Shadow Play Pt 2 (K/S)

[gilda_elise]

Apparently, I write too much. *g*




“Damn, my head is killing me.” Kirk sat with his head in his hands at the table in the small kitchen.

Spock threw him a disapproving look. “It is unfortunate that you did not think to bring detox pills with the rest of our supplies. And since the ship has already left for its rendezvous – ”

“It’s not a hangover, Spock. I know what a hangover feels like.” Kirk pressed his thumbs against the space between his eyebrows. “It feels like my head is about to pop.”

Spock walked over from the stove where he had preparing tea. He pushed Kirk’s hands away from his head and began applying pressure to the human’s brow. “Does this lessen the pain?”

“A little.” Kirk leaned back, encouraging the touch.

They were alone, yet Spock still felt ill at ease being so familiar with his captain. Kirk had sent Stonn and Leslie for more food supplies. Almost two days had passed and they had turned up nothing. But Spock nervously remembered the look that had passed over Stonn’s face when Kirk had ordered him to go with Leslie and the suspicion that had flared in his guard’s eyes when Spock had agreed.

As he had feared, he and Kirk were finding it difficult to keep their regard for each other secret. What would their guards think if they were to return and find their superior officers thus? And what would be the price he and Kirk would have to pay once back on the ship and word spread of their close relationship?

“Gods, that feels good. The pain is almost gone.” Kirk had slumped down in his chair. “What I don’t understand is why it’s happening. I’ve never had headaches like this before.”

“It is the atmosphere that shrouds this city. I do not understand how these people survive it.” Spock kept up the pressure while he massaged his captain’s temples and forehead.

“And we’re near the edge. I think yesterday’s little jaunt to the center is what did it.” Kirk sat up, breaking the contact between them. “Thanks, Spock. It’s much better now.” He pulled his chair around as Spock took a seat across the table. “So as much as I hate the idea, I think we’re going to have to move closer in.”

“You refer to the time wasted getting to and from our designations.”

“Right. It’s taking us too long to get to the areas where we stand a chance of learning anything. I checked out a few places yesterday, and I think I’ve found the perfect place.”

“Near the business and government district?”

“Yeah. I used our card to get some of their currency,” Kirk fished out his wallet and opened it. Inside were several large denomination bills. “We’ll pack up our stuff tonight and call for a cab in the morning.”

“A ‘cab’?” Spock inquired.

Kirk laughed. “It’s like a shuttlecraft on wheels.”

“I see,” Spock resisted teasing Kirk back, but instead returned to the matter at hand. “What is it about the place that you find of particular use?”

“It’s bigger, for one thing. We each can have our own room. Leslie’s okay, but he snores... and it’s not like I need the protection.” Kirk gave Spock a small smile.

Spock felt a tightening in his chest. More than anything, he wished to continue as they had during their time alone. But there were other considerations. He swallowed before answering. “Jim, he may not understand why you would do such a thing. You saw their reaction to your order.”

“They’ll do as they’re told.” Kirk’s voice had gone cold. “I’m sick of hiding.”

“But you understand why we must.”

Kirk glared at him but then nodded, his disgust at the situation evident. “Don’t worry, Spock. I won’t give us away.” He quieted for a moment. “Is this why you didn’t want to come along?”

“In part. Primarily, I do not hold Mr. Scott in the same regard you obviously do. I fear what we may find when we return to the ship. But I did have reservations as to our ability to remain outwardly indifferent to each other, reservations that have not proved groundless.”

“You worry too much,” Kirk chastised. “There’s nothing wrong with two men deciding to be friends.”

To Spock, it sounded as if Kirk was trying to convince himself. Especially since his captain abruptly changed the subject and began sketching out their plans for the next day.

They were still planning their move when Stonn and Leslie returned with two large boxes of groceries. And though nothing was said, Spock could feel Stonn carefully watching him and Kirk as they filled in their guards as to their coming change in location. Just as he could still feel the emanations that had poured from the human onto his fingertips lighting up his soul.

[][][][][]

“You got everything?” Kirk stood at the back of cab with Leslie and Stonn as they loaded the trunk with their supplies. Both had glared at the driver when he’d had the audacity to attempt to take one of the packages.

“Everything but this.” Stonn held up the one small valise that had not fit. A “backpack” is what the salesperson had called it.

“Give it to me. I’ll ride in front.” Kirk grabbed the pack from the Vulcan and moved off to get inside the cab. Two phasers were hidden at the bottom of the bag, wrapped within the sheets they had absconded with. They’d crammed various articles on top just in case.

While this was going on, Spock positioned himself off to the side to afford himself a better vantage to spot trouble. He felt vulnerable whenever he felt Kirk could be vulnerable. Even the some-what overweight driver was a potential threat to the safety of his captain.
He mentally sighed and quickly scanned the skies. They had been on this planet for only two days, and already Spock disliked it intensely. The miasma of dirt and soot that hovered over the city was enough to make them all physically ill. Yet here they were, about to move more deeply into it.

“You getting in or what?” Kirk called out from the front seat of the cab.

Spock took one more look around and then slid into the seat behind Kirk. The fit was tight. Stonn was only slightly heavier than Spock, but Leslie was a well-filled out human. The only compensation was that Stonn had seen fit to place himself between his liege lord and Kirk’s guard. Spock positioned the tricorder he had refused to give up against his side where it fit snugly beneath his coat. He grabbed the handle to pull the door shut just as the vehicle started forward.

The homes and scattered businesses soon gave way to more tightly-packed development. Eventually, they entered the city-proper, and the maze of tall buildings they had seen from a distance. In spite of himself, Spock couldn’t help but be fascinated by this new culture. The city was a drab monotony of box-shaped buildings that continued on block after block.

