Upon This Rock

[MikeJaffa]

TITLE: Upon This Rock
AUTHOR: MikeJaffa
SYNPOSIS: Distress Signal Challenge answer: When the Ceritos answers a distress signal from a Vulcan ship, T’Lyn is reunited with an old friend from Vulcan
DISCLAIMER: Lower Decks is owned by Paramount.
8

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“Surak and his followers turned to logic because they reasoned that emotions led to catastrophic leadership decisions.

“They did not realize logic can also lead to catastrophic leadership decisions.”

--T’Rina of Ni’Var, Seeking the Path to Wisdom, 3243 Earth Gregorian Calendar

8

8

8

8

“Thirty seconds to destination, Mom,” Lt. J. G. Beckett Mariner said from the helm of the U. S. S. *Cerritos.* Boimler was seated next to her at the Ops console. Rutherford, T’Lyn, and Tendi were at the rear stations behind Mr. Shaxs. The red alert klaxon sounded from the bridge’s speakers.

“Very well,” Captain Carol Freeman said. “Jack, tell me there’s backup on the way.”

Commander Jack Ransom consulted his PADD and reported, “Not yet. And the Vulcan Security frigate has not responded to our hails. All we’re getting is the automated distress beacon.”

“Beckett,” Freeman said, “how fast can you reverse course if we have to?” California Class ships were not meant to be on the front lines. Although the *Cerritos* had the firepower of a Galaxy class, she had been designed for raw towing power at impulse and warp speeds, not the kind of maneuverability required in combat. The crew’s best bet flying into a hostile situation was to fire everything they had and run for it and hope front line capital ships got there in time.

“Fast,” Mariner said, her eyes still glued to her console.

“I’m holding you to that, sweetie.”

Seconds dragged by.

Mariner counted down: “Coming out of warp in five…four…three…two…one!”

The warp tunnel dissolved into the limb of a class-M planet. They settled into orbit near the bronze wreckage of a Vulcan ship.

Shaxs reported, “No life signs, Captain.”

“Any signs of hostile vessels, Shaxs?” Freeman asked.

“No, Ma’am.”

“Thank heavens for small miracles.”

T’Lyn reported from her science console, “There appears to be an outpost on the planet. There are signs of bombardment.”

“Outpost?” Freeman said. “Jack?”

Jack checked his PADD again. “No records of any outpost in this system, Captain, not Starfleet or the Vulcans or anybody.”

“Life signs, Lt. T’Lyn?”

“I believe there may be one, Captain, but I cannot provide more specifics at this time.”

Tendi called up options on her console and said, “Something is jamming our sensors.”

“An unregistered outpost and sensor jamming,” Freeman mused. “That’s not a good combo. Can we beam down, Lt. Tendi?”

“Yes, Captain, I think we can get a lock.”

“Mr. Shaxs. Any sign of any active weapons on the planet or in orbit?”

“No, Captain.”

“I don’t like it, but all right. Secure from red alert. Jack, prepare an away team.”

Jack sprang out of his seat. “Mariner, Boimler, Shaxs, with me. Bridge to Doctor T’Ana! Meet us in transporter room two.”

8

8

The transporter effect shimmered into existence in a circular space with the middle of the compound and resolved into Ransom, Mariner, Boimler, T’Ana, T’Lyn, and Shaxs. They were in a circle, back-to-back. All wore protective vests, and all had phaser carbines at the ready. Shaxs and Mariner were on their knees, their carbines aimed outward. T’Lyn and T’Ana’s carbines had mintricorders where in an earlier century a scope would have been located.

The prefab buildings were all Vulcan in design. All showed signs of being hit by or partly demolished by weapons fire, with some small fires still burning. The ground was pockmarked with blast craters.

T’Lyn read the readings on her carbine’s tricorder. “I am unable to locate the life form we detected from orbit, Commander.”

“We have to do this the old-fashioned way, then,” Ransom said. “Boimler. With me. Everyone else. Pair up and fan out. Stay in constant contact.”

T’Ana went with Shaxs, and T’Lyn went with Mariner as they began to search the compound.

8

8

As Mariner and T’Lyn entered another partly wrecked building, T’Lyn’s attention went between her tricorder and her surroundings. “No life signs…or signs of any remains. I am still unable to get a bearing on the life form.”

Mariner took one hand off her carbine and held onto it by its pistol grip as she rested it against her shoulder. She let her impatience show. “For crying out loud, T’Lyn, this is getting us nowhere.” She shouted: “Hello! Federation! The good guys! We’re from the starship *Ceritos.* Dammit, we’re here to help. Come out come out wherever you are.”

Nothing.

“I don’t like this, T’Lyn. I’m getting twelve red alerts” – she tapped the back of her neck – “right here. Something about this sitch stinks to high heaven.”

“I concur, Mariner. While not being as emotional, I agree that logically--”

A phaser crackled behind T’Lyn and she fell to the floor.

 

[MikeJaffa]

Mariner spun, dropped to one knee, and aimed her phaser carbine at the figure in the door behind her and T’Lyn. “FREEZE!” The she realized the man standing there was a Vulcan and had already raised his hands, pointing his phaser at the ceiling. “Wh—a Vulcan? Mariner to all points! I think I found our life form.”

8

8

Ransom and Boimler found their way into what looked like an office building. The place looked like it had been trashed.

Boimler checked the other rooms and came back to the office. “No sign of anyone, Commander.”

“Dammit,” Ransom groused. “What the hell is going on here?” He saw Boimler’s attention had been drawn to a shelf behind the desk. “What have you got there, Lieutnenant?”

The shelf had a statuette of a Vulcan and a bust of a human with a mustache. Boimler said, “This is strange, commander. The statuette is of Surak, but I don’t recognize the human.”

“You’re talking about the people who adopted chess and acted like they invented it.”

“That’s true, sir. But I can’t think of any human Vulcans would revere as much as Surak.”

“Huh. Take them back to the ship. Try and identify who that is.”

“You think it’s important, commander?”

“I think, Mr. Boimler, that given how this day has gone--”

Mariner’s came over their communicators: “Mariner to all points! I think I found our life form.”

8

8

The Vulcan male looked to be about T’Lyn’s age and was dressed in the tan robes of a Vulcan scientist.

He said, “Forgive me. I thought you might have been one our attackers.”

Mariner turned her carbine’s muzzle away from the Vulcan and got to her feet. “Should have checked before you shot her.”

“My weapon is set on heavy stun. I have a first aid kit. May I be allowed to revive her? It’s the least I can do.”

Marriner nodded. The Vulcan male knelt next to T’Lyn and rolled her over. “Curious. She looks like someone I knew once.” He injected T’Lyn’s neck with a hypospray.

