The Vulcan Changeling Project

Independent Mission

After what seemed like hours, Kirk concluded his ship to shore assignments. Only Scotty and Spock remained. Kirk then massaged his jaw in a nervous grasp. "Scotty, you have the conn and Spock, I want you to try and see if you can ascertain how a cache of Klingon weapons were sold to the rebels on Babylon 2."

Spock folded his hands behind his back in an effort to keep Kirk from seeing his clenched fists. "Captain, Ensign Chekov could easily complete this assignment as well."

Kirk slammed his hand down on the briefing table, making Uhura jump. "Damnit Spock, don't give me any grief about this. I am keeping you away from this assignment for your safety and that of the Enterprise. Last time you and Muriah were together you and my ship were almost blown into bits." Kirk's voice then softened. "Spock, I'm doing you a favor. I believe your logic might be compromised in our current situation."

Spock nodded in acquiesce. "As you wish...Captain."

After Spock left the room Kirk looked over at Uhura. "Why do I get the feeling I just got played?"

Uhura raised a delicate eyebrow, in an imitation of Spock's own. "Why sir, I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

Kirk rolled his eyes. "Don't you start as well."

If Spock had been all human, he would have grinned as he approached his station. Instead he merely checked his data console with a methodical eye. The program would work for Spock had written it long ago when he thought the crew would need to stall for time. After finding the data about the sale of the Klingon weapons, Spock would set the program off on a rambling string of code. Spock's report would take hours to reach the Captain allowing him time to complete his own independent mission.

Lieutenant Kyle shook his head as he stared at the impassive Vulcan in front of him. "I'm sorry Mister Spock, the Captain gave orders that no one other than the designated landing party is to be beamed down to the surface."

Spock arched an eyebrow. "Did those orders include me, Lieutenant?"

Lieutenant Kyle looked uncomfortable as he ran his finger along the inside of his shirt. "Sir, the Captain gave orders that no one is allowed other than the designated landing party."

For a moment Lieutenant Kyle and Spock stared at one another in an effort to get the other party to give in to the other's request.

Lieutenant Uhura's sweet, musical voice broke the tension between the two men. "Lieutenant Kyle, check your orders again please."

Lieutenant Kyle sighed and then checked his console. "That's weird. For now, my screen says that you and Mister Spock have been granted permission to beam down. I don't understand why those orders weren't here a moment ago."

Uhura smiled a most disarming smile that made the blood rush to Spock's ears, turning the tips a mint julip green. "Well, Mister Spock aren't you going to give Lieutenant Kyle our coordinates?"

Spock cleared his throat but when he spoke his voice creaked out the words of his sentence in a broken growl. "I will put the coordinates in myself, Lieutenant Kyle."

Lieutenant Kyle stepped aside and Spock punched in numbers that would take he and Uhura to their destination.

Lieutenant Kyle frowned. "Mister Spock, these coordinates are just outside the security shelter."

Spock clasped his hands behind his back. "Lieutenant, if you wish to clear this up with the Captain, feel free to do so. If not, please beam us down."

Lieutenant Kyle nodded. "Yes, sir."

Uhura was already standing on the transporter platform and as Spock moved to join him she flashed him a mocking smile.

Spock looked over at Uhura, leaned in and whispered. "You are in a lot of trouble, Lieutenant."

Uhura grinned and whispered back. "Yes, Mister Spock we are." She then met his gaze full on. Spock stared back but was the first to break eye contact.

It was a relief when the whirring of the transporter beam made his skin tingle. Though he couldn't be sure Spock felt certain that Uhura's fingertips touched his own as their temporal bodies transformed into to swirling columns of light.

As Spock and Uhura materialized into the darkness on the planet's surface, they could see Doctor McCoy a short distance away, ministering to the wounded and dying. Spock motioned for Uhura to follow him but it soon became apparent that her human night vision was no match compared to Spock's.

Uhura stumbled against Spock and whispered, "I'm sorry, Mister Spock."

Spock could see her as well as he could in the day, her beauty untainted by the lack of sunlight. Leaning closer than he needed to Spock bent down and softly spoke in Uhura's ear. "Take my hand it will be easier."

Uhura hesitated for a moment and then slid her slim brown hand into Spock's. His body shivered as Uhura's fingers closed around his own.

"I'm sorry. I know how aberrant human contact is to Vulcans," Uhura whispered as she looked down.

Spock worked his fingers around hers. For a moment he let himself become lost in the sensual pleasure, then he took a deep breath as he said, "You have nothing to apologize for, Lieutenant."

Spock distracted by Uhura's intoxicating presence didn't hear the individual that crept up behind them until it was too late. Uhura's small scream became muffled when she was grabbed from behind.

"Are you Spock from Vulcan?" A harsh voice whispered into Spock's ear.

"I am," Spock replied as his captor turned him loose. He was about to inquire about Uhura's welfare when she gasped. Thinking she was in danger Spock sprang to her side, only to see her embracing another figure.

"Muriah, you're safe. We were so worried," Uhura whispered as she hugged her friend.

Muriah then approached Spock. "We must hurry, for we aren't safe here."

Spock nodded as Muriah and a group of humans and Romulans made their way away from the lights of the encampment.