[Interrogations in the Brig]

[kirktastic]

[OOC: Happening sometime after the talk with Mr. Spock, but happening at the same time for time's sake. XD]

Kirk waited just outside of the hallway of the brig, talking with the guard on watch quietly. He didn't want the people down in the brig proper to know he was there. They had sound and cameras ready to go, so Kirk could listen in and watch on each cell, its occupant, and who they were talking to.

This was not something he was looking forward to, but he had information to work with now. Information against at least one very dangerous person, and one possibly less so.


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Private Communication to Commander Spock
I need you to come down to the brig and talk with the other Pike, like we discussed. Don't look at me, don't talk to me, just go in like you were slipping down there to talk to him. The guards already know and will leave when you dismiss them with the same protest as last time. Don't let him know I'm watching what's happening. I want to see what's going to happen.

I need you to talk to Marlena as well. Probably should talk to her first, actually.

Comments

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

Spock took one--two--steps closer, to get a better look at this glow. The hand still remained on the phaser, and with each step closer to the man the grip became more secure over it. "Did you share your knowledge of this technology with your science department?" Though, if the secrecy was any indication, he thought against it. "Or, at the least, my alternate?"

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Good distinction." Pike said calmly, seemingly intent on remaining where he was and letting Spock peer closer. "Your alternate knew." Not relenting on any more information then that. Well, perhaps a touch, "He was endlessly fascinated by the technology."

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"Did you provide him the opportunity to replicate it?" If Spock, personally, had been given the chance by either of his captains, he would have spent more than an entire day picking it apart, and then twice as much time trying to build something similar. Spock also needed to know how much this Pike's science division got to tinker with the technology of civilizations they conquered or subjugated. If the Enterprise were able to seize all the wondrous technology they encountered on their travels, and would encounter--his people would be overflowing with things to do, and he would be all the happier for it.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"It was only discovered about three months ago, but we have put it to good use so far." Pike said, hearing that eager urge in Spock's tones that no change in universe could remove. "These," A flex of the gloves, "Were our first triumph."

[kirktastic.livejournal.com]

SPOCK! Kirk screamed in his head. STOP BEING AN IDIOT! He wants to get you close... fuck is your scientific OCD so strong that it's going to over rule your logic?!

The guard was watching the Captain spaz in silence, blinking a little.

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

Fortunately for Jim's rising blood pressure, Spock did not step any closer just yet. He wanted to, though; he wanted to try on those gloves for himself--for science.

"Your second?" He immediately jumped on Pike's use of the word first, implying there was more. Spock glanced up from the gloves towards Pike's face.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"We had one other success, but unfortunately, didn't have time to implement it. I'm hoping he'll continue the project if he can figure out a way around its defenses." Was all Pike would allow him to know. "Since you are obviously dying to know... if another person were to touch these, it would activate on them. He could only work on it while I was with him."

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"I see." To most everyone, it was a simple acknowledgment of the facts. To those that knew him well enough, especially in the laboratory, the way his gaze lingered lower and the minute relaxation of shoulders expressed a small disappointment. Hopes deflated. So he moved on to the next topic he was supposed to cover with this man.

"Sir, other than the aforementioned experiments--was there any other notable research being conducted in your laboratories, specifically in the physics department?"

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Spock, you and I both know that this is going beyond what I would be willing to tell you. I reacted as any one would on an enemy ship, I have been patient with those that have been sent to interrogate me. I would rather return home to my own universe and fix what damage has been done then remain here." His tone had changed, almost almost annoyed.

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"We do not have the capability to send you across dimensions without assistance from your ship," Spock retorted, with a casual step back. This was accurate to a certain point. Given more time, more research, they would probably be able to find a way, but the older Enterprise had done most of the legwork on that last transferal--an Enterprise about ten years in the future.

"The only plausible way that you are returning to your universe is if my alternate somehow manages to cross over and collect you. You can see how unlikely this event is. His new captain will not want you returned to your position of power, and my captain will not be receptive to contacting your Empire."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"The chances are not good in my returning home, I already know this." Pike shrugged a shoulder, "So will your Captain simply keep me here until I'm put to death, or will he allow me my freedom under restriction, or is there another way?" His eyes were fierce as he slowly stood up. "Either way, I won't be kept like this."

