STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, 'SAREK', 1990

RETURN AGAIN TO TOMORROW

Winner of Second Prize, UFP Convention, Birmingham, May 1991

 

Ambassador Sarek, his wife Perrin, Chief of Staff Mendrossen and Personal Assistant Sakkath dematerialised from the transporter pads of the 'Enterprise'. The first time Sarek had stepped on a starship called 'Enterprise, he had been ill then, too, but, on that occasion, the skill of Dr McCoy and the unacknowledged courage of his son had saved his life. On this new 'Enterprise', however, Spock was no longer there to meet him, and another man was wearing the Captain's insignia. And from this illness, this Bandai Syndrome, there could be no recovery ...

---oo0oo---

The USS 'Merrimac', which had rendezvoused with the 'Enterprise', transported the Ambassadorial party home to Vulcan. During the voyage Sarek and Perrin remained in total seclusion in their suite in order to avoid the mental disturbances experienced by the 'Enterprise s crew.

As the 'Merrimac' approached Vulcan Space Central, an urgent message was sent for Sarek's personal attention. Mendrossen received and delivered it. Sarek keyed in his personal security code to view it on his terminal. It read: 'Federation President Krang greets Chief Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan. The Federation wishes to honour your achievement immediately on your arrival. Please beam down directly to the Hall of Congress to attend the President's Reception.' Sarek snapped off the screen in annoyance. "No! I do not want this! I no longer wish to be seen in public! Give the President my apologies, say that I am exhausted - say anything, but just get me out of it!" Sarek said vehemently.

Mendrossan viewed the message separately. "Sir, it is impossible. Although it is worded as a request, it is nevertheless a Presidential command which you must defer to. If you would permit Sakkath to shield you once more, and you make the encounter brief, then it should be possible to avoid any outward appearance of your disease."

Sarek looked to Perrin, who nodded in encouragement. "I will be with you, my husband." She placed her hand on his shoulder.

"I know you will, my wife." replied Sarek, patting her hand. "Very well." Sarek sighed in resignation. "Summon Sakkath. We will all beam down together."

---oo0oo---

The Ambassadorial party materialised from the 'Merrimac's' transporter pads directly to the centre of the Vulcan Hall of Congress. The gigantic auditorium was filled to capacity with representatives of all the Federation member races who had gathered together in celebration of Sarek's Lageran Treaty triumph. On Sarek's arrival everyone, of one accord, rose to their feet and applauded, or made other sounds of appreciation suitable to their metabolism. Sarek was unprepared for the powerful emotional demonstration of warmth and gratefulness that emanated from the crowded Hall and, despite Sakkath's shielding, had to fight for control. To cover his weakness, he bowed his head. Then, composing himself, he walked towards the imposing figure of an elderly Klingon, who had also risen from his Presidential Chair.

Sarek waited till the applause ceased before speaking in a strong and clear voice. "Mr President, you do me great honour. I merely serve the Federation."

"Ambassador Sarek, it is you who has done the Federation a great honour. Your successful conclusion of the Lageran Treaty ensures continuing peace and prosperity for the Federation." The President's deep, gruff voice echoed and re-echoed around the chamber. "You will be well rewarded."

"Mr President, I seek no reward. I wish for only one thing."

"Name it, Ambassador, it shall be yours!"

"Mr President, I wish to retire from the Vulcan Diplomatic Service!"

There were gasps of amazement from the gathering. Behind him, Mendrossen and Sakkath shared a glance, although Perrin only had eyes for her husband. "I have served the Federation for over a hundred and fifty Earth years, and it has taken 93 of these years to successfully conclude negotiations with the Lagerans. Much of that time has been taken up by arduous journeys to the farthest attainable reaches of the galaxy. Mr President, I am old now." Sarek turned and walked back to stand beside Perrin. "I wish to live the rest of my life here on Vulcan with my wife and family. Is that too much to ask?"

"Ambassador, it is not - but perhaps you would continue in an advisory capacity?"

"No, Mr President, not even in an advisory capacity. Full retirement is what I wish. I regret -" Sarek paused for a moment as mental turmoil threatened to overcome him. Sakkath casually moved nearer him and Sarek was able to continue. "I regret that it is the only logical course remaining to me now. Mr President." Sarek put his fingertips together and bowed first to the President, then to the gathered peoples of the Federation. Turning to Perrin, he extended his index and second finger towards her. "Attend, my wife!" Perrin's two fingers touched her husband's and they proceeded proudly out of the Hall of Congress, closely followed by Mendrossan and Sakkath.

---oo0oo---

Home at last in his luxurious mansion in the most prestigious suburb of Shi-Kahr, Sarek addressed his Chief of Staff and Personal Assistant.

"Mendrossen, Sakkath, I wish to thank you both for your assistance. Mendrossen, you have smoothed my path, made my task easier; and Sakkath - you have served me far beyond the call of duty. I only hope that I have not contaminated you, too, with this distressing malaise."

"No, sir, you have not. I appear to be immune to its effects. It has been, and always shall be, my honour to serve you." Sakkath bowed slightly.

"Thank you. You may both go now - I am much fatigued."

---oo0oo---

Alone together at last, Perrin regarded her husband. Unshielded now from his illness, his normally square shoulders were drooping, his handsome face deeply lined. A wave of concern swept over her at his appearance. "My husband, how do you feel?"

"Tired, my wife. Very, very tired. I must rest now."

"Can I fix you something?" s he said brightly. "A glass of Terran milk? A bowl of plomeek soup? You know how you love plomeek soup! I'll make you some!"

Suddenly, inexplicably, Sarek turned on her. "Stay away from me, woman! Do not fuss! It's contamination from Earthers that has caused this disease in the first instance! Go! Leave me alone!" and, breathing heavily, he turned on his heel and strode into his meditation room, locking the door behind him.

Perrin stood in shocked surprise. Sarek had never done, or said, anything like that to her before. The disease was rapidly taking hold of the man she loved, and there was nothing she could do about it.

