Fic: Kings and Pawns - Chapter 8/22
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: ~3179
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 EIGHT
THE CASE OF CAPTAIN SPOCK
Spock blinked, readjusting from the transportation. He had arrived at the penal colony he was to serve his sentence, the asteroid known as Rura Penthe, formerly of the Klingon Empire. Before the Empire invaded and took over, the asteroid, rich in the precious metal dilithium, had been used by the Klingons as a penal mining colony, so that they could use the labor force to exploit the resources. It had been the most feared punishment for Klingons and their enemies alike. It was brutal and there was no escape. Many prisoners did not survive for more than a year.
It had earned the notorious nickname ‘the aliens’ graveyard.’ And the name still stood. When the Empire invaded, all that changed was who was in charge. It was still used for mining. And only the sturdiest prisoners survived for longer than a year.
Spock glanced around his surroundings, taking in the dark stone walls. In the distance, he could hear the sounds of whips cracking and the screams of the prisoners who had been forced to work in the mines. He remained stoic, despite his inner anxiety.
He was led to an office, a small stone building at the entrance to the mines. It was an odd juxtaposition to be sure, the bright lights of the building, the cleanliness, next to the harsh stone, dark dirty air of the mines. The building was only one room and featured a desk and computer system. Behind the desk sat a woman with dark brown shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes. She appeared to be tough, battle-worn, with years of experience in Starfleet, though Spock was curious as to how she ended up here. Her expression was neutral as she watched her new prisoner enter, preventing Spock from determining how to approach her.
She glanced at her computer to read the information on Spock and his crimes. Spock stood with his hands cuffed before him waiting for her to speak. A moment later she looked at him, a cynical grin forming on her face. Spock inwardly cringed at the madness in her eyes and avoided her gaze. “Welcome to Rura Penthe, Captain Spock,” she said, standing and walking around her desk. “I’ll be your hostess for the duration of your stay here. They call me Number One.” She held her hand out as though she was expecting him to warmly greet her.
Spock stared at the proffered hand coldly before bringing his eyes back up, finding a spot on the wall to rest his gaze. She laughed and lowered her hand. “Aren’t you going to plea your innocence? Like every other person who walks through my doors?”
Spock shook his head. “There is no reason to. My case will be investigated and I will be proven innocent of all charges.” He truly believed it would. His father would surely mount an investigation of his own. And Barnett would more than likely use his influence in the Fleet to redact his charges. Everything would be fine soon. It had to be. He had to believe that.
The woman known as Number One smiled wryly, shaking her head as though she felt sorry for him. “Don’t you know, Captain?”
Spock met her gaze for the first time since arriving, puzzled. “Do I know what?”
“You’re here because you are innocent. This is where they send the ones they’re ashamed of.”
Spock brought his eyes to hers with a tilt of his head. "That is illogical. It would a waste of man power to imprison falsely accused inmates."
Number One sighed softly before smiling. “Whatever gets you through the day,” she said, clapping her hands together. "Now, let’s go check out your…quarters, shall we?”
Spock begrudgingly followed Number One and her two guards up a flight of stairs, through meandering corridors until finally they reached their destination. Number One opened the cell and stepped aside, waiting for Spock to enter. After a shove from a guard, he slowly entered the room and glanced around. The room was small, perhaps five feet by seven with seven foot tall ceilings. The walls were made of the rock the cell was carved into. His eyes fell on an inscription that had been etched into the left wall.
“Do no harm to those that harm you. Offer them peace, then you will have peace.”
Spock stared at the words, recognizing the phrase. It was a Vulcan saying from the teachings of Surak, the father of logic. Another Vulcan must have previously inhabited this cell at some point and carved the phrase in an attempt to instill it, to reassure him that as long as he performed admirably and not harm those who harm him, he would one day have peace himself. Perhaps it was foolhardy, but Spock could see the merit in it.