[kirktastic.livejournal.com]

Fuck, no. FUCK no you are not coming near my god damn first officer. Spock if he takes another step I order you to GET OUT OF THERE. He was screaming at Spock in his head as if Spock would hear him.

Fuck it, if that bastard took one more step he was coming in there himself.

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

Spock stood where he was, watching Pike stand. His hand tightened over the handle of the phaser--the only response to the intimidating aura the man had now assumed. This cell was far, far too small.

"I cannot assume how he will deal with you, though with your knowledge of the ship and its personnel, he will not allow you to roam freely." He wondered, briefly, if Pike knew he was being watched, if Spock's resistance to come near him was any indication. Then, surely, Pike would know that attacking him would simply result in more imprisonment, and likely a swift death through an airlock.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

Pike tilted his head slightly, studying Spock with an intense, curious look. "...He knows you've been here." Came the quiet tone, more quietly then the cameras might be able to pick up. "Doesn't he? He's waiting for your report or is watching even now? Is that why you will not come closer? Or... are you simply afraid? Afraid of me? Afraid of yourself?"

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

His gaze matched that look from Pike, trying to remain steady for the cameras, for Jim who he could just picture leaning in to the monitor, turning up the volumes on screen. Spock felt something ice-cold sinking through his stomach, and the grip on the phaser tightened even more. "...yes." To every one of his questions; his lips barely moved, almost just a breath, reaching into the levels beyond the cameras' sensitivity.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Didn't harm you when you came here last time, did I?" Pike kept that so-so-soft tone, knowing a Vulcan could hear it where the cameras might not. "You broad casted in my mind just how much you enjoyed every second of it, even when logic told you otherwise."

Another tilt of his head, quizzical. "...You don't want you Captain to see your fear or your enjoyment."

[kirktastic.livejournal.com]

"Shit!" Kirk whispered, turning up the volume as high as it would go. "What the hell, why can't we hear them?!"

"Sir, the microphones will only pick up so--"

"We're getting better ones as soon as possible!" Kirk snapped, not even looking away from the monitor, his hand clutching the phaser at his side.

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"No, I do not," Spock matched his tone, which only made the otherwise silence that much louder in his ears. "And I cannot allow myself to enjoy this, sir." Though his voice wavered on this declaration, this half-refusal.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"...Do you want to remain beneath his hand, Spock?" Pike asked, so quiet, his gaze unwavering. "You're a creature of habit, of need, of having your place. There's a reason your alternate hasn't removed me from being captain, even though he could have a long time ago."

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"...no." His eyes flickered, for a millisecond, away--and then back at him. "But there is no other option. I will not betray him, just as he has not betrayed you." Despite the quiet voices, each word between them rang loud in his mind, accompanied by rushing thoughts and a heart beat that was gradually picking up in his mental distraction.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Not betrayed me." Repeated, slow, distinct. "I'm a man of many things, of training... while the young Kirk, in my universe, is ruthless and intelligent, he's completely reckless. If not you, he wouldn't have lasted anyway."

His voice dropped in tone, rumbling, as he took a half-step closer, hands at his sides. "If I can't return home, I want a life. Here." His gaze was piercing, dark, intense.

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

He could feel every muscle in his back and shoulders stiffen with Pike's small approach. While his hand remained on his phaser, the tension running down his arm, coupled with the fear and loyalty he did not want, prevented him from actually drawing it. His left had, likewise, unconsciously prepared for a neck pinch, though he knew it would be an unsuccessful maneuver. "You are too dangerous to remain aboard this vessel, and will remain a hazard to the Federation anywhere else."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"Why would I remain a hazard?" Pike questioned in turn, "Here, the Empire doesn't exist. I might know its teachings, its ways, and live them, but I'm far from being able to learn more."

[cso-spock.livejournal.com]

"You would find opportunities to manipulate people and systems." Like now, he thought in the back of his mind. "Placed anywhere in the Federation, you would either sink into the criminal underground and threaten stability from there, or you would warp the politics of the planet to best serve your needs...and obsessive desire for power."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

Pike simply watched Spock for several moments of silence, their eyes met, holding. Finally, he shook his head. "You're wrong." And stepped back away from Spock, replacing the glove on his hand in a smooth motion. He sat down on the bed again, and removed his gaze from Spock. He laid back, relaxing into the thin mattress, and watched the ceiling.