DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the property of Paramount Studios, Inc. The story contents are the creation and property of Penny Jones and is copyright © 1999 by Penny Jones. One copy of this story may be downloaded for the private, personal enjoyment of the reader but may not be reproduced nor distributed further without the express, written consent of the author. Contact Penny Jones at Subtrek@AOL.com.

Creations

Penny Jones

Blue eyes searched the dimly lit room. They searched for familiar faces. Her nose flared as the smell of sweaty bodies mixed with the aroma of alcohol drifted through the open door. She smoothed down a non-existent wrinkle in her skirt and took a small step forward. Never had she felt comfortable in these places, and yet she had agreed to meet her friends here. Not for the first time did she wonder how much they might have changed since their last meeting.

Taking a deep breath she forced herself to take the next step, allowing the door to close behind her. After all it wouldn't do for a commander, let alone a doctor, to be late. She smiled slightly as she realized how long it had taken her to go back and get her degree. Now she was returning to her friends and the only place she really felt at home.

The dark dampness of the place enveloped her as she scanned the room. Suddenly the room filled with a heavenly voice. The young woman who was now taking center stage was graceful and used her voice and body to relay the mood of the music. Christine smiled as she moved forward. Uhura had always entertained them with her songs. However it was not often she took to the stage in a place like this. For a moment Chris paused and allowed the words to wash over her, warming her beyond reason. With a gentle sigh she moved toward the other end of the room. Someone bumped into her as a hooded man stepped in her path. His face remained hidden from view, but she could feel his eyes boring through her.

Her hair rose on the back of her neck as she moved to go around. His voice stopped her in her tracks. It seemed to float around her pulling her in as it echoed in her mind. "Soon, very soon my dear." Shivering, she turned toward him but he seemed to blend into the smoke. She blinked her eyes and scanned the room but the crowd seemed to have swallowed him up.

On trembling legs she moved toward the stage, unable to shake off the feeling of being watched and having met the man somewhere before. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath then opened them as she took the last few steps out of the crowd. Her heart rate increased as she caught a glimpse of her friends. She had waited three days for their ship to dock. Uhura was the only one who knew she was coming back and had asked her to meet her and Rand here.

She stumbled as her eyes followed Uhura back to her table. There seated in the far corner of the bar were all her friends. She remained where she was as she silently watched them. Her eyes searching their faces for one in particular. A tender smile lit her face as she spied him. He hadn't changed all that much. Had she really expected him to? Yes, she knew she had matured in the last five years and the rebound love that she had felt for him was gone as something else settled in its place.

She shook her head wondering if time had passed at all as she listened to the friendly banter taking place. Finally she felt as if she were coming home. Here she could try to figure out what was happening and hopefully heal again.

Remembering the recent advice her friends in medical school had given her, she squared her shoulders and took another step forward. One more step would put her in their line of sight. Taking advantage of the opportunity, she slowly compared each face with the one from her memories.

Captain Kirk was seated at the head of the table as usual and his face had a few more lines along with some gray in his hair, but his eyes still sparkled with an inner strength all their own. To his left and grumbling about slow service, voice gruff with a hint of tenderness sat Dr. Leonard McCoy. Uhura had taken the seat next to him. Her sleek black figure remained as graceful as ever. At the present she was using her charm to its full advantage with the burly man sitting next to her. His Scottish brogue seemed a little thicker with each swallow. Chief Engineer Scott raised a brow and his laughter roared through the room. Sulu was busy teasing Lt. Rand and Chekov was turning red from his neck to his hairline.

A smile graced her lips as her eyes moved to the man seated at the Captain's right. Her eyes lit with surprise as they met and held dark brown ones. His brow was arched slightly on his face. It would be the only hint she would get at his surprise at seeing her. Letting out the breath, she didn't know she was holding, she took the final step forward and gently put a hand on Sulu's shoulder. She was shocked by how steady and clear her voice sounded to her own ears.

"Is this a private party or can anyone join?"

Within seconds she found herself in the warm embraces of her friends and they each took turns in greeting her. It was then that she realized just how much she had missed them. This was where she belonged. These people were her family. They would always be there when she needed them. Quickly she pushed those thoughts away. Tonight would be hers. The other could wait until she was safely aboard the Enterprise.

The evening passed quickly, filled with laughter and warm memories. It wasn't until she turned to argue a point with Scotty that she realized her mistake as her head began to spin. McCoy and Scotty had taken turns spiking her drink. It was done in good fun and not in heavy doses, but to someone who didn't drink very often and who hadn't slept much in the last couple of months it was enough.

She could feel her defenses starting to crumble as sweat rolled down her neck to disappear under her shirt. Her heartbeat quickened as a voice floated into her mind. His words slammed into her brain as her head jerked upward. She knew that voice, had in fact heard those words before, long ago and more recently. Her eyes darted around the room. He was there somewhere, watching and waiting.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Somehow she had to regain control. Memories of a time long past learning to do just that and recently relearning them with her roommate came to mind. Opening her eyes she met Spock's across the table. The question in them told her that he knew something was wrong, but not what.

Before he could utter a word she stood and made her good nights, promising to report on board in the morning. She remembered promising Uhura and Rand that she would meet them for breakfast as she moved across the room. Without looking in Spock's direction, she made a hasty retreat, her calm voice belying the war waging inside her mind.

When she entered her temporary quarters she locked the door then sank to the floor. Quickly she began her Vulcan meditation exercises. That would be the last thing she remembered that night.

Later that same morning, she awoke with a severe headache. Cradling her head in her hands she sat up, trying to remember what had happened. The sheet slid down over her naked body. She moaned slightly as fear gripped her. She had hoped to have left that behind her on Earth. Now she knew it really had started again as she stared at her arms.

* * *

The warmth of the room caressed him as he wrapped the robe around his damp body. His hair, still wet from the shower, dripped softly on his robe, leaving it a slightly darker red. He gracefully slid behind his desk as he rubbed the towel through his hair. With a flick of his wrist he initiated the intercom.

He had to admit to a certain amount of curiosity. Selar was the adopted granddaughter of T'Pau and although they were related, they had rarely spoken. Why she would be calling him now peaked his interest. However, he knew the answers would soon be forthcoming.

Her lean face soon appeared on his screen with head bowed. Smiling slightly she met his gaze. "It has been too long, Spock."

"Indeed, Selar, and to what do I owe the honor of this call?"

The smile quickly faded as deep blue eyes met his. She looked away then met his eyes again. "I have a request of you that is not entirely logical and to a certain extent is out of pure curiosity and friendship."

Spock's eyebrow rose at a steep angle as he steepled his fingers and leaned forward. He knew of Selar's background and realized that after twenty years of being with humans it would take considerable time for her to fully accept the Vulcan way, although even the scholars had to admit she had made a lot of progress in the last eight years. With that thought clearly in his mind, he leaned back. "What is your request?"

For a brief second a smile lit her face, which she promptly tried to compensate for by biting her lower lip. Her eyes, however, sparkled with her excitement. Spock continued before she could utter a word of apology. "Due to the lateness of the hour, I can assume this issue is important."

She nodded and glanced around her. "Oh, yes, Spock. You see it all started about four years ago." At his raised eyebrow she stumbled over the next few words. "Maybe I should just get to the favor?"

At his nod she continued. "I need you to keep an eye on a friend. We went through medical school together and she has been experiencing extreme nightmares. We have tried various medications and nothing seems to work. The last week of school she didn't sleep more than one point two hours a night. I know that humans cannot go for long periods of time without sleep and I am worried about her."

Selar took a deep breath and stared right through him. "I started teaching her how to meditate and she learned quickly. It was as if she already knew how but needed to be reminded." Shaking her head, she brought her eyes to his. "It is hard to describe what I felt while trying to teach her. Also I'm afraid her condition might worsen and I can't let anything happen to her."

Spock had not taken his eyes from her face and later would remember this conversation with chilling clarity. When she had finished, he leaned forward. "I will keep an eye on Dr. Chapel for you. However, there is something you are not telling me."

Selar glanced around her then leaned forward and lowered her voice. "It has to do with T'Pau. We were discussing school and I mentioned Christine and her problem along with some other things she had told me. Suddenly Grandmother was sitting straight up in her chair and asking me question after question. I have never seen her like that. She did not wait for me to say farewell, merely that she needed to speak with someone and would get back to me. Spock, I think something else is going on and it involves Vulcan and Christine. I have just been informed that I am to meet and accompany Ambassador Sevek back to Vulcan."

Spock tilted his head to the side and raised one eyebrow. If what Selar said was accurate then indeed something was going on. Nodding he leaned back and bowed low. He needed to do some research to find out if there was a connection somewhere. "I will let you know if anything happens. It would be wise to keep what we suspect to ourselves until we know more about it. Peace and long life, Selar." He replied as his fingers took on a familiar V shape which was copied by the young woman on the screen.

"Live long and prosper, Spock."

The screen went blank as Spock leaned back. Resting his elbows on the chair, he brought his hands together in front of him with the first fingers steepled. His brows furrowed in thought. Vulcans were known for their logic and rituals. For one such as T'Pau to forget was unheard of unless something was indeed wrong. After spending several minutes considering his options, he finally sat forward and began typing.

As first officer he could access any crew member's records at anytime, but never before had he looked past their Starfleet records. That was about to change. As Chapel's records appeared on the screen, he realized that he had never accessed them before.

It took him an hour to read through her recent schooling. His respect for her and the other three interns rose considerably. The rest of her record took only a few minutes. It was not up to Starfleet standards which in itself brought on more questions that needed answers. Adjusting his monitor he began the real search as he zipped through files that should be under heavy security. They gave way under his careful administration.

After several minutes the screen began to flash and the words "Access Denied" ran across the screen. A half hour later and he was no closer to opening her file. It was sealed and could only be opened by voice command. That was not what bothered him. It was *whose* voice that brought the frown to his face. The information must be very important for the President of the Federation to be

the only one who could access it. It was turning out to be a very interesting challenge.

He called up a few more things then dressed as he placed a call to T'Pau. He was quickly informed that she would call him back. A few minutes later, he left his quarters and headed for the starbase.

* * *

Her head was spinning wildly as her body shook from the cold. Suddenly she jumped from the bed pulling the sheet tightly around her as she ran for the bathroom. Her body screamed in protest at her jerky movements, but another part of her was controlling this war. Seconds later found her bent over the toilet relinquishing her supper. Though she would love to blame it all on the alcohol intake of the night before, she knew better. The nightmares she could handle but the radiation poisoning was beginning to take its toll.

Her time on the Enterprise had lulled her into thinking that it was all in her past. When she had left to finish her schooling, it had all started again. She knew she should be in sickbay, but also knew it wouldn't get really bad for a few more days. However, until the nausea passed, she wouldn't be going anywhere. For once she wished she could wake up with her clothes on. It always worried her as to what was happening to her besides the radiation.

Through a wave a dizziness the door chime registered in her mind. Vaguely she remembered making a breakfast date with Nyota. She debated on whether or not to let her in. The bruises and needle pricks were barely visible and did it really matter? No, besides she could always blame it on the alcohol.

Before she could change her mind, she yelled, "Come in." Getting to her feet, she wrapped the sheet tighter then brushed her teeth and ran a cool cloth over her face, her eyes closed as she tried to fight the wave of dizziness that crashed over her.

Not bothering to turn around, she called to her friend. "Nyota, I need you to get me some anti-nausea medicine from sickbay."

"Lieutenant Uhura is not present."

The voice was deep and soft, seeming to echo through the small room. Christine groaned and spun around. Which in itself was not a smart move. She knew that voice only too well. Had in fact heard it in her dreams for years.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Spock," she replied as she raised a hand to try and stop her spinning head. She opened her eyes to see him standing in the bathroom door staring at her with one eyebrow raised and for a brief second concern showing in his eyes.

Her head and body hurt too much to ask what he was doing there but she stored the thought away for another time. She held out a hand as her world began to spin faster. His voice seemed to be coming through long tunnel, but his warm breath brushed her cheek and a hot arm wrapped around her as blackness swept in like a tidal wave.

* * *

He curled deeper into his bed, shoving his head under his pillow. All he wanted was for the noise to cease, so he could return to the woman in his dream. Cursing loudly he threw the pillow across the room as he sat up. He quickly glanced at the clock as he made his way to the intercom. 0430. Hell, he had only gone to bed an hour ago. Someone was going to pay dearly for this. He punched the button on his desk as he sank into the chair. "McCoy here and this better be dammed good."