Number One followed his gaze and scoffed. “Typical Vulcans,” she said, clearly recognizing the phrase for what it was. “Always trying to cling to their logic.” Spock remained silent while she continued. “Because it’s your first day and I’m nothing if not a wonderful hostess, I have a present for you. Every year on their anniversary, to help our prisoners keep track of the passage of time, I like to give them something special. So that they can remember,” she told him.
The guards moved Spock further inside the room, forcing him to face the wall. They removed his cuffs and he felt his hands part and pulled to either side of him. Cold hard steel of shackles snapped against his wrists. “I assure you this is not necessary. Vulcans possess excellent internal chronometers. I need no such reminders.”
She snorted, moving behind him to bring her lips to his ear. “I’ve broken many a Vulcan before. Hell, even some Klingons. Trust me, you’ll need the reminder.”
The guards pulled on the chains, jerking his arms above his head and lifting his body off the ground. He felt his uniform being pulled taut against his chest as a knife slipped in the back and sliced the fabric, baring his back. The two guards took turns using the knife on the sleeves of the tattered uniform to remove it completely from his torso. Left exposed, Spock took deep breaths, steeling himself for what was to come. He heard rustling behind him and tensed his body.
“I’ll admit this is a little barbaric and definitely archaic,” Number One confessed, a slight laugh at the end of her sentence. “But I feel that if it doesn’t leave a mark, then it’s not much of a present, is it? Anniversaries are supposed to be things people remember. If I just used the collars, then how is this day any more special than the last?”
Even though he had anticipated pain, Spock was still stunned when he felt the crack of a whip against his back. Silently, he kept his face composed and clenched his fists in reaction to the sudden pain. He inwardly prepared himself for the pain and she popped the whip again, digging deep into his skin, emerald green blood oozing from the wounds. Not for the first time, Spock wondered why he had been led down this path, why Kirk did this to him and why the facts worked against him.
“If you’re wondering when your precious Logic is going to save you, I’m going to go ahead and say, it’s not,” she said, cracking the whip once more against his back. “Logic means nothing here.”
“Logic is everything,” he replied, horrified at the slight pain in his voice. “Logic will raise us out of chaos and bring us a serenity we have not yet experienced.”
“Okay, then.” She stepped close to him once more, leaning in. “I’ll offer you a deal. The moment your logic lifts you out of this chaos and brings you peace, I’ll stop.”
She cracked the whip again. And again….and again….
Spock remained silent.
**********
Lieutenant Kirk sat uncomfortably in Admiral Pike’s office, waiting for him to arrive. At his side sat Admiral Barnett, Spock’s father and Cadet Uhura. Kirk knew the awkward feeling he was experiencing was due to not wanting to be discovered as the one who turned Spock in, but he was sure that Pike would keep that silent. At least that was his hope. They were all here to attempt to figure out information on Spock and his whereabouts, his crimes, anything they could to explain his situation.
The doors opened and everyone got to their feet, watching Admiral Pike rush in and head immediately to his desk. Barnett stepped forward, taking control over the situation.
“Admiral Pike,” Barnett spoke with superiority in his voice. “We are here to discuss the case of Captain Spock.”
Kirk watched Pike freeze, surprised to see people in his office. They had not waited for his assistant to allow them in and having instead entered uninvited. “Spock?” he asked, his voice puzzled. His eyes scanned his audience before landing on Kirk. He tilted his head on confusion, wanting to know what was going on.
“Admiral Barnett, if I may, sir?” Kirk asked, stepping forward. He wanted to be the one controlling the situation. Barnett nodded his affirmation and Kirk seized the opportunity. “Thank you, sir.”
Kirk turned his attention to Pike, who continued to stare at Kirk with confusion, clearly thrown. “Admiral Pike, sir,” he greeted, trying to set the mood. “I have known Captain Spock since we were kids. We practically grew up together. If there’s anyone who knows him better than me it would be his father, but I need to say this, there is absolutely no way he’s guilty of any crime. He’s too much of a stickler to the rules. He’d probably break out in hives if he was even late a fraction of a second.”
