The storm raged on through the night. The red streaks of lightning flashed through the glass, reflecting on the smooth black surface of the floor. Captain Kirk stood in front of the large window, silhouetted by the flashing lights.

Jaylah silently walked up beside him, her amber eyes watching the storm outside.

"We are going to help them," She told the captain. "When the doors open. The people will go to the streets, and they will fight. We help them take apart the city."

Captain Kirk watched the red Lightning split the ink black sky, followed by the deafening roar of thunder. "I've done a lot of damage already," He finally said after a long pause. "We're explorers. Our mission is to seek out new life, new civilizations. Not alter their destiny... I've broken so many rules and regulations that at this point...."

"We cannot stand back and let them die," Jaylah said. "We will save these people as we saved others."

"I know..." Kirk sighed. "We will... We always do."

Kirk was quiet for a long time. His light blue eyes stared unblinkingly out the window. Jaylah watched him carefully, studying the contours of his face in the shadows, the way the wild red lightning danced in his eyes.

"Sometimes I feel like I just mess everything up," He said in a quiet voice. "I ask myself if I'm still out here to do some good, or if I'm just here to get caught up in all the chaos around me."

Jaylah reached over and set her hand on his cheek, turning his face towards her.

"You will do right, James T. You always have and always will make the good choice," She told him in a firm voice. She was about to step away when she realized she was lost in his gaze. Lost in the way the red light flashed in his eyes, the way he parted his lips as he leaned towards her. Her heart skipped a beat.

She pulled away. "I believe you do good. We all do," She told him, her hand dropped back down to her side, her amber eyes finding solace in the swirling storm outside.

✵ ✵ ✵

Sidian had his men restrain Spock, strapping his arms and legs to the chair within the laboratory. The bodies of the two guards and the scientist from earlier had already been removed and nothing of their presence remained, save for the dark streaks of dried blood.

The alien stood over the Vulcan, an evil gleam in his eyes. He picked up various tools from the metal table. He held one up, studying the long blade like needle gleaming in the dim light.

"How will I make you pay for what you have done to me?" He asked himself with a grin. His teeth clicked together as he laughed, holding the blade inches from Spock's face. "I shall enjoy myself immensely," He hissed.

Spock did not flinch as the cold metal blade was pressed against his cheek.

The alien tilted his head to the side, curiously studying the Vulcan. "But it will never be enough. No, nothing I could do to you would be enough." He leaned closer, his cold breath blowing on Spock as he talked. "I want you to suffer. I want to see fear in your eyes. I want to see the helplessness. The desperation..."

He stood and paced across the floor, signaling to a guard. The guard exited the room and then reentered moments later, dragging the young Ensign with him.

"Precisely what do you plan to do?" Spock asked, trying to contain the rage in his voice. "Your actions have declared war on the Federation. Holding a Starfleet officer captive is in violation of—"

The two guards held the young ensign, yanking him to his feet. Elden groaned in pain.

Spock swallowed, trying to maintain his composure. "You will be caught by the Federation and forced to answer for your crimes."

The alien smirked. "Too bad he will not live to see it. He will suffer for what you have done," He said, twisted satisfaction dripped from every word. "Let us see what color he bleeds."

Tears filled Elden's eyes as he was dragged across the room."I'm sorry commander," He said, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."

"Release him now!" Spock demanded, pulling at the restraints with every ounce of strength he had. "I hold the rank of first officer and I can tell you anything you so desire to hear. Do whatever you will with me!"

"What fun would I have in that?" The alien smirked.