Freeze and Thaw
By Laurie D. Haynes

     Sitting in the Kzinti council chamber, Kirk shivered from
more than the cold air. His associate in the negotiations was
freezing him out.
     Kirk recalled when Sarek beamed aboard the Enterprise. At
that time, the admiral attributed Sarek's aloof demeanor to
typical Vulcan non-emotionalism. As the trip to Kzin progressed,
Kirk came to realize Sarek was avoiding him. Even when he tried
to discuss the upcoming negotiations, the ambassador would only
give him terse answers, then excuse himself, saying he had
matters to attend to. Kirk wished Amanda had accompanied her
husband. He might have been able to gain her help with Sarek.
     Finally, the admiral consulted with his first officer about
his father. While playing their nightly game of chess, Kirk
brought up the subject.
     "Spock, maybe it;s my imagination, but your father seems to
have something against me. Has he said anything to you?"
     Spock slowly raised his eyes from the chessboard to meet
those of his friend. 
     "My father was very ... pleased when I went to Gol. He felt
I was finally proving myself a true Vulcan."
     Understanding dawned in Kirk's eyes.
     "And now, he's mad because you returned to Starfleet."
     " 'Mad?' " Spock repeated, his mouth quirking.
     Kirk grinned and said, "No, of course not, Vulcans don't get
mad. Shall we say he thought your actions were devoid of logic?"
     Spock steepled his fingers and nodded.
     "So why's he mad at me?"
     "He is aware it was my loyalty and friendship for you that
brought me back to the Enterprise," Spock replied.
     Kirk smiled at the irony.
     "As glad as I am to have you back, I regret I'm causing your
relationship with your father to fall apart. I thought after the
Babel mission, he'd accepted you being in Starfleet,"
     Spock answered, "My father had accepted the fact, but when I
returned to Vulcan to study with the elders, he felt I had
finally 'come to my senses.' "

     *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     The sound of Sarek clearing his throat snapped Kirk out of
his reverie. The Kzinti contingent was entering the room. The
male was a particularly large golden-furred feline. The female,
following a few steps behind, was sleek and black and obviously
pregnant.
     Removing his cape, the male handed it to the female, who
draped it across her arms and retreated to the corner of the room
where a cushioned chair stood. The male nodded and she sat down.
     "I am Kazar, king of the Kzinti," the male announced. "My
mate is Kyrea. She bears my son."
     Towering over them, Kazar regarded Sarek with scorn and
addressed Kirk, "Why have you brought this ... plant eater to
these chambers?"
     Kirk stood also and replied evenly, "Sarek is one of our
finest ambassadors. If you wish to
join the Federation, you must learn to respect the customs of
other beings."
     Kazar barely restrained a sneer. He seemed to think for a
moment, then replied, "Very well, he may remain. Sit, Kirk."
     Both standing, now, the admiral and the ambassador faced the
king across the table.
     Once Kazar was seated, Kirk and Sarek sat back down. The
admiral spared a glance at the heavily-clothed Vulcan. Sarek
shivered slightly.
     "Kazar," said Kirk, "would it be possible to increase the
temperature in here a bit? It's pretty cold."
     The feline eyed the admiral with disdain.
     "I find the temperature quite refreshing, Admiral Kirk,"
replied Kazar. "However, if you weaker species cannot handle a
little cool air ..."
     "Our weaker species did manage to defeat your people in four
different wars," Kirk pointed out.
     Sarek broke in, giving the impression of long-suffering
patience, "Gentlemen, this is leading nowhere. We are here to
talk peace, not refight old wars."
     "You are correct, Ambassador," Kazar conceded reluctantly,
his eyes glinting. "My apologies, admiral."
     The Kzinti turned to his wife and ordered, "Kyrea, adjust
the temperature for our guests."
     She complied, adjusting a control on the wall near her.
     "Thank you, King Kazar," Kirk said.
     Kazar took a deep breath and started the talks.
     "My people want to return to space" he said. "We are willing
to make peace with the Federation -- even to become members if
that is what is necessary. Our population is just now beginning
to recover from the effects of our wars. We do not wish to lose
what we have gained by engaging in another war."
     Sarek nodded and said, "Of course, you realize we must study
your people to see if they meet the requirements for Federation
membership."
     The pupils of Kazar's emerald eyes lessened to slits.
     "You are saying we are not good enough? Do you doubt my
promise of peace?"