Kirk stared intensely at the Admiral, silently trying to plea with him to play along. But Pike still seemed to be baffled as he looked around the office. He had been expecting to be alone in his office. Kirk saw that the admiral needed a moment to readjust his thoughts and continued speaking, introducing the others with him. “This is his mentor, Admiral Barnett, his father, Sarek, and his teaching assistant, Cadet Uhura.”
Finally, Kirk saw realization in Pike’s eyes. He inwardly sighed with relief. Pike regarded the group before him, his eyes scanning across them, this time without confusion. He sat behind his desk, and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “For someone who had such a pristine record previously, Captain Spock has built up quite the rap sheet in the last few days. I guess you never really know a person, huh?”
“What are the charges?” Barnett asked.
“Well,” Pike dragged out. He held out his hand, counting with his fingers. “First, there’s the treason.” He quickly glanced to Kirk and quickly asked, “Do you still stand by him?”
Kirk nodded. “Of course, sir.”
Pike held out two fingers. “Then there’s the murder charge.”
“Murder?” Kirk asked, legitimately confused. He knew of the false treason charge, but murder? Kirk knew that no matter how bad things got, Spock would never commit such a crime unless it was in self-defense. It went against everything he had been taught. He had other ways of dispatching unwanted followers that did not involve killing.
Sarek, in protest, stepped forward and spoke, his voice deep and sure. “My son would never commit such atrocity.”
Pike’s eyes slid over to Sarek. “He was seen conversing with Nero, exchanging information, while he was in the brig on the Enterprise. When he was arrested, he killed one of the officers sent to apprehend him.”
Kirk jerked aside, surprised by a hand on his upper arm. Uhura had moved forward and stepped between Kirk and Barnett, situating herself in front of Pike, a pleading expression on her face. “Please, sir,” she said. “If you knew Captain Spock at all, you would know he’s not a killer.”
Sarek backed her up, reiterating his previous statement. “Yes, it is against everything I have taught him. It is not the Vulcan way.”
“Maybe he’s just rebelling,” he shrugged in response to Sarek. Kirk saw Pike’s eyes flit between everyone in the room, before settling on Uhura, studying her. “But the most troubling charge is the one involving you, Cadet Uhura.”
Uhura was visibly bewildered. “Me? What charge? What are you talking about?” she asked, momentarily forgetting ranks in her shock.
Pike stood from his desk and walked to Uhura. He looked down at her, compassion in his eyes. Uhura tilted her head to study his face, searching for an explanation. Kirk kept silent, watching the scene before him. “Everything will be alright, Cadet. Captain Spock can no longer hurt you,” Pike spoke, sympathy coloring his tone.
Kirk could see that Uhura was still confused, still livid. He saw the fire burn in her eyes and knew she was growing angry, furious at the accusation being directed towards Spock. “Hurt me?” she exclaimed. “What are you talking about? He’s never hurt me!”
Pike shook his head as though he was saddened by the events. “As I suspected. He used his Vulcan telepathy to wipe your memory. To take away your memory of his assaults. It is highly likely that he did so numerous times.”
Uhura backed away, shaking her head profusely. Kirk watched her out of the corner of his eye, worried that she was going to pass out from shock. He knew that she would be distressed over the charges, no matter how false, but he had to admit that he wasn’t prepared for this reaction.
“And do you have proof of this?” Barnett asked authority entering his voice.
“I must ask the same, Admiral,” Sarek spoke up.
Pike looked between the two men, one an admiral such as himself and the other the father of the man in question. “That information is classified,” he answered easily.
“Where is he?” Uhura demanded, pushing her way through the men and in front of Pike, a dangerous expression on her face. Kirk knew that look, having seen it many times in the years he knew her, usually after pissing her off.
“I’m sorry, Cadet,” Pike emphasized her rank. Kirk saw Uhura visibly flinch, remembering her place in the chain of command. Once she had backed off and muttered an apology, Pike continued. “I can’t tell you where he is. Suffice it to say, he will no longer be able to have contact with you, Miss Uhura.” Kirk saw her shake her head again in protest, once again growing agitated. “You will be required to undergo a psychiatric examination however,” Pike added. “But do not worry, Cadet, this will not damage your career in anyway. You are not in the wrong here.”