The vehicle slowed to a crawl as they neared their destination. Spock almost covered his ears when the driver pushed on the center of the steering wheel and the most unattractive sound was emitted. Even the cap he wore wasn’t enough to smother the clamor of noises made by the traffic that swirled around them.

“Damn traffic,” the driver muttered as he wove his way through the thickening congestion, “Getting worse every year.”

“That one looks familiar.” Leslie pointed out the window at one of the obviously older buildings, its design so out of place among the glass and steel edifices that surrounded it.

“That’s their courthouse. Ours is the building up ahead, on the left.” Kirk was looking out and up through the front windshield when Spock heard the first muffled roar and then the shattering of glass.

“Get down!” Kirk yelled as he disappeared behind the seat.

Spock had little time to obey. He felt a rush of hot air, and then he was covered by Stonn, who threw himself over Spock just as the cab was hit by the full force of the explosion.

[][][][][]

”Spock? Can you hear me? Spock?”

It was dark and smelled of burnt flesh. The small enclosure pressed against him, as did the slack body of his guard. He heard the protest of straining metal, and then Spock opened his eyes as hands pulled at him, tugging him out of the cab and onto the pavement.
“Are you all right?” Kirk knelt unsteadily as he propped Spock in a sitting position.

Spock held his head in his hand as he tried to make the world stop spinning. He could hear the wail of sirens at a distance. Yet, all around them it was deathly still, as if the survivors were afraid of calling notice to themselves. He finally looked up and turned to peer at his captain. The human’s face was blackened with soot and there was a large cut over one brow. Blood slowly trickled down Kirk’s face, but he was obviously more worried about Spock.

“I believe so.” Spock brought his hand up to tenderly touch his scalp. When he pulled it away, his fingers were smeared with blood. “I seem to have suffered a slight head trauma.”

Kirk grimaced as he studied the Vulcan’s head. “Not so slight. You’ve got a gash in your head at least five centimeters long. A few centimeters more, and it would have taken out your translator.” Without the small device implanted beneath his scalp, Spock would have become almost useless to him, unable to understand or communicate with the people of this planet. “Here,” Kirk reached over and grabbed Spock cap from the floor of the cab. “You’d better put this back on. And if you haven’t noticed yet, you’re going to have trouble with your left leg.” He nodded toward Spock’s limb.

Spock followed Kirk’s gaze. He hadn’t noticed. Apparently the shock of the explosion had shoved the back seat forward, sending his leg under the seat in front of him. His pant leg was torn and blood oozed out of the wound that ran from just below his knee to halfway down his shinbone. Almost on cue, he felt the first throbs of pain radiate up his leg.

“Do you think you can stand?” Kirk’s gaze darted around them and tension radiated from the human.

“I shall attempt it.” Spock allowed his captain to help him up, Kirk’s arm wrapping snugly around his waist while Spock slung his over the human’s shoulders. Once standing, he tried putting weight on the leg. It folded under him, bringing them both down again. “I do not believe I can travel, Captain.”

“You’re going to have to.” Kirk had the knapsack he had been holding slung over his shoulder. Balancing its weight with that of Spock’s, he got them to their feet once again. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

“I do not understand. Surely, this was not done in response to our presence. Nor could we be held accountable for it.”

“No, we can’t. But don’t you think they might start asking questions after they see that?” Kirk motioned into the back seat of the cab.
Spock had not even thought about their traveling companions. His head injury was apparently having a more detrimental effect on him than he had assumed. He peered into the smoky interior... and blanched.

Stonn appeared to be asleep, as if he had slumped over to rest his head on the cushioned seat. Until you realized that the back half of his cranium had been torn away and that the dark stain on the upholstery was his blood slowly pooling beneath him. To his left was the shattered remains of Kirk’s human guard. “You may be correct,” Spock murmured.

“Damn right, I’m correct. Come on. Lean on me.” Kirk pivoted them around and hauled Spock forward, away from the wreckage.

“Our supplies – ”

“Forget about them.”

They headed back the way they had come, away from the city’s center. Spock tried to hold himself erect, placing as little weight as he could on the injured leg. The shock that had initially masked his pain had also sapped the strength from the limb. But with returning mobility came an agony he was finding hard to control. A moan slipped past his clenched jaw.

“I’m sorry, Spock,” Kirk panted. The human was already breathing hard. The physical exertion required to hold Spock’s weight, added to his own injuries, was making travel difficult. “But we can’t stop. The authorities are going to be swarming all over here any minute now.”

Yet they managed to slip away unnoticed. The explosion had left a thick cloud that effectively shielded them as they made their way down the center of the street. All traffic had stopped, and those they passed on foot rarely looked their way. Most had injuries. And even those that didn’t moved in a trance-like stupor. Two blocks away, they managed to catch another cab as normalcy returned to their surroundings.

As Kirk helped him into the vehicle, Spock looked back at the destruction. He couldn’t make out most of it, but where the oddly elegant courthouse of another age had stood, was now only rubble.

[][][][][]

“Where are we going?” Spock leaned against the back of the seat and closed his eyes. Both his head and his leg throbbed intently, and he was having trouble controlling the pain.

“Back to the hotel,” Kirk quietly answered.

Spock opened his eyes. “Is that wise? The taxi company will have a record showing that is where we initially came from.”

“We’re not reregistering. It was the only place I knew the name of to give the driver. Besides, it’s close to the edge of town.”

