Fic: Kings and Pawns - Chapter 6/22
Title: Kings and Pawns
Author: jlneveloff
Movie Adapted: The Count of Monte Cristo
Fandom: Star Trek (TOS Reboot)
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance, Angst
Characters/Pairings: Spock/Uhura, Kirk, Pike, McCoy, Gaila primarily & Scotty, Chekov & Sulu to a lesser degree...Oh, also Nero, Spock Prime, Sarek and even Admiral Barnett has a part to play...So pretty much everyone.
Beta: slwmtiondaylite
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~3683
Warnings: Language, mild adult situations, violence and the occasional plot hole
Disclaimer: Star Trek and associated characters created by Gene Roddenberry. I own nothing at all. …which makes me all kinds of sad, ‘cause I really wanna borrow Spock for a while. Based upon the film The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Jay Wolpert (based upon the novel by Alexandre Dumas père) and directed by Kevin Reynolds.
Summary: In a Universe that has always known power and corruption, it is only a matter of time before the power takes over once again and innocent people are sacrificed. Spock/Uhura. Alternate MirrorVerse.
written for the LJ community reel_startrek, Round Two.
Author's Notes: This is my first...well, novel length story, so there is the chance that I may have plot holes...You have been warned ;)
This is also based on the film more so than the novel. I've never read the novel, but I am aware that the film diverted from it greatly.
CHAPTER SIX
FALSE ARRESTS
Nyota Uhura stood in Sarek’s home, her eyes scanning the interior, taking in every nook and cranny, every individual aspect that made it unique to him. She had been here before, although not often and only twice officially as Spock’s intended. Sarek had been aware that Uhura was Spock’s teaching assistant and a friend at the Academy but nothing more. Until recently. Spock had decided to take the step to inform his father of the true nature of his relationship with Uhura a few weeks ago.
Uhura was surprised by how well Sarek took the news. But then, she supposed she should have expected it. He too had been secretly involved in a romantic relationship with a human woman once - Spock’s mother, Amanda. Like father, like son, apparently. Spock had told Uhura that his parents met while on Vulcan; his mother there on humanitarian efforts. Sparks, as humans would say, flew and Sarek and Amanda found themselves in an affair.
But then, Nero struck a few years after Spock was born. Sarek managed to escape the mass killings on Vulcan with his toddler son in tow, but Amanda never made it. She dissipated while she was being transported; the technician had not been able to get a lock on her signal fast enough. Sarek, distraught over the loss of Amanda, carried his young son to Earth where they lived in the Vulcan colony created by refugees, those who had managed to escape Nero’s grasp. Sarek held fast to the ways of their ancestors believing it was the key to survival on this world even while the rest of his people succumbed to their basic instincts, driven to ignore their logic by the cruel treatment they received by the Empire.
Uhura sighed, her hand reaching up to rub her temples. Her head was aching. She didn’t get headaches often and usually never without a reason. A cool hand reached out to touch the back of her neck, rubbing softly. Spock. She sighed, leaning into his touch.
“You are in pain,” he whispered, his hand gently rubbing circles on her neck.
“Just a little headache,” she confirmed, eyes drifting closed. How he could always read her signs amazed her. He was better at reading people than others gave him credit for, even better than he gave himself for. Or perhaps it was just her that he was good at reading?
Uhura heard him shift his position and stand in front of her. His hands trailed from her neck to her head, gently soothing away the pain. His hands found her thick ponytail, held high on her head. “I have informed you before that your tendency to wear your hair in such a fashion is placing a strain on your neck muscles.”
She shook her head gently. “No, it’s not that,” she replied. “Not this time.”
“Nevertheless,” his voice faded and he deftly pulled her hair free of its confines, allowing it to flow down across her shoulders and down her back. “It cannot be helping to reduce your headache.” His hands combed through her hair, soothingly. He leaned in closely and whispered. “I prefer your hair in this state in any case.”
Uhura sighed, a smile on her face. This was definitely helping. She was unable to prevent her body from leaning into his touch. “I had a routine physical today,” she told him, explaining the source of her pain. “Made me do a brain scan. Those things always give me headaches.”
Spock nodded. “I trust my attempts to relieve your pain are working as intended?”
“Oh, yes, definitely.” She made a sound that almost resembled a moan.
Spock continued to alleviate her pain, gently massaging her scalp, her temples, combing through her hair. She rested her forehead against his chest, her hands gripping the sides of his unzipped uniform jacket, and leaned heavily into him. They stood like this for while; she was unsure of how long exactly, most likely minutes though it felt like hours. The sudden sound of a door closing in the other room and footsteps brought them to reality and they stepped apart out of courtesy for Sarek.
