Logos and Pathos (Book 4) Chapter Fifteen
TOS! Spock x Empath! Spouse! Reader
Chapter Fifteen: Reversing Loss
Summary: The crew has Spock in sight. But is he the same Spock they lost?
           As the Enterprise crew approached the group of lifeforms, they slowed, keeping to the woods and trees for cover. Only a single Klingon was left, and he had Saavik and Spock at phaser-point. Instantly, Kirk ran out with his own phaser. The Klingon turned on them, phaser drawn, and Kirk fired. The Klingon was hit and went flying. He hit the ground, dead. Saavik and Spock were left free.
           (Y/N) ran fastest and fell to their knees beside Spock, who was unconscious on the ground. âSpock,â they breathed. âBonesââ
           âIâve got him,â said Bones, scanning Spock instantly.
           Kirk looked around himself at the camp. Several Klingons were dead from the fight that had left Saavik and Spock at the final Klingonâs mercy, but Kirk only cared about one body. Davidâs lay in the grass, and Kirk knelt beside him, gazing mournfully at the body of his son. Honorably, he took off his jacket and covered David in it. Then, he rose and returned to his crew.
           âWhat happened?â he asked Saavik.
           âHe gave his life to save us,â said Saavik.
           Kirk nodded. At least his son had died bravely, protecting people. âBones?â
           âHeâs rapidly ageing,â said Bones. âAll genetic functions highly accelerated.â
           âWhat about his mind?â said (Y/N) worriedly.
           âPretty much a void,â said Bones. âJust instinct. It seems Iâve got all his marbles.â
           (Y/N)âs gaze softened in concern as they looked at Spock.
           âHe asked for you,â said Saavik.
           (Y/N) looked up to her. âHe did?â
           Saavik nodded. âHe is not lost.â
           (Y/N) knew she was merely relaying facts, but they suspected some kindness was involved. They nodded, thankful for Saavikâs words.
           âIs there anything we can do?â said Kirk.
           âOnly one thing,â said Saavik. âGet him off this planet. His ageing is part of whatâs going on around us.â
           A few meters away, a small sinkhole opened up, and Genesis crumbled in. Flames shot out moment later. It seemed David had spoken the truth; the Genesis experiment was a failure.
           âSo we still need to get Spock to Vulcan to remove his Katra from Bones and give it back to him,â said (Y/N).
           Saavik nodded. âYes.â
           Kirk looked around for inspiration and picked up a Klingon communicator. He made eye-contact with his crew, and they nodded. They trusted whatever decision he made. And there was only one ship left in the skyâthe Klingon Bird of Prey.
            Well, weâve already committed a few treaty violations. So have they. And Iâm willing to do anything for Spock.
           âKlingon Commander, this is Admiral James T. Kirk,â said Kirk. âIâm alive and well on the planetâs surface. I know this will come as a pleasant surprise to you. Our ship was the victim of an unfortunate accident. Sorry about your crew, but, as we say on Earth, âCâest la vie.â â
           (Y/N) raised a brow. It was a unique choice to provoke a Klingon, but psychological games were always effective.
           âI have what you want,â said Kirk. âI have the secret of Genesis. Youâre gonna have to bring us up there to get it. Do you hear me?â Around them, Genesis trembled. âIâm waiting for you! Whatâs your answer?â
           The earthquake grew stronger, and (Y/N) held onto Spockâs body tighter. They were not losing him again.
           âDrop all weapons!â
           The crew whirled to find a Klingon with a phaser pointed directly at them. Kirk obeyed, tossing his phaser to the ground. It was time to risk everything.
           âOver there.â The Klingon gestured to the side. âAll but Kirk.â
           The crew obeyed, but as (Y/N) tried to pick up Spock, the Klingon pointed at them.
           âLeave the Vulcan,â said the Klingon.
âWhy?â demanded (Y/N).
âBecause you want him with you,â sneered the Klingon.
           (Y/N) curled their hands into fists, eyes flashing angrily. âLet me fight for my Captain and Spock.â
           Everyone looked at them in surprise.
           â(L/N),â said Kirk.
