Survival

At 05:00 the computer alarm woke Spock out of a light sleep. "Cadet Spock, report to Rendezvous Alpha at 07:00 hours for survival training course. The following items are required." Spock read the list and within twenty minutes was prepared and on his way to breakfast.

The mess hall was still reasonably quiet. Spock was grateful for that but, as he ate, three drowsy eyed humans including Kirk entered. As Spock had known he would, Kirk brought his tray over. "May I join you?" the young human asked.

Spock assented only to regret it as the other two followed Kirk over and began to grumble. It was an unsuitable time to discuss the events of the previous evening but perhaps there would be an opportunity before they were due at the rendezvous point. Spock could distinguish Kirk's disquiet even amidst the maelstrom of emotions streaming from the others. How this was possible, Spock could not fathom. It was almost as if he and Kirk were attuned in a familial way.

Illogical, he reprimanded himself.

Just as they were finishing their breakfast, the wall-screen activated to show Commodore Demarco. "Attention. Cadets for survival training course, report to rendezvous at 06:30. I repeat - 06:30. You have less than fifteen minutes."

Spock heard Kirk's whispered curse and comments, "Why's he done that? We'll talk later, Spock," before the cadets raced to their respective quarters to collect their gear. Spock arrived at Alpha on time but one of the humans was late. Beside Spock, Kirk and Marla Van Wyck fought to control their ragged breathing as the unfortunate Sam Danziger was reprimanded by Commodore Demarco. Spock understood the necessity for alacrity in an emergency. All starship crews had to be alert at all times but he believed the commodore was too harsh on the cadet.

Once finished with Danziger, Demarco glanced down at his list. "Where's Lester?" He looked up as an Andorian cadet, wearing survival clothing and with a pack on his back, ran towards them. "What are you doing here?" Demarco asked as the youth stopped in front of him.

"Cadet Thrav D'Ventra, reporting, sir," the Andorian replied. "Cadet Lester is ill, sir. I was just informed that I was next on the roster."

"What!" Demarco exclaimed.

Spock could scarcely restrain his sense of unease. Would Demarco accept D'Ventra's story? If he checked he would find the Andorian's name was next but would he suspect that the list had been tampered with? Spock found it difficult to believe that one undercover agent such as D'Ventra would make a difference if there was an attempt on their life. Commander Higuchi had assured them that a discreet watch would be kept on them and Demarco but Spock was less than reassured. Could any of them be trusted? These webs of lies and deceit are deplorable. This would never happen on Vulcan and I am a part of it. He closed his eyes as if to shut everything out but he knew that was impossible.

Demarco accepted the situation. "All right. You're going to be set down in the wilderness then find your own way back. I'll tell you more once we're there. Get into the flitters."

"Commodore Demarco," a voice, Spock recognised as Commodore Wallace's, called.

Spock's acute hearing caught snippets of Wallace's words as he told Demarco that he was going with them. Demarco did not attempt to hide his displeasure. Kirk leaned over and murmured into Spock's ear. "There's no love lost between those two. I wonder what's going on." Spock turned his head and found himself almost nose to nose with Kirk. Embarrassed Spock edged back. "I'm sorry," Kirk apologised.

The craft took off and landed after thirty-two minutes flying time in a clearing surrounded by scrubland. The cadets filed out and awaited instructions. The Deputy Commanders stood side by side as Demarco issued instructions.

"Cadet Kirk, you will be in command. You have been supplied with tricorders, a medikit, communicators and rations. Also you all have your own kits." Demarco smiled. "Along the way there'll be obstacles; maybe even surprise attacks. If you ever get stranded on an inhospitable planet you'll need all your wits about you. Experience gained from these tests could save your lives. Any questions?"

"Do we have phasers, sir?" Kirk asked.

Demarco chuckled. "It's not a hostile planet, Kirk. Only Tau Ceti 5."

"Sir, there are dangerous animals this far out. I request phasers, sir."

"Quite correct, Cadet Kirk," Wallace said. "Phasers with stun-only settings will be issued."

Demarco glared at Wallace then he nodded, "Very well."

