Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1

In the name of thy father

Chapter 8

Kirk was pacing sickbay as Sarek and Amanda waited patiently together in McCoy's office. He insisted once they beamed up with Spock that they take this time together privately. Amanda looked the worst for wear, what ever joy she felt as Sarek's return quickly turned into sorrow while she watched as McCoy desperately worked to save the life of her son. Kirk shuddered at the horrific images still fresh in his mind. The knife protruding from his friend's chest, green blood soaking the site of the wound as Spock hemorrhaged, and Kirk realized grimly that he was bleeding to death right before their eyes. McCoy directed the medical team in the transporter room with lightening fast speed and before Kirk knew it, the doctor was in surgery.

Kirk shut out the images once more as McCoy exited the surgery ward. Kirk waited for McCoy to speak as he leaned wearily against the wall.

"Well," Kirk asked finally.

"He's out of immediate danger," McCoy muttered. "As long as there's no post operative complications with that damn crazy half human, half Vulcan anatomy of his."

"Bones," Kirk said lightly. He indicated the approach of Spock's parents with a tilt of his head.

McCoy forced himself to stand up right. "I meant no offense, Ambassador," he said.

Sarek slightly tilted his head in acknowledgement. "We understand our son is, unique," Sarek said. Kirk noticed a change in Amanda as she stepped forward and touched her first and second finger to her husband. He could only surmises as to the change, but he'd bet anything it had to do with their bond.

"Yeah," McCoy replied. "He can also be incredibly stupid."

"Indeed," Sarek said. "His actions were extremely illogical."

"Sarek," Amanda said shocked. "How could you say such a thing? Spock possibly saved your life, again."

Sarek turned to his spouse. "Illogical, yes," he said, "but appreciated nonetheless.'

Amanda smiled at his words. They looked to the door as Admiral Komack entered the main ward of sickbay.

"Admiral," Kirk said surprised. "What brings you here, Sir?"

"Captain," Komack said. "I've been sent on behalf of Starfleet and the Federation to take a statement from Ambassador Sarek."

"Yes," Sarek said. "I believe an explanation is necessary." Sarek stepped away from his wife momentarily to gather his thoughts. "I was approached by the Vulcan embassy several days ago. Apparently, someone had accessed several top secret files. We had within our mists, a spy," he said and continued. "I was given some information and I went in search of the truth."

"And what was the information, Ambassador," Komack asked.

"That Stonn was not Vulcan," Sarek said, "but rather Romulan."

"And were you able to ascertain the truth," Komack asked.

"Indeed I did," Sarek said. "Selok is Stonn's brother. He was more than willing to help me expose him for the traitor that he was, but before we could return. I was captured by a band of renegade Romulans."

"What about Spock," Kirk said. "He's still charged with treason."

Sarek withdrew from his robe a disk and handed it to the Captain. "This should exonerate my son, Captain," he said. "The disk the Romulan's have contains nothing more than simple mathematical equations. Selok was able to exchange them before he handed it over to the renegade's for the bond and my life. Once the Romulan's got the disk in their possession, they released me and Selok helped me make a quick escape."

Kirk handed the disk over to Admiral Komack. "I'll see to it that the Vulcan authorities drop the charges against your son, Ambassador," Komack said. "And I'm sure that once Starfleet and the Federation hear of this information and it's verified by the Vulcan Authorities, Spock will be allowed to resume his duties in Starfleet."

"Most kind of you, Admiral," Sarek replied.

"Captain," Komack said to Kirk. "I'll be in touch."

Kirk nodded and turned back to Sarek and Amanda as the Admiral left sickbay.

"Well," Kirk said. "I for one am glad this whole mess is almost over." McCoy knew he was referring to Spock's condition.

As if they were thinking alike, Sarek asked, "May we see our son, Doctor."

"Of course," McCoy said. "Doctor M'Benga is with him, Spock went into the healing trance shortly after surgery."

McCoy pointed the way and turned back to the Captain as Spock's parents entered the next room. "I don't know about you, Jim," he said tiredly. "But I need a drink."

"Bones," Kirk said with a smile. "You took the words right outa my head."

-

"Check mate, Spock," Kirk said. He and Spock and McCoy were sitting in one corner of the rec room. They had beamed back up to the ship from Sarek and Amanda's home after dinner. Enterprise was in orbit circling Vulcan and they had just learned that Spock and Sarek had been exonerated on all charges. Spock would be free to resume his duties in Starfleet starting tomorrow.

"Most disturbing," Spock said absently.

"What's that, Spock," Kirk asked. He knew Spock's mind had not been on the game.

"How easy it was for Stonn to pass himself off as a Vulcan," Spock replied thoughtfully.

"I don't see anything disturbing about it, Spock," McCoy said, as he got up. Spock crocked an eyebrow as the Doctor continued. "You do it all the time."

Kirk laughed as Spock looked at his friend with a sidelong glance and allowed himself the smallest smile.