Seeing Commander Korasz's wife in the flesh was more uncomfortable. She'zaron's likeness to her sister was uncanny. Despite their differences in hairstyle and clothing, they were as alike as twins. Kirk's mouth suddenly went dry, but he pushed the uneasiness away and bowed respectfully toward the Klingon female.

"Madam." Kirk barely acknowledged the other Klingons, who were no doubt Korasz's security guards.

"I thought you would be taller," She'zaron said.

Kirk didn't dignify her with an answer.

"We should proceed to the science labs immediately," Spock pointed out. "Time is of the essence."

"Naturally," She'zaron agreed. "I will remain on the Enterprise during this mission, unless you have objections, Captain?"

Clearing his throat uncomfortably, Kirk knew he couldn't refuse. She was essential to the mission, and considering how forthcoming these Klingons had been, he was duty bound to treat them with the same respect.

"Of course you can stay. Your assistance is crucial."

"Thank you, Captain," She'zaron nodded respectfully.

Slight differences between her sister and her now became apparent to Kirk—the facial expression for one. She'zaron might be a Klingon warrior, but her eyes lacked the unfeeling coldness in A'sharon's, and her smile was gentler. Relaxing a fraction, Kirk led the way to the science labs.

"This way," he said.

Spock walked just behind Kirk, as always, but there was a larger distance between them than was normally there—perhaps another inch. Nobody else would have noticed, but to Kirk it might as well have been a mile.

As they entered the science lab, Kirk stopped Spock with a light touch on his arm, a gesture he had used many times before, but at the subtle reaction from Spock, he pulled away.

"May I have a word with you, Mr. Spock?" he said.

Spock seemed reluctant, but he nodded. "Very well."

Kirk walked out of earshot of She'zaron. "Will you be comfortable working with her?" he asked softly. "Perhaps there is someone—"

"That won't be necessary, Captain," Spock interrupted uncharacteristically. "I am the person most suited for the task."

"I know that, Mr. Spock."

"Why should I not be comfortable working with her?"

Kirk shifted uneasily. "Because she looks so much like A'sharon." Their gazes locked, and in that glance Kirk revealed the unease he felt about having this Klingon woman aboard the Enterprise.

"Captain," Spock said, infinitely softer. "I understand your concern, but it is not necessary. There is no logic in your reasoning. She'zaron is in fact not A'sharon, and there is no reason for me to treat her as though she is not welcome here. As a skilled scientist, she will most definitely be of great value to me in making these scanners operational. For that, I owe her respect."

Kirk lowered his gaze and stepped back, his voice at normal. "Very well, Mr. Spock. Get to it."

"Certainly, sir."

Kirk didn't usually remain in the science labs, but he stayed with Spock, the Klingon commander, and his wife. Working swiftly, Spock prepared the computer for a Klingon chip. Several of the tech-lab assistants buzzed around them with hardware adapters and other details to make the transfer work smoothly.

"Lieutenant Mendez. Did you install the software I requested?" Spock asked.

"Yes, Mr. Spock. I downloaded it into the primary systems."

Spock's fingers moved gracefully over the control panels, and Kirk watched the program run on the screen.

"I am ready," Spock said, and he turned to She'zaron.

"This will enter the specifics on how to track the new cloaking device," She'zaron explained. Her hand clenched around the chip as Spock reached for it. The Vulcan hesitated.

"I do understand," he said. "Your achievement in this field is remarkable."

There was respect in the Vulcan's voice, a deep admiration that Kirk seldom heard. He was envious of it. There was a connection between Spock and She'zaron that went beyond race or military alliance. It was the respect of one scientific mind for another.

This was one of the instances when Kirk realized how different he and Spock truly were. How could Spock act so unaffected around this woman who reminded Kirk so much of A'sharon, someone who had treated them with such cruelty?

She'zaron extended her arm toward the Vulcan and released the chip. "I will simply have to improve the device," she said. "I will have to eliminate the emanations from the warp coil. That's all."

"A worthy challenge for a skilled scientist," Spock said.

Kirk would have gritted his teeth if he hadn't worked his entire life to master the art of keeping his emotions in check. Perhaps he didn't show it, but he acknowledged to himself that he was jealous.

The Vulcan took the chip and inserted it into the science computer. Several minutes passed as they waited for the results.

"Fascinating. I would not have guessed," Spock uttered finally. "Look at this, Captain."

Spock's eyes were alive with excitement, but his demeanor was utterly professional. Kirk suppressed a sigh.

"What is it?" he said.