---oo0oo---

The next morning Kee Mendrossan called at the house with Consular papers for Sarek's attention. Many matters still had to be concluded, including the appointment of a new Chief Ambassador. Perrin received him graciously, but he could see that she had been crying.

"My Lady, what is the matter?"

"Oh, Kee, it's Sarek. I'm so worried. He has locked himself away in his meditation room all night. He hasn't eaten a thing since he came back to Vulcan and I'm sure he hasn't slept, either. Every time I try to speak to him, he just ignores me!"

Suddenly Sarek's door swished open and he stood in the doorframe, gaunt and haggard, his hands clasped. Quite calmly he announced: "I wish to prepare for Fal-Tor-San. Please summon High Priestess T'nar!"

"What? Sarek, No!" Perrin's face paled with shock.

"My wife, obey me!" Sarek's voice shook with uncontrolled rage as he stepped back into his meditation room. The door closed and locked behind him.

Perrin turned in alarm to Mendrossen. "Fa1-Tor-San! He wants to lodge his katra in the Hall of Ancient Thought!"

"Obviously, he considers it the logical thing to do." replied Mendrossan, flatly.

"Logic, logic, don't you talk to me about logic! Are you as brainwashed as the Vulcans?"

"My Lady, I have worked with them for most of my life."

"Ah, you men! You're all impossible! Oh, Kee, what am I going to do?" Suddenly all the strain and emotion erupted from inside her and she broke down.

Mendrossan stood behind her, a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know what you must do, My Lady. You must send for his eldest son."

"Spock? But he's on a diplomatic mission on another arm of the Galaxy!"

"He can be recalled. I am, after all, Chief Ambassador Sarek's Chief of Staff. Should there be an emergency, I have the authority to re-assign another Ambassador to Spock's mission. I think, My Lady, that this is such an emergency!"

---oo0oo---

As time was of the essence, Mendrossan dispatched a transwarp ship to intercept Ambassador Spock's cruiser. In the meantime, despite Perrin's entreaties to her husband not to do so, Sarek's wish to discuss Fal-Tor-San with High Priestess T'nar of Gol had to be acceded to. Under normal circumstances, the supplicant would travel to the Caves of Mount Seleya to see the Holy Ones, but Sarek was unable to make the journey. His Healer, Sorn, pronounced him unfit to travel and the High Priestess and her retinue, led by High Priests Sklar and Sponn, arrived at Sarek's mansion late the following evening.

After the necessary ceremonies Sarek, once again in complete control of himself, bade his distinguished guests be seated. He steepled his fingers as he paced before them. "High Priestess T'nar, my working life is over and my body is ailing I can be of no further active use to Vulcan, or the Federation. I therefore wish to undergo Fal-Tor-San." He stood serenely before her, totally unprepared for her reply.

"Ambassador Sarek, I regret that I cannot comply with thy wishes."

"What! Why?"

"Thy Healer informs me that thee hast contracted the rare disease called Bandai Syndrome. Thy mind is contaminated, Sarek, and I cannot permit a contaminated katra to enjoin with the pure minds in the Hall of Ancient Thought! We go back to Gol, now." She rose and, followed by her retinue, swept out of the house.

Sarek stood for a moment, completely stunned by the rebuff and total rejection of the Holy Ones. For him, despite all his unique knowledge, there was to be no Eternity. All that was left for him now was a gradual decline into madness.

---oo0oo---

Ambassador Spock, dressed in his elegant black and silver robes of office, strode the final steps of his long journey to the door of his father's mansion. Still tall and lean, his dark hair, now streaked with grey at the temples, gave him a distinguished appearance. He palmed the call-chime.

Sakkath answered the call. "Ambassador Spock! Welcome home, sir. Spock gave Sakkath a cold stare and swept past him without a word.

"Sakkath, who was that? Oh, Spock!" A broad smile of welcome lit up Perrin's care-strained face.

Spock stood, towering over the Earth-woman. "My father - what is wrong with my father?" His deep voice was harsh with urgency and worry.

Sarek's room door swished open and he said, querulously, "Who is that coming here? Have I not asked for complete isolation? I will not tolerate these encroachments on my privacy!"

Spock's back was to him as Sarek entered the room. Slowly, Spock turned to face his father. Sarek stopped in his tracks. "Spock! Spock, what are you doing here? I sent you on a mission to the Tashaylans!"

Spock's eyes flicked over his father's face, seeing the lines of age and illness that had not been there before. "I received a message from Kee Mendrossan that you were - unwell, father. Where is Mendrossan just now?"

"He is working at the Embassy, Ambassador Spock." replied Sakkath.

Spock turned his eyes to Sakkath. "And why, may I ask, are you here?"

"Healer Sorn has requested my presence so that I may ease your father's discomfort as much as possible, should he ask me to do so."

"Ease his discomfort? By what means?"

"By mind-link, Ambassador. I have been screening out the unwelcome effects of the Ambassador's illness as much as possible."

"Really. Just what exactly is wrong, father?"

"It would appear, my son," Sarek said patiently, "that I have contracted Bandai Syndrome."

"Bandai Syndrome?" Spock's eyes glazed over for a moment, as though he was listening to internal voices. "Oh, Bandai Syndrome!" He nodded in understanding. "Uncurable." he added.

"Indeed, Spock, as you say, uncurable. And, to make matters worse, High Priestess T'nar has denied me entry to the Hall of Ancient Thought because I would contaminate the collective katras."

"Her logic is irrefutable." Responded Spock, inclining his head slightly.

"Here we go about logic again. Your father is dying, and all you can talk about is logic!" Perrin's outburst caused two sets of Vulcan eyebrows to rise.

"Emotional, isn't she?" Spock said, deadpan.

"Just like your mother." Sarek responded. There was a pensive silence for a moment as both men remembered, then Sarek spoke again. "Sakkath, you may leave. I wish to talk privately to my son." Sakkath bowed and left the room. Sarek turned to Spock once more. "Spock, as my eldest son it would have been your duty to lift my katra in order to gain my ancestral family knowledge before replacing it with the High Priestess for the Fal-Tor-San ceremony. Once you placed your katra with McCoy before you went to die on the 'Enterprise' - remember?"