     Kirk shook his head and replied, "That's not it at all,
Kazar. Every world goes through this before being admitted to the
Federation."
     Sarek agreed and explained, "In many cases, the world is not
sufficiently advanced technologically. I hardly think this is the
case with your world, but there are other factors involved.
Do you keep slaves, for instance?"
     Kazar said, "There was a time, about 60 years ago, when we
made slaves of captured prisoners. No longer."
     Kirk nodded toward Kyrea and noted, "You treat your wife
like a slave."
     Kazar seemed genuinely surprised as he answered, "She is a
female. The females are born to serve the males. In return, we
protect them and provide for them. We also cherish them."
     Kirk said, "In our society, the females and males are equal.
They work together to take care of themselves and protect
themselves."
     Kazar replied, "Our females are content with their place in
our society."
     Sarek suggested, "Perhaps we could speak with your mate?"
     Kirk agreed, "Yes, let's get her view of her place in your
society."
     "Very well," Kazar consented. "Talk with her. You will see I
am right."
     He turned and beckoned to his mate.
     "Kyrea, come here," he ordered.
     She rose slowly and made her way to the council table.
     "Yes, my husband?"
     Kazar told her, "These outworlders wish to question you
about your role in our society."
     "My role?" she asked in confusion. "My role is to serve my
husband, to bear his children."
     Kirk studied Kyrea closely. She looked to him to be very
weary.
     He gestured to a chair. "Why don't you sit down? We want to
discuss this."
     "A female does not sit at the council table," she replied.
     Sarek looked at Kazar and arched an eyebrow as he said,
"Perhaps your husband will allow it this once."
     Kazar pulled a chair out beside him and indicated she should
sit down. She did so gratefully.
     Sarek began questioning her, "If you could, would you like
to have work outside the home -- work like the males do?"
     Her eyes glazed dreamily for a moment, then she answered,
"There was a time when I wanted to be a healer. Since I cannot, I
am content being the wife of the king. He protects me and will
protect our children. I am happy."
     Kirk reached over and took her hand gently, turning it palm
up.
     "You don't seem to need much protection," he said. "you have
formidable weapons of self-defense." He tapped her claws with his
finger. "Very formidable."
     Kazar suddenly snarled and slammed his fully-extended claws
down on Kirk's forearm. The admiral cried out in surprise and
pain as the claws penetrated his sleeve and his arm. Kazar
withdrew the claws, but growled menacingly.
     "She is my female," the Kzinti said. "No other male may
touch her."
     Kirk clutched his arm, which was bleeding badly.
     "I meant no insult," he said.
     Kazar glared at him, then said, "Wait here."
     The feline rose and escorted his mate from the chamber.
     Sarek snapped, "Why do you think all females are susceptible
to your charm, Kirk?"
     With a sigh, the Vulcan offered, "Let me see your arm. Are
you badly hurt?"
     "No," Kirk replied and brought his arm close to his chest.
     Seeing the stubborn look on Sarek's face, Kirk extended his
arm. The blood was quickly soaking through the fabric of his
sleeve.
     Sarek pushed up the sleeve and examined the wound.
     "It appears Kazar's claws punctured the vein. You should
return to the ship."
     Kirk said, "No, it's not that bad," but winced as Sarek
wiped away the blood with a corner of his robe.
     Kazar returned alone. He tossed a roll of bandages on the
table.
     "This is our work, Kirk, you must respect Kzinti law," said
the king.
     Sarek picked up the roll of bandages and began to wind it
tightly around Kirk's arm.
     "Your race is very violent, Kazar," said the ambassador.
     "It is a violent word," the king replied. "We must be strong
to survive."
     Kirk ignored the discomfort in his arm and looked up at the
Kzinti.
     "We'd like to see more of your world," said the admiral. "We
want to respect your customs,
but give us fair warning, all right? We aren't familiar with all
your customs and taboos."
     Kazar inclined his head in agreement.
     "We have talked enough for today," he said. "Return tomorrow
and I will show you my world."
     Kirk glanced at Sarek, who nodded. 
     "Okay, we'll return to the ship and meet you back here at
0900," said Kirk.
     "That will be satisfactory," replied Kazar.

     *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     Kirk and Sarek beamed back to the Enterprise. Spock and
McCoy were in the transporter room, waiting to greet them. Spock
was at the transporter controls.
     "Well, how'd it go, Jim?" McCoy queried. "Did they ..." 
