Extinction ch 19

Chapter Nineteen


    “Jim?”

    “Yeah, Bones?”

    “You’ve had a lot of bad ideas in the past...this is by far the worst.”

    “Hey, you didn’t have to come along.  Participation in this rescue was not an order.”

    “We are so going to get our asses kicked out of Star Fleet for this.”

    “Assuming the Vulcans don’t kick them first.”  Kirk chuckled.  

    “I’d kill us if I was them.”

    “Well luckily you’re not Vulcan.”

    “Thank Space for small favors.”

    “Not that you don’t look good in pointed ears.”  Kirk teased.

    “Not...another...word.”

    McCoy reached up and scratched self consciously at the false points he wore on his ears.  The worst had been removing half their eyebrows in order to be able to cosmetically slant them up ward.  The black wigs completed the transformation somewhat.  There was no way they’d fool anyone who took any kind of close look at them, but that wasn’t the point, the point was to not be instantly noticed on Natala.  

    They had both taken personal leave from the Enterprise and jumped ship before giving Star Fleet any time to ask questions about it.  If they were caught uninvited on Natala, even just wandering the streets, Star Fleet would not be able to help them in the diplomatic shit storm that would follow.  If caught deep in the heart of the Vulcan secret they simply might never be heard from again.  

    “Jim all these buildings look the same.”

    “I know, but the one we are looking for should be up ahead.”

    “Why is the new Vulcan city so large?”  Bones mused.  “There aren’t even enough of them to keep the lights on in this part of the city.”

    “I don’t know, it does seem odd.  Let’s take a quick look.”

    It was well past midnight on Natala and despite traveling nearly to the center of the city they hadn’t seen any signs of life.  Even the tricorder informed them that they were alone for nearly a quarter mile in every direction.  Kirk slunk through the shadows up to one of the doorways.  The door was locked, but he tried the code that Saavik had given him.  Even though this was not the building they were looking for the door slid open.  

    “It’s empty.”  Bones noted as he looked inside.  

    “The build is just a facade.”  

    “But why?”

    “I don’t know, let’s try another one.”

    The next three large buildings were all the same.  They all responded to the same lock code, and held nothing inside.  The structures weren’t even built to be functional, there were no levels inside, just a large open space from floor to the ceilings several hundred feet above.  None had windows that could be seen into from ground level, so from outside the illusion was perfect.

    “This is just creepy.  Why would Vulcans surround themselves with buildings that hold no purpose?”

    “They wouldn’t.”  Kirk said.  “It isn’t logical.”

    “There must be a logical explanation, unless the whole species really has gone mad.”

    “You know...the Vulcans requested a large amount of funds from the Federation to rebuild a year or so after the destruction of Vulcan.  There used to be a more appropriate sized city here.”

    “Do you suppose they built this to make it look like they were using the money to ‘return Vulcan to its former glory’ while they were really using it to build this underground lab?”

    “It’s a thought.”

    “But that means the Vulcans have known about this problem for years.”

    “Exactly.”

    “By Space they are a stubborn species.”  Bones huffed.  

    “To the last.”  Kirk agreed sadly.  

    “Well let’s go get the one we came for and get the hell out of here.”

    Kirk nodded and stepped away from the empty building.  Even though there was no sign of life they stayed to the deep shadows as they made their way through the deserted city.  Eventually they came to the structure that they were looking for.  Kirk tapped the seemingly universal code into the front door.  He peeked inside and noticed that this building actually served a purpose.  
    
    “No guards,”  Bones noted  “just like Saavik said.”  

    “The Vulcans have never guarded anything, they’ve been peaceful and without secrets for so long I don’t think it even occurred to them that someone would sneak in here.”  Kirk said.  “The coded doors are probably the highest level of security they’ve ever used.”

    “They do tend to mind their own business.”  Bones agreed.  “I mean if only a few Vulcans know what’s going on, the others don’t seem curious.”

    “As Spock would say ‘curiosity is a human emotion’.”  Kirk chuckled.

    “Works to our advantage.  Now what?”

    “This is an emergency exit, the elevators will be monitored.  So we’ll have to take the stairs.”

    Kirk gestured over to a hole in the middle of the floor surrounded by a metal railing.  They walked up to it and looked down into the opening.  The softly lit staircase spiraled down down into the depths and disappeared into the distance.  It was impossible to tell how far down into the planet’s surface it went, but it was dizzying just to look over the edge.