           âPlease, Admiral. For Spock,â said (Y/N). They looked at the Klingon. âI was here when Genesis detonated. I understand it.â
           âVery well,â said the Klingon.
           â(L/N)!â said Kirk in alarm.
           But the Klingon spoke into his communicator, and the crew began to dematerialize. (Y/N) just kept their gaze on the Klingon.
           âGive me Genesis,â said the Klingon.
           âItâs all around you. And itâs dying,â said (Y/N). âItâs a failure. What youâre looking for is pointless.â
           âIt is the ultimate weapon!â said Klingon.
           âIt is a failed experiment,â said (Y/N) calmly.
           They sighed and rolled up their sleeves. The ground shook around them, caving in to reveal fire and lava. Spockâs hair was graying, too. He was almost the age heâd been when theyâd lost him. (Y/N) was running out of time to finish things. So they wouldnât waste anymore.
           âWeâre both going to die,â said (Y/N). âIf we donât beam out.â
           âThen that is how it shall be!â said the Klingon.
           He rushed them, and (Y/N) took the hit. They tumbled down a hill with the Klingon, rocks scraping their back and side. (Y/N) hit the bottom where a rift was opening up and scrambled away from the heat. The Klingon grabbed their leg, dragging them back, and (Y/N) kicked him. He tore at their uniform, pulling them under him to strangle them.
           (Y/N) placed two fingers on his head as they strangled them. âIâm going to get my husband and leaving here, whether you like it or not!â Their golden eyes glowed brighter, and fear pulsed through the Klingon. âSo get out of my way!â
           The Klingon wrenched back at the onslaught of terror, tripped over a root, and fell into the lava teeming beneath Genesisâs surface. (Y/N) didnât waste a second and ran for the top of the hill. They scrambled up the roots and rocks, pulling themself back to Spockâs side. His features were not his own, the dignified, wise age of their husband. (Y/N) smiled at him, held onto him, and picked up the remaining communicator. Taking a deep breath, (Y/N) copied the order the Klingon had given to get the crew beamed up.
           (Y/N) held Spock close, and as the world caved in around them, they closed their eyes. Whatever happened, they had Spock. That was all that mattered.
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           (Y/N) and Spock rematerialized on board the Klingon vessel, and (Y/N) looked around themself, instantly on edge. They were on the Bridge, but no one was fighting. In fact, the only Klingon was handcuffed. Kirk had already taken control of the situation and defeated the remaining Klingon, promising to âkill himâ after they got away.
           âYou made it,â said Kirk in relief.
           âThank god, goldie,â said Bones, staring at them.
           âDo we already have control of the ship?â said (Y/N), bewildered.
           Kirk sighed. âWe will once those three decide what is the anti-matter inducer.â
           Chekov, Sulu, and Scotty were huddled around a control panel. (Y/N), filled with adrenaline at being alive and having Spock, let out a surprised laugh.
           âThis?â said Sulu.
           âNo, this,â said Chekov.
           âThat or nothing,â said Scotty decidedly, pressing the button.
           âDid it work?â said Kirk, helping (Y/N) support Spock.
           âIf Iâm reading this right, we have full power,â said Sulu.
           âGo, Sulu,â ordered Kirk.
           Sulu didnât have to be told twice. He punched it, and the Klingon Bird of Prey flew away from Genesis as fast as possible as the planet swallowed itself up into a mass of magma.
           âGoodbye, David,â said Kirk softly.
           âIâm sorry, Jim,â said (Y/N), resting their hand on his shoulder.
           âWe are free and clear to navigate,â said Sulu.
           âBest speed to Vulcan,â ordered Kirk. âMr. Chekov, take the prisoner below.â
           âWait! You said youâd kill me!â said the Klingon.
           (Y/N) sighed. Klingons and honor and dying.
           âI lied,â said Kirk. He wasnât interested in more death. He looked at (Y/N). âAnd now weâre going to get to Vulcan.â
           (Y/N)âs heart thumped, and they held Spock tightly. They were going to be alright.
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           âAmbassador, they are on approach.â Uhura stood before Sarek. âTheyâre requesting permission to land.â
           âPermission granted,â said Sarek. âTell themâtell (Y/N) weâll be ready.â
           Uhura smiled and nodded.