“I have some news which the two of you may be pleased to hear,” Sarek spoke, entering the room with his hands behind his back, rigid as ever.
His eyes scanned over the couple, standing closely together, her hair around her shoulders rather than up and his son’s uniform jacket undone. Very imperceptibly Uhura swore she saw and eyebrow lift and she was also sure that he was aware that he had interrupted something. But he said nothing. Pretending he didn’t see anything most likely. Spock stepped towards his father, his stance mimicking Sarek’s.
“What news have you acquired, Father?” he asked.
“I have made contact with an Elder who is willing to perform the bonding ceremony for the two of you,” he imparted. Quick and to the point. Trust a Vulcan to never beat around the bush.
Uhura was unable to keep the smile from forming on her face at this news. Finally. They had been searching for what felt like forever as far as she was concerned. Sarek had appointed himself in charge of finding a suitable telepath since learning of their desire to be bonded. Spock looked to her, his smile not on his face, but in his eyes.
“Thank you, Father,” he replied, his voice flat and calm, but both Sarek and Uhura could see the happiness in his eyes.
“Elder T’Pau informed me that she will be willing to assist the two of you and perform the ceremony whenever it is possible,” Sarek elaborated.
Uhura was unable to prevent her glee from bubbling to the surface. She laughed, throwing her arms around Spock’s neck and kissing his cheek. Sarek’s eyebrow rose - clearly Spock acquired this quirk from his father - at her actions. She saw a faint green blush coloring Spock’s face and he dropped his gaze from his father out of embarrassment. He pulled her arms from around his neck and took a step away from her. Normally, Uhura would have felt chastised by his actions and embarrassed by her own, but she knew he was attempting to regain control of himself. She was so happy she didn’t care at the moment.
Once Uhura had calmed down and the situation diffused a little, Sarek spoke once more. “Your mother and I had never been able to bond. I must admit, I am pleased that the two of you will be able to share something that we were not.” He stepped towards his son. “Your mother would be proud, Spock.”
Spock nodded. Uhura knew there was a large part of him that wished he had known his mother. All he had of her were the memories from the mind melds with his father but those could never replace firsthand knowledge. “Thank you, Father.”
“Now, let us partake in dinner.” Sarek motioned towards the dining room, where their meal was waiting.
Together, the three of them made their way to the table when, suddenly, there was a loud crash outside the house. Their attentions diverted to the front door where they heard screaming. Spock turned to his father and fiancée. “Stay here.”
He moved towards the door in a move to investigate but soon found there was no need. The front door was forcibly opened and a large group of men dressed as Starfleet officers entered, phaser rifles at the ready. Spock brought himself to his full height and stepped towards the men. “Please explain your actions.” He had phrased it as a suggestion but his rigid posture and tense voice signaled his true meaning.
“Captain Spock,” one of the men started. “You are under arrest by order of Admiral Pike.”
Uhura’s jaw dropped in shock. She felt Sarek grow tense beside her. Spock’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Arrest?” she asked with disbelief in her voice, bringing the attention of the officers. Their eyes focused on her, wondering what a human woman was doing among Vulcans. Their stares shifted from curiosity to unnerving in their intensity.
Spock noticed their wavering attentions and stepped in front of her, shielding her from their eyes. “On what charges?” His voice was cold, his eyes glaring daggers into the men.
Their attention deflected from Uhura, the officers focused on the man in front of her. “That information is classified,” the leader replied haughtily.
That comment did not placate Spock. He walked forward, with as much control as he could. “I order you to answer the question, Lieutenant,” he calmly said, pulling rank.
Uhura heard rather than saw the lieutenant snort. “No can do, Captain,” he said. A second later, “Arrest him.”
The men swarmed on Spock, engulfing him. On instinct, Uhura grabbed his jacket, in a futile effort to keep him with her. She knew that he was physically capable of bringing down these men singlehandedly but under the circumstances, it was better to follow the men and not risk a scene putting him into more trouble than he already was, no matter how false. He managed to turn towards Uhura and reach for her hand, grasping tightly. “Go to Admiral Barnett,” he told her, quickly. “He knows.”
Before Uhura could ask him what exactly Barnett knew, his hand was pulled from hers and he was forcibly dragged across the room. Still, despite the situation his voice was calm. “Do not worry, Father. This is a mistake, I assure you. I will rectify the situation immediately and will return tonight.”
As she watched Spock being manhandled out of the house, Uhura felt tears burning behind her eyes. This could not be happening, not now, not after everything. Not after he just saved the empire from the tyrant Nero. She dropped to her knees unable to stand up anymore, the adrenaline having left her system, leaving her shaken. Sarek drew close to her and placed a hand on her shoulder in an awkward attempt to comfort her. His actions broke the dam and the tears fell, despite her best attempts to keep them at bay.