"Doctor, your services are required on the starbase."

"Spock, you pointy eared Vulcan, is it that you just don't sleep and think the rest of us don't need any either?" he grumbled as he threw on his clothes. He knew Spock would only call if it was important. Which could only mean, someone form shore leave had gotten hurt, but Spock was not scheduled for duty tonight.

He splashed cold water on his face and took a deep breath. Spock's next words sent chills down his spine and stopped him in his tracks. "Doctor, I know you just got in. However Dr. Chapel is in need of your expertise in her quarters."

McCoy's right eye brow rose in a good imitation of Spocks'. Picking up his shoes, he tried to keep his feelings from taking over. "What in blazes are you doing in her quarters at this time of night?"

He sat down heavily on the bed, knowing it had to be bad. Chris would avoid having Spock call for help at all cost. In fact she would avoid having him in such close quarters.

"Not what you're thinking and an explanation will be forthcoming as soon as you get here. You might want to get an anti-nausea hypo on your way."

McCoy nodded and moved to leave, his thoughts turning to Christine. He knew her better than anyone else had. In fact he had become very attached to her. They had become close friends before she left and had kept in touch throughout her schooling. She had told him about Roger and her feelings for Spock. He had in turn told her about his ex-wife and how their marriage had failed. She was like a daughter to him, had in fact helped him get closer with his own daughter. He had sensed something was wrong earlier but had put it off as jitters at seeing her friends. Now he was kicking himself for not following his instincts. Christine would be the first person to let him know that.

Spock's voice brought him back to the present. "I would advise you to hurry, Doctor."

He checked his med kit as he raced for the doors to Sickbay. A slight wave to the nurse then he stuck his head inside his office. "M'Benga, I'll be on the starbase if you need me." He grabbed a hypo spray off his desk and injected the vial's contents into his system. The alcohol fog began to lift around his brain. He needed to be sober for this.

Within minutes he was standing at her door. A silent prayer passed his lips as he announced himself.

* * *

Spock closed his communicator then lifted Christine into his arms and headed toward the bedroom. A frown marred his face as he took stock of the room and its contents. Something was out of place but he couldn't quite figure it out. The woman in his arms began to stir, bringing his attention back to her. She was lighter than he thought she would be. Her blonde hair curled gently around her pale face. His eyes were drawn to her lips as he remembered the last time they had been alone together all those years ago. A slight smile crossed his face as he remember the feel of her lips against his. As she moved again, he glanced down into beautiful blue eyes filled with fear.

Christine awoke to movement and a voice screaming in her head. She tried to block out the sound by turning toward the warmth that covered her right side. Trying to bury her head in its softness and failing, she shifted her body. Arms tightened around her back and legs as she groaned.

Opening her eyes she saw a blue-clad shoulder. The heat emanating from the body was too warm to be human. Cautiously she raised her head and met brown eyes set in a finely chiseled face. Fear coursed through her as her eyes swept over the face and came to rest on pointy ears. She pushed against him then raised her fist swinging it toward him. "No!" she screamed.

Suddenly her feet were swinging free as her hands were trapped between their two bodies. The voice in her head grew louder. Her voice was childlike and full of fear as she tried in vain to free herself. "Please don't hurt me. I won't do it again. Please let me go. I have to find them."

She felt as if a boa constrictor had wrapped itself around her. The hand on her arm moved up cupping her face as his other arm tightened around her waist keeping her firmly in place. Gently he raised her head to look at him. His voice remained low and soft. "Dr. Chapel... Christine, it is I. Spock. You are safe now. Whom do you need to find?" He moved so that her toes barely brushed the floor but didn't lessen his hold on her.

In her mind a new voice was making itself heard. She couldn't tell him, she couldn't let him find what she had kept secret for so long. Spock's voice seemed to be coming from far away, repeating itself along with the new voice. "Christine, you're safe. It's me, Spock."

A chill swept over her as the other voice grew louder almost drowning him out. "Forget." She shook her head and blinked back tears as the voice repeated the word over and over. Leaning her head against his chest, she took a shuddering breath. "I don't want to forget."

Spock raised an eyebrow and spoke quietly, keeping his eyes trained on what he could see of her face. "Forget what?" He readjusted his hold on her as he felt her stiffen in his embrace.

Pushing back against him, her brow wrinkled slightly. "I don't know." Her free hand flew to her head as she cried out in pain. The buzzing of the door could barely be heard above it. Calling for the doors to open, he once again swept Christine into his arms and carried her to the bed. Gently he laid her down and pulled the blanket up to cover the slipping sheet.

Tenderly she brushed a finger across his brow and whispered to him. "Help me. Please make this stop." Somehow the words touched something deep inside his mind. Stepping back he took a deep breath and stared at the woman now unconscious on the bed. At the cough from the door he turned to find McCoy staring angrily at him.

As Leonard rushed past him he got the glimpse of a smile lighting the older man's face. Knowing that McCoy would take care of her, Spock moved to the living area. His hands were shaking as he closed his eyes to meditate. He had to regain a sense of balance, but mostly he needed to purge himself of the fear he had received through his contact with Christine. Being a touch telepath, he often felt others' emotions, but mostly he prepared himself before hand and the contact would be just an impression. He did not have time to prepare himself for such a strong reaction as hers had been. Her fear was so strong and inbred that it had barreled its way through his barriers. The thing that bother him the most was just before he left. It was as if for a brief second her mind had touched his. He knew that couldn't be. However logic dictated that it was so. For now he needed to regain control. He would think about the rest when time was not an issue.

* * *

Half an hour later McCoy entered the living area his face was worn and haggard more from the last few minutes than his night out. He took a deep breath and plopped down in the nearest chair. His anger was in full gear as his eyes met Spock's.

"So, would someone mind telling me what in the bloody hell is going on around here? That girl is exhausted from God knows how many sleepless nights. Along with suffering from radiation poisoning which is damn near impossible to get these days, and to top it all off, I find you here and her with nothing on but a sheet. How long has it been since she slept? How did she get the radiation?"

Spock waited until McCoy had taken a deep breath and leaned forward before beginning. "I will start with your first question. I don't know."

McCoy could only stare with his mouth open. "Well, I'll be damned. For once you don't have all the answers. So what are you doing here?"

Spock chose to ignore the sarcasm as he continued. "Dr. Chapel seemed extremely nervous tonight. I took it to be from seeing her friends. However, I noticed her constantly scanning the bar. A gentleman in a blue robe followed her out of the bar. He seemed to ignore her so I did not pursue that. No one else left until Uhura and Rand did." Spock steepled his fingers and leaned forward as he explained how and why he came to be there. "So you see, she assumed I was Lieutenant Uhura when she let me in. The rest you already know."

McCoy rubbed his hand over his face. Standing he paced the room. Finally he came to a stop near the doorway to the bedroom. His eyes misted as he turned toward Spock. His voice was low and full of venom. "Damn it, Spock, some of the stuff done to her I've never seen before." He waved his hands to encompass the whole room.

"Where has she been for the last two hours that the computer says she wasn't here? More than that, the poison has been in her system for three days. Granted, the symptoms get progressively worse and there is no way she could have known, not with the small amounts she's been receiving. Where did she get it? Who in the blazes would do such a thing to another human being?"

Again he collapsed into the chair. "Unfortunately, Doctor, she was unconscious most of the time and incoherent when she wasn't fighting me. I don't think she is aware that she was even gone or where she is now. If we require more information, we will have to ask her."

McCoy nodded and leaned back in the chair. "Well, that will have to wait. I gave her a mild sedative. She should be out for the next couple of hours. I'll let Jim know and we need to get Uhura over here to get her stuff. I need to get her transported to the ship as soon as possible. Hopefully she'll be safe there."

Spock stood and walked to the window, seemingly engrossed in the stars. "If they can reach her through the starbase's shields, she will not be any safer on board. However, I can arrange to have the computers monitor her at all times."

McCoy agreed as he turned to stare at the open door. "Fine. I want them set up so that if she blinks, I'll know it. I want to know if she disappears and where she goes. No one has the right to do what they did to her." Rubbing sore eyes he continued. "She has bruises all over her and needle holes as well. Some are full of radiation while others I can't tell what is there."

Sighing, he placed his head in his hands. "Maybe it's better that she can't remember." His eyes snapped open as he stood. "Some son of a bitch is using her as his guinea pig and I want to rip him apart and feed him to the Klingons." His voice was rising steadily until he was almost yelling. "Damn it, Spock, what kind of person can do stuff like that?"

Spock could find no answers so instead chose to inquire into other matters. "What would be the purpose of ripping them apart? I fail to understand why you would want to do such a thing as to bring yourself to their level."

Leonard's mouth dropped open and his eyes grew large. "Tell me you can look at her in her present condition and not want to bang someone's head in."

Spock turned toward him. "I did not say that I did not see the need humans have for releasing their anger. What I fail to see is how that would help you feel better. I too would like to see the culprit caught."

McCoy rolled his eyes and leaned forward. The words he meant to say was silenced by a piercing scream. Both men were up and in the next room before the sound ended.

Spock knelt next to the bed trying to wake her. Suddenly she bolted up, a look of pure terror on her porcelain face. Her eyes scanned the room, coming to rest on Spock. A scream died in her throat as Leonard blocked her view. For a brief moment her eyes were filled with an unknown horror before her mind latched onto who and where she was. Brushing back a strand of blonde hair, she moaned softly then leaned her head on her bent knees.

Leonard rubbed her back until her breathing returned to normal and she gazed up at him. "Are you okay, Chris?"

She nodded and looked up to see Spock handing her a robe. A blush began on her chest and blossomed across her face as it dawned on her that she was still draped in a sheet. Both men politely turned away so that she could cover herself. Touching McCoy's shoulder when she was done, she curled her feet beneath her on the bed. Her head remained bent as he began speaking.

"Chris, you're suffering from radiation poisoning. It isn't severe but it could be. Do you have any idea what is going on?"

She looked through her lashes at the open door, wondering if she could make it. Sighing with resignation, she shook her head and stood facing Leonard.

"They never give me enough to kill me."

She reached out a hand to steady herself as Spock spun her around and Leonard yelled. "Who?!"

She looked at both men in confusion and fear. Spock took a step forward and lowered his voice. "Who are they? Who is doing this to you?"

She shrugged her shoulders and tried to see the images that seemed to float just out of reach. Shaking violently she slumped to the bed. Her voice was low and shaky. "I don't know. It's like the answers are there only when I try to remember they disappear." Rubbing her temple she looked up at her long-time friend. "I've been hearing other voices in my mind. Unless there aren't any to begin with, in which case I am going crazy. I can hear them but I can't remember what some of them say. I just don't know what to tell you."

Leonard shook his head. this was not what he had expected when this night had begun. His eyes narrowed slightly as he glared at her. It finally dawned on him what was nagging him in the back of his mind. "Young lady, just what are you doing awake? That sedative should have kept you out for a few hours, unless the nightmares are that bad?"

He leaned back against the wall, his eyes roaming from her to Spock. It wasn't often he got to see these two together and he planned to study the hell out of both of them. Spock seemed to be inspecting the room as if it would give some kind of clue. Yet he never moved from Christine's side, while Chris fingered the belt on her robe and would constantly glance in Spock's direction.

With a deep sigh Christine met his eyes. "Mild sedatives don't work very well. I seem to be able to block them when the need arises."

McCoy crossed his arms across his chest and glanced toward Spock. "How long have you been having these nightmares?"

Christine glanced between the two men. "Most recently?" She raised a brow as Leonard nodded. "Off and on for the last four years. However, the first time I had one was when I was twelve. Recently I learned that they weren't part of my medical record. I fail to understand how they were omitted. Dr. Metel at Starfleet Academy knew about them. However, they ceased shortly before I was assigned to the Enterprise."

Spock straightened his shoulders and placed his hands behind his back. "Your medical records are substandard for Starfleet's normal requirements. However, I cannot access anything before the age twelve without voice confirmation from the President of the Federation. I found that piece of information to be quite fascinating."

McCoy nodded. "I got the same results when she first came on board ten years ago. Also your records from twelve to twenty were fairly bare too. Is there a particular reason for this?"

Christine shrugged her shoulders and smiled. "I don't know and I can't seem to find out anything more than you two. I don't remember anything prior to waking up in the hospital in San Fransico on the third of November. The nightmares as you call them started six months later." She tried to hide a yawn behind her hand but failed miserably.

Leonard stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Why don't we talk about this after you get some rest?"

