From: tlb2665@usl.edu (Burleigh Thomas L)
Subject: ST:USS Cavalier, Chapter 03, "Legacy of Spock"
Organization: University of Southwestern Louisiana
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 03:23:15 GMT


(C) Copywrite 1992 by Thomas L. Burleigh. The following are the property
of Paramount Pictures, Inc: the characters of William T. Riker, Jean-Luc
Picard, D'Tan, and Spock; the Borg, Romulan, and Vulcan races; the
StarFleet organization; and, the USS Enterprise. This story is an original
work of fiction base on Star Trek: The Next Generation, a registered
trademark of Paramount. All rights reserved.


                            ST:USS Cavalier
                               Chapter 3
                           "Legacy of Spock"


   The first thing Riker heard was voices. Voices coming from down the hall
he just beamed into. There was no-one here to direct him, so, he just took
it upon himself to find Spock.
   When he reached the end of the hallway, Riker found himself facing a
hospital room with the famous Ambassador Spock lying in bed. Spock didn't
look to be in too good of shape. He had various devices attached to his
body and a good number of bio-med computers monitoring him. There was a
weak and feeble aura to the man, and Riker didn't think anyone could get so
wrinkled.
   Standing next to Spock's bed was a young, teenaged looking Romulan who
Spock was speaking to. While trying to stay out of view, Riker tuned
himself to what was being said.
   "D'Tan," said the old, feeble voice, at barely above a whisper, "now
that my disease is almost finished its work on my body, I leave to you my
legacy and my role in the repunification of our two peoples. It is on your
shoulders that rest the burden of leadership for the growth of the new
Romulan philosophy. Serve the people well, and serve my memory well."
   D'Tan, who was obviously struggling against tears, took Spock by his
hand to say goodbye. But Spock move D'Tan's hand to Spock's face. Then
Spock put his fingers upon D'Tan's face for a mind-meld.
   After a few minutes Spock's hand fell to his side. D'Tan clasped
Spock's hand for the last time, and said, "Goodbye, my friend."
   Riker ducked back some as D'Tan turned to leave the room. D'Tan was 
obviously distraught, as he didn't even notice Riker as he walked past him
in the hallway. Riker then swiftly marched in the room. (I hope I'm not
too late!)
   When Riker reached the bed, Spock looked as though he had passed away.
Then he open his eyes and said, "Captain Riker, I assume."
   "Yes, Sir. I'm here like you wanted. But what do you want with me?"
   "I'm sure that you know of the new Romulan philosopy that is spreading
here - the movement I spent my final years leading. This movement has
grown very well and many of the Romulan leaders have embraced it. This is
what has led to their renaissance, and to their logical decision to pursue
peace with the Federation."
   "Yes," Riker nodded in confusion, "but what does this have to do with
me?"
   Spock continued, "This peace will come, but there are problems. This
data chip has all that you will need to assure peace. You will also find
coded permits from the Romulans to traverse their territorial space."
   Spock then briefly fainted. Riker shook him gently until he came around
again.
   "Why would the Romulans let me travel freely in their space?" Riker
asked.
   "Their new philosophy is only the catalyst of their pursuit for peace."
Spock gasped. Then, after struggling for one last breath, "their real reason
is that they are under threat of the Borg!"
   Then Spock let himself die.

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