     The doctor's voice died away as he caught sight of Kirk's
bloody sleeve. He immediately pulled out his med scanner and
approached the admiral.
     "What did you do to yourself?"
     Sarek answered, "He held the hand of the queen."
     McCoy shook his head and grinned.
     "Leave it to you, Jim-boy, you always do have trouble
keeping your hands off the ladies. Come along with me and let me
fix up your arm."
     Spock seemed annoyed by the doctor's comment.
     "Doctor, you know the admiral would never make advance to
the wife of another man," said the Vulcan.
     McCoy and Kirk were almost out the door as the crusty
physician retorted teasingly, sarcasm dripping from his voice,
"Sure!"
     The door closed behind the doctor and the admiral, and Spock
and Sarek were left alone.
     "A human with such a weakness is a poor representative of
the Federation, Spock. Your loyalty to such a person is
illogical," Sarek said.
     Sparks lit in Spock's eyes, but otherwise his face showed no
emotion.
     "James Kirk has proven himself to me and to the Federation
many times over," said the first officer. "Your objections to the
admiral are personal, are they not?"
     "You would have been a master of the Kohlinahr, by now,"
Sarek said. "It was wrong of him to call you back."
     Spock shook his head once and replied, "He did not 'call' me
back. I knew he needed me. The elders realized I needed him --
needed my life in Starfleet. They sent me back. I wanted to
return."
     "But you failed at Gol," his father said.
     "If I had not returned, I would have failed myself and
Kirk," said Spock. "That is more important. My time spent
studying the Kohlinahr was very beneficial. I learned who I am,
Father. Here, I am accepted. Here, I am not considered an
inferior Vulcan because I am half-human. I am simply Spock. I
have friends and colleagues who respect me and whom I respect."
     Sarek's eyes hardened and he replied, "Friendship is an
emotional state. These humans have corrupted you."
     "I am half-human. My mother is human. Have you no emotions
regarding her?"
     Sarek answered, "I am comfortable with her. She is the most
logical human I have ever encountered."
     Spock nodded knowingly. "Indeed?"
     "The discussion is ended," pronounced Sarek, walking away.
"I must rest for tomorrow."
     Spock stared at the closed door for a long time after his
father left.

     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     McCoy disinfected and sealed Kirk's wounded arm and sprayed
on a bandage for good measure.
     "Okay, that should do it," he said, clapping Kirk on the
shoulder. "Try to stay out of trouble while you're down there,
Jim. Maybe you ought to take a couple of security guards with you
tomorrow."
     Kirk flexed his arm and smiled.
     "Good work, Bones. Don't be such a worrier! We'll be fine.
They're not likely to try anything. They've got too much on the
line. It wold be a great discourtesy to take armed guards with
us."
     McCoy looked dubious and replied, "Then how about taking me
and Spock?"
     "We'll see," replied Kirk. "C'mon, let's get some dinner."
     
     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     Kirk got up early the next morning to finish some reports
before beaming down to Kzin. The bridge signaled him.
     "Kirk, here," he answered. "What's up?"
     The night watch communications officer informed him,
"Admiral, we've picked up a distress call from the passenger
liner Magellan. She's had an explosion in her engine room and the
entire crew and passengers are in danger of radiation poisoning.
We're the nearest ship and we're a day away. Captain Spock said
he has no idea if we can repair her or whether we'll have to take
the passengers aboard and tow the liner into a starbase."
     "Understood, Lieutenant," said Kirk. "Prepare to leave orbit
in 30 minutes. Tell Ambassador Sarek we'll beam down at that time
and to be prepared to stay four days. Advise Dr. McCoy of the
emergency."
     "Aye, sir."

     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     Kazar met Kirk and Sarek at the beam down point, the
Enterprise having notified him of his guests' impending early
arrival and extended visit.
     The admiral and the ambassador joined the king and queen in
their aircar for a tour of the city. The first stop was a school.
     Sarek nodded in approval at the beginning calculus class for
12-year-old cubs, but added, "Vulcan children are in their third
year of calculus at this point. You might consider earlier
instruction."
     Kazar looked sidewise at him.
     "We consider clan heritage a more important study that
calculus from the ninth to the 12th years."
     Kirk asked, "What about sports? What games are popular
here?"
     Kazar took them to the gymnasium.
     "The body is as important as the mind. We stress lessons in
self-defense from the beginning," said the king.
