STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES NOT WITH A BANG BUT A WHIMPER By Ed Reilly A bleak gray conference room was where the initial agreement was finalized, and for once the room seemed to be filled with promise. "I feel it will be an equitable trade for both our planets, Preate," stated the Ambassador, solemnly. "I should hope so. We both have a lot riding on this," said the Romulan with a skeptical look on his face that the Ambassador had become used to. The Ambassador stood and offered the ritual split finger gesture of his people. "Peace, and long life." The Preate rose as well and added, "We shall meet again on Vulcan, Ambassador Spock." ******************** Spock entered his guest quarters on the Romulan starbase where he had just reached a preliminary agreement for a cultural exchange of scholars between Romulus and Vulcan. It was a major step in bring together these longtime estranged cousins. Taking advantage of the tentative partnership that had formed between the Romulan Empire and the Federation during the Dominion War, Spock had been able to surface after years of secret exile in the Romulan underground. Now the only thing left for him to do is notify the proper authorities on Vulcan of these results, and then it is back to the place of his birth. Back to the place that he, dare he admit it even to himself, missed. At his computer terminal he placed a call to Vulcan's High Priestess, and within a few seconds the long thin face of T'Prye appeared on the screen. "Greetings, High Priestess, the Romulans have come to a decision." "And what would that be, Spock?" "We have agreed to exchange three scholars from each planet on the condition that Preate Vimure and Proconsul Narim travel to Vulcan first to finalize the details." As Spock completed his last statement he felt a sudden sinking feeling. He had not felt such a sensation since...Jim! He then realized what had happened. "When will they be arriving?" asked T'Prye Only years of practiced self control kept Spock's face unreadable as he responded to the High Priestess. "There has been a change of plans. I must first return to Earth." ******************** In an open green pasture of the McCoy Kentucky horse farm lay the casket that contains the earthly remains of Doctor Leonard McCoy. One by one, friends, family, and dignitaries paid their respects and spoke of the good doctor's 120 years of service to the Federation. Dr. Levell Sural, head of Starfleet Medical, gave a touching account of how the deceased did everything his feeble body would allow in aiding the wounded during the Breen attack of Earth. Captain Montgomery Scott had everyone laughing as he told of a few of the Doctor's unconventional remedies that he had prescribed during his time on the Enterprise. It was now time for the eulogy, and a respectful silence came over the crowd as Spock took his place next to the casket. He had not prepared any comments. He didn't have to because, where Leonard McCoy was concerned, it was only logical to speak from the heart. Spock gathered the control he needed and began, "We are here today to pay our final respects to a truly compassionate man. A man whose caring and generosity towards all creatures was only matched by his stubbornness." "I knew Leonard McCoy in a way no person could ever understand. His strength, kindness, and clarity are traits that I have carried with me for literally as long as I can remember, and I have been a better person for it. His absence will not only leave a void in me, but the universe as a whole, for he possessed what most of us can only hope to attain, integrity." Spock then paused for a second to gather his thoughts and allow the crowd to gather theirs. "When Dr. McCoy first came aboard as Chief Medical Officer of the original Enterprise, I was quick to dismiss him as an illogical human that let emotions guide his thinking. As it turned out, I was correct on one point, he was a very emotional man. However I could not have been more wrong when I labeled him as illogical. Every emotional response, metaphor, or decision the Doctor ever made was based entirely in logic. A fact that Dr. McCoy was never afraid to remind me of." If it were anyone else that had said that last comment the crowd would have responded with laughter, but out of respect for the Vulcan, they remained silent. "No one person," continued Spock, "except for my mother, has helped me more in coming to terms with my Vulcan and Terran heritage." "Personally, my fondest memories of the Doctor will be of the arguments that we shared. His quick wit made him a difficult challenge for even a Vulcan to debate. From the standpoint of a fellow Starfleet officer, I will remember his loyalty and dedication. With Leonard McCoy the patient always came first. Even if that meant putting himself in