Chap 25: Debt of Dishonour

Chapter 25: Naked, Berserker Vulcans

"Spock?"

He heard his name being called but the sound was indistinct, faint and barely audible over the pounding of his heart. He guessed it was M'aih calling him for school but he was reluctant to answer her.

He did not wish to get up. He just wanted to hide beneath the covers where it was safe, dark and warm, where the other boys could not reach him. They did not like him, though he was uncertain why, and already, after only four days of acquaintance, the two ringleaders, Sepek and the younger Sofek, had become his bitterest enemies.

"Spock?"

The call came again with more urgency. A hand touched him, though not M'aih's hand, feeling for his pulse. He stirred weakly, his eyes opening on a grey haze. He had to blink several times before the nictitating membrane swept clear of his irises and he could focus.

"Ekahr chai, gah'tath?" He queried breathlessly, in Vulkhanir. He was very thirsty, his mouth so dry that he could hardly rasp out the words. "Reth hemon shi' a me'tas."

"Spock, what is it? Are you all right?"

He was slumped against the bulkhead, McCoy kneeling beside him, while Kirk stared anxiously down at them both.

"No, he's not all right, Jim." McCoy answered acerbically. "He's practically swimming in adrenalin. If that's not stopped, and soon, he'll be heading for a major heart attack. You've got to send him back to the Enterprise where he can rest, or I won't answer for the consequences."

Spock drew in a shallow breath, easing himself onto his knees, the corridor tipping and swaying alarmingly as his consciousness wavered. With one hand pressed against the wall, and with McCoy's help, he slowly pushed himself up onto his feet. He gathered his strength, while vainly trying to hide his weakness. It was a moment or two before he could remember how to speak in Standard so they would understand him.

"That… is patently impossible at this juncture, although…I am…grateful for your concern, Doctor."

He closed his eyes, swallowing the bile that rose into his throat, while his heart strained painfully. It was a physiological danger sign that he should not ignore. Yet, he aimed to do so, compelling his features into stolidity for the benefit of his Captain.

"I have…located T'pavan. She has been taken to the… interrogation chamber, with the child. Kor is there…"

He swayed, steadied himself, finding it unexpectedly difficult to breathe in the dense atmosphere. His heart was undeniably labouring, as were his lungs. If only there was somewhere he could lie down for a while. Perhaps he had overestimated his stamina after all. But despite Spock's stoicism McCoy remained cynical.

"Jim." The doctor hissed urgently. "We can't go on with this…"

"I am all right…" Spock opened his eyes once more. He saw immediately the doubt on Kirk's face along with the concern, and knew that McCoy's words were having their effect. "I… will not…be sent back without…T'pavan, Captain."

"She means that much to you?" Kirk reached out, steadied him with a hand on his shoulder. The light touch communicated sympathy, recognition of Spock's need to complete this self-imposed duty.

"It… is an… obligation." He said simply, unable to elaborate. If he explained, Kirk would probably understand the workings of m'hekteth but Spock no longer had the strength.

To compensate for his disadvantage at T'pavan's hands and regain his honour, he must demonstrate his own integrity beyond all doubt. The accounting she had demanded would be paid in full and T'pavan - or her Family - would be the ones thus obligated. It was a predatory instinct of a fighting race, transformed into civilised conduct by thousands of years of Tradition.

"We do not… have much …time. Kor intends to use…T'pavan…for my… instruction. Once he finds I am gone…."

"There will be a general hue and cry." Kirk, signalled to Chekov and Sulu, deployed at each end of the corridor. "You have me convinced, Mr. Spock. I hope you know the way."

Spock inclined his head. Indeed he did. The route was indelibly printed on his memory.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Kirk moved in, gently eased an arm around Spock's waist again while McCoy did the same on his other side. "Gentlemen, let's move it."