T’Lyn’s eyes fluttered and she looked up at the Vulcan male. Her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Curious…Sumevini?”

“T’Lyn,” the Vulcan said as he helped T’Lyn to her feet. “I thought I recognized you. It is agreeable to see you again.”

“Indeed. Mariner. This is Sumevini. He and I studied together at the same learning center when we were younger. Sumevini. Allow me to introduce Lieutenant Junior Grade Beckett Mariner of the U. S. S. *Ceritos.* She is an esteemed colleague and a good friend.”

“Indeed,” Sumevini said. “Peace and long life to you, Lieutenant.”

“Back at ya, Sumevini. So, you and T’Lyn go way back, huh? No way that’s a bad omen. What were you doing way out here on this hunk of rock?”

“I--” Before Sumevini could answer, footsteps came from outside. Ransom, Boimler, Shaxs, and T’Ana entered. More introductions followed.

Ransom said, “So, Mr. Sumevini. Who attacked you?”

“I am afraid I have no information you would find useful, Commander Ransom. Although the Kzinti are rumored to operate in this sector.”

“They haven’t been known to attack Vulcan outposts,” Ransom said, “but right now, we can’t rule anything out.” He turned to Shaxs and T’Ana. “What did you two find?”

Shaxs said, “No survivors, Commander. Only him. No sign of the enemy, either. There is a building on the far side of the compound that’s locked and shielded. We couldn’t get in.”

Sumevini said, “I have many delicate experiments under way. Their safety is paramount.”

T’Lyn said, “What experiments? In what field?”

“Biology and genetics.”

Mariner said, “Biology research in an off the books outpost in the middle of nowhere?”

“I am sure there is a record of our expedition,” Sumevini said. “Most likely this is a clerical error.”

Mariner barely hid her skepticism. “Most likely.”

“Mariner,” Jack admonished.

“Sorry, sir.”

Sumevini said, “Her skepticism is understandable. My situation is unusual at face value.”

“I suppose. But Lieutenant Marriner will behave herself from now on. Won’t you, Lieutenant? Let’s get back to the ship.”

8

8

After Ransom, Boimler, and Mariner stepped off the transporter pad, Shaxs, T’Ana, T’Lyn, and Sumvini beamed up.

Ransom said, “Mr. Shaxs, show our guest to the sickbay. I want to have a word with Mariner.”

The rest of the landing party left, and Ransom nodded to the transporter chief. He left.

Mariner sighed. “I know, Jack, I have a big mouth--”

“Exactly.” He softened his voice a little. “Having suspicions isn’t a bad thing. Blabbing them in front of our suspect is.”

“You think he’s on the level?”

“You don’t.”

“No. He wouldn’t be the first Vulcan to go psycho.”

“I’m not getting that kind of a vibe off him, but you’re right, there are things that don’t add up. Do me a favor, ok? Go about your business as normal. If you can’t keep your mouth shut, watch what comes out of it. If he’s legit, he’ll chalk it up to you being a crazy human. If not, we give him enough rope to hang himself.”

“And hope the rope doesn’t get around our own necks.”

“Got a better idea?”

“Nope.”

“So?” Ransom prompted.

“Eyes and ears open, don’t say anything crazier than normal.”

“Not the answer I was looking for, but I’ll take it. Let’s go see the doc.”

8

8

“You’re ok,” T’Ana said, passing her medical scanner over T’Lyn. She and Sumevini were sitting on biobeds. Mariner, Ransom and Shaxs stood to one side. T’Ana went on, “That Vulcan cranium of yours doesn’t even have a dent in it. You and Mariner can return to duty.”

T’Lyn got off her biobed. As she and Mariner stood to leave, Nurse Westlake came over to T’Ana. “Doctor?”

“Ah.” She accepted a PADD from Westlake. “Sumevini, your test results are in.”

“Tests?” Sumevini asked.

Mariner and T’Lyn stopped by the door. Mariner echoed, “Tests?”

“Just few minor things,” T’Ana said. She took a deep breath and started reading from the PADD: “Well, Sumevini, you’re a Vulcan, which means you are not one of the varieties of shape shifters we have on file.” (Out of the corner of her eye, T’Ana could see Mariner smile and shuffle nervously.) “You have no Romulan DNA lineages and there’s no sign of cosmetic surgery. You don’t have a brain parasite. There’s no metaphasic energy. Your telepathic neurotransmitters are normal--”

“Forgive me, Doctor, but these do not sound like standard tests.”

“No, Sumevini, these are extra tests requested by--”

“Starfleet regulations!” Mariner interrupted quickly. “You know, those wild and whacky Starfleet regulations. They still have regs on what you can and can’t feed the captain’s beagle.”

“Yeah,” T’Ana said, reveling in Mariner’s barely hidden embarrassment, “regulations.”

Sumevini said, “I see.”

Ransom managed to conceal his own amusement. “Sumevini, the captain wants to see you.”

After T’Lyn, Mariner, Ransom, and Sumevini had left, Westlake said to T’Ana, “Think Mariner will pay you back?”

“Oh, yeah,” T’Ana smiled. “But after dealing with per paranoia all these years, it’ll be worth it.”

8

8

“I wish I could tell you more, Captain,” Sumevini said. He was sitting in a chair on the other side of the desk from Captain Freeman. Ransom stood to one side, and Shaxs was by the door. “But unfortunately, I do not have any information you would find useful.”

“That’s a shame, Mr. Sumevini--”

“Sumevini, Captain--”

“—unpronounceable Vulcan last names, right. But as far we can tell, your attackers used standard phasers and photon torpedoes. It was a heluva firefight, but other than that, without more eyewitness testimony, we may never narrow down who they are.”

“Most unfortunate. But given Starfleet’s success in solving similar mysteries, it is logical to conclude that you will eventually identify the miscreants.”

Freeman smiled a little bit. “Thank you for the vote of confidence.”

“You are welcome. Captain, I would like to return to the planet. I have several experiments in progress that will require my personal attention.”

“I’m sorry, Sumevini. We won’t be able to guarantee your safety if you’re planetside. We’ve arranged quarters for you aboard ship, until we’re certain there’s no further danger. Mr. Shaxs will show you to your cabin. You’ll be our guest for the time being.”

Sumevini looked at Shaxs, then back to Freeman. “A guest?”

“Yes, of course. Other than not allowed access to sensitive areas, you may enjoy the facilities aboard our ship. Lt. T’Lyn has said our replicators are satisfactory at making Vulcan food.”

“That will be acceptable. Thank you, Captain.”

After Shaxs led Sumevini out, Freeman turned serious and said, “What do you think, Jack?”

“Marriner doesn’t like him.”