    “You have got to be kidding me.”  Bones complained.  

    “Looks like our only way down.”

    “Down might not be so bad, but we’ll never make it back up...particularly if we are being chased by Vulcans.”

    “Hopefully we can use an elevator to get back up since we won’t have to worry so much about being detected by then.”

    “We’re all going to die down there.”

    “You really are just a little ball of sunshine, Bones.”

    “Hey, I’m a doctor, not a pep talk specialist.”

    “Clearly.  Let’s get walking.”

    The journey down was far more difficult than either one of them had anticipated.  The hot air of Natala did not make things any easier.  Several times they were forced to sit down and catch their breath.  The traditional Vulcan robes they wore proved to be dangerous when stepping down and they had to gather up the hem to keep from tripping and falling a very long way down.

    After what felt like hours they came to the bottom of the stair well.  The catacomb they found themselves in was laid out in an orderly fashion.  According to the plans they had been given there was a central lab area that held hallways that ran off the lab like the spokes of a wheel.  They were currently at the end of one of the spokes and needed to get to the other side.  

    The lights had been dimmed for the artificial night and there were no sounds.  As they walked down the hall Kirk noticed darkened force fields that covered the doorways to either side so well that they almost perfectly blended into the stone.  Unable to restrain his curiosity he walked up to one and tapped in the code that would make it go clear.  

    “My God...”  Bones breathed in horror.

    On the far side of the doorway was a young Vulcan that had striped himself down to the waist.  They watched as he chewed into his already heavily abused left forearm to open up another fresh wound.  Once the bright green blood was flowing he dipped his fingers in it and continued with the mural he had been working on.  The walls of his cell were covered in blood paintings of Vulcan faces showing a wide range of uncharacteristic emotions.  The amazing skill and artistry of the paintings only added to the horror of them.  

    The artist started painting the face of a child among the others.  Halfway through he paused and turned around slowly.  He seemed to have sensed that he was being watched.  Walking over to the force field he stared at Kirk and McCoy vacantly.  Raising up his blood smeared hand he broke his fingers into the traditional salute and pressed it against the invisible barrier.  He spoke, but it suddenly became clear that the field was also sound proof at the moment.

    Unlike the fields in the brig on the Enterprise this one did not shock the prisoner.  The Vulcan pulled his hand away, leaving a bloody handprint hanging in what looked like thin air.  With sudden energy he dug his fingers into his bleeding wounds and started to paint portraits of the Vulcanized Captain and Medical Officer.  Kirk jolted slightly as McCoy put his hand on his shoulder.

    “Come on, Jim, we need to find Spock.”
    
    Kirk nodded even as he continued to stare at the painting of himself as the details came slowly to life under the artist’s hand.  He hated to re-smoke the field and leave the unknown Vulcan alone in his insanity.  However, Bones nudged him again and he blackened the field.  They came to the center lab and McCoy took instant interest.

    “They certainly have an impressive set up here.”

    “And yet it would appear that they are no closer to solving this problem.”

    Bones noticed a vile of purple liquid on one of the medical trays and he slipped it into his pocket.  Kirk noticed the theft, but didn’t mention it.  They continued through the midnight halls without encountering anyone.  This was turning out to far easier than either one of them had expected, but they were not interested in complaining.  

    Coming to the far end of the next hall they stopped at the black shiny field.  Kirk tapped in the code to the field and it flickered to clear.  His heart stumbled in its rhythm when he caught sight of his friend.  Even in his sleep Spock looked devastatingly ill.  His chest heaved as he struggled to keep breathing.  

    “He looks terrible, Jim.”  Bones said sadly.  “There is no way we are getting him up those stairs.”

    “No, probably not.”  Kirk agreed.  “Although don’t let this fool you, he may still be dangerous.  Be ready to sedate him if you have to.”

    McCoy nodded and pulled out the hypo that he had brought along.  When he was sure the doctor was ready Kirk lowered the field.  They stepped into the small cell cautiously.  It was never wise to wake a sleeping Vulcan, and in this case it was just begging for trouble.  Kirk went to touch Spock’s shoulder, but thought better of it.

    “Spock?”  Kirk whispered.  

    A light sleeper by nature Spock jerked awake.  He looked up at Kirk and knit his brow together in confusion.  Kirk smiled to try and help his friend remember him through the Vulcan trappings he wore.  Before any look of recognition sparked Spock’s eyes he jumped to his feet.  Kirk stepped back and Bones got ready to sedate the target of their rescue.  

