BONDBROTHERS

The T'Varon

As I left my quarters, I thought about our latest orders. We were to go on an exploratory mission, something, which appealed to my adventurous spirit. As I walked through the ship, the repercussions of the Rynami attack were again brought home to me. There were so many new faces. These officers had replaced the dead and seriously wounded. However the remainder of the crew, although traumatised, were sufficiently recovered after their leave to continue with their duties. Vulcans are a resilient people.

I reached the bridge. Spock was in the centre seat, and immediately aware of my presence, he turned round. "Take your post, Mr Kirk," he said, his eyes warming for a moment in greeting.

I knew better than to grin at him in public and only nodded my head a fraction but he would likely be able to sense my pleasure on seeing him. He could read me too well.

Once Lt Sonal, one of the new helm officers, logged out I slipped into the empty seat. Lt T'Sal, the chief navigator, glanced over at me and I acknowledged her with a slight bow. She and her husband Lt Storon of Security were two of those who had survived the Rynami weapon attack. They were a delightful couple. Reserved in manner but their love for one another was obvious to a keen observer. In their own quiet and understated way they had befriended me.The shift went smoothly until a sudden harsh gasp disturbed me. I looked up to see T'Sal hunched over her console. Sweat was pouring down her ashen face and her hands were clenched by her sides. Her whole body was trembling.

"Are you ill?" I asked, reaching out to her.

"Leave her," Spock snapped.

That tone brooked no disobedience. I withdrew my hand but, caught between sympathy and curiosity, I wondered what was wrong with T'Sal, someone who was always cool and efficient under any crisis.

Spock flicked on the intercom and requested help not from sickbay but from the captain. I didn't understand but I'd put my foot in it more times than I cared to recall and knew better than to question him. There was so much I didn't yet know about Vulcan customs.

T'Sal raised her fists, slammed them down on the console, and shrieked. The anguished sound shocked me. She must be in agony to cry out like that. She obviously needed help so why was no-one doing anything? She slumped to the ground, curled up into a foetal position, and cried out like an injured child.

"Take over navigation, Mr Kirk," Spock ordered. "Do not touch Lt T'Sal," he reinforced his earlier order. Yes. He knew me too well.

Doing both jobs kept me busy but I would often glance at the hapless woman who writhed in pain on the ground. It seemed an eternity before the lift doors opened and the captain strode in. She knelt by the navigator and touched her forehead. This seemed to soothe the younger woman who quietened and was still. T'Zen stroked T'Sal's sweated dark hair back then helped her to stand.

"There was no warning," the captain said. "Most unusual. I will assist you to your quarters."

T'Sal bowed her head and followed the captain into the turbo-lift.

I was only too aware of the strange tensions in the atmosphere. What is going on? I asked myself.

Spock had ordered a relief officer to the bridge and I turned navigation over to him when he arrived. I was even more curious about what had happened and was determined to ask Spock later. We were sitting in the rec. room having lunch before it was convenient.

"It is something we do not discuss," Spock said just as I was about to speak.

I was a little hurt for I thought he trusted me fully now. "With outsiders," I remarked.

"Even amongst ourselves," he replied. "Lt T'Sal and her bondmate will be in seclusion for a time, that is all."

"Is Storon ill as well?" I asked, even more perplexed.

"They are both indisposed," Spock replied.

He looked down at his food and I noticed that his eartips were tinged with green. Now what was he bothered about? Was I intruding on another private custom, which embarrassed him? Can they see any visitors?" I asked.

This time his face darkened. "Negative. They are confined to quarters."

I couldn't understand. "Why are they confined? Do they have an infectious illness?"

"Do not ask," Spock snapped. "It is impolite and intrusive."

Annoyed by his tone I shook my head, shut up, and ate my sandwich. I thought I was beginning to understand Vulcans, and especially Spock, but times like this showed me how little I knew. Although unhappy about the situation, I resigned myself to it and we continued our meal in silence. After a while I became aware of Spock's attention on me. I knew I was being childish but I kept my head lowered and decided that I wouldn't say another word unless he spoke first.