"Yes, father, I remember." responded Spock solemnly.

"It troubles me deeply to request this of you, my son, but I can see no alternative, since I have been denied Fal-Tor- San. In the event of my death, would you be my katra keeper? I know there would be danger in you becoming contaminated, but perhaps together we can control ..." Sarek's voice trailed away as he saw Spock's reaction.

"Father, I regret I cannot accede to your wishes."

"Spock! You're denying your father his last chance!" Perrin flared.

"If I were to fall prey to Bandai Syndrome in the future, then I would not be in the least surprised. In fact, I am, as you put it, 'contaminated' already."

"What do you mean? Spock, why can you not receive my katra?"

"I am already the keeper of two human katras." Spock stated.

"Two human katras? But that's impossible, Spock!"

"No, father, it is not, I assure you. In life, we were t'hy'lan - we were three, now we are One. They saved my life countless times. Now, they are here." S pock tapped his cranium.

"Kirk and McCoy?" Sarek asked, unnecessarily.

"We are here, Ambassador." Spock's eyes were distant as he allowed his soulmates to speak through him.

"Spock, why did you not tell me of this before now?"

"It is a deeply private thing, father, of no import to anyone but ourselves. I could not prevent their human bodies dying, but I could grant them an extension of consciousness."

"Why did you not anticipate the present exigency?" Sarek asked.

"Father, Kirk and McCoy were my t'hy'lan before Sybok's death. He, as your eldest son, would have been the one to undertake the procedure of Fal-Tor-San.

"Kirk, McCoy, did you want this?" Sarek asked.

"I did, Ambassador." Spock's voice was lighter. "You betcha, Ambassador." Spock took on a Southern drawl.

"We are seeing things we never thought we would live to see. Spock/Kirk said. "An' Ah'm still learnin' new thangs 'bout medicine - wonderful things!" enthused Spock/McCoy. "Now I know what it's like to be a pointy-eared, green-blooded sonuvaVulcan - Sorry, Ambassador!"

"And I've just had an idea about your problem, Ambassador." Spock/Kirk said. "What do you think?" and Spock withdrew within himself for a moment. Privately within Spock's brain, Kirk spoke. *Spock, do you remember Sargon?*

Sargon! Yes, I remember, an unpleasant experience. But the globes were destroyed!* recalled Spock.

The globes of Sargon, Thalassa and the evil Henoch were destroyed, but there were other globes, 'dead' globes but complete. Maybe you can transfer us into two of them for a while to leave your mind free for your father. The Federation never went back to discover their technology, their medicine!*

But the risks would be enormous - I may be unable to transfer you into the globes and then later recapture you.* Spock cautioned.

*We can but tryl* Kirk's katra urged. *Yeah, try!* echoed McCoy's.

It seems as though I am outvoted!* Spock sighed resignedly. *But we would be separated - no longer One. I do not want that *

*It would only be until we found a cure for Sarek's illness - we owe your father that chance.* stated McCoy. *Assuming we do find a cure.* cautioned Spock. *Remember how far advanced they were - a starship drive the size of a walnut! We could learn so much!* enthused Kirk. *It's just a pity that Scotty will never see the diagrams.*

"Spock, what is going on?" asked Sarek, exasperated.

"Father, we have recalled an encounter with a superior race many years ago during the first mission of the 'Enterprise'. They may well have knowledge of the cure to Bandai Syndrome. I will appraise the President of the situation immediately. I must have the fastest ship available to transport me to the Sargon planet."

Sarek again became agitated. "No, Spock! I do not want everyone to know of my illness!"

"Father, I can think of no alternative - can you?"

Suddenly Sarek's emotions flared again. "Opposing me! You are forever opposing me - even in this! You entered Starfleet against my wishes..." Sarek stopped in mid-sentence and clutched his side.

"Father! Father, what is wrong?"

Sarek's voice was tight with pain. "Nothing, Spock, it's just ..." but Sarek never finished the sentence. Before Spock or Perrin could react, he crumpled to the ground.

---oo0oo---

Healer Sorn arrived within a few minutes of Sarek's collapse and carried out a thorough examination on his unconscious patient. "He has had problems with his heart before, as I recall."

"Yes, Healer." Spock confirmed. Ninety-five Earth years ago, he collapsed on board the 'Enterprise' and surgery had to be performed urgently."

"The strain of the Bandai Syndrome has taken its toll. He has suffered a major heart attack. His heart muscle is damaged beyond repair. The next attack he suffers will be his last!"

"Then there is little time! Our only chance is to return to Sargon's planet in the hope that they had found a cure. They referred to us as 'their children' and Sargon said their bodies had been similar to ours. We can only hope that, in their past, they found a cure for Bandai Syndrome!"

---oo0oo---

The 'Enterprise', summoned to Vulcan by the President as the fastest available transwarp ship in the Federation to carry Spock on his mission of mercy, slipped into parking orbit. Captain Jean-Luc Picard straightened his dress jacket as he waited in the transporter room to receive his distinguished guest. "Have you ever met him, Number One?"

"No, Captain, only read about the work he did on board the first two 'Enterprises." replied Riker.

"I met him briefly at his wedding recently. I was invited, you know, as Captain of the 'Enterprise'. As with his father, he married an Earth woman. Elizabeth, her name. Charming woman.

"Ambassador Spock ready to beam up." Transporter Chief Argyll reported, cutting into the small talk.

"Energise, Mr Argyll." commanded Picard, and Spock's tall form materialised on the transporter pad. He stepped down to stand before Captain Picard.

"The 'Enterprise' is honoured with your presence, Ambassador Spock." Picard made a reasonable attempt at the Vulcan salute. "This is my First Officer, Commander Riker."

Riker made a hash of the Vulcan salute and saw a flash in the dark Vulcan eyes. Riker was unsure whether it was a flash of amusement or of anger.

