Disclaimer: Star Trek is the property of Paramount/Viacom. This story is the property of and is copyright (c) 1977 by Gerry Downes. Originally published in Stardate: Unknown #3, Gerry Downes, editor.

The Enemy Within

Gerry Downes

Who is this man?

Lying here so still, sedated.

Power can corrupt him

Absolute and absolutely.

More than any animal,

For he is knowingly cruel.

He has forced his will on others,

Hurts and hurts again.

Still he feels fear, despair

And the utter total absence of love.

He's vulnerable and terrified

of the unknown.

And what of me?

I'm losing the power to command.

My will is drained away

Leaving intelligence, not strength.

Compassion is not enough;

It takes iron to run a ship.

And now my weaknesses

Steal safety from my crew.

Still I can feel for him

Separate and so much alone.

I must take him back

He is me.