A recording of V'Rhsal's transmission was running on one of Spock's screens. McCoy watched, intrigued at the sight of the generator reduced to white lines and an animated image that revolved slowly in a background of bright blue.

"It's a fair bright bit of engineering," Scotty said. "He started with the Kelvan's basic design but he's refined it considerably. There's not an extra hair of weight on her yet she's got a solid power base."

Kirk eyed the image. "Can you reproduce it?"

"Aye," Scotty said. "We could make ye one. To affect an entire ship, though, will require boosting with our engine's own power."

"What exactly would it do?" Kirk asked.

Spock paused the image. "If the Klingons have grown more of these plants, the generator will trigger consecutive breaches until the potency of the plant is rendered inert."

"Meaning it would blow up under their noses," Kirk said.

Scotty nodded. "Aye, if it was so inclined. What bothers me is the way the generator would have to ride through a ship's deflector screens."

"Ride?" Kirk asked.

"The type of deflector that the Klingons use operates in opposing wavelengths. Some are shorter, faster waves. They travel out from the hull. Deeper, longer waves return in. The generator should be able to ride on these longer waves as it uses the same system. But there is a problem," Scotty said.

Spock cut in. "While each Klingon ship we have encountered has used the same type of deflector screen, each screen itself is distinctly different, such as fingerprints are from one another. Each deflector screen would require fine-tuning the generator's field."

Scotty nodded. "Though I understand the mechanics of these little beasties well enough, Captain, they're nae really in my field. They're medical equipment."

"Spock will have to help you," Kirk said.

"For each Klingon ship we encounter, Mr. Scott and I estimate we will need five to eight standard hours in order to tune the generator and set up the field," Spock said.

Kirk was quiet for a few minutes, his arms crossed against his chest. "We don't have that much time."

Scotty nodded. "But we nae the designers of this beastie. We're working second hand."

McCoy had been silent. Finally he said, "I get the feeling you're missing something."

"Elaborate," Spock said. "Have we overlooked information in the transmission or has Kór V'Rhsal omitted information?"

"I haven't seen the transmission," McCoy replied carefully. He sat down at Spock's station as the Vulcan replayed the tape. "Who translated this into standard?"

"It was in standard," Scotty said.

"Maybe if we put it in Vulcan," McCoy said. "V'Rhsal's not a linguist. And I'm used to talking about it in Vulcan so maybe something will come to me." He quieted, translating in his mind as he watched the blue screen. He heard Kirk and Scotty, behind him, cross over to the command chair, their voices low. Spock remained standing, eyeing the doctor, his gaze unreadable.

McCoy glanced around the bridge. Uhura was busy at her station. Chekov and Sulu were talking, heads together, and a stray yeoman was busy at the far wall. Finally McCoy turned back to Spock. In a voice he knew only the Vulcan could hear, and in the Vulcan's own language, he said, "All right. I admit. I could just ask him."

"It would save time," Spock replied. "Beyond this, it is your own concern."

He moved behind the doctor, shielding him should Kirk happen to glance over. Then he closed his eyes and McCoy felt a gentle support.

He stared at the screen until his eyes no longer saw it. His mind's eye travelled in and down until he saw the glint of thread that held the connection. McCoy reached and touched V'Rhsal.

There was no distance, the Vulcan as close as if he, not Spock, stood behind. They needed no words. Mind thoughts, images as quick as wisps came and went. Here and gone, a strange exaltation, and a strange heaviness. He felt the rush of blood and the flapping of dark wings. He could taste, smell, feel the Vulcan. Then he opened his eyes and he was suddenly back on the ship, his knuckles white where he was holding the board. The screen was dark.

With a start, he heard his name.

"McCoy!"

It was Kirk's voice, insistent. McCoy blinked as he turned. Spock was just opening his own eyes and everyone on the bridge, including the yeoman, was staring at him.

"McCoy, are you deaf?" Kirk paced to the rail, then stopped short. "Are you ill?"

McCoy took a deep breath. "No."

"You're white to the gills."

"I'm fine." He steadied his voice. "Spock and I have figured this out."

The Vulcan shot a glance at him, as if to say 'Have we?'

McCoy loosened his hands, trying to get the feeling back into them. "It's the proximity. Remember, I told you, I had to sit the generator almost on top of the cerebellum."

"Yes..." Kirk had stepped on the upper deck, his thoughtful gaze sweeping between McCoy and Spock.

"If the generator is within the Klingon's shields, it will naturally ride the waves in. It's attracted to the longer energy waves. It won't require any fine-tuning."

Scotty burst out. "What are you saying, Leonard? We cannae get that close!"

"We can't beam anything through their shields," Kirk said.

"The shields occupy space approximately one point three kilometres out from the hull," Spock said, catching on.

"Room enough for a shuttle," McCoy added.