"May we dispense with formalities and proceed to the Bridge?" requested Spock, brusquely.

"Certainly, Ambassador." and they proceeded to the turbolift.

As they walked, Spock's eyes flicked around, taking in the unfamiliar sights of another 'Enterprise'.

On arrival at the Bridge, Spock looked around and headed immediately for the unmanned Science Officer station. He looked at, but did not touch, the computer board. "Fascinating." he whispered to himself.

"Ambassador, may I present Councillor Deanna Troi ..."

Spock felt the merest whisper of a mind-touch and immediately shut her out with his powerful shielding. "Madam." His eyes were cold.

"Lieutenant Data ..." continued Picard, who had not noticed the exchange.

Spock turned to face Data, who said: "I am delighted to meet you, sir. There are many things I would like to ask ..."

"Not now, Data!" reprimanded Picard. "And Commander Worf."

"It is an honour to meet you, Ambassador." the Klingon's deep voice resounded round the Bridge.

Spock nodded curtly in acknowledgement. It was, after all, a Klingon Ambassador who once said that there would be no peace with the Klingon Nation until Jim Kirk was dead. Sometimes IDIC was very difficult to uphold.

"Now, Ambassador, if you would be good enough to accompany me to my Ready Room, you can reveal to me the nature of this mission. Number One, with me. Lieutenant Data, you have the Conn."

Spock's eyebrow went up momentarily, then he swept past the android and followed Picard.

Once they were seated round Picard's table, Spock spoke quickly. "We will be going to Quadrant J19, Rim Section. If you will permit me to feed in the co-ordinates?"

Picard gestured his assent and flipped the comm button. "Mr Data, engage! Ambassador ...

"Please let us dispense with formalities, Captain. My Captain called me Mr Spock, and that will suffice."

"Very well, Mr Spock. If my knowledge of that Quadrant of the galaxy serves me correctly, there are no star systems with life extant."

"That is correct, Captain, but there used to be. We visited this system during our first five-year mission and we encountered beings of such an advanced metabolism that they existed purely as energy trapped in a globe. Our mission is to recover two of these globes for research, and to recover any retrievable information from the civilisation's databanks."

"But that is something that an ordinary research team could accomplish." commented Riker.

Spock gave Riker a cold stare. "This mission is of the utmost urgency as it is in connection with my father's illness. And, to that end, Captain, I would like to meet your Chief Medical Officer as soon as possible."

"I will summon Dr Crusher immediately."

"No! I would prefer to go to Sickbay, if you have no objections."

"None whatsoever. I will inform her of your arrival." Picard did so as Spock made his way there, then he pressed his intercom button. "Councillor Troi, will you come in, please?"

Deanna entered immediately. "What do you make of him, Councillor?" asked Picard.

"Something strange, Captain. When I tried to make telepathic contact he shut me out as though slamming a steel door in my face. He has a powerful intellect but, in the instant I touched his mind, I sensed something strange, something un-Vulcan inside him."

"He is half-human, Councillor." reminded Picard.

"Yes, I know, but it wasn't that. There was some thing else there. Captain, there is more to him than meets the eye!"

"Hm. Well, we'll keep a watching brief for the moment. Thank you, Councillor. Dismissed." Captain Picard sat pensively for a while before returning to the Bridge.

---oo0oo---

The Sickbay doors swished open. "Ambassador Spock! Do come in! I was just ..."

"Dr Crusher, I will come right to the point. Please let me see the cultures you took of my father's disease."

"I'm afraid there is no doubt, sir. He is suffering from Bandai Syndrome."

"I do not doubt your diagnosis, Doctor. However, I have extensive scientific and medical knowledge and would like to run some tests of my own on the cultures.

"Very well, Ambassador. Clean room clothing is there -" Beverley indicated the cabinet, "and I shall bring you the cultures immediately."

For the duration of the journey, Spock remained immersed in his researches.

Occasionally, Beverly thought she heard voices coming from the laboratory where Spock was working.

"You sure you know what you're doin', Spocko?" "There are always possibilities, doctor." "Now that looks promisin'. Whaddaya think?" "Worth pursuing."

When Beverly looked in, however, she saw only the Vulcan, sitting hunched over the electron microscope. She shrugged to herself and left him to it.

---oo0oo---

Nothin'! Not a dang thang! Dammit, Spock, we've tried everythin'!*

"I know, doctor." Spock sat back from the miscroscope and rubbed his strained eyes.

"Ambassador Spock to the Bridge, please!" Captain Picard' s voice spoke from the ship's intercom.

Spock raised an eyebrow in curiosity, replaced his research clothing with his Ambassadorial robe and took the turbolift to the Bridge. As the lift doors swished open, Spock looked first to the Captain at the Conn, then to the viewscreen.

"Ah, Mr Spock. We have arrived at the planet whose co-ordinates you gave us. According to your original records, this planet was a dead world. But look!"

Spock was already looking. Instead of the dull, lifeless world with no atmosphere they had left behind all these years ago, the planet on the viewscreen was verdant, the seas were blue and there was a thin envelope of atmosphere clearly visible round the planet. "Readings, Lieutenant Data." commanded Picard.

"A class M planet, oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, already showing signs of protozoan life in the seas."

"Fascinating!" breathed Spock.

"WELCOME BACK, MR SPOCK!" a disembodied voice boomed round the Bridge, drawing a mixture of surprised reactions.

"Sargon! But I thought you and Thalassa were dead!"

"NO, WE ARE NOT, MR SPOCK."

"But where are you, Sargon? Your globes were destroyed!"

"WHEN WE VACATED YOUR CAPTAIN AND DR MIJLHALL'S BODIES WE DID NOT DISAPPEAR INTO OBLIVION, AS WE HAD EXPECTED TO DO. INSTEAD, WE RETURNED TO THE PLANET, AND BECAME THE PLANET. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OUR HANDIWORK, MR SPOCK?"

"Remarkable!" Spock commented.