The silence lengthened between us until at last he broke it. "I will be in science lab ten this afternoon." I didn't reply as I made a show of sipping at my coffee. "You will be in command." That made me look up for I was not due for con duty until tomorrow. "If you are incapable I will assign another," he added.

It was my turn to flush. Why did he make me feel so foolish? Because you're being foolish, I chided myself. "I'm quite capable," I protested aloud.

"Very well," he said. "Continue on course at warp factor two. If there are any problems you will contact me. Captain T'Zen is off duty."

"Yes, sir," I replied. Although fascinated about everything concerning my shipmates I decided that caution was advisable. If I continued to pry I would just annoy him and that was the last thing I wanted to do. If it were necessary I would not hesitate, despite the consequences, to risk his anger but this time I would pass on it. It was not the moment to be reckless.

He stood up and was about to walk away without another word, but wanting to confirm that our relationship was still on a normal footing I jumped to my feet. "Will you join me later for chess?"

He looked back at me and raised an eyebrow. "I cannot estimate the time required to complete my experiments."

"May I ask what you're working on?"

"Yes, you may."

I sighed with frustration. "What are you working on?"

"Gravitron field modulation in a non-cohesive containment... "

"I'm none the wiser," I interrupted or else he'd go on for hours. "Spock, I'm sorry if I pried where I shouldn't have. Human beings are inquisitive about everything."

I could see him begin to weaken. "If I conclude my observations within a reasonable time, I would be pleased to play chess."

I grinned. "Fine. Good luck with the experiments."

"Vulcans do not believe in luck, Mr Kirk."

"If you say so, Mr Spock," I countered.

Both brows rose and there was amusement in his eyes. "Very well. Carry on with your duties."

I made my way to the bridge and relieved Lt T'Mara, the officer in command. She nodded to me and returned to her post at the navigation console. She was one of the most promising officers on the ship. I had rarely spoken to her, except in the line of duty, but knew she was considered command potential. She was also gorgeous. The Vulcan people, if those on the T'Varon were anything to go by, are uncommonly attractive. Add to that their diligence and dedication to duty, their honesty, strict moral code and ethics, then one lone human amongst them could easily get an inferiority complex. I know that a few individuals strayed from the ideals of their fellows, and I had met some, but that did not stop me from admiring the Vulcans and their ways.

All was routine until the priority message reached us. I ordered it routed to the main viewer. Admiral T'Nir, a dignified middle-aged woman, spoke. "Greetings, T'Varon. The following distress call was sent to us by the Vanyar Council." Her image dissolved to be replaced by the figure of an elderly vulcanoid male with long flowing grey hair and brightly coloured robes.

I bit back my surprise at his flamboyant dress so unlike any Vulcan I had ever met and listened to his words. "We ask for assistance. We have been attacked. We engaged the invaders in battle and for the moment have driven them away but they will return. They have told us so and I believe their threat. We have suffered heavy casualties. Our defence grids are destroyed, our cities damaged, and we are vulnerable. Our sister planet, Llangia, has also been targeted and a beacon there has been activated. The primitive cultures there will be adversely affected if no action is taken to protect them. Our satellite systems have provided us with the following pictures. I regret the distortion."

The scene changed. "Clean up that image. Identify that ship," I told the duty science officer.

"Irzae warship, sir," the young Vulcan responded.

"Irzae?" I had never heard of them before.

Admiral T'Nir reappeared on the screen. "Your mission is of the utmost importance. Proceed at once to Vanyar. Assist them in any way possible. Long-range scanners have confirmed that an unknown signal is being emitted from the obelisk on Llangia. We calculate it is on a course to the galactic rim. This must be investigated. If the message reaches its destination and is answered, there may be a risk to us. Damage to the monument must be assessed and, if possible, repaired. If the invaders are encountered they must be stopped and questioned. They cannot be permitted any further opportunity to interfere with Llangia or Vanyar. If necessary you will use the weaponry at your disposal to disable them. Live long and prosper, crew of the T'Varon."