As Uhura took deep shuddering breaths, her hands angrily swiped at the tears in a desperate attempt to pull herself back together. Her eyes focused on the door lying in shambles on the floor. Soon she regained control and stood once more. There was something she needed to do and she could not do it lying on the ground, a blubbering mess.
She needed to talk to Admiral Barnett.
*******
After having been forcibly removed from his father’s home, Spock found himself standing in Admiral Pike’s office. Despite being the admiral that had persuaded Kirk to join Starfleet, Spock had never had personal contact with him and as such, was not knowledgeable of his character. Kirk spoke highly of him and often, but to be honest, in his current situation and with the knowledge that it was under Pike’s orders that he was arrested, Spock did not believe he would see the admiral in the same light.
A few minutes later, door opened and a man Spock presumed was Admiral Pike stepped in. He was a tall, slender man, hair sprinkled with gray, signaling his experience. Spock had to admit that he appeared approachable and friendly, but given the circumstances, it could only be an illusion, designed to lull him into a false sense of security. Pike must have been unaware that Vulcans do not intimidate easily, but given that Spock was the only one in Starfleet, it was to be expected.
As Spock studied him, Pike glanced at him, his eyes sweeping over the Vulcan. He walked to his desk and picked up a PADD, quickly scanning it and before looking back to Spock. The information must have been Spock’s notable service records, judging from the impressed look on his face. Finally he spoke. “Well, I must say, Captain Spock, you certainly don’t have the look of a traitor.”
Spock’s brow rose. Traitor? The charge would explain the sudden removal from his father’s home and this hastily put together meeting with the admiral. Starfleet and the Empire took treason seriously and often times there were no court martial beyond the meeting with the commanding officers, particularly if evidence was damning. If an admiral or the current commanding officer believed that treason was being committed, they were at liberty to do what they pleased in regards to the punishment, which could range anywhere from time in The Booth, a kind of torture chamber, to death. It was a barbaric system to be sure and Spock was sure that there had been times the accused truly were innocent. He, at least, had experience in that department. He said nothing in response to the admiral’s comment. There was nothing to be said until he had more information.
“Now,” Admiral Pike started, taking a seat behind his large desk. Spock remained standing, hands folded behind his back, eyes straight ahead. “I expect you to answer my questions truthfully as your very life may depend on it.”
“Vulcans do not lie, sir,” Spock provided.
Pike nodded his approval. “Very well,” he replied. “I’ll hold you to that. Were you aware that Nero escaped two days ago?”
Perplexed, Spock shook his head. He didn’t recall receiving word of such news. It was disturbing to say the least, all of their work done for nothing. But he was still unsure of what this had to do with him and the charges levied against him. “No, sir, I was not.”
“Yeah, that’s not surprising. Not many people do know. The bastard somehow managed to escape from our maximum security prison. Which is where you come in. Did you have personal contact with Nero while he was in your custody?” The Admiral’s voice was almost conversational but Spock knew that his question was a delay tactic.
“As you are aware, sir, I did in fact have contact with the Emperor.” Spock remained at attention, a stark contrast to Pike’s more relaxed state. “And as you are also aware, I was in the company of several members of the crew throughout the majority of Nero’s stay on the ship, most notably Lieutenant Kirk. You are familiar with the Lieutenant. He will no doubt corroborate my statements.” Most humans would have phrased the last statement as a question, but Spock did not see the need to ask the admiral a question when he already knew the answer.
Pike nodded, his hand running across his jaw, eyes watching him. “Yes, I’m sure he will. But you said ‘the majority of Nero’s stay.’ And it is for what occurred outside the presence of others why you were denounced by your first officer, Commander Sulu.”
Spock was unable to suppress his surprise. He was aware of the Commander's dislike of him, but he didn’t believe he would make false accusations such as these. “It was Commander Sulu, who, while he was in charge of the Enterprise, ordered me to watch over the prisoner instead of performing my regular duties on the bridge.”
The admiral nodded once again before he stood and walked around his desk, sitting on the corner. He crossed his arms over his chest and studied his fingernails, looking up at Spock. “The sound files had corrupted but the security feed from the brig showed you and Nero discussing something on a PADD. It looked as though you were relaying information to him.”
So that was the reason he was arrested? Because the security feed caught something mildly suspicious? Spock believed that under normal circumstances more evidence, even if it was faulty, was required before an arrest would even be made but perhaps prejudice against his species was the main culprit here. “You are more than welcome to view the very PADD which contains the subject we were discussing, sir.”