"WE ARE ALLOWING THE PLANET TO EVOLVE NATURALLY. WE MERELY SUPPLIED THE MALE AND FEMALE CATALYSTS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO START LIFE." The voice was now female.

"Thalassa! Greetings! And Henoch?" Spock asked. "If you survived, then so must he!"

Suddenly, all the power and lights on the 'Enterprise' were extinguished. All, that is, except a blue light that materialised on the Bridge, sought out Spock and enveloped him. Spock's hands went to his head, a grimace of pain on his face. "No! Not again! Henoch, nooo..." Spock fell to the deck of the Bridge and lay still. The lights and power went on again.

"Dr Crusher, medical emergency! To the Bridge immediately, please!" Picard was at Spock's side in an instant. He rolled him over. Spock's eyes were open but unseeing, the grimace of pain still on his face.

The turbolift doors swished open and Beverly ran to where Spock lay, scanning her diagnostic computer over his prone form. She reset and tried again, then she stood up. "Captain, I can find no trace of life. Ambassador Spock is dead!"

Suddenly, a deep-throated chuckle emanated from the body, the eyes focused on Beverly. Spock rose with agility from the deck. "Well, am I not the lucky one!" The voice had an insolent tone and a strange echo. "Yet again I awaken in this body to behold a beautiful female!" Smiling, he advanced on Beverly, who backed off, but he made a lunge for her and held her closely to him. "Yes, you will do nicely!"

"No! Get away from me!" Beverly struggled in his grasp, and once again Spock laughed hollowly.

"Unhand my officer, I command you!" Picard stepped forward to protect Beverly, but Spock pointed a finger and Picard was thrown back, falling heavily on the deck.

Worf drew his phaser in an instant, but Spock again pointed and the weapon flew out of Worf's hand.

Picard picked himself up. The rest of the Bridge crew converged on Spock, but Picard halted them with a gesture. "Who are you, and what do you want? Obviously you are not Ambassador Spock! Where is he? What have you done with him?"

"Quite correct, Captain. I am Henoch, the only other survivor of Sargon and Thalassa's race. They thought I was dead, but I am not. Spock tricked me to quit his body the first time, but this time I intend to make full use of it - starting with this female! There is a whole pristine planet down there, ready for human population... Ahhhh!" Spock reeled back, releasing Beverly and clutching his head.

"YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING, HENOCH!" Sargon's voice boomed. "RETURN THAT BODY TO ITS OWNER IMMEDIATELY!"

"Or what, Sargon? Will you kill me? If I die, so do Spock and his friends!"

Picard and Deanna exchanged glances at that remark. "Friends? What do you mean - friends?" he asked.

"Ah! You do not know, then? Spock was not alone!"

"What do you mean?" asked Deanna.

"That's for me to know and you to find out!" replied Henoch impertinently. Again unaccustomed laughter bubbled from Spock's throat.

"I repeat - where is he?"

"HE AND HIS FRIENDS' LIFEFORCES ARE SAFE ON THE PLANET, CAPTAIN." Sargon's voice replied.

"Then take me to him!"

"Not until I have - ah - associated with the female, Captain!" responded Henoch.

"NO, HENOCH, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT ..." said Sargon.

"I have every right, Sargon. I have a body, an excellent, healthy male body. It has been half a million years since I had a woman!"

Suddenly a powerful, unseen force lashed out at Henoch and he staggered, holding his head. Spock's body collapsed and a blue glow enveloped Data, who walked towards Beverly saying "I am fully functional, I am fully functional!" Just as suddenly, Data sagged at the waist like a puppet, his arms swinging loosely. The blue glow then enveloped Picard.

"Stop!" called Beverly. "If Henoch must have his way with me, then to save Spock I will accept him in Picard's body as long as he returns the Captain's mind to him immediately afterwards!"

"Hm! Even better!" Henoch flexed the muscles of Picard's body. "You are both human, and this body is much younger! Come!" and Picard led Beverly to the Ready Room. The doors closed behind them. Deanna turned Data back on, but Spock's body still lay on the deck. "Medical team to the Bridge!" commanded Riker, who was a little put out that Henoch considered Picard's body better than his. The medical team arrived and carried Spock to the Sickbay, where he was put on full life-support systems.

Meanwhile, Riker turned to Deanna. "Evaluation, Councillor?"

"Henoch is an incredibly evil personality, Commander. It is his intention to sire children to populate the new world and to speed up entropy. The new race will then have access to the old race's technology. Commander, they could rule the galaxy within fifty years!"

"Sargon!" Riker addressed the air.

"I AM HERE, COMMANDER."

"Can't you stop him?"

"NOT WHILE HE IS INCORPORATED. HOWEVER, I RECALL THAT HUMAN BODIES CANNOT TOLERATE THE INCREASED METABOLISM IMPOSED ON THEM BY POSSESSION. IN HIS DESIRE TO PROCREATE, THE BODY HE IS WITHIN WILL SOON EXPIRE, AND HE WITH IT."

An unearthly screech rent the air.

The Ready Room door swished open and Beverly stood alone, gasping, her eyes wide with horror. "Whatever - that - entity - was," she gasped erratically, "it is dead - and has killed Jean-Luc as well!"

"Sargon! Is that true?" asked Riker.

"IT IS. HENOCH FLED YOUR CAPTAIN'S BODY AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH. AS HE LEFT, THALASSA AND I COMBINED OUR MENTAL POWERS TO CRUSH AND DESTROY HENOCH. HENOCH IS, I CAN ASSURE YOU, QUITE DEAD!"

"But what about Spock? Where is he?"

"HE, AND HIS FRIENDS, ARE SAFE. THEIR 'KATRAS', AS SPOCK IS CALLING THEM, ARE ENCAPSULATED IN LIFE-GLOBES. IF YOU PROCEED TO THE TRANSPORTER ROOM, I WILL BRING YOU TO THEM."

Beverly stood over the Captain's body, tears of grief falling down her face. "It was a massive heart attack, Number One." she said.