"This," Spock said and pointed at a white flowing line on the screen. "It is not a chemical emanation, as I would have suspected. I would not have been looking for this. It is not even molecular." Spock's voice was always even when he spoke of scientific discoveries, but Kirk had seen his reaction to a new development often enough to sense the quiet satisfaction and awe in the voice now. "This is an electromagnetic pulse; with the proper equipment it can be detected through subspace. Most ships, even in the Federation fleet, do not have sensors sophisticated enough to single out such a faint trace."

"Why not?" Kirk said.

"Subspace is filled with old electromagnetic pulses from radio transmissions and other natural signals. Singling out such a faint pulse would be most difficult."

"But?" Kirk prodded.

"Fortunately, the Enterprise's sensors are more than adequate. With some small calibrations to aid in the search for this specific anomaly, we will be able to detect the signal effortlessly."

"How long?"

"The sensors will be recalibrated within the hour, Captain."

Kirk left the science laboratory and steered his steps toward the mess hall. He couldn't even remember when he ate last.

¯¯¯

Kirk nursed a cup of coffee as he absently watched Yeoman Rand and Lieutenant Hansson enter the mess hall. He watched Rand's shapely legs out of habit and noticed that Hansson must have done something to her hair. It was black like a raven's wing and tied back in a practical but intricate way. Both women were among the most beautiful on the ship, and Kirk noted this with an air of disinterest. He frowned. He might have a policy against fraternizing with people under his command, but he wasn't dead. It wasn't like him to notice beauty and not react to it.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk," Uhura's voice came through the communications system.

Rising from the table, Kirk looked at the chronometer. It seemed Spock had finished early. Kirk hadn't been gone for more than half an hour, he'd barely had time to finish his cup of coffee and a sandwich. Leaning against the wall, he switched the communicator on.

"Kirk here, Lieutenant Uhura. What's going on?"

"Mr. Spock reports that the sensors are calibrated. He's on his way to the bridge, ready to test them now, sir."

"Very well, I'll be right there."

As Kirk stepped onto the bridge, he noticed that Spock was already there, and so were Commander Korasz and She'zaron.

"We are ready to test the equipment now, Captain," Spock said.

"Very well. Proceed."

Kirk sat in the command chair watching the Vulcan's fingers move swiftly over the panels. She'zaron was standing right next to Spock, and she ignored Kirk's presence. She was one of the most disrespectful Klingons Kirk had ever met. Maybe it was a family trait, Kirk thought sourly. Korasz nodded toward him, standing with his hands folded, feet wide, as though he'd rooted himself on the bridge.

Kirk watched his crew and sympathized with the uneasy glance Sulu shot over his shoulder. Uhura seemed her usual calm self. That woman had nerves of steel, and Kirk wasn't surprised to see her keep at her work without letting on how on edge she truly was. The only reason he could see it was because he worked so closely with her almost every day. He suspected that the Klingons had no idea.

Silence fell while they all waited for Spock's report. The seconds stretched to minutes until finally the first officer spoke: "It is working."

"What heading?" Kirk couldn't contain the excitement in his voice.

"322.45, Captain."

"I shall beam back to my ship now, Captain Kirk," Commander Korasz said.

"Very well." Kirk heaved a sigh of relief. "Mr. Scott, will you see Commander Korasz to the transporter room?"

"Aye, sir."

"It's been a pleasure, Commander," Kirk said and shook the Klingon's hand. "I hope you will forgive me for not accompanying you."

"Of course. Just capture A'sharon. That's enough."

Kirk caught a look between Korasz and She'zaron. It was definitely encouragement from a husband to his wife, and Kirk vowed to himself that no matter how he felt about the woman, he'd try to get her back to the Klingon commander in one piece.

Nodding toward Korasz, Kirk watched as the chief engineer and the Klingon left the bridge. A few minutes later, the intercom beeped.

"Transport complete, Cap'n." Mr. Scott reported.

"Return to bridge at once." Turning toward the helmsman, he continued, "Mr. Sulu. Set course."

"Course 322.45 laid in, Captain."

The doors behind Kirk slid open to admit the chief engineer. "Scotty. How much muscle do we have?"

"She's all rarin' ta go at full speed, sair."

"Very well, Scotty. Ahead warp factor nine, Mr. Chekov."

"Aye, sir."

The Enterprise flew through space at full speed, stars streaming swiftly by on the viewscreen.

Kirk leaned back in his chair, satisfied. He was back on the bridge, and they were on A'sharon's trail. Now, he'd be damned if they wouldn't catch up with that bitch, lock her up and throw away the key!

For the first time since he and Spock had come back to the Enterprise, Kirk felt as though things were finally going their way. He glanced at his Vulcan first officer and it felt good. Spock was where he should be. Somehow, they would work out their problems. Warmth flooded his body as he watched Spock work efficiently.