danger. I could go on for an extremely long time stating examples of this, but I will not. The very best example is the fact that I stand before you today." "I never expressed my appreciation to Bones for the gifts that he so freely gave of himself. I did not have to. He knows." "In closing I will leave you with this thought, Jim Kirk would attempt to irritate the Doctor and myself by saying that we were much more alike than we were different. I was always honored by that statement." Spock slowly walked back to his seat as the crowd quietly contemplated what he had just said. They knew the Ambassador had paid the deceased quite a compliment by delivering a eulogy filled with such feeling. Of course it would be insulting to him to say it was emotional. Spock would probably respond by stating that there is nothing emotional about paying tribute to an honored friend. The lid to McCoy's casket was then shut and lowered into a grave beneath a large maple tree. The tombstone was simple, it read, Leonard H. McCoy 2227-2377: An old country doctor. ******************** Over mint juleps and old Kentucky Bourbon, the mourners gathered in the deceased's modest farmhouse for the reception. "Well Mr. Spock, It's down to me and you now, isn't it?" Asked Scotty in his Scottish brogue. "Yes, Mr. Scott, it is," answered Spock in a rather impassive manner. The loss of Bones was not as sudden or unexpected as the loss of Kirk, and as a result, affected him in a different way. Scotty did not seem to notice the extent of Spock's grief, and went on speaking. "Ah, it is a good thing the Lord took him in his sleep. I don't think that stubborn goat would have allowed it if he were awake." "My apologies, Mr. Scott, but I must step outside." Scotty flashed his friend a warm smile and replied, "Aye, sir." Spock walked out onto the veranda and attempted to allow the peaceful tranquillity engulf him. The most important meeting of his career was just three days away, and he had just lost a significant part of himself. Ever since he had his katra returned to him on Mount Seleya, Spock has constantly felt McCoy's presence, and incorporated his strengths into his own. Now it is gone. Logic dictates that Spock should have known this was eventually going to happen, and planned accordingly, but, for some reason, it had never occurred to him until Bones was gone. The screen door then opened and Spock turned his head to see Admiral William Ross, who was dressed in the standard Starfleet outfit used for ceremonial occasions. "I hope I'm not disturbing your peace, Ambassador?" asked Ross. Spock slowly turned back around to eye the green fields and grazing horses. "No, Admiral. Not at all." "That was a very moving eulogy," stated the Admiral. "I know Vulcans are not taken in by sentiment, but a lot of people were very touched." "Where a human would see it as sentiment, a Vulcan would see it as simple admiration for a friend," replied Spock. Ross did not see the difference between the two, but decided to change the subject. "I have heard the news about the cultural exchange." One week earlier, the Admiral had declared his candidacy for the Conservative Party's nomination for Federation President, and off the strength of his leading of the allied forces to victory in the Dominion War, he was clearly the front runner. "I understand that you do not favor the alliance, Admiral." "I had the dubious distinction of working with them during the war. They can't be trusted, Spock!" Spock wanted to respond by reminding Ross that he had spent the last several years on Romulus itself, and that by living among the general population he had found that the Romulan powers that be do not represent the views and wants of the people. It was similar to what the situation had been on Cardassia, and we know how that turned out! Instead, Spock summoned all the self control that he could, and did not allow himself to get baited into a debate. "This is neither the time nor place for this discussion," stated the Ambassador. "We are here to mourn," and with that Spock left the Admiral alone. ******************** In the office of the High Priestess, the meeting between T'Prye, Ambassador Spock, Romulan Preate Vimure, and Proconsul Narim had started out smoothly. Spock had never experienced Romulans being so polite and cooperative. It made him suspicious. "Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let us get to why we needed to speak with the two of you before we can officially agree on this exchange," said the Preate as he shot a nervous look at the Proconsul. "First, let me assure you that we speak with the full authority of the Romulan Senate." "We are aware of that," said T'Prye. "The Empire is experiencing profound changes. It is not the same Empire of the recent past, and I am reasonably sure the same could