The Vulcan Changeling Project

The Pilgrimage

It seemed as if the Enterprise herself breathed a sigh of relief as she docked at Vulcan. Kirk spoke into a small box in front of him as he finished his personal log. "The Enterprise has arrived at Vulcan. Mr. Spock and Muriah have been rushed to the Vulcan Medical Center. I have ordered shore leave for the crew, in hopes that after it is up Spock will be able to return to duty. Kirk out."

Kirk was relieved when he hear his door chime. "Come," he called out.

Scotty stood there grinning as he said, "Captain, Uhura, Checkov, Sulu and I are going to see if we can get into trouble. Want to come along?"

Kirk shook his head. "No, thanks Scotty."

Scotty frowned. "I know that Doctor McCoy is forfeiting his shore leave to learn more about Spock's condition, but you need a little R and R. Now, I know Vulcan is not the ideal place for shore leave, but there is a place near the Vulcan Academy that specializes in..."

Kirk grinned as he interrupted Scotty. "I know the place. I showed it to you, remember?"

Scotty smiled in fond remembrance. "Aye, that was a fine shore leave."

Kirk nodded. "Yes, it was, Scotty."

Scotty glanced away from Kirk's nostalgic look, as his eyes glazed over with one of his own. "Well, Captain I guess we'll be going. You know where to find us if you change your mind."

Kirk clasped his hands behind his back. "Thanks, Scotty."

After they left Kirk sat on the edge of his bed letting his mind drift. The ringing of his door chime make Kirk jump as he snapped out, "Come."

Sarek stood in the doorway. "Captain, I am sorry if I have disturbed you. However, it has occurred to my wife and I that you might like to stay with us."

Kirk retreated back into the darkness of his cabin. "Ambassador Sarek, I am honored, but I have decided to go on a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Telcaith. I want to understand what makes the Vulcan psyche tick. In other words, I seek diversity. I've misjudged Spock on many occasions. Perhaps, now is the time for me to brush up on my cultural relations with Vulcan."

Sarek raised an eyebrow and nodded. "It is a rough journey, Captain. May you find what you seek. Peace and long life."

Kirk held up his palm in the Vulcan salute. Live long and prosper, Ambassador."

**

Kirk looked at his fellow traveling companions as they gathered around a campfire. They were making small talk, about the weather, the reasons for their pilgrimage, etc. Kirk moved away from the group for hearing their conversant murmurings increased his feelings of isolation. Kirk stood peering into the darkness. It was a pity that Vulcan had no moon, for there was no ghostly light to illuminate the red swirling sands.

"Captain Kirk," a voice addressed him from the darkness. Kirk whirled around to see the classic features of his Vulcan guide. "Captain, it is much too dangerous to wander out into the night. Please, stay by the fire."

Kirk glanced into the eyes of the Vulcan. The flames reflected in his shinning pupils, making them appear as if they were lit from within.