The exploratory mission would have to be postponed and I immediately ordered the course change before calling Spock to the bridge. While I waited for him I accessed the computer's files on the Vanyar system. It was in sector 592 at the farthest reaches of Vulcan space where no Terran ship had ever ventured. There were two habitable worlds but the remaining nine planets were unsuitable for humanoid life. Vanyar was a Vulcan colony, settled more than three hundred years before whereas Llangia had an indigenous population of humans.

Humans! What are humans doing on a planet so distant from Earth?

Spock's arrival disturbed my investigation and after I had briefed him and he had watched the message he asked, "What is our time of arrival?"

"At warp four we reach Vanyar in three days, sir," I said.

"Increase to warp six." His eyes were troubled. "I will be with the captain."

"What's going on, Spock? Who are the Irzae and what has an obelisk on Llangia to do with anything?"

"You will be informed when it is necessary for you to know the facts." At that he turned on his heel and left the bridge.

I gave the order to increase speed then leaned back and sighed. Vulcan discipline, even after all these months, was sometimes difficult to cope with. On a Terran ship there would have been a more relaxed atmosphere. I had forced myself to learn not to be offended by the often curt manner of my shipmates but from Spock, who was my bondbrother; it was not easy to remain detached when he was in super-Vulcan mode.

Although I was accepted into the crew this was another time, logical or not, when I felt like an outsider. I still hadn't a clue about what was happening with T'Sal and Storon, nor did I know anything about Llangia. Was its population really human or just a close parallel? I delved deeper into the library banks but there was little information available. The only fact I could glean was that during the early years on their new colony, the Vulcans of Vanyar had visited Llangia. There they had discovered an alien artifact, which had been impenetrable to their sensors. On orders from the Vulcan council they had placed satellites in orbit around Llangia to keep check on the object then had left the planet to pursue its own destiny.

I was about to investigate the Irzae when I recalled the speculation about the powerful ancient races of the galaxy. Possible traces of them had been found on two other planets; sensor-proof buildings close to centres of populations, which inexplicably were human. One theory postulated that the people had been transplanted from Earth to protect the species and allow them to breed on some other world. Another that the 'Preservers', as some called these super beings had seeded the galaxy including Terra. Whatever the truth of it, there was a strong possibility that Llangia was another of these planets. I wondered if the Vulcans knew about the Preserver myths. If not it was my duty to explain. I found the details in the library files and familiarised myself with them.

My chance came soon after my shift was over when I was called to the captain's cabin. Spock sat at T'Zen's side and both Vulcans were grim. "Sit down, Mr Kirk," the captain said. As I did so she continued, "Although some of these details are classified, I believe it is your right as second officer to be made aware of the situation. As a human you will be intrigued by the parallels to your own world."

I listened in fascination as she went on, "Vanyar is the furthermost colony of the Vulcan Commonwealth. It is a desert world, somewhat like our own, which has offered many opportunities to those who live there. Scientists visited Llangia from Vanyar because the obelisk's power was detectable from space. During a mission to study it, the team was discovered by the inhabitants who were there to lay tribute at what they considered a temple. These people invited the Vulcans to their village and offered them hospitality. A linguist in the landing party was able to learn the language and a dialogue was opened. A primitive and superstitious people, Mr Kirk, worshipping deities of the forest, they decided the Vulcans were some type of magical race native to their world who had been sent by the gods to protect them against an invading army from another land. The scientists tried to dissuade them from this belief but were unsuccessful.

"During their visit the village was attacked. Forced into defending themselves the Vulcans displayed their different combat techniques and strength for all to see. This reinforced the opinion held by the villagers and was further strengthened by the medical capability shown later to heal the injured." T'Zen sat back and clasped her hands. "Although this unfortunate set of circumstances had led to a direct violation of the non-interference directive an investigation exonerated the landing party from blame. From time to time, covert teams were sent to Llangia. They were able to confirm that due to the efficiency of the original landing party in minimizing the effects of their discovery by the indigenous population, all that had remained of the encounter was a hazy legend handed down from generation to generation. It spoke of beings who lived in another realm who would come to their aid some time in the future."

