A/N: This will be in Spock's POV, enjoy!
Chapter 14
"Not if you wish the death sentence upon him, Mr. Spock."
The Admiral padded across the room until he stood at the foot of the biobed, eyeing Jim suspiciously, crossing his arms over his chest. Spock stared icily at the man, he understood the Federation viewed the security tapes and it appeared to be Jim causing harm, however, the doctor and he had been debriefed of the situation, testifying that Jim had been innocent. They had been under the assumption that Jim would not be held fully accountable, he was mistaken.
"As First Officer and bond-mate to James Kirk, I obtain the right to monitor the discussion while he is not of optimal health." He folded his arms behind his back, squaring his shoulders as he glared at the man.
"Spock, I—"
"That will not be acceptable." The Admiral cut Jim off, glancing up to Spock before returning his gaze to Jim.
"It is within my rights, Admiral."
"Fine." He barked, "You may stay, but do not test my authority, Mr. Spock." He retorted.
Jim glanced at Spock warily.
Be calm, T'hy'la. I will not allow any harm to come to you.
"Mr. Kirk, as you are aware, the Federation has valid proof to criminalize you."
"Yes." Jim's voice wavered.
"Your crew has been debriefed, and we realize there have been occurrences during your previous five year mission that caused you to make illogical and dangerous decisions as well."
A small smile twitched at Jim's mouth.
"Yes…my First Officer was sure to make me aware of such incidents."
The Admiral nodded.
"We have also revisited your reports of the being 'Khan'."
Jim's eyebrows rose curiously.
"Where are you going with this, Admiral?" He asked tentatively.
"We are wary, Mr. Kirk. We are not sure to hold you fully accountable for the deaths that occurred." He glanced up to Spock, "I understand the Vulcans possess the ability to place…suggestions inside the mind."
Spock felt a wave of anger ignite the bond. It flared over his skin in a tingly heat.
Calm, Jim.
No! I won't let him pin this on you.
"If you're about to suggest what I think you're about to, you better watch yourself." Jim growled at him.
"He has already confessed to messing with your mind." The Admiral replied angrily. "Don't defend him."
"I still killed them, he stopped me. You should be thanking him." Jim's fists clenched tightly, "If you need someone to blame—blame me."
"And what about Khan?"
"I think you know enough about him to make up your own mind." Jim snapped. "I can't prove to you it was Khan controlling me, and I refuse to play this little game with you."
The Admiral was silent for a moment, scanning Jim's face.
"You do understand that I'm the final decision to your fate?"
"I'm aware." Jim looked away from him, glancing up to Spock, fear spilling into his honey eyes.
Spock reached out, grasping his hand tightly. Jim's fear leaked through the bond, uncertain about his future. Spock quickly raised his shields; he felt the same though he didn't want Jim to know. Jim needed him and he couldn't allow his own fear to upset him further.
"The Federation is seeking the death penalty. I was in agreement until recently. However, there needs to be some form of justice." The Admiral spoke softly. "The other option is sentencing you to five years on Rura Penthe."
"No!" Spock snarled and Jim flinched. "I will not allow it."
"What do you suggest, Mr. Spock? This is a serious crime. If anything, I am saving his life."
Spock paused a moment, scanning the Admiral with his eyes. This man who had witnessed what would be only associated as a traumatic event, seemed to be eerily calm, able to meet Jim's eyes without any hesitation. His eyebrow arched, could it be possible?
"Admiral." Spock began, "I find it…fascinating that the decision lies solely in your hands. It is how you say…'ironic' that the other influential parties have perished." He released Jim's hand, striding around the biobed to the man. "You also appear to be anxious for a sentence to be carried out as you were unwilling to wait for him to be released from medical care." Spock stopped within a few inches, glaring down at him.
The Admiral smiled bitterly.
"Are you accusing me of something, Mr. Spock?" He asked icily.
"No, Admiral, I am merely stating an observation." Spock inclined his head, "However, if I can recall correctly, were you not the person who relayed the orders to assist the habitants of the planet?"
What? Jim's confused voice echoed in Spock's mind. I…I don't remember that!
"Yes, but you can't honestly think that I had anything to do with your kidnapping?" He retorted, eyes narrowing.
"Of course not." Spock said mildly. "I would never assume you are capable of such devious behavior. However, it is curious that you had required a meeting with the entire Admiralty without extending invitation to that of Admiral Kirk."
The man's eyes widened, taking a half step backward.
"He was on duty."
Spock nodded.
"Yes. However, is it not protocol for the entire party to be present for conferences?"
The Admiral's body jerked, fist clenching.
"Who are you to question me?" He snarled, "I order you to leave!"
Anger flared through Spock's body. This man had been the cause, had conspired with Khan. He lashed out; grasping a fistful of the man's uniform, hoisting him up off the ground, bringing him within inches of the Vulcan's face.
"The culprit behind this scheme was you." He growled. "You had no intentions of sentencing him, you desired him isolated to end his life, keep him from testifying on his own behalf."
The Admiral smirked.
"And? Who are they going to believe? A love struck Vulcan and the madman who caused multiple deaths and plotted a holocaust or a well-respected Admiral?" He sneered.
"Normally, you would be the preferable choice. However, anticipating your arrival, I asked the good Doctor to monitor Mr. Kirk's health in case his services were needed."
The Admiral gaped at him, face paling.
"You…don't mean…?"
Before he could finish the doors swished open behind them, a group of guards entered lead by a disgruntled doctor who stopped and crossed his arms, glaring.
"I believe the phrase is, 'the cat is out of the bag', Admiral." Spock's voice dropped to a harsh whisper, "You will never harm him again."
Spock keyed in the override to the observation deck knowing full well he would be in it. The lights were off, his body outlined only by the starlight. His hands clasped behind him, a small hunch to his shoulders. Spock maneuvered through the room until he stood inches behind him, waiting.
"Spock." Jim said softly. "Do I really deserve to have it back?"
"The Enterprise has always deserved such a Captain as you, Jim."
Jim turned, tears glittering in the dim light.
"You can't mean that." He whispered.
He lifted his hand, caressing the soft skin of Jim's face.
"A Vulcan never lies." He said gently. "You were not to blame. The appropriate traitor was caught, brought to justice. However, you have still taken the liberty of punishing yourself. Why?"
"They still died by my hands, Spock." His voice wavered as he leaned into the Vulcan, his arms snaking around him. "How…how can…"
"Be still, T'hy'la." Spock soothed, his hand stroking through the softness of Jim's hair. "You are worthy to the ship and its crew simply by your remorse, compassion." He leaned down, placing a kiss into his hair. "And you are worthy as my bond-mate, a lesser man would not have attempted to sacrifice himself."
Jim stiffened for a moment before clutching the back of the Vulcan's uniform, shaking his head against his chest.
"Forgive yourself, T'hy'la. It is over." Spock said gently.
"I'll try." He whispered.
Spock eased Jim away slightly, cupping the side of his face before leaning down, "I cherish thee." He whispered against the Human's lips.
The lips twitched in a small smile as Jim whispered, "Always?"
"Always."
A/N: That's it! Final Chapter! Thank you SO much to all my readers and reviewers for sticking through this till the end. I enjoyed each and every review and am thankful for each follow and favorite! Also a BIG thank you to my husband who reads everything I write (no matter how tired he is).
I will do a Q&A if any of you are interested. You can ask about the story or me as an author. I'll accept up to 15 questions.
Again, thank you and don't forget to review!