Their luck was turning.

¯¯¯

PART THREE

He should have known it wouldn't be that easy.

Ten hours later—ten hours during which they had been so close to catching up with the Klingon vessel. Ten hours when A'sharon had been just out of reach. Then Spock suddenly straightened and turned.

"The signature is gone."

"What happened to it, Mr. Spock?"

Kirk was tired. Rubbing his neck, he wished for the Vulcan's expert hands to give him one of his fabulous massages. Spock used to help him with that crick in his neck almost before he knew it was there. But that was only one of the many things he would lose if Spock transferred elsewhere.

He glanced over at the Vulcan, whose eyes were now riveted on the information coming from the science station. Both their shifts should have ended five hours ago.

"I cannot explain it, Captain. Until three point four five minutes ago, the subspace trail was traceable."

"She must have stopped somewhere," She'zaron said. Kirk had to hand it to her, She'zaron was tough. She hadn't complained once, even though she, too, had been on the bridge for more than thirteen hours without rest.

"I am inclined to agree, sir. I see no other explanation."

"Shields up and go to yellow alert," Kirk said.

Spock lifted a quizzical eyebrow, but Kirk wasn't ready to explain his actions in front of She'zaron. He wasn't about to admit that A'sharon gave him the creeps, or that his senses had started to tingle warning signals as soon as the Enterprise dropped out of warp.

"Scan the area, Mr. Chekov."

"Aye, sir."

Minutes passed.

"Anything unusual?"

"No, sir. Nothing."

"Mr. Spock?"

"I am not certain. There is a minuscule discrepancy."

"Let me see it," She'zaron demanded.

Spock glanced at Kirk, who thought for a moment and then nodded. Perhaps she could help.

Spock stepped aside to allow her to examine the readings.

"Yes," she said. "These fluctuations indicate that the cloaking device is nearby but not moving. A'sharon must be in the vicinity. Cloaked."

Kirk straightened in his chair, his fatigue all but gone. "All power to the shields. Start a detailed scan. Find out where those fluctuations are coming from."

"Aye, sir."

"Get the tractor beam ready, Mr. Spock."

The bridge was suddenly a flurry of activity, as all personnel prepared for what was to come. Kirk's entire body was coiled tight, ready to fight.

The ship rocked violently.

A hit.

"Enemy fire! Shields at seventy-eight percent!" Sulu stated.

"Pinpoint their location, Mr. Chekov."

"They are right below us, Keptin," Chekov reported. "They are aiming at the varp nacelles and our veapons."

"Strengthen our shields with all we've got, Mr. Sulu." Kirk didn't wait for a response but turned the chair around to address the Klingon woman. "She'zaron. Do they have some kind of new weapon as well?"

"I wouldn't know, Kirk."

"Not a Klingon weapon then," Kirk mused aloud, and he turned to his first officer. "Mr. Spock?"

Spock didn't turn from his work. "It is a highly forceful energy weapon of unknown configuration, sir."

"Mr. Sulu. Can you get a lock on them and fire?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Then do so!"

"Aye!"

The Enterprise fired its phasers.

On the viewscreen, Kirk followed the beam. It blazed ineffectively against the Klingon ship's cloak and died. A'sharon's ship instantly returned fire, aiming at their phaser banks.

"Photon torpedoes!" Kirk barked.

"They're down, Captain," Spock reported.

The ship rocked again, and Kirk's grip around the armrests tightened. The viewscreen darkened.

"Report!"

"Damage to several bridge systems."

"Damn, we're blind as a bat!" Kirk swore. What was this weapon that damaged the Enterprise so easily?

"I'm trying to fix the outside view, Cap'n!" said Scotty.

"Shields are failing, sir. They are down to forty-five percent," Sulu reported. Kirk saw his fingers flying over the controls, re-routing power from all over the ship to the shields. "Attempting to compensate." Sulu paused for a moment before stating, "All weapons down, sir."

"What is this ship, Spock?" Kirk demanded.

"I do not know, Captain." The Vulcan's voice was tight with concentration, and Kirk saw his hands grab the edge of the science station as the ship rocked violently once more.

"Shields down to thirty-two percent!"

Kirk watched as She'zaron pulled Uhura out of her chair, throwing the smaller human female aside. Then she hit the communications switch. Kirk was out of his seat in the blink of an eye and caught the communications officer before she hit the railing. Uhura glanced at him gratefully.

"A'sharon, this is your sister! Cease your attack on the Enterprise!"

Kirk moved to grab the Klingon and tear her out of the chair.

"What are you doing?" he snarled.

Spock's hand suddenly rested on Kirk's shoulder.