She would have loved to do nothing more right now, but knew it would be impossible. Standing she turned him toward the door. "Why don't you two go back to the Enterprise? I'll grab a quick shower then meet you on board in an hour. Just tell me where my quarters are and I'll be there."

Spock stood in their path and would not budge. "That would be an illogical step at this time."

She peered around McCoy's shoulder and met cold brown eyes. "And why is that?"

McCoy turned and answered for him. "Because, young lady, you were missing for almost two hours. Spock and I aren't leaving without you."

Her brow wrinkled as she glanced between the two men. "Two hours. Are you sure?" She waved off their comments before they could form them. "You're serious about staying, aren't you?"

Spock rocked slightly on his feet and nodded. "Yes, the doctor and I will wait while you shower and change."

Christine blushed again as she pulled the robe closed. Gathering her stuff, she slipped into the bathroom. As the warm water flowed over her so did her tears. It had started again, only this time was worse than the others. This time she could almost catch a glimpse of a face. Like all the other times she felt used and helpless, only this time she knew would have to end differently.

Concentrating on the voice she tried to picture the face of the man in the bar as his words played over and over in her mind. The face remained a mystery, but his laughter filled her along with a brief glimpse of tangled thoughts. A tingle began at the base of her neck and spread over her as her hair stood on end. A deep baritone reverberated throughout her mind. "Soon enough."

Shivering she jumped out and dressed quickly. Suddenly she wanted very much to be on board the Enterprise.

Leonard closed his communicator and looked over at Spock. He had spent the last few minutes casing the room. "So what is bothering you?"

Spock turned toward him and raised a brow. "I don't know. Something seems out of place here but I am unsure what it is."

McCoy nodded and looked around. "I thought the same thing. Only it seems different now then when I first entered."

Spock nodded and turned back to work as McCoy spoke. "So, is the computer ready to track her?"

Spock faced him and cocked his head to one side. "Yes, however the chances of us preventing them from taking her again are ninety nine point nine..."

McCoy held up his hand. "I know, Spock. Jim's got Scotty working on that too. I plan on keeping her in sickbay for a while. That should give him a little time."

Spock turned back to the bedroom doors, deep in thought. He knew that some of the answers could be found in Christine's records. First he needed to get in touch with Dr. Metel. His eyes met McCoy's. "Doctor, when you first noticed the discrepancy in her records, did you contact Dr. Metel?"

McCoy sat back in his chair and nodded. "Yeah, Tom told me that he was told to cease any and all inquires into her past. The word was brought down by Vulcan and Starfleet agreed in the name of Federation Security. He informed me of the nightmares too."

The 'v' in Spock's forehead deepened as he leaned back against the wall. "That is the second time Vulcan has been mentioned in connection to Dr. Chapel. If we also take into account her violent reaction to me earlier, then the only logical conclusion to make is that Vulcan is indeed involved."

Leonard sat forward. "What do you mean violent reaction? I know she was terrified when she first came to a few minutes ago."

Spock pushed away from the wall. "When I first arrived, she passed out in the restroom. While I was carrying her to her bed, she became conscious. Upon seeing me, she began to swing her fist and kick at me. Then she asked me not to hurt her." He walked over to the window and stared out into the stars.

Leonard continued to stare at Spock's back trying to make heads or tails out of this whole situation. He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and turned just as Spock did the same. There was nothing there. The two men looked at each other then moved toward the spot. Just then the door opened and Christine stepped into the room.

A smile lit McCoy's face as he moved toward her. "Chris, you look great."

Shaking her head and smiling slightly she moved to meet him. "Len, you never could lie well. My stuff is packed and ready to go. If you're ready."

Leonard turned to Spock who nodded and moved to join them. Leonard clasped her hands within his and headed toward the door. "Uhura and Janice are on their way to get it. You are to come with me directly to sickbay where you will remain for quite awhile."

She rolled her eyes and nodded. "All right, let's get this over with. The sooner we get there the quicker I can get out."

Leonard cradled her elbow in the palm of his hand as he propelled her out the door. Spock took his place on the other side. McCoy leaned in close and staged whispered to her. "Who said I was going to let you leave? We have some catching up to do, but not until you get some much needed rest. After that I may let you out. It depends on how good you are while your there."

Smiling she hugged his arm. Her voice was low and soft. Both knew that Spock could hear them but continued anyway. "What you really mean is the quicker I drive M'Benga up the wall, the faster my recovery will be." Her blue eyes shone with laughter as she winked at him. His laughter echoed in the empty corridors as he winked at Spock, whose eyebrow was almost touching his hairline. "Ah, Chris you wound me, and how I missed you around here. M'Benga has been bitching for three weeks now of how you would probably get assigned here. He swears that you'll come in and totally rearrange the sickbay just to get even with him. Just what did he do before you left?"

Christine's laughter wafted through the air as she shook her head. "That is between him and me. Ask me again in a few weeks. Maybe by then I'll have gotten my revenge." Laughing and joking they made their way to the base's transporter room and back to the ship.

* * *

McCoy made his way to his quarters. They had beamed aboard a few hours ago. After running quite a few tests, he had ordered everyone to get a few hours sleep. Christine had surprised him by hopping up on the biobed and telling them to get out. His thoughts returned to the results of one test in particular, wondering again if Chris had any idea what these people wanted from her. He shook his head as he entered his quarters. He hadn't wanted to leave her there alone. However, everyone had reminded him that there was a nurse and M'Benga on duty. She would be safe for now.

He flopped face first onto his bed as the doors swished closed behind him, his mind refusing to shut down. He thought back to his attempted conversation with Tom Metel. The man had refused to answer any questions, had in fact hung up on him. Leonard knew the man well enough to know the pressure was being brought to bear from higher up and that Tom wanted to talk but couldn't risk it. All the more reason for him to worry about what was actually going on.

Turning onto his back he threw his arm over his eyes and asked the computer to lower the lights. Somehow Vulcan had become involved and their role was a very large piece of the puzzle. He had spent the last hour studying their history and trying to find some connection. Closing his eyes he sighed deeply knowing the answers might never come. Sleep over took him quickly.

* * *

Christine pushed back from the desk and stretched. The Enterprise had left the starbase three days ago and it had taken everything she had to lie in the sickbay pretending to rest. Tonight though she had had enough. It had taken her only a few minutes to talk Nurse Kali into getting her a change of clothes. The stimulant she had given herself had countered the sedative.

Smiling she raised her arms over her head. Poor Leonard. He had taken to giving her one every night so she had no choice but to take the stimulants. M'Benga had reluctantly agreed to let her leave sick bay if she promised to get some rest. She had agreed and now six hours later she was still in the computer lab trying to make heads and tails out of her life.

Shaking her head she stood and stretched again. Where had the night gone? On slippered feet she turned off the computer and headed for the door. She had gotten no closer to finding out about herself than when she had started except for the fact that she couldn't find a birth certificate anywhere. It was like she had never been born. The communique she had sent to Dr. Waymire was still unanswered. She wondered briefly if he was still alive. The other two messages would take longer to reach their destinations but she hoped they at least would be helpful. Hopefully she would learn the name of the doctor who had treated her all those years ago.

Sighing she flexed her shoulders to work out the kinks. It seemed that nothing was going right lately. Nothing had gone right since she had returned to Earth. Calling for the computer to cut the lights, she glanced around one last time. She needed to get to her quarters before Leonard learned she hadn't gotten any sleep again. He had spent the better part of the afternoon regaling her with reasons why the body needed sleep. Like she didn't know already. They had even talked about the different drugs to control the nightmares, all of which had failed in the past.

She knew that they weren't nightmares in the sense that everyone else thought they were. It was more like a living nightmare. A part of her that refused to stay hidden. It was like there were two separate beings pulling on her, trying to make her see what they wanted. Lately she was hearing some of the crew's voices. She knew it shouldn't be possible but it was and in a way it was driving her crazy. Shaking her head she stepped out into the hall.

The air was knocked out of her as she collided with a warm body. His hands automatically grabbed her arms to keep her from falling back through the open doors. Her eyes met Spock's, who immediately masked the look of concern on his face as the doors closed behind her. His voice showed not a trace of the emotions he felt whirling through him at this contact with her.

"Are you all right, Dr. Chapel?"

Christine took a deep breath trying to regain control of her scattered wits. His fingers felt like tiny flames where they met her skin. Taking a step back to break the contact, she collided with the doors. She wanted nothing more than to duck back into the other room away from his prying eyes. The voices in her head were getting louder and she didn't want him to know about them. However, he retained his hold as he turned her toward the lift.

Her voice shook slightly as they walked. "I'm fine although I should learn to watch where I'm going. What brings you down here at four in the morning?"

She shivered as his eyes moved over her. Then he trained them straight ahead as he pushed the button for the lift. "Dr. McCoy and I agreed to have the computers keep an eye on you until we could figure out how you disappeared off Starbase 12."

She tensed then forced herself to relax as they stepped inside the lift. Her eyebrow raised in perfect imitation of his as he requested sickbay then met her eyes. "The computer was also keeping tabs on your sleeping habits. Since you have managed to get half the crew to aid you in disobeying the doctor's orders, we deemed it necessary."

Christine rolled her eyes and leaned back against the wall hoping to dislodge his hand that still held her arm. "So, are you my watch dog sent to make sure I get to sickbay?"

Spock tilted his head then raised an eyebrow. He took a step closer to her. "Yes, and to make sure that you stay there." He leaned forward a fraction of an inch, putting his face within an inch of hers. "Regardless of the nightmares, the human body requires more sleep then yours is currently receiving."

The lift came to a stop and Christine pulled her arm free and strode quickly down the corridor. Spock kept pace at her side. She wanted nothing more than to just get away from him. She needed to release the emotions that had been held at bay for the last couple of years, but Spock's persistence prevented that from happening. He had been ordered to take her to sick bay and he would see to it all the way. Suddenly she stopped and whirled around to face him.

"It isn't necessary for you to go any farther. I am quite capable of getting there by myself."

Spock nodded. "I have no doubt that you can. However, since you have not slept in the last twenty-four hours and only an hour prior to that in the last seventy two, it would seem that someone needs to make sure that you stay there."

She placed a shaky hand over her face. How far back had he checked on her sleeping habits? Knowing Spock, the inquiry would be very meticulous. So he would know exactly how long it had been. Christine stepped back and leaned against the wall to allow a crewman to pass. Her brows furrowed in thought as she gazed at him. Another image formed of him standing in an open doorway.

Shaking her head, she met his gaze. "Tell me, Spock. What brought you to my quarters on Starbase 12?"

Spock raised his brow and moved closer as two more crewmembers passed them in whispered conversation. His eyes followed them until they turned the corner with a hurried look behind them. Only then did he turn to meet her eyes. He knew she couldn't have heard what was said, but her eyes told him she had in fact always known what was said about her. Sadness seem to envelope her as she turned away. His touch was gentle on her arm.

He watched in silence as she blinked rapidly several times, took a deep breath then met his eyes with a smile. A smile that never quite made it to her eyes. Her voice was low and hushed. "I promise to stay in sickbay and try to sleep. You don't have to stay."

"I know," was all he said as they moved down the hall, his hand gently supporting her. She took a deep breath and stepped into sickbay. The hiss of a hypo greeted her at the door. She turned to see M'Benga's retreating form. Slowly she made her way to the biobed. Trying to quiet her panicky mind, she lay down and turned on her side to stare at the cold white wall that surrounded her.

Spock's voice sent a chill down her spine. He was so close yet he didn't touch her. "I came to your quarters because a mutual friend was worried about you. I had promised to keep an eye on you. However, my first inquiry said you were not there. When the computer informed me of your return, I decided to check on you."

Christine turned to face him. He had moved a chair to the side of her bed. "Selar always did worry too much. I thought I was bad but she's ten times worse." Christine yawned and closed her eyes. Maybe she should just give in to sleep and let the dreams have free reign. She never could remember what they were about, but the terror and hopelessness remained with her during her waking hours. She tried to blink back her tears but one succeeded in escaping. Quickly she brushed it away. Now was not the time to give into her tears. Selar and Timon had spent too much time in the last four years for her to ruin all their work by crying now.

Their methods might have been consider going overboard but they had helped. After all, doctors needed to have a firm grip on their emotions. It wouldn't do to break down while telling someone what their chances were. At least that was what she kept telling herself. The last year she had improved greatly and with the time spent on Caltair 4 Timon had mentioned that she could pass as a Vulcan. Selar had laughed for twenty minutes on that one. Now, though, all Christine could do was pray for a peaceful night's sleep.