“Marriner doesn’t like anybody. She’s come a long way, but she still has issues.”

“I know. Problem is, her instincts are rarely wrong. And something about this isn’t adding up.”

“I know. But we can’t lock him up on a feeling. But we can keep him where we can keep our eyes on him.”

8

8

“Thank you, Mr. Shaxs,” Sumevini said.

Seeing he was dismissed, Shaxs left.

Sumevini surveyed the room, then crossed to the console at the replicator…

 

[MikeJaffa]

Sumevini entered the Anbo-jyutsu room in the *Cerritos’* gymnasium complex. Mariner and T’Lyn were in the ring, Mariner in red armor and T’Lyn in blue.

T’Lyn whistled, then charged. The padded end of her stick hit Mariner squarely on the side of her head.

“One point blue,” the computer announced.

Mariner shook it off, then charged. Their staffs clashed, and Mariner swept out T’Lyn’s legs.

“One point red.”

T’Lyn got to her feet. Mariner broke her staff in two over her knee.

T’Lyn broke her stick in two, whistled, and then charged. The halves of their staffs clashed loudly as they tried to score blows. Mariner spun out of one exchange and landed a side kick in T’Lyn’s stomach. T’Lyn stumbled back out of bounds.

“One point red,” the computer said. “Winner red.”

Mariner and T’Lyn bowed to each other, and they said, “Domo arigato gozaimashita.”

They raised their visors. Mariner smiled and said, “Good match, T. You’ve got some new tricks. Almost had me a couple of times.”

“I have merely analyzed my opponent’s’ techniques and adapted.”

“Uh-huh.” Mariner started to take off her armor and noticed Sumevini. “Hey, Sumevini.”

“Lieutenant Mariner.”

“Just Mariner.”

“Of course.”

Mariner looked between T’Lyn and Sumevini and realized she was the third wheel. “So, I will, uh…”

T’Lyn said, “I will meet you later at the bar.”

“Bar, right. Later, Sumes!” She almost jogged out with her armor half on.

T’Lyn crossed to the bench as she continued to remove her armor, revealing the Ritos T-shirt and sweatpants underneath.

Sumevini crossed to her. “A human sport?”

T’Lyn drank from a water bottle. “It is quite challenging. And we Vulcans have adapted other games from human culture. Chess, for example.”

“Indeed. And yet you gave yourself an advantage. The whistling. You were using traditional Vulcan echolocation techniques, were you not?”

T’Lyn’s face didn’t change, but barest hint of mirth entered her voice. “This was the first time I tried it. It was effective, but I do not doubt Mariner will eventually deduce what I am doing and counter it.”

“Curious. You are stronger and faster than she is. Logically, you should have an advantage.”

“In spite of her chaotic behavior, Mariner is intelligent and skilled in a variety of martial arts. Her timing has been honed by what she calls ‘the school of hard knocks.’ She is a formidable—wooo---” T’Lyn stumbled.

Sumevini caught her. “You are unwell?”

“No, I was dizzy for a moment…it has passed.” She straightened up and brightened. “I recall you were proficient in martial arts. We used to call you ‘the dragon’ because of your ferocity. Perhaps you would find sparring with Mariner interesting.”

“Logically, she would not present a challenge, but improbable outcomes are not impossible. I would welcome the experience in either case.”

T’Lyn gathered her things and scratched her forearms.

Sumevini said, “Something wrong with your arms?”

“What? Oh.” T’Lyn stopped scratching. “A pulled muscle, no more.”

“Perhaps I should accompany you to your quarters,” Sumevini offered.

T’Lyn arched an eyebrow. “On this ship, that is usually an overture to a sexual encounter.”

“That was not my intention. I merely wish to make sure you return to your quarters without incident.”

“Of course. But merely being seen with me will be the cause for a great deal of speculation by the crew. I am sure there has already been much discussion about us already.”

“This…is rather different from a Vulcan ship.”

“Indeed, it is.”

8

8

“I am surprised to find you on a Starfleet ship,” Sumevini said as he and T’Lyn entered the turbolift, T’Lyn carrying her armor in a translucent drawstring bag over her shoulder.

“Deck six,” T’Lyn said. The turbolift started moving. “Why do you say that? You knew I was interested in space exploration.”

“Yes, but I also remembered your plans centered around the Vulcan fleet. Did you change your mind?”

The lift doors opened, and they headed down the corridor.

“No,” T’Lyn said. “I joined the Vulcan fleet. My captain transferred me to Starfleet because he felt I was too emotional for a Vulcan ship.”

“You? Too emotional?”

“That is the cause of some amusement among Mariner and her friends, how a very slight change in affect is considered deranged behavior by Vulcans. I have come to see the joke as form of bonding and an expression of respect and affection.”

“You do seem to have adapted to your change in circumstances.”

“I sometimes think ‘thrive’ would be a better word. I feel more at home aboard the *Cerritos* than I ever did on the *Sh’Val.*”

“Still, there are times when their emotionality and chaos must be trying. This crew is hardly the embodiment of tranquility.”

“It was difficult at the start, but now I find it a source of comfort.”

“Fascinating.”

“And what of you? Have you taken a mate?”

Sumevini raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were not making a romantic overture.”

“Forgive me. I should not have asked. I suppose the surprise of seeing you again after all these years has provoked an emotional response.”

“The cause was sufficient. And in answer to your question, and for informational purposes only, no, I have not taken a mate yet.”

“And what of your career? When we studied together, you were engrossed in history and philosophy. Why did you change your specialties to biology and genetics?”

“Because of philosophy and history.”

“I do not see the logic of such a transition.”

“It is an unusual career path, I know, yet it has given purpose to my life.”

“Interesting.”

They had reached T’Lyn’s door. She shuffled awkwardly. “Well, I…uh…”

“I mustn’t keep you. Your friends are waiting.”

“Of course. Perhaps you will join us? The computer can give you directions to the bar. Their social interactions can be fascinating.”

“Indeed. Perhaps I will come to the bar later. Until later, then.”

“Later.”

T’Lyn watched Sumevini walk away, then went into her room.

8

8

T’Lyn came out of her sonic shower and crossed to the sink as the shower deactivated. Without her hair band on, her hair was hanging loose. She picked up a brush and started to brush her hair…

…and then her brushing slowed. She stopped brushing and scrutinized her face.

Except for changing the color of her hair band to match her Starfleet science uniform, T’Lyn had worn her hair the same way for decades. That was typical of Vulcans, so much so that even a minor change was noted. Yet as she ran a finger through her hair and brushed some strands away from her eyes, T’Lyn felt restless.

Perhaps it was time for a change.