     They watched as a group of youths wrestled one another.
Several took hard falls, but immediately got to their feet and
resumed fighting. An older group practiced knife-throwing at a
dummy.
     "Your exercises are quite violent in nature, King Kazar,"
noted Sarek.
     "The Vulcans send their 7-year-olds alone into the desert
for a rite of adulthood. What would you call preparations for the
Kahs-wan, Sarek?" Kirk asked, smiling slightly.
     "Necessary to survival," was the reply. "Vulcan is a harsh
world."
     "So is Kzin," Kazar pointed out. "Our children must learn to
survive on a cold world with dangerous life forms."
     Sarek said, "While I find the 45-degree temperature
uncomfortably cold, it should not present a problem for furred
beings like yourselves."
     Kazar replied, "Not now. It is summer."
     "Summer?" Kirk shivered at the words. "I'd hate to be here
when winter comes. How cold does it get?"
     "Fifty degrees below zero in the mid-latitudes," Kazar said.
"It is worse with the wind chill factor and even colder further
north. When the temperature is mild, however, the kozinats roam
freely."
     Kirk nodded and replied, "Yes, I remember reading about
those. They look like a cross between an Earth snow leopard and a
polar bear."
     Sarek conceded, "Our worlds have much in common, King Kazar.
Your kozinats sound as deadly as our lematyas." 
     He described the poisonous Vulcan predator.
     Kazar regarded Sarek thoughtfully.
     "Perhaps your people are not such weaklings after all,
Ambassador -- for plant-eaters, that is. To survive on such a hot
world with such terrible beasts!"
     The king shook his head in wonder.
     They walked into a classroom of adolescents where the
teacher was working with a hologram.
     "That is a kozinat," Kazar said, pointing at the hologram.
"The teacher is instructing the cubs in the location of the
beast's vital organs. Next year, these cubs undergo warrior
rites. They must take on a kozinat with nothing but their teeth,
claws and a kando spear."
     Kirk asked, rather fascinated, "What are the odds of their
survival?"
     "About 75 percent," answered the king.
     Kirk whistled. "Seems like an awful waste of young people."
     Kazar said, "The strong survive. The weak have no place in
our society."
     Sarek remonstrated, "It is also a waste of a native species.
There are very few kozinats left on Kzin, I understand."
     Kirk suggested, "Perhaps your people could devise another
ritual, Kazar. Maybe if you at least used a stun rod."
     "We will consider it," Kazar replied, sighing.
     "What about the would-be warriors, Admiral?" asked Sarek.
     "Sometimes, Vulcan youths die in the Kahs-wan, don't they?"
Kirk pointed out. "This is their society, their custom. No one
has ever insisted the Vulcans give up the Kahs-wan."
     Sarek studied Kirk coolly for a moment, then bowed his head
in agreement. The Vulcan and Kazar walked a short distance away
to examine a student's computer project, leaving Kirk with Kyrea.
     Kirk looked around him.
     "Are there no females in the school?" he asked.
     Kyrea spoke for the first time during the tour, "The females
have their own school. They study history and family science.
Their presence here would be a distraction for the males.
Besides, the males must attend much longer than the females.
There is more they must learn."
     Kirk said, "On Earth, males and females must attend at least
14 years of school, which they attend together, for the most
part. At the end of that time, they can opt to attend a
university for a trade school for further studies. The Vulcans
have a mandatory university attendance law."
     Kyrea glanced at her husband, who was now out of earshot,
and said, "There are many females here who would welcome the
opportunity for further learning."
     Kirk nodded and replied, "If Kzin is to become a Federation
member, all your people must have the same opportunities."
     Returning with Sarek, Kazar heard Kirk's words and frowned.
     "What about your prime directive?" asked the king. "I
thought societies were allowed to develop in their own manner."
     Sarek said, "Oppression is not allowed among Federation
members."
     Kazar growled, "I can see the price of Federation membership
may be too high."
     Kirk countered, "I think you may find your females have much
to offer your society -- besides their contributions to 'family
science.' "
     Just then, the ground began shaking mildly.
     "Do not be alarmed, gentlemen, it is merely a tremor. We
have them often, but they rarely do any real damage," Kazar
assured them.
     "How often do they occur?" asked Sarek.
     "Well, normally, we only have them about once every few
months," said Kazar. "Lately the tremors have been coming more
frequently -- about two or three times a month. We are accustomed
to them."