be said for the Federation." Vimure than leaned forward and lowered his voice slightly, "In just the past ten years we have been humbled by both the Borg and the Dominion. The people of the Empire are not stupid, they realize that Romulan politics as usual is not enough to keep thwarting off these enemies. On Romulus itself there is a real fear of revolt," he wanted to add, thanks in part to you, Mr. Spock, but decided not to. "We saw what happened on Cardassia, and the government is prepared to make the necessary changes rather than face a bloody coup d'etat." "This is indeed logical," added Narim. "The fact that we joined the allied forces during the war, and the very fact that we are sitting here right now, is proof of that." Both Vulcans replied with a nod. Vimure continued, "We very much would like to pursue a reconciliation with our sundered cousins, and, eventually, a lasting alliance with the Federation itself." Their frank statements came as a surprise to both T'Prye and Spock. This was not the Romulan way. "Should we not bring a Federation representative into these negotiations then?" asked T'Prye. "Before we do that," answered the Preate, "there is one subject that we need to discuss." "Which is?" queried Spock. With a curt nod, Vimure turned things over to the female Proconsul. "We understand that the current Federation president will not be running for reelection, and that Admiral Ross is going to be the candidate of the Conservative Party for the position? Our sources also tell us that the Progressive party is unlikely to offer a candidate that could beat him?" "Your information is correct," stated T'Prye. "We are certain that the Admiral neither trusts nor likes Romulans," continued Narim, "and that he is opposed to continuing any sort of alliance with us. Also, we assume, that would include any association between Romulus and Vulcan." "We do not know that for certain, Proconsul," said Spock. "Logically," interjected Vimure, "that is the course of action that would be taken." Namir than asked the big question, "Ambassador Spock, have you ever considered holding public office?" "It is a long standing policy of my people that we do not seek any sort of political standing outside of Vulcan," was Spock's response. "Did it not used to be a long standing policy that Vulcans not apply to Starfleet?" countered Vimure with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Spock glared at the Preate with one eyebrow raised, "Yes," was all he said. "You can beat him Mr. Spock!" said Namir, almost angrily. "Within the Federation, and the Romulan Empire as well, you are a legend, and of course it is needless to say that you would debate circles around him." "I respect the f-" Spock began to say, but then was interrupted by Vimure. "If you won, every party involved would benefit, and I can explain this logically," "First," began the Preate, "Ross is a smart man, but not a leader. He was smart enough to delegate most of his power to Captain Sisko and General Martok. That is why the war was won! Not because of Ross! You would make a much better president, it is unquestionable." "I have no ego to play up to, Preate." "I would never think of insulting you in such a way. I am merely stating a fact." Vimure quickly continued speaking before Spock could respond, "If you do not run, Ross will surely win, and the progress we-, the progress you have made, Ambassador, will disappear. There will be no alliance and both the Federation and Romulan Empire will be left extremely vulnerable." "The Empire will not be back to full strength for quite some time," added Narim. "Can you tell me that the Federation is not in the same situation?" No response came from either Vulcan. "You already have a working relationship with the Klingons," continued the Proconsul. "Once we have implemented our alliance we could incorporate them into it, and then the entire alpha and beta quadrants would be protected!" The Preate than began to speak again, "Only a Vulcan would be able to make these changes, and you, Ambassador, are the only Vulcan that could be elected." Silence then filled the room as Spock and T'Prye traded glances. "Narim and I have had a long trip. We wish to eat and then rest. This can be continued later," said Vimure as the two Romulans stood and exited, leaving the two Vulcans to contemplate the idea. "Federation President is not a job I have ever desired," Spock told the Priestess. "I sense as much, Spock." "But?" retorted the Ambassador. T'Prye had to withhold a smile. "Our distant relatives did bring up some valid points. As a Vulcan I am automatically scene as a conservative in the eyes of the Federation, but the events of the recent past have made even me a more...progressive thinker." Spock seemed a bit surprised by her candor. "The precedent T'Pau has set. How