Chosen Brother
Part Two
At the captain's request, the senior officers attended a formal dinner to welcome and honour their aristocratic passenger. When Kirk arrived at Sara's quarters he was startled to find her to be tinier that he had thought. She stood barely up to his shoulder. Somehow it made her more feminine, and more vulnerable as she gazed up at him with large, blue eyes. Her gown, a shimmering blue, matched her eyes and was cut low over her breasts. Like some gawky teenager he could not help but stare.
He cleared his throat. "Shall we go?" She took his arm and, as he led her to the turbo-lift, Kirk was aware of the admiring glances from the male crew. He shrugged. So what if being captain gave him certain perks.
The dinner went well. Sara was a delightful guest as she told them about her life on Spica before the Klingon attack. All, except Spock and Janice Rand, were amused and interested in her. Spock watched her with clinical detachment while Rand could barely conceal her hostility.
Janice noticed how the captain - her captain - treated the woman like some fragile object to be cherished and stroked. His hand rested on Sara's for a time and Janice's lip curled with jealousy. He had never treated her like that. Towards the end of the evening, she watched them talking intimately in a corner and didn't hear Uhura's approach.
"Janice, don't be so obvious."
She gave a startled cry and faced the other woman. "What!" she gasped.
"If the captain wants to be gallant to a passenger then it's his business."
Rand flushed and looked down. Uhura, feeling sorry for her, drew her over to the other side of the room. "I've been meaning to talk to you about this, Janice." They sat down, neither aware that Spock was well within hearing range. "You must learn that the one man who is inaccessible to us is the captain. He has his wife and his lover. Her name is Enterprise."
Janice sniffed. "I know but he's so gorgeous. When he looks at me I go hot all over. I want him to touch me."
"You're not the only one feels that way," Uhura said. "He is the captain, though, and that makes him out of bounds. Any other way lies chaos. There are other men aboard."
"Yes, but only one Captain Kirk."
Uhura chuckled. "It's ironic that the two most desirable men aboard are totally inaccessible to us. You'll just have to accept that."
Rand joined in with her laughter. All the women were attracted to the Vulcan and she was no exception. When the female crew got together, Spock was often the topic of conversation as they indulged in a little harmless fantasy about him.
Uhura glanced at the solitary Vulcan, recalling his audition. She had known that he would play well but had been unprepared for just how well. As he had played his lyre, the stiff tension had left him and he had relaxed. He seemed at one with the strange alien music and it had been fascinating to witness. She had accepted him, at once, for the concert and was trying to persuade him to also accompany her singing. He had said that he would consider her request but she had not yet had his decision. She looked over at Sara and wondered anew about her. When introduced to Spock, the Spican woman had suddenly become still and her face had gone cold. No woman reacted in that way to Spock and that struck Uhura as odd for Spock was too exotically handsome, powerfully masculine, in his own gentle and courteous way.
The evening at an end, Kirk escorted Sara back to her cabin. She invited him in and he needed no encouragement. "Thank you for a lovely evening," she said.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Kirk replied.
She gazed up at him with shining eyes that were openly inviting now, studying his face, his lips, and she blushed delicately at his open hunger. "Jim," she whispered.
"Sara," he murmured, bending down to meet her lips.
She slid her arms around his neck as he pressed demanding kisses on her, meeting them with a passion that matched - even surpassed - his own. He moaned with relief as his bitter pain, guilt and frustration were swept aside by the intensity of his desire.
***
He lay in a dreamless asleep beside her. She watched the rise and fall of his bare chest and she smiled, delighted at her conquest. She slid her hand down his body, felt the muscle under the smooth skin, and knew he would be easy to control. Humans were so gullible! She would give him all the physical gratification he required until he totally depended on her. Her willing slave. Then she would take him 'home'. She would free her people from bondage, then she would discard the human and be reunited with her own ones.
Yet, she was afraid. It would not be as easy as she had anticipated for there was one aboard who might suspect her. She had sensed the mental start from the one known as Spock. He had been aware that there was something different about her yet she was unsure if he could tell that she was not whom she appeared to be. She had never encountered a Vulcan before but his psionic power was formidable and she would need to take great care. From Kirk's mind she had gleaned some knowledge about the Vulcan but not enough to understand his powers. She smiled as she recalled how Kirk, caught up in his passion, had been unaware of his mind being read. It would take time but gradually she would assimilate his feelings, his personality, his character and then would infiltrate his whole life.