"Captain, wait," he said.

Kirk halted his movement instantly, always trusting Spock. The Vulcan had more intuition than he credited to himself. Their viewscreen flickered to life, and Kirk's worst nightmare appeared. A'sharon's long, black hair was pulled from her face, making the resemblance to her sister even more apparent.

"Had enough yet?" she grinned.

"A'sharon," Kirk spat.

"Captain Kirk. I believe you owe me something."

Kirk shuddered. There was no question what she was referring to.

"Perhaps if you repay your debt, I will let you live. Lower your shields and let us board you."

"Not a chance in hell," Kirk replied coldly.

I'd rather die.

"Your weapons are inoperable, and even if they weren't, they are useless against our superior defenses, and it is only a matter of time before we penetrate your shields."

"A'sharon. You have disgraced our family. Don't do this!" She'zaron hissed. "You should turn yourself over to the authorities. Our brother will bear the shame of your actions for the rest of his life! Our house will be thrown out of the Council…."

A'sharon laughed. "Oh, sweet sister. You are so naive." A burly Klingon appeared on the screen beside A'sharon.

Spock moved from Kirk's side to the science station. Kirk's gaze followed his movements, anticipating the Vulcan's next action. He kept half an eye on the viewscreen.

The figure on the screen spoke: "Greetings, She'zaron. Would you not join us?"

"K'Ehl! What have you done!" She'zaron's dark brown eyes widened in shock.

Kirk caught Spock looking at him with a raised eyebrow. The Vulcan moved his hands to the side in a familiar gesture, signaling to Kirk, who nodded that he'd gotten the message. As Kirk moved to stand behind Chekov, his full attention diverted to the viewscreen.

"I am sorry to interrupt this wonderful family reunion," he said coldly. "But I am not interested in your domestic squabbles."

Kirk reached out, switching the viewscreen to outside view. "Fire phasers and photon torpedoes, wide spread, Mr. Sulu!"

Sulu, to Kirk's satisfaction, did not dawdle, but fired immediately. Perhaps he, too, had seen Spock's signal that weapons were again at the ready.

Obviously unprepared for the violent attack, the smaller ship lost its cloak and the image of the vessel became visible. It looked like an ordinary battlecruiser, except for the weapons attached to the edges of its wings. Their snub-nosed menace was unlike anything Kirk had ever seen before.

They had no time to fire again before the Enterprise was hit. Kirk could feel the blow as though it had impacted with his body. The red alert klaxons blared and acrid smoke filled the bridge.

"Captain, A'sharon is hailing us again," Uhura said, now back at her station

"On screen."

"It is interesting what money can buy, isn't it, Captain?" A'sharon said. "It looks as though your little Enterprise did not appreciate the encounter with my ship."

There were several short circuits making sparks fly through the air.

"Life support is damaged!" Scotty reported.

"Shields are down, sir!" Sulu snapped out.

A'sharon's laughter filled the bridge.

"Goodbye, Captain. It was a pleasure knowing you." Then the viewscreen went black.

"Captain, we must abandon the bridge!" Spock said.

The smoke and lack of oxygen made Kirk cough, and it felt as though his lungs were being torn from his body.

When Kirk turned from the viewscreen, he saw She'zaron leaving.

A'sharon fired again, and it was like a death blow. The lights flickered and went out. Kirk fell, hitting his hip on the edge of the command chair. Wincing, he pulled himself up.

Bitch! I'm going to get her, Kirk swore. She's killing the Enterprise.

They were in deep trouble now.

"Unauthorized transport in progress, Captain," Scotty reported.

"We must move to engineering," Spock said. "From there we can restore life support and maneuver the Enterprise out of harm's way."

"Captain Kirk to the science laboratory," She'zaron's voice called over the internal communications system.

"Not now!" Kirk could barely contain the anger in his voice.

"Captain, you must! You'll want to see this."

Kirk looked back once more. The bridge was dark, save for the sparks still flying through the air. It looked like the disaster area it was. The only way they could get out of this was to warp away from A'sharon. If they still had warp drive.

"Security team to the science laboratory. Spock, you're with me. Scotty, to engineering. Get us out of here!"

¯¯¯

She'zaron sat by the computer with her back turned.

"What was so important?" Kirk asked curtly. "We're still under attack."

"I know, that's why I wanted you here." She'zaron rose from her chair. "Commence transport," she barked into her wristband.

"Damn it!" Kirk cursed as he materialized, instantly recognizing the interior of the cells on A'sharon's battlecruiser. He had seen the smear on the wall before and the marks on the floor. Even the guard posted outside the cell was the same one as the last time they were captured.

She'zaron and Spock weren't th