could I question her wisdom?" "Am I speaking to Spock, or Sarek?" asked T'Prye. Not even Spock could withhold a slight frown at the thought of the comparison. Certainly I am nothing like my father, he thought to himself. Am I? "You, Spock, possess certain qualities that T'Pau did not." She did not have to say anymore, Spock knew what qualities she spoke of. He is half human, and it would be illogical to ignore that fact in his decision. "Almost every culture's history has stories of great people who were thrust into power against their will," continued T'Prye. "You were once brave enough to choose a path no Vulcan had ever chosen before. That bravery is still inside of you, Spock. Only you can decide." Spock began to feel overwhelmed by the situation. In his mind he fought to compensate for the clarity that was no longer there. As he rose from his seat he spoke, "I must meditate." Yes, perhaps that will bring it back. ******************** FEDERATION INDEPENDANT NEWS SERVICE SPOCK TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT Dateline: Vulcan Stardate: 53379.4 Admiral William Ross, who has been all but given the election of Federation President, now has some competition. Just two days after the announcement that Vulcan and Romulus will participate in an exchange of scholars, Ambassador Spock, formerly Captain Spock of Starfleet and First Officer to James T. Kirk aboard the first two Enterprises, shocked many political insiders by declaring his candidacy for the Progressive Party's nomination for Federation President. The Ambassador is expected to win the nomination easily, due to the fact that no other party member has been willing to challenge the extremely popular Ross. Spock is expected to capitalize on his legendary status, and he is sure to make the topic of an alliance with the Romulan Empire his key issue. ******************** 3 MONTHS LATER With his party's nomination won, Spock now turned his sites towards the general election. As expected, Admiral Ross had won the Conservative Party's nomination easily. To say the least, Spock's heart did not seem to be into the campaign. He has kept telling himself that logic dictates, now that he has chosen to run, that he do his best to win, but neither logic nor meditation has helped. He is missing something, and he knows what it is. He has trusted the bulk of the campaign work to his young Vulcan campaign manager, Vurok. Spock wanted another Vulcan at his side who knows how to finesse the public, and this young man certainly has the combination of savvy and initiative to pull this off. Through all of this, Spock couldn't help but feel that Jim and Bones would not approve. He can almost here Jim asking, "Finesse the public? You Spock?". He had to hold back a cringe just thinking about it. Tonight was the night that the campaign truly began. The first of two candidate debates was going to be held, and Spock was barely able to hold onto the calm appearance that was covering his inner turmoil. Each candidate got to choose one location each. Ross had won the coin toss and elected to have this first debate at his choice, Deep Space Nine. It had been the center point of the Dominion War, a place of victory for him. "Ambassador," Spock heard Vurok exclaim with almost an excited tone, "It is almost time. I trust you are ready?" Spock stood and regarded his fellow Vulcan. "Please, lead the way." ******************** FEDERATION INDEPENDANT NEWS SERVICE ROSS HOLDS HIS OWN Dateline: Deep Space Nine Stardate: 53629.8 It was expected that Ambassador Spock would debate Conservative candidate Admiral William Ross right off the space station last night. Instead Spock seemed hesitant, and at times overwhelmed, as Ross took advantage by unmercifully hammering on the Ambassador's weaknesses. The debate, which was moderated by DS9's commanding officer Colonel Kira Nerys, was seen as the perfect opportunity for Spock to close in on the small lead in the polls that Ross enjoys. He seems to have blown the chance. An poll taken by F.I.N.S. just one standard hour after the debate shows that Ross has increased his lead by two percentage points, giving him an advantage of 55% to 45% over the Ambassador. Here are some highlights: On the issue of providing aid for Cardassia: Kira: "Ambassador, would you offer aid to Cardassia in helping them rebuild their planet?" Spock: "It is clear that the Cardassian people still have a distrust for the Federation. An offer of altruistic aid, I feel, would prove valuable in preventing fur-" Ross: "Are you willing to go to the Bolian home world, Ambassador, or any other of the hundreds of Federation planets that suffered destruction during the war, and tell a child that their school will not be rebuilt because those funds have been appropriated for the Cardassians?" Spock: "logically, if