I studied the vulcanoids with awe. Was this really happening? I shook myself as I sensed ambivalence even hostility from Spock. He turned his back on the Preservers and retrieving our remaining rations, handed me a drink and took the other one himself. I couldn't understand it. This was a first contact situation. Although exhausted and stressed Spock had deep inner reserves. His professionalism as an officer and his innate courtesy always took precedence.

"Drink, Jim. You are becoming dehydrated," he said.

The male vulcanoid smiled at me. He was a striking figure with shoulder-length flaxen hair, superb bone structure and piercing azure eyes. "Greetings. I am Azran. My companion is Meha. We take this form for your benefit," he said, looking down at his simple blue tunic and trousers before holding out his arms and studying his hands. "Eons ago, our bodies were similar to this. I had forgotten how interesting corporeal form can be."

He and his companion exchanged a glance. She was stunningly beautiful with tawny hair streaming down her back to her waist, sea green eyes and exquisitely shaped ears. She wore a similar outfit to the male's but in a breathtaking shade of emerald. "It has been so long, but I believe some of us were precursors of the Vulcan race, others of the humans. Is that not so, Azran?"

"It is so, Meha." Azran looked at us. "Originally we were of different races. We were responsible, in part, for the seeding of this galaxy. There were some places where we left watchers to guard against invaders. For example on this world. The system malfunctioned and if not for your ship's timely arrival and your repairs to the computer it is possible that the planet and all its people would have been destroyed before the message reached us."

I waited for Spock to enter the conversation but he only responded with a cold, "Indeed."

I became worried now but kept it to myself as I took a welcome drink of cold water. "Where's the ship?" I asked Spock.

He filled me in on the details and I was greatly relieved on hearing that the T'Varon was on its way. There was an uneasy silence and I drew Spock aside. "What's wrong?" I whispered.

"Kroykah." His tone and use of that particular word were significant. I didn't press further. "You will exercise caution in any dealings with these beings. Their altruism is suspect," he added.

I stared into strained dark eyes and wondered what had happened to him. Damn. Instead of being unconscious why had I not been there to support him? Now was not the time to pry but I would confront him over what had happened and he would answer me.

A hum reverberated through the room then three more Preservers appeared. They were also vulcanoid and very beautiful. The sight of one woman in particular, with her ink-black mass of waist-length hair and slanted violet eyes sent waves of desire through me. To my embarrassment she looked at me with amusement. Irritated with her and myself I damped down my reaction. It wasn't easy to do either. I glanced over at Spock, but he seemed withdrawn and did not appear to have noticed anything.

Be thankful for small mercies, I told myself. At least I don't have to explain that to my cerebral friend.

"The Hyvla was injured. I disposed of it," the woman said in a flippant tone. She sent me a seductive smile but this time I felt nothing. Her lack of compassion chilled me to the bone for I assumed she meant the guardian. Surely someone as powerful as she was could have helped the poor creature. It had been on duty for centuries and its life had been ended without so much as a moment's regret. I began to understand part of what was bothering Spock. How would beings as powerful as these regard us? As expendable as the faithful servant they had just destroyed?

Azran made eye contact with me. "Commander Kirk, we are interested in your experiences on an all-Vulcan ship. Have you found it difficult to integrate?"

"At first, yes," I replied. "Not any more. Vulcans are a noble and admirable people."

"Indeed, but how did they become so dour? Humans are a vibrant species as we once were."

"Dour is not the right word to describe them. They are a serious, thoughtful people who prefer peace and harmony to war and strife. I'm not sure that the same could be said of many human beings. My appointment to the T'Varon is a step in establishing closer relations between us. I believe both species need one other. Not just as Federation allies but as partners in many future endeavours."

"A pretty speech," the black-haired woman said, staring me up and down as if I was a piece of available flesh.

I didn't like her attitude. "My words are honest ones. What interests me, however, are your motives in keeping a surveillance on this and other worlds."

Azran seemed to disapprove of her also. "Enough Alya," he said and motioned her aside. "Our only agenda is to protect these planets and allow the people to develop in peace."

"Why?" I asked. "One of our strictest rules is the non-interference directive. Surely advanced beings like yourselves have something similar."