“No! Admiral, sir, please,” Uhura tried again, her gaze imploring, her voice desperate. “He didn’t do anything to me that I didn’t want. Spock and I-“
Kirk rushed forward, frantically wanting her to stop talking before she blurted out the truth. “Cadet,” he called out, tugging on her arm.
She attempted to pull her arm free from his grasp. “No!” Kirk tugged her unwillingly back away from the other men. “James, please,” she begged, tugging on her arm.
“Cadet Uhura, calm down,” Kirk ordered, grasping her shoulders in his hands and attempting to pull her away once more. Admiral Barnett must have sensed the desperation of the scene because he stepped in and helped Kirk maneuver Uhura towards the door where they could speak in private.
Separated from the others, she looked into Kirk’s eyes, her gaze frantic. “I’m not going to let him go to prison for this, James. Why aren’t you saying anything?” she accused with a harsh whisper, her eyes narrowing.
“I will talk to the Admiral,” Kirk reassured her. He looked into her eyes, his voice serious. “Just, please, don’t incriminate yourself. You know Spock wouldn't want that.”
It was a low blow to be sure, but it had the desired effect. She calmed down considerably, breathing deeply. She reached up and grasped Kirk’s uniform. “Please, James,” she said. “Please don’t let them do this to him.”
Kirk nodded. “I will do everything I can,” he told her calmly. There was a small part of him that felt horrible at the deception but he didn’t want it to end, not when everything he wanted was almost within his reach.
Barnett wrapped his arms around the shaken and forlorn Cadet. “Come with me, Cadet. Let’s leave the Lieutenant do what he can for the Captain (1). You can help me look up this…classified information.”
Uhura nodded, murmuring her consent, and allowed Admiral Barnett lead her out of Pike’s office. Kirk watched them leave before turning his gaze back to Pike and Sarek. Spock’s father had stepped towards the Admiral, his pose intimidating.
“My son is not responsible for the crimes you accuse him of and I will do everything in my power to prove it,” Sarek avowed; his expression was stoic yet his voice carried a threatening tone.
Pike was not intimidated. “Well, you are more than welcome to do so, sir, but I must warn you, you won’t be pleased with what you find.”
“I will be the judge of that, Admiral.” Sarek, always one for tradition, bowed his head before turning on his heel and exiting the office.
Kirk watched the Vulcan leave and the door close before he turned his attention back to the Admiral. Pike was leaning against his desk, arms crossed over his check and a smirk on his face. Kirk walked forward slowly.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the exaggeration of the crimes, but still…murder?” Kirk questioned, unable to keep his disgust of the crime out of his voice. “No one’s gonna believe that one.”
Pike pushed off the desk and walked back behind it. “Vulcans are just like any other animal,” he shrugged, sitting down in the chair. “Corner them and they lash out.”
Kirk nodded, contemplating Pike’s words. “I guess that’s true,” he agreed. “They are pretty territorial…and I did impose on his territory.” Kirk laughed, referring to Uhura. He knew that Spock would do anything for her, anything to protect her, even if it meant that he would die. It was what made this so easy. He threatened Uhura and Spock folded.
Pike smiled. “Speaking of territory,” he started. “I have to admit, I didn’t get it at first - why you were betraying him - when you first reported his conversation with Nero and his relationship with that cadet, but now, having seen her…” Pike inhaled deeply. “…I can’t say I blame you one bit. Damn, she’s gorgeous,” he shook his head. “Wish I could get my hands on her.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, sir, why are you being so…” Kirk’s voice faded as he tried to find the word. Finally, he settled on, “…helpful?”
Pike gestured to the chair in front of his desk, a dark glimmer in his eye. “Maybe you should sit down, Kirk.”