Spock sat down on the chair and stared at his hands. Slowly he sorted through the jumbled impressions and thoughts. Raising his head, he watched the woman on the bed, her wrinkled brow slowly smoothing out as sleep at last won the battle she so vigilantly fought. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he sensed her jumbled thoughts. Ignoring them he moved on to the other voices he sensed. Some he knew although he had never heard them before, while others seemed to flit away as he drew closer to them.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he began his meditation ritual. Soon he found his mind drifting. The thoughts were jumbled and he realized that like before they weren't his. He tried to understand what they were saying but they just became like a mist that parted as you drew nearer.

Suddenly nothing made sense as other thoughts merged and became louder. His eyes snapped opened as his head jerked up to stare at Christine. She had begun to toss and turn and he knew it wouldn't be much longer before the dream became unbearable for her. He contemplated melding with her to find out what exactly was going on. Somehow he knew the answers were there locked up tight inside her.

A movement to his left brought him back to his surroundings. McCoy stood in the doorway with arms crossed, staring at them a worried frown adding to his weathered features. "They just won't leave her alone, will they?"

Spock raised an eyebrow as he joined him at the door. "I find it interesting that you should phrase what is happening to her in that way," he replied to the doctor's question.

McCoy glared at him as he stepped further into the room. "Now just what do you mean by that? Do you know something that you're not telling?"

Spock shook his head as he joined Leonard at the foot of her bed. "Only that her thoughts are not her own. There are many voices that tend to merge, although one seems to be louder than the rest, yet I cannot make out the words."

McCoy stared at him and took a deep breath before running a shaky hand through thinning hair. "You didn't meld with her, did you?" he asked as he turned to leave.

Spock glanced down at the floor then at Christine. "No, she seems to have developed some form of telepathy in the last few years."

McCoy waited until Spock joined him at the door before commenting. "Actually from previous scans, it would seem she has always had the ability. She was just lacking in knowledge." They walked across the hall and into McCoy's office. Spock stood in front of the desk with his hands behind his back. "How could she not know, Doctor?"

McCoy leaned back in his chair and put his feet on the desk. "I don't know. All I do know is that she seems to have it now and she still doesn't know it."

They sat in silence as each tried to fit the pieces together. A piercing scream rent through the room. Both men jumped to their feet and ran to where Christine sat screaming on the biobed, eyes still closed in sleep. She was unable to wake from the nightmare. Quickly McCoy jabbed her with the hypo. They watched as the scream died on her lips and her eyes softly fluttered open.

She searched their faces and knew that it had only been a short time since they had knocked her out. The dream was a vague impression of terror in the back of her mind. She shivered and drew her knees up as she pulled the blanket tighter around her. Sighing she leaned back and closed her eyes.

McCoy stomped off muttering to himself about finding something that would help her sleep and yet keep the nightmares away. Spock ran his eyes over her face once more before following the doctor out. He too needed to do some research before meeting with the Captain.

* * *

Spock sat next to Captain Kirk waiting for McCoy to finish his conversation with Dr. Waymire. It had been three hours since he had entered sickbay. The Captain had arrived a few minutes ago after receiving the list of Vulcans that would be beaming aboard at Starbase 11. They had received orders to pick them up at that time. Things were definitely not what they were suppose to be.

Kirk had merely taken a seat and waited. It seemed that Dr. Waymire was a most popular man. McCoy had just finished explaining the reason for his call and was now informing him of her condition and the treatment they were trying.

Suddenly the man's voice seemed to bounce off the walls in the small office. "How long has she been under? Didn't she explain the side effects of a sedative on her at this point? We tried that when she was fourteen and nearly lost her. Those may be dreams she's having but they are dangerous to her. It's as if someone wants her to remember while something else fights to make her forget. In essence it is a battle of wills inside her head. I can't tell you anymore than that. Maybe things will be different now that she's older. The one thing I do know is that those people were in no way her true parents. Their DNA didn't match. I know, I did the test myself."

McCoy glanced up at the men across from him. "What made you do a DNA test on them?"

The old man shrugged his shoulders. "It was just the way they acted. Don't get me wrong. They cared for Christine very deeply but do you know a single parent that doesn't know what day her child was born. Oh, they knew the next time they came and a few other details to boot, but I wasn't fooled. There was this Vulcan that was always waiting for them outside too. Oh, he never let Christine see him but her parents would send her off ahead while the talked with him. Then he would just disappear until the next visit. Strange things happening with that one, but since it was a Vulcan I kept my mouth shut."

The old man shook his head and smiled. "Boy, how I do go on. Listen, you take care of that girl and give her my love. Seems she is trying to get a hold of me, too. Tell her I don't recall the name of the doctor who saw her in the hospital but I remember her folks saying something about they should have stayed on Vulcan a little longer. Well, gotta go. Seems an Ambassador Sarek needs to talk to me. Never in my life have I had so many official calls. Oh, one other thing. I made some copies of my files I kept on her. I copied them into the computer. You should be getting them at any moment. It's a good thing I kept most of my old records on paper. Seems someone broke in yesterday and destroyed everything on the computer. Boy, didn't that piss me off. Now I have to get a computer guy to retrieve it all. Well, Leonard, you find out what they're trying to hide from that girl and send me your recipe for mint juleps and we'll call it an even trade. Be seeing you."

McCoy sat back and shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. Now there was an old country doctor. He noted the file that was being upload as he turned to his guest. "All right, Jim, what's going on with this envoy?"

Jim Kirk stood and than began to pace. "It seems not only will we be bringing an envoy on Vulcans and rather esteemed ones at that but there will be twenty young ladies joining them."

Both Spock's and McCoy's eyebrows shot up as they glanced at each other. McCoy decided to bite and get it over with. "So, who are our guests?"

Jim turned to look at Spock but spoke to McCoy. "It seems, Bones, that Ambassador Sarek and his wife will be joining us once again. They will be accompanied by Dr. Selar, a recent graduate from medical school, and none other then Dr. Selek, the head of the Vulcan Science Academy who just happened to be visiting in the area. It seems he will be bringing six other healers with him. Now if I were playing cards right now, I would say this hand was stacked."

Leonard shook his head in agreement and watched as the two fell into step as they left. He called the nurse and asked for a stimulant and placed it at Chris' bedside and to always have someone in the room with her. He wanted to try to hold off on giving it to her until she got at least a little more sleep, but he also wanted to be prepared. After what he had learned so far today, he was certain that the Vulcans were involved but how to prove it? Calling up the files that Dr. Waymire had sent, he set off trying to find what was wrong with his friend.

* * *

Spock sat down at his desk and bowed his head slightly in respect. T'Pau waved her hand and got right to the point. "Spock, I know your ship has received its orders by now. Ambassador Sevek will be joining your father on his return trip. We have requested that the Enterprise convey them to us. The Federation has agreed."

Spock steepled his fingers in front of him and leaned forward. Never in all his years had he seen anyone do what he was about to do. However it seemed necessary. "It is illogical to have the Enterprise deliver them when the Intrepid is in their vicinity and could be on Vulcan within five days."

T'Pau nodded and glanced off to her right. "Now is not a time to question why we do what we do. Your presence has also been requested on Vulcan. Live long and prosper."

Before he could return the saying, the connection was broken from her end. He leaned back in his chair, his thoughts returning to days long ago and a visit to Ambassador Sevek's house almost twenty years ago. The ambassador had just returned from a planet that no one would name. All the healers of the city had gone to the mountains shortly after his arrival. He remembered that day because his father had returned with him. All conversation would come to a halt whenever the children got near.

The Science Academy had been silent for the next three weeks. No one knew what was happening and one was not supposed to show curiosity in such things. It was then that he had informed his father that he was joining Starfleet. He knew that what had happened on Vulcan then had to do with what was happening now. He realized that there were still some pieces of the puzzle missing.

* * *

Kirk paced his quarters as Spock filled him in on his recent conversation with Dr. Selar. It had been a week since they had left Starbase 12. Later tonight they would arrive at Starbase 11 and beam up the envoy to Vulcan. Selar was worried about her friend and although Kirk knew of the unusual upbringing of Selar, it still shocked him when she was so open in her concern. No doubt there had been more to the conversation then Spock was telling but then he trusted Spock and knew if it was important he would be told.

One thing was clear. Christine and her friends had also sought relief for her symptoms with a sedative. He could not help wondering why she had not mentioned it to McCoy. There were quite a few things that bothered him about this. The fact that Spock had reason to believe that Vulcan was involved disturbed him more than he would say. They were the backbone of the Federation. They were looked up to for their scientific knowledge and their logical outlook on everything. They made the best diplomats because they never got emotional. They would look at each side objectionably and then discuss changes so that both sides would be happy. To think that now they had something hidden in their closets would rock the very foundation of the Federation.

He sank down in his chair and gazed at Spock. "So the two of you have come to the conclusion that Vulcan has something to do with Christine Chapel's childhood. Something that they don't want to become public. Isn't that a guess, Spock?"

Spock cocked his had to one side. "I do not guess, Captain. I have spent the last week searching every database I could access from here. Everything points to Vulcan's involvement."

He leaned back, steepled his fingers and gazed at the chronometer hanging on the wall behind Kirk's head. Kirk realized how much that look irritated him at times like this. When he himself wanted to do something, anything beside sitting here doing nothing. Kirk nodded. "All right, the envoy will be brought aboard at 1900. I want a full briefing ready by 1700. I think the senior officers might be of some help. Maybe they can think of something we might be missing." Kirk jumped up and headed out the door. He was due on the bridge in five minutes.

* * *

Christine pushed the computer display panel away and swung her feet over the edge of the bio-bed. McCoy had insisted that she be in sickbay resting every couple of days. She hated sitting there doing nothing, but there wasn't much she could do. After the last two times he had made sure there was no way for her to sneak out. Spock had been sent to retrieve her again only this time from the rec room, where she was beating Ensign Thorson at a game of shoks. Thorson had discovered the card game two years ago. Christine had picked it up quickly and before the end of the day had beaten him in the last five games.

She sighed loudly as she jumped off the bed. She looked around for her robe and then remembered Leonard had taken that too. She glanced down at her nightgown. It would be fine for where she was going. Carefully she stuck her head out the door. When she was sure no one was around she walked across the corridor and into McCoy's office. Halting in front of his desk, she placed her hands on her hips and waited for him to look at her. The longer it took, the more her anger boiled. She knew he knew she was there. The alarm would have sounded the minute she stepped out of sickbay. Finally when she could stand it no more he looked up.

"Aren't you suppose to be resting?"

"Damn it, Len. I can't stand sitting there doing nothing. You of all people should know that." She crossed her arms over her chest and began to pace.

McCoy slowly stood and walked around to the front of his desk. His eyes took in her appearance. Her face was flushed with anger and her blue eyes flashed lightening at him. He smiled slightly as he noticed the nightgown that swished around her when she turned. Once again he was reminded of just how beautiful she was as she paced back and forth. The light blue gown with white lace around the bosom complemented her pale face and vivid blue eyes, which were throwing daggers at him right now. Laughing, he held up his hands to defend himself. "If you don't want to be gawked at, you shouldn't run around in that gown."

She rolled her eyes and let out a long sigh. "I don't know which one I'd like to strangle more -- you or Nyota. I can't believe she picked this one." When his grin threatened to spread again, she raised her finger and wagged it at him. "And you ... you're just impossible." Taking a deep breath she turned and began pacing again. "I am still mad at you." Her anger had not disappeared even though she knew he had been trying to do just that.

Leonard cocked a leg on the corner of his desk and relaxed. He knew she needed to vent and how could he refuse her in her current state of dress? "Permission to speak freely, Christine."

"Like that would have stopped me." She ran a shaky hand through her hair and as she passed him again her voice began to rise as she finally got to the problem. "Who the hell gave you the right to keep tabs on me? I can't believe you would do that without telling me. I'm a big girl, Len. I can take care of myself. I've been through this before. It'll pass." She took a shaky breath and came to a stop in front of him. "It always does." Her voice was almost a whisper on the last words. She turned toward him and held her hand out. "Trust me on this, Len. I know the different stages by heart." Her hand dropped back to her side.

Leonard stood and placed and reassuring hand on her shoulder. "How often has this happened?" Neither one had heard the door open nor saw the two standing there as she spoke.