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           âMr. Sulu, youâre on manual,â said Kirk as the Bird of Prey approached Vulcan.
           âItâs been a while, sir,â said Sulu. âHere we go.â Carefully, he brought them through the mountains of Vulcan and towards the landing pad where Uhura and the Vulcans were waiting. âRetrothrusters.â Gingerly, he lowered the ship down until they landed properly. Sulu was an expert, even in a ship heâd never been in before.
           Solemnly, (Y/N) stood and, together with their friends, picked up the cot with Spock on it. They walked down the gangplank silently, approaching the awaiting Vulcans in their ritual regalia. Torches lined a path over the mountains, a fountain stood before them, and every Vulcan was ready for Spockâs Katra to be honored.
           Uhura and two guards stepped forward to them. She hugged (Y/N), understanding the emotional turmoil they were still going through, and (Y/N) held her in return.
           âSarek is waiting above,â said Uhura softly, looking at the stairway.
           A gong sounded, and (Y/N) nodded. They held Spockâs cot tighter, and they led the trek forward. This was for Spock. This was for their husband. This was for the man they loved.
           They stepped towards the stairs, and several Vulcan attendants interceded, taking the cot from them. Sarek held up a hand, and the Vulcans paused, allowing (Y/N) to remain beside them as they walked. (Y/N) was Spockâs Tâhyâlaâthat would be respected at this ceremony.
           (Y/N) watched him be carried before a Priestess and laid down so she could examine in. Their hand hovered over their ring, trying to assure Spock they were there, with him, always.
           The Priestess raised a hand and touching Spockâs temples. âSarek.â She spoke evenly, voice echoing in the silence. The attendants raised a single hand each, the white dresses fluttering around them as if moved by the Priestessâs voice. âChild of Skon, child of SolkarâŠthe body of your son still lives. What is your wish?â
           (Y/N)âs heart skipped a beat, and they looked at Sarek, gaze asking him to help Spock. Sarek looked at them and then to the Priestess.
           âIt is not my wishes that are needed,â said Sarek. âIt is his bondedâs, (Y/N) (L/N), child of Nikomedes. They are the family.â
           (Y/N) straightened as everyone looked at them.
           â(Y/N) (L/N), child of Nikomedes, the body of your husband still lives. What is your wish?â said the Priestess.
           âIf there is a way to give him his mind back, I wish for it,â said (Y/N).
           Sarek spoke to them. âThey ask for the Fal-Tor-Pan. The refusion.â
           (Y/N) nodded, not understanding the words but trusting Sarek.
           The Priestessâs eyes remained on (Y/N). âWhat you seek has not been done since ages past and then only in legend. Your request is not logical.â
           âIt is not. But I am not entirely logical,â said (Y/N) honestly. âI will not pretend to be.â
           The Priestess raised a brow, impressed by the straightforward answer. (Y/N) did not hide behind pretense. The Vulcans could at least respect that, if not logic. âWho is the Keeper of the Katra?â she asked.
           âI am,â said Bones. âMcCoy, Leonard H. Son of David.â He spoke awkwardly, but he was as firm in his desire to help Spock as any of the others.
           The Priestess now gazed at him. âMcCoy, son of David, since thou art human, we cannot expect thee to understand fully what (L/N) has requested. Spockâs body lives. With your approval, we shall use all our powers to return to his body that which you possess. But McCoy, you must now be warned! The danger to thyself is as grave as the danger to Spock. You must make the choice.â
           Bones didnât hesitate. âI choose the danger.â He looked at (Y/N) and Kirk incredulously. âHell of a time to ask.â
           (Y/N) smiled slightly, grateful to have such supportive friends.
           Sarek gestured for Bones to step forward, and he did.
           âMy lady priestess,â said (Y/N), and all eyes went to them. They slid Spockâs ring from their finger and held it up. âThis is part of our marriage bond, beyond just our minds. And I am an empath. Whatever I can do to steady Spockâs katra or Bonesâs mind, I will to ensure theyâre both same.â
           The Priestess regarded them thoughtfully before inclining her head. (Y/N) was allowed to approach with Sarek and Bones. The other crew members were escorted out of the ritual hall to await the results.