1. I realize that in reality Admiral Barnett wouldn't just let Kirk take over the conversation, but…um….yeah….just go with it ;)
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: ~3179
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 EIGHT
THE CASE OF CAPTAIN SPOCK
Spock blinked, readjusting from the transportation. He had arrived at the penal colony he was to serve his sentence, the asteroid known as Rura Penthe, formerly of the Klingon Empire. Before the Empire invaded and took over, the asteroid, rich in the precious metal dilithium, had been used by the Klingons as a penal mining colony, so that they could use the labor force to exploit the resources. It had been the most feared punishment for Klingons and their enemies alike. It was brutal and there was no escape. Many prisoners did not survive for more than a year.
It had earned the notorious nickname ‘the aliens’ graveyard.’ And the name still stood. When the Empire invaded, all that changed was who was in charge. It was still used for mining. And only the sturdiest prisoners survived for longer than a year.
Spock glanced around his surroundings, taking in the dark stone walls. In the distance, he could hear the sounds of whips cracking and the screams of the prisoners who had been forced to work in the mines. He remained stoic, despite his inner anxiety.
He was led to an office, a small stone building at the entrance to the mines. It was an odd juxtaposition to be sure, the bright lights of the building, the cleanliness, next to the harsh stone, dark dirty air of the mines. The building was only one room and featured a desk and computer system. Behind the desk sat a woman with dark brown shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes. She appeared to be tough, battle-worn, with years of experience in Starfleet, though Spock was curious as to how she ended up here. Her expression was neutral as she watched her new prisoner enter, preventing Spock from determining how to approach her.
She glanced at her computer to read the information on Spock and his crimes. Spock stood with his hands cuffed before him waiting for her to speak. A moment later she looked at him, a cynical grin forming on her face. Spock inwardly cringed at the madness in her eyes and avoided her gaze. “Welcome to Rura Penthe, Captain Spock,” she said, standing and walking around her desk. “I’ll be your hostess for the duration of your stay here. They call me Number One.” She held her hand out as though she was expecting him to warmly greet her.
Spock stared at the proffered hand coldly before bringing his eyes back up, finding a spot on the wall to rest his gaze. She laughed and lowered her hand. “Aren’t you going to plea your innocence? Like every other person who walks through my doors?”
Spock shook his head. “There is no reason to. My case will be investigated and I will be proven innocent of all charges.” He truly believed it would. His father would surely mount an investigation of his own. And Barnett would more than likely use his influence in the Fleet to redact his charges. Everything would be fine soon. It had to be. He had to believe that.
The woman known as Number One smiled wryly, shaking her head as though she felt sorry for him. “Don’t you know, Captain?”
Spock met her gaze for the first time since arriving, puzzled. “Do I know what?”
“You’re here because you are innocent. This is where they send the ones they’re ashamed of.”
Spock brought his eyes to hers with a tilt of his head. "That is illogical. It would a waste of man power to imprison falsely accused inmates."
Number One sighed softly before smiling. “Whatever gets you through the day,” she said, clapping her hands together. "Now, let’s go check out your…quarters, shall we?”
Spock begrudgingly followed Number One and her two guards up a flight of stairs, through meandering corridors until finally they reached their destination. Number One opened the cell and stepped aside, waiting for Spock to enter. After a shove from a guard, he slowly entered the room and glanced around. The room was small, perhaps five feet by seven with seven foot tall ceilings. The walls were made of the rock the cell was carved into. His eyes fell on an inscription that had been etched into the left wall.
“Do no harm to those that harm you. Offer them peace, then you will have peace.”
Spock stared at the words, recognizing the phrase. It was a Vulcan saying from the teachings of Surak, the father of logic. Another Vulcan must have previously inhabited this cell at some point and carved the phrase in an attempt to instill it, to reassure him that as long as he performed admirably and not harm those who harm him, he would one day have peace himself. Perhaps it was foolhardy, but Spock could see the merit in it.