"What does it matter?" she asked shrugging her shoulder as she took a step back. "It has nothing to do with the fact that you didn't trust me. Damn it, Len, you aren't my father or my husband. Who said it was all right to go and sic Spock and that damn computer watch dog on me?"

Laughter filled the room at her statement. She opened her mouth to scold Leonard when she realized he wasn't the only one laughing. Turning she saw Kirk leaning against the wall holding his side. Spock stood to his right with one eyebrow raised. "I fail to see the humor in this, and for your information, Dr. Chapel... Dr. McCoy did not 'sic' me on you." Spock's other eyebrow joined the first as his friends again erupted in peals of laughter.

Kirk tried to stop laughing but never quite succeeded. "The image from that might be enough to make this whole mission worth it." McCoy nodded in agreement before falling into his chair.

Christine crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. "Sometimes I think they deserve each other," she muttered as she lowered herself into the other chair. Gazing from the captain to the doctor, she lowered her voice. "All I wanted was to go back to my room. I can take care of myself."

McCoy smiled and sat forward. "That might be but allow the rest of us the right to worry over a friend." Spock stepped forward as the captain lowered himself into the opposite chair, still smiling.

Jim smiled at her as he motioned to Spock. "Why don't you escort her to the briefing room while I bring McCoy up to date?"

Spock nodded and offered Christine his hand.

Ignoring it Christine stood and looked around quickly. She spotted her robe on a shelf by the door. Turning she rolled her eyes at both individuals as she retrieved the item. Slipping it on quickly, she glanced up at Spock in time to see his eyes move up her body. She turned away to hide the blush that rose to her cheeks, then she activated the doors.

The briefing started fifteen minutes late due to the absence of Kirk and McCoy, who entered with huge smiles on their faces. Personally Christine thought they both needed some R & R badly. She brought her thoughts back to the meeting as Spock stood and nodded to the Captain.

"In a few hours we will be escorting a group of Vulcans to Vulcan. In the last week ships heading to Vulcan have increased. In the last forty eight hours, over two thousand Vulcans have returned home. This hasn't occurred in over twenty years. Everything that has taken place in the last week has been done since Dr. Selar mentioned Dr. Chapel's current sleep problems." He walked to the other end and pointed to the screen. "This is Ambassador Sevek and Healer Selek. The last time both men were on Vulcan at the same time was 19 years, 8 months, and 3 days ago. No one knows where they were before their return. Recently Dr. Chapel's extra sensory powers have increased in the telepathy department. I have come to the conclusion that the voices she is hearing are real, further data is required to be 100% certain."

Christine let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. Finally she could stop wondering if she was crazy. Now all she had to do was figure out how to make them stop. She rubbed her head. The headache had started a few seconds before the meeting and had been steadily getting worse. Right now it was tolerable but that wouldn't last very long.

She brought her attention back to the events at hand, realizing that she had missed parts of the briefing. Spock was just finishing up with the Vulcan envoy and was moving to the next part. She cocked her head at the mention of the twenty young women that would be accompanying them.

Spock glanced up at Kirk as he continued. "There is very little known about them. The only information I can find indicates that they are human, between the ages of 35 to 45. All other information is secured in the interest of the Federation." Spock took his seat as his friends' murmurs grew around the table.

Kirk stood and held up his hand. "All right, folks, we all know that is the highest security there is. However, it will not do us any good to speculate. I suggest we take this unique opportunity to get to know these young ladies as well as their escorts. Scotty, you will be in the transporter room. Let's keep this as quiet as we can for as long as we can. Spock, Bones and Chapel will be on hand to greet them in one hour. Needless to say, we seem to be coming up with more questions than answer; so keep your eyes open. Dismissed."

Dr. McCoy's hand on her arm let Christine know she was to wait. She motioned Nyota to her and whispered in her ear. Uhura shook her head, grinned and walked out. Christine's eyes moved between Kirk and McCoy as they waited for the room to clear. Jim sank into his chair and leaned forward arms resting on the arm of the chair. She followed his eyes to Spock then quickly looked away.

Jim sat staring at him with his chin resting on his hand. Suddenly she found herself to be the victim of those intense brown eyes boring into her. His voice was low and all trace of his earlier humor was gone. "Dr. Chapel, can you please tell us why T'Pau has asked for your presence on Vulcan?"

Christine jerked forward. "Sir?"

Jim nodded. "It seems that they want you down there as well. What is it that connects you with Vulcan?"

Christine shrugged her shoulders and leaned back. "I haven't got a clue. I have never been to Vulcan and the only Vulcans I know are Mr. Spock, Ambassador Sarek, Selar and Master Sters."

Kirk watched as Spock eyebrows rose slightly at her mention of the last name. "Who is this Master Sters?"

Christine sat forward and leaned her elbows on the table. "He was a friend of my parents. Every afternoon for eight years he would come by and teach me different things. He helped me through high school after my parents died. In fact I stayed with him for a few years but he was very private. I don't know anything more than that. I saw him once a week after I started medical school and then when I was dating Roger it became a once a month thing. We keep in touch still. In fact the last time I saw him was right before my residency." A shiver ran up her spine at the memories of their ill-fated residency to Caltair 4.

Spock turned to the Captain and lifted one eyebrow. "Master Sters is well known on Vulcan. He was absent for seventeen years. T'Pau said that he was on assignment. He was to be my sponsor for the Academy but was called away unexpectedly. So there is not much more I can tell you about him. I do know that for the last eight he has reclaimed his titled as Grand Master at the Science Academy."

Kirk shook his head and rubbed his eyes. "All right, it looks as if we aren't going to get any answers until they are ready to give them. Dismissed."

Christine stood and looked to Leonard. "Go on," he said as he motioned her out the door with his hands. "Change your clothes and meet me back in sickbay." She smiled brightly at him and gave him a quick hug as she flew out the door.

Half way to her quarters she met Nyota carrying two very big sticks. A smile lit her eyes as she took them from her. "Thanks. Did Snarl say anything?"

Nyota smiled and nodded. "Yes, she said she would meet you the gym in four hours. She will just be getting off her shift and could use a good work out." Uhura wrapped her arm through Chris's as they headed toward her room. "You aren't thinking about taking Snarl on right now, are you? I mean you haven't rested in days. She could tear you apart before she realized you were down."

The doors to her quarters swished closed behind them. Chris set the staffs in the far corner, then grabbed her uniform. She stepped into the bathroom to take a quick shower. "I am hoping that it will wear me down enough to help me sleep. And don't worry -- I can handle Snarl."

Nyota nodded. "You're probably the only one. Well, except for Mr. Spock." She held her breath waiting to hear the answer. She knew about Chris's affection toward Spock and hoped that the time away had cured her of them. Chris's laughter rang out around her. "Not working, Nyota. If you want to know, just ask."

Nyota shook her head and sat down. "All right, so how do you like being back?"

Her answer was muffled by the sound of the water, but still managed to make sense. "I am glad to be back, but I wish they would turn that stupid computer off. I can't even blush without them getting a printout on the damn thing. Other than that, it's great to be home."

Nyota sighed and rolled her eyes. She raised her voice just as the shower quit. "What about Spock?"

Chris's head poked out around the divider and glared at her friend. "You don't have to yell. I mean these walls aren't all that sound proof."

"You didn't answer my question."

Her head disappeared for a few minutes then she reappeared fully dressed and combing her hair. "We are friends and nothing more. I managed to realize that I was using him to hide. Sort of a rebound from Roger. I still care for him very deeply but that's all it can ever be and I do know that, Nyota."

Nyota shook her head. She understood her friend maybe better than anyone else. Look at Janice and the Captain, and herself. Maybe that's the way it was meant to be. "Don't worry, Chris, your secret's safe with me. So, tell me what was it like on Caltair 4. I heard they went nuts."

Chris shivered and turned toward the door. "I have to get to the transporter room. I'll see you later." Seconds later Nyota found herself alone in the empty room. Shaking her head she whispered to no one in particular. "What did I say now?" Shrugging she went to the bridge for the docking with Starbase 11.

* * *

Ambassador Sarek and his wife Amanda stepped down from the dais and greeted the captain. Dr. Selar and Ambassador Sevek took their places next to them as they waited for the next group. Dr. Selek would arrive after all the women were on board. McCoy grabbed Christine's arm as she sagged next to him, her eyes never leaving Ambassador Sevek's face. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she smiled up at Leonard as he put her between him and Spock, as the first of the women was beamed aboard.

Silence filled the room as the three women materialized. They were all blonde with blue eyes of the same build and height as Christine. The facial features were different but other than that they seemed to be the same. As the three of them stepped down and moved toward the group, there were four screams of pain and the women along with Christine grabbed their heads and fell to the floor.

McCoy rushed forward as Spock lowered Christine to the floor. Ambassador Sevek grabbed two of the women and pulled them toward the door. "We must separate them," he said as the doors swished open. Dr. McCoy grabbed the third one and with Dr. Selar's help managed to get her out the door. As the doors shut behind them Christine moaned and shook her head. On shaky feet she rose with the aid of her Captain.

Seconds later the doors opened to admit Ambassador Sevek back into the room. His eyes scanned the room then stopped with the Captain. "Captain Kirk, I must request that she leave the room now." His hand moved up to point at Christine. "There can be no more than three women in a room at any given time. It causes them extreme pain, as we have just witnessed. There is no way we can authorize the transfer of the others until she has gone." His eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. Slowly he circled her like a lion with his prey. His eyes rose as the command crew planted themselves between him and her. With a raised brow he turned away. "I refuse to cooperate as long as she is here. Her kind seems to have a strange effect on men."

Christine felt her temper rise but held it in check. The man might be Vulcan but he was quite rude, something she had rarely seen. She turned as a gentle hand touched her arm and met the warm blue eyes of Lady Amanda. "Come with me, Christine. I think they have a few things to discuss." Christine nodded and let herself be led out the door.

As she passed Ambassador Sevek she could not resist a parting shot. "They are sentiment beings and should be treated with a little respect, Ambassador."

Amanda's hand tightened on her arm and pulled her through the doors. As they closed behind them she heard a slight tinkle of laughter coming from Lady Amanda. She glanced at the woman who smiled and patted her arm. "I have been wanting to say that to him for the last week. I'm glad someone finally did. I am curious to know what planet you come from. Sarek has not answered me."

Christine could only shake her head. She had never been alone with Spock's mother and was not sure how to react to her. Wiping her sweaty palms on the side of her uniform, she shrugged her shoulders. "I am from Earth. At least I thought I was. I don't know where they are from." Her hand was shaking as she grabbed the handle in the turbolift and requested the VIP quarters. She glanced over at the rather petite woman standing next to her and noticed the soft smile on her lips.

"Why don't you stay and talk with me a while? Sarek and the others will not be done for quiet some time," Amanda commented.

Christine nodded as they walked down the corridor. She could use a friend right now.

* * *

Christine changed into shorts and a t-shirt, then headed to the gym. Her talk with Amanda had been interesting but did nothing to help calm her. Snarl was already warming up when she entered. They nodded to each other as Christine began. She was actually looking forward to it. It had been a long time since she had worked with someone she didn't have to worry about. Though Snarl was good, it was her strength that challenged Christine and that is what she needed today.

Grabbing her staff she turned and bowed to her colleague. Snarl bowed then snapped out a command to the computer. Immediately the room shifted gravity. Christine felt it pull on her and smiled. Vulcan gravity, this she could handle. Lt. Snarl grinned showing those canine teeth her race was noted for. The fur on her neck stood on end as they circled each other. Neither paid any attention as the doors opened and the computer set the warning of the gravity to the entrants. Their thoughts were only for each other.

Snarl swung the staff up and over. Christine countered and the resounding crack echoed in the room as the two staffs met in mid-air. A low growl came next, causing Snarl to pause and take a step back. Christine lowered her staff and shook her head. "What's the matter, Snarl? Forget how to fight?"

Shaking her mane of hair, Snarl raised her staff and bowed. "No, merely forgot." They both nodded and this time the cracks seemed to fill the room as they came together and slid apart only to connect again. Christine smiled as the muscles in her arms bulged every time they connected, her mind planning her next move before she completed the first. With a swiftness Snarl had never seen, she swung her staff out. The top half connected with Snarl's then suddenly the bottom was knocking her feet out from under her.

Snarl lay on the mat breathing heavily. Christine offered her hand but Snarl knocked it away. "You putta," she growled at her. Immediately Christine backed up, her staff at the ready. The first time Snarl had lost at this, Christine had a nasty gash in her thigh. She had since learned to always be on guard.