"WE CANNOT PERMIT THE DEATH OF YOUR CAPTAIN." It was Thalassa's voice which spoke. The now familiar blue glow enveloped Jean-Luc's body and his eyes flickered open.

"What happened?" he asked lamely.

Beverly ran her scanner over him. "You're fine! He's fine!" she announced. To everyone's relief, Picard got up and brushed himself down, then resumed his seat at the Conn.

"I repeat, what happened?" insisted Picard. "Dr Crusher?"

"You were possessed by Henoch."

"I see. Why was I in the Ready Room? Did anything - happen?"

"No, Captain, nothing happened." assured Beverly.

"Hm." grunted Picard, mollified. "I will lead the Away Team. Number One, you have the Conn." Riker made to object, but Picard raised his hand. "Make it so!"

---oo0oo---

The transporter deposited the landing party of Picard, Beverly, Deanna and Data in the Hall of the Globes. Three of the globes were pulsing colours. Beverly scanned them. "Greetings, Captain. I am delighted you have found us." said Spock's familiar voice. His globe pulsated as he spoke.

"Who is in the other two globes, Mr Spock?' enquired Picard.

"The other two globes belong to the katras of Captain Kirk and Dr McCoy, my bond brothers. It would appear, Captain, that we have attained one of the purposes of our mission in an unexpected manner. However, it was not intended that I should be incarcerated in a globe as well! Does my body live?"

"It does, Mr Spock." confirmed Picard. "But I do not know how to return you to it."

"HAVE NO FEAR, CAPTAIN." Sargon' s voice echoed in the huge vault. "IF YOU WOULD TRANSPORT ALL THREE GLOBES OF ESSENCE BACK TO YOUR VESSEL, I WILL PERFORM THE NECESSARY OPERATION."

---oo0oo---

Back on the 'Enterprise', Spock's globe was placed beside his body, and Sargon made the transference. The other two globes sat beside him.

"NOW I WILL REJOIN YOU WITH YOUR BOND BROTHERS, MR SPOCK."

"No! Not at the moment, please Sargon."

"VERY WELL, IT SHALL BE AS YOU REQUEST. WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT OF ME?"

"My father is dying of an incurable disease that we call Bandai Syndrome. It is an affliction of the emotions and nervous system of the sufferer. My father is a full Vulcan and is unable to cope with his illness. We - that is, Captain Kirk, Dr McCoy and myself - recalled our first visit to your planet. You called us 'your children' and implied that we were your descendants. Your civilisation's technology is so far in advance of ours that we had hoped that, as a last chance of salvation for my father and others who may, in future, contract the disease, you had found a cure for the malady."

"INDEED. AND WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE YOU HAVE OF THE NATURE OF THE DISEASE?"

"We have extracted a culture, which multiplies at an exponential rate. No antibodies known to us are able to counteract the effects."

"NORMALLY I WOULD NOT ACCEDE TO SUCH A REQUEST, MR SPOCK. RESEARCH MUST BE ADVANCED AT A NATURAL PACE. HOWEVER, SINCE YOU HAVE TWICE BEEN SUBJECTED TO CONSIDERABLE INCONVENIENCE THROUGH HENOCH'S EVIL INTENTIONS, I WILL PERMIT YOU, AND YOUR DR CRUSHER, TO ENTER OUR VAULTS WHERE THE MEDICAL RECORDS ARE KEPT. SHOULD YOU FIND THAT WHICH YOU SEEK, YOU MAY TAKE THAT, BUT ONLY THAT, KNOWLEDGE AWAY WITH YOU."

"Sargon, thank you." Spock experienced a surge of positive hope for the first time since he became aware of his father's illness.

"BUT WHY DO YOU NOT WISH YOUR BOND BROTHERS RETURNED TO YOU JUST NOW?" persisted Sargon.

"That is once again connected with my father's illness. It is my filial duty to become his katra keeper in order that, when his body dies, I would carry out the ancient ceremony of placing his immortal soul in the Hall of Ancient Thought. I could not, however, do so because my human t'hy'lan were already inhabiting that place in my mind, and the High Priestess of Vulcan would not admit his katra in its diseased state."

"I SEE. SO YOU WISH KIRK AND McCOY TO REMAIN IN THE GLOBES UNTIL THEN."

Yes, Sargon. When that time comes I will return."

"VERY WELL, IT SHALL BE AS YOU WISH. HOPE YOU FIND THAT WHICH YOU SEEK."

"So do I, Sargon, so do I."

---oo0oo---

All the medical knowledge of a long-dead and supremely far-advanced civilisation was laid open to Spock and Beverly Crusher. Ancient computers were set to work on tracing and matching the composition of the disease then, when the strain was found, the cure was isolated and placed in the 'Enterprise's' memory banks.

Kirk and McCoy's globes were transferred into Spock's stateroom.

When departure time came, Spock addressed Sargon for one last time. "Sargon, we thank you. The Federation will leave your planet alone to evolve naturally and, when the time comes, the planet's progeny will be welcomed into the Federation."

"GO IN PEACE, MY CHILDREN."

Captain Picard, seated at his Conn, adjusted his uniform top. "Mr Crusher, lay in a course for Vulcan, Transwarp."

"Laid in sir!" the young Ensign reported.

"Engage!"

---oo0oo---

The Enterprise blinked out of transwarp space and cruised through the Vulcanian planetary system with as much haste as regulations permitted. Picard made contact with Vulcan Space Central, and a priority parking orbit was granted the massive starship.

Perrin came onto the viewscreen. "Spock, your father's condition is critical! He has lapsed into a coma and is being kept alive at home in the hope that ..." her voice caught and she fought back the tears.

"We have the cure, Perrin. Dr Crusher and I have been refining the medium during the journey home and are ready to administer to him immediately."

"Oh, thank goodness, Spock. I'm so afraid of losing him!"

Under the circumstances, all the usual bureaucratic red tape was dispensed with, and Spock and Dr Crusher were permitted immediate beamdown to Sarek's mansion in Shi-Kahr. They materialised outside and Perrin ushered them to Sarek's bedside.