we show the Cardassians we desire no more hostilities, it will save both lives and money in the future." Ross: "I am not going to dishonor the memory of the brave men and women who lost their lives by aiding the very enemy that they were fighting." On Spock's key issue of a Federation / Romulan alliance: Kira: "Would you feel safer, Admiral, if the Federation continued to build on the alliance it had with the Romulan Empire during the war?" Ross: "Safer? Not at all. The Romulans I worked with during the war made it very clear that their only interests were for their Empire. They were using us, and we allowed it only because we were using them for the same purpose. With the Dominion now back in the gamma quadrant, the Romulans simply can not be trusted!" Spock: "With all due respect, Admiral, you are not fully aware of the changes taking place within the Romulan government and among the Romulan people. They are ready for peace." Ross: "With all due respect to you, Ambassador, can you be certain that they were not manipulating you during your time on Romulus, and is it not possible that they could continue this manipulation if you become President? I know it has been your goal to reunite Vulcan and Romulus, but it can not be done at the expense of the entire Federation." Spock: "Admiral, my motives have been, and always will be, based in logic. I am not running for this office for personal gain, or for the good of Vulcan alone." Ross: "Are you trying to convince me of that, Ambassador, or are you attempting to convince yourself?" The second and final debate will be held in two weeks on the bridge of the mothballed Enterprise A which is docked at the Utopia Plantatia Shipyards above Mars. Until then Admiral Spock will be taking advantage of his Vulcan stamina by campaigning almost non stop until then. Admiral Ross also has a hectic schedule planned as he tries to build on his expanding lead. ******************** "Shaking hands and kissing babies is how James Kirk used to explain it," said Spock to Vurok. "That explanation does sound as good as any, Ambassador." Spock silently gave a sigh before he spoke again. "People should vote for a candidate based on the issues, not on how well they can 'work a crowd'." "Certainly I do not need to remind you that elections held outside of Vulcan are rarely decided by logic," said Vurok. The young Vulcan felt that Spock's mind seemed elsewhere, and with the Vulcan transport vessel that Spock has chartered for himself and his campaign crew about to reach orbit of Coridan in thirty minutes, it was time to give the ambassador a proverbial 'slap in the face'. "Get into a good mood." he demanded of the elder Vulcan. Spock studied the young man with one eyebrow raised. "What do you mean by that, Vurok?" "I mean, in less than one hour you will be speaking to what is sure to be a large gathering in Coridan's capital city. If you present yourself in the manner you are in now the press will portray you as a grumpy old fool." Spock stood and decided to retreat to his quarters rather than get into a verbal sparring match with his young associate. Secretly, Spock knew that Vurok was correct, not only do you have to tell the people what they want to hear, but you have to tell them in a way that is charismatic. Jim had it, and with his southern charm, Bones had it too. Spock did not! "I must meditate before we arrive," he told Vurok. "What you must do is prepare your statements, otherwise you will seem unprepared," was Vurok's curt reply. Spock began to exit the room as he added, "I will have my statements in order, but first I must clear my mind." "Ambassador," said Vurok before Spock could make it to the door, "did you hire me for this job to help you win, or only to be your 'yes' man?" Spock stopped dead in his tracks and turned to eye the young man. "You know that logically I have no need for a 'yes' man." "That is assuming that you are in fact acting logically, Ambassador. Since this campaign has begun you have not shown any will to win. You are, in fact, only going through the motions." Spock wanted to let him in on his little dirty secret. He wanted to tell him that, since Doctor McCoy's death, he has not been the same person, that he has not felt this lost and alone since he was a junior officer under Captain Pike, but personal pride, that Spock calls a Vulcan code of privacy, prevented him. "Then I will indulge you, Vurok. Let us prepare my speech." ******************** The next two weeks were only a blur to Spock. He found it easier to go about the campaign if he simply shut his mind off and read prepared statements written by Vurok, and to his surprise, he had narrowed Ross' lead to eight percentage points. With the election only one week away, Spock knows that the final debate will be his last chance to catch the