Wallace smiled at them. "Cadet Kirk, if at any time you need assistance press the emergency button on your communicator and help will be dispatched. This is a test of endurance and skill but your safety is of paramount importance. If you can't handle the situation it's no shame. Badly injured or dead cadets are no use to us. I want no foolish heroics. This test can always be retaken. Do you understand me?"

"Aye, sir." Kirk hesitated. "Permission to speak freely, sir."

"Go ahead."

"I need details of each cadet's records."

"What!" Demarco exclaimed. "Nonsense."

"With respect, sir, a starship commander would pick his landing party according to each officer's skills. That information is essential to assist me in leading my group back."

"Excellent command thinking, Cadet Kirk." Wallace beamed. "We can allow your request, don't you think, Commodore?" As Demarco grudgingly agreed, Wallace waved Kirk to the flitter to access the files on the craft's computer. "Any more questions?" he asked.

Spock half listened as the humans spoke. His thoughts returned to the previous evening. Professor Solberg had been furious about the risks involved. He had pleaded with Admiral Simonson and Intelligence Chief Higuchi to stop the mission. They had tried to convince him that it was the only way to trap Demarco and his allies but the professor had remained unhappy. In the end they had used Starfleet regulations to get their way.

To control his nervousness over the forthcoming survival course, Spock thought of his current physics project and examined the equations in his mind. There had to be a way to break the deadlock. Then in a sudden flash he had the answer. Of course, he told himself.

Something in his demeanour must have betrayed him for Commodore Wallace moved closer. "Cadet, are you all right?"

Spock raised his eyebrows. "Sir, would you deliver a message to Professor Solberg for me. It concerns a matter of some urgency."

"Yes, of course."

"May I have your tricorder, sir?"

Wallace handed it over and Spock entered the equation and locked the unit to respond to Professor Solberg's voice. The commodore watched him and once he had finished said, "I'll make sure he receives this. It looks important."

"It is, sir," Spock replied.

Kirk exited the flitter. "I'm ready now, sir."

"About time, Kirk," Demarco snapped. "All right. You're on your own. The record for the return journey is two days and three hours."

"A moment, sir," Kirk said. "Please remain while we check the equipment." Wallace grinned. "Good thinking, Cadet." Demarco's face darkened. Spock sensed his anger and frustration but could not tell if there were any other deeper emotions. He tried to shield himself but there was a throbbing between his eyes that threatened to worsen if he did not remove himself from the commodore's presence.

After the check was completed, Demarco and Wallace departed. Kirk watched as the flitter disappeared into the distance then turned to the small group. "We'd better hold a briefing first. "Let's sit down."

"Logical," Spock said. The pain was beginning to ease.

"Thank you, Mr Spock."

Kirk surveyed his companions. They all had impeccable records but he was more comfortable with Spock than with anyone else and was glad to have the Vulcan by his side in, this, his first field expedition command. He would talk to D'Ventra shortly but first he had to assign everyone his or her duties. "Right. Spock, you will be science officer. Van Wyck, medic; D'ventra, security; Danziger, communications and supplies."

When no one objected he began to relax. "Okay, check your packs." As he sorted through his own gear he reviewed the details he had accessed from the flitter. The petite Marla Van Wyck was a third year medical student who remained calm under pressure and had excellent diagnostic skills. Her determination to succeed was an important part of her psyche. Danziger was a friendly third year science student who Kirk knew slightly from some of the physics classes he had attended. D'Ventra was the mystery. His file only showed that he had joined the Academy after finishing college on Andor. Kirk hoped that D'Ventra's hidden agenda was unknown and unsuspected by Demarco and his allies.

"Mr D'Ventra," Kirk addressed the tall Andorian. "A private word, if you please." He gestured to Spock. "Join us." At the other two cadets' surprised looks, Kirk explained, "Tactics meeting. I'll fill you in later. Check all our equipment again."

The three walked out of hearing distance. "Okay, D'Ventra, you were almost caught out by Demarco's change of times. Are your people prepared?"

D'Ventra's antennae quivered as he replied, "We are prepared, Mr Kirk. In case of personal attack, I am here to protect you. I have a direct comm link to Commander Higuchi. They are also tracking me by transponder."