This was a fascinating story. I was ready to tell them what I knew of the Preserver legends when T'Zen motioned for Spock to continue. "As you know, Mr Kirk, first contact between Vulcans and humans took place one hundred and seventy five point three years ago. It was not until many decades later that one of our historians realised that Llangia qualified as an example of what Terrans call Hodgkins Law of Parallel Development. It was discovered that planetary measurements were exactly the same and although the continents were different in shape, the proportion of land to water was identical to Earth's. Llangian history also showed parallels to Terra's. The invading army from another land were called Romans."

I was amazed. "The Romans were arguably the greatest of Earth's many empires. They conquered virtually all the known world of their time."

"Indeed. Now to the matter of the obelisk which in three centuries has remained silent."

"I may be able to shed some light on that," I said. At their acknowledgement I recounted what I knew about the Preservers.

"Fascinating," T'Zen remarked. "Few Vulcans, apart from some historians, would have been aware of these tales. Mr Kirk, the history of the Federation is stored in our data banks. Please retrieve all files on the Preservers."

"Already done, Captain," I said, pleased with her unstated praise and with the approval I could sense from Spock.

She nodded. "Very well. Proceed."

Spock and T'Zen studied the details at Vulcan speed then sat back in contemplation. I waited with ill-concealed enthusiasm for their response but I knew that they would not be hurried.

"Fascinating." Spock finally broke the silence.

I jumped in. "Who are these Irzae and what do they want in that system?"

The two Vulcans exchanged a glance then Spock supplied the information. "They are a species whose aggression has caused several wars and to this date have conquered three star systems. Now they encroach on Vulcan space. Their ships have harried our trading vessels but had not until now dared approach a starship or one of our colonies. This escalation cannot be tolerated."

"Do you think they'll be back with reinforcements?" I asked.

"Undoubtedly," T'Zen replied. "However if the Preservers answer the beacon the consequences may dwarf all other concerns." She steepled her fingers and stared at me. "We are a peaceful people, Mr Kirk. We shall explore every possible way to resolve the situation. War is the last option but if necessary we will fight to defend Llangia and Vanyar."

***

That evening Spock came to my quarters.

I had the chessboard ready. "Hi," I said in English for there was no comparable Vulcan word.

"Greetings," he replied. "Are you well?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Some day though. First Lt T'Sal's behaviour then this parallel Earth. Do Starfleet know about Llangia?"

"As the planet is in Vulcan space they are unaware of it. The captain has sent a report to the Council. It will be their decision whether or not to pass on the information."

"I'd love to see what ancient Rome might have looked like. What an opportunity! Do you think we'll send a landing party?"

"The obelisk will need to be inspected." Spock sat down by the table and looked up at me.

I smiled then sat opposite him. "How are T'Sal and Storon? Do you know?"

His sharp response to my innocent inquiry startled me though I should have known better after his earlier reaction. "I have told you that it is none of your concern. When will you learn not to ask intrusive questions?"

My temper flared and I spoke without thinking. "I'm meant to be a part of this crew. I'm third in command. Surely I have a right! "

Abruptly he stood up. "I do not wish to play chess this evening." At that he turned towards the door and left me sitting there open-mouthed.

"Damn!" I snarled, bringing my fist down onto the table and scattering the chess pieces all over the floor. What have I done now? Why is he so touchy about T'Sal and Storon? Still angry I gathered up all the chessmen and dumped them onto the table. Who the hell does he think he is?

I flopped down on my bunk and folded my arms behind my head. I took deep breaths and tried to relax. Obviously I had touched on a taboo subject and instead of backing off, like a fool I had persisted. Would I ever understand Vulcans? I was closer to Spock than I'd ever be to anyone but there were too many times when I was reminded of just how alien both he and his background were. So what was I to do? Go and apologise or wait and allow things to cool down.
I decided on the latter. So an hour after, showered and a little calmer, I pressed Spock's door chime. He must have sensed it was I for the door slid open at once.

He was sitting down, his elbows on the desk, his fingers steepled. "Mr Kirk," he said in that calm manner of his.

I took the plunge. "I'm here to apologise. I promise I won't ask you again about things that don't concern me."

The expression in his eyes was cold. "Mr Kirk, your curiosity requires restraint."