Perhaps it was time for several changes…

 

[MikeJaffa]

“Hey, gang,” Mariner said as she sat down in the booth. Rutherford, Tendi, and Boimler were already there. Boimler had his nose in a PADD. Mariner went on, “Are we missing a Vulcan, or am I in an alternate timeline where we don’t have a T’Lyn?”

Tendi said, “She is running a little late. I was going to call her.”

“Nah,” Mariner said. “She’s probably doing intermix calculations by hand with Sumevini. Old friend shows up out of nowhere—What could go wrong? What you got there, Boims?”

“I’m trying to identify the human I found a bust of down in the outpost.”

“You could just scan it and let the computer make a match.”

“Computers don’t discriminate, Mariner. I’m sure I can narrow the search perimeters.”

“Right, Boims, and has nothing to do with you sucking up to Ransom.”

“It’s not that…” He saw the look on Mariner’s face. “much…No, seriously, I think I’ve seen that face somewhere before. I just can’t pl—” He broke off as someone on the other side of Mariner caught his attention. “—wh—T’LYN!?”

Mariner followed Boimler’s gaze, and it was her turn to gasp. T’Lyn had dyed her hair blonde and let it fall loose around her shoulders with no hair clip. Her uniform top still had the colors of the science division, but it was sleeveless with a low neckline that exposed almost too much of her breasts. She wore light makeup in shades of green that accentuated her skin tones.

T’Lyn was gorgeous. Mariner found it both alluring and disturbing.

T’Lyn said, “I apologize for my tardiness.” Somehow, even her monotone carried a subtext of ‘come hither.’

“N-no, it’s fine,” Mariner stammered. “That’s, uh, that’s a new look for you.”

“I thought it was time for a change. It is an approved variation of a Starfleet uniform and consistent with standards of deorum.”

“Yeah, if the ship had a strip club.”

“That might make an interesting addition to the *Ceritos’* facilities,” T’Lyn said as she slid into the booth next to Mariner.

Mariner caught a whiff of T’Lyn’s perfume. T’Lyn had never worn perfume before. What she had on now was intoxicating. “Wow! What are you wearing?”

“It’s a fragrance popular among female Deltans. Do you like it?”

“Like it? It smells great. Dayum, girl. Maybe we should take this back to my quarters.”

“I’m tempted to take you up on that, Mariner. Although lesbian sex acts do not yield offspring. One must balance practicality with pleasure.”

Mariner held her smile even as alert klaxons sounded in her mind. “Yeah, I guess.”

8

8

Shaxs said, “Captain, a Vulcan destroyer just came out of warp. She’s running with her shields up…We’re being hailed.”

Freeman and Ransom exchanged glances. Then Freeman said, “On screen.”

A Vulcan woman, lines just beginning to show in her face and her hair tinged with gray, appeared on the screen. She was on her ship’s bridge and wore the tunic of Vulcan Security.

She said, “I am Colonel T’Pring of the V’Shar. Identify yourself.”

Freeman said, “I’m Captain Carol Freeman of the USS *Ceritos.*”

“What are you doing in this system, Captain Freeman?”

“We responded to a distress signal form the Vulcan frigate.”

“Any survivors?”

“Not from the ship. We found a survivor from the outpost on the planet.”

“Captain, that is an illegal outpost founded by a group engaged in illegal and unethical experiments. We sent the frigate to arrest them. Their last transmission indicated a battle had ensued. What is the survivor’s name?”

“Sumevini.”

T’Pring’s eyebrows moved upward a millimeter. “He is the group’s leader. You must take him into custody at once.”

“Colonel, we can’t arrest him until we get authorization and a warrant, but we have had him under surveillance. Once I’m sure everything is in order, we will take him into custody and turn him over to you.”

“You are making a grave error, Captain, but you are correct about the letter of the law. I will see you in person soon.” The screen returned to the starfield and the planet below them.

Ransom groused, “Dammit.”

“Jack?” Freeman asked.

“I owe myself a slip of latinum. I hate it when Mariner is right.”

Freeman chuckled. “How do you think I got these gray hairs? I’m her momma.”

8

8

“Got an itch?” Mariner asked. T’Lyn was absently scratching the outsides of her forearms.

“What?” T’Lyn realized what she had been doing. She stopped scratching. “Oh. A minor complaint. No doubt pulled muscles from our Anbo-jyutusu practice.”

“No doubt,” Mariner said, trying to sound relaxed even though she didn’t quite believe it. Too much weirdness for her not to be concerned. “So, T, is it getting to be that time of the decade?”

“You mean pon farr, Mariner? I was wondering that myself. If it is, I wonder why we shroud it in secrecy. I feel wonderful. I feel…Mariner, I feel more alive than I have ever felt.” She turned away from Mariner and surveyed the bar. “The presence of so many potential husbands and fathers is quite stimulating. Consider Billups.” Billups was at the corner of the bar, chatting with some fellow engineers.

“What about him?” Mariner said. “He’s off the market. You know that.”

“I do,” T’Lyn said. “But if he wasn’t, would you mate with him?”

“Well, I, I don’t know,” Mariner stammered. While the subject did not disturb her, talking about this with T’Lyn was alarming. “I guess, in general, there’s a time and a place. But Billups himself is a no-fly zone. He’s made his decision plain, and I respect it. It takes a lot of guts for him to stand up to his mom and deal with what she’s put him through.”

“True,” T’Lyn said. “And royal bloodlines carry with them the risk of inbreeding. But he is a capable engineer and a skilled hand-to-hand combatant. His genes must be sound. He should be able to reproduce when the time comes.”

“Huh, yeah, T. ‘Hey, baby, you look like you have a hot DNA profile.’ I don’t know if anyone would use that as a pickup line.”

“Have you ever tried it, Mariner?”

“Of course not!”

“Well, then, perhaps it is time for a field experiment.” She left the booth and headed for Billups.

It took Mariner too many seconds to realize T’Lyn was serious. “Wh—no—T’Lyn!” By the time Mariner got to T’Lyn, the Vulcan had Billups backed up against the bar. The panic on Billups’ face and the amazement on everyone else’s told the whole story.

Mariner smiled as she grabbed T’Lyn by the shoulders. “Hey, someone got into that Romulan ale we confiscated. Goes to your head pretty quick. C’mon, T, let’s let Billups have a nervous breakdown in peace.”

Mariner hustled T’Lyn out of the bar. Around the corner from the door, she brought them to a halt.

Mariner said, “Ok, T’Lyn what is going on?” (A small crowd of bar patrons, including Billups, dribbled out of the bar and began to huddle around them.) “This isn’t you!”

“It is me, Mariner. Perhaps you don’t know me as well as you think you do.”

“Perhaps we should take you to see the doctor.” Mariner grabbed T’Lyn’s elbow.