“How will that help our situation? We are both in need of medical attention – ”

“I know, I know.” Kirk moved forward and turned to face Spock. “Listen. There’s a lot of vehicles for sale across the street from the hotel. Do you think you could figure out how to make one of these things go without a set of keys?”

Spock looked over his captain’s shoulder at the controls of the taxi. “I believe so. If I am not mistaken, the ignition switch can be circumvented by rewiring the circuitry beneath the steering column.”

Kirk grinned. “And just how do you know that?”

“I have used my time quite effectively to study their culture, Captain. These contrivances hold a singularly important role.” Spock frowned. “What, exactly, are you planning?”

“We can’t stay here, Spock. I figure we can take one of the vehicles and head out of town.”

“To where?”

“Remember I told you the Kirk compound is near here on Terra?”

“This is not Terra.”

“I know that. But I spent some of my time learning a few things, too. There’s a Kirk farm in the same general location.”

“And you believe it is owned by your family’s counterpart here?”

“It would make sense. We’ve held the land since it was granted to us by the Emperor over fifteen hundred years ago.”

“But there is no Empire on this world. There has not been for over a thousand Terran years.”

“Then how in Hades did the Kirk’s of this world end up with it?” Kirk hissed, exasperated.

“I do not know. But since I have no alternative plan, it would seem to be as good a place as any to wait for the Enterprise’s return.”

“Okay, it’s settled then. All we have to do is find somewhere to hide until nightfall.” Kirk settled into the seat and turned away to watch the passing landscape.

Spock closed his eyes again. He could feel the blood soaking into his cap. The bleeding had slowed, but his injuries needed to be looked to. Everyone in the Imperial fleet was given a modicum of medical training; enough, at least, to make sure you could aid a fellow soldier on the battlefield. He certainly hoped Kirk’s training had been somewhat more extensive than most.

He thought about his captain. It was unfortunate they had lost their guards, but Spock had realized that Kirk’s loss would have been painful, indeed. The human was exasperating, stubborn, often coldly ambitious... and by far the most fascinating person Spock had ever known. And the friendship that Kirk had bestowed upon him was his most treasured possession.

Spock’s eyes opened to thin slits, and his gaze slid over to the human at his side. Kirk was still looking out the window, a slight frown of concentration marring his face. Spock allowed himself to relax. Kirk would find a way to get them home. A highly illogical thought on his part, but one Spock could neither change, nor summon the desire to.

[][][][][]

Kirk handed the two bills over to the driver and stepped back as the taxi pulled away. He turned and walked over to the side of the parking lot where Spock sat on one of the cement blocks that lined the area.

“You don’t look so good.” Kirk grabbed the knapsack and helped haul Spock to his feet.

“I have felt better.” The Vulcan’s complexion was ashen.

Kirk wrapped his arm around his friend’s waist and started walking him toward the back of the hotel. “There’s an area in the back that’s overgrown with trees and shrubs. I want you to sit back there and rest until I get back.”

“Where are you going?”

“We’re going to need supplies, and I’ve got to scout out a place for us to stay. I won’t be gone long.”

The area he led Spock to was dirty, and the bushes tore at their clothes. But they would effectively screen the Vulcan from sight. Kirk helped his friend maneuver through the underbrush until they found a bush large enough for Spock to comfortably fit under. Using the knapsack as a pillow, Spock reluctantly laid down, the branches creating a small cave that completely hid him from view.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Kirk hesitated a moment, fighting his reluctance to leave Spock alone. The Vulcan looked so vulnerable. His usually neatly styled beard had flecks of dried blood in it, and the cap he wore made him look years younger. Unconsciously, Kirk reached out and squeezed Spock’s arm.

Spock laid his hand over Kirk’s. “I will be all right, Jim. Go now.”

Kirk nodded, and steeling himself, swiftly rose and walked away.

[][][][][]

Kirk watched from around the corner of the building as the cleaning people moved from room to room. He had stopped on his way and purchased a can of “soda” from one of the machines conveniently placed at the end of the floor as one came out of the stairwell. And though its contents was like no soda Kirk had ever seen, it would fit his needs perfectly.

He could hear the women as they did their work; the good-natured bantering that seemed to be a staple of those who, working only with their hands, needed something to occupy their minds. He had even had to stifle a laugh at their reaction to the missing sheets from the rooms he and Spock had vacated only hours before. Several of the suites near them had been emptying out at the same time. He was counting on them still being vacant.

Kirk waited until all six women were inside and then ducked into the room nearest at hand. He popped open the can and quickly spilled the fizzing liquid over the carpeted floor of the front area. With seconds to spare, he managed to find a hiding space by squeezing behind the large dresser in one of the suite’s bedrooms.

“Will you look at this!”

Kirk could clearly hear what was being said in the outer room.

“What’s the matter?” a second woman responded.

“Someone made a mess in here. Looks like soda. At least, I hope it’s soda.”

“I’ll go get the carpet cleaner.”

“You better let John know not to give this room out until tomorrow. It’s going to take a few hours to dry,” the first woman shouted at her partner who had obviously left the room.

There was string of obscenities as the remaining woman went about cleaning the rest of the suite. Not just the former occupants, but all those who left their messes for others to clean up, had their character brought into question. When her partner returned, all conversation was drowned out by the deafening noise of the rug-cleaner. But just as Kirk had hoped, the time taken to clean the carpet rushed the women through the rest of their work. After less than half an hour he heard the soft click of the lock as the room was vacated. He waited a few minutes before leaving his hiding space, and then cautiously walked out into the front room. It was dark and thankfully empty, though it now smelled heavily of cleaning solution.