Number One followed his gaze and scoffed. “Typical Vulcans,” she said, clearly recognizing the phrase for what it was. “Always trying to cling to their logic.” Spock remained silent while she continued. “Because it’s your first day and I’m nothing if not a wonderful hostess, I have a present for you. Every year on their anniversary, to help our prisoners keep track of the passage of time, I like to give them something special. So that they can remember,” she told him.
The guards moved Spock further inside the room, forcing him to face the wall. They removed his cuffs and he felt his hands part and pulled to either side of him. Cold hard steel of shackles snapped against his wrists. “I assure you this is not necessary. Vulcans possess excellent internal chronometers. I need no such reminders.”
She snorted, moving behind him to bring her lips to his ear. “I’ve broken many a Vulcan before. Hell, even some Klingons. Trust me, you’ll need the reminder.”
The guards pulled on the chains, jerking his arms above his head and lifting his body off the ground. He felt his uniform being pulled taut against his chest as a knife slipped in the back and sliced the fabric, baring his back. The two guards took turns using the knife on the sleeves of the tattered uniform to remove it completely from his torso. Left exposed, Spock took deep breaths, steeling himself for what was to come. He heard rustling behind him and tensed his body.
“I’ll admit this is a little barbaric and definitely archaic,” Number One confessed, a slight laugh at the end of her sentence. “But I feel that if it doesn’t leave a mark, then it’s not much of a present, is it? Anniversaries are supposed to be things people remember. If I just used the collars, then how is this day any more special than the last?”
Even though he had anticipated pain, Spock was still stunned when he felt the crack of a whip against his back. Silently, he kept his face composed and clenched his fists in reaction to the sudden pain. He inwardly prepared himself for the pain and she popped the whip again, digging deep into his skin, emerald green blood oozing from the wounds. Not for the first time, Spock wondered why he had been led down this path, why Kirk did this to him and why the facts worked against him.
“If you’re wondering when your precious Logic is going to save you, I’m going to go ahead and say, it’s not,” she said, cracking the whip once more against his back. “Logic means nothing here.”
“Logic is everything,” he replied, horrified at the slight pain in his voice. “Logic will raise us out of chaos and bring us a serenity we have not yet experienced.”
“Okay, then.” She stepped close to him once more, leaning in. “I’ll offer you a deal. The moment your logic lifts you out of this chaos and brings you peace, I’ll stop.”
She cracked the whip again. And again….and again….
Spock remained silent.
**********
Lieutenant Kirk sat uncomfortably in Admiral Pike’s office, waiting for him to arrive. At his side sat Admiral Barnett, Spock’s father and Cadet Uhura. Kirk knew the awkward feeling he was experiencing was due to not wanting to be discovered as the one who turned Spock in, but he was sure that Pike would keep that silent. At least that was his hope. They were all here to attempt to figure out information on Spock and his whereabouts, his crimes, anything they could to explain his situation.
The doors opened and everyone got to their feet, watching Admiral Pike rush in and head immediately to his desk. Barnett stepped forward, taking control over the situation.
“Admiral Pike,” Barnett spoke with superiority in his voice. “We are here to discuss the case of Captain Spock.”
Kirk watched Pike freeze, surprised to see people in his office. They had not waited for his assistant to allow them in and having instead entered uninvited. “Spock?” he asked, his voice puzzled. His eyes scanned his audience before landing on Kirk. He tilted his head on confusion, wanting to know what was going on.
“Admiral Barnett, if I may, sir?” Kirk asked, stepping forward. He wanted to be the one controlling the situation. Barnett nodded his affirmation and Kirk seized the opportunity. “Thank you, sir.”
Kirk turned his attention to Pike, who continued to stare at Kirk with confusion, clearly thrown. “Admiral Pike, sir,” he greeted, trying to set the mood. “I have known Captain Spock since we were kids. We practically grew up together. If there’s anyone who knows him better than me it would be his father, but I need to say this, there is absolutely no way he’s guilty of any crime. He’s too much of a stickler to the rules. He’d probably break out in hives if he was even late a fraction of a second.”