T’Lyn easily freed herself. “Perhaps you feel threatened by someone who could supplant you in the ship’s social hierarchy.”

“What!?”

“Don’t pretend, Mariner. I was able to learn about your history on this ship. No one liked you until they ‘accidentally’ found out that you are the captain’s daughter. Now everyone is your friend. Logically, one would covet that position and be sensitive to any threats to it.”

It was still a sore spot with Mariner how her parentage had been revealed. “First, that was an accident. Boimler had a big mouth. Second, you are pushing it lady. Back off.”

“Is that a threat, Mariner? You know I am your better in every way, right? What if I told you I’ve been letting you win all those anbo-jyutsu matches?”

“I’m telling you, T’Lyn, you do not want to go there.”

“Oh, dear,” T’Lyn said, not hiding her sarcasm and disdain, “I find myself sooooooo apprehensive.”

“T’Lyn,” Mariner warned, “I am the last person on this ship you want to throw down with.”

Billups stepped forward. Though still shaken, he asserted himself: “Hey, guys, it’s ok. No harm, no foul.”

Tendi was at Billups’ elbow. “We’re all friends here, right?”

T’Lyn still had her eyes locked with Mariner, but she softened. “Of course, we are all friends.”

Billups stepped forward. “Lieutenant T’Lyn, I think you should report to sickbay.”

“No, commander, I am fine.”

“Don’t make me make it an order, Lieutenant.”

“Please, Mr. Billups. I would prefer to handle it privately. Or as privately as possible under the circumstances.”

Billups knew he could pull rank, but Vulcan privacy was a wall almost nothing could penetrate. “All right, fine,” he said. “T’Lyn, you go back to your quarters right now. But Mariner, I want you and Tendi to check on her in an hour. And if she’s any worse, you drag her to sickbay. And that’s an order, ladies.”

Mariner said, “No problem, sir.”

They watched T’Lyn head down a corridor and round a corner. Just then, Boimler pushed through the onlookers with his PADD. “Mariner, we have to take this to the captain. Things just got weird.”

“‘Just got weird’?” Mariner said. “Boimler, where you have you been for the past five minutes?”

“No, Mariner, things have really got stranger. It took me a long time to identify the subject of that bust because it’s the last person you would think a Vulcan would have anything to do with. That bust is of Friedrich Nietzsche.”

Billups’ eyebrows raised. “Nietzsche?”

Mariner accepted the PADD from Boimler. “What in the world is a Vulcan doing with--”

A scream sounded from the way T’Lyn had gone—T’Lyn’s scream!

Mariner said, “T’Lyn!?” She led the charge around the corner, and everyone froze, unable to hide their alarm. Green blood dripped from the outsides of T’Lyn’s forearms from where each forearm had had two spikes driven into the outside edge of each forearm. No—Mariner realized that in fact, the blood-covered spikes had sprouted from T’Lyn’s forearms where T’Lyn had been scratching. The spikes were bent backwards towards the Vulcan’s elbows.

T’Lyn’s eyes found Mariner’s. The look of unfiltered terror on T’Lyn’s face made Mariner’s blood freeze.

Very few things could still make Mariner’s blood freeze.

Mariner hazarded, “T’Lyn?”

“Mariner--” T’Lyn stammered, “wh—what is happening to me!?”

 

[MikeJaffa]

Freeman stood next to the transporter chief as T’Pring materialized on the transporter pad.

T’Pring said, “Permission to come aboard, Captain.”

“Permission granted, Colonel,” Freeman said. “The situation may have become more urgent. One of our crew is…ill.”

“A Vulcan?” T’Pring asked.

“Yes,” Freeman said. “She’s behaving unusually, and these bone blades have grown from her forearms--”

“This is exactly what I was concerned about, Captain. Sumevini is a radical ethnonationalist. Your officer is the latest victim of Sumevini’s illegal experiments in genetic augmentation.”

8

8

“The bone blades are vestigial,” T’Ana said as she helped T’Lyn put on leather gauntlets that had holes for the bone blades as Mariner, Freeman, Ransom, Tendi and T’Pring watched. T’Lyn’s blades and the skin around them had been cleaned of blood.

T’Ana went on, “They’re evolutionary holdovers, like human tailbones. All Vulcans have them, but they’re usually well under skin and muscle. But these have grown out and are fully actuated, just like in Vulcans’ evolutionary ancestors.”

Mariner said, “You know those gauntlets make the bone blades look totally fake.”

T’Ana said, “There are signs the tendons connected to the bone blades have tendonitis. The gauntlets will help with the pain.”

T’Ana finished putting on the gauntlets. T’Lyn adjusted the tightness of the straps. The bone blades twitched. T’Lyn said, “Moving them is less painful. I can manage the rest with my own mental disciplines. Thank you, Doctor.”

Nurse Westlake came over with a PADD. “Doctor, I have the test results Colonel T’Pring asked for.”

T’Ana accepted the PADD and read it. “Lieutenant, the test results are positive. You have been genetically augmented. He probably did it when he gave you that hypospray. I can reverse it, but right now, you’re a walking crime scene.”

Mariner said, “Wait, genetic augmentation and a recessive trait? That doesn’t make any sense.”

T’Pring said, “Sumevini is following a logic all his own.”

Freeman tapped her combadge. “Freeman to Shaxs. Please locate our guest and escort him to the brig.”

T’Lyn hopped off the biobed. “Captain. I want to participate in the questioning of Sumevini.”

T’Pring said, “That would be unwise.”

“Unwise, but necessary, Colonel. I have been violated. My honor will not let that stand.” Back to Freeman: “Please, Captain.”

“I don’t know, Lieutenant. The whole ship is talking about…that incident. Can you keep it together?”

“It is…difficult, Captain, but I can retain control of my emotions.”

Freeman looked at T’Lyn for a long moment. Then she turned to Mariner. “Stick to her like glue, Beckett.”

“You got it, Mom.”

Freeman said, “Lt. Tendi, return to your station. Jack, you have the con while we talk to our guest.”

8

8

“Aw, man,” Mariner complained as she, T’Lyn, Freeman, and T’Pring entered the brig. Shaxs and another guard were already present. “You had to put Sumes in my favorite cell? I can’t be thrown in the brig again until after it’s fumigated.”

Freeman said, “Actually, Mr. Billups is replacing a plasma conduit that runs under the floor. It’ll take a couple of weeks. But last time we were at Douglas Station, they put a new bunk in cell 5. I hear it’s a new model that’s comfier.”

“Mom, would you believe me if I told you I would send Starfleet a review?”

“Mariner, would believe me if I told you they asked me to ask you for a review?”

Sumevini said, “Human levity in the face of tension. Another illogical trait.”