"About Cadets Danziger and Van Wyck, Mr Kirk," Spock began.

"They are not to be told," D'Ventra said. "Those were our instructions." "I do not think it right that they remain unaware of the danger," Spock persisted.

Kirk could understand that. He had felt the same way. "I agree, Spock, but we have our orders." Higuchi had reasoned that there was no use worrying the two about something that might not happen and perhaps cause them to panic. Simonson had reluctantly agreed. Then there was the other matter. "Why did Wallace turn up? Does he know anything?"

"I do not know," D'Ventra replied. "I am ordered not to contact base unless in an emergency."

"Damn," Kirk muttered. If no-one knew who was involved in the conspiracy then everyone was suspect, even the Andorian. He became aware of Spock's eyes on him and looked up.

"I find it difficult to understand why Commodore Demarco would be so foolish as to make an attempt on our lives. What of the other members of the landing party? They had no part in the Hirayama incident." Spock's gaze was intent.

Kirk shook his head. "I don't know. Life is cheap to some people. They were willing to kill thousands. What do five matter?" The Vulcan was silent at that but his eyes were troubled. Kirk sympathised with him. "I'm sorry, Spock. Not all races are like yours. It would be a better galaxy if we tried to adopt Vulcan ethics."

He led the way back to the others and while they completed their tasks, Kirk studied the maps. He determined their location and the best routes back to the Academy but he was apprehensive. None of his previous tests had been this far away; all had been within a day's walk. Well he was in third year now and it was to expected that everything would be more difficult. There were two options, the shortest of which seemed to have the most challenging terrain. Should he risk it or would it be safer to take the slightly longer but easier route. He called Spock over for his opinion.

The Vulcan considered the problem then replied, "Commander Kirk, Vulcans could complete the longer journey in approximately 1.39 days. Although humans are renowned for their stamina and endurance, one must be realistic concerning their physical strength."

A jolt went through Kirk. The title sounded so right. He grimaced and replied, "Well we're only human, Mr Spock, so you'll just have to be patient. I don't know if we're expected to try the shorter way in the hope of beating the record or if the other route is considered the right choice."

"I do not understand human reasoning, Commander. I would recommend caution."

"I'm tempted to try the short route but unless there's a good reason for not going the longer way I have to agree. All right. The decision's made."

"I don't believe this!" Danziger's tone was full of annoyance.

"What is it?" Kirk asked.

"The communicators have gone dead." He stared up at Kirk with fearful eyes. Spock took another unit and proceeded to take it apart. Kirk chewed at his lip and ordered the others to work on the rest of the communicators. "Is everything else all right?" He was relieved to hear that the medikit, tricorders and phasers were functioning but with their link to the Academy lost, his intuition leaped to red alert. The suddenness of the time change of this survival course only hours after Spock had hacked into the security system to discover Demarco's involvement with Yao worried him. He hardly knew what to think. Was it coincidence or was he being paranoid in suspecting something sinister at work here?

"The transtaters have burned out," Spock said. "The odds of this happening to all our communicators at the same time are astronomical."

"They've been tampered with," Kirk said. "Is this part of the test, I wonder, or... " He saw understanding dawn in Spock's eyes and was glad there was someone he could share this burden with. The others waited expectantly and he dismissed his qualms. D'Ventra still had a hidden communicator. He called the Andorian aside. "Check your comm unit." He motioned Spock to watch D'Ventra then turned back to the others. "All right. We better get started. Keep in visual range at all times." He consulted his tricorder. "Our heading is 375 mark 2."

"Mr Kirk." D'Ventra gave a thumbs up signal. Kirk smiled and with more confidence said, "I'll lead. Next, Dr Van Wyck then Mr Danziger and Mr D'Ventra. Mr Spock will bring up the rear. Stay alert. Set tricorders to scan mode. Report anything out of the ordinary at once."

***

By mid-day they had covered twelve kilometres. A short distance ahead Kirk could see a sheltered area that seemed an ideal place for them to stop and eat. When the tricorders confirmed no life forms in the immediate vicinity, he walked towards it. The group trudged behind him and, apart from Spock, they all collapsed down out of the heat.