Kirk stared intensely at the Admiral, silently trying to plea with him to play along. But Pike still seemed to be baffled as he looked around the office. He had been expecting to be alone in his office. Kirk saw that the admiral needed a moment to readjust his thoughts and continued speaking, introducing the others with him. “This is his mentor, Admiral Barnett, his father, Sarek, and his teaching assistant, Cadet Uhura.”
Finally, Kirk saw realization in Pike’s eyes. He inwardly sighed with relief. Pike regarded the group before him, his eyes scanning across them, this time without confusion. He sat behind his desk, and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “For someone who had such a pristine record previously, Captain Spock has built up quite the rap sheet in the last few days. I guess you never really know a person, huh?”
“What are the charges?” Barnett asked.
“Well,” Pike dragged out. He held out his hand, counting with his fingers. “First, there’s the treason.” He quickly glanced to Kirk and quickly asked, “Do you still stand by him?”
Kirk nodded. “Of course, sir.”
Pike held out two fingers. “Then there’s the murder charge.”
“Murder?” Kirk asked, legitimately confused. He knew of the false treason charge, but murder? Kirk knew that no matter how bad things got, Spock would never commit such a crime unless it was in self-defense. It went against everything he had been taught. He had other ways of dispatching unwanted followers that did not involve killing.
Sarek, in protest, stepped forward and spoke, his voice deep and sure. “My son would never commit such atrocity.”
Pike’s eyes slid over to Sarek. “He was seen conversing with Nero, exchanging information, while he was in the brig on the Enterprise. When he was arrested, he killed one of the officers sent to apprehend him.”
Kirk jerked aside, surprised by a hand on his upper arm. Uhura had moved forward and stepped between Kirk and Barnett, situating herself in front of Pike, a pleading expression on her face. “Please, sir,” she said. “If you knew Captain Spock at all, you would know he’s not a killer.”
Sarek backed her up, reiterating his previous statement. “Yes, it is against everything I have taught him. It is not the Vulcan way.”
“Maybe he’s just rebelling,” he shrugged in response to Sarek. Kirk saw Pike’s eyes flit between everyone in the room, before settling on Uhura, studying her. “But the most troubling charge is the one involving you, Cadet Uhura.”
Uhura was visibly bewildered. “Me? What charge? What are you talking about?” she asked, momentarily forgetting ranks in her shock.
Pike stood from his desk and walked to Uhura. He looked down at her, compassion in his eyes. Uhura tilted her head to study his face, searching for an explanation. Kirk kept silent, watching the scene before him. “Everything will be alright, Cadet. Captain Spock can no longer hurt you,” Pike spoke, sympathy coloring his tone.
Kirk could see that Uhura was still confused, still livid. He saw the fire burn in her eyes and knew she was growing angry, furious at the accusation being directed towards Spock. “Hurt me?” she exclaimed. “What are you talking about? He’s never hurt me!”
Pike shook his head as though he was saddened by the events. “As I suspected. He used his Vulcan telepathy to wipe your memory. To take away your memory of his assaults. It is highly likely that he did so numerous times.”
Uhura backed away, shaking her head profusely. Kirk watched her out of the corner of his eye, worried that she was going to pass out from shock. He knew that she would be distressed over the charges, no matter how false, but he had to admit that he wasn’t prepared for this reaction.
“And do you have proof of this?” Barnett asked authority entering his voice.
“I must ask the same, Admiral,” Sarek spoke up.
Pike looked between the two men, one an admiral such as himself and the other the father of the man in question. “That information is classified,” he answered easily.
“Where is he?” Uhura demanded, pushing her way through the men and in front of Pike, a dangerous expression on her face. Kirk knew that look, having seen it many times in the years he knew her, usually after pissing her off.
“I’m sorry, Cadet,” Pike emphasized her rank. Kirk saw Uhura visibly flinch, remembering her place in the chain of command. Once she had backed off and muttered an apology, Pike continued. “I can’t tell you where he is. Suffice it to say, he will no longer be able to have contact with you, Miss Uhura.” Kirk saw her shake her head again in protest, once again growing agitated. “You will be required to undergo a psychiatric examination however,” Pike added. “But do not worry, Cadet, this will not damage your career in anyway. You are not in the wrong here.”