Kirk slid over to the window and peeked out. He couldn’t see the women, but could still hear voices coming from further down the walkway. He decided to wait a little longer before attempting to leave. Once out the door he would be totally exposed until he got to the end of the building.

He used the time to find something to keep the lock from engaging when he left. After fashioning a strike-plate out of a piece of the tissue box from the bathroom, he returned to the door and slowly opened it. The women were nowhere around. Kirk swiftly stepped out and, fixing the strike-plate against the lock, closed the door. With a nonchalance he didn’t feel, he casually strolled away.

[][][][][]

It was already starting to darken by the time he got back to Spock. The Vulcan was sitting up, though slightly hunched over.

“How are you feeling?” Kirk grabbed one of Spock’s arms and pulled him to his feet.

“I have been unable to completely control the pain.” Spock slipped two fingers under his cap. When he pulled them out, they were coated with blood. “And I most urgently need to enter a healing trance.”

“Will six hours be enough?” Kirk cautiously led Spock back to the building, his hold on the Vulcan’s arm never loosening.

“I believe so. You have found a place for us to stay?”

“I set it up so that we can use one of the rooms for the night. But the sooner we get out of here, the better.”

“How, exactly, did you manage that?” Spock tried to stop, but was kept moving forward by an impatient Kirk.

“Not now, Spock.” They reached the building and Kirk yanked open the door to the stairwell. “Come on. The room’s on the second floor.”

The stairwell was dim. With night fast approaching, the small lights placed above the doors were barely adequate. Half way up, they made the turn at the landing and this time Spock did stop. “Captain, look.”

“What?” Kirk asked impatiently. Sometimes, he really wished his first officer wasn’t quite so fascinated with things.

“The sign, Captain. Look at the sign.”

Kirk glanced up at the small lighted sign above the door at the top of the stairs. “‘He leaves’. So what?”

“Do you not see, Captain? The words are not being translated for us. That is exactly what the sign says.”

Kirk halted as they approached the door. The sign glowed directly above them now. “What does it mean?” He didn’t know whether to be confused or afraid.

“I do not know. But it would seem this world is tied to yours more closely than we first suspected.”

“Well, whatever it means, we can think about it later.” He opened the door a few inches to look down the long walkway that fronted the rooms. No one saw as he and Spock quietly made their way to the room he had vacated only minutes before. Their luck held as the door easily opened and they hurried inside.

[][][][][]

Spock sat on one of the sofas in the living area of the suite. The pastry he consumed was loaded with saturated fat and carbohydrates. But Kirk had not been overly mindful in his selection of eating matter. And Spock needed the fuel to replace what the healing trance had burned off. He always awoke from one with a ravenous hunger.

The tricorder on the table before him softly beeped. Spock turned it off and unhooked the cord that snaked off to the side. The computer set-up in each room was easily tapped into, and over the days every spare minute was used to siphon off information that might be of use to them. The tricorder had almost reached the limits of its memory capacity. He dare not add more. They might need it later.

He glanced over to the clock on the wall. Thirteen point five hours. Kirk lay sleeping in the bed Spock had vacated after his captain had roused him. It had been apparent that Kirk had lain beside him as Spock slept, coma-like, in the depths of the healing trance. Spock had swiftly suppressed the deep warmth he had felt at that discovery.

Though Kirk’s injuries had turned out to be minor, Spock had insisted on seeing to them before leaving the human to his rest. He had then gone in to shower. The hot water had felt good as it washed away the blood and dirt, though Spock had not been pleased at having to re-don the clothes he had previously worn. He had washed out as much of the blood as he could from his cap and shirt, but both still smelled of smoke. Kirk had insinuated that they would be able to purchase replacements, so Spock had resolutely dressed and gone into the front room to wait.

So now he waited and thought about what was happening between him and his captain. It disturbed him, this inexplicable draw his friend had over him. Kirk had become... necessary to him. And that way lay danger.

Spock was not bonded, and he and Kirk shared a mental affinity the likes of which Spock had never felt before. Not even with T’Pring. If allowed to go unchecked, their link could tatter the gossamer threads that tied Spock to his intended and without her his life was forfeit.

Yet he had no wish to leave Kirk’s side. Perhaps it was not too late to stop his mind from taking that last, fatal step. Surely, if he were careful, they could have the friendship both craved. Would not the universe allow them this one comfort? In an existence that so often destroyed such closeness, was it so wrong of them to want it?

“What are you thinking?”

The human’s hands came to rest on his shoulders. “I was merely meditating.” Spock adroitly changed the subject. “You still have fifteen minutes in which to sleep.”

Kirk came around to sit on the sofa across from Spock. He ran his hands through his already mussed hair. “I’m not sleepy anymore. And leaving a few minutes early won’t hurt anything.” He glanced at the tricorder. “All done?”

“Yes. I have downloaded a great deal of information regarding this world. The tricorder should have it all processed within the next twelve hours.”

“That’s good.” Kirk stretched. “I think I’ll go take a quick shower so we can be on our way.”

“You have already decided on which vehicle we are to purloin?”

“You bet. It’s what they call an ‘SUV’. I’m not sure what that means, but it’s big and capable of handling any unpaved roads we might need to travel. And there’s one parked in a fairly darkened area. It’s got some sort of alarm on it, but I’m sure you can easily circumvent it,” Kirk said with a grin.

“Do not be so sure. Though their technology is similar, there are always variables.”

Kirk stood. “You’ll figure it out. You haven’t let me down yet, Spock.”

He turned and watched his friend walk away. Kirk’s shirt was already off by the time he entered the small bathroom and closed the door. Spock wondered how it would be to have to choose between Kirk and Vulcan. He hoped it was a choice he never had to make.