"We'll rest here until it cools," Kirk said. "Okay, break out the rations. We all deserve it."

Spock knelt beside him. "Commander, a guard should be posted." Kirk stared at him and all the doubts returned. Spock was correct. If something was wrong then every precaution should be taken. What if their tricorders had also been tampered with and showed false readings? He was about to speak when Spock added, "I volunteer for first watch."

Kirk nodded. "Fine. Mr D'Ventra will relieve you. I'll prepare a rota for watch duty."

After two hours spent out of the blistering heat, Kirk ordered them on. The landscape began to change and as they ploughed through long grass, large insects seemed to take pleasure in attacking the humans but avoided Spock. Noticing this, Kirk grimaced and wondered what it was about the Vulcan that repelled the creatures. He wished he possessed it as well.

Kirk glanced back at the sweating human faces and the weariness and frustration clearly written there. D'Ventra seemed strained too and only Spock looked untired. "C'mon, keep going," he said. "We'll soon be able to make camp. I reckon we'll... "

"Human readings bearing 225.7 mark 3," Spock's voice interrupted.

Kirk checked his own tricorder. Four human lifeforms registered behind the cover of what appeared to be a grassy embankment. "Phasers on minimum stun. It may be a surprise attack. Fan out." He grasped his own phaser and forced himself to keep from trembling. He had been in similar situations during other field trips but something felt wrong this time.

As four men, wearing grey one-piece body suits, emerged at a run, Kirk yelled, "Evasive action. Phasers on high stun. Fire at will." He twisted and rolled away, just missing a killing beam, seeing out of the corner of his eye, the others doing the same. He fired at one of the attackers and saw him crumple to the ground.

"Get the Vulcan," one of the assailants cried.

As if in slow motion, Kirk saw two men take aim at Spock who was crouched down beside the fallen Sam Danziger. "Spock," Kirk screamed and, with reflexes he didn't know until now that he had, Kirk leaped for the nearest man and knocked him over just as the phaser discharged. The assailant was stronger than he was but with a determination that would not let him fail, he yanked the weapon from the other's grasp and tossed it aside. He punched the man in the stomach. The attacker gasped in pain, then slumped back to hit his head on the ground and was still.

Kirk had been aware of several bursts of fire and with a heavy heart he looked up prepared for the worst but Spock stood phaser in hand, over one of the men. The Andorian pointed a weapon at another who knelt on the ground and Van Wyck was leaning over Danziger. Kirk remembered to breathe as he reached for one of the dropped phasers.

"Who sent you to kill us?" Kirk demanded, aiming the weapon at the kneeling man.

"We got paid. That's all I know."

"Who paid you?" Kirk demanded.

"I told you, kid, I don't know."

Kirk indicated the prone figure of the one he had grappled with. "He's coming round. D'Ventra, point your phaser at him and shoot if he tries anything." He kept his own weapon on the kneeling man, and gestured for D'Ventra and Spock to also guard the stunned assassins. "Marla, how's Sam?"

The young medic looked up. "I couldn't do anything. He took a hit right through the heart."

Kirk's hand shook and he felt as if his legs were being knocked from under him. There was a buzzing in his ears but his eyes met Spock's and he saw strength and compassion there. Like a starving man he drew on it, forced himself to hold on and continued with his questioning, "You bastards. You just murdered an innocent cadet. Were you hired to kill all of us or just one?"

The two men were unfamiliar to him, just normal looking humans in their thirties. "No hard feelings, kid. We were just doing our job," one said.

Intense fury swept over Kirk. "Tell me who hired you or I'll loose my Vulcan friend on you." He silenced Spock's shocked protest with a glare. He would explain his reasons later. "Vulcans can read minds and if they don't like what they learn they can kill with a thought. Or if I don't want you dead, Mr Spock can cause exquisite pain with just a touch before he knocks you out with a nerve pinch. Yes. Vulcans have great power and I have one under my command."

The fear from the two men was almost palpable. "We just got the job from a contact. The name was Freemantle," one babbled.

The Andorian gasped. "There's a Lieutenant Freemantle in Security at Starbase Seven."