T’Lyn said, “It serves its purpose. If they did what I thought was logical, they would be restraining you while I tested my bone blades on your throat.”

“Yes, it looks like they would be most effective. I am pleased. My other subjects did not survive, and only third grew effective bone blades.”

T’Lyn couldn’t hide her shock. “You did this to…others?”

“My disciples. Volunteers all. Believers in my vision. They gave their lives so the Vulcan people can have a brighter future.”

“And when you saw me, you didn’t hesitate to take advantage me without my consent?” Anger cracked through her control. “What kind of monster are you, Sumevini? How could you do this to me?”

“I have blessed you with a great gift, T’Lyn. Surely you can feel the power coursing through you now, power that is the birthright of every Vulcan. As you are now, right now, you could take over this ship all by yourself. No one could stop you. Join me, T’Lyn. Together we will build a new future for our people.”

T’Lyn seemed to waver. Then she stepped back, closer to Mariner. She said, “This ship rightfully belongs to Captain Carol Freeman, and I will pledge my honor and life to protect it from anyone who would take it from her. And I want no part of any future you envision for Vulcan.”

Mariner smiled. “Our side one, dark side zero.”

T’Pring said, “Your followers are dead, and your latest victim wants nothing to do with you. It is over, Sumevini. You will be returned to Vulcan and be tried for your crimes.”

“I beg to differ, Colonel T’Pring. Computer. Enga’s Redoubt.”

The forcefield on the cell vanished, and a transporter effect shimmered around T’Lyn and Sumevini. Mariner charged and wrapped her arms around T’Lyn. She, T’Lyn, and Sumevini vanished. Every console in the room started to flicker.

Freeman went to the door and it didn’t open. She tapped her combadge. “Freeman to Ransom. Jack! Bridge! Anybody!” No answer. “Dammit!”

T’Pring was at Freeman’s elbow. “I grieve with thee, Captain.”

“What?”

“Your daughter and Lt. T’Lyn are as good as--”

“I don’t want to hear it! You Vulcans. You don’t know Mariner. She’s beaten up Klingons twice her size. I’ll bet on her any day of the week. You want to help? Help me regain control of my ship.”

“Of course.”

 

[MikeJaffa]

Mariner, T’Lyn, and Sumevini materialized in the middle of a warehouse type building, maybe a hundred meters on the side. They were in the middle of a circular cluster of consoles and worktables. One of the tables looked an operating room table. Light fixtures ran the length of the ceiling, and there were small windows near the ceiling at the far opposite ends. Sumevini scooped a phaser pistol off a table and covered the girls.

Running the length of the building around them, row upon row of gurneys with sheet-covered bodies.

It took of all of T’Lyn’s strength to maintain her emotional control, but her monotone still cracked: “Your followers?”

“Most of them,” Sumevini said calmly. “The last 72 of them gave their lives fighting the Vulcan frigate rather than die in bed.”

“I didn’t want to believe it, Sumevini. You truly are insane.”

Mariner said, “T’Lyn, I’m sorry. I was hoping this would work out for you. But you’re just another Starfleet officer whose old flame turned out to be a total whack job.”

Sumevini said, “I am not surprised at your lack of comprehension, Mariner. But you, T’Lyn, I am a little disappointed. I told you my vision was inspired by history. Vulcan was once a rising power in the alpha quadrant. Now, look at us, look at you. ‘Living computers’ at the service of humans in their empire.”

“The Federation is not an empire,” T’Lyn said. “It exists for the benefit of all member races. At this moment a non-human is the Federation president.”

“The Federation is a political entity created and dominated by humans, regardless of who is president,” Sumevini said. “It is an empire, but one built on persuasion and ‘soft power’ instead of physical force. But the result is the same: One either rules or is ruled. Not only has our race lost power and prestige, but more and more Vulcans are breeding with outsiders. Our racial strain is being diluted.”

Mariner said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You get the Doctor Mengele Award for the year. A mad scientist and a megalomaniac all in one. Always loved one stop shopping. You’d have some great Hitler moments if you opened your emotional range. Or would they be Davros moments? Never mind. Get to the part where you injected my friend with a formula that turned her into a hot horny supervulcan porcupine.”

“You are trying to provoke me, Lieutenant Mariner. But I see through it. Despite your chaotic and buffoonish behavior, you are not unintelligent. T’Lyn has survived where no others did. She clearly has a genetic factor my other followers lacked. I will harvest DNA samples and isolate that factor. T’Lyn will become the genetic Eve of a new, stronger race of Vulcans. She is the rock I will build my church upon.”

“Wow, Sumes, you’re going to do a Vulcan Eugenics War based on human philosophy and religion.”

“The irony is not lost on me, but it would be illogical to deny the source of my inspiration. In spite of being inferior, Mariner, your people can be quite perceptive. It was in studying Nietzsche that I saw the truth. That said, Lieutenant, I would invite you to be silent. My patience is not without limit.”

T’Lyn warned, “Harm her and I will kill you. In fact…” T’Lyn lunged at Sumevini. He sidestepped and kneed her in the stomach. T’Lyn doubled over. Then he kept his phaser trained on Mariner while facing T’Lyn.

“I have already begun to augment myself,” Sumevini said, sounding smug, “and I designed your enhancements. You cannot harm me.”

Mariner whistled loudly, the same whistle T’Lyn had used in the anbo-jyutusu match but louder and sharper.

Sumevini snapped his head to Mariner. “What?”

T’Lyn lunged and shouldered Sumevini in the stomach. He doubled over, and Mariner hit him with an uppercut. Sumevini fell backwards to the floor.

T’Lyn grabbed the phaser from Sumevini. Then she fired at the overhead lights. The room became darker, lit only by the consoles and the windows at the far ends.

T’Lyn grabbed Mariner’s hand. “Come. We have to--”

“—find a way out of here. You don’t have to tell me twice!”

They ran, ducking for what cover they could find under the gurneys.

Sumevini got another phaser out of a drawer and crouching down, started after them.

8

8

“Report!” Freeman said as she, T’Pring and Shaxs surged onto the bridge. Boimler, Rutherford and Tendi were working on the rear consoles. T’Ana was in one of the command seats.

Ransom said, “We’ve got partial control of the main systems.”

Rutherford said, “The doors can open and the turbolifts work—which you knew, ‘cause, yeah, you’re here--but not all of them. Ship-to-ship communications are also out, so we can’t ask Colonel T’Pring’s ship for help. The good news we’re holding a stable orbit.”

Boimler said, “Someone hacked the transporters. That shielded building in the compound dropped its shields long enough so three people could beam--”

“It was Sumevini,” Freeman said. “He beamed away with Mariner and T’Lyn. How long before you we have control of the transporters back, Mr. Boimler?”