[][][][][]

Spock shivered and tried pulling the ends of his jacket closer. The inside of the vehicle was beginning to cool and Kirk had not returned. Parked behind the large building so as not to be visible from the street, Spock was unable to see the entrance to the store Kirk had entered over an hour before.

His captain had been right; it had been easy to circumvent the anti-theft devise on the vehicle. Once done, Spock had just as easily bypassed the ignition switch. It had taken less than five minutes for them to be on their way, his captain in dubious control of the conveyance. Kirk had taken little time to attempt mastery of them, however. It was essential that they put as much distance between the hotel and themselves as they could, so after a trial lap around the parking lot he had driven straight to the well-lit building where Spock now found himself trying to keep warm while worry for his friend gnawed at him.

He heard a strange rattling coming from the front of the building. Seconds later, Kirk appeared pushing a metal cart piled high with assorted packages. Spock waited until his captain reached the vehicle and then opened the door and stepped down. “I was beginning to become concerned,” he remarked.

Kirk maneuvered the cart to the rear of the automobile and opened up the back doors. “I kept seeing things I thought we might need. There’s no telling if we’ll get another chance to pick up supplies.”

As they loaded the various packages, Spock noted with approval that Kirk had managed to procure just about everything they would possibly need. Food, blankets, toiletries, and enough water to last the week until the Enterprise returned. For a moment, he wondered if it would all fit. But they managed to squeeze it all in, the last package thrown on top before Kirk closed the doors.

“Okay. Let’s get going.” Kirk pushed the cart out of the way and then hurriedly took his place behind the driver’s wheel.

The rush of warm air out of the heating vents felt good as Spock relaxed against the seat. Though his captain’s driving was of some concern, his relief at having his friend back where he could see him overrode any disquiet Spock may have felt. But his hand was firmly wrapped around the armrest as Kirk turned out of the parking lot and headed toward their destination. As they traveled down the almost deserted thoroughfare, the streetlights became far and fewer between. Once on the open highway, the city’s glow was soon left behind.

“Don’t worry, Spock. I won’t get us killed.” Kirk’s voice came out of the darkness that had enveloped them.

Spock deliberately released his hold on the door. “Your driving skills are – ”

“You want to give it a try?” It was almost a snarl.

Spock frowned. Would Kirk ever lose his lightning-quick temper? “I was about to say that your driving skills are quite good for the length of time you have had to practice them.”

Kirk’s apology was a hesitant “sorry.” But both seemed to lose any desire for conversation after that. The dark and the quiet held as the road stretched out before them.

[][][][][]

Kirk slowed the vehicle as he peered out the windshield. He was sure the turn-off was around here somewhere. Certain landmarks were the same as on his own planet, but the development of the area was nothing like his homeworld.

“Do you see anything familiar?” Spock asked.

“I’m not sure.” Kirk hesitated a moment and slowed even more. “Wait, there it is.” He pulled off the main highway onto an obviously little-used road. Dust billowed around them as the vehicle bounced from one hole to the next.

“Perhaps if you were to slow down...”

“You’re no fun,” Kirk chuckled but then lessened his speed. “It sure is dark out here. I would have thought we’d have seen lights by now.”

“Are you certain this is the correct location?”

“No, how can I be? Nothing here is exactly like Terra. But according to the plat map, the turnoff was the correct distance from the river we passed a few kilometers back. The farm should be here.” Kirk reached out and pushed in one of the knobs on the dashboard. “I’m going to turn off the headlights.”

Suddenly they were surrounded by pitch black.

“Is there a reason for this?” Spock asked, his exasperation beginning to show.

“One, I don’t want them to see us coming. Two, I thought maybe we’d be able to see any light coming from the farm.”

“There appears to be none.”

Kirk slowed the vehicle even more. “It’s got to be around here somewhere.”

“You are not even sure you are on the correct – ”

“Shut up and watch the road,” Kirk snapped. “Hey, wait a minute. Won’t the tricorder pick up something?”

Spock pulled the instrument from where it lay against his side and turned it on. “It does not register any power utilization, but there does seem to be a signature for refined metals approximately point one six kilometers ahead of us.”

“I think I see something. I’m going to take a chance and turn the lights back on.” Kirk’s eyes went wide in surprise and dismay. Seated ahead of them, the structure that shone eerily white in the headlights was a simple two-story clapboard in need of repairs... and obviously abandoned.

Kirk opened the door and stepped out without taking his eyes from the house. “What in Hades is going on here?”

The passenger door opened and Spock got down from the vehicle. Walking forward through the beam of light, he continued his readings. “It is not occupied. There does, however, seem to be a power source that is not presently in use.”

Walking over to stand at the Vulcan’s side, Kirk glanced at the tricorder screen. “Do you think you can figure out a way to tap into it?”
Spock raised an eyebrow. “Is there truly a doubt on your part?”

“You really are a smug bastard, aren’t you?” Kirk laughed. “I didn’t think Vulcans bragged.”

“To be aware of one’s potential is not the same as bragging. Besides,” Spock’s attention returned to the tricorder, “for whatever reason, power and telephone has never been disconnected. It is merely a matter of splicing into the source.”

“Good.” Kirk started back to the car. “Let’s get inside and get things working so I can turn this off.”

The padlock on the door turned out to be useless against Spock’s Vulcan strength, and after stumbling around in the dark for several minutes, they managed to get the lights working. They decided to leave off exploring the house until morning, so while Spock set up sleeping accommodations on the couches in the living area, Kirk went outside to shut off the vehicle. He went around to the rear and took out the package he had thrown on top of their supplies and headed back.

