Title: Mark of the Beast (2/?)
Author: klmeri
Fandom: Star Trek AOS
Pairing: Kirk/Spock/McCoy
Summary: The Enterprise falls into yet another ill-timed scheme. A terrible choice must be made—and honored.
Previous Part: 1
Or read at AO3

When Horror is Inevitable

Spock’s first observation is that the Society of the Basilisk can be broken down into two categories of people: those who practice the Art of Illusion and those who do not. To say that one class is subservient to the other is, of course, correct—for those who do not have the ability to create “magic” (as Doctor McCoy termed it during the mission briefing) wear menial garb and serve the Basilisk and his Lessers.

As far as Spock can delineate in the next two days, the lower class is not paid for work, nor demand payment for services provided. In fact, when Kirk compliments one of the Basilisk’s Lessers on a strange beast (gargoyle, Jim remarks) sculpture in the Palace courtyard and ponders at its worth, the response given is that a Human would know little of the exchange system on this world. It is a blatant affront to their delegation party, to which Miss Yuise—Karla Yuise, Federation-appointed liaison—smiles at the ill-tempered guide and sends the Captain a look from under her dark lashes. (Jim stays hard-eyed but silent as Yuise smoothly turns the conversation.)

The Vulcan concludes that monetary exchanges do not occur frequently here; that these people (of the Basilisk) have an intangible system with which to supply their needs and wants. He remains uneasy in the face of this knowledge, as Spock takes note of the condition of the servants, because how those unfortunate enough to be born without Talent acquire the basic necessities for themselves, he is unsure. When asked of such matters, the Lessers will not answer. It is one such Lesser named Garick (like all others, close-mouthed) with an abrupt spark of fear in his eyes who disturbs Spock’s Vulcan calm.

The Basilisk and the Lessers are wealthy, no doubt. The Palace is sparsely but richly decorated and well-kept; its architecture is magnificent. The generosity of their host seems endless, as all grounded Enterprise personnel are shown to large, open rooms and given any number of nourishments and pleasures in which to indulge. Nevertheless, Spock cannot determine why the pieces displayed do not fit precisely as they should. On a much more basic level, he senses an unsettling cold in the high stone walls. Even in meditation, his mind is ill-at-ease.

Perhaps once sufficient evidence is gathered, Spock will go to the Captain with his observations (and doubts). Then they might unravel this mystery that presents itself in the nooks and crannies of an alien place.

That was before the second night’s demonstration.

—

“JIM!”

After the third pass over the Captain’s body with the tricorder, McCoy pitches it with a savage heave of his arm at the statue’s horrific (pleased) face. Spock is right beside him, touching shoulders with Leonard, holding Kirk’s cold hand, but there is little consolation that either can offer.

—

The Basilisk—of an indeterminate age (uncanny to Humans)—raises his gold cup to his audience. He does not speak. The Lesser on his left does so for him. She says, “A toast—is this the correct term, Captain? We try to please. A toast to the Basilisk’s good fortune in his dealings with your Federation.”

Yuise automatically returns the Basilisk’s salute but the majority of the Enterprise delegation party follows with mild reluctance. When Kirk confirms Yuise’s action, lifts his cup high and announces, “To the success of our negotiations,” the atmosphere clears somewhat and more than a few present spend their held breaths.

The Basilisk smiles and the moment passes.

All dinner guests (a good twenty or so) eat in silence for several minutes, the table piled high with a variety of well-known, intergalactic delicacies. Finally, the ring-less right hand of the Basilisk lifts in a small gesture and a Lesser, two seats from Spock’s right, speaks.

“At the conclusion of this evening’s meal, we have prepared an entertainment for you. You will glimpse our power.” He directs this to the Federation diplomat.

“The Federation understands what a rare gift you make us, by sharing your unique ability. Thank you.” Yuise watches with calm eyes as she replies towards the ruler at the head of the table. The Basilisk must be amused with her response because the corners of his mouth lift. (His eyes are unreadable, black.)

The guests, Lesser and Enterprise alike, spread out into a half-circle. One wary security officer eyes his chair and finally, at the gesture of his Captain, sits down. It’s a sight, indeed, for the backs of the chairs curve up and separate into arms with three-fingered, long-nailed hands that come to rest, spread open, at an uncomfortably close distance above a man’s head.

The Basilisk is seated at the top of a dais, on a black-veined marble throne. He sits as if he has never left this place; as the dinner party gathered in the Center Court, if the Basilisk walked with the crowd, no one will remember seeing him do so.

Garick calls out, “Let it commence.”

—

Spock carries his Captain’s body into the Palace.

Spock is already far ahead down the hall, leading the way to the Center Court.

—

The entertainment starts with a hunched old man who ambles into middle of the room and grins at his audience. From his right hand, he releases a swirl of white energy. It flows down to the floor, grows and spreads like a fine mist. The mist changes to dark grey and a figure blossoms as a flower opens to morning light.