Pike perked up. “Oh, well, this is good. Where can we find it?”
Spock relayed the information on the location of the PADD to the Admiral. He had left it in plain view on his desk in his office at the Academy as he did not believe it was worth extending his efforts to the contents. Pike sent one of his security officers to fetch it while Spock remained in his office. Emperor Nero had merely requested that Spock attempt to locate members of what he referred to as his ‘ancestors’ and inform them to kill any child born on the date of his birth in the future. As Spock found his claims to be from the future to be in question and without further proof, his efforts would be a waste of time, Spock merely told him that he would consider his request. As of now, Spock had yet to make a formal decision as to whether or not to honor the request.
A few moments later, the security officer returned and handed the PADD over to the Admiral. Spock remained stoic as Pike read through the contents. Another few moments and he set the PADD down on his desk and looked to Spock, regretfully. “I must apologize, Captain,” he spoke. “It appears Commander Sulu was mistaken, as was I.”
“No apologies necessary, Admiral,” he responded. He was just pleased that the situation had been settled.
“No,” Pike said, sighing heavily. “I just feel bad about this whole thing. I must have caused you significant stress over this.” He laughed slightly and walked back behind his desk. His gaze moved to focus behind Spock but he did not allow his gaze to follow the Admiral’s. “There’s just one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?”
“How would you describe your relationship with Cadet Uhura?”
Spock froze, thrown by the sudden change in topic. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his nerves before he was unable to suppress them. This line of conversation could not possibly lead to good as far as Uhura and he were concerned. He tried his hand at a delay tactic. “Cadet Uhura has been my teaching assistant for the past two years, sir. We work well together and as she is unmatched in xenolinguistics, her assistance has been quite valuable.”
“Right, that’s all well and good,” Pike offhandedly replied. “Perhaps I should be more specific. Are you or are you not in a sexual relationship with the cadet?” His gaze had become harsher, as he glared at the Vulcan.
Spock’s breath caught in his throat. This was the one thing Uhura and he feared - being caught. He believed that they had been covering their tracks as best they could but he must have missed something, some hint that showed him they were in danger. Spock didn’t want to answer in the affirmative but he couldn’t outright lie to the admiral either, so he answered the only way he could think of at the moment. “I have no comment on the matter.”
Pike laughed, clapping his hands on his upper thigh. His actions puzzled Spock. “You might as well have just confirmed it, Spock. Would have been better for you to lie.”
Spock leveled his gaze evenly with Pike’s, watching him step away from his desk and walk towards him. Behind him, Spock heard the door to Pike’s office hiss open and footsteps enter. Pike halted before him, all mirth and kindness gone from his eyes. “The whole treason thing was a cover,” he shrugged. “I knew perfectly well that you didn’t do that. The sound files from the security feed worked just fine. I just needed a good reason to get you in here so quickly.”
As Pike paused momentarily, Spock anxiously but stoically waited for him to continue; hoping for a moment to explain the situation, but none came. Pike and whoever came to him had already built the case against him. “Sir?” Spock asked, his voice not belying his inner turmoil and fear. He couldn't bring himself to think of what would happen to Uhura if he couldn't divert the admiral’s attention from the matter at hand.
“I have physical evidence that you used that damn Vulcan mind crap you’re so good at on the cadet, thereby allowing her to be susceptible to you as you forced yourself on her God only knows how many times.”
“Evidence? What kind of evidence?” Perhaps he should have spent his time rebutting the Admiral’s belief that he had forced himself on Uhura in any form rather than questioning the presence of evidence, but he was a scientist first and foremost.
“Brain scans,” Pike replied shortly. “Brain scans that show repeated episodes of mind melds. You did a real number on her.”
Spock shook his head, growing desperate. Mind melds left no long term effect on a person’s brain other than the transference of emotions and memories and they most certainly did not cause harm in the manner the admiral was suggesting unless they were done with the intention to harm. Spock’s melds with Uhura were solely for enhancing their pleasure and intimacy. They learned much about each other through the melds and as such were very in tune with one another. If there truly was something present on Uhura’s scans, Spock knew it was not his doing. “Sir, if you allow me to view the scans, perhaps I can ascertain the true meaning of the findings and -“
“You will do no such thing,” Pike interrupted him. He turned his gaze to the group of men behind him and nodded. “Take him away.”
Spock turned to the men, prepared to fight back if need be. It was perhaps a very human emotion, but he was not going to allow himself to be arrested for a crime he did not commit, not seeing logic in doing so. His superior strength would allow him to singlehandedly defeat these men and escape. But they had been expecting him to fight back and one of the men aimed his phasers in Spock’s direction and opened fire.
There was one last fleeting thought on Spock’s mind as he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Who told Admiral Pike of their relationship?