He laughed. "It took us much longer than it did your races to realise the wisdom of such a rule. We tampered with the genetic material of so many creatures. We thought of ourselves as gods. Maybe we were gods. Without us, the universe would be sadly lacking in the variety of species it now has. After many eons we evolved to the non-corporeal state you first saw and knew it was time for us to leave the seed we had planted to find its own destiny. We left this galaxy completely."

"To find fresh ground for your experiments?" I asked.

It was obvious from Alya's and Meha's expressions that I had said the wrong thing but Azran held his hand out in a gesture of openness. "You are justified in thinking that but I do ask you to accept that those practices are no longer important to us. We do, however, feel responsible for our past experiments and that is why we have travelled here."

The communicator chirped before I could reply. At least something was working now. Spock flipped it open. "Spock here."

"Commander," T'Zen replied. "We are in orbit. Please relay your status."

"Mr. Kirk and myself, along with five alien beings, are inside the obelisk. I would suggest that Code Xeq be initiated."

"Very well, Mr. Spock. Please convey my greetings and extend them my invitation to come aboard the T'Varon."

"I would be honoured, Captain."

I frowned. Now what the hell was Code Xeq? Something else I'd never heard of. I could only presume that it was a precautionary procedure. Spock gave nothing away as he politely asked the aliens if they would beam up to the ship.

Alya smiled in that infuriating condescending way of hers and replied, "We do not need your primitive teleportation device."

"Very well," Spock said. "Please meet us in the captain's office two hours from now."

Azran bowed in acknowledgement. "To allow your transportation, the protection zone requires adjustment. If you will permit."

Spock nodded and waited by my side as the glow around Azran pulsated before returning to normal. Spock was so firmly barriered that I could not sense a thing from him. It made me feel shut out but I nipped that emotional response in the bud, knowing that he was protecting himself from these only too powerful aliens.

"It is now possible for you to return to your ship," Azran said.

"Activate transporter sequence," Spock said into the communicator.

"Lock verified," T'Zen replied. "Transporter room. Energise."

My last view of the Preservers was of black-haired Alya whose violet eyes watched me with a predatory gleam.

* * *

T'Zen waited for us in the transporter room. Her concern was apparent when she saw Spock's appearance. As a strong telepath, and a member of his family, she must sense that there was something wrong with him. "Sickbay," she said, and after glancing at me added, "both of you."

We followed her in silence, and I reflected that there were only a couple of hours to prepare for our visitors. I desperately wanted to give my report but in my months here I had learned that Vulcans did not panic. Code Xeq must be a security measure although I doubted if anything we could do would stop the Preservers if they decided to take control away from us.

As Healer T'Renna checked Spock's condition, and another medic tended me, T'Zen listened to Spock's report. After some treatment I was given the all clear and I jumped from the bed to hover close to them.

After Spock had concluded the captain looked at me and said, "I will listen to your full report at a later stage, Mr. Kirk. At present I require a concise account along with your recommendations."

Pleased that she valued my judgement, I launched into the pertinent details before adding my personal opinion. "My instincts tell me not to trust them, Captain. Not only are they extremely powerful, one of them at least has no regard for other life-forms. They all display a condescension that is insulting. They may regard us as nuisances and expendable. Even if they are benign, they are so advanced that we may seem like insects, pets at best, to them. We need to be on guard at all times." I hesitated before asking; "May I know what Code Xeq is?"

"Affirmative. It means that all telepaths must barrier against mind-assault by a psi-superior species. An unshielded psi-null being is the most at risk. We shall protect you."

I had been given confirmation of one reason for Spock's remoteness. Yet as I looked at his strained expression I was sure there was something more bothering him.

"Mr. Kirk, go to your quarters and rest. Report to my office by 14.30."

"Yes, Captain." I hesitated, about to request that Spock be given the same consideration but T'Renna still worked over him. Realising that both women had his best interests at heart - if one could apply that phrase to Vulcans - I left sickbay. I would talk to Spock later.

I took a long, hot shower. It was sheer heaven after the days roughing it on the planet. I was a bit sore in places; but that was easing due to the analgesic the medic had administered and the hot water that soothed those aches that no medicine could have helped. As I soaped myself my tension slipped away and I began to hum a favourite tune. After a time reckoning that if I stayed in here much longer I'd end up looking like a prune, I forced myself to turn off the shower and step out.

