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. “Spock,” they breathed. “Bones—”
“I’ve got him,” 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 Klingon’s mercy, but Kirk only cared about one body. David’s 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.
“What happened?” he asked Saavik.
“He gave his life to save us,” said Saavik.
Kirk nodded. At least his son had died bravely, protecting people. “Bones?”
“He’s rapidly ageing,” said Bones. “All genetic functions highly accelerated.”
“What about his mind?” said (Y/N) worriedly.
“Pretty much a void,” said Bones. “Just instinct. It seems I’ve got all his marbles.”
(Y/N)’s gaze softened in concern as they looked at Spock.
“He asked for you,” said Saavik.
(Y/N) looked up to her. “He did?”
Saavik nodded. “He is not lost.”
(Y/N) knew she was merely relaying facts, but they suspected some kindness was involved. They nodded, thankful for Saavik’s words.
“Is there anything we can do?” said Kirk.
“Only one thing,” said Saavik. “Get him off this planet. His ageing is part of what’s going on around us.”
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.
“So we still need to get Spock to Vulcan to remove his Katra from Bones and give it back to him,” said (Y/N).
Saavik nodded. “Yes.”
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 sky—the Klingon Bird of Prey.
Well, we’ve already committed a few treaty violations. So have they. And I’m willing to do anything for Spock.
“Klingon Commander, this is Admiral James T. Kirk,” said Kirk. “I’m alive and well on the planet’s 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, ‘C’est la vie.’ ”
(Y/N) raised a brow. It was a unique choice to provoke a Klingon, but psychological games were always effective.
“I have what you want,” said Kirk. “I have the secret of Genesis. You’re gonna have to bring us up there to get it. Do you hear me?” Around them, Genesis trembled. “I’m waiting for you! What’s your answer?”
The earthquake grew stronger, and (Y/N) held onto Spock’s body tighter. They were not losing him again.
“Drop all weapons!”
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.
“Over there.” The Klingon gestured to the side. “All but Kirk.”
The crew obeyed, but as (Y/N) tried to pick up Spock, the Klingon pointed at them.
“Leave the Vulcan,” said the Klingon.
“Why?” demanded (Y/N).
“Because you want him with you,” sneered the Klingon.
(Y/N) curled their hands into fists, eyes flashing angrily. “Let me fight for my Captain and Spock.”
Everyone looked at them in surprise.
“(L/N),” said Kirk.
“Please, Admiral. For Spock,” said (Y/N). They looked at the Klingon. “I was here when Genesis detonated. I understand it.”
“Very well,” said the Klingon.
“(L/N)!” 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.
“Give me Genesis,” said the Klingon.
“It’s all around you. And it’s dying,” said (Y/N). “It’s a failure. What you’re looking for is pointless.”
“It is the ultimate weapon!” said Klingon.
“It is a failed experiment,” said (Y/N) calmly.
They sighed and rolled up their sleeves. The ground shook around them, caving in to reveal fire and lava. Spock’s hair was graying, too. He was almost the age he’d been when they’d lost him. (Y/N) was running out of time to finish things. So they wouldn’t waste anymore.
“We’re both going to die,” said (Y/N). “If we don’t beam out.”
“Then that is how it shall be!” 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. “I’m going to get my husband and leaving here, whether you like it or not!” Their golden eyes glowed brighter, and fear pulsed through the Klingon. “So get out of my way!”
The Klingon wrenched back at the onslaught of terror, tripped over a root, and fell into the lava teeming beneath Genesis’s surface. (Y/N) didn’t waste a second and ran for the top of the hill. They scrambled up the roots and rocks, pulling themself back to Spock’s 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.
l
(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 “kill him” after they got away.
“You made it,” said Kirk in relief.
“Thank god, goldie,” said Bones, staring at them.
“Do we already have control of the ship?” said (Y/N), bewildered.
Kirk sighed. “We will once those three decide what is the anti-matter inducer.”
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.
“This?” said Sulu.
“No, this,” said Chekov.
“That or nothing,” said Scotty decidedly, pressing the button.
“Did it work?” said Kirk, helping (Y/N) support Spock.
“If I’m reading this right, we have full power,” said Sulu.
“Go, Sulu,” ordered Kirk.
Sulu didn’t 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.
“Goodbye, David,” said Kirk softly.
“I’m sorry, Jim,” said (Y/N), resting their hand on his shoulder.
“We are free and clear to navigate,” said Sulu.
“Best speed to Vulcan,” ordered Kirk. “Mr. Chekov, take the prisoner below.”
“Wait! You said you’d kill me!” said the Klingon.
(Y/N) sighed. Klingons and honor and dying.
“I lied,” said Kirk. He wasn’t interested in more death. He looked at (Y/N). “And now we’re going to get to Vulcan.”