His way was made easy by the light coming from the house, and he found himself surveying what he could of the surrounding area. It seemed strange to him, finding this small house out here, all alone. On his own world, his family’s compound sprawled out to encompass several acres. What had happened here to so change the Kirk fortune?

He heard Spock step out onto the porch that stretched across the length of the house, a chair in each hand. “I have opened the windows to allow the heat that built through the day to dissipate. It should not take more than twenty minutes.”

Kirk grabbed one of the chairs and handed Spock the package. “Here. I got you some clothes to change into.”

“Thank you.” Spock glanced down at his torn and dirty trousers. “I shall do so in the morning.”

“There’s one advantage.” Kirk nodded toward the sky. He had placed his chair next to the railing and sat with his arms resting on top. “You can’t see half these stars from my home.”

Spock maneuvered his chair next to Kirk’s. “On Vulcan, my family’s estate is situated on the outskirts of one of our largest cities. But we do not light our living places as you do. After the brightness of the Vulcan day, the night is a welcome relief.”

“I remember as a kid taking off into the undeveloped land to the west. I’d find some nice comfortable place to camp out and spend the night gazing at the sky.”

Kirk looked at his friend. “I always wanted to go out into space. Even after Tarsus Four.” He turned away, unable to hold even Spock’s gaze when thinking of that time.

“But you had your revenge.”

“You’re damn right I did. I practically begged the Emperor to let me be the one to deal with the Gorlans. My mother died on Tarsus thanks to Kodos and his rebellion.”

“Destroying their home world has not stopped them.”

“The Empire has been dealing with rebellions for thousands of years. This one won’t succeed any more than the others have, no matter what my counterpart told you.”

Spock stiffened. “I believed that issue behind us.”

Kirk shrugged. “It is. I guess I still wonder about him. Did he lose someone on Tarsus? Was he even there?” He thought for a moment. “That other universe was so... calm, peaceful. I can’t imagine that he did.”

“I do not know. He did not speak of himself.”

“But you knew he was close to your counterpart.”

“All the information concerning their relationship I derived from my meld with their Dr. McCoy.”

Kirk chuckled. “That must have been some experience.”

“It was not as unsettling as I believed it would be. That Dr. McCoy has a more disciplined mind.” Spock lowered his head for a moment and then straightened, as if coming to a decision. “He cares deeply for both his friends.”

“And you envy them that, don’t you?”

“Not so much what he shares with them, but what they share with each other. What I saw in his mind...”

“You said they were really close. T’hy’la. What else did you see?”

Spock took a deep breath and then locked his gaze on Kirk. “They are lovers. More than that, they are bondmates.”

Kirk didn’t know what to say. In all the ways he had imagined his double from that other universe, this was one that had never crossed his mind. “Lovers? Are you sure?”

“Quite sure. McCoy’s image of them was very strong.”

“It’s hard for me to imagine.” Kirk’s voice went hard as the implications hit him. “You envy them that?”

“No, Jim, not the sexual congress. But that Kirk would never have need to suspect his Spock of disloyalty. They are of one mind, one heart. I have never had such a relationship. It... it is very enticing.”

“But won’t you one day? With T’Pring?”

Now it was Spock who turned away. “I do not know. We do not share a natural mental affinity and have chosen different life paths. I fear we will never have oneness.”

“Hardly anyone has that, Spock.” Kirk rose and rested his hand on Spock’s shoulder. “It’s late, and it’s cold out here. I’m going to bed.”

“I shall be in momentarily, Captain. I wish to meditate for a time.”

Kirk tightened his hand and then let it drop away. He’d upset Spock and hadn’t meant to. But it sounded like what Spock wanted no one person could give him. Well, he was in the same boat. He had never trusted any woman as much as he trusted Spock. He didn’t think he ever would. They would both have to get used to the idea that, ultimately, they would both be forever alone.

[][][][][]


Kirk woke to the smell of coffee. He lifted his head and looked over to the sofa on the other side of the table that separated them. It was empty. The “watch” he had bought the night before lay on the floor. It read eleven-thirty. With a snarled curse, he got up and hurriedly dressed.

Boxes of supplies were neatly stacked just inside the front door as Kirk made his way down a long hallway, following the sounds emanating from the back of the house. It turned out to be the kitchen.

“What are you doing?”

Spock looked up from whatever it was he was slowly stirring in the pot before him.

“I am hungry. I assume you are also.”

Kirk grinned and took a seat at the table centered in the large room. There were already bowls and utensils set out for two. He picked up the carafe and poured himself some coffee. “I see you already unloaded the vehicle.”

“I saw no reason to wait. I had slept sufficiently.”

“What’s with all the water bottles?” Kirk motioned to the empty bottles lined up on one of the counters.

“The water is contaminated. We shall have to limit our use or risk having to make a return trip into the city.” Spock turned and proceeded to serve them.

“Oatmeal?” Kirk grimaced. He really didn’t care for oatmeal. “This wasn’t in our supplies.”

“Yes, I know. There is a large supply of provisions in the small room to the left. I saw no reason to deplete our own stores when others are available.”

Kirk sighed and began spooning enough sugar into his breakfast to make it palatable. “So what’s wrong with the water?”

Spock took his seat. “There are high levels of trichloroethylene and trichloroethane in it.”
“Trichloro what?”

“They are compounds used on this planet as degreasing agents. Somehow, they have leached into the ground water. I assume that is the reason this house is not inhabited.”

“So why the supplies?” Kirk frowned. “You think they’re planning on coming back?”

“It is a possibility. Though I doubt it will be in the near future. The levels are quite high. But I am inclined to think that the inhabitants hope for an eventual return.”