Her voice was low as she took a step back. "It's your fault for not practicing while I was gone. Would you like to go again?"

Snarl leaned on her elbow and gazed at her friend. With a sigh she waved Christine forward. "You are right but you need to work off some aggression and I refuse to be at the receiving end." Snarl stood and shook her head. "There are enough Vulcans on board. Why don't you use one of them, or are you afraid they might win?"

Christine's laughter rang low and sweet. "Oh, Snarl, I only worry that they won't use full strength. With you I know I get the full force and I am sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Am I forgiven?"

"Yes, and if you hadn't made me mad once and not stopped until I had calmed down, you still wouldn't know. Now it would be dishonorable to give less." She bowed then stood up and nodded to the people behind Christine. She turned to find Spock, Sarek and Sevek staring at them.

Sarek stepped forward and nodded to them both. "I find it interesting that a human and Caitian are in a gym with Vulcan gravity fighting with Kantian staffs. At what level do you practice and who taught you this?"

Snarl bowed low to them and turned to Christine and bowed even lower. "I will leave them to you. I request a new lesson tomorrow." Christine nodded then turned to put the staffs away.

Sarek stepped forward and motioned toward the staff. "May I?"

Christine smiled and handed him hers. "They are both made from Trainian wood found on Kantian."

Sarek nodded and tested it for balance. "Nicely done. Who taught you how to make these?"

"Master Seers and Wantran. It is tradition for a Master of Kantz to make their own staffs."

Christine held in her laughter as the men's eyebrows rose as if they were triplets. Sarek asked for the other staff and tested it. Nodding, he moved into the center of the room and practiced for a few minutes. He turned to Christine and bowed. "Would you do me the honor?"

Eyebrows raised she moved into the center of the mats. "Only if you promise not to hold back."

"As the Lieutenant said, it would dishonor a master to do less. I have reached the advocate level."

Bowing, they began to circle each other, testing the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Christine knew that Sarek was stronger than she was but she had youth and quickness on her side. Her weakness was that she hadn't slept in so long that she wasn't sure if she would be able to last very long. She knew with him she would not be thinking of her next move until it was time to do it. Finally she would be able to use the knowledge Wantran had given her.

She led with the first thrust and was quickly countered. She felt the pain of the staffs connecting down to her shoulder and each jolt thereafter only add to her pain. She knew that each clang of the wood would stay with her for a day or two. Still she continued, countering each attack as he swung. He was not holding back and she knew that if it didn't end soon she would lose.

She saw the staff coming toward her left side about waist high. Instinct and training took over. She brought the end of her staff down on his using it for support she swung herself up and over. As she hit the ground she brought the other end of her staff around connecting with his legs. He struck the mat with a resounding thud. Christine stepped back breathing heavily. She had definitely had a workout tonight. Sarek came to his feet and bowed.

"Fascinating," he replied, then turned to Spock. "There will be a meeting at 0700 tomorrow. Your mother and I expect to see you later this evening."

Spock nodded and watched as his father and Sevek left the room. Christine could swear that she saw a small smile flit across his face. However, when he turned toward her, there was no trace. His eyebrow was almost reaching his hairline. "At our last lesson, you did not mention that you had studied under Master Wantran as well."

She smiled and leaned on her staff for support. It had taken more from her than she wanted anyone to know. She knew that even at full strength Sarek would have won if she had not have used that little flip at the end. However, right now she just wanted Spock to leave. Mustering what strength she had left, she moved to the corner and placed the staffs in her locker. "No one ever asked me." She shrugged her shoulder and moved toward the changing rooms. "I spent five years with her. She entered me in the Kantz championship games when I was twenty. I took top honors against Soron of Vulcan. Though I went by the name of Wan two at the time." She turned facing him waiting for his reaction.

It wasn't what she expected. "Impressive. You are the only human who has achieved that honor. Though I do not understand why you would change your name. Did you not know the importance of the title?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I was dating Roger at the time and he was not very big on strong women." She waved her hand. "He didn't mind us using our brains a little but God forbid we use some bronze. I guess in a way he is why I did not go on to med school to start with. I..." She shook her head and turned to the doors. "I am too tired to talk and all I seem to do right now is babble. So, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Spock, I think I just might be able to get some sleep."

Spock bowed low and turned to leave. "Thank you for showing me that my father is not always perfect. Also, I seemed to recall you offering another lesson. Perhaps we will be able to do that soon."

* * *

Christine spun around, however the room was empty. She shook her head, realizing some things had changed. Smiling she managed to change then headed to her quarters. She lay down but sleep was a long time in coming and when it did it was filled with images and cries that woke her screaming. Glancing at the clock she realized she had only gotten a half hour sleep. She punched the pillow and tried again. Two hours later she gave up, dressed and headed to the observation room. There was only a few hours to go until shift change.

* * *

Uhura glanced around the bridge. It was turning out to be another boring run. Not that she minded it with all that was going on with Christine. She just hated not having anything to do. Sighing she turned around to glare at Sulu and Chekov who were silently chatting away and pointing at their boards. The Captain had left her in charge while Spock and he attended a briefing with Ambassador Sevek. She shivered at the thought. The man was very polite but tended to make her gut clinch. She knew there was no reason for it but she could not change what her guts thought about the man.

She shook her head and rising made her way to the to men in front. "Is there a problem, boys?"

Sulu smiled up at her and pointed at Chekov's board. "It seems we have a ghost. The readings match ours perfectly only they're about a light year away. We were just deciding whether to tell you or run another test."

Uhura smiled and turned away. "Well, now I know so why don't you run your little test? I want to know what that is by the time the Captain gets back."

Thirty minutes later and they were no closer to what was there than when they started. Chekov turned around, his accent thicker than normal. "There is no way that thing is coming from us. I think we are being followed."

Uhura took a deep breath and called the Captain. When he arrived with Spock, she filled him in on what they knew so far. Spock immediately set to work at the science station, relieving the ensign that was there. Kirk waited patiently while Spock ran his test. Then looked around at his crew. "Suggestions?"

Spock was the first. "We need to get closer to be certain who it is. However, by doing that we take away our element of surprise. I suggest we wait and see what they do. If they are the ones who took Dr. Chapel from the starbase then they will surely try again."

Kirk nodded then turned to Chekov. "I want to know where that ship is at all times. If it gets within transporter range, it might be able to beam her out with our shields up. They had no problem getting through the shields of the starbase."

Chekov nodded and turned back to his board. Shift change would soon be over and he was ready for a good workout. Sulu had promised to teach him some different fencing moves and he was getting good at it. Then he would make a trip to the rec room. The Vulcans had come aboard last night and he had caught a glimpse of the women that had accompanied them. This was definitely going to be a very good trip.

Sulu shook his head and jabbed Chekov in the ribs. The man had not changed at all. The smile on his face let everyone know just where his thoughts were. He knew Chekov loved his job in security but occasionally he would do a stint up on the bridge. As he put it, he wanted to be sure he had a job to go back to in case security didn't work out. Sulu stood and let his relief take over, nudging Chekov again to get his attention. He laughed gently as they moved to the lift. They really needed to get that boy a girl at the next stop.

Uhura joined them in the turbolift and into the mess. Laughter abounded, as in the far corner sat three of the women with a fair amount of the male crew surrounding them. Sulu had heard from Chekov that they were all blonde and a little older than Christine, but he was unprepared for the beauty he saw before him. They seemed to shine and something inside of him yearned to get closer. He shook his head and glanced around the room. It seemed he wasn't the only one affected in that way.

With a gentle hand on Uhura's arm and a tight grip on Chekov, he pushed them back out the door. The longing on Chekov's face was mirrored on his. It was as if they were calling to his soul. Uhura was glancing between him and Chekov. Her words seemed to agitate him. "You two look like your best friend just died."

He shook his head and tried to explain what he felt in there. Chekov could only nod as it dawned on them both that something had to be done and quickly, before the whole male contingent started fighting over those women.

Minutes later the senior officers along with Christine met with Ambassadors Sarek and Sevek. It was agreed that the women could have the deck above the mess to themselves. Dr. McCoy would run some tests on the women to see whether they were doing it on purpose or naturally. Against Ambassador Sevek's protest Christine was giving permission to help. The testing would start immediately.

It didn't take long for McCoy to realize that the women only seemed to have the effect of a siren's song when there was two or more in the same room. However, this did not have the same effect if the third woman was Christine. Finding that small piece allowed them to move on to the next step. One small consolation was that Vulcans seemed to be immune to this. However, he was not taking any chances.

It took McCoy and Chapel a day to find that it was a type of hormone that the women secreted. It was genetically encoded in their DNA. Age-wise, it seemed that Christine was the youngest, born one year after the youngest of the others. The genetic code for this hormone seemed to have been missing in her.

McCoy stared at these findings. All the clues seemed to point to one possible answer, yet he was hesitant to bring it up. He wanted to be absolutely sure of his findings. He knew if he was correct, Christine's whole life was about to be turned upside down.

Christine left sickbay and headed to her quarters. She was supposed to meet Janice there twenty minutes ago. Janice would still be waiting knowing that she would be there soon. As she exited the lift, she passed Spock and his mother. The doors to her quarters opened automatically as she passed its sensor. Racing forward she yelled for Spock before the doors could close all the way.

Spock entered to find her kneeling next to Lieutenant Rand. The woman was pale and barely breathing. Amanda stood in the door watching as they called for a stretcher. Christine continued to work on her friend and co-worker, knowing that it should have been her lying there. A single tear rolled down her cheek as Janice was rushed to sickbay. Spock looked around her quarters, then stared at the far wall. Again the feeling that something wasn't quite right nagged at him, but like before he couldn't see what it was.

The investigation didn't last very long. The ship that had been following them for the last few days had disappeared only to reappear an hour later at the same distance away. Janice had survived, but like Christine she couldn't remember anything. Ambassador Sarek offered his services for a mind meld, hoping that it would give them some clue as to whom they were dealing.

Christine leaned against the door jam watching intently. She had heard Spock mention it and knew he had done a few on Kirk but had never seen it done. As a doctor she was very interested in this procedure and how it would affect a non human. However today she opted for staying back out of everyone's way. Healer Selek was seated on the second bio bed. He would be supervising. McCoy took up a position behind Janice and Sarek. Spock was in McCoy's office talking with the Captain, as they continued to track the other ship. Whoever was trailing them had decided to take their time to move again.

The doors behind Christine opened and the Captain came to a stop beside her. She nodded to him and turned back to watch. Sarek moved forward blocking Janice's face from Christine's view. Though she couldn't see the placing of the hand, she felt it. The words spoken sounded through her mind. Her face paled as she took a hesitant step back. Her eyes met those of Healer Selek and a chill went through her. Her voice was low as she spoke the words at the same time. "My mind to yours mind, my thoughts to your thoughts."

Body trembling, she yelled "no" and turned to flee. She impacted with Spock. Shoving him away she ran out of sickbay as if someone was chasing her. When she entered the observation lounge, she sank into the nearest cubicle.

A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. She turned to see Lady Amanda sitting in the corner. "You seem to be having a lot of problems lately. Would you care to talk? It's the least I can do since you listened to me last time."

Christine smiled and shook her head. "I don't know where to start."

"How about at the beginning? Problems tend to be easier to deal with when shared."

Christine took a deep breath and told her everything that had happened to date. She spoke of the fear and pain, of the voices and sickness, of friends and loved ones. Neither paid attention to the comings and goings that surrounded them. When she could talk no more, they merely sat and gazed at the stars around them. They had dropped out of warp earlier to see if they could improve on the shields and the stars lit the eternal darkness of space.

Amanda's voice was no more than a whisper but cut the silence like a bomb. "Does he know you love him?"

Christine returned her eyes to the stars. "Yes and no. I told him a long time ago, but time changes one's outlook on such things."

"One's outlook, yes, but your heart will not lie." A deep sadness filled her eyes as she gazed at the young woman. "My son is very bright about most things, but somehow I have forgotten to teach him about matters of the heart. I fear he will grow old alone, when I have found that I want grandchildren more than anything else in these last years. Still it is his life even if I don't like the outcome. His father is proud of him and that is all that will matter to him in the long run." Standing she offered Christine her hand. "Why don't we go see how the mind meld went? Maybe they have found out something useful."

