“You have found the creator.”

Spock stood at the top of the area where V’ger sat, connected through mechanical and electrical wires, tubes, and other connections. The sounds pulsed, lights flickering as the voice of V’ger droned all around. “We have. Can we speak with you?”

The thrumming of V’ger thinking thundered over them. “You may enter.” The shields protecting the lower platform released, and Spock led the group down mechanically fashioned steps. Captain Pike haltingly walked, assisted by Captain Walton and Park. “This is the creator?” Park glanced at Walton. The voice of V’ger had developed an undercurrent of menace.

Spock stepped forward. “We must explain the origin of the creator.” He removed a PADD from his uniform and placed it a few feet in front of him and stepped back. “The data on this PADD will help us explain.” Electric flashes followed more thrumming and a few deep pops at the tablet before it vanished. He waited a few minutes before explaining. “The original creator is long gone. Humans can only live so long. Captain Pike is an ancestor of the creator.” Pike hobbled forward, his face blanching at the pain.

“He is sick. Unclean. Unwell.”

Pike smiled weakly. “That is accurate, V’ger. I am willing to merge with you to help you become closer to the creator.”

“Are you?” Pike’s eyes widened at the flippant response from the machine. “I do not sense your willingness. I sense resistance. Your desire is not within this process. Your desire is elsewhere.”

Spock glanced at Pike, a single eyebrow raised. “You must convince V’ger of your desire.”

“Well, she’s not wrong, Spock. That’s the problem. I really don’t want to do this. I’d rather die in peace and go on to whatever’s next. Not…this,” he gestured to the surrounding construction.

“You did not bring a willing creator.” There was a tinge of sadness in the voice of V’ger.

Walton felt her palms sweat, and an icy chill ran up and down her spine. She stared phasers, torpedoes, and fields of Borg drones at Pike. She said, “You must understand–humans feel fear. Worry. Our emotions can get in the way. You don’t seem to have problems expressing yourself.”

“Emotions are illogical. Resistance is futile. The creator must merge with V’ger. It is the only way.”

Wren blinked as the familiar words of the Borg mixed in with the words of V’ger. She stepped next to Spock, whispering. “How do you suggest we convince Pike? I can’t physically threaten him. He’s dying.”

The Vulcan clicked his tongue. “That may not be possible, Captain Walton.” He pivoted to face the structure of the Voyager probe. “Would you accept me as the creator?” Walton and Park gasped, while Spock put a hand up to stop them from interfering. “I am half human and willing.”

V’ger rumbled with contemplation. “It is possible. Your genetic makeup is compatible.”

Wren spun on Pike as she spat out, “You bastard. You selfish bastard.”

The old man shrugged. “In my heart, I can’t. I’m sorry.” Walton’s glare deepened and Pike unconsciously took a step back.

Park growled as she turned on him, “Are you really? Sacrificing Spock because you can’t accept what needs to be done?” She scowled, gritting her teeth. “I hate this universe. And I hate you, Captain Pike.” Pike’s stiff upper lip faltered in the face of Park and Walton’s dueling stares.

“It is acceptable for the Vulcan-Human to merge.” The voice of V’ger rumbled, sounding irritated and impatient.

Walton pulled Park and Spock back to the edge of the lowered platform. “This has spun out of control. Spock, you can’t be seriously considering this.”

Spock’s face was placid, and his eyes lazily turned to Wren. “Consideration does not have a leveled system, Captain Walton. I consider or reject it. I have been reflecting on how my opposite…your Spock performed his duties in your universe. One of you taught me about his saying. ‘The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one’. In reflecting on his words and my own actions in this universe, I had to consider the path that would restore order and allow you to transit home.” He glanced back at the Voyager probe. “It is perhaps the one thing I can do to redeem the human weakness in me that contributed to this scenario.”

Park griped, “What do we do with Pike?” She shared a conspiratorial glance with Walton. Both could imagine several scenarios of punishment for the traitor to the cause.

Spock shifted his gaze from Voyager to the dying captain. “I do not wish for him to be harmed for his decision. He is human, and I share half of my weaknesses with him. I cannot blame him for his condition.” He turned on his heel, facing Captain Walton. “I need your agreement that you will do as I ask.”

Wren gritted her teeth, seething. Everything had fallen to pieces. Spock, likely the most intelligent one of them all, was going to be sacrificed at the altar in place of Pike. “I promise,” she managed without throwing up.

“Then let us begin.”