Kirk smiled without mirth. So his suspicions had been correct. It was an inside job, a conspiracy of the sort he and Spock had discussed. "Who else?" he asked the attackers. "Names."

The prone man spoke. "We only know Freemantle, but he mentioned the Chief once. She'll be grateful. Something like that."

Security Chief Scalia!

He exchanged a glance with Spock. Were Scalia and Demarco in league with one another? "Hand over your communicators."

"We don't have any," replied the man on his knees. "We were beamed here from the base."

"How were you to get back?" Kirk demanded.

"We were to make our way to a rendezvous point and await pickup by flitter."

"Where and when?"

The men exchanged nervous glances then one answered, "Karna ford. Sundown tomorrow."

"Well that's an appointment you won't be keeping," Kirk assured. He fired his phaser at the kneeling man. The other assailant jumped to his feet and tried to escape but Spock brought him down with a flying tackle and applied a nerve pinch to his neck. "Well done, Mr Spock. You and Mr D'Ventra tie them all up and gather their weapons."

As they obeyed, Kirk knelt down beside Van Wyck. "It wasn't your fault, Marla."

Her eyes were shining with unshed tears. "I know but I should have been able to do something for him." She bent her head. "He never knew what hit him."

Kirk gripped her shoulder and murmured, "We'll have to bury him for protection against any scavengers. As soon as we get back, we'll send someone for his body."

As soon as Spock and D'Ventra had finished, the cadets bent to the grisly task of burying their comrade and marking his grave with a small cairn. They stood respectfully over it for a time, each thinking private thoughts before Kirk called them together. He gritted his teeth as he fought to hide his grief and shock. It was his duty as commander to remain strong.

"We'll make for the ford. See if we can commandeer the flitter. Marla, I need to tell you something which Mr Spock and I have discovered regarding the attack on the base."

The medic listened to Kirk's words in astonishment. "This is crazy!" she said. "You mean that people in high ranking places are behind this? You think that in revenge, they decided to kill Spock and everyone with him?"

"The facts point to it," Kirk said, remembering how two of the men had audibly named Spock as their target. "We need to be very careful. We don't know who else is involved."

The Andorian hissed. "This will end, now. I will contact Commander Higuchi."

"No," Kirk said. "What if your message is intercepted. The only way we can hope to trap Demarco is to continue as if nothing has happened, take the flitter and get back to the Academy. He'll be expecting his assassins to return not us. Opinion, Mr Spock."

The Vulcan tilted his head. "There is a certain logic in your argument, Mr Kirk. However we must proceed with due caution. These men may be under surveillance unbeknown to us. If that is so then another attack may be imminent."

Kirk was silent as he digested that. Was he understanding Spock's meaning correctly? Did the men have transponders implanted in their arms? He ordered Van Wyck to scan for that. The results were negative so unless they were supplied with unfamiliar technology, Spock's only other meaning was that one of the group! NO. Kirk did not want to consider that possibility. But he met Spock's eyes and in some kind of silent communion acknowledged the warning.

"Mr Kirk, I must protest," the Andorian said. "I am under orders to report. I can summon help at once." He took his communicator out from an inside pocket.

Kirk did not know how he had passed the order to Spock but the Vulcan pulled the communicator away before D'Ventra could open a channel. The Andorian stared at the Vulcan then turned to Kirk. "You do not trust me?"

"The only people I trust here are Spock and Marla. How do I know you're not one of Demarco's agents? If not you then maybe Commander Higuchi is involved. I'm sorry but I don't really know who to believe right now."

The Andorian bowed his head. "If I were working for Demarco I could have killed you at any time. However, I believe that if I were in your place, I would also have such suspicions. Very well, Mr Kirk. You're in command. You have my word that I will obey your orders."

"I've heard it said that your people honour their word," Kirk said.

"It is so."

"All right, D'Ventra, you go first. I'll follow, Marla next and Spock at the rear." The only person he could trust to guard his back was Spock. "Gather your gear and let's go." He glanced down at the prisoners then spared them no further thought as they headed towards the river and whatever awaited them there.

***

Spock thought it prudent to wait until they camped for the night before approaching Kirk with the question that had bothered him all afternoon. The young commander was taking first watch, having deemed it sensible, although Spock had devised an intruder alarm utilising the tricorder. Kirk was sitting at the edge of their camp staring into the darkness.