Kirk woke up and stretched out lazily. There was a soft touch on his chest and he opened his eyes to see his new, beautiful lover. Her alluring smile took his breath away, her urgent touch brought fresh desire, and he pulled her down on top of him.
"Bridge to Captain," the sound of a male voice interrupted. "Please acknowledge."
"Damn," Kirk muttered. He sat up, still holding Sara, and pressed the audio control button. "Kirk here."
"Urgent message from Starfleet, sir," the voice of the duty officer said.
Kirk pulled on his clothes. "On my way." He turned to Sara. "I'm sorry. Duty calls. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"I'll be waiting for you," she replied with a smile.
Spock vacated the command seat as Kirk entered the bridge. Kirk sat down and as the message was being transmitted, Spock sensed his captain's air of contentment, his reduction of tension, at once. He wondered about human sexuality. There was no doubt that Kirk was far less stressed now but underneath there was something else.
The incoming message engaged his attention and he dismissed these thoughts for the present.
Admiral Komack's image appeared on the screen. "Kirk, we've received a distress call from the USS Scotia. I'm relaying it to you now."
The Scotia, Spock recalled, was one of the latest espionage ships used for monitoring Klingon activity. For such a vessel to be in distress did not bode well. Espionage ships were cleverly camouflaged to appear as innocuous cargo carriers but beneath that exterior lay state of the art sensors. Their crews were the most highly trained operators in Starfleet.
The figure now on the screen was bloodied, and his clothes torn. His face was bruised and one eye was swollen shut. "Mayday, mayday. We are under attack. All ships in range please respond. Alien ship approached, offering friendship messages, We had no chance.... Sitting ducks...Life support failing... Sensors destroyed..." The man slumped to the ground.
Komack's image returned. "That's all we have. I don't have to tell you how vital it is that this ship does not fall into enemy hands. If its captain has not already done so, you will destroy it. Find out what attacked them. Do whatever is necessary, Kirk. Co-ordinates follow."
"Sir, what about our mission to Avilia. The ambassador is aboard as well as a civilian we rescued from a disabled ship."
"They'll have to wait. Follow your orders. Komack out."
Kirk sighed then glanced up. "Well Mr Spock, that's it."
"Indeed sir."
Kirk noted the Vulcan's concern and he felt a touch of guilt. "I'm all right, Spock. And...I'm sorry for walking out on you the other day. I needed to be alone, that's all."
"I am not human, sir. I do not take offence."
"It was ill-mannered."
"Indeed, sir. Apology accepted."
"I have the co-ordinates, sir," Uhura said.
"Very well, relay to helm. Lay in course, Mr Sulu."
Spock returned to his station and busied himself with course calculations. By the time Kirk asked him how long it would take to reach the Scotia, he had the answer. "At maximum warp, three point six solar days."
"Thank you. Please take over the next shift. I need to get some sleep." He stood up and walked over to the rail beside his first officer.
"Very well sir." Spock studied him, seeing his weariness and wondering if he should mention it. There was a strange, drained look about Kirk that Spock had never seen in a human before. "Perhaps you should make certain that you do sleep, sir. You appear debilitated."
Kirk appraised him in silence. Just what was his first officer implying? "I'm perfectly able to make my own decisions on this, Mr Spock," he snapped.
Spock raised a brow at the tone. "My only intent is to advise you on what I perceive to be the best for you, sir."
"I noticed that Sara didn't take you, Spock. Did that upset you?" Kirk replied.
"Lady Sara's opinion of me is not important, sir. Your health and welfare are."
The touch of anger Kirk had felt at Spock dissolved. He had again misjudged the Vulcan by applying human emotions to him where none had been involved.
Spock folded his arms across his chest. "Jim, forgive my bluntness but my responsibility to you means that I must tell you the truth. There is something about our passenger that troubles me. I am unable to detect its nature. Please take care."
Kirk's anger returned. "So you disapprove of me being in her company?"
"No, sir. I only caution you to be careful. You have recently suffered trauma which you have not dealt with. Do not...."
"That is enough," Kirk hissed, through clenched teeth, unwilling to hear any more. Being with Sara had blotted out his pain and guilt and Spock's honesty was too much to bear. He turned on his heel and left the bridge.