Admiral. ******************** "Your report, Mr. Vurok," ordered Preate Vimure over subspace. "I have coached him well, Preate. He will present himself as the more compassionate candidate tonight, but I am afraid it will be too little too late. Eight points is a lot to make up in one week." "Do you still feel that he does not want to win?" Asked the Preate. "He has shown improvement, and a new willingness to be guided, however I still feel he is not giving it his full effort." "Do everything in your power to see that he wins, Vurok, but to be safe, I will construct an alternate plan incase he does not." "I will update you tomorrow, sir," said Vurok, rather rigidly. "See that you do!" Then Vimure cut the transmission. Vurok exited his quarters and went to aid the ambassador with his final preparations for the debate. It all came down to this! ******************** FEDERATION INDEPENDANT NEWS SERVICE A KINDER, GENTLER SPOCK CLOSES GAP Dateline: Utopia Plantatia, Mars. Stardate: 53668.8 On the bridge of the ship that he served on for years, Ambassador Spock went out of his way to seem more understanding of the needs of the average Federation citizen, and in doing so, scored a major victory for his shaky campaign. Admiral Ross seemed taken aback by this change of tactics, and the result was Spock cutting Ross' lead to just four percentage points with only one week to go until the election. The debate was monitored by Enterprise E officer Lieutenant Commander Data, who seemed content with simply letting the two candidates duke it out. Here are some of the highlights: On Spock's key issue, the Romulans: Spock: "My main objective is to see that every Federation citizen is safe, and I will explore every peaceful possibility to ensure this." Ross: "And you plan to do this by getting in bed with the Romulans?" Spock: "I do not intend on sleeping with any Romulans, but I do intend on having a mutually productive relationship with our neighbors, and that includes all neighboring societies, not just the Romulans. On education: Data: "Than you feel the Federation council on education should mandate that Federation history be taught in all schools, Admiral?" Ross: Absolutely, I feel that way. I think Ambassador Spock would even find that logical." Spock: "You are correct, Admiral. I do feel the children of the Federation should know its history, but I most strongly disagree that the Council on Education should mandate it." Ross: "Why?" Spock: "The planets that form the Federation were accepted on the basis that their society has evolved to the point where equality and acceptance are the norm. Therefore, it is only logical to assume that if each planet is allowed to choose their own curriculum, they would indeed teach the history of the Federation. To mandate such a thing would be a show of mistrust." It should prove to be an interesting week on the campaign trail for these two as the election will come down to the wire. ******************** With only two days until the election, Spock, Vurok, and other advisors are in the conference room of their transport vessel making last minute strategies. "I have changed the itinerary. We will now spend these last two days exclusively campaigning on the planets that border the Klingon Empire." Vurok told the group. "Why have you changed our plans without consulting me?" Spock demanded to know. "If you want to win, then this is the logical course to follow." answered Vurok, calmly. "It is also logical to consult your boss before you institute major changes," replied the Spock. "Ambassador, if I had, you simply would have approved it off hand. It is the way you have handled this whole election." "If I have done such a poor job," said Spock, as a bit of anger entered his voice, "than why are we now running equal in the polls?" Vurok began to respond, plainly, "It is because of the decisions I hav-" Suddenly Spock stood and yelled, "How dare you take all the credit for yourself!" Realizing what he had just done, Spock quickly attempted to regain control of himself. Meanwhile, every non-Vulcan in the room could only gape at the Ambassador. As for Vurok, he did not let the shock show on his face. After a few seconds Spock turned and exited the office. Then, one by one, all the advisors left as well, all expect Vurok. With the room now empty, he walked over to the computer terminal in the wall, and placed a subspace call to Preate Vimure. Within seconds Vimure's face appeared on the screen. "Yes, Mr. Vurok." "Preate, it appears we have a much larger problem on our hands." "What is it know?" Asked Vimure, angrily. "The Ambassador seems to be losing control of himself. I just witnessed an extreme display of anger from him," answered the Vulcan. "Loss of control? From the same man who was able to survive in the Romulan underground for ten