Reppert’s anxiety subsided, and soon he was nodding and smiling. “Yes… such a pretty song they have. Have you heard it?” He turned. “Oh! Morning Nectar, we have guests. I’d better make some iced tea.”

He moved inside, and Uhura looked after him with concern. “Will he be all right?”

The nurse turned his antlike head toward her. “Making tea? He’s fine with a well-practiced activity like that. He might not remember why he made it, though.”

Spock folded his hands before him, seeming hesitant to speak. Uhura could predict what he was about to say. “Nurse Morning Nectar… normally I would not make this suggestion, but our need for information is urgent, a matter of Federation security. Are you familiar with the Vulcan mind-meld?”

The nurse’s bright mandibles blurred. “The commodore’s doctors did consult with Vulcan healers years ago. They advised against telepathic intervention, due to the risk to the practitioner. To enter a mind so badly damaged and confused… you might not find your way out again. Or you might experience the same horrors the Klingons inflicted on him.”

“In fact, Nurse, I already have. I was subjected to the Klingon mind-sifter during the same conflict as the commodore, though not as extensively. My mental disciplines allowed me to protect myself. As I am already familiar with the impact of the process upon the mind, I believe I could evade any harmful effects. I may even be able to ameliorate some of the damage the commodore suffered.”

Morning Nectar spread all four arms. “Well, if you’re sure, then I can’t object. It’s the commodore’s decision, of course.” Uhura reminded herself of the Kaferians’ strong belief in individual freedom.

Spock stepped closer to Uhura. “Commander, assuming the commodore is amenable, he and I will require solitude. Aside from the extremely… intimate nature of the meld, there is the risk that he may inadvertently vocalize some fragment of classified information.”

“I understand, Captain.” She touched his arm, ever so briefly. “Sir… how likely is it that you can retrieve what we need to know? Is it worth the risk to you?”

Spock held her gaze evenly. “The likelihood that he retains a specific memory of his single meeting with you more than two decades ago is slim. However, we have no better options at this time.” His features eased, the mask of command falling for a moment. “At the very least, I may be able to bring some comfort and aid to a fellow subject of the Klingon mind-sifter. For that alone, it would be worth the attempt.”

She smiled up at him with deep fondness. “I should’ve expected nothing less, sir.”