“How dangerous is it to stay here?”

“As long as we do not drink the water, we will be perfectly safe. I would recommend using as little as possible to bathe with, however. I have been unable to find much information as to the long-term effects and would rather we took no chances.”

“That’s fine with me.”

They ate quietly for awhile as Kirk pondered the information. Spock had certainly been busy. In fact, the only reason he knew that the Vulcan had got any sleep at all was because he had woken a few hours after going to bed and found his first officer asleep on the other couch.

Kirk reached for a piece of toast, slathering it with jam under the disapproving glare of his friend. “It’s not going to kill me, Spock. Besides, on this planet it’s probably one of the safest things around.”

“Unfortunately, you are most certainly correct. I do not understand their utter disregard for their environment.”

Finishing off his breakfast, Kirk propped his elbows on the table, a cup of coffee cradled in his hands. “It doesn’t make any sense. Most people at least play lip service to the Gods. I really don’t buy into it, myself. But even I’d be reluctant to pollute anything like this. I remember the stories my mother used to tell me about what happened to people who did.”

“Your planet’s people followed a similar path as mine. The Gods were only interested in us when we somehow wronged or injured something they held dear. Unless one found favor with one particular god, it was best to walk with care.”

“Right.” Kirk laughed. “I remember I was convinced the water sprite that inhabited the stream on our property had put in a good word for me with Neptune when I won the swimming contest at school.”

“How old were you?”

“Six... maybe seven. A couple of days before I had discovered the water damned up by a fallen log. It took me almost two hours to clear the mess that had piled up. I told my Dad about it. He told me that the water sprite was probably very grateful to me. Anyway, I spent the entire summer trying to get a glimpse of her.” He shook his head. “It’s amazing what stays with you. After all this time, I still don’t think I could do anything to that stream.”

“These people do not believe in the Gods.”

“Not at all?”

Spock leaned forward, steepling his fingers as he rested his elbows on the table. “They are monotheistic.”

“I remember reading about some early Terrans who were that way. It didn’t last.”

“It apparently did here. I have been studying the information downloaded into the tricorder. There was once an Empire similar to yours on this planet. Founded by a Gaius Julius Caesar who had no son to bequeath it to. It would last less than five hundred years.”

“The sign.” Kirk’s eyes went wide.

“Correct. Two worlds, both at one time having the same language. Coincidence? I think not. Who knows how many times the same scenario has played out, each with a different ending, in this universe alone?”

“So that’s it? All this because one man was never born?”

“Evidentially. There are, of course, other factors, but Caesar’s child being a female, rather than a male, seems to be the deciding one.”

“That’s amazing. I can’t imagine living on a world like this.”

“But you do, Captain.”

Kirk scowled. “What are you talking about?”

“Quantum theory insists that the fundamental constituents of reality are not hard and indivisible. They behave as both waves and particles. Experimentation has shown that these particles appear to occupy more than one position at a time, clearly do occupy many positions at once. And thus so do we, and so does everything else in the universe. Though under normal circumstances, we are able to see only one of the multiple states in which a particle can exist.”

“So how does this mean it’s me in the other universes?”

“Because we, too, are made of these particles. Quantum theory has proved infallible in every conceivable experiment. Therefore, the rules must apply to us as well. We, too, must exist in many states at once. All possible events, all conceivable variations on our lives, must exist.”

“So every time I make a decision a new ‘me’ is created?”

“That is essentially correct. You take one road, while a shadow ‘self’ takes another.”

“That’s wild.” Kirk mulled over the information. Finally, he asked, “Is this his world then, in his universe?”

Spock didn’t have to ask who Kirk was referring to. “I do not believe so. The evidence would suggest that he comes from that universe’s Terra.”

“And this place?” Kirk waved his arm out to encompass their surroundings. “What must this world be like in that universe?”

“Perhaps a world where the Empire survived but, like this one, a world that stumbled on its way to the stars. Who knows? Perhaps that James Kirk and his first officer are on that planet as we speak.”

[][][][][]

They spent the rest of the afternoon reconnoitering the surrounding area. Evening was coming on by the time they returned to the house proper and entered the huge barn which sat further back from the road. Several machines, obviously used for farming, took up a large part of its interior. Hay was stacked in the loft, a veritable paradise for the field mice who had made it their home.

Spock picked up a harness of some sort and inspected its intricate tooling. “Is your home a working farm, Captain?”

Kirk, busy rummaging through a box of tools, looked up and grinned. “Are you kidding? We grow the finest wheat and barley this side of the Rubicon.”

“That is a very large area.”

“My Dad couldn’t stand being second best in anything.” He stood up, dusting off his hands as he approached. “After my mother was killed, he was... persuaded to leave the service. Up until then she had been the one really running things. But officers are a dime a dozen, and the Empire has to be fed. If he had to be a farmer, he was going to be the best damn farmer there ever was.”

“Your brother has followed in his footsteps, has he not?” Spock replaced the harness and the two men started outside.

Kirk nodded. “Sam runs most of the family’s major holdings. First born and all that. You can take the Celt out of Britannia....”

“You will receive nothing?”

“I’ll never be homeless, if that’s what you mean. And every family member has an account to draw on. But unless my father, my brother, and my brother’s oldest son all die before I do, it won’t be me running things.”

“For which you are heartily thankful,” Spock guessed.

“Could you see me stuck on Terra? No, I’d sooner die than end up grounded.” Kirk glanced over. “What about you? You don’t want to go back to Vulcan, do you?”

They had reached the house, and Spock opened the door, stepping back, as always, to allow his captain to enter first, before answering. “It is not a matter of ‘wanting’. I am heir. My responsibility to my clan may make my return to Vulcan inevitable.”