A tinkling laughter greeted me and I halted in my tracks. What the hell!

A familiar voice spoke, "You are very attractive, Mr. Kirk."

I grimaced. So it was she. The black-haired Preserver, Alya. "In our society, it's impolite to invade another's privacy. Please leave." I closed my eyes in disbelief. Here was I turning away a gorgeous woman. Then I reminded myself that she was no ordinary woman but a being that could crush me, if she chose to, with a thought.

There was silence and I hoped she had gone. I opened my eyes to see her violet gaze only inches from mine. I gulped with shock and after a moment of astonishment at her behaviour I came to my senses and stepped away to pick up a towel. With a powerful jerk it whisked out of my hand. Alya laughed. An irritating self-indulgent sound which only infuriated me further. She moved closer to me until I could distinguish her scent. Despite my efforts at control, it and her proximity were affecting me.

She slid her arms round my waist and pressed her lips on mine. Her lush femininity fanned the flames and I returned her kiss like a starving man. Without knowing how I had reached it, the bed was beneath me and Alya's warm body pressed down on mine. Only the need for air made me draw away and it was then that I saw her eyes. Her mocking pleasure at my helpless response was like a slap on the face. Released from her spell now, I pushed her from me. I jumped to my feet and turning my back on her, I strode out of the sleeping area.

I snapped the intercom on. "Kirk to Captain T'Zen." The reply was prompt and, not looking behind me to see if the woman was still there, I said, "One of the Preservers is in my cabin."

"Security detail to Commander Kirk's quarters at once," T'Zen responded.

I didn't know what good they could do but at least I wouldn't have to face Alya on my own.

Her laughter again rang out. "Ah, little human, you are most amusing. Are you afraid of me?"

I twisted around to see her standing in the bathroom doorway. "I'm glad you're amused and no, I'm not afraid of you. Annoyed? Maybe you want to put me out of my misery like you did the guardian. That's your problem isn't it? You've grown so powerful that you brush aside the feelings of those less evolved than yourself. You're just toying with me. Trying to get your kicks with a half-savage human. I'm not playing your game. I pick my own lovers and I am not interested in you."

Her eyes flashed. I stayed rooted to the spot, afraid she might vent that anger out on me. "What do I care about you? A puny human with a pretty face and body. A savage who believes he is civilised." I seethed inside at those remarks but tried not to think about her. I didn't want her to pick up on anything. We stared at one another and suddenly she laughed. "You will pay for this insult, little human male-child."

"Don't threaten me, lady," I challenged.

On seeing her increased fury, I decided to change my tactics. "The human male doesn't like it. We prefer to maintain the fiction, at least, of being in control of the situation." Where was the security team? It seemed like hours since I'd spoken with T'Zen.

"Really." She smiled and I almost lost my composure.

"Really," I replied, giving her my own brand of smile that I've been told can, on a good day, be lethal when directed at the female of any species. Are you crazy, Kirk? I asked myself. You're playing with fire here. You haven't a hope in hell of charming this one.

The door slid open and Spock, accompanied by four security officers strode in. Relief left me weak. With that calm demeanour that I have always admired, Spock walked over and placed himself in front of me while the others ranged themselves on either side of him.

"You are early, madam," Spock said. "Please leave and do not return until you and your companions are due to meet the captain."

I stared at her over Spock's shoulder and as her eyes met mine, I couldn't help but shudder. No. She won't get the upper hand, I told myself and resolved to stare her out.

She smiled again. "You have robbed me and him of much pleasure. Prim and proper Vulcans." Her mocking laughter rang out then faded as she vanished into nothingness.

I'll gladly pass on that pleasure, I told myself.

"Search these quarters for other intruders," Spock told the security team.

I cleared my throat, embarrassed, as it dawned on me for the first time that two of the officers were female. "Um, I guess the ship's internal sensors didn't pick up her life-signs," I commented.

"Correct. It is clear that these beings have the ability to screen themselves from our technology." He looked at me for the first time, and raised an eyebrow. What did she want?"

"Isn't it obvious?" I said facetiously. "My appearance has caused me major difficulties. I always looked younger than my actual age and was plagued by comments of how 'pretty' I was. I vowed that it wouldn't stop me from attaining my goals but unwanted admirers propositioned me and some lecturers didn't regard my command ambitions as serious."

