The Vulcan Changeling Project

Difficult Choices

"Jim?" Kirk opened his eyes to the familiar sound of Spock's voice.

"Sareth," Kirk whispered. "Spock, what happened to Sareth?"

Spock's eyes clouded with worry. "Jim, Sareth is a Vulcan warrior who lived thousands of years ago."

"No, it can't be." Kirk shouted as he grabbed Spock's arm.

With a gentle touch Spock put his fingers against Kirk's temples, reassuring him of his identity and his life aboard the Enterprise.

Kirk kept his eyes closed even though he was conscious. "Where am I?" He thought. Kirk took a deep breath and then opened his eyes. The room blurred in and out of focus before Kirk realized the walls were not those of his quarters on the Enterprise.

"Jim?" Spock asked.

Kirk's expression remained confused as he glanced up at Spock. "Spock, where am I?"

Spock raised an eyebrow. "You are in the ancient city of the mystics."

Kirk nodded as memories of the meld flooded back. He swallowed. "Spock, I can't begin to say how sorry I am for my behavior regarding your..."

Spock stood up. "Captain, there is no need to apologize."

Kirk forced himself up into a sitting position. "Spock, let me finish. I never understood the internal conflicts each Vulcan faces. Being on the Enterprise must be difficult."

Spock walked closer to where Kirk lay as he said, "Captain, as I have said before there is no where I am needed most than on a ship full of humans."

Kirk laughed as he watched Spock's efforts to control the spark of humor which flited across his face. "I can't wait to get home, aboard the Enterprise," Kirk said as he smiled at Spock. Spock nodded as he avoided Kirk's eyes. "Spock, what is it?"

Spock clasped his hands behind his back. "Jim, I've requested family leave to attend to certain issues."

Kirk frowned. "Muriah?"

Spock worked a muscle in his jaw as he answered Kirk. "Jim, Muriah is only part of the reason I need to remain on Vulcan. There are many problems at stake here."

Kirk wanted to press Spock further but instead just sighed and leaned back against his pillows. "Fine, how long?"

Spock placed a hand on the edge of Kirk's medical monitor as he said, "It is uncertain."

***

Kirk and Spock stood and faced each other each dealing with Spock's difficult choice. The space port was a hub of activity oblivious to the parting of the two friends. Kirk swallowed and looked away from Spock's concerned glance. "Take care, Spock."

Spock raised his hands in the Vulcan salute as he said, "Live long and prosper, Jim."

Kirk returned the salute and walked up the ramp feeling lonely and small. Spock watched the Enterprise until she pulled out of port, fighting homesickness.

***

Spock closed his eyes as Muriah played through a slow movement of a Mozart sonata. Each note was executed flawlessly. After she had finished performing Amanda clapped her hands. Muriah smiled and then flinched as she began to feel her old anxieties coming back. The room swirled around her. Muriah steadied herself and then without a word left the room.

Spock cast a look at his mother's worried face and then hurried after Muriah. "Muriah, why have you kept the pain from me?"

Muriah shook her head. "It's too exhausting. We need help."

Spock stood so still for a moment that every living creature seemed to implode upon his senses. He could hear Muriah's heartbeat as well as his own. He could hear the labored breathing of a small Vulcan cat as it slept under a tree. Spock, envied its carefree nap. As if sensing Spock's anguish the cat rolled over on its back, paws curled up, mocking Spock's unrest with its comfortable position.

"Muriah, I know of someone that can help us. However, it will be difficult for you to accept his assistance." Spock said as he guided Muriah over to a stone bench in the shade.

Muriah put her head between her knees and asked, "Why would it be difficult?"

Spock paused for a moment and watched the cat as it flicked away an insect with its tail. "The healer-empath I speak of is Romulan."