Christine shook her head as another shiver ran up her spine. "You go on. I don't want to see them just yet." In silence she watched as Lady Amanda glided from the cubicle to disappear into the darkness of the lounge. Taking a deep breath she stood and ran a hand across the window as if she could grab a star and hold on to it. She jumped as a voice came from out of nowhere. Looking around she saw no one, yet the voice came again over and over as it resounding in her head. It grew louder until she could no longer stand the pain. The darkness from outside seemed to wrap around her, helping her descend into its territory.

Uhura heard the scream and entered the lounge within seconds of the scream dying. Glancing around she detected nothing out of the ordinary. Seconds later the lights had been raised and the room was being searched. A few seconds after that Kirk, McCoy and Spock raced into the room. McCoy grabbed Uhura arm and spun her around. "Did you see Chris?"

"No. I got here as the screams died and there was no one here." She felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on her. The scream had been filled with pain and to know that it had come from her friend made it all the worse. Her eyes met Bones. "She's not on board, is she?"

McCoy rubbed a shaky hand over his face. "No, the computer set the alarms off about the time your call came in."

Uhura sagged into him. "There was so much pain in her scream. It felt like someone was tearing her apart." A tear fell from her brown eyes onto his hand as he ushered her to the nearest seat.

"Just relax and take a deep breath. We know where she is. We just don't know how to get to her."

He glanced up and glared at Spock and Kirk as they joined him. "So, what's going on?"

Kirk shook his head. "The ship disappeared a few seconds before the alarms went off. We don't know where that ship is now. I'll keep you informed as soon as we know anything. The computer is set up to notify the three of us the minute she is returned."

McCoy ran his hand through his graying hair. "Let's just hope they decide to return her. What the hell happened to the damn shields? Don't they work anymore?"

Spock walked over and sat down in the nearest cubicle. "We knew they could get through a starbase's shields. There was a 98% chance that they could get through ours as well. Mr. Scott was working on improving them."

McCoy grabbed Uhura arm and headed for the door. "Well, there is nothing we can do until we find that damn ship. Uhura and I will be in sickbay."

Kirk turned to stare out the window. Once again he felt helpless. Someone had taken a member of his crew and he had always taken that personally. The question now was how to get her back and keep her. He sighed loudly and turned to his first officer. "So what can we do to keep them from getting her again?"

"I suggest she have someone with her twenty-four hours. They have only taken her while she has been alone. The computer said that Healer Selek and my mother where the only other people here before her disappearance and both said they did not hear anything."

Kirk nodded. "So that clears them."

Spock sat forward and placed his fingers under his chin. "You believe that they have help from someone on board." Kirk took it to mean that he had been thinking alone the same line. "I too thought that they had someone helping them. Actually the odds of it are..."

"Spock, all I want to know is a list of people that might be working with them."

Spock nodded and sat back. "I will have it downloaded to your quarters. Healer Selek is on the list, so is Ambassador Sevek. We do not know the speed of that ship but I calculate that it can go at least warp 9.6. That would give both of them enough time to get to Starbase 11 a day before us."

Kirk walked toward the door. "Damn, and here I thought we would only have to worry about the ten people we picked up on Starbase 12. Just how many people are we talking about, Spock?"

"With the twenty women and the Vulcan envoy, it would bring the total to 43, sir."

The doors closed on his parting words leaving Spock to consider them in total darkness. "I want to know who's behind this, no matter what." He gazed out at the stars. Somewhere that ship lay waiting for them. He didn't know where but he knew it was waiting up ahead. Janice had been knocked unconscious seconds after the beam began transport. She had been early and had gone into Christine's room to wait for her. As soon as the doors closed behind her, a light began to dance around her. It had been very painful at the beginning and she remembered hearing a voice telling her to forget but that was all. The next thing she was waking up in sickbay.

He stood and headed out the door. They had to return Christine somewhere and he would be waiting, but first he needed to ask Janice one question. Who had overheard them setting up the date?

An hour later Spock left sickbay with a blanket and some interesting information to sort through. His mother and father had joined Leonard and Nyota in sickbay. He noticed that his mother was taking it hard. She had mentioned the fact that she had talked with Christine for a few hours a couple of nights ago and then again a few minutes before she disappeared. Fleetingly he wondered what they could have in common that would formulate such devotion. It seemed that he would never understand women which he deemed highly illogical. His father informed him that women were one of the only things that logic did not apply to whether they be Vulcan or Human.

It was late into the third shift when Christine reappeared in the observation lounge. Spock was at her side before the beam disappeared. Carefully he wrapped the blanket around her and picked her up. The doors opened as he neared them and in rushed the congregation from sickbay along with the Captain. Spock raised one eyebrow and moved past them.

They fell into step behind him, informing the crew who had been visiting the lounge to go back to what they were doing. Bones' sarcastic words echoed in the corridors, helping release some of the tension. "If this keeps up, she isn't going to have any clothes left. The least they could do is send her back with what she left in." Amanda reached over and took one of his hands in hers as Uhura did the same. Both ignored the tear that rolled down his face.

Everyone was startled by Christine's scream as she swung her hand toward Spock's face. Within seconds she found herself pressed tightly against his body. Her hands were pinned to her side as she tried to get away from the creature that held her. Realizing that her feet were swinging freely she swung them back and then forward, trying to kick her captor in the shins. He was quicker than she was and she found herself caught between the wall and his body as his voice tried to calm her.

Her breathing was ragged as she tried in vain to get away. She felt the cloth that surrounded her to be slipping further down the harder she fought. Suddenly near her ear she heard the soft hiss of a hypo and wondered briefly where it had come from. Slowly her head began to clear and she gazed into two very worried brown eyes. Through the ringing in her ears, she made out the whispered words that brushed her cheek with warmth. "Christine, it's alright. You're safe now."

She groaned loudly as she realized that the warm body pressed so intimately to hers belonged to the one person she didn't want to find her like this. Taking a deep breath she leaned her head back against the wall and tried to move the rest of her. It was at that point that she knew that only Spock's body and the wall kept her from falling. It also was the only thing keeping the blanket in place.

Off to her right she could see Captain Kirk and Leonard. Both wore matching expressions. She closed her eyes and felt the darkness surround her once again.

Voices filtered through her thoughts. Some she knew, some she didn't. All seemed to call to her. Pain filled her as she moved toward the nearest and loudest, yet another called to her soul and briefly she turned to it and felt its fear. Its cry for help ripped through her defenses and tore at her heart. Somehow she knew that she must find the owner of the voice. She had to solve the puzzle, had to fit the small pieces that her mind was desperately trying to hold onto. The answers however were not where they were heading.

The light from the room blinded her as she cried out. "I have to find her. Help us." She sat up and pushed at the hands trying to hold her down. Her breathing heavy, hair disheveled as in wide-eyed amazement she glanced around her. Slowly her whereabouts began to take shape and she took a ragged breath and reached out and grab McCoy's arm. "Leonard?"

His voice was soft and low. "You're on the Enterprise, Chris. Everything's okay, relax and let the medicines do their work."

She shook her head and glanced around the room. She let her eyes settled on the two men standing in the corner. Shaking her head, her eyes never left where Spock and Sarek stood. "No, it'll be too late. I need to talk to Ambassador Sarek and Spock. We can't go to Vulcan."

Spock stepped forward. "Your memory has returned?"

She shook her head. "No, but I know the answers aren't here. Please, if we go there then the dreams will always be there and neither I nor Vulcan will know the truth we all seek."

Sarek moved forward and bowed low. "I must confer with T'Pau before I agree."

Christine nodded. " The only request I make is that T'Pau tell no one of my request not to go to Vulcan." At Sarek's nod she glanced at the Captain. "I know I don't have the right to ask this Captain, but if T'Pau agrees, will you turn the ship around?"

Kirk glanced at Spock and then gave a dip of his head. "If it will solve what is going on, yes, I'll turn around." He glanced at the people in the room. His eyes meeting each ones as he spoke his next words. "I expect that what has been said in here will go no further." Everyone agreed including Sarek and Lady Amanda.

Suddenly the doors open and in rushed Doctors Selar and Selek. Selek stopped and glared at Kirk as Selar rushed to Christine's side. "The computer informed us that she had been returned. How is she doing?" As soon as the words were spoken, the doors opened to admit Ambassador Sevek.

Kirk shook his head and smiled. "Well, now that we are all here, she is fine and in need of rest. So shall we call it a night? Dr. McCoy can take care of his patient without all of us."

McCoy nodded and shooed them out the door. His eyes met Janice and Uhura's as the doors closed behind the others. "Well, if you two are staying, I suggest one of you get some sleep. I'll be back in a few hours. Also I'm putting this room under quarantine. The shields should give you some added protection." Smiling he walked out the door.

He sighed loudly as he stepped into his office. Things would be slow going for a little while. He sat back in his chair and put his feet on his desk.

He didn't budge when the doors opened to admit the Captain and his first officer.

"So, what have you two been up to?"

Jim took a seat and leaned it back on two legs. "Just doing some thinking. Could it be possible that whoever is kidnaping Dr. Chapel put her up to asking us to take her somewhere else?"

Spock took the other seat and rested his chin on steeple fingers. "There is a fifty percent possibility. As in all things, there is no logical way of knowing without doing a mind meld."

"Oh, no, you don't." McCoy's feet hit the floor with a loud thud. "We have no idea how powerful her esper rating is now and if they are controlling her mind then they might be able to get to you. I don't recommend it, nor will I condone it."

Spock raised an eyebrow then leaned back. "Your concern is logical and I will not attempt it. I merely offered it as a course of action that we may have to utilize. Dr. Selar and Dr. Selek are the most sensible choices for such an undertaking. However, they are on the list of possible accomplices."

McCoy rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I just can't believe that Vulcan could somehow be involved in something that so clearly hurts someone else. By the way, when Christine is in sickbay, it almost seems as if something else is there also."

Spock stood and walked toward the door. "I have also noticed such a phenomenon. Every culture has those who digress from the norm. As for Vulcan we are no exception, although ours are not as common as others." The doors closed behind him as he made his way down the empty corridors.

McCoy just shook his head. "I think he wants the answers as much as Chris does." He leaned back and put his feet back on the desk. "I think we are going to have our hands full with them."

Jim stood and began to pace. "I know. I've been waiting for him to mention the mind meld. We talked about it earlier when Dr. Chapel ran out of sickbay. Spock may be the only one she'll trust."

"Yeah, I thought of that too. You know what really bothers me, Jim? Those women they brought on board. They are as much a part of this as Chris and the Vulcans, but they don't seem to care. It's like a part of them is missing."

"What do you mean Bones?"

McCoy shook his head. "I hate to sound cliché but to steal an old saying from the 20th century, they are the equivalent of a dumb blonde." Placing his hands behind his head, he looked up at the ceiling. "Twenty women with no brains, what a waste."

Kirk stopped and smiled at him. "That depends on how you look at it. Some would love the idea. Especially with the hormones they produce."

That caught Bones attention. His feet hit the floor as his hands hit the desk. "That was the other thing I wanted to talk with you about. Those hormones are only produced by Deltans. And then we have their physical shapes which are perfect in all proportions. Got me to thinking so I ran a few test and matched some data. You wouldn't believe the genes those women carry. Even Chris has them though someone did a much better job at it with her."

Jim turned and took his seat. "Does Spock know about this?"

McCoy punched a button on his files and nodded his head. "Yep, seems he just got my message."

Jim leaned back trying to make himself comfortable for what he took would be a long conversation.

"All right, out with it. Just how many different species are we talking about?"

McCoy shook his head. "We're not completely sure. We've counted five but there are ten other genes that we've never seen before. Of the ones we are sure of, four of them have a high esper rating. They consist of Vulcans, Deltans, Melkot, Kaferians. Add to that the one planet in the Federation that is genetically perfect."

"Ilyria?"

"Yep. I heard Captain Pike's first officer was from there. They are perfect and designed to fulfill certain jobs in that society. About sixty years ago, they broadened their codes to allow for people to go off planet without interrupting their society. Seems to have paid off for them."

"Any guess of the other genes inside them?"

"Oh, I have a few ideas but I'd like to get some sample to be sure. One thing, there is three years' difference between the youngest of them and Christine.

She just might be their last experiment before something went wrong. If that's the case, she might know something that they want kept quiet." He rubbed a hand over weary eyes. "Then again they might need her to continue, by seeing what she can tolerate and is capable of they can create better and brighter beings than their first batch."