Author: jlneveloff
Movie Adapted: The Count of Monte Cristo
Fandom: Star Trek (TOS Reboot)
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance, Angst
Characters/Pairings: Spock/Uhura, Kirk, Pike, McCoy, Gaila primarily & Scotty, Chekov & Sulu to a lesser degree...Oh, also Nero, Spock Prime, Sarek and even Admiral Barnett has a part to play...So pretty much everyone.
Beta: slwmtiondaylite
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~3683
Warnings: Language, mild adult situations, violence and the occasional plot hole
Disclaimer: Star Trek and associated characters created by Gene Roddenberry. I own nothing at all. …which makes me all kinds of sad, ‘cause I really wanna borrow Spock for a while. Based upon the film The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Jay Wolpert (based upon the novel by Alexandre Dumas père) and directed by Kevin Reynolds.
Summary: In a Universe that has always known power and corruption, it is only a matter of time before the power takes over once again and innocent people are sacrificed. Spock/Uhura. Alternate MirrorVerse.
written for the LJ community reel_startrek, Round Two.
Author's Notes: This is my first...well, novel length story, so there is the chance that I may have plot holes...You have been warned ;)
This is also based on the film more so than the novel. I've never read the novel, but I am aware that the film diverted from it greatly.
CHAPTER SIX
FALSE ARRESTS
Nyota Uhura stood in Sarek’s home, her eyes scanning the interior, taking in every nook and cranny, every individual aspect that made it unique to him. She had been here before, although not often and only twice officially as Spock’s intended. Sarek had been aware that Uhura was Spock’s teaching assistant and a friend at the Academy but nothing more. Until recently. Spock had decided to take the step to inform his father of the true nature of his relationship with Uhura a few weeks ago.
Uhura was surprised by how well Sarek took the news. But then, she supposed she should have expected it. He too had been secretly involved in a romantic relationship with a human woman once - Spock’s mother, Amanda. Like father, like son, apparently. Spock had told Uhura that his parents met while on Vulcan; his mother there on humanitarian efforts. Sparks, as humans would say, flew and Sarek and Amanda found themselves in an affair.
But then, Nero struck a few years after Spock was born. Sarek managed to escape the mass killings on Vulcan with his toddler son in tow, but Amanda never made it. She dissipated while she was being transported; the technician had not been able to get a lock on her signal fast enough. Sarek, distraught over the loss of Amanda, carried his young son to Earth where they lived in the Vulcan colony created by refugees, those who had managed to escape Nero’s grasp. Sarek held fast to the ways of their ancestors believing it was the key to survival on this world even while the rest of his people succumbed to their basic instincts, driven to ignore their logic by the cruel treatment they received by the Empire.
Uhura sighed, her hand reaching up to rub her temples. Her head was aching. She didn’t get headaches often and usually never without a reason. A cool hand reached out to touch the back of her neck, rubbing softly. Spock. She sighed, leaning into his touch.
“You are in pain,” he whispered, his hand gently rubbing circles on her neck.
“Just a little headache,” she confirmed, eyes drifting closed. How he could always read her signs amazed her. He was better at reading people than others gave him credit for, even better than he gave himself for. Or perhaps it was just her that he was good at reading?
Uhura heard him shift his position and stand in front of her. His hands trailed from her neck to her head, gently soothing away the pain. His hands found her thick ponytail, held high on her head. “I have informed you before that your tendency to wear your hair in such a fashion is placing a strain on your neck muscles.”
She shook her head gently. “No, it’s not that,” she replied. “Not this time.”
“Nevertheless,” his voice faded and he deftly pulled her hair free of its confines, allowing it to flow down across her shoulders and down her back. “It cannot be helping to reduce your headache.” His hands combed through her hair, soothingly. He leaned in closely and whispered. “I prefer your hair in this state in any case.”
Uhura sighed, a smile on her face. This was definitely helping. She was unable to prevent her body from leaning into his touch. “I had a routine physical today,” she told him, explaining the source of her pain. “Made me do a brain scan. Those things always give me headaches.”
Spock nodded. “I trust my attempts to relieve your pain are working as intended?”
“Oh, yes, definitely.” She made a sound that almost resembled a moan.
Spock continued to alleviate her pain, gently massaging her scalp, her temples, combing through her hair. She rested her forehead against his chest, her hands gripping the sides of his unzipped uniform jacket, and leaned heavily into him. They stood like this for while; she was unsure of how long exactly, most likely minutes though it felt like hours. The sudden sound of a door closing in the other room and footsteps brought them to reality and they stepped apart out of courtesy for Sarek.