"Mr Kirk, may I ask why you threatened our assailants with false impressions of Vulcan abilities?" Spock asked.

Spock's night vision had no difficulty in detecting the flush on the human's face. "I've been meaning to speak to you about that. I hope you're not offended but it was a good bluff. No-one really knows much about Vulcans. There are a lot of rumours so I played on his fears."

"Rumours of mind control? Of torture?" Spock was horrified. "I assure you, Mr Kirk, that no Vulcan would touch another's mind without permission. According to legend there once were those who could kill with a thought but even if the ability existed today, none would use it. Violence is abhorrent to us."

"I know you wouldn't harm a fly, Mr Spock, but he didn't. Anyway the threat made him talk didn't it? I had to use any means at my disposal to get the truth." Kirk reached out a hand then drew it back. "I'm sorry if I offended you."

"There is no offence taken, Mr Kirk. I do not understand 'bluff' but its effectiveness cannot be denied. In future, I would prefer if you would not spread rumours concerning Vulcans." Spock now realised why some people were wary of him. Yet, why did they believe such absurd tales?

"I promise, Mr Spock. Do you accept my apology?"

Spock nodded. "Apology accepted, Mr Kirk."

"Thanks." Kirk shifted around. "I'm worried about who we might meet at the ford. Sam didn't deserve to die. God, I don't want to lose any more of you. What do we do, Spock? We're up against powerful people. I wish I knew if we could trust D'Ventra. I feel he's okay but... " The human's despair was almost overwhelming. "I need your help, Spock. We have to form a plan."

"It is imperative to reach the Academy. You have already reached the logical conclusion."

"Yes, the flitter. But how do we know how many people will be there?"

"They have no reason to expect their plan to have failed," Spock reassured. "Logically they would only send a pilot." He gulped at the sudden realisation that he was sending soothing thoughts to the other.

"Let's hope so," Kirk said. He smiled a little and seemed to relax.

Both of them sat in silent accord until Kirk became tired. Spock took the second watch himself and then entered a light meditation until dawn. After a quick breakfast the four packed up their camp and continued on their way. Kirk was pensive. Marla Van Wyck was tense. Despite being under suspicion, Thrav D'Ventra was the only one who seemed to relish each moment, but Andorians were a warrior race who revelled in the anticipation and stimulus of battle. Spock merely accepted their situation and remained alert. At this pace they would reach the ford in six point seven hours. Though if the temperature increased the humans would be forced to rest. By early afternoon Kirk had called a halt. The humans relaxed in the shade of a small wood, but unwilling to stop at this time, Spock volunteered to scout ahead. It took him twenty-seven minutes to reach the ford. He checked for life signs, found nothing and left at once. If any approaching craft were scanning, they would be alerted by Vulcan readings.

Sudden waves of fear almost knocked him to his knees. He took a deep breath, strengthened his barriers and listened. He could hear faint animal growls and realising his companions were in trouble he stumbled to his feet and quickened his pace. As he neared the camp he could hear the screams of wild animals, the harsh breathing of humans, and the cry of someone in pain. He approached with caution, his phaser drawn, and as he entered the wood saw a shadowy form slinking through the trees. He recognised it as the Tau bear, a large predatory ursine native to this world. Once hunted almost to extinction by the original settlers, it was now a protected species. Known in the past to have killed humans, they were now rarely seen.

Spock hunkered down and sniffed the air. He could distinguish the individual scents of four beasts. How could he help his companions without killing the animals? If an opportunity to stun the creatures did not present itself, could he get close enough to use the nerve pinch? Would the Tau bear, like the Le Matya, succumb? With the natural stealth of his people, Spock stalked along a track until he saw a black and white furred bulk ahead. The wind was in his favour and the animal did not catch his scent. Knowing the whine of a phaser might startle the beasts into attack, Spock slipped it inside his jacket then with careful tread made his way towards the creature. He gathered all of his strength and in one fluid motion jumped onto the bear's back, searching for its vulnerable nerve junction. The animal roared and tried to throw him off, but he clung to its back, his fingers tangling in its rough fur.