Where was my friend? All I could see and hear was a Vulcan preaching to me about inferior human behaviour. Despite my good intentions I grew annoyed and could not prevent myself from asking, "Why are the two of them isolated? What's the big secret?" He flushed green and both embarrassment and anger poured from him. Fool. You've done it again. Damn, I thought.

"Your pledge is easily broken, Mr Kirk," he said.

He was right, of course. I had promised only moments ago. "Spock, I'm sorry. I really am. Just ignore me."

"Very well," he said and turned his attention to his computer screen.

Lord! He's taking me at my word. I groaned with frustration. "Spock, I didn't mean that."

"Why do humans never say what they mean?" he asked. "You are emotional, illogical, contradictory."

"Why don't you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" I asked, annoyed again. "You should know the way I am by now. I thought you understood me a little." Damn, I was getting emotional; the last thing I should be when Spock was like this. "I'm always apologising to you and I'm sick of it." I couldn't seem to control my wayward tongue. "I thought we were friends. I need a little support from you, not continual disapproval. You said you wanted to be more human with me but do you? Maybe I'm just a burden to you. Illogical, emotional human that I am. Inferior breed to the perfect Vulcans with their precious logic and intellectual pursuits."

I was trying to stop my babbling but his attitude had caused something to snap in me and it was impossible. Horrified, I realised that tears had sprung to my eyes. I had to leave at once. As I reached the exit I heard the locking mechanism click on. I pressed my hands against the door. "Let me out, damn you." I was ashamed of my inability after all this time to restrain my emotions.

I felt his presence behind me and I chewed at my lip to prevent myself from saying something further which I'd regret. Get a grip, I told myself. It's your fault. You were warned.

"Jim, I have been overly severe with you. I ask forgiveness. It is a subject, which is difficult for Vulcans to speak of even amongst ourselves. We do not normally discuss private matters."

I swallowed and wiped the wetness away with the back of my hand. "It's okay," I reassured. "I'm behaving like an adolescent. I don't know how things flare up between us like this. I hate it."

There was a warm touch on my shoulder. "As do I," Spock replied.

Regret filtered through his fingertips and I turned to face him. "I feel like such a fool. "

"Do not apologise," he interrupted. "It is unnecessary. I must remember to respect your humanity, Jim, and not expect you to behave as a Vulcan would."

I found a small grin from somewhere. "And I must remember to respect Vulcan customs and not pry," I conceded.

"One day I will explain further. I promise."

"All right." I relaxed. "I'm going to work out in the gymnasium. Would you like to join me?"

He nodded. "I will teach you the Zhal Mhi." In his own way he was trying to make amends.

"What is the Zhal Mhi?" I asked, unsure if I really wanted to know.

"It is a ritual combat technique intended to increase fitness."

I groaned in silence. These Vulcan exercises were killing me! "You mean stretch my muscles to their limit," I countered.

"Indeed it shall, Jim. However I promise you a therapeutic massage afterwards."

That clinched it. Spock's healing power would flow through his touch to dispel any aches. He was my own personal Vulcan miracle worker. I grinned at the thought. I forgot, of course, that his hand was still on my shoulder and he'd be able to pick up exactly what I was thinking if I didn't barrier against him. Of course I had not erected any shields. I had been too busy having a tantrum.

"It is my privilege and my duty to ease your pain," he said.

I cleared my throat and flushed a little. "Um, thanks. I appreciate it."

He raised an eyebrow and there was a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. "It is not my intention to read your thoughts, Jim, but at times their intensity is such that I cannot avoid them. You forget to apply the mind disciplines I have attempted to teach you." He hesitated then added, on absorbing my chagrin, "I do not mean those words as a criticism."

"I know," I said with a sigh. "Come on, teach me the Zhal Mhi. They say that suffering is good for the soul."

"That is an illogical statement, Jim."

"I know. It's a favourite saying of my friend, Leonard McCoy." I thought of Bones and choked up. I missed him and all my family and friends. Yet as I looked up at Spock all my homesickness faded away. "Let's go to the gymnasium but, Spock, go easy on me."

He raised both eyebrows and did not reply, but I saw the twinkle in his eye.