           (Y/N) barely noticed as they walked to the podium. Bones lay down beside Spock and closed his eyes. The Priestess stood over them both, the wide sleeves of her robes draping across them.
           âBen, wal, navu,â she said, speaking with purpose.
           (Y/N) placed their ring back on their finger and touched Spockâs face with one hand and Bonesâs shoulder with the other. Closing their eyes, they focused their empathy on their husband and the bond they could still feel with him.
            Come, Spock. Come back to me. Come back. I love you.
           It was all they wanted.
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           A gong sounded and brought (Y/N) out of the empathic meditation theyâd been in. Their eyes snapped opened to find sunlight filtering through the clouds onto them, Spock, and Bones.
           Sarek stepped back from the podium, and the Priestess took her hands away. (Y/N) stood and walked down the stairs. They understood that all that could be done had. Now it was time to wait. Slowly, Bones opened his eyes and sat up. (Y/N) supported him and helped him down the stairs until he could stand. Together, they exited the ritual room. (Y/N) looked back at Spock lying on the podium.
            Please. They reached out through the marriage bond one last time. Come back to me, Spock.
           âBones. (L/N),â said Kirk as they left. The entire crew was waiting for them, never having left for a moment.
           âIâm alright, Jim,â said Bones.
           âSo am I,â said (Y/N). Their empathy was certainly tired, but it had been used for a good cause. They paused and looked at Sarek. âWill Spock be alright?â
           âTime will answer,â said Sarek.
           (Y/N) turned around, and their eyes widened. Spock was standing and being clad in a white robe. On their left hand, their ring felt warmer. âSpock,â they said softly.
           Spock turned as if hearing them, and his dark, steady eyes landed on them.
           â(Y/N),â said Sarek, and they tore their eyes from Spockâs to look at him. âI thank you. What youâve done isââ
           âThere is no world where I would not have fought for him,â said (Y/N) softly. They loved Spock. They always would.
           Sarek gazed at them and inclined his head. âSpock chose well.â
           Two attendants guided Spock down the stairs before leaving him. He stood in the white robe and was escorted past the crew. Each member of the Enterprise crew kept their eyes on him the entire time, and (Y/N) twisted their ring.
           Spock passed each crew member, and he looked at them. His eyes landed on (Y/N), and he paused. He turned to them fully, and (Y/N) gazed back. Slowly, Spock shed the hood of his cloak, and sunlight hit his face. (Y/N) looked back at him warmly. Spock took a few steps towards them.
           ââŠI know you,â he said.
           âYou do,â said (Y/N) gently.
           âYouâŠfought to bring me back here,â said Spock.
           âYou would have done the same for me,â said (Y/N).
           Spock furrowed his brow slightly. âWhy would you have done this?â
           (Y/N) slipped his ring from their finger and held it up. âBecause sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.â
           Spock paused before reaching up and taking the ring. He looked from it and its blue stone to the Vokaya in (Y/N)âs ring to (Y/N)âs golden eyes. He gazed at them intently. ââŠYouâre safe.â
           (Y/N) smiled at him with tears shining. âYes, Spock.â
           âAnd the shipâŠ?â he said.
           âItâs safe, Spock. You saved all of us,â said (Y/N), stepping towards him.
           â(Y/N),â said Spock, slipping the ring properly onto his finger. (Y/N) felt the bond solidify between them once more. âYou are (Y/N). My tâhyâla.â He held out two fingers.
           âI am.â (Y/N) touched two fingers to his. âI am.â
           Spock pressed his fingers back before looking back at the others. Bones winked and tapped his forehead. Uhura, Sulu, Scotty, and Kirk grinned. Saavik nodded to him. Spock looked back at (Y/N).
           âTâhyâla,â he said firmly. This was the person he loved, his spouse, his tâhyâla. Even without his mind, heâd longed for them. His heart always would.
           âAlways,â said (Y/N), pulling Spock in.
           And Spock pulled them in right back. In both Vulcan and Celian manners, he kissed them. Spock was back. (Y/N) and Spock were reunited.
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