It is impossible! The beast is too alien. I cannot find... With a shocking jolt he touched its primitive mind. Sleep. he demanded, and recalled how he had helped his pet, I-Chaya, to rest during a virulent illness. Sleep. he repeated as it began to yield.

Within moments it slumped onto the ground. After scrambling off its back, he continued towards his destination. He heard a phaser discharge then the scream of an animal. There was another growl, a crashing through the underbrush and the cries of humans. Spock ran towards the commotion and within seconds had reached the camp. A frightened Thrav D'Ventra lay bloodstained on the ground, threatened by one of the predators. Kirk and Van Wyck were backed up against a tree, stalked by two more. The humans seemed mesmerised by the animals. Spock had heard of this response to fear. 'Freezing' they called it. Or perhaps now Kirk also realised that the sound of the phaser would aggravate the animals.

Spock leaped onto the creature that snarled at D'Ventra and sent it into sleep. The Andorian's mouth opened in a wordless cry and he curled on the ground gasping. Kirk stared up at Spock with eyes enormous with wonder and Spock found himself sending encouragement as he indicated which animal was his next target. Intent on their victims, the bears seemed unaware of him and using that advantage he grappled with his chosen Tau bear and rendered it unconscious as Kirk stunned the remaining one.

Van Wyck rushed over to the Andorian. "Medikit," she shouted as she tore open his clothing.

Kirk gave her the kit. "Anything to report, Mr Spock?" He listened to the details of the scouting foray and, after a weary sigh, said, "Thank you, Spock. Will you help Marla?" He knelt to check the fallen beasts.

D'Ventra had cuts to the chest and neck, one of his antennae was damaged and his arm hung at an unnatural angle. Spock's knowledge of Andorian anatomy was adequate, however his less than excellent ability at practical first aid was of little use to the medic as exposure to D'Ventra's pain caused Spock's hands to shake. Van Wyck tried to soothe the Andorian. Her efficiency and calm were impressive. She glanced up at Spock. "If you can't help then call Jim over."

"Forgive me," he said and stood up. "Mr Kirk, would you assist the doctor." Spock tried to deal with the throbbing in his head.

"Keep a watch on the animals," Kirk said, before joining Marla. "How is Thrav?"

"I need to put a splint on his arm." Kirk helped her to improvise one and once it was in place, Marla added, "I've cleaned the gashes but I don't know what kind of infection might set in. I've given him a broad spectrum antibiotic but Andorians don't respond too well to them."

"Can you stand, Thrav?" Kirk asked. At the Andorian's positive reply, Kirk turned to Spock. "I don't know what you did to those animals but you saved our lives. How long do you think they'll remain unconscious?"

"Unknown, Commander, as I am unfamiliar with this life form."

"We should kill them," D'Ventra said.

Horrified, Spock protested, "They are entitled to their existence. Because they attacked us does not give us the right to destroy them."

"They could follow us," D'Ventra said, dismissing Spock's words.

Kirk hesitated before replying, "You both have a point. I don't want to kill them. We'll stun them to make sure they're out for longer. By the time they wake up we'll be long gone."

It was the lesser of two evils and Spock conceded. He watched as Kirk stunned the beasts then they continued their journey. Due to the slow pace of the wounded Andorian, it soon became apparent that it would take longer than anticipated. Kirk and Marla helped D'Ventra while Spock scouted ahead. The flitter was waiting on the riverbank and as Spock had suspected there was only one life form inside. He returned to his companions to report his find. Kirk and Van Wyck lowered Thrav to the ground then the cadets crouched down beside the injured Andorian.

"All right. We have to get to that flitter without being detected," Kirk said. "That means, Mr Spock, that you'll have to stay with D'Ventra. If the pilot's scanning he'll be expecting humans and hopefully he'll assume two of the men got killed or left behind."

"Logical," Spock said. Kirk was an excellent commander, thinking through situations in a methodical and sensible manner.

"With luck I'll be contacting you shortly. Keep safe." Kirk turned to Van Wyck. "Keep your head down and your hair pinned back. If he looks out we don't want him to notice you're female. If we can fool him as long as possible there's a good chance we'll be able to stun him."