I flushed with annoyance. "I fought against it, Spock. It's a type of prejudice that judges people only by what's on the outside. It was a hard struggle. I became serious, grim even, in my determination to study hard and get the highest possible marks. In the end I came out top of my academy class and won the respect of my tutors and peers alike. But, the problem followed me right through my career. I learned how to deal with it. It wasn't always so bad. Most women liked me and what they called my boyish charm."

I snapped out of those reminiscences to note that Spock looked baffled. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you all that. I didn't realise it still bothered me."

"I do not understand," he said.

"You wouldn't, Spock. Vulcans don't see people that way." I tried to control the heat in my face. I would have to be blunt. "Alya wanted to know what sexual intercourse was like with someone of a lesser species. Me."

He was stunned and then outraged. "How dare she presume! "

"That's what I thought. Well your timely arrival is appreciated." I sat down at my desk. "Are you all right, Spock? What did Dr T'Renna say?"

"I am in perfect health." He clasped his hands behind him. "My memory has returned in full."

"What about after effects of the head trauma?" I asked.

"Dr T'Renna has advised a further healing trance which I will initiate once this mission is over."

He was still distant and it hurt me to see him that way. I thought he would be able to lean on me through this difficult time. Well, maybe I was being unfair. The Code Xeq was still in operation. He couldn't open up under that restriction.

"When this is over, will you let me help you?" I asked.

"That will be unnecessary." His voice and manner were so cold that it reminded me of my first weeks on the T'Varon. I swallowed my hurt. Now was not the time to work on breaking his control. Later, I promised myself. You'll let me help you.

After the security team reported my quarters secure, Spock dismissed them then told me to get dressed. I sighed with relief. At least he was staying with me to make sure that I would not be harassed again. Even a cold and barriered Spock was better than no Spock at all.

I finished drying and donned a fresh uniform. My previous one was still stashed under a tree. If there was the opportunity, I would beam down to the planet and reclaim it. I felt better now but as I mulled over the incident with Alya, I realised that this had been the first time, apart from the centurion, since joining the T'Varon that anything of that nature had happened. A 'pretty' face meant nothing to Vulcans, themselves such beautiful and striking people. All that mattered was ability. I guess that we, in the rest of the Federation, could learn a lot from them.

* * *

Azran, Alya and Meha were already in the captain's office by the time Spock and I arrived. Presumably the other two Preservers were on the planet dealing with the necessary repairs. Also present was Lt. Storon recovered, I was glad to see, from his mystery illness but even the impressively tall security chief would be out of his depth against our three visitors if they chose to get nasty.

After motioning us to chairs, T'Zen was about to begin when Spock said, "With your permission, Captain. May I speak?"

"Proceed," she replied.

"I object to the presence of Alya at this meeting."

I gasped with surprise at his boldness. T'Zen flashed a warning glance at him. He nodded fractionally before turning his attention to Azran.

The Preserver leader steepled his fingers in the Vulcan fashion. "May I ask why?"

"Her blatant disregard for Commander Kirk's privacy."

I blanched at his tone. It would intimidate most people but not beings like these. Azran stared at Alya and I could almost see them communicating. A small frown creased Azran's forehead before he turned to me. "My apologies, Commander Kirk. Alya did not mean disrespect nor harm to you."

"Apology accepted," I said, trying to sound convincing.

"She is young, for one of us, and mischievous," he said with a smile. Despite those words I still didn't trust him or any of them. "Alya, return to the planet," he added. That surprised her, I think. With an almost human pout she vanished leaving just Azran and Meha in the room with us. Still a formidable pair and more than a match for three Vulcans and a Terran.

Captain T'Zen had maintained her composure during all of this and now she got down to business. "On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, I welcome you to the T'Varon. Commander Kirk made us aware of the Preserver legends. Do you claim to be those beings?"

Meha spoke in a soft and musical voice. "We do. It was our plan to maintain a close watch on certain worlds. Once we elected to remain in a non-corporeal state and travel to other galaxies, we decided that the surveillance should be minimal. If any beacon was activated we would answer it but that apart we would not interfere further. This was the first alert in a millennium."

"Fascinating," T'Zen commented. "What are your intentions now?"

