The Vulcan Changeling Project

Sacrifice

As they jumped from rock to rock, Spock couldn't quell his curiosity about their surroundings. The lights from the city shone across the desert, making the sands glitter like a jewel. The valley was encompassed by volcanic mountains and the wind howled through the canyon tearing at Spock's hair. He shielded his eyes for a moment or two until his third eyelid blinked into place. Spock looked around him, gazing up at the moon. Babylon 2 had two dimly lit small moons and Spock had to admit that McCoy was correct. Earth did indeed have the most beautiful moon he had ever seen.

As they made their way through the narrow canyon, Spock could hear the sound of water as their footsteps began to echo off the stone walls around them. Suddenly Spock sensed they were in an open space again for the sounds of their footsteps became muted once more. The leader of their party stopped and Spock found himself staring at a group of about 100 people milling around a campfire. They appeared to be listless and tired. When they caught sight of Muriah and Spock though, their spirits appeared to lift.

Spock looked around at the crude weapons that the inhabitants held. He winced for they would be no match against Klingon disruptors. After introducing them to everyone Muriah led Spock and Uhura to a secluded place. "Spock, what is troubling you?"

Spock looked at Muriah and lowered his voice. "You and the other refugees have to leave the planet. There is sure to be war and your weapons are no match against Klingon disruptors."

Tears welled up in Muriah's eyes. "Would you have me run and hide? These people need me."

"They need us both," Tiberius said as he came into view.

Spock swallowed. "Your sacrifice is commendable, however the senseless slaughter of yourselves and the other refugees will accomplish nothing."

Muriah beckoned to Spock and Uhura. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

They scrambled up a ledge where Muriah pointed and whispered, "Look."

Tiberius and several of the refugees huddled together in a group, working together side by side were Vulcans, Romulans, humans and even a Klingon hybrid. In silence they watched as each individual contributed to the process.

Muriah smiled and turned towards Spock. "You have taught me well. There are always possibilities."

***

"What do you mean that Spock and Uhura beamed down over an hour ago?" Kirk raged into his communicator.

Lieutenant Kyle's precise clipped British accent came out in hurried tones. "Well, sir Mister Spock said that he and Uhura were beaming down on your orders."

"Fine, that will be all Lieutenant, but I expect a full report when I come aboard. Kirk out." Kirk swore as he flipped his communicator shut.

"What's wrong, Jim? Has Spock gone AWOL?" McCoy rasped.

Kirk slammed his fist into his palm. "Spock and Uhura have both gone off."

McCoy grinned as he rocked on his heels. "Oh really? I didn't think the green-blooded bastard had it in him."

Kirk grimaced in McCoy's direction. "Knock it off, Bones this is serious. He and Uhura have beamed down to the planet's surface against orders and they've had an hour's head start. God, only knows what they've gotten themselves into."

McCoy's expression became grim as he looked off into the distance. A nuance not lost to Kirk's practiced eye. "What is it Bones?"

McCoy worked his jaw back and forth as he fingered his chin. "You're not going to like it, Jim."

"Bones," Kirk roared, "I already don't like it. Now spill it. That's a direct order from your Captain."

McCoy glared at Kirk for a moment or two and began to rock on his heels. "I've heard talk among the refugees that there is going to be some sort of attempt to stop the Klingon arms exchange."

Kirk looked at McCoy and whispered, "They'll be killed, Bones." He looked around and then grabbed a young security officer by the arm. "Lieutenant, has the Potemkin arrived yet?"

The Lieutenant's face brightened at being hailed by Kirk. "Yes, Sir. She's in standard orbit now."

Kirk smiled as he saluted. "Good, carry on."

The Lieutenant grinned, saluted back and ran off. Kirk envied him. For the Lieutenant had never seen piles of bodies slaughtered by Klingon disruptors. Kirk had. It was a sight he didn't want to see repeated.

Kirk glanced around at the organized chaos of the landing party until he spotted Sulu directing different groups to selected beam up points.

"Lieutenant Sulu," Kirk called out.

Sulu murmured directions to a subordinate, making his way to where Kirk and McCoy stood. "Yes, Captain?" Sulu asked.

"Sulu, I need you to hold the fort down. The Potemkin will be sending down teams to assist you." Kirk ordered.

Sulu smiled, showing brilliant white teeth. "Yes, sir."

McCoy didn't like the scheming look in Kirk's eyes. "Bones, you've got to get me some native clothes."

McCoy held up his hands. "Jim, I'm not getting involved in this. Just because Spock and Uhura want to go off and get themselves killed doesn't mean you have to follow suit."

Kirk's eyes glittered with his own brand of determination. "Bones, please, trust me."

McCoy sighed, knowing there was no dissuading him. "I don't like this. I don't like it a bit."

Kirk grinned as McCoy's shoulders sagged in defeat. "Fine, but don't blame me if that pointy eared hobgoblin gets us all killed."

***

Once Muriah and Tiberius had introduced Spock and Uhura to everyone in the camp they finally made their way to a tent. Uhura took Muriah by the hand and led her to a secluded corner. "Muriah," she whispered, "you look exhausted."

Muriah patted Uhura's arm. "I am fine, but I have a secret to tell you. Tiberius and I have completed our bonding ceremony and I think I'm pregnant."

Uhura's eyes grew wide. "Then you must get to the Enterprise as soon as possible."

Muriah grabbed Uhura's wrist. No, you must promise me you won't tell anyone. No one knows, not even Tiberius."

"This goes against my better judgement, but fine I promise," Uhura said, taking Muriah's hands in her own.