"Just as well I'm not wearing one of those silly short skirts that're becoming so popular," she said. "They're impractical."

Kirk grimaced. "Perhaps." He smiled at Spock and D'Ventra then left with Van Wyck.

The Andorian shifted on the ground and Spock asked, "Are you in pain?" "Of course, I am. One of those beasts ripped me up." His antennae quivered. "Forgive me. I should thank you for saving us. I have never seen the likes of it. You are a brave warrior."

"Once we were a warrior people." Spock shook his head. "Now Vulcans do not fight unless severely provoked."

"A pity," the Andorian said.

***

Kirk and Van Wyck walked towards the flitter. So far there had been no response from within and Kirk was beginning to get jittery. They were sitting ducks in this open space. Marla was almost as calm as Spock was; he had no worries over her but he would have felt much safer if the Vulcan had been with them. As they reached the craft, a man emerged. He took one look at them and the shock on his face was almost comical as Kirk and Van Wyck aimed their phasers at him.

"Put your hands above your head," Kirk ordered. He turned to Marla. "Cover me. If he tries anything shoot him." He frisked the man then bundled him into the craft where he tied him up. "Get in," he called to Van Wyck. "We'll pick up Spock and D'Ventra then return to the Academy."

Kirk landed the craft as close as possible to their previous location. He jumped to the ground. "Spock, we've got the pilot. It's safe." The Vulcan came out of the cover of the long grass, his phaser drawn, but on seeing there was no trap he lowered the weapon. "I'll help Thrav," Kirk said. Once the Andorian was in the flitter the medic took over his care. "Okay Marla, take his transponder out," Kirk ordered. "I don't want anyone to be able to follow our movements." She removed the item and Kirk threw it outside before closing the craft doors. He turned to the prisoner, a human in his mid-twenties whose face was vaguely familiar. "I want some answers. Who are you and who sent you here?"

"Technician Yarrow assigned to Starbase Seven," Spock supplied.

"Ah," Kirk said. "So Mr Spock remembers you. What is your connection with all of this, Yarrow? Who else is in this with you? Who do you report to?"

The man's green eyes were fearful. "Where are the others?"

"All tied up, Yarrow, just like you, except they're out in the open and there are wild animals about. Answer my questions."

"I don't know much. I was told to pick up the others here and bring them back to Starbase."

"Who told you?" Kirk insisted. The man twisted from side to side. Kirk could not hold his anger back any longer. He grasped Yarrow's head between both hands and snarled, "One of my team is dead. Another injured. You'll give me names or suffer the consequences."

Yarrow's fear intensified. "Scalia sent me here." He then mentioned two more names.

Aware of the watchers, Kirk released the prisoner. He calmed himself before speaking. "Spock, lay in a course for the Academy. Lift off when ready. Marla, how is Thrav?"

"Holding his own," she replied, "But I think the wounds are becoming infected."

"Hold on, Thrav. You'll be in hospital soon." Kirk sat back. What should their next move be? He was worried about using D'Ventra's comm unit and he could not contact the Academy without alerting Demarco, or could he? "Mr Spock, you trust Admiral Simonson, don't you?"

"Affirmative," Spock replied.

Kirk nodded. "So do I. Can you find out his personal comm line and then make sure our conversation is scrambled."

"It may be possible. If you will take over the controls I will attempt it."

Kirk smiled and complied. The code was known only to a few, and for emergencies only, but if anyone could discover it, Spock could. The Vulcan worked at the onboard computer. To an A6 expert it was obviously an easy task for within moments; he looked up and nodded.

"Good. Open a channel, Mr Spock."

The Vulcan obeyed and after a few seconds, the admiral's face appeared on the small viewscreen "Simonson, here. What's the problem?"

"Cadet Kirk reporting, sir. I have disturbing news for you and would ask that you keep it confidential for now."

The Admiral's face was grim after Kirk had briefly explained their situation but he wasted no time. "Land on the roof of the Medical building. I'll meet you there." He hesitated then added, "Don't worry. You'll be safe now. You have my personal assurance on that. Simonson out."

***

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