Spock stared after him, for a moment, then went to the centre seat. He had only been doing his duty yet, once more, Kirk had walked away from him. Why could he not help his captain? He wanted Kirk to be happy and contented. Time flipped and he remembered the day he had vowed loyalty to Jim. The smile of delight on the human's face; the happiness emanating from him stirring a deep inner joy that Spock had never before experienced. He wished that Kirk's anger towards him did not cause such intense pain but knew it was difficult, if not impossible, to protect himself against it. That was both the curse and the joy of being t'hy'la.
***
Sara welcomed Kirk with open arms. He was aware only of his need for her and afterwards he fell into a deep sleep free from any disturbing nightmares. When he woke, she brought him coffee then sat beside him as he sipped it.
"Jim," she said, staring at him with innocent eyes. "Why have you changed course?"
"Rescue mission," he replied. "Once we've determined what happened, I'll get you to the nearest Federation outpost."
"I want to go home." She leaned against him and pressed a soft cheek against his chest. "Take me home."
He stroked her long hair and entwined the strands around his fingers. "You'll easily get transport to Spica from any place in the Federation." Her kisses sent shivers through him and he held her close unable to resist.
"Not Spica, my love," she murmured. "Farther away than that. The system known as Zmarra."
He sighed with unhappiness at disappointing her. "No, I'm sorry. Zmarra is too many light years away and it is unexplored." He paused, frowned then added, "Why would you want to go there?"
Her expression was full of entreaty but seeing his determination, she gave him her most bewitching smile then returned her attention to his body. "No reason," she murmured.
Kirk caught a glimpse of the time on the chronometer. He was shocked that it was so late. He had work to do, a ship to run. "Sara," he began, but her kisses excited him in a way no other woman's had ever done. She seemed to know exactly what aroused him and anticipated his every desire. Almost helplessly, he succumbed to her.
When he eventually returned to his quarters, he found McCoy waiting there. "Bones," he said, briskly. "What can I do for you?"
"How're you feeling, Captain?" McCoy asked, with a knowing look in his eyes.
Kirk flushed slightly. "I feel fine."
McCoy, studying him, noted his slight shakiness, how drawn he was, and the smudges under his eyes. "Still sleeping badly?" he asked.
"Nope. Like a baby. Nightmares are gone." Kirk clasped his hands on the desk and took a deep breath.
McCoy pounced on that admission. "What nightmares, Jim. Tell me about them."
"No need. They're gone. Sara rid me of them. What a woman she is!"
Kirk smiled in an atypical, dream-like manner, that alerted McCoy at once. Also his eyes were almost sunken into his head. McCoy was very worried about his young friend. Jim had slept with their passenger, something McCoy saw nothing wrong with. Kirk had not had the opportunity for any real relationship with a woman since his split with Carol Marcus. Now the Enterprise was the only female in his life - all demanding - but Sara should be an ideal temporary interlude for Jim. It should be a welcome relief for him but McCoy was beginning to wonder about that. Why was the younger man looking so drained.
"I think you should come down to sickbay with me, Jim. You look tired," he said.
Kirk's eyes flashed. "You sound just like my first officer. I'm not tired. Leave me, please, I have work to do."
McCoy was not pleased at this show of temper but it was that comment about the Vulcan noticing Kirk's tiredness that surprised him more. Seeing that Kirk wouldn't listen any more, and biting back his own angry response, he left the room vowing to follow this up later.
Kirk's door slid open and Sara, wearing a slinky, white, gown that clung to her body, walked in. He swallowed. "Please, Sara, I'm busy."
She smiled, settled on his knee, and wrapped her arms about his neck. "I missed you," she whispered in his ear.
The door opened again. Kirk gave a guilty start on seeing Spock there. Dammit. He should remember to activate the locking device when he wanted privacy. He went red as the Vulcan's cold, analytical, disapproving stare penetrated through to him. The urge that had been kindled by Sara disappeared and it was not difficult to lift the woman from him.
"Please leave," Kirk said. "I have work to attend to."
She was obviously annoyed but putting a brave face in it, she smiled and replied, "Of course, Captain."
She brushed by the Vulcan, ignoring him, but he caught a touch of something from her that was insensitive, selfish, and malevolent. Both brows rose and he clasped his hands behind him.
Kirk pressed the locking control, indicated that Spock take a seat, then wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was only too aware of his high colour and it embarrassed him. "Yes, Mr Spock," he decided to get down to business. Spock's look was very severe and Kirk realised that he had not seen that particular Vulcan stare for some time. It meant disapproval; that much was certain.