* * *

Spock waited patiently at the transporter, awaiting the return of his father. T'Pau had requested that he accompany the Enterprise on its current mission. However, she wished to speak to him first. Spock had met with her briefly before returning to the ship to oversee the transfer of the women. His mother had requested to stay onboard and await Sarek's return. Spock's curiosity had been peaked this trip and he was finding it difficult not to find fault with the way Vulcan had handled the crisis twenty years earlier. He still had no information on what happened all those years ago but T'Pau's reaction to his question had been enough of an answer. It was time he and his father had a nice long talk.

The ship that had been following them was still waiting out beyond Vulcan's sensor range. Spock had told the Captain that it would wait for them there. Dr. Chapel would be safe for the time being. He knew that there were Vulcans on board but he needed proof. Actually they needed to find out who had started all of this and where he was right now. The other part of this trip that he found interesting was their heading. Christine had been unable to give them an exact location, just a direction to take from here. She was the other part that interested him. Lately she had surprised him in quite a few things. He had always been attracted to her but knew that it could never go any further and, with her attraction to him, he had avoided her. Now he realized that she wasn't what he had thought. A part of him warned him not to get much closer but another part wanted answers to more than just her past.

His thoughts were interrupted by the intercom. Lt. Uhura's musical voice filled the room. "Mr. Spock, Ambassador Sarek requests three to beam aboard, sir."

Spock tilted his head to the right then acknowledged her. In seconds his hands sped across the board and the lights sparkling on the pad began to take shape. He had been correct. When the forms on the pad had finally taken shape, there stood his father along with Ambassador Sevek and Healer Selek. He was informed that they would be accompany them on this part of the journey since they knew more about the goings on inside these women's mind. Dr. Selek had been dealing with them for the last twenty years. At Spock's questioning look at his father, Sarek nodded and stepped through the doors with Spock close behind. After everyone had been returned to their quarters Spock and his father headed for the briefing room.

Sarek took the seat nearest the door and waited while Spock took his. The two sat facing each other as if gauging an opponent. Sarek took a deep breath and steepled his fingers. With eyes closed, he began in his ambassador's voice.

"Twenty years ago on a planet that Sevek, Selek and I were visiting, I found a young child. Next to her were three bodies. One was T'Lar, daughter of T'Ser, sister to T'Par. The other two were Vulcan-related. After tests were run, it was shown that both were related to T'Lar -- one, a daughter whom we called T'Ral and the other a granddaughter San. Though both had been genetically tampered with, the granddaughter was more human than Vulcan. Only San was proven to have carried a child. That meant that T'Ral and San had been genetically produced from T'Lar's genes."

His eyes met those of his son. Spock nodded for him to continue. There was no use in asking questions without knowing all the information. He watched as his father rose and stepped to the far wall. With hands behind his back he turned toward him. "Throughout our investigation the child kept repeating that she had to find them. Eventually we found the underground lab on Sierra 3. There were forty children ranging in age from ten to eighteen. San's daughter was the youngest at seven. Later tests would show that she was the only one not born from a test tube. Her father was found on Sierra 3 two weeks later. It seems that all four adults had been murdered. The planet we were visiting held an inquiry into the deaths. Their law states that no outsider can conduct an investigation into a murder. Their murders remain unsolved to this day. We took all the children back to Vulcan where they were reconditioned. It seems that they were bred to hate Vulcans in any form and would become quite violent around us. The people on Sierra 3 would tell us nothing other than the fact that the people that ran the lab looked very much like us. The planet is uncivilized and lawless and further investigation was proven illogical at that time."

Spock raised an brow and leaned back. "You said that further investigation was illogical at that time. You went back?"

Sarek nodded. "Your mother insisted that we do what we could to help the children. It seemed illogical but then humans can be at such times and she had a weakness for one of them in particular. She was with me when the child was found."

"Christine... Mother always liked that name."

Sarek nodded. "Yes and now that she knows what has become of her she wishes to help. Even before that she would see a blonde child and ask about them. We went back to Sierra 3 five years ago. An old woman remembered us and told us that the lab had recently been visited by the others. I checked with Sevek and Selek and found that they had continued with the investigation and were checking to see if the owners had returned. They had not."

Spock nodded and stood. "Twenty years later and you may be able to find who did this. Interesting." Bowing he turned to the door. "Dr. Chapel should be informed of this. I leave the choice up to you."

The doors swished shut behind him as he made his way to the bridge. He needed time to think through this new information but duty called and it could wait for a few hours.

* * *

Christine stared at the doors as they closed behind Sarek. Slowly she turned to look at his wife. "So everything I have grown up believing is false. The Chapels aren't my parents?"

Amanda shook her head and squeezed her hand. "I wish there was another way to tell you but Sarek doesn't always understand that tact is sometimes needed for things like this. Remember, even though they are not your biological parents, they did love you." She leaned forward and patted her hand. "If there is anything I can do to help..."

Christine shook her head and turned away. Right now she just wanted to be alone but since they had broken orbit an hour ago, she knew that would be impossible unless she was sneaky about it.

* * *

McCoy shook his head to try to clear away the images. Spock and Jim had just left after informing them of Sarek's revelation. Things were looking worse and worse. The only thing that made any sense at all was Vulcan's handling of things. Though how they could think that they were involved just because one of the murdered women was a Vulcan, beat him. It would explain why Christine was having such a hard time remembering. If the ones responsible knew she was remembering, would they come after her? Did she know who killed her relatives? Is that why so many were interested in her?

Sighing he stood and walked to the door. There were too many questions and not enough answers. He figured Sarek would be finished soon and headed toward sickbay. Christine could probably need someone to talk after learning about her past. He could only hope that it helped her. His biggest fear was that it would traumatize her if she remembered it too quickly. Though if he knew her, she would be trying to piece together the pieces even before Sarek was finished.

He came to a stop just outside the doors' sensors and took a deep breath. Deep inside he wished that this was all a bad dream and he would wake up tomorrow to find that it had been induced by his alcohol intake. Running his hand through his unkempt hair, he took a step forward and came face to face with Christine.

He knew by the look on her face that he was not supposed to be here. "Going somewhere?" Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she turned around. Leonard kept pace behind her. "You know, Chris, if you want to leave sickbay, I can always find someone to sit with you in your quarters. However, I will have to have the computer keep tabs on you again and that means Spock, too."

He chuckled as her groan reached his ears. "Listen, I know you need some time to think so I'm going to do you a favor. You can leave." She spun around so quickly that he almost ran into her.

"Are you serious?"

He looked into her deep blue eyes. "Yeah, on one condition. You only go where there are other people. You can sit in a quite corner of the rec room and think. No one will bother you. If you go to the observation room, then you have to go with someone else. Deal?"

He smiled as her eyes lit up and she hugged him. "Deal, and thanks, Len."

Shaking his head, he waved a hand at her. "If I didn't you would have found another way out. I suppose you got the computer to believe that Nurse Tenton was you."

She only smiled, kissed his cheek and flew through the doors before he could change his mind. Silently he watched as Amanda stepped out the door behind her.

Suddenly the alarm blared and he cursed softly. That poor computer would need some serious work if he knew her. Automatically he called Spock. Within moments the computer informed him of Christine's whereabouts.

He knew Kirk and Spock would do everything to keep an eye on the unknown ship, which had once again fallen into place parallel to them. Silently he prayed that they could keep Christine safe but wasn't counting on anyone. Rubbing his chin he realized he needed a shave and badly. On his way to his quarters he stopped to consult with the lab. There were a few more tests he wanted them to do today. The last scan he had done on her a couple of days ago didn't match the ones from a week ago. He knew something was different but couldn't quite figure out what it was. The lab should be able to figure it out in a few hours that gave him enough time to shave and eat.

* * *

Christine sat in the far corner of the rec room and listened to Uhura sing. Her soft voice flowed with the music from the lyre almost sounding as one. It had a soothing effect and, though she needed to bring her mind back to her current problems, she knew that she needed to relax more than anything. She closed her eyes and let the music lull her into a semi-conscious state. She could hear others around her but they seemed far away and drifting farther as her mind began its own journey down a long forgotten path.

Suddenly her eyes flew open and she glanced around the room. Her eyes stopped for a brief second on the group of Vulcans standing off to the right of the room. One was Dr. Selek, the others must have been new to the ship because she did not recognize them. As she continued to survey the room, her eyes met those of Ambassador Sevek and Sarek. Sighing she stood and turned to leave only to come face to face with the Captain and Spock.

Kirk smiled slowly and motioned for her to join them. Shaking her head she smiled at him. "Thank you but I think I will go work off some excess energy. It seems I have a lot of it since spending so much time in sickbay."

Nodding Kirk took a seat next to the chess table. "I understand how you feel. I hear you are a Master of Kantz." She nodded as Spock took his seat across from the Captain. "Would you give me a demonstration?"

Christine thought for a moment then nodded. "If I can find a partner, I'd be delighted."

Spock lifted his head and glanced between them. "Will I suffice?" At her nod he continued. "Then we will meet you in the gym in thirty minutes. That should be long enough for our next move."

Jim nodded then rubbed his chin as he stared at the board. Christine turned and headed away. She could hear the whisper of conversation as she went. From the betting, she figured the gym would be quite full of spectators. It would do her body good and maybe afterward she would be able to sleep. Her mind was already going through the motions in her head. She would need all her wits about her on this one. The trick she used with Sarek could not be used again and she needed to try her alternate one. Though she wasn't as proficient with it, the bend still threw her opponent off guard. Tonight she would need every trick she knew.

* * *

Spock had the advantage over Sarek of knowing his opponent as she knew him, but that didn't always mean anything. She realized there was much that neither knew about the other. Today they would pit their strengths and weaknesses against each other in a way she never thought they would. Christine had never thought she would find herself in combat with him let alone with half the crew watching. As she continued stretching, her eyes caught the deep brown eyes of Nyota's, who was walking toward her with Amanda. They both smiled as they reached her side.

Nyota's voice was light and full of laughter. "I placed my bet on you so don't let me down. In fact I think half the female crew picked you."

Lady Amanda leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Spock told your Captain that he might want to bet on you." Chris's eyebrow rose in an exact imitation of Spock's, causing both women to giggle. Amanda pointed at her staff.

"Sarek spoke quite highly of your skill with the Kantain staffs. Not many humans can bring a Vulcan down in battle. I wish you luck."

Chris smiled and glanced around the room. She smiled to herself as an idea began to form in her head. If things went as planned, she would take him out within twenty minutes or he would take advantage of the move and win.

Spock stretched and watched as several crew members tripped over the gravity shelf. He knew that being raised on Vulcan gave him an advantage and she would keep her moves at a level even with his. A Master's job was first and foremost to teach while learning at the same time. For a brief second he let his eyes drift to her. She stood with her back to him as she conversed with Uhura and his mother. Taking a deep breath he picked up the shaft next to his corner and tested it for balance. His brow rose as he noticed the intricate design carved into the center. Small roses entwined with thorns ran down to join with a Le-matya who encircled the staff. He raised a brow, impressed with the delicate and accurate carvings. Did the same hand that held the other staff do such dainty work?

His mind raced at how much he did not know about her. Slowly he looked around the room. His eyes took in the others that he considered his friend and wondered if he knew as little about them as he did about Christine. Slowly he shook his head no. He knew the others pretty well. They would spend time together off duty, which allowed him time to study them. He then realized that Chris kept mostly to herself and was not one to be anywhere near him except in sickbay, and those few times when she had been there he had been engrossed in other things.

Clearing his mind he stepped onto the mat and bowed low to his opponent. The silence that filled the room was interrupted violently by the clash of their staffs. As the jolt shook his body, Spock raised a brow realizing that again he had let size lull him. Logic dictated that he should have remembered how easily she had taken out his father. Though she was human, she had been training in Vulcan gravity and had learned to regulate her breathing to handle the thinner oxygen. As the staffs connected again he brought his thoughts back to the exercise.

He was impressed that each of her moves stayed within his level of training and she had managed to stay within a tight circle in the center of the mats. Though on his last two leaves he had begun training at the next level, he was not certified at that level but he now knew that he would be before they returned to starbase 12.

She lunged at him, throwing him off guard. He swung his staff downward only to find hers already there.

His arms began to ache as the staffs came together time and again. He glanced at her face for a second. Beads of sweat were breaking out on her forehead and her breathing was becoming labored. A small smile lit her face as his eyes met hers. Her staff came forward and arched up toward his shoulder. He countered and spun around behind her only to see her flip through the air and land behind him. With a quick flick of her staff she snapped one of his legs out from under him.

Suddenly they both toppled backwards as the ship shook and the gravity in the room dropped.

Spock found himself lying across her legs. He tried to move but suddenly felt the beginnings of a tr