“I have some news which the two of you may be pleased to hear,” Sarek spoke, entering the room with his hands behind his back, rigid as ever.
His eyes scanned over the couple, standing closely together, her hair around her shoulders rather than up and his son’s uniform jacket undone. Very imperceptibly Uhura swore she saw and eyebrow lift and she was also sure that he was aware that he had interrupted something. But he said nothing. Pretending he didn’t see anything most likely. Spock stepped towards his father, his stance mimicking Sarek’s.
“What news have you acquired, Father?” he asked.
“I have made contact with an Elder who is willing to perform the bonding ceremony for the two of you,” he imparted. Quick and to the point. Trust a Vulcan to never beat around the bush.
Uhura was unable to keep the smile from forming on her face at this news. Finally. They had been searching for what felt like forever as far as she was concerned. Sarek had appointed himself in charge of finding a suitable telepath since learning of their desire to be bonded. Spock looked to her, his smile not on his face, but in his eyes.
“Thank you, Father,” he replied, his voice flat and calm, but both Sarek and Uhura could see the happiness in his eyes.
“Elder T’Pau informed me that she will be willing to assist the two of you and perform the ceremony whenever it is possible,” Sarek elaborated.
Uhura was unable to prevent her glee from bubbling to the surface. She laughed, throwing her arms around Spock’s neck and kissing his cheek. Sarek’s eyebrow rose - clearly Spock acquired this quirk from his father - at her actions. She saw a faint green blush coloring Spock’s face and he dropped his gaze from his father out of embarrassment. He pulled her arms from around his neck and took a step away from her. Normally, Uhura would have felt chastised by his actions and embarrassed by her own, but she knew he was attempting to regain control of himself. She was so happy she didn’t care at the moment.
Once Uhura had calmed down and the situation diffused a little, Sarek spoke once more. “Your mother and I had never been able to bond. I must admit, I am pleased that the two of you will be able to share something that we were not.” He stepped towards his son. “Your mother would be proud, Spock.”
Spock nodded. Uhura knew there was a large part of him that wished he had known his mother. All he had of her were the memories from the mind melds with his father but those could never replace firsthand knowledge. “Thank you, Father.”
“Now, let us partake in dinner.” Sarek motioned towards the dining room, where their meal was waiting.
Together, the three of them made their way to the table when, suddenly, there was a loud crash outside the house. Their attentions diverted to the front door where they heard screaming. Spock turned to his father and fiancée. “Stay here.”
He moved towards the door in a move to investigate but soon found there was no need. The front door was forcibly opened and a large group of men dressed as Starfleet officers entered, phaser rifles at the ready. Spock brought himself to his full height and stepped towards the men. “Please explain your actions.” He had phrased it as a suggestion but his rigid posture and tense voice signaled his true meaning.
“Captain Spock,” one of the men started. “You are under arrest by order of Admiral Pike.”
Uhura’s jaw dropped in shock. She felt Sarek grow tense beside her. Spock’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Arrest?” she asked with disbelief in her voice, bringing the attention of the officers. Their eyes focused on her, wondering what a human woman was doing among Vulcans. Their stares shifted from curiosity to unnerving in their intensity.
Spock noticed their wavering attentions and stepped in front of her, shielding her from their eyes. “On what charges?” His voice was cold, his eyes glaring daggers into the men.
Their attention deflected from Uhura, the officers focused on the man in front of her. “That information is classified,” the leader replied haughtily.
That comment did not placate Spock. He walked forward, with as much control as he could. “I order you to answer the question, Lieutenant,” he calmly said, pulling rank.
Uhura heard rather than saw the lieutenant snort. “No can do, Captain,” he said. A second later, “Arrest him.”
The men swarmed on Spock, engulfing him. On instinct, Uhura grabbed his jacket, in a futile effort to keep him with her. She knew that he was physically capable of bringing down these men singlehandedly but under the circumstances, it was better to follow the men and not risk a scene putting him into more trouble than he already was, no matter how false. He managed to turn towards Uhura and reach for her hand, grasping tightly. “Go to Admiral Barnett,” he told her, quickly. “He knows.”
Before Uhura could ask him what exactly Barnett knew, his hand was pulled from hers and he was forcibly dragged across the room. Still, despite the situation his voice was calm. “Do not worry, Father. This is a mistake, I assure you. I will rectify the situation immediately and will return tonight.”
As she watched Spock being manhandled out of the house, Uhura felt tears burning behind her eyes. This could not be happening, not now, not after everything. Not after he just saved the empire from the tyrant Nero. She dropped to her knees unable to stand up anymore, the adrenaline having left her system, leaving her shaken. Sarek drew close to her and placed a hand on her shoulder in an awkward attempt to comfort her. His actions broke the dam and the tears fell, despite her best attempts to keep them at bay.