Kirk didn’t respond, but later as he showered he thought about what Spock returning to Vulcan would mean to him. Their closeness had accelerated during their days on this planet. He didn’t like the idea that he might be setting himself up for a fall. Learning to trust Spock had been difficult. Learning to live without that trust would be harder still. He didn’t want to go back to the isolation that had been his existence. Damn the Vulcan, anyway.

Frustrated, he turned his back to the water and let the spray pound against his back. With one hand holding his weight, he leaned forward against the wall. The other he used to slowly manipulate his cock until the organ was stiff and full.

Gods, that felt good. He needed the release. The engorged shaft slid through his fist as he pistoned his hips. Kirk could imagine it buried in some woman, any woman. They were all the same to him. He threw back his head, his mouth open and gasping.

This was all that mattered. He wouldn’t allow himself to need Spock. There were always women around, willing partners he could drive his cock into and push back the aloneness. What did he need a friend for when he had this? He moaned and pumped his cock harder, his slick fingers working over its head.

He felt his balls tighten and cried out as his orgasm overtook him. Semen sprayed onto the wall and was washed away. Moments later, Kirk slumped to the floor, dejected. Who was he kidding? As good as this felt, it was nothing compared to the closeness he now shared with Spock. A chill swept over him. He struggled to his feet and stepped out of the shower. Wrapped in the large, thick towel, he wondered how he would warm himself once that closeness was gone.

[][][][][]

Kirk sat on one of the overstuffed chairs grouped around the fireplace, his feet up on the coffee table and a book propped on his lap. He randomly flipped through the pages. He really wasn’t interested in reading, but there wasn’t a whole lot to do once the sun went down. Spock had had their dinner ready by the time Kirk had returned downstairs from his shower, and now the two of them were comfortably ensconced in the living room. Across from him, his long legs stretched out on the sofa, Spock intently viewed his tricorder.
Two hours was long enough to struggle. “What’s got you so interested?” Kirk tossed his book on the table and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I am endeavoring to reassemble this planet’s recent history.” Spock didn’t look up.

“What for?”

Spock did look up then. “I find this world truly fascinating. So like, and yet so unlike, your own. Also, I was curious as to what precipitated the explosion which caused Stonn and Lieutenant Leslie’s demise.”

Kirk pulled his legs down as he leaned forward. “Find anything?”

“I believe so. Apparently, there have been several attacks of this nature. They are random, and meant to create feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. It seems to be a favorite method of retaliation for perceived wrongs done by one sect to another. According to the official records, this was just the most recent.”

“So we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He leaned back and laced his hands behind his head. “Well, we should be safe way out here in the middle of nowhere. The only thing we have to worry about dying of is boredom.”

“Perhaps you would care to accompany me tomorrow on a second survey of the property.”

Kirk grimaced. “What for?”

“I have a theory as to the cause of the area’s contamination.”

“I thought you knew what caused it.”

Spock shook his head. “I know what has contaminated it. I wish to discover how it came to be this way. And, as you say, there is little else to do.”

“I’ll think about it.” Kirk brought his arm up and tried to see the face of his watch in the light cast by the fireplace. “What time is it, anyway?”

“Twenty three hundred hours,” Spock answered, his attention already refocused on the tricorder.

Kirk stood. “I’m going to bed. It took me three hours to get all the dust out of them, so I’ll be damned if I’m going to sleep on a couch again.”

“You did an excellent job of making the upstairs rooms usable. I, too, will appreciate sleeping on a bed.”

“Gods,” he swore, “I never thought cleaning house would be the highlight of my day. I don’t know if I can stand five more days of this.”

“I am sure you will think of something to do, Jim.”

“Easy for you to say. Well, I’ll see you in the morning.” Kirk grabbed his book and headed for the stairs.

“I shall be up momentarily,” Spock off-handedly remarked.

Kirk only shook his head. Knowing Spock, he’d be exactly where he was when Kirk came down in the morning. He grinned. Maybe tomorrow he’d hide the tricorder. Running from a raving Vulcan should give him plenty to do.

[][][][][]

Rain. He hated rain. Kirk sat on the front porch and watched the light drizzle fall. The morning had started off sunny, but by noon the clouds had started to gather and the brisk dawn air had given over to a muggy cold that settled in your bones.

Kirk shivered and pulled his jacket tighter. He could barely see Spock who, totally oblivious to the change in weather, was slowly making his way further afield in his quest for information. Too much further, and Kirk would be forced to go after him. He didn’t like the idea of them being so far apart from each other. They both carried a phaser, but they had agreed it was safer to stay together at all times.

I should have hidden the tricorder. If he had, he wouldn’t be out here freezing his ass off. Not that being inside was any better. Kirk was getting cabin fever as the walls of the house closed in on him, spurred on, no doubt, by his continued inactivity.

“Damn it, Spock.” The Vulcan had walked behind some trees and Kirk could barely make him out. He stood up and walked out into the yard until his first officer was once more in view. He wrapped his arms around himself. Gods, it was colder out here than on the porch. Well, if he was going to have to stand out here, he was going to do something to alleviate the cold. Kirk walked over to one of the large boulders that bordered the front lawn. He pulled his phaser out and fired. The rock slowly began to glow red-hot. He continued until he could feel the heat radiating off and warming the surrounding area.

Kirk glanced back in Spock’s direction. The Vulcan was even further away and heading toward an area that would completely block him from view. Kirk swore and mentally prepared himself for what looked like an unavoidable trudge across the wet and muddy field.

[][][][][]