years?" "Yes, Preate." "What about the polls?" "It is too close to call, but at least victory is within our grasp, Preate." "That is if Spock can keep his wits about him," stated Vimure, who then paused and pondered something. "Are you prepared to carry out the alternative plan if he loses?" "Yes, Sir," responded the Vulcan. "Keep me informed, Mr. Vurok." ******************** When Spock arrived in his quarters he immediately lit his meditation lamp and knelt down beside it. How could I have allowed this? He asked himself. Is it the loss of McCoy's presence, or possibly the early stages of Bendii Syndrome, the disease that took my father? His inner debate ended once he fell deep into his meditation, but it provided no answers. Spock could not wait for these next two days to be over! ******************** At his campaign headquarters on Vulcan, a group of Progressive Party supporters gathered for what they hoped would be a victory celebration. Instead they now saw their candidate step up to the podium to officially declare his defeat. Spock had barely been able to survive the last days of the election. Looking tired and defeated, he stumbled over the finish line, losing by a count of 51.2% to 48.8%. The Ambassador feigned disappointment, but it was obvious that he was simply glad it was all over. All over expect for the concession speech. "I have just contacted Admiral Ross to congratulate him on his victory." With the mostly Vulcan crowd, there was not much of a response. "I would like to express my gratitude to the proponents of my campaign. Without them I would not have gotten this far." "Rest assured that I will attempt to work with the new administration in achieving the goals I established during my run for office." Spock then stopped and stood silent for a moment. "That is all I have at this moment, Peace and long life." ******************** After his concession speech, Spock held a short meeting to personally thank his advisors, and when he finished he asked Vurok to stay behind so they could talk alone. "You have performed admirably during this entire campaign, Vurok," stated Spock. "If you wish, I would be willing to recommend you to the Vulcan High Council for an Ambassadorship." "You honor me, Ambassador, but before we speak of future plans, I have a bottle of Saurian brandy. Let us reflect on the work that we have done." Spock knew it was illogical to "cry in his beer", as Jim used to say, but he did not rebuke the offer. Vurok got two glasses from the replicator, and carefully poured the brandy. He and Spock then sat and attempted to come to terms with the events of the last few days. "I lost because I am weak, Vurok," said Spock as he took a sip. Vurok was about to take a drink, but then put his glass down so he could respond. "I do not think of you as weak, Spock." "Than how do you..." Spock began to feel light headed, but tried to continue, "How do you expl-" Unable to speak, Spock could feel his intestines cramp as he fell to the floor. Vurok wasted no time. He quickly ran over to the Ambassador and placed his right hand along the left side of Spock's face, carefully searching for the correct pressure points. Spock was aware of what was happening, but was unable to fight it. The irony of the situation hit him hard. The very thing he had given to McCoy, so it could survive, was now being robbed from him. Within a few minutes it was over. Vurok released his grip and stood up. It took him a moment to shake off the feeling of disorientation, but then he realized he had been successful. He then produced a phaser that was hidden in his robe, set it to vaporize, and fired it at Spock. Being alone, Vurok allowed himself to cringe at the sight of the Ambassador dematerializing. It was a shame that such a great man had to die in such a way, but Vurok had a job to do. The Vulcan then pulled out a hand held communicator, that was also concealed in his robe. "Now," was all he said. He then was transported aboard a waiting Romulan War Bird. Preate Vimure now stood before him. "I assume you carried out the plan?" asked the Romulan. "Indeed, sir," was Vurok's somber response. As he filled in the Preate on the rest of the details, he couldn't help but notice that he did not possess the same conviction for this mission that he had before. He decided to keep this peace of information to himself. ******************** FEDERATION INDEPENDANT NEWS SERVICE SPOCK AND HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER MISSING ROMULAN CONSPIRACY IS FEARED Dateline: Vulcan Stardate: 53688.3 Both Ambassador Spock and his Vulcan campaign manager, Vurok, are missing and feared dead. Both have not been seen since the Ambassador held a short meeting that took place only ten minutes after he conceded defeat to President-elect Ross in the race for Federation President. An