As Uhura took deep shuddering breaths, her hands angrily swiped at the tears in a desperate attempt to pull herself back together. Her eyes focused on the door lying in shambles on the floor. Soon she regained control and stood once more. There was something she needed to do and she could not do it lying on the ground, a blubbering mess.
She needed to talk to Admiral Barnett.
*******
After having been forcibly removed from his father’s home, Spock found himself standing in Admiral Pike’s office. Despite being the admiral that had persuaded Kirk to join Starfleet, Spock had never had personal contact with him and as such, was not knowledgeable of his character. Kirk spoke highly of him and often, but to be honest, in his current situation and with the knowledge that it was under Pike’s orders that he was arrested, Spock did not believe he would see the admiral in the same light.
A few minutes later, door opened and a man Spock presumed was Admiral Pike stepped in. He was a tall, slender man, hair sprinkled with gray, signaling his experience. Spock had to admit that he appeared approachable and friendly, but given the circumstances, it could only be an illusion, designed to lull him into a false sense of security. Pike must have been unaware that Vulcans do not intimidate easily, but given that Spock was the only one in Starfleet, it was to be expected.
As Spock studied him, Pike glanced at him, his eyes sweeping over the Vulcan. He walked to his desk and picked up a PADD, quickly scanning it and before looking back to Spock. The information must have been Spock’s notable service records, judging from the impressed look on his face. Finally he spoke. “Well, I must say, Captain Spock, you certainly don’t have the look of a traitor.”
Spock’s brow rose. Traitor? The charge would explain the sudden removal from his father’s home and this hastily put together meeting with the admiral. Starfleet and the Empire took treason seriously and often times there were no court martial beyond the meeting with the commanding officers, particularly if evidence was damning. If an admiral or the current commanding officer believed that treason was being committed, they were at liberty to do what they pleased in regards to the punishment, which could range anywhere from time in The Booth, a kind of torture chamber, to death. It was a barbaric system to be sure and Spock was sure that there had been times the accused truly were innocent. He, at least, had experience in that department. He said nothing in response to the admiral’s comment. There was nothing to be said until he had more information.
“Now,” Admiral Pike started, taking a seat behind his large desk. Spock remained standing, hands folded behind his back, eyes straight ahead. “I expect you to answer my questions truthfully as your very life may depend on it.”
“Vulcans do not lie, sir,” Spock provided.
Pike nodded his approval. “Very well,” he replied. “I’ll hold you to that. Were you aware that Nero escaped two days ago?”
Perplexed, Spock shook his head. He didn’t recall receiving word of such news. It was disturbing to say the least, all of their work done for nothing. But he was still unsure of what this had to do with him and the charges levied against him. “No, sir, I was not.”
“Yeah, that’s not surprising. Not many people do know. The bastard somehow managed to escape from our maximum security prison. Which is where you come in. Did you have personal contact with Nero while he was in your custody?” The Admiral’s voice was almost conversational but Spock knew that his question was a delay tactic.
“As you are aware, sir, I did in fact have contact with the Emperor.” Spock remained at attention, a stark contrast to Pike’s more relaxed state. “And as you are also aware, I was in the company of several members of the crew throughout the majority of Nero’s stay on the ship, most notably Lieutenant Kirk. You are familiar with the Lieutenant. He will no doubt corroborate my statements.” Most humans would have phrased the last statement as a question, but Spock did not see the need to ask the admiral a question when he already knew the answer.
Pike nodded, his hand running across his jaw, eyes watching him. “Yes, I’m sure he will. But you said ‘the majority of Nero’s stay.’ And it is for what occurred outside the presence of others why you were denounced by your first officer, Commander Sulu.”
Spock was unable to suppress his surprise. He was aware of the Commander's dislike of him, but he didn’t believe he would make false accusations such as these. “It was Commander Sulu, who, while he was in charge of the Enterprise, ordered me to watch over the prisoner instead of performing my regular duties on the bridge.”
The admiral nodded once again before he stood and walked around his desk, sitting on the corner. He crossed his arms over his chest and studied his fingernails, looking up at Spock. “The sound files had corrupted but the security feed from the brig showed you and Nero discussing something on a PADD. It looked as though you were relaying information to him.”
So that was the reason he was arrested? Because the security feed caught something mildly suspicious? Spock believed that under normal circumstances more evidence, even if it was faulty, was required before an arrest would even be made but perhaps prejudice against his species was the main culprit here. “You are more than welcome to view the very PADD which contains the subject we were discussing, sir.”
Pike perked up. “Oh, well, this is good. Where can we find it?”