     Kirk knew enough basic plate tectonics to be concerned.
     "Surely, you realize a major quake may be in the offing," he
said. "What do your scientists say?"
     Kazar replied, "They say the tremors relieve the pressure on
the plates, thus preventing major slippage along the fault."
     Sarek said, "That may be so, but it may also be that
pressures are building up to such a degree that the tremors are
unable to fully compensate. Increasing frequency often indicates
this."
     A powerful tremor nearly knocked Kirk off his feet.
     "Don't you think you should tell the children and teachers
to take cover?" he said. 
     The ground shook again more violently.
     "For God's sake, Kazar, tell them to take shelter under
their desks, under doorways," Kirk insisted.
     "Perhaps you are right," Kazar conceded. 
     He yelled to the people around him, who looked at him
quizzically, then started to obey. Kazar moved to a comm unit on
the teacher's desk and called the school supervisor. The shaking
started again and continued, increasing in severity. Sarek,
standing beside Kazar, took the king by the arm and dragged him
under a desk.
     Kirk and Kyrea frantically shooed children under tables and
into doorways. The admiral heard a sound from above and saw a
crack appear in the ceiling, small bits of which were already
beginning to rain down. Kyrea was directly below a large section
that was coming loose. Kirk threw himself at her to knock her out
of the way, but she fell, the admiral on top of her. Kirk
shielded the pregnant queen the best he could as the roof caved
in, burying them both.
     The trembling finally stopped and Sarek and Kazar crawled
out from under the desk to begin surveying the damage. They could
hear moans issuing from the massive rubble. Sarek looked for the
door, but found it completely blocked. He did not see Kirk or
Kyrea.
     Kazar began heaving debris from off the students' desks,
freeing the children trapped under the desks.
     "Kyrea!" he called. obviously worried. "Where are you?!"
     He and Sarek moved to where they had last seen Kirk and
Kyrea helping children beneath the huge, arched doorway. Kazar
called for his mate again and finally received a muffled
response.
     "Kazar!" his wife answered. "Under here! I cannot get free!"
     Her voice guided Sarek and Kazar to a pile of rubble. They
saw Kirk's gray-clad legs sticking out, and underneath them, a
pair of black-furred ones. They worked rapidly and carefully to
uncover the two. Kirk, on top, was bloody and unmoving, but had a
faint pulse. They moved him carefully off Kyrea. Sarek examined
the Starfleet officer as Kazar tended to his wife.
     The admiral had a bad gash on the back of his head and
numerous minor cuts. A steady trickle of blood escaped the corner
of his mouth. Sarek uttered a Vulcan curse as he felt several of
Kirk's ribs move under his probing fingers.
     "Admiral Kirk is seriously injured," said the ambassador.
"How is the queen?"
     She answered for herself as Kazar helped her to sit, "I seem
to be bruised only ..."
     She cried out sharply and clutched her abdomen.
     "What is wrong, my wife?" asked Kazar, extremely solicitous
and very concerned.
     "The baby ..."
     Kazar looked helplessly at Sarek and informed him, "The cub
is not due for two more weeks."
     Kirk's eyes fluttered open about then. A Vulcan face swam
into his field of view.
     "Spock?"
     "No, Admiral, it is Sarek. You mustn't move."
     Kirk grimaced and said, "Can't anyway. Back hurts."
     Sarek nodded and replied, "I will not lie to you, Kirk. I
suspect you have internal injuries as
well. Do you know where you are?"
     Kirk closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. He opened
them again and glanced around him. Seeing the human was awake,
Kazar drew near.
     Kirk addressed Sarek, "Can't see too good, but ... we're on
Kzin, aren't we?"
     Sarek replied, "Yes. There was a quake."
     The human's eyebrows drew together as he asked, "The queen,
the children, how are they?"
     Kazar seemed surprised by the question, but answered, "There
are minor injuries, only, among the children. My wife is alive --
I must thank you for that -- but our cub ..."
     Kirk groaned as he unsuccessfully tried to raise up.
     "Be still, Kirk," Sarek admonished.
     "What's wrong with the baby?" Kirk managed to whisper.
     Sarek told him, "It appears the trauma has induced labor.
The queen is going to give birth two weeks early."
     Kirk frowned.
     "You've got to help her, Sarek, help Kazar ..." 
     Kirk's eyes closed and his head lolled to one side.
     "Is he dead?" asked Kazar.
