Two Kirks And A Vulcan

Chapter Twenty Seven

A few hours passed before the Enterprise was being hailed by another ship.
"Captain, another ship is trying to communicate to us."
"Open channels. Onscreen." The screen became an image of Alex Kirk and Jim almost gave a sigh of relief, until he saw her captor next to her. She was truly beaten in the face, a black eye and bruises that would need tending to. McCoy joined Jim by the captain's chair. Spock stood up as he saw her. Her gaze went to Spock before her brother. The alien spoke first.
"We want to speak to James Kirk."
"I'm captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise. We mean no harm, but it appears you've attacked my first officer's parents, and kidnapped my sister," he said.
"That is correct. Our crew despises humans and the pain they inflict upon the galaxy. Sarek has ruined the Vulcan race by marrying one." Jim glanced at Spock before answering. Spock frowned his eyebrows.
"Last I checked, anyone can marry who they want. What does this have to do with you?" Kirk responded.
"Perhaps you need a history lesson. Romulans despise Vulcans, and humans that get in the way."
"So my first officer's parents were just in the way?"
"Sarek has meddled too much with human matters. We don't want his antics to influence our ways."
"So you just decided to shoot his ship down?"
"Yes. Unless he willingly would come to die. But we know he has a son just as meddlesome, and also on your ship." Spock gazed at Kirk.
"What exactly do you plan to do with my nurse?" Kirk said to change the subject. Alex's eyes pleaded to her brother.
"We will keep her here until you agree to our terms."
"What exactly are your terms?" Spock asked as Jim looked at him.
"For Sarek to board our ship and answer for his actions."
"I'm not sure we can agree with that," Jim said.
"Tell the Vulcan to come to the bridge and answer for himself," the Romulan ordered. Jim shared a look with Spock before he pressed a button on his command chair.
"This is Captain Kirk. Sarek to the bridge, repeat, Sarek to the bridge. Kirk out." He pressed off the control and looked back onscreen. A few tense minutes later, Sarek appeared off the turbo lift along with Amanda. The elder Vulcan took in the situation before looking at Jim.
"I assume they're the reason we were shot down?" Sarek said.
"Yes. They apparently want you dead," Jim replied. The Romulan looked at Sarek. Sarek's eyes widened.
"Hilas. Of course. Why didn't I think of you?"
"Our paths cross once again Sarek. This time, I have the upper hand."
"Just leave Starfleet out of this. You only want me."
"But I needed your attention. And I believe this human is important to your son." Alex tried not to blush as she glanced at Hilas and then at the ground as one of the guards grabbed her roughly by the shoulder.
"Spock is not married. She is not needed as a hostage," Sarek tried to reason.
"I believe the earth term is dating for these two," Hilas replied.
"Nonetheless it isn't important. You have my attention. Just let her go and we'll talk."
"You must come aboard alone. No devices. No guards." Spock looked to his parents.
"Agreed," Sarek said.
"Good. I give you a half hour to come aboard or we'll start firing." The screen went blank. 
"Are you out of your Vulcan mind Sarek?" Amanda nearly shouted as everyone else was startled. Sarek frowned.
"No. I must go aboard."
"I think you got hit on your head a bit harder than we thought," Amanda continued.
"I agree there must be a better solution," Spock said.
"Do you want your girlfriend back or not Spock?" Bones rattled.
"I do wish that Miss Kirk would be on the Enterprise instead of the Romulan ship yes. But there must be a better solution."
"We'll come up with something," Jim said.
"Better be quick captain. He said half an hour," Scotty reminded him. Jim sighed as he clenched his hands.
"I know."

*I waited on posting this chapter because I didn't think it was good enough, but it's what I have at the moment. I may change it later. *