A partially naked Karla Yuise opens her eyes and stares directly at the First Officer. (“Fascinating.”) The real woman, seated between the Captain and the Vulcan, clenches bloodless hands in her lap. She offers a wobbly smile to the Basilisk with “I am honored, Your Excellency.”

The illusion walks over to the group of wide-eyed onlookers and reaches out to touch Spock’s face. The Vulcan does not flinch away but a hand—Jim’s—takes hold of the wrist (it’s surprisingly substantial—Spock files this detail away).

Kirk says, “Don’t.” The not-Yuise stares at the Captain of the Enterprise before laughing softly. Jim slowly releases his grip and leans back into his chair, apologizing with “Sorry, Karla.”

“It’s alright, Captain,” Yuise mumbles back as she straightens her skirt and sneaks quick glances at the illusion of herself.

“Silence!” The sharp order rings off the Palace walls. The Lesser seated at the foot of the dais closes her mouth with a snap. Another one, across the room, says, “You must be silent, for the entertainment.”

Then the illusion of the petite diplomat opens her right hand and releases red energy. It forms into an amber handle of a snake’s head and the long curved blade of a dagger. Not-Yuise beckons Kirk from his chair.

—

The shadows of the Center Court are deep; they move. McCoy’s body, standing beside the kneeling Vulcan (and a limp Jim), trembles with emotion. He chokes, “You…” then cries, “You murdering bastard!”

Leonard launches forward, crying out his accusation again, only to be encased in a pair of strong arms. (If his name is called softly, he cannot hear it over the rushing in his ears.) “Spock, please,” the doctor’s voice is half-fury, half-horror, “he’s killed Jimmy.”

—

“Captain,” Spock says quietly. “I advise you to stay in your seat.”

“Didn’t plan on leaving it, Mr. Spock.” Jim’s silent words don’t worry are apparent to the Vulcan after years of a close relationship. (Not to mention that Leonard helps translate Jim-speak on occasion.)

The carved arms of Kirk’s chair move without warning; they launch Jim out of his seat, and the Captain lands roughly on his knees at the feet of the illusion. Spock’s attempt to go to Jim’s side is stalled by hard (living?) hands which grip his shoulders and hold him in place. Echoing cries from their half-circle signify that he is not alone in this predicament. The security ensign to his right curses and struggles futilely.

Jim, coming to his feet, demands the release of his people. A Lesser answers, “The Captain volunteers. Please remain seated.” He repeats, “The Captain volunteers.”

“I don’t volunteer!” Jim whirls to the Basilisk and snarls. “Enough of the show. You violate the mutual lawful conduct of a Federation delegation. Let us go.”

The Basilisk stares into Kirk. At last, he raises his left hand, gold and metal glittering off his fingers, to the illusion. It reappears at the foot of the dais and speaks, “Do not be frightened, Captain. We only desire to amuse you.”

Spock shadows his Captain’s back as soon as he is released. Security comes to their feet behind the two officers, reaching for phasers that are not present.

Kirk, never looking away from the Basilisk, orders, “At ease.” Though all comply, the tension in the room remains. It is Karla Yuise, stepping up beside Captain Kirk, who tries to mitigate the hostility.

She says to Kirk, “Captain, we must forgive this misunderstanding on the Basilisk’s part.” To the Basilisk, “Did you intend harm to Captain Kirk?” The answer is negative. “Then please, Captain, can we not act in haste? Perhaps a night’s rest may calm our nerves.”

Jim’s shoulders are softening. Spock does not argue with the Captain’s agreement to this idea, but he silently acknowledges the possible outcomes of the past event. Meeting the black eyes of the Basilisk, the Vulcan attempts to classify his disquiet with this fortress and silent ruler. (There will be no reconciliation.)

All members separate to their quarters, guided by Palace servants. Spock refuses to abandon his Captain, even when Miss Yuise looks from Jim to the Vulcan in silent questioning.

The night seems long until it is broken by an overcast dawn and a pale diplomat who, as Spock answers the scratching at the door, crumples to reveal a snake-handled dagger in her back.

—

Spock’s arms are rigid and his face is terribly blank. As McCoy begins to break piece by piece against him, the Vulcan assesses the Basilisk with deadly calm. He commands Leonard, “Stay with the Captain,” and releases his Human.

A golden-haired, black-eyed Jim is smiling at them.

Next Part

Related Posts:

• Mark of the Beast (9/9) – from August 12, 2010
• Mark of the Beast (8/9) – from August 11, 2010
• Mark of the Beast (7/9) – from August 10, 2010
• Mark of the Beast (6/?) – from August 9, 2010
• Mark of the Beast (5/?) – from August 8, 2010