Sorn, the Healer, was in attendance. Spock felt a pang of dread as he saw his father. His complexion had a deathly pallor, his eyes were closed, head tossing from side to side in an anguish that not even a coma could relieve. Sorn stood before Spock, barring his way.

"What is the meaning of this, Healer?" Spock fastened him with an imperious stare.

"He is dying, Ambassador. The shock to his physical system of the administration of the drug will almost certainly kill him!"

"Then he will die and his immortal soul will be lost forever! It was his wish that he receive Fal-Tor-San. The administration of the drug will cure him of Bandai Syndrome, and, should he live long enough, he will then be eligible to undergo the rite. You cannot deny him that!"

Sorn wavered for a moment, then stood aside. Spock, with a gesture, indicated Beverly to administer the drug in the syringe. Almost immediately it took effect and Sarek became peaceful. Beverly ran the disgnostic scanner over her Vulcan patient.

"His metabolism is working at an increased rate to reproduce the antibodies of its own accord. His brainwaves have lifted from coma and he's sleeping now."

"Oh, thank the Lords of Vulcan for that!" breathed Perrin in relief.

"It's not over yet, Perrin." cautioned Spock. "It will take him some time to recover his senses."

"But what about his heart condition?" Perrin asked Sorn anxiously.

"I cannot administer another drug which would counteract the effects of the Bandai inoculation. If his heart can endure the treatment, there is always a chance, Perrin. Come, now. I see you are in need of rest as well. You must be ready to meet the demands of nursing him back to fitness."

Spock gently led her away while Sorn stayed by Sarek's bedside.

When she had retired, Spock returned to speak to Sorn, who was kneeling, his hand on Sarek's side over his heart. Spock raised an enquiring eyebrow. Sorn shook his head. "I'm worried, Spock. His heartbeat is far too fast."

"1 see. Healer, you are near exhaustion. You are welcome to take some rest."

"I do not wish to leave him!" Sorn said, concern written on his face.

"Nor do I. I will stay with him whilst you rest and will call you should you be needed urgently." Spock then turned to Beverly. "And thank you, too, Dr Crusher, for your assistance and expertise. It was a pleasure and honour to work with you. You are a worthy successor to that crusty old country doctor. There is, however, nothing more you can do for my father now. Please leave me with him." Sorn bowed and escorted Beverly out of the room.

Spock sat alone by his father's bedside. After a short time, he held his hand.

---oo0oo---

Exhaustion lay like a blanket over Spock's brain. He had no idea he had fallen asleep while still holding Sarek's hand in his, but a sudden stab of transmitted pain wakened him with a start.

"Father! Father!"

"Spock! Do not be afraid ... Ahhh!" Sarek gasped as another stab of pain gripped him. "Even the most advanced civilisation in the universe cannot - reverse - entropy. My mind is clear - quickly, now, take my katra!"

"Father, I will get Sorn!"

"No, Spock! No - more - time! Do it, now!"

Spock's hand was shaking as he placed his fingers on the prescribed points of contact on his father's pain-wracked face. "My mind to your mind - your thoughts to my thoughts!"

Moments later, Perrin entered and saw Spock, head bowed, his hand still on Sarek's now peaceful face.

"Spock? My link with Sarek - it's gone!"

Spock unashamedly raised his tear-stained face. "I grieve with thee, Perrin, widow of Sarek!"

"Oh, no!"

Sorn came in and went to Sarek, looked at Spock, still sitting by the bedside, and shook his head. "He is lost to us forever!"

"No. No, he is not lost to us forever. I keep his healthy katra!" announced Spock, with a tremor in his voice.

"Then he can attain Fal-Tor-San?" asked Perrin, uncertainly.

"Yes. Healer Sorn, please contact High Priestess T'nar. The transfer must be made forthwith."

---oo0oo---

The setting sun blazed red on the tips of the mountain range of Gol. Gongs sounded and trumpets blew melancholy notes as the body of Sarek, attended by Spock and Perrin, was carried by priestly pall bearers up the fire-lit steps lined with mourners to the Arena of Ritual on Mount Seleya. Spock and Perrin both wore white supplicants' robes.

Awaiting them at the High Altar was T'nar, dressed in her flowing red and gold robes of office. Standing behind her were Sklar and Sponn, similarly attired. All around the circular Arena of Ritual stood alternatively priestesses and priests of Gol.

Sarek's body was laid on the central altar and Spock stood by his side.

Ritual horns, blown simultaneously by Sklar and Sponn, sounded one long, haunting note. T'nar raised her hands. "Kal-Tor-Fal-I-Kal!"

"Fal-Tor-San!" The priestesses and priests responded as one. "Who speaks for Sarek of Vulcan?"

Spock stepped forward. "Spock, son of Sarek, speaks for him."

"Thee art the katra keeper?"

"I am."

"Sarek, thee hast gained the right to be One with the All in the Hall of Ancient Thought. Is it your wish to become as One?"

"It is my wish." Spock responded in his father's voice. Perrin, standing on the edge of the Arena, fought back the tears as she heard her husband's voice for the last time.

"Then thy wish is granted, Sarek. Deliver thy katra from thy son unto me, and I will lodge it amongst all those who have gone before."

Spock lay down on the other altar and closed his eyes. T'nar placed her hand on the pressure points on Spock's face and closed her eyes. A few minutes elapsed before she removed her hand.

"Spock of Vulean, thee hast inherited thy father's house and knowledge. Arise and go. Thy father's body is an empty shell. As it was in the past, as it is in the present, as it always shall be, his body shall now be cremated in the Fires of Gol and I shall place his katra with the All." So saying, T'nar stood at the head of the altar. Slowly T'nar and the altar descended out of sight, and the ceremonial horns blew a final farewell to Sarek of Vulcan.

---oo0oo---

As Spock and Perrin descended the Steps of Mount Seleya they passed Captain Picard and his crew, all attired in their dress uniforms. "We grieve with you, Ambassador Spock, Lady Perrin." said Picard formally. Spock merely inclined his head and walked by, supporting Perrin.