"We arrive at the co-ordinates of the Scotia in two point five solar days, sir. Long-range scanners are not finding any signs of Klingon or any other activities. My calculations show that..."
"Spock," Kirk interrupted, the censure in Spock's voice was painfully obvious. "I don't know what you must think of me!"
"I do not understand, sir."
Kirk looked down at his clasped hands. What was wrong with him? He had been short tempered with Spock and also Bones much too often and for no reason. Shame, an emotion he was unused to - made him very uncomfortable but he forced himself to meet the other's penetrating gaze and tried not to flinch.
"I can only apologise, again, Spock. It's been difficult for me lately but I assure you that I will... That I am getting over my problems. She...Sara..." He trailed off horribly embarrassed over this with Spock in a way he would not have been with anyone else. Somehow, the Vulcan, the most civilised of beings, seemed untouched by the base, physical needs of humans. Being caught, by Spock, with Sara on his knee made Kirk feel as if he had done something shameful and demeaning. Well, maybe he had. He was the captain of this ship and he couldn't afford to indulge in sexual escapades while on duty. He'd never keep the respect of his crew, his first officer, by such behaviour. He resolved to control his passion for Sara. He was not some immature adolescent but a responsible adult; a starship captain.
"Human sexuality is incomprehensible to me, sir," Spock said, bluntly. "However, my reading on the subject suggests that it is pleasurable and offers benefits to its participants."
Kirk's flush deepened. "It.. It does..."
"If that is the case then please explain why she is vibrant and you are enervated, sir," Spock asked.
"I'm not enervated," Kirk denied. He wiped the sweat from his upper lip.
"Captain, I have noted that for some time your behaviour has been atypical. The events on Delta Vega disturbed you but you will not admit it, nor allow yourself to be helped. Your involvement with this woman only...."
"Shut up, Spock," Kirk yelled, infuriated now. "You will not pry into my personal life."
Spock stood up and looked down at him with grim determination. "You have permitted me into the privacy of your mind, sir."
Kirk's rage threatened to spill over into physical violence. "Then you will not do so again," he snapped.
Spock stepped back, his face taking on a pallor that Kirk had seen only once before. The Vulcan's telepathy had sensed Kirk's violent anger. "I would do nothing against your will, sir. You are my commanding officer." He hesitated for a moment before adding in a questioning tone, "my friend?"
That killed Kirk's anger and a wave of weakness overcame him. A lump formed in his throat as he realised his responsibility to Spock. He could hurt a Vulcan. He was able to penetrate those mental barriers and reach the vulnerable being within. He didn't know if it was because they had taken the oath of brotherhood or because of Spock's weakened condition after all that had befallen them, or perhaps if it was the price Spock had to pay for allowing a human as his friend. It could be one or any of them or something quite different.
"My friend, please sit down," he said, shaken by the force of the anger that had almost overcome him. "We have a ship to run."
He saw that Spock was wrestling with unaccustomed emotions. "Please, Spock. Sit down. I'm sorry." He indicated the chair. "Please."
Spock nodded and resumed his seat, just a short distance across the desk. Kirk wanted to reach out and touch his friend, to give some kind of reassurance but he was afraid that he would inflict more pain on him. He clasped his own hands until his knuckles were white, trying not to weaken as he recalled the Vulcan's soothing healing power that could assuage pain like nothing else could do.
Spock was anxious, his thoughts in a turmoil as he watched the human. Confused and upset by Kirk's behaviour, he withdrew into himself to try and find peace and tranquillity by disassociating himself from the other as friend and brother. It took only a few moments to confirm it was hopeless. They were bound too closely. He would have to find some other way to protect himself against Kirk's powerful emotions.
Kirk tried again. "Spock, please accept my apology."
"Certainly, Captain," Spock replied, with a calm he did not feel.
Kirk nodded, respecting the privacy that Spock's demeanour proclaimed. With some kind of desperation he tried to reach for some measure of calm. He did not succeed.
***
McCoy was more than surprised when the Vulcan entered his office. "What brings you here, Mr Spock? Don't tell me you have an ache or pain for me to treat!"
Spock's eyebrow rose at the sarcastic remark. "Doctor, I am in excellent health. I am here to speak to you about Captain Kirk."