     Sarek was already feeling the pulse in Kirk's neck.
     "No. He is unconscious again. How soon will emergency
workers arrive?" asked the ambassador.
     Kazar looked Sarek in the eye.
     "It is difficult to say," he replied. "It depends on how
much damage was done throughout the city."
     The king had his arms around his wife, who was leaning back
against him. Her mouth was open and she was panting slightly.
Kazar nodded at Kirk. 
     "An unusual human, that one," said the Kzinti. "Despite his
own injuries, his own pain, his concern was for the students and
for my mate."
     Sarek looked at Kirk for a long time, but did not reply.
Then he moved over to Kyrea.
     "Will you allow me to touch her, Kazar? I have some
knowledge. I was present at the birth of
my son, Spock. I delivered another ... infant before that when
his mother went into early labor."
     Sarek seemed to lose himself in memory for a moment.
     "She was a Vulcan princess," he said, then recomposed
himself.
     Kazar was stroking the fur on his mate's cheeks. He gave his
approval for Sarek to help her.
     "Kyrea," said the Vulcan, "may I feel your abdomen?"
     She nodded, her eyes glazed with pain.
     Sarek's sensitive fingers ran over her belly.
     "I believe the child has dropped to the birth position," he
said. 
     He put one elegant pointed ear against her abdomen.
     "The heartbeat of the child is strong, the baby appears to
be unharmed," said Sarek. "I wish to time your contractions. Tell
me every time you have one."
     She complied until he told her to stop. Sarek's expression
was very grave.
     "The pains are very close together," he said. "It will not
be long, now."
     He rose and cleared off a large table and called the teacher
to him.
     "I need a large clean cloth to cover this table," said
Sarek. "And water to wash my hands and the baby."
     The teacher replied, "There is no water in this room," but
opened a drawer and pulled out four blankets and a first aid kit
that included a bottle of an antibacterial agent.
     "Excellent," Sarek told him. 
     The ambassador spread one blanket over the table and carried
another one to Kirk. He covered the admiral, then knelt beside
him. With the teacher's help, Sarek wrapped a bandage around the
human's bleeding head. He then took the admiral's wrist in his
hand and timed his pulse. Sarek found it steady, but weak. He was
concerned about Kirk's uneven breathing, but was relieved to see
the human was no longer bleeding from the mouth.
     Kazar, helping his wife onto the table, noted the worried
look on the Vulcan's face.
     "He is dying, is he not?" asked the Kzinti.
     Sarek sighed and answered, "If proper medical help does not
arrive soon, yes, I'm afraid he will die. Humans do not have the
stamina of Vulcans or Kzinti. I doubt he will live through the
night."
     Sarek rose and went to Kyrea. As he approached her, her
water broke and she gave a little yowl. The teacher had
thoughtfully taken the children to the doorway to start trying to
dig out, so only arek and Kazar were with the queen.
     The Vulcan coached and encouraged Kyrea, and after a short
time, the cub's head emerged. Kyrea gave a final push and Sarek
caught the child up. After cutting and tying off the umbilical
cord, he wiped the child's glistening wet fur down with one of
the blankets the teacher had found. The Vulcan removed his outer
robe and wrapped the infant in it. Sarek handed the cub to its
mother, who unwrapped the robe to examine the baby. Kazar leaned
over for a look. The cub's fur was golden, like his own.
     He noted the sex.
     "A female," Kazar breathed. 
     Sarek looked closely for signs of disappointment in the
king's face, but found none.
     "She is beautiful," Kazar told Kyrea. "We have a beautiful
princess!"
     Kyrea peered up at him.
     "You are not angry?"
     Kazar leaned down and nuzzled his mate and child, then
replied, "No. She is part of me and art of you. How could I be
angry?"
     Kyrea reminded him, "You wanted an heir."
     Kazar thought for a moment, then Sarek and Kyrea saw a look
of determination set in his
face. The king lifted the newborn cur above his head.
     "Listen all of you!" he shouted.
     The children and the teacher left their fruitless work and
gathered round.
     "This is Kara," Kazar said. "She is my firstborn cub and my
heir!" 
     He roared proudly. The male cubs whispered among themselves.
     The king continued, "I intend to bring in a new age. Kara
ushers it in."
     He laid the baby back down by her mother and covered them
with the remaining blanket.
     
     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     The rubble around the doorway was too great to move by hand.
They finally gave up trying to clear it.
