Outcasts 1

The prisoners were dazed and dirty, covered with bruises and blood from the crash of their craft and then the subsequent, but ultimately futile, fight with their captors. James T. Kirk and Nyota Uhura were proud officers of the Federation who would fight to the death for their cause, but they were no match for a squadron of fiercely strong, ruthlessly efficient Vulcan soldiers who'd quickly disarmed and chained them securely, arms bound behind them, heavy iron cuffs restricting their ankles and muzzles fastened around their mouths.

"Get up and move." Ordered the leader, pointing a scary looking phaser rifle at them. His five cohorts did the same and Jim awkwardly scrambled to his feet, shooting a worried look at Uhura to make sure she was okay. He couldn't see her mouth under the muzzle, but her cheek moved in a way that suggested she was going to be fine: Irritated, but undamaged.

Jim couldn't believe their simple scout mission had gone so wrong. The stealth cloaking technology was supposed to render them invisible and mostly silent. Evidently the Romulans had shared their new super sensors with their allies much sooner than was thought. They're only started using them weeks ago.

Jim and Uhura, with all their caution had been sitting ducks to the Vulcans and now, he figured his life wasn't worth much. Uhura, being able to speak Vulcan and Romulan, might be useful to them and be spared, but Jim knew he'd been a thorn in their side for a good part of the War and they'd likely end him quickly. It was slightly preferable to being caught by Romulans, who just tortured their captives to death, but Jim felt bad he'd never get to say goodbye to Bones or Scotty. Or his commanding officer. A pang went through him at the thought of Pike being sent the photographic evidence of Jim's death. (Vulcans were considerate like that. They didn't like leaving any doubts.)

They were herded into hover cars and driven ten miles or so to the headquarters in Shikhar.

Jim knew they were going to be brought before the emperor and he quailed a little inside. Sarek was ice cold and brooked no opposition. He'd either have them both killed at once, or locked up for life. Given that they were spies, Jim guessed that the former was more likely.

They were marched into a cool stone building and made to wait while their guards sent messages to the emperor informing him of their capture. Jim tested the strength of his cuffs and was most depressed and impressed by the extremely solid design. Vulcans knew what they were doing, all right.

A nudge at his back told him it was time to move. They were led into a dark candle lit room in front of a dais on which sat three very important Vulcans. Jim recognized them as General Sopek, General Selek, and most terrifying of all Emperor Sarek. He was clothed in rich purple robes and his greying

hair hung down his back in the imperial Vulcan custom. Multiple piercings adorned his ears and his hands showed the ritual tattoos of his clan. He eyed them with triumph and suspicion.

"What have we here?" He asked sternly. Jim and Nyota of course couldn't answer.

"Federation spies, my liege," answered the guard. "This one is the infamous James Tiberius Kirk."

Sarek's eyes glistened with something that made Jim nervous.

"I see. Who is the female?"

"We have not interrogated her yet, my Lord."

"How careless of you, Sarnok," rebuked the emperor. "Do you not remember what happened the last time we underestimated their women?"

Jim grinned inwardly. A mostly female unit on the good ship Intrepid had taken out a heavily manned Vulcan warship over earth last year in a shocking result that sent the Vulcans reeling back for months.

"Remove their muzzles. I have questions for the human spies." Sarek ordered.

"Yes, my lord." Jim heard a click as his gag was released.

"Now, humans. You will answer my questions. Refusals and lying will only result in your death being more painful. Sarnok will judge if you are being truthful."

Jim blanched at the threat of mind melds. Who knew what information the Vulcans could pry out of him that way. Their telepathy gave them a decided advantage in certain aspects.

"First: state your name."

"Captain James Tiberius Kirk."

"And you, madam?"

"Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, oh honored one."

Uhura spoke in Vulcan and that clearly surprised the guards, though Sarek gave no indication.

"What were you doing here?"

"A reconnaissance mission," Jim admitted, as the blade of a knife hovered a little too close to Uhura's throat.

"How audacious of you. Did your commanding officer WANT you to die?"

"No, your highness," Jim admitted, "we underestimated your sensor technology and I was rather...careless."

"You are known for your audacity and arrogance as much as for you brains and skill. Unfortunately, it has led to your downfall. The council will decide what kind of death to grant you. The woman will be sent to the caves to live with the Beast. I am certain he will be feeling the need for a...companion soon."

Jim was horrified.

"You're gonna feed her to a monster?" He blurted, as the guards surrounded them to drag them out.

"Hardly. She will have a long life in seclusion with him. He isn't a monster, merely an outcast. But that is none of your concern now."

"Jim!" Uhura cried as she was dragged away.

"I'm sorry I got you into this, Ny!" He called back desperately. "It was nice serving with you, in case I don't see you alive again."

She choked down a sob. "Goodbye, Jim. You were a good captain. I'll never forget you, even if you were a brat!"

The sound of the clinking of her chains decreased as the guards hauled her back outside. Jim stood there, guilty and terrified, hoping they'd kill him quickly.

"Lock him in a cell until the council decides his fate," ordered the Emperor.

Jim didn't even put up a token fight when they grabbed hold of him this time.