"We will repair the computer system then leave," Azran said.

"What of the Irzae?" Spock asked.

"The Irzae are not our descendants. They will be destroyed," Azran replied.

Spock and T'Zen exchanged shocked glances. I could scarcely believe these 'superior' beings.

"There are always alternatives," T'Zen said. "The unnecessary taking of life is against all our principles. Surely a race as advanced as yours cannot be without mercy."

Meha smiled before replying, "We have found that punishment by death is a strong deterrent."

"It is unthinkable," T'Zen said. "The Irzae are vicious and bloodthirsty but the time will come when we shall make peace with them."

"How many years have they harassed your ships?" Azran asked. "In gratitude for saving the planet below we shall incinerate the Irzae homeworld. They will never trouble you again."

"NO!" I jumped to my feet and pounded the table. "That is monstrous."

"Mr. Kirk, sit down," T'Zen said. Her voice was soft but I knew an order when I heard one.

Although seething inside I obeyed. "Forgive me, Captain. Permission to speak?" I could feel her stare but Spock's displeasure sliced right through my head. Would I ever learn not to rush in without thinking? I sent an apology along the link.

"Permission granted, Mr. Kirk," T'Zen replied. "However I expect you to remember you are on a ship of telepaths."

I took a deep breath and forced my emotions under control. "Understood, Captain." I looked at Meha. "You can't destroy a whole planet." My outburst seemed to have amused our guests. The danger these 'Preservers' posed was enormous. They could easily turn on us but I could not let that stop me. They had to see reason. "I don't know what you find so funny. If you can't see how wrong genocide is then you've lost touch with whatever morals you might once have had. We have a saying on Earth. 'Absolute power corrupts absolutely.' If being non-corporeal means a loss of reverence for all life then I hope that the Federation races never reach your level. Consideration, kindness, compassion, respect, and love. These are what are important."

There was a brief silence then T'Zen said, "Thank you, Commander Kirk." Her eyes were wide as she regarded me and so were Spock's but I sensed his approval. Relieved, I settled back to listen as the captain spoke. "Although my second officer has spoken emotionally his words do reflect the beliefs of the Vulcan people. We do not require you to fight our battles for us. We will deal with the Irzae in our own way. They will be punished under our laws for raiding in a star system which lies under the jurisdiction of the Vulcan Commonwealth."

"You would defy us?" Azran asked. "We were here when your people were still savages."

"Even as savages we did not kill indiscriminately," T'Zen responded. "I ask for your indulgence in this. We cannot condone your proposed action."

"How will you stop us?" Meha asked. "Compared to us, you are still half savage." Her green eyes flashed with anger.

"We must stand behind our beliefs," T'Zen said. "Both Vulcan and Federation laws are the same in this. We will protect the Irzae to the best of our ability."

The aura around the Preservers intensified. I had to close my eyes against the glare. Were they giving us a show of power? It persisted for what seemed like an eternity, and just as I thought my eyeballs were going to burst there was an explosive crack and the incandescence diminished. Stars were detonating behind my closed lids and it took some moments before I dared open them.

The Preservers had gone. Spock, T'Zen and Storon were staring straight ahead but their eyes were completely covered by an opaque film of some kind. I felt a slight tingle of apprehension. Had the excessive light hurt them? But already those incredibly dark eyes, were returning to normal, and both Spock and T'Zen were seeking me out.

"Commander Kirk, are you hurt?" T'Zen asked.

"No, Captain. My eyes are stinging a little. That was quite a display. I guess they were angry."

Spock's gaze searched me for the truth. I assumed he was satisfied for he did not inquire further. "Your orders, Captain?" he asked.

"To the bridge, at once," she replied.

As we made haste to get there, reports reached us of disturbances near the Irzae ships.

"Update," T'Zen called as she stepped out of the lift. I relieved the helm officer, noticed T'Sal was back on navigation, and settled down to my duties. Even with sensors working at low output, my read-outs showed a build up of radiation around the Irzae vessels that could only mean one thing. And we were too close.
Spock had beaten me to that conclusion. "Explosion imminent. Retreat."

As T'Zen gave the order, I was already initiating the manoeuvring sequence which would take the T'Varon out of orbit. The ship responded more sluggishly than usual for, as I belatedly remembered, she had been damaged in the earlier fight. "C'mon baby," I murmured to her. "You can do it. I know you can."