“Can’t say, Captain.”

Freeman turned to Shaxs. “Shuttles?”

“I already thought of that. The hangars are locked down and all the support vehicles are off, including the captain’s yacht.”

“Dammit, people! There has to be another way off this ship. Give me options.”

Shaxs started working at the console next to Tendi. “There has to be something he hasn’t thought of..."

Tendi picked up the thought, “…something with independent power…”

Rutherford: “…that isn’t always an active part of the ship’s computer network…”

Shaxs, Rutherford, and Tendi: “Escape pods!”

Tendi said, “Captain, it could work--”

“Don’t explain,” Freeman said, “Shaxs, Tendi, T’Ana, with me. Not you, Mr. Boimler,” Freeman said as Boimler took a step forward. “I need you and Rutherford back here getting more systems online. Jack, you have the con.”

The turbolift doors closed on Freeman, Shaxs, T’Ana and Tendi. Boimler stayed staring at it.

Ransom put a hand on Boimler’s shoulder. “Brad. Think about who’s down there—he’s up against Mariner and T’Lyn. And a pissed off momma bear is on her way down with a Bajoran resistance fighter and an Orion pirate trained from birth to be an assassin. I’m not worried about Mariner. You and Rutherford, get to one of the transporter rooms and get a transporter working.”

 

[MikeJaffa]

“T’Lyn,” Sumevini’s voice came through the darkness, “surely you realize by now how illogical your actions are.”

T’Lyn and Mariner huddled by one of the gurneys. They stayed quiet.

“It’s a perfect parallel of the larger Vulcan situation,” Sumevini went on. “You would have escaped by now if you weren’t concerned for Mariner’s safety. But because you have tied your fate to hers, your chances of survival have dropped. If you die here, you will never fulfill your genetic imperative to reproduce and pass on your DNA. Your essence will have been lost.”

In the darkness, Mariner could see a slight shift in T’Lyn’s posture. Was Sumevini getting through to T’Lyn?

“But you should also be open to other solutions,” Sumevini went on. “For example, if you agree to join me, I will let Mariner go.”

Mariner gripped T’Lyn’s shoulder. Vulcans had better night vision than humans, and T’Lyn could see the determined look on Mariner’s face as she shook her head. Then Marnier stopped shaking her head nodded her head to a point behind T’Lyn. T’Lyn looked and saw a faint rectangle of light: the light from an exit door.

T’Lyn and Mariner began heading in that direction.

8

8

The escape pod wasn’t designed for comfort, but there had been enough room for Shaxs, Freeman, T’Ana, and Tendi. All wore protective vests and were armed with phaser carbines.

Tendi was at the small control panel. She said, “The building’s shields are still up. I’m going to try and land as close to it as I can.”

“Make it so, Lieutenant,” Freeman said.

8

8

A grinding noise got Sumevini’s attention – the grinding of a power tool. T’Lyn and Mariner were trying to force a door. Sumevini hesitated – it was illogical tactic, because the noise was giving away their position. But then he reminded himself that humans were illogical. She must have persuaded T’Lyn to go along with a desperate plan.

He crept in that direction, jumped around the corner—

--and saw there was no one there, just a power tool braced against the metal door. It made a racket, but Mariner and T’Lyn were gone.

Then he heard the beeping of the consoles in the center of the huge room. A trick -- they had doubled back.

He started towards the middle of the room.

8

8

The escape pod thumped down 20 meters from the building. The hatch opened and Tendi, T’Ana, Shaxs, and Freeman surged out.

Tendi had her tricorder out. “Force field rrriiiiiiiiiiight…” She stopped. “…here!” She opened a tool kit on her belt. “I can weaken it enough for us to push through.” She pulled a small disk out of the pack and began adjusting controls.

Shaxs’ eyes widened slightly. “Illegal pirate tech?”

Freeman said, “What pirate tech? I see a science officer using a tool.”

“That’s what I see, Captain.”

The air in front of Tendi blurred and vibrated. She said, “We have to go through…now! Push hard!”

Freeman followed the other in pushing through the vibrating air. It felt like slogging through water, but she pushed. One more step and she was on the other side. Behind them, the air stopped vibrating.

Tendi got to the nearest door. “Pretty sophisticated security. It’ll take a minute. Maybe less.” She pulled out more tools and began working the lock.

8

8

“Uh, T’Lyn?” Mariner said.

“What?” T’Lyn looked up and saw Sumevini coming towards them.

Sumevini fired as they dove for cover.

8

8

“Whas that phaser fire?” Freeman said, standing next to the door as Tendi worked. “Mariner! Are you all right? Mariner!”

8

8

T’Lyn slowly rose from behind the console with her hands up. “Do you hear that, Sumevini? Captain Freeman will be enraged if you harm—or kill--her daughter. You’re only logical course of action is to surrender.”

“You underestimate me, T’Lyn,” Sumevini said. “Your analytical skills have gone lax aboard the *Cerritos* if you do not believe I already have contingencies.”

Sumevini came around the edge of the console, expecting to see Mariner crouching next to T’Lyn, but Mariner wasn’t there.

Sumevini said, “Wait, where--”

He heard the gurney’s wheels just as it slammed into him from behind. Mariner leaped over the top of gurney and kicked Sumevini in the head. She landed next to him and pushed the phaser away with her foot.

Mariner scooped up the phaser shouted, “Hey, mom! Join the party.”

The door burst open. Freeman, Shaxs, Tendi, and T’Ana came down to the central consoles.

Freeman hugged Mariner with one arm as Shaxs grabbed Sumevini by the arm.

Freeman said, “Mister Sumevini, you are under arrest.”

Sumevini said, “I commend you, Captain Freeman, but you have not won the day. Atlas Shrugged.”

Electrical plasma flashed around the others. Everyone but Sumevini staggered. Sumevini pried his phaser pistol out of Mariner’s hand. Then he fired at T’Lyn. She slumped to the floor. A transporter effect shimmered around Sumevini and he disappeared.

T’Ana recovered a little quicker than the others. She crept over to T’Lyn and passed her medica tricorder over the Vulcan. “She’s alive. Sumevini just stunned—ROWR! We have to get her back to the ship--”

Tendi’s tricorder beeped. She checked the readings. “Uh-oh.”

8

8

“Commander!” Barnes said from the ops console. “There’s been some kind of detonation at the planet’s pole. A plasma reaction is spreading though the atmosphere. When it reaches the outpost, it’ll wipe it clean.”

“What?” Ransom said. “How? How come we didn’t detect a device like that when we got here?”

“I don’t know, Commander. It must have been cloaked.”

“Ransom to Boimler! How’s that transporter coming?”