investigation of a conference room, located inside Spock's campaign headquarters, indicated that a standard Starfleet issue phaser had been fired, and at least one person had been vaporized. A Romulan influence is suspected due to the fact that a decloaked Romulan War Bird appeared on Vulcan sensors for two point eight seconds shortly after the two Vulcans were last seen. A trace of the ship's ion trail indicates that it sped off into Romulan space. The Romulan High Command has disavowed any knowledge of the incident, and have promised that they will conduct a full inquiry into the situation. Both Vulcan and Federation authorities are continuing their investigations. E-Mail me and tell me what you thought of the story |
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STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES NOT WITH A BANG BUT A WHIMPER By Ed Reilly A bleak gray conference room was where the initial agreement was finalized, and for once the room seemed to be filled with promise. "I feel it will be an equitable trade for both our planets, Preate," stated the Ambassador, solemnly. "I should hope so. We both have a lot riding on this," said the Romulan with a skeptical look on his face that the Ambassador had become used to. The Ambassador stood and offered the ritual split finger gesture of his people. "Peace, and long life." The Preate rose as well and added, "We shall meet again on Vulcan, Ambassador Spock." ******************** Spock entered his guest quarters on the Romulan starbase where he had just reached a preliminary agreement for a cultural exchange of scholars between Romulus and Vulcan. It was a major step in bring together these longtime estranged cousins. Taking advantage of the tentative partnership that had formed between the Romulan Empire and the Federation during the Dominion War, Spock had been able to surface after years of secret exile in the Romulan underground. Now the only thing left for him to do is notify the proper authorities on Vulcan of these results, and then it is back to the place of his birth. Back to the place that he, dare he admit it even to himself, missed. At his computer terminal he placed a call to Vulcan's High Priestess, and within a few seconds the long thin face of T'Prye appeared on the screen. "Greetings, High Priestess, the Romulans have come to a decision." "And what would that be, Spock?" "We have agreed to exchange three scholars from each planet on the condition that Preate Vimure and Proconsul Narim travel to Vulcan first to finalize the details." As Spock completed his last statement he felt a sudden sinking feeling. He had not felt such a sensation since...Jim! He then realized what had happened. "When will they be arriving?" asked T'Prye Only years of practiced self control kept Spock's face unreadable as he responded to the High Priestess. "There has been a change of plans. I must first return to Earth." ******************** In an open green pasture of the McCoy Kentucky horse farm lay the casket that contains the earthly remains of Doctor Leonard McCoy. One by one, friends, family, and dignitaries paid their respects and spoke of the good doctor's 120 years of service to the Federation. Dr. Levell Sural, head of Starfleet Medical, gave a touching account of how the deceased did everything his feeble body would allow in aiding the wounded during the Breen attack of Earth. Captain Montgomery Scott had everyone laughing as he told of a few of the Doctor's unconventional remedies that he had prescribed during his time on the Enterprise. It was now time for the eulogy, and a respectful silence came over the crowd as Spock took his place next to the casket. He had not prepared any comments. He didn't have to because, where Leonard McCoy was concerned, it was only logical to speak from the heart. Spock gathered the control he needed and began, "We are here today to pay our final respects to a truly compassionate man. A man whose caring and generosity towards all creatures was only matched by his stubbornness." "I knew Leonard McCoy in a way no person could ever understand. His strength, kindness, and clarity are traits that I have carried with me for literally as long as I can remember, and I have been a better person for it. His absence will not only leave a void in me, but the universe as a whole, for he possessed what most of us can only hope to attain, integrity." Spock then paused for a second to gather his thoughts and allow the crowd to gather theirs. "When Dr. McCoy first came aboard as Chief Medical Officer of the original Enterprise, I was quick to dismiss him as an illogical human that let emotions guide his thinking. As it turned out, I was correct on one point, he was a very emotional man. However I could not have been more wrong when I labeled him as illogical. Every |