“No! Admiral, sir, please,” Uhura tried again, her gaze imploring, her voice desperate. “He didn’t do anything to me that I didn’t want. Spock and I-“
Kirk rushed forward, frantically wanting her to stop talking before she blurted out the truth. “Cadet,” he called out, tugging on her arm.
She attempted to pull her arm free from his grasp. “No!” Kirk tugged her unwillingly back away from the other men. “James, please,” she begged, tugging on her arm.
“Cadet Uhura, calm down,” Kirk ordered, grasping her shoulders in his hands and attempting to pull her away once more. Admiral Barnett must have sensed the desperation of the scene because he stepped in and helped Kirk maneuver Uhura towards the door where they could speak in private.
Separated from the others, she looked into Kirk’s eyes, her gaze frantic. “I’m not going to let him go to prison for this, James. Why aren’t you saying anything?” she accused with a harsh whisper, her eyes narrowing.
“I will talk to the Admiral,” Kirk reassured her. He looked into her eyes, his voice serious. “Just, please, don’t incriminate yourself. You know Spock wouldn't want that.”
It was a low blow to be sure, but it had the desired effect. She calmed down considerably, breathing deeply. She reached up and grasped Kirk’s uniform. “Please, James,” she said. “Please don’t let them do this to him.”
Kirk nodded. “I will do everything I can,” he told her calmly. There was a small part of him that felt horrible at the deception but he didn’t want it to end, not when everything he wanted was almost within his reach.
Barnett wrapped his arms around the shaken and forlorn Cadet. “Come with me, Cadet. Let’s leave the Lieutenant do what he can for the Captain (1). You can help me look up this…classified information.”
Uhura nodded, murmuring her consent, and allowed Admiral Barnett lead her out of Pike’s office. Kirk watched them leave before turning his gaze back to Pike and Sarek. Spock’s father had stepped towards the Admiral, his pose intimidating.
“My son is not responsible for the crimes you accuse him of and I will do everything in my power to prove it,” Sarek avowed; his expression was stoic yet his voice carried a threatening tone.
Pike was not intimidated. “Well, you are more than welcome to do so, sir, but I must warn you, you won’t be pleased with what you find.”
“I will be the judge of that, Admiral.” Sarek, always one for tradition, bowed his head before turning on his heel and exiting the office.
Kirk watched the Vulcan leave and the door close before he turned his attention back to the Admiral. Pike was leaning against his desk, arms crossed over his check and a smirk on his face. Kirk walked forward slowly.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the exaggeration of the crimes, but still…murder?” Kirk questioned, unable to keep his disgust of the crime out of his voice. “No one’s gonna believe that one.”
Pike pushed off the desk and walked back behind it. “Vulcans are just like any other animal,” he shrugged, sitting down in the chair. “Corner them and they lash out.”
Kirk nodded, contemplating Pike’s words. “I guess that’s true,” he agreed. “They are pretty territorial…and I did impose on his territory.” Kirk laughed, referring to Uhura. He knew that Spock would do anything for her, anything to protect her, even if it meant that he would die. It was what made this so easy. He threatened Uhura and Spock folded.
Pike smiled. “Speaking of territory,” he started. “I have to admit, I didn’t get it at first - why you were betraying him - when you first reported his conversation with Nero and his relationship with that cadet, but now, having seen her…” Pike inhaled deeply. “…I can’t say I blame you one bit. Damn, she’s gorgeous,” he shook his head. “Wish I could get my hands on her.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, sir, why are you being so…” Kirk’s voice faded as he tried to find the word. Finally, he settled on, “…helpful?”
Pike gestured to the chair in front of his desk, a dark glimmer in his eye. “Maybe you should sit down, Kirk.”
1. I realize that in reality Admiral Barnett wouldn't just let Kirk take over the conversation, but…um….yeah….just go with it ;)