McCoy nodded, relieved. "I'm glad you came. I was thinking of speaking to you again about him. Sit down."
Spock remained standing, hands clasped behind his back. "I have only an academic knowledge regarding human sexuality. Please inform me as to why the Captain is drawn to Lady Sara. He is not a man to succumb easily to obsession with what is, a basic and normal function. He spends all off-duty time with her. He has missed our regular training in the gymnasium."
"Perhaps he prefers another kind of physical exercise," McCoy commented.
"I do not understand," Spock replied.
The doctor rubbed at his chin for a moment, before he continued. "I grant you that it's unlike Jim to be so besotted."
"He has a will. Is physical gratification so important to humans that they forget their responsibilities? Surely the captain's command, his ship, are his first priorities?"
McCoy was finding it difficult to explain the simple facts of life to the Vulcan, and took refuge in using his most off-hand way. "Jim, is a young man. Virile, young men need sexual release, Mr Spock."
"Ordinary young men, perhaps," Spock replied. "Starship captains are not in that category. They must be a breed apart. A captain's energy must go into the running of his ship and the well-being of his crew. This liaison with Lady Sara is not just sexual release. It is abnormal and sinister. She drains him. The decline in his strength is obvious. He is still in shock over Mr Mitchell's death. This woman does not help him overcome his grief. She jeopardises his command."
As he listened to those words, McCoy, for the first time, had an insight into the person beneath the cold, aloof mask. "You are worried about Jim, aren't you?"
Spock was silent for a moment, then he replied, a fleeting glimpse of something, McCoy could not identify, crossing his face. "He is weakening both physically and mentally. He is my friend, therefore he is my responsibility. To a Vulcan, such a friendship is a sacred trust. He will not permit me to help him. He draws away. He becomes angry. You are also his friend. I ask for your assistance."
Those Vulcan eyes made McCoy uncomfortable and he took refuge in sarcasm. "Well, I'll be. A Vulcan asking for help from little 'ol me!"
Spock blinked. "Doctor, if you do not wish to assist me, I shall leave."
Seeing he meant it, and regretting his own stupidity in resorting to something a Vulcan would never understand, McCoy grabbed at Spock's arm to stop him from leaving. Spock recoiled and pulled away at the unexpected touch. McCoy startled by the reaction, felt a sudden sweep of anger. He didn't like being treated as a pariah.
"Vulcan's avoid touch, Doctor," Spock said, sensing the other's emotions. "I am a telepath." His shields were shaky and the slightest contact with any human now brought him discomfort. He needed to withdraw and shore up his shields again. He needed protection against this ship full of humans. He had successfully maintained those shields for years; recent events had fragmented them. Kirk had found his way through, but Spock knew that he would never be able to keep Kirk out -not totally.
Suddenly realising how his thoughts could have been read, McCoy's fear of the first officer returned full force. He tried to control it, knowing that it was stupid. "That damn pride of Jim's," he muttered. "I could relieve him of command, if the ship is at risk and if you back me up on it."
"I do not believe that stage has been reached as yet," Spock replied.
"The moment you suspect it has, let me know. We need to work together on this, Mr Spock."
The oath of loyalty, Spock had given to Kirk, was a powerful one. A Vulcan could not easily dislodge a commander he had sworn allegiance to. Yet, illogical as it seemed, Spock suspected that the captain's life was threatened by this woman. He could prove nothing, however, and did not know how to fulfil his responsibilities to Kirk. These went beyond loyalty to a commander and into the realms of personal friendship. Kirk was his t'hy'la and it was, some times, a bond as close if not closer than family. From the beginning, Spock had tried to deny his warm feelings for Kirk, his ability to ease- even heal - Jim's injuries, soothe his pain, both physical and emotional. He had also tried to reject Jim's ability to help him. Now he had been forced to accept it - it would havebeen illogical not to - but he was still afraid of such a deep commitment to another.
Noticing the doctor's curious stare, and afraid that his features had revealed something to the human, Spock tightened his control and came to a resolution. He had sworn to protect Jim with his life, and he would do so. "Doctor, I shall do whatever is necessary," he said.
McCoy's face softened. "You must have some feelings after all, Mr Spock. You wouldn't have sought me out..."
"Vulcans have no emotions. Only duty is to my captain has caused me to seek your advice. Now, I shall leave." He straightened to his full height.
McCoy shrugged but his voice was gentle. "Whatever brought you here, I'm glad it did. Jim is a good friend. I won't stand by and see him hurt."