    Far from making any moves to attack Spock disappeared into the washroom.  McCoy and Kirk exchanged worried looks as they heard Spock being physically sick.  It wasn’t long before he came back out to join the others.  The skin tight tan shirt he wore highlighted the drastic weight loss he’d suffered from in the past two weeks.  He walked up to his friends and inspected each of them in turn without comment.  Kirk shifted his weight uncomfortably as the silence continued.

    “Spock?”

    “Captain, you do not make a convincing Vulcan.”  Spock said seriously and then looked at Bones.  “You, however, Doctor seem to fit the role quite naturally.”

    “Remind me why we’re risking life and career to bring this devil back on our ship?”

    “Because, this devil happens to be the best First Officer in the fleet and our friend.”  Kirk smiled.
    
    “Right.”  Bones sighed.  “Can we go now?”

    “No.”  Spock replied.

    “No?”

    “I will not leave without Saavik.”

    “Right, the one who sent us the message?”  Kirk asked.

    “Indeed.”  Spock nodded.

    “Spock,”  Bones said  “what is Uhura going to think?”

    “I do not understand.”

    “Women get jealous, she might not take too kindly to you bringing a Vulcan filly on board.”

    “Saavik is only half Vulcan.”

    “I knew it!”  Bones crowed in triumph.  

    “Doctor...are you suffering from a mental illness?”  Spock asked seriously.

    “Spock,”  Kirk stepped in  “I didn’t think there were any other half Vulcans.”

    “Neither did I, her father was Romulan.  However, I fail to see how any of this is relevant.  Saavik has risked her life for my own and she is not to be left behind.”

    “I agree.”  Kirk nodded.  “Where can we find her?”

    “She will meet us in the lab.”  Spock replied.  

    “Dare I ask how she’ll know to come?”  Bone asked.  

    In response Spock reached up and turned out the collar of his shirt.  Inside was a small silver disk with a flashing blue light.  

    “I activated it as soon as I recognized you, it will alert Saavik.”

    “Then let’s not keep the lady waiting.”  Bones smiled.  

    Spock nodded and stepped out of the cell as though he was simply leaving his own room.  Bones exchanged a look with Kirk, but the Captain could only offer a shrug.  McCoy shook his head sadly and they both followed Spock down the hall.  When they reached the lab Saavik was waiting for them.  She held a small silver device in her hand.  

    “Saavik,”  Spock greeted formally  “this is Captain James T. Kirk and Medical Chief Leonard McCoy.  Gentlemen this is Saavik.”

    “It is an honor to meet you both.”  Saavik bowed her head slightly.

    “Likewise.”  Bones replied.  

    “Thank you for all your help.”  Kirk added.  

    “Hopefully you will be able to help all of Vulcan in return.”  Saavik said seriously.  “Spock please give me your left hand.”

    Spock offered Saavik his hand without hesitation.  She pressed the pen like tip of the device she held into the center of his palm.  The silver tip sank into his hand causing a few drops of blood to bead on the surface of his skin.  After a few seconds she drew the tip away along with a small oval disk of metal.

    “What is that?”  Kirk asked.

    “A locator.”  Saavik replied.  “All Vulcans were implanted with one without their knowledge during the census while a blood sample was being taken.  I have removed my own as well.”

    “Can we use one of the elevators to get back to the surface?”  Kirk asked.  

    “Yes, it may draw attention to ourselves.  However, there is a good chance that no one will realize that we are gone until the morning.”

    “I have to admit that this rescue has been a lot easier than I thought it would be.”

    “That is because what Saavik has done is unthinkable to the Vulcan mind.”  Spock explained.

    “Why not?”

    “I have done what I feel is right,”  Saavik answered  “but I have not done what is logical.  It must be my Romulan blood that allows me to act so treasonously”

    “I like her.”  Bones smiled.  

    “We should be going.”  Kirk pressed.

    Saavik nodded and lead the way.  When they came upon the hallway that held the elevators Saavik instructed the others to stay behind for a moment.  There was a single Vulcan posted at the elevator doors.  She was able to walk directly up to him without suspicion and with the speed of a snake she gripped down on the space between his neck and shoulder causing him to collapse to the floor.  
    
    “We have twenty-two minutes before he wakes and alerts the others.”  Saavik announced upon her return.

    “We have a small craft waiting just outside the city, if we run...”