* * *

There were no signs of the Irzae near the Vanyar system. It did not, however, mean that they wouldn't return. We had been monitoring the obelisk and sensors confirmed that its signal was heading straight out of our galaxy. Captain T'Zen was back on duty but neither T'Sal or Storon was to be seen. I hoped that they were all right but after the trouble caused by my earlier enquiries, I was not about to make the same mistake again.

As we slowed to impulse power, a message arrived from the planet Vanyar. It was the same elder as before. "Greetings, Captain. I am Councillor Sylar."

"Greetings, sir. We come to serve," she replied.

"We appreciate your presence here, Captain. Those who destroyed the Rynami are truly heroes of the Vulcan people." He blinked before continuing. "I ask forgiveness for my poorly phrased words. I meant no disrespect to your human second officer. He along with Commander Spock are the heroes referred to."

T'Zen almost smiled as she caught my eye. She was one of the most beautiful, and dignified women I had ever met. I didn't know her actual age but believed her to be around fifty by human standards. "I am fortunate in my command crew, Councillor. Once this crisis is over you shall meet them both. At present prepare to transport aboard the T'Varon. We have much to discuss."

When Sylar and members of his council were aboard, T'Zen and Spock left me in command. Much as I loved being on the bridge, I would have given anything to be at their meeting. My curiosity again. Well, I would be briefed in good time, I supposed. Our sensors remained on the signal emitting from Llangia. We isolated a pattern. The message repeated itself but the computers couldn't break the code. Whatever it was, its alienness could not be denied. If it was a Preserver beacon activated by the attack was there anyone left to answer it? If so when would they arrive, what would they do, and what would they be like? Maybe they'd be so far beyond us that we would seem like bugs to them. The very idea was too unpleasant to contemplate.

After an hour, Captain T'Zen called me over the intercom and ordered me to set course for Llangia. I obeyed at once. So they were going to send down a landing party to check out the obelisk. I wondered if I'd be included but I doubted it. After all, it was a job for scientists. That meant Spock would go. I almost decided to ask permission to join them as I would be able, at least, to fit in amongst the natives if there was any trouble. But I dismissed the idea. The Vulcans knew what they were doing. If they needed me I would be contacted.

At shift change, I gave the con to Lt T'Mara and headed for Spock's quarters. He was calibrating his tricorder as I entered the room. "You're beaming down." I stated the obvious.

"Affirmative," he replied. "I will lead a group of three specialists to study the obelisk."

"What if the natives see you?" I asked.

"The site is two point three kilometres from the nearest habitation. We will scan for life signs and, if necessary, conceal ourselves."

"Be careful," I said as a sudden sense of foreboding swept over me. "It doesn't smell right."

"Malodorous planetary aromas cannot be detected from the ship," he responded.

I chuckled. "I don't mean it that way. It's just a hunch, Spock." I moved closer to him. "Take care. Dammit, I wish I were going down there as well."

"Do not be concerned, Jim. During my absence you must stay on the T'Varon as her second in command. That is where your duty lies." The momentary expression I saw in his eyes belied those words. He wanted me on the landing party with him too. He was self sufficient. He had been forced to be so during his difficult youth and early adulthood but now that he had found me, his bondbrother, there was that strong need to share, to lean on, to rely on another at times.

"I know, Spock. It's just so difficult to be here while you'll be having all the fun." I tried to take a lighter tack, speaking in English as there was no Vulcan word for 'fun'.

"Fun!" he exclaimed, with a touch of humour in his eyes. "The word is unknown to Vulcans, It is an illogical concept. Typically human."

"I know, Spock. Just like me," I countered with a grin.

"Indeed, Jim, but interesting." Becoming serious, he held out his hand in the paired-fingered salute of his people. I mirrored his action and then touched my fingertips to his. It was a parting gesture used by family and close friends, an intensely personal way of communicating. There was a sudden falling sensation then we connected, floating in unspoken communion for a few intense moments. All too soon we parted. Reluctantly, on both our parts, I might add.

"Good luck, Spock," I said.

"I have already informed you that Vulcans do not believe in luck," he countered.

"Humans do." I smiled but it faded as he departed for my sense of foreboding seemed to treble.

* * *

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