     Night was coming, and with it, dangerously low temperatures.
Sarek was shivering badly from the cold. He touched Kirk's face.
The human's face was cool and clammy to the touch. Before the
ambassador could mention the problem to the king, Kazar spoke up.
     "Children, we must build a fire," he said. "Our fur will
protect us, but the outworlders and the baby may die from the
cold. Gather the pieces of broken wood lying about and build the
fire near the human. He is great need of heat."
     Within a short time, they had a small fire blazing in a
cleared area. Sarek sat down next to Kirk and gratefully soaked
up the heat from the flames. As it grew warmer, Sarek noticed the
human's color improve. Kirk's eyes opened and the ambassador bent
over him.
     "Sarek?" the admiral whispered, his eyes glazed.
     "Yes, Kirk."
     "Where's Spock?"
     "He will be here soon. Rest."
     Kirk mumbled something, then said more clearly, "Sorry."
     "For what?" Sarek asked, confused.
     "For taking ... Spock away. From Gol."
     Sarek sighed and looked down at the human, who was watching
him intently.
     "Spock tells me it was his own decision," said the
ambassador.
     Kirk said, "Spock doesn't belong on Vulcan ... 'Fleet needs
him."
     "As do you?" asked Sarek.
     Kirk nodded, his eyes now closed.
     "Admiral, you had a very high position in Starfleet Command.
It was not logical to give up being chief of operations to go
back to commanding a starship."
     The human shook his head and replied, "Logical for me.
Didn't belong there. Belong on Enterprise. Spock, too."
     Sarek tucked the blanket more securely around the human. 
     "Indeed?" he asked.
     But Kirk did not reply. He had drifted off once again.
     The room was quiet. Only Sarek was awake. He stared into the
fire for a long time, meditating. From time to time, he checked
on Kirk. By morning, the human was barely breathing, but still
alive. Sarek was impressed by the strength of the human's will to
live.
     Lack of water was becoming a problem. No one moved much,
now, and the children sat around, panting thirstily. 
     At midday, Kirk stopped breathing. The Vulcan tilted the
admiral's head back, covered Kirk's mouth with his own and forced
a breath into the still figure, again and again. It seemed an
eternity before Kirk breathed on his own again. Sarek propped him
up higher in hopes of easing the human's breathing. He fed the
fire until it blazed up higher. The Vulcan permitted himself a
moment to rest his head on his knees. Not meaning to, he fell
asleep.
     When he woke again, he found a blanket draped across his
shoulders. He looked up to see Kyrea and the baby sitting beside
him. The ambassador immediately checked on the admiral.
     <Still alive, Kirk? Good. I would not have Spock accuse me
of letting you die.>
     Sarek turned to find Kazar watching him closely.
     "It seems humans have more stamina than you thought," said
the Kzinti. "No doubt a result of eating meat."
     There was a definite twinkle in Kazar's green eyes.
     Sarek lifted a dubious eyebrow, then remarked, "This
particular human's will to live is very great."
     Kazar agreed and started to comment, then stopped, tilting
his head to one side.
     "Listen!"
     Sarek nodded. "I hear it. Rescuers?"
     "I think so," said the king.
     Kazar got up and went to the doorway. He heard shouts
issuing from the other side of the mound of rubble.
     Within an hour, the rescue workers had dug a tunnel through
the debris. They brought rations, water and first aid supplies.
The children only waited long enough to get a drink of water,
then scrambled out the tunnel.
     Kazar requested a doctor for Kirk, and one soon arrived. The
Kzinti doctor examined the injured human, running a scanner over
him.
     "Severe concussion, broken ribs, fractured vertebrae ... and
a puntured lung," pronounced the physician. "He needs surgery and
blood transfusions, but that will have to wait until the humans
return. There is no other human blood on the planet."
     "Take him to the hospital, then," said Sarek. "Keep him
stable until the Enterprise returns."
     The doctor rose and addressed the king. "Sire, all the
hospitals are full."
     Kazar nodded, replying, "Then take him to the palace. You
can care for him there. He saved the lives of my mate and child."
     The doctor agreed and called for a backboard. Rescue workers
strapped the unconscious Kirk to the board, covered him with
several blankets, then took him to the palace.
     
     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     Sarek sat beside Kirk's bed in the huge guest chambers in
the palace. The palace was more spartan than he would have
thought, but the furnishings were of good quality. Kirk rested
under down comforters in a large bed. He was clean, now, and the
doctor had changed the bandages. Nutrients steadily dripped into
Kirk's arm, and a breathing mask covered his face. His condition
was still grave, but he was stable for the time being.