Spock relayed the information on the location of the PADD to the Admiral. He had left it in plain view on his desk in his office at the Academy as he did not believe it was worth extending his efforts to the contents. Pike sent one of his security officers to fetch it while Spock remained in his office. Emperor Nero had merely requested that Spock attempt to locate members of what he referred to as his ‘ancestors’ and inform them to kill any child born on the date of his birth in the future. As Spock found his claims to be from the future to be in question and without further proof, his efforts would be a waste of time, Spock merely told him that he would consider his request. As of now, Spock had yet to make a formal decision as to whether or not to honor the request.
A few moments later, the security officer returned and handed the PADD over to the Admiral. Spock remained stoic as Pike read through the contents. Another few moments and he set the PADD down on his desk and looked to Spock, regretfully. “I must apologize, Captain,” he spoke. “It appears Commander Sulu was mistaken, as was I.”
“No apologies necessary, Admiral,” he responded. He was just pleased that the situation had been settled.
“No,” Pike said, sighing heavily. “I just feel bad about this whole thing. I must have caused you significant stress over this.” He laughed slightly and walked back behind his desk. His gaze moved to focus behind Spock but he did not allow his gaze to follow the Admiral’s. “There’s just one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?”
“How would you describe your relationship with Cadet Uhura?”
Spock froze, thrown by the sudden change in topic. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his nerves before he was unable to suppress them. This line of conversation could not possibly lead to good as far as Uhura and he were concerned. He tried his hand at a delay tactic. “Cadet Uhura has been my teaching assistant for the past two years, sir. We work well together and as she is unmatched in xenolinguistics, her assistance has been quite valuable.”
“Right, that’s all well and good,” Pike offhandedly replied. “Perhaps I should be more specific. Are you or are you not in a sexual relationship with the cadet?” His gaze had become harsher, as he glared at the Vulcan.
Spock’s breath caught in his throat. This was the one thing Uhura and he feared - being caught. He believed that they had been covering their tracks as best they could but he must have missed something, some hint that showed him they were in danger. Spock didn’t want to answer in the affirmative but he couldn’t outright lie to the admiral either, so he answered the only way he could think of at the moment. “I have no comment on the matter.”
Pike laughed, clapping his hands on his upper thigh. His actions puzzled Spock. “You might as well have just confirmed it, Spock. Would have been better for you to lie.”
Spock leveled his gaze evenly with Pike’s, watching him step away from his desk and walk towards him. Behind him, Spock heard the door to Pike’s office hiss open and footsteps enter. Pike halted before him, all mirth and kindness gone from his eyes. “The whole treason thing was a cover,” he shrugged. “I knew perfectly well that you didn’t do that. The sound files from the security feed worked just fine. I just needed a good reason to get you in here so quickly.”
As Pike paused momentarily, Spock anxiously but stoically waited for him to continue; hoping for a moment to explain the situation, but none came. Pike and whoever came to him had already built the case against him. “Sir?” Spock asked, his voice not belying his inner turmoil and fear. He couldn't bring himself to think of what would happen to Uhura if he couldn't divert the admiral’s attention from the matter at hand.
“I have physical evidence that you used that damn Vulcan mind crap you’re so good at on the cadet, thereby allowing her to be susceptible to you as you forced yourself on her God only knows how many times.”
“Evidence? What kind of evidence?” Perhaps he should have spent his time rebutting the Admiral’s belief that he had forced himself on Uhura in any form rather than questioning the presence of evidence, but he was a scientist first and foremost.
“Brain scans,” Pike replied shortly. “Brain scans that show repeated episodes of mind melds. You did a real number on her.”
Spock shook his head, growing desperate. Mind melds left no long term effect on a person’s brain other than the transference of emotions and memories and they most certainly did not cause harm in the manner the admiral was suggesting unless they were done with the intention to harm. Spock’s melds with Uhura were solely for enhancing their pleasure and intimacy. They learned much about each other through the melds and as such were very in tune with one another. If there truly was something present on Uhura’s scans, Spock knew it was not his doing. “Sir, if you allow me to view the scans, perhaps I can ascertain the true meaning of the findings and -“
“You will do no such thing,” Pike interrupted him. He turned his gaze to the group of men behind him and nodded. “Take him away.”
Spock turned to the men, prepared to fight back if need be. It was perhaps a very human emotion, but he was not going to allow himself to be arrested for a crime he did not commit, not seeing logic in doing so. His superior strength would allow him to singlehandedly defeat these men and escape. But they had been expecting him to fight back and one of the men aimed his phasers in Spock’s direction and opened fire.
There was one last fleeting thought on Spock’s mind as he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Who told Admiral Pike of their relationship?