As if in answer she jumped to maximum impulse power and streaked away from the danger zone. "Aft viewers," T'Zen said.

I complied and the scene appeared on the viewer. As a harsh glare drenched the bridge with light I looked down at my console as the explosion registered on the sensors. It lasted for only a few short seconds but would automatically be recorded for later analysis.

"Take us into orbit around Vanyar," T'Zen said.

I followed her orders. The atmosphere on the bridge was tense. The loss of so many lives had affected these telepaths in a way I could not fully comprehend. "ETA in ten minutes, Captain," I said.

We attained orbit around Vanyar without any mishap. As I exchanged work-related talk with Lt. T'Sal it almost felt as if everything was back to normal again but Spock's next observations sent a chill through me. "Preliminary repairs on external sensors are progressing. I have adjusted for Preserver life patterns. First indications show activity near the obelisk. I would postulate that they are preparing to leave Llangia in the near future."

Wait a minute. How can he be sure? He would have had to have scanned them at some point. When had that been done? Of course at the meeting. But how did they manage it? Alya had come aboard unobserved. I grinned. Vulcans were full of surprises. They had found a way. Maybe in their corporeal form, Azran and Meha were unaware of the ship's internal sensors monitoring them.

"Maintain watch and take command, Spock," T'Zen said. "I will send a message to Admiral T'Chari, asking that the fleet rendezvous with us at the Irzae homeworld."

I tried to come to terms with all this. These peaceful Vulcans were going out, very likely to their deaths, to save an enemy. Would humans have done the same thing? I'd like to think so but wasn't entirely convinced. If this had happened on my last ship, I doubt if Starfleet Command would have permitted the captain so much freedom of action. An organisation which didn't as yet permit women to command constitution class starships, much less become admirals, and whose youngest accepted male candidate for a captaincy so far had been thirty eight was still conservative in its ways. These Vulcans didn't care about age or gender. Ability was all that mattered. It was something else we needed to learn from them.

Spock's voice intruded on my thoughts. "Lt. T'Sal, set course for the Irzae homeworld. Commander Kirk, take us out of this system. Once clear go to maximum warp."

"Yes, sir," we responded together.

Even at that speed it would take us almost four hours. Enough time for the Preservers to destroy the planet and all its colonies, if they so desired, and head home to their galaxy. Also they could easily anticipate what we were doing. Even spy on us from afar if they chose to toy with us. After all they were telepaths of immense power.

A sudden thought struck me straight to the marrow. That's what's wrong with Spock! That's the reason for his coldness, I realised. Those superior bastards did something to him while I was asleep. He's still hurting from it. Once this is over, I vowed. I will help him.

* * *

The fleet of six that awaited us outside the Irzae star system included, to my surprise, the USS Caledonia and the USS Hood. It gave me such a kick to see them for I had served on the latter, for almost two years, as a newly commissioned officer. The former had a wonderfully apt name after our mission to Llangia for Caledonia was another of Scotland's ancient kingdoms and sometimes had been used to designate the whole country. The Hood was still commanded by Captain Simons, a fine officer who had taught me a lot; the Caledonia by Captain Devereux whose reputation was an excellent one. How they felt about being under the command of a female Vulcan admiral was anyone's guess. The very fact that ships from the Vulcan wing were in a joint mission with the rest of Starfleet was another major step forward. I wondered if my appointment and consequent field promotion here had anything to do with it. I liked to think so.

There were no signs of the Preservers. I wondered if the 'super beings' were testing us but there was no way of telling. Admiral T'Chari appeared on the viewscreen. She was sitting in the command chair of the flagship, T'Pau. Her hair was black and her face unlined but she was of indeterminate age. Her power was only too apparent and could not be denied. Vulcan women had remarkable strength of will and there seemed to be many of them in positions of authority.

"Captain T'Zen, I received your telepathic report and have advised the fleet of your findings." T'Chari steepled her fingers. "A message warning of imminent attack has also been dispatched to the Irzae. So far there has been no response."

