Time Link
Part 3 - Years Later
Spock stood looking at the fallen cairn, lit by his handlight. It could not be and yet the evidence was there. The rocks had indeed collapsed in on themselves. Then as surely as someone had opened a door, the link that had almost faded into nothingness flared into life. The unknown ship that had beamed Kirk's body away broke orbit and headed out into deep space but not deep enough for Spock to follow.
"Jim. . .!" As Spock cried out through the link, his voice rang out as if Kirk could hear. Though the link was there, no answer came. Years of knowing and waiting finally were at an end and yet it wasn't over. All thought of going back to Romulus was halted. He knew where he was needed. Several minutes went by and Spock knew it would be some time before anyone would come for him. Something had happened in orbit that prevented the Enterprise-D crew and the Faragut from transporting him and Kirk. Not only had he seen the phaser fire in orbit, some of it had been directed at the planet. Spock found a nearby rock outcroping, wrapped his cloak around himself to ward off the chill in the air and prepared to wait. Soon Spock heard the footsteps of Will Riker approaching some yards away.
"Ambassador, we have a problem . . ."
Before Riker could finish his thoughts, Spock raised a hand that quickly brought silence. Spock turned and blocked the view of the cairn and at the same time saw the condition of Riker's uniform. The smell of ozone hung about him. A stab of emotion was brought forth as he remembered the many times Kirk came back to the Enterprise his uniform in tatters and bloodied, but this did not stop Spock. He needed to confide in someone. Yet, he did not know Riker. Some things would have to be left unsaid until the time was right.
"Commander, I must show you something." Spock led Riker to a tumbled down pile of rocks.
"I don't understand," said Riker, not recognizing the spot.
"Look closely."
Riker approached the rocks with the light. The insignia that Picard had placed on top rested among the stones and shone out with the reflected light. A questioning look came over his face. What is going on? This was the right spot but something was not right. Then it soon came clear.
"Where is Admiral Kirk's body," demanded Riker. Anger threatened to errupt.
"Beamed away by some unknown source." Spock was cool, letting Riker's anger wash over him. He had dealt with this kind of frustration before.
"What do you mean beamed away, where is it?" Accusation apparent in his voice.
"Calm yourself, commander. All I know is what I saw. Admiral Kirk is no longer here. This will need to be reported."
"You're damn right." continued Riker pressing his comunicator on his uniform. "Jenson, two to beam over to the recovery site. This isn't over yet, Ambassadore." Spock could sense the accusation in Riker's voice.
Spock debated within himself in that instant in time. Reviewing what he knew of Riker's character, Spock knew that to tell him everything could very well jepordize his chances of rescuing Kirk. Riker was a realist and had a very hard time believing in what he did not witness himeslf. Plus, he was more suspious of others than most. Still, Riker was a Starfleet officer, he would report the theft, and Spock would have to confide in Riker sooner or later. There were too many missing variables. The biggest question was why? It would require looking at data that he knew the computers of the Enterprise-D may have if they had not been retrieved already. Once he knew a little more, maybe Riker could be of some help. Whether Riker would help him was another matter. Spock could still be on his own. There was also the posssibility that Riker would not believe him and hold him for questioning thinking he could be invloved with the disappearance of Kirk's boby. Spock would have to examine all the variables and make the most logical choice, including using what emotional intuition he had developed over the years.
Right now, the emotions that Riker was giving off were almost too much for Spock to handle. Granted Riker has experienced a terrible loss, the ship as well as many lives, and from his perspective for no apparent reason. That would have to be remedied. Spock looked back at his own feelings and frustrations. It had been difficult for Spock to pretend that Kirk had died in that accident with the Enterprise-B. Now, there was no reason to continue the pretense. But a sadness also creeped into his soul. How was he going to face his friend and tell him of McCoy once Kirk was found? Spock pushed those thoughts down. His first duty was to find Kirk. That time would come when the three of them would meet, again. Even if Riker refused, Spock would not let that stop him. He was meant to be by Kirk's side. Kirk was his T'hy'la. Over the years, Spock realized that without Kirk, he was not complete, no matter what area of work Spock tried to fill himself with.
Riker and Spock headed toward the temporary shelters that had been build for the rescue operation. As Spock and Riker entered, the news of the destruction of the Faragut struck them like a devastating blow. So that's what happened as Spock watched the battle. All those lives lost just for that one man. It was Genesis all over, again. When Kirk tried to rescue Spock, lives also had been lost, Kirk's son David, the crew of the Grissom and the Klingons that tried obtain the secret to Genesis but failed. Spock opened his hand and staired into it oblivious to the conversations going on around him. The insgnia that Kirk had worn rested there. Spock had bent down and picked up the insignia before Riker and he beamed to the recovery site. It tingled in his hand and the essence of Kirk came through. It's appearance was new but it had been years since this particular insignia had been worn by any member of Starfleet. Yet, it was here and in this place. The words that Kirk and he had spoken on Mount Selayia came back to him.
"My father says that you have been my friend. You came back for me."
"You would have done the same for me."
"Why would you do this?"
"Because the needs of the one outweighed the needs of the many."
Though the statement was not a logical one, Spock found it to be true and found that he too felt the same way. Spock clutched onto the insignia as if it was a lifeline. I will find you my T'hy'la and we will never be parted, again. Spock saw that Riker had left the tent. Spock followed, it was the only course of action he could think of that made any sense. As he followed Riker to where the Enterprise-D lay, Spock worked out the next logical steps that needed to be taken. For Riker, this was a frustrating mystery that made no sense that needed solving. Maybe, with Riker's aid, they could solve this "mystery" together.
End
Synopsis / Part 1 / Part 2
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