On their return home, further duty had to be done by receiving the many mourners who wished to offer their condolences.

As the night wore on, Spock grew increasingly impatient and restless. Captain Picard, Riker, Deanna and Beverly arrived together at the mansion. As she touched hands with Spock, Deanna suddenly sensed Spock's unease. "There is something wrong, Ambassador." she stated.

"I merely grieve for my father, Councillor. It is of no concern of yours. Excuse me." and Spock strode rapidly to his room and closed the door.

In front of him, two globes stood. In an instant, Spock could see that something was seriously wrong with them. Their internal lights were practically extinguished. In two strides he was before the globes, placing his hands on both of them at once. "Jim! Bones! Can you hear me?"

"Fading! We're fading away!" came the faint reply.

"I will return your katras to me immediately!" and Spock placed his hands on Jim's globe. "My mind to your mind - your thoughts - to my thoughts!" But the mental and physical ordeal Spock had so recently endured had taken its toll. He was unable to recapture Jim's and Bones's katras. The harder he tried, the more exhausted he became. "No! Nooooo! My mind - to your mind - your thoughts - to my thoughts!" Spock was on his knees before Kirk's globe, trying with all his power to make the transfer. But the globe faded even further until all he could hear was a faint, whispered, "Spock!" For one of the few times in his life, Spock felt panic well up inside him - sheer, blind panic. He had just lost his father, and now he was about to lose the katras of his t'hy'lan as well. So deep was his concern that he did not hear the door open and close behind him.

"Ambassador Spock! What is the matter?" asked Deanna Troi.

Spock rose and spun to face her. "Councillor Troi! Please leave at once! Your presence in this room is a breach of Vulcan privacy!"

"1 felt your panic, your anguish. Please, let me help!"

"No! It is extremely personal - something I can share with no-one! Please, you will leave now!"

But instead of departing, Deanna moved towards the flickering globes. "I feel - the life-forces within these capsules are fading, dying. Especially this one." and she pointed to Kirk's globe. As she did so, she felt another upsurge of emotion from Spock, whose mindshield was functioning imperfectly in his anguish. "I feel from you, for the entity in this globe - such love ... and for the other one, too. You are they, and they are you. When you returned to the 'Enterprise' from the Hall of Globes, I recall you refused Sargon's offer to return Kirk and McCoy's katras to you."

Spock 's anger abated. "That is correct, Councillor. I could not return their katras to me until I had placed my father's katra in the Hall of Ancient Thought. Now that I have fulfilled that duty, I had intended returning to Sargon, who would replace my t'hy'lan with me. I had not anticipated such a depreciation in their power. There is not enough time for me to return to S argon, and it appears that I cannot perform the replacement alone!"

"Will you permit me to assist you? Perhaps together we can effect the transfer."

"1 have no alternative. There is very little time left. Another unsuccessful attempt on Jim's globe could be fatal." Spock said, looking with concern at the fading lifeforce within.

"Then we shall try to capture McCoy first - but how shall we do it?"

"I shall meld with you, drawing from your mental strength, and then link up with McCoy. The meld may be unpleasant for you."

"I am used to human emotions, Ambassador. Please, go ahead!"

Spock placed his long fingers on Deanna's face. Then, with his other hand, he touched McCoy's globe. "My thoughts to your thoughts. Your mind - to my mind. We are One." Deanna's voice echoed Spock's. Suddenly a blue glow encompassed Spock's head and the lights within the globe flickered and died. Spock broke contact and held his head. "Success! McCoy's katra is within me!"

"Sure took yer time about it, Spocko!" The familiar Southern drawl escaped Spock's lips.

Hurriedly, Spock went over to Jim's globe. There was only one small pinpoint of light remaining. "Quickly! We know we can do it!" And Spock re-melded with Deanna, his other hand on the dying globe, and repeated the litany. The lights glowed for a moment, then faded once more. Spock' s eyes opened, his face deeply lined with worry. "Not coming! He's not coming! Try again!"

As they were lost in the meld, the door behind them swished open and a small berobed and hooded figure walked in, put one hand on Spock's head and the other over his on Kirk's globe. The globe flared into life, all the colours of the rainbow coruscating within. Suddenly the blue glow enveloped Spock once more, then the globe flickered and died. Spock broke meld contact and slumped to his knees, hands to his head, eyes tight shut. "Jim? Jim!"

I am here, Spock!* A rare smile appeared on Spock's face as he felt his t'hy'la's presence once more. His smile grew even wider, making his handsome face youthful, when he looked up into the eyes of the one whose presence had finally made the tenuous meld successful.

"Elizabeth! My wife!" Spock rose to his feet and embraced her. Deanna discretely left the room. Elizabeth's blue eyes danced with pleasure as she reciprocated her husband's hug. Then she stood back from him and removed the hood from her head, revealing short blonde hair. Should anyone present have remembered, her resemblance to Amanda would have been striking. "When did you arrive, my wife?"

"Only moments ago, my husband. Captain Picard was most concerned as to what was transpiring, and I decided to ease his worry."

"But - what did you add to bring Jim back to me?"

"The power of love, my husband!" she replied with a smile. "Remember, they are my t'hy'lan, too!"

"We are grateful!" The voice was not entirely Spock's.

"Oh, and before I forget, Spock, I come as an envoy." Her blue eyes were sparkling even more, now.

"An envoy, Elizabeth? For whom?"

"For the President of the Federation. A new Chief Ambassador for Vulcan has been appointed." Spock's eyebrow rose, and Elizabeth nodded. "You, my love."

Spock felt a soaring pride at being his father's chosen successor, and had difficulty in containing the joy reverberating through his brain from his t'hy'lan.

Solemnly, Spock extended his index and second fingers towards Elizabeth. "Attend, my wife. We have much work to do."

Elizabeth joined her hand with his and they walked out of the room together to face a new tomorrow.

---oo0oo---

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