I had assumed T'Zen had sent the report from her quarters, not suspecting the manner of its transmission. I should have realised for T'Zen was the strongest telepath on the ship and that the Vulcans used far-sending when time, and privacy, were essential. Of course Preservers might well have the power to intercept telepathic messages but I wondered if they had chosen to do so. A species as assured of their own superiority, as they undoubtedly were, might just underestimate us.

"What are your orders, Admiral?" T'Zen asked.

"All ships will enter geosynchronous orbits around the planet. Coordinates are being sent to the helm officers. On my command we will proceed to our positions to await the Preservers."

It was a desperate perhaps a rash act to endanger seven starships like this. I would never have believed Vulcans capable of it but as I thought more deeply about it, I realised that it was typical of their sense of honour and duty and their reverence of life that they would defend the rights of any race to survival. Even enemies like the Irzae.

"Incoming message," a voice announced from the flagship.

"On screen," the admiral responded.

The image of an Irzae formed on the viewer. It seemed older than Joloth; its body markings faded and its eyes dull. "I am Pavra, ruler of the hive. How do we know you tell the truth?"

"Show them, Captain T'Zen," T'Chari ordered.

The captain ordered our recording of the explosion on screen and there was a deathly silence from the planet. After a few minutes Pavra responded "We do not understand why Vulcans would wish to help us but it is a mystery which must wait. We would welcome your assistance. I have recalled our main fleet but it may arrive too late. Please advise us of your movements."

I glanced over at Spock who now stood by his captain's chair, his eyes riveted to the screen. He must have sensed me for he glanced over for a moment. I smiled in reassurance but his attention had left me and, with a sigh, I turned back to my console. I listened as T'Chari explained what our actions would be and the Irzae elder pledged its own available vessels to the blockade. Nothing would keep the Preservers out but perhaps our determination to stand up for the rights of the Irzae would make them stop and think.

It was a bluff, even if the Vulcans denied it and they would. To them it was a logical action taken because of their most fundamental beliefs, and Starfleet had sent its own ships to join them. If we survived this, relations between Vulcan and the rest of the Federation could only improve.

The order was given and in a finely tuned procedure, the seven starships entered into orbit. A fleet of small Irzae vessels joined them. There was nothing to do now but wait and watch. As time passed I became a little jittery but forced myself to control my nerves. I couldn't understand why the Preservers were taking so long to get here, unless they were playing with us, but just as I felt I couldn't sit another minute, our sensors picked something up.

"Readings consistent in part with Preserver pattern heading towards us," Spock said. "ETA in thirty four point six seconds."

In part? I puzzled over that until it dawned that sensors had scanned the Preservers in corporeal form. There was bound to be a difference. However there were no weapons we could use against them. No action we could take other than our determination to stay here and, if necessary, be incinerated with the Irzae. I counted off the seconds and exactly on time, just beyond the system's farthest planet, a mini sun popped out of hyperspace. Its brilliance flooded the bridge

It hesitated before coming closer. "What is the meaning of this?" A voice echoed all around us.

With a steady voice, the admiral replied, "We represent the Vulcan Commonwealth, the United Federation of Planets, and the Irzae Dominion. We are united in our belief that your intention to destroy this planet is morally wrong. We ask that you reconsider and leave the Irzae alone. We are committed to opening a dialogue with them, a situation accelerated by your own actions. Where is the logic in further punishing a race which has already learned the error of their ways."

"Have they?" the Preservers asked.

Pavra appeared on the screen. "We surrender to the Vulcan Commonwealth. We will never again raid other worlds. This I pledge."

They're terrified, and rightly so. They'll do anything to survive.

Suddenly, tingles swept my body but before I could move a muscle there was a jolt and I was elsewhere. I gasped and fell forwards, only to be caught in a powerful hold. One I knew. Spock. Weak with relief, I hung onto him and righted myself, only then able to look around. We were on a grassy plateau on an alien world. The sky was red and a cold wind blew. Along with Spock and myself were Azran and Meha in their vulcanoid form. Beyond them imprisoned behind a force field was the Irzae elder Pavra. It was larger than I had realised and its insectoid origins were all too obvious. Gossamer wings fluttered helplessly in the confined space, something that looked like a stinger protruded from its back and its eyes bulged out of its head as it stared at us in terror.

Where are we and why have you brought us here?" Spock asked, as he moved a little in front of me. Always the protector.