“We’re almost there…”

“You have to get there in less than a minute, Mr. Boimler.”

Rutherford’s voice cut in: “Holy moly! I don’t know—wait, I have an idea!”

“DO IT!” Jack shouted.

The collective eyes of the bridge crew were riveted to the viewscreen which had zoomed in on the outpost. The orange plasma reached it, and it vanished in a flash of flame.

Jack said, “Ransom to Boimler. Do you have them? Mr. Boimler?”

The pause seemed to last a century.

“Boimler here, Commander,” Boimler said. “We have them. T’Lyn is on her way to the sickbay.”

“Jack,” Freeman’s voice cut in, “Sumevini beamed away. He must have a ship.”

“On it.” Ransom looked back to the tactical console and nodded to Kayshon.

Kayshon worked his console and sagged. He looked up at Ransom. “Darmok hunting with his father, the trail goes cold.”

“Crap,” Ransom said. “All right, Lieutenant. Work on getting ship-to-ship back.”

Barnes looked over her shoulder at Kayshon. “Hey, Lieutenant?” she asked. “What’s stronger than ‘Shaka when the walls fell’? When it’s a real Chalie Foxtrot?”

“Something so rude Mariner would find it nauseating,” Kayshon answered.

Ransom said, “Ooof! I don’t want to know. You keep that one to yourself, Lieutenant. That’s an order.”

 

[MikeJaffa]

Freeman, Mariner, and T’Pring waited outside the sickbay. Even T’Pring couldn’t hide her concern.

Doctor T’Ana came out in a surgical gown. She did not look happy.

Freeman said, “Doctor?”

“T’Lyn will make it,” T’Ana explained, “and I’m just about to reverse her augmentation. But that’s not the problem. When Sumevini shot her, he beamed tissue samples out of her body. It caused internal bleeding, and I had to take care of it first. But she’ll be ok.”

T’Pring said, “He has the genetic information he needs.”

Mariner stepped forward. “Doc…can I…”

T’Ana shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll let you know when she’s recovered.”

Jack’s voice came from wall speakers. “Ransom to Freeman.”

“Go ahead, Jack.”

“Captain, we’ve got ship-to-ship back. Colonel T’Pring’s ship is ready for her to come home.”

“Colonel?” Freeman said. “I’ll walk you to the transporter room.”

8

8

“I am sorry you got caught up in this captain,” T’Pring said as she got up on the transporter pad. “While Sumevini escaped with T’Lyn’s DNA, the important thing is she and your daughter have been recovered alive.”

“No argument,” Freeman said, “but if I may be candid, Colonel, I love Vulcans. Some of my best friends are Vulcans. But y’all can be pains in the ass, especially with things you don’t want to talk about.”

“You are not the first starship captain to make that observation, Captain Freeman. I agree it can be vexing. All we can promise is to do the best we can.” She gave Freeman the Vulcan salute. “Live long and prosper.”

Freeman returned the salute. “Have a good trip home.” She lowered her arm. “Energize, Chief.”

T’Pring vanished in a swirl of light.

8

8

T’Lyn knelt on a meditation rug in her darkened quarters with her eyes closed. Most of the light came from the meditation lamp at the other end of the rug. Her hair was still blonde, but in its normal style with a hair band. She wore sweatpants and a RITOS t-shirt. She had bandages on the outsides of her forearms.

The door chimed.

T’Lyn opened her eyes. “Computer, raise lights.”

The lights came on.

She looked at the door. “Come in.”

The door opened. It was Boimler and Mariner.

Boimler said, “Hey, T’Lyn. We heard you got you of sickbay.”

“Doctor T’ana released me an hour ago,” T’Lyn said. “Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable.”

As Boimler and Mariner sat down on the floor, Mariner said, “Cut yourself shaving?”

“I asked Doctor T’Ana to surgically remove my bone blades,” T’Lyn explained. “An emotional reaction, but I could not contain it. I did not a reminder of my experience in my own body.”

Boimler said, “I think the cause is more than sufficient.”

“Indeed,” T’Lyn said. “I owe you both an apology for my conduct. Especially you, Mariner. I have great respect for you and consider you a close friend. You did not deserve the things I said to you.”

“Water under the bridge, T’Lyn,” Mariner said. “It was all because of that goop Sumevini injected you with.”

“Yeah,” Boimler said, “you weren’t yourself.”

“That’s not quite true,” T’Lyn said. “In some ways, I was more myself than I have ever been. I see now why Vulcans do not speak of pon farr. When my emotional control lapsed, what was revealed was me. The real me. The me that I would have been if I had not spent my entire life cultivating logic and discipline.

“That is the truth every Vulcan lives with. The serene mask we show the universe is just that, a mask. A lie. We say we do not lie, but we should say we do not lie with words. We do not have to. We lie with our very being.

“Can either of you imagine that? An entire civilization deceiving itself and the entire universe? Until a quirk of our biology reveals our true selves for a few days every seven years? Anyone who could truly comprehend it would sure be driven mad. So, we cloak it in ritual and do not speak of it. Out of fear of the truth and fear of ourselves.”

Mariner said, “T’Lyn, no matter what he did to you, not matter what he said, you held on and fought him. That’s all I need to know.”

Boimler nodded in agreement.

“You honor me, my friends.” T’Lyn closed her eyes. When she opened them after a few moments, she seemed calmer. She said, “I expect Tendi will be along to invite me to the bar.”

Mariner said, “Yeah, we were surprised she wasn’t here already.”

T’Lyn said, “Perhaps I should socialize. There will be time for contemplation later.”

Mariner said, “That’s the spirit!”

T’Lyn blew out the candle, and they got off the floor. When they got to the door, Tendi and Rutherford on the other side.

“T’Lyn!” Tendi clutched T’Lyn into a hug. “You’re out of sickbay.”

T’Lyn didn’t return the hug but didn’t fight it either. “I will be back on duty tomorrow,” T’Lyn said, “but it is a comfort some things and people are acting as expected.”

Tendi released T’Lyn. As the five lower deckers went down the corridor, T’Lyn said, “Mariner, can I ask you a personal question?”

“I’m definitely a top,” Mariner said.

“I beg your pardon?” T’Lyn said.

“What do you want to know, T’Lyn?”

“Mariner, have you ever had an ‘old flame’ who turned out to be a ‘whack job’?”

“Er, yeah, T’Lyn, and that’s all I can say without my advocate present.”

“Indeed. Illogical, emotional, chaotic, borderline insane and potentially criminal.” T’Lyn’s face made the very slight change in the direction of a smile. “Mariner, do not ever change. I prefer you just the way you are.”

Mariner smiled. “Back at ya, pal.”





THE END