"We are in agreement," Spock replied. "We shall both monitor him."
"I don't want to really do this but I'll get him down here for a medical, I'll say it's routine, and see if I can find anything - any proof that he should be relieved of command." He shook his head.
"Very well, Doctor," Spock said.
"Will you join me for a glass of my excellent Saurian brandy?" McCoy offered.
"Vulcans do not participate in meaningless social activities," Spock said, with a cold stare.
"Well excuse me, I forgot just for a moment how heartless you are." McCoy retorted in anger. "If Jim had asked you, would you have refused?"
Spock considered the question. "No," he replied, honestly.
McCoy's eyes widened in surprise. "What would you have said to Jim?"
"I would have told him that although I do not drink alcohol, I would sit with him if he wished it."
"Well, I'll be damned," McCoy exclaimed. "Why wouldn't you do that for me?"
"You are not my friend," Spock replied. "Excuse me, Doctor."
Speechless with anger, McCoy stared after him. "Damn unfeeling bastard," he muttered.
***
Kirk came out of the shower, pulled on his robe, and made his way over to the intercom. He called the bridge. "Mr Spock, I must apologise to you again. I... forgot the time."
He felt guiltier than ever and furious with himself. He and Spock had been in training for months now, usually always at the same time of day, unless some emergency prevented it. Forgetting the time was a lame excuse; unfortunately it was the truth. Sara made him forget everything and everyone but her. He knew it wasn't right to be so obsessed but he seemed helpless to prevent it. He closed his eyes in an attempt to gather his exhausted thoughts.
"Are you all right, sir?" Spock asked, his tone with a hint of worry in it.
"Yes. It's late and I'm tired." He leaned nearer the screen to capture the illusion of being nearer the calm and relaxing presence of the Vulcan. "I promise you that I won't miss my Tzunarr training tomorrow."
"Very well, Captain, however you will have to work doubly hard to make up for lost time. If you miss out on the training then you lose the momentum. A regular program must be maintained."
Kirk accepted the reprimand, knowing he deserved it and worse. "I'll be very glad to work harder, Mr Spock. I'll look forward to it."
Spock raised an eyebrow. "I too, sir."
Kirk smiled. "You just want to throw me all around the gymnasium."
The other eyebrow climbed. "There is a certain satisfaction to be gained in doing so, Captain."
Kirk laughed. Spock always made him feel better. He turned off the intercom, wondering about his Vulcan friend. For someone who claimed to have no feelings he was magnanimous in his forgiveness of his bad-tempered and cranky captain. "I don't deserve him as my friend," Kirk murmured.
He lay on his bed and stretched out. Sara had wanted him to stay with her, but somehow he had found the will to refuse. Bring with her, constantly, during his off-duty hours, was proving to be tiresome, exhausting and even boring. The woman was insatiable. What had been, at first, stimulating and very exciting was becoming debilitating, and the diet of sex she fed him was predictable now. Kirk liked women with intelligence, spirit, and mystery. Women who pleased him but expected him to please them in return.
He was beginning to wonder, also, why she was badgering him to take her to the Zmarra system. She had grown angry when he had refused - and that had interested him - but in the heat of her attentions to him, he had forgotten. He considered diverting the ship for her. Surely there were other ships that could answer the distress call?
"Yes, take the ship to Zmarra. It's where you want to go," the voice insisted. Sara danced before him with sensuous abandon.
He struggled with it. No. He would not go. He had his orders, his duty, and his responsibility lay with that damaged Federation vessel.
"Take me there, my love", she whispered, her kisses setting him alight.
NO....
"Take me there, to Zmarra."
He jolted awake. When had he fallen asleep? Had her voice been part of a dream? A vivid one like those he used to have about Gary? He shuddered. What had she done to him? There was something sinister at work. As always, Spock had been correct. He hadn't listened to his most valued friend.
Resolving to sort the problem out, he dressed and made his way to Sara's cabin. He banished his feelings of lethargy and determined to find out exactly what she was up to. The door opened and he strode in. "Why do you want to go to Zmarra?" he demanded.
There was a seductive smile on her lips. "I cannot give you a reason," she said, sliding her arms about his neck. "It is enough that I wish it." She nibbled at his neck, her fingers reaching for his most sensitive areas; she knew him too well.
He grabbed her roughly and held her back. "I want the truth," he said.