"We are on the Irzae homeworld. Zpari, they call it. An unpleasant place," Azran replied. "You are here because we prefer to talk with those whom we are acquainted and who represent both Vulcan and human interests."

"We cannot speak for the fleet. That is Admiral T'Chari's prerogative," Spock said.

"You must, Mr. Spock. You too, Mr. Kirk. If not then the Irzae will die."

Spock and I exchanged glances then, our decision made, we turned to Azran. "Very well. What do you wish us to do?" Spock asked.

"Give us good reasons why we should not destroy these vermin."

"They're not vermin." I said, horrified by his callousness. Then I remembered my previous misdemeanour in speaking out without permission. I sent a silent request along the link, hoping he would receive it.

"Continue, Mr. Kirk," Spock responded but to my expression or unspoken plea I had no idea.

I was relieved he wasn't mad at me and bolstered by that, I went on, "They are intelligent beings. Yes, they're warlike but all the races of the galaxy went through an expansionist, aggressive phase. The Irzae will learn, as we did, the advantages of peaceful cooperation. If you deny them that right then it's you who are the barbarians. You who have little tolerance for other life-forms. You who claim to be our ancestors are no better than the Irzae. Even worse, for you're prepared to commit genocide, the worst crime imaginable."

I could sense that Spock was scarcely breathing. My outburst had startled him. It had startled me. I had been less than diplomatic. Maybe I had driven the Preservers over the edge. I waited for the utter annihilation of the planet and its defending ships. Azran and Meha were staring at me. I couldn't judge what their expressions meant and that worried me. There was a pregnant silence then suddenly Azran began to laugh. Meha stood motionless and did not join in the other's amusement. She just stared at me as if trying to read my mind. I felt nothing and hoped I was not being scanned without my knowledge.

"You are an optimistic child," Azran eventually said. "Starry eyed. Vibrant. Young. I envy you." He turned to Spock. "And you, Commander. Do you agree with your soul-twin's words? Do you regard us as no better than the Irzae?"

I watched Spock keenly, knowing that his answer would make the difference. If he didn't back me on this! I shuddered and pleaded for his approval but I still didn't know if he heard anything for he was still tightly barriered. Spock. Please. I begged in one last ditch attempt

"Although emotionally expressed, Commander Kirk's words have validity," he said. "I would, in essence, agree with them and further request that you leave and allow us to resolve the Irzae question ourselves. Llangia is at no risk from us. It will develop at its own pace without interference as you intended. This I pledge on behalf of the Vulcan Commonwealth."

I managed to keep my happiness over his support under control as the next events unfolded.

Azran turned to Pavna and the force-field dissolved. "The lives of all those on your miserable little planet are safe. You owe that to the intervention of those you have considered enemies, in particular these young officers. We still intended to destroy you before Commander Kirk launched into his diatribe."

Pavna bowed low. "I pledge myself and my people to peace. We have surrendered to the Vulcans. We will learn from them."

Azran and Meha smiled. "Something worthwhile has come from this," the female Preserver said. "Come we will leave."

A second later the two winked out of existence and Spock and I were left with the trembling Pavna. Before we could speak, the transporter lock caught us and beamed us home to the T'Varon. The captain must have used sensors to pinpoint our body readings then brought us aboard as soon as practical. We wasted no time talking and raced for the turbo-lift. The journey seemed endless but as the doors opened we dived onto the bridge to see that all was quiet and that the Preservers had, indeed, gone.

T'Zen stood up. "Your negotiations were broadcast to the fleet. Excellent work. In one hour you will both accompany me to meet Admiral T'Chari. Until then you are relieved."

I must admit I was glad of the chance for a rest. This last shift had been long and stressful. As the lift took us both to deck five, I asked, "Will you join me for a meal? We need to talk."

Spock stared at me for a long moment. "At a later time. I require meditation."

Damn. Well, I can't protest about that. He looks all in. I grinned a little. "Okay, Spock. Later. That's a promise. Now eat something. You need the energy."

There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Very well, Captain, he said."

I opened my mouth, forgetting to close it as he exited the lift and left me standing there. My ordering him around had become a running joke between us and I was pleased to see that he had unbent enough to indulge in it again.

Happier than I'd been for a while, I followed Spock down the corridor.

* * *

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