    “Spock is unable to run.”  Saavik informed.

    “It is true, Captain.”

    “Bones and I will go head and fly back to collect you two.”

    Having a plan they stepped into the elevator and rushed it to the surface.  Spock remained on his feet, but already he had sweat beading against his skin.  Bones automatically reached out and pressed his fingertips against Spock’s throat.

    “Your heart is beating too fast for me to count.”

    “My heart rate is elevated, but not dangerously so.  Do not worry about me.”

    “It’s hard not to worry about you when you look like you’re dying.”

    “I do not look like I am dying, Doctor, I am dying.”

    Spock had made a simple statement of fact, but it was still chilling to hear him admit to the gravity of his condition so freely.  Once on the surface Saavik and Spock made their way slowly towards the edge of the city while Kirk and Bones raced out ahead.  They had plans to meet in a large park near by that the craft they had taken could land in.  

    Kirk and Bones made it back to the sleek craft and climbed aboard.  Sitting at the controls Kirk pulled the black wig off and Bones followed suit.  Navigating to the park they found that Spock had been forced to sit down in the grass.  Once on board Spock quickly regained his composure although he looked near passing out.

    Kirk was still having a hard time believing how easily they had rescued Spock.  He pulled the nose of the streamlined craft up and bolted out into open space.  They had left the Enterprise traveling on impulse about eight hours at the craft’s top speed away.  However, they were no more than ten minutes out into space before the sub-space communicator went off with a coded tag.

    “That’s Star Fleet.”  Bones noted.

    “Well...that didn’t take long.”  Kirk sighed.  

    Flicking on the sub-space Kirk put on his best smile for the small image that appeared.  Admiral Pike stared coldly at him through the display.

    “Captain.”

    “Admiral.”

    “Having a good time on ‘leave’?”

    “As a matter of fact...”

    “Never mind, I just got a very demanding call from Natala.  They are under the impression that you have kidnapped a patient of their’s and are also harboring a fugitive.  They require the immediate return of both.”

    “Admiral, I can explain.”

    “I’m listening.”

    Kirk launched into a full explanation of what had been happening.  He detailed the sickness that was sweeping through the Vulcan species and cited the examples on both Star Base 17 and the Academy.  He gave Pike a full report right up to the moment where the Admiral had called them on their way back to the Enterprise.  Kirk put special emphasis on everything Saavik had done to ensure Spock’s safe return.

    “Thank you for the report, Captain.  Commander Spock?”

    “Yes, Admiral?”

    “Spock, since Star Fleet prides itself in not discriminating against sex, race, or species we have already informed the Vulcan High Council that you are a Star Fleet Officer first and a Vulcan second.  Therefore you can not be forced back to Natala.”

    “Thank you, Admiral Pike.  May I ask, what of Saavik?”

    “I will speak to her directly.  Saavik?”

    “Yes, Sir?”

    “Since you are not in Star Fleet we do not have the same rules concerning you...”

    “Admiral, please, if it wasn’t for Saavik...”  Kirk interrupted.

    “Let me finish, James.”  Pike said.  “Saavik, unfortunately you have broken several Vulcan laws and they are asking for extradition.”

    “I understand, Sir.”  Saavik nodded.  “It is not unexpected.”

    “No, however, since your actions have resulted in the freeing of one of our valuable Officers, Star Fleet wishes to offer you the right of asylum from what we feel would be unjust persecution on Natala.”

    “Thank you, Admiral, I accept the right to asylum.”

    “Excellent.  Captain?”

    “Yes, Sir?”

    “Will you accept Saavik under the terms of asylum aboard the Enterprise?”

    “Of course.”

    “Then her safety is now as much your responsibility as the safety of the rest of your crew.”

    “Understood, Sir.”  Kirk nodded.  “Sir, the Enterprise’s next mission...”

    “As of this moment the Enterprise is to be fully committed to solving the mystery behind the Vulcan crisis.”

    “Aye, aye, Sir.”

    “Admiral?”  Spock asked.

    “Yes, Commander?”

    “Has Vulcan Council asked for the Federation’s assistance in this matter?”

    “No, they have yet to even admit to the problem, but we are going to do everything to we can to help anyway.”

    “I fear, Admiral, that there is nothing that can be done.  Even if a cure is found the Vulcan species has been destroyed beyond repair.”

    “Spock?”  Kirk asked in concern.

    “Logic has been abandoned even by those unaffected, ...and without logic we are nothing.”