     The ambassador leaned back in the cushioned chair and
steepled his fingers before him.
     <You are a rarity in any society, Kirk. I think I begin to
understand what my son sees in you.>
     A sound at the doorway claimed his attention. Sarek stood
and was relieved to recognize two people entering -- Spock and
McCoy.
     Sarek stepped aside to let the doctor examine Kirk. The
ambassador raised his hand and greeted his son in the traditional
manner.
     "I am pleased to see you, Spock," he admitted, lowering his
hand. 
     Sarek caught the look of surprise that entered his son's
eyes.
     "And I, you, Father," replied Spock. "When we received word
of the quake, we were able to make repairs on the liner in a
short amount of time, and returned here as quickly as we could."
     Spock looked down at Kirk, and Sarek could see the worry
written in his son's face.
     "How is he, Doctor?" asked Spock.
     "Not good," McCoy replied. "I've got to get him to surgery.
It's a wonder he's lasted this long."
     The doctor looked up at Sarek and said, "You've done
extremely well to keep him alive. Thank you."
     Sarek inclined his head in acknowledgement.
     "We did what we could," the ambassador replied. "The credit
belongs primarily to him. He is a very strong man."
     Spock studied his father for a moment, then understood Sarek
did not refer to physical strength.
     McCoy said in agreement, "Yeah, he's got a damned good
constitution and a will to live that won't quit."
     He injected Kirk with antibiotics and stabilizers and
immediately set up a transfusion.
     "Okay, Spock," said the doctor. "Let's get him to the
shuttle we brought and back to the ship.
As I figured, Jim's in no shape for a beam up."
     His fears for Kirk somewhat allayed, Spock took the
opportunity to jibe at McCoy.
     "Are you certain your decision to use the shuttle was not
based on your fear of transporters, Doctor?" he said, his eyes
twinkling.
     "Now, listen here, you pointy-eared ..."
     McCoy suddenly remembered that everyone on this world, save
himself and Kirk, had pointed
ears. He harrumphed and went out to retrieve an antigrav
stretcher.
     "Thank you for saving his life, Father," Spock said quietly.
"He is very important to me."
     Sarek nodded and replied, "I think I can understand why, my
son. He is a most worthy individual."
     Spock agreed, "I am fortunate to have him as my friend."
     Sarek countered, "He is fortunate to have you by his side,"
commented Sarek. "Still, if you ever decide to leave Starfleet,
there will be a place for you at the Vulcan Science Academy."
     "That time will never come," replied Spock.
     Sarek sighed. "One can yet hope. Do not forget you have
parents on Vulcan. Your mother and I would welcome more frequent
visits from you. Your friends are welcome, as well."
     Spock answered, "I will not forget. I find it necessary to
reaffirm my heritage from time to time."
     McCoy returned with the stretcher and Spock and Sarek
carefully moved the unconscious Kirk onto it. Sarek held the IVs
as they made their way to the shuttle. Kazar and Kyrea saw them
off.

     *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
     Two days later, Kirk was still in Sickbay, suspended in an
anti-grave envelope to allow his damaged vertebrae to heal. He
had a roomful of visitors -- Kazar, Kyrea and Kara had beamed up
to see him, and Sarek, Spock and McCoy were there, as well.
     Kirk spoke to Kazar, "It's a shame I didn't get to see more
of your plane, but I believe the ambassador and I did get a
pretty good look at your people and your society. We've talked it
over and we think we can recommend you for Federation membership,
provided you agree to a few changes. Males and females must have
equal opportunities for education and work. The warrior rites
must change to protect the endangered kozinat."
     Kazar nodded his agreement.
     "I believe Federation membership is something worth
attaining. There is much we can learn from one another. For
instance," he said, laughter dancing in his green eyes as he
waved a hand at Sarek, "plant eaters aren't always such
weaklings, after all."
     Sarek raise his eyebrows and replied, "Fine praise, indeed.
And I have learned that not all Kzinti are the savages I once
thought them to be."
     Turning to Kirk, he added, "And certain humans are ...
worthy of respect."
     Kirk grinned hugely.
     "And not all Vulcans are stick-in-the-muds, either," he
retorted, and laughed at the feigned indignation on the faces of
Spock and Sarek.

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