(Y/N)’s heart thumped, and they held Spock tightly. They were going to be alright.
l
“Ambassador, they are on approach.” Uhura stood before Sarek. “They’re requesting permission to land.”
“Permission granted,” said Sarek. “Tell them—tell (Y/N) we’ll be ready.”
Uhura smiled and nodded.
l
“Mr. Sulu, you’re on manual,” said Kirk as the Bird of Prey approached Vulcan.
“It’s been a while, sir,” said Sulu. “Here we go.” Carefully, he brought them through the mountains of Vulcan and towards the landing pad where Uhura and the Vulcans were waiting. “Retrothrusters.” Gingerly, he lowered the ship down until they landed properly. Sulu was an expert, even in a ship he’d 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 Spock’s 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.
“Sarek is waiting above,” said Uhura softly, looking at the stairway.
A gong sounded, and (Y/N) nodded. They held Spock’s 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 Spock’s T’hy’la—that 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 Spock’s temples. “Sarek.” 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 Priestess’s voice. “Child of Skon, child of Solkar…the body of your son still lives. What is your wish?”
(Y/N)’s heart skipped a beat, and they looked at Sarek, gaze asking him to help Spock. Sarek looked at them and then to the Priestess.
“It is not my wishes that are needed,” said Sarek. “It is his bonded’s, (Y/N) (L/N), child of Nikomedes. They are the family.”
(Y/N) straightened as everyone looked at them.
“(Y/N) (L/N), child of Nikomedes, the body of your husband still lives. What is your wish?” said the Priestess.
“If there is a way to give him his mind back, I wish for it,” said (Y/N).
Sarek spoke to them. “They ask for the Fal-Tor-Pan. The refusion.”
(Y/N) nodded, not understanding the words but trusting Sarek.
The Priestess’s eyes remained on (Y/N). “What you seek has not been done since ages past and then only in legend. Your request is not logical.”
“It is not. But I am not entirely logical,” said (Y/N) honestly. “I will not pretend to be.”
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. “Who is the Keeper of the Katra?” she asked.
“I am,” said Bones. “McCoy, Leonard H. Son of David.” 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. “McCoy, son of David, since thou art human, we cannot expect thee to understand fully what (L/N) has requested. Spock’s 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.”
Bones didn’t hesitate. “I choose the danger.” He looked at (Y/N) and Kirk incredulously. “Hell of a time to ask.”
(Y/N) smiled slightly, grateful to have such supportive friends.
Sarek gestured for Bones to step forward, and he did.
“My lady priestess,” said (Y/N), and all eyes went to them. They slid Spock’s ring from their finger and held it up. “This is part of our marriage bond, beyond just our minds. And I am an empath. Whatever I can do to steady Spock’s katra or Bones’s mind, I will to ensure they’re both same.”
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.
“Ben, wal, navu,” she said, speaking with purpose.
(Y/N) placed their ring back on their finger and touched Spock’s face with one hand and Bones’s 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.
l
A gong sounded and brought (Y/N) out of the empathic meditation they’d 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.
“Bones. (L/N),” said Kirk as they left. The entire crew was waiting for them, never having left for a moment.
“I’m alright, Jim,” said Bones.
“So am I,” said (Y/N). Their empathy was certainly tired, but it had been used for a good cause. They paused and looked at Sarek. “Will Spock be alright?”
“Time will answer,” 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. “Spock,” they said softly.
Spock turned as if hearing them, and his dark, steady eyes landed on them.
“(Y/N),” said Sarek, and they tore their eyes from Spock’s to look at him. “I thank you. What you’ve done is—”
“There is no world where I would not have fought for him,” said (Y/N) softly. They loved Spock. They always would.
Sarek gazed at them and inclined his head. “Spock chose well.”
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.
“…I know you,” he said.
“You do,” said (Y/N) gently.
“You…fought to bring me back here,” said Spock.
“You would have done the same for me,” said (Y/N).
Spock furrowed his brow slightly. “Why would you have done this?”
(Y/N) slipped his ring from their finger and held it up. “Because sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.”
Spock paused before reaching up and taking the ring. He looked from it and its blue stone to the Vokaya in (Y/N)’s ring to (Y/N)’s golden eyes. He gazed at them intently. “…You’re safe.”
(Y/N) smiled at him with tears shining. “Yes, Spock.”
“And the ship…?” he said.
“It’s safe, Spock. You saved all of us,” said (Y/N), stepping towards him.
“(Y/N),” said Spock, slipping the ring properly onto his finger. (Y/N) felt the bond solidify between them once more. “You are (Y/N). My t’hy’la.” He held out two fingers.
“I am.” (Y/N) touched two fingers to his. “I am.”
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).
“T’hy’la,” he said firmly. This was the person he loved, his spouse, his t’hy’la. Even without his mind, he’d longed for them. His heart always would.
“Always,” 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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