Her eyes filled with tears. "You are hurting me."
Her vulnerability softened his will and, on seeing the red imprint of his fingers on her delicate skin a wave of shame at his roughness hit him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
She threw herself into his arms. When her lips met his, he knew he was lost. There was nothing he could do against this woman's compelling power over him. His body betrayed him, every time.
***
He lay in a stupor. Sara's voice whispered in his ear, over and over again. "Take me to Zmarra."
All during their lovemaking she had manipulated his responses, giving him intolerable sensations that were no longer pleasurable but agonising. He had been like putty in her hands, used, helpless like some victim of her nightmarish ability, but he had somehow found the strength to refuse her demand. He would never take her to Zmarra. He struggled against the nauseous, heavy feeling in his head, knowing that he had to get away from her and never return. She was destroying him.
It took a long time but finally, his head cleared and he opened his eyes to see....
Nightmare...
Gary lay beside him, wearing his familiar mocking smile.
Kirk closed his eyes again. He was dreaming. He had to wake up. Opening his eyes again he saw that nothing had changed. Gary was still there, his eyes twinkling in merriment, studying him. "Gary, can it be you?" he whispered, reaching out to touch a solid, warm shoulder.
"Jim, do you miss me, old friend?" the well remembered voice asked. "You don't have to miss me."
Jim sat up. "Gary, I do miss you. I wish I hadn't been forced to kill you." He broke off in horror. This was impossible. He had killed Gary on Delta Vega. His eyes filled with tears. "This can't be real. I'm in a nightmare."
"No, Jim, I'm very real," Gary said, with a smile.
He reached for Jim and touched him in the way Sara had done; in a manner that had aroused him in the past. A sickening wave of fear swept through Jim as he realised that this was no dream. He flung himself from the bed, landed sprawling on the floor but picked himself up and made for the door. Escape. He had to escape!
Caught from behind by a grip that pinioned him, he struggled in fear and pain as Gary's voice murmured in his ear. "Take me to Zmarra, Jim."
He twisted and turned, trying to break free. "NO!" he cried.
His legs trembled as he felt the intense heat from the naked body behind him. Blind terror held him, in this, his most terrifying nightmare. Spock, he cried in his mind..
A sudden vision of his friend's calm face brought him some control over himself. His martial arts training came flooding back and, with a Vulcan technique, he was able to free himself.
Gary laughed, his eyes taking on that silver hue that Kirk remembered so well. "You won't escape me, Jim. Not this time."
He lurched forward, catching Kirk in a stranglehold, then forced him onto his knees. Kirk gasped in pain as his arms were pinned above his head and a knee was pressed into the small of his back. "Take me to Zmarra, Jim." Gary repeated.
"Who are you?" Kirk asked. This being had more than human strength.
"Gary, your loving friend," came the sinister reply.
In a sudden move, Kirk jerked his arms and throwing Gary off-balance, knocked him over. Kirk struggled to stand , knowing that he needed to reach the intercom, summon help, but his strength was failing him; he was still drained. Strong hands grabbed his ankles, bringing him down with painful force. Twisting onto his back, Kirk kicked wildly in an attempt to dislodge the tight hold on him. It worked and in a few moments he was free but his elation was short-lived as Gary's body slammed down on top of him. The face, so near, leered in a horrific grin of triumph.
Spock...Kirk cried for a second time.
He fought as hard as he could, and managed to knock Gary onto his side. With waning strength, Kirk punched the other man, Gary laughing as the ineffectual blows glanced off him. With a sneer he raised his fist and slammed it into Kirk's jaw with sickening force. With a gasp of pain Kirk, with blood oozing from his cut lip, drew back.
Spock, he cried again.
"You cannot defeat me," Gary said. "I like this body. I'll beat you senseless if I have to but I'll win and then I'll do just what I want with you. There is only one way you can stop this. Take me to Zmarra."
"Gary, I'm sorry," Kirk muttered, through his bruised lips, even though he knew what was happening was impossible. Yet, this was Gary in every way. It had to be real. Unable to think coherently anymore, he could only accept that Gary was back and out for vengeance. He collapsed on his back, exhausted.
Gary straddled him. With deliberate intent, he aimed hard punches at Kirk's body. Kirk still attempted to protect himself, using elbows and fists in a desperate bit to find any weak spot in his attacker's body but he was losing.
End of Part Two