"What?" Scotty looked aghast.

"A cloaked shuttle," Spock said.

"Suicide!" Scotty shook his head.

"I volunteer," Spock cut in, ignoring the engineer.

McCoy turned on Spock. "You can't go. You don't know how to work the generator."

"You do not know how to pilot a shuttlecraft," the Vulcan replied.

"Gentlemen," Kirk said softly. He shook his head. "I am not sending any of my crew out for that nor am I accepting volunteers."

"Captain..." Spock started.

"They may not even have grown any more of those things," Kirk said.

"We have a duty to find out," Spock said, "if for no other reason than for proof that can be offered to the Romulans."

"Aye," Scotty added. "A weapon they can simply grow is too tempting, no matter how unstable it may be. But we cannae send people out in a shuttle." At Kirk's face, he and McCoy said at the same time, "And you aren't going, Jim!"

"We'll see." Kirk returned to his command chair.

---

The Klingons came out of the sky at exactly shift change the next morning. Twice the usual number of people on the bridge stopped abruptly as the red alert blared out and the shields powered up. Twice as many eyed the viewscreen nervously before glancing at the captain.

"Clear the bridge," Kirk said. His day staff swooped into their seats as the turbo lifts snapped into operation. "Status."

"She must have been cloaked," Sulu said, "because she's close. Only fourteen hundred metres from us."

"They're hailing us, Captain," Uhura said.

Kirk nodded. A moment later the sight of the Klingon Bird of Prey on the viewscreen was replaced by an equally impressive Klingon male in full military dominance.

"Captain Kirk," he said politely, his mouth moving in the Klingon version of a smile which looked more like a snarl.

"I am he."

"I am Commander Kah'arrd. I am honoured to make your acquaintance."

Kirk found polite Klingons more unnerving than angry ones. He studied the Klingon for a few moments, before asking, "Is there anything I can do for you today, Commander, or is this a social call?"

"I feel it is time to speak, my Empire to your Federation. You are aware of some recent...border developments."

Sulu glanced up suddenly. Before he could speak, four more Birds of Prey appeared on the viewscreen. Kirk managed to note the arrivals without moving a muscle on his face. Kah'arrd, obviously expecting some reaction, studied Kirk warily. Then he sat back in his chair.

"As the human phrase goes, Captain...your place or mine?"

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

"I'm not sure about this," McCoy muttered.

Kirk smiled at him. "You volunteered, Bones." He eyed the doctor climbing into the shuttle after him. McCoy moved slowly, cradling the generator Scotty had built.

Sulu climbed in after them, followed by three burly guards.

"Strap in," Kirk said. "We're off to a party."

They waited in the red, dim light of the shuttle until the hanger doors opened. They were going to time dropping their shields with Kah'raad's own ship, slip out, and meet the Klingons' shuttle halfway. Kirk felt the risk worth taking, though it was a very high risk to leave the starship while four Birds of Prey were within kilometres. But if they wanted to destroy him, they could have easily done so by now and been out of the area. This would also be an excellent test for the generator.

The signal came down from the bridge. Sulu glanced at Kirk but the helmsman's face betrayed nothing. He simply said, "The Allegiance is ready to go."

Kirk strapped himself into the co-pilot's chair. "Take her up."

The shuttled lifted and glided gently into the black of space. Sulu flew them softly, keeping the Enterprise between them and the Klingons until it would be absolutely necessary to leave her protection. Despite the tension, it was a graceful ride. Kirk watched the great starship through the port holes, revelling in the sweeping lines of the hull and nacelles, and the great disc in shadow above.

"You never realize how big she truly is until you see her from this angle," McCoy said in a hushed voice.

"Wait until you see how big these ships are, doc," Sulu said. As they swung around, the four massive Klingon ships fell into view.

The Klingon shuttle was coming to meet them, moving at a fast clip. Of course they well could go so quickly, Kirk reflected sourly, with such back-up. He glanced at McCoy.

"Do we actually have to be within the Klingons' shields?"

"No," McCoy said, "but we have to be outside of our own."

Kirk gauged the speed of the Klingons' shuttle, then turned to Sulu. "Speed up. Let's force this closer to their ship."

The shuttles met within a kilometre and a half of Kah'raad's ship. Kirk glanced out the back viewport and grinned suddenly. "Do Vulcans swear? I can imagine how Spock must be viewing our proximity."

"I'm glad someone's enjoying this," McCoy scowled as he set up the generator behind the last seat. "This thing hums a bit while it's going."

"We'll be up front," Kirk said. He felt a gentle thud as the hatchways of the two shuttles lined up. In front of him, his security had drawn phasers and were waiting silently.

"Ready McCoy?"

"Just a moment." McCoy made a last check. He had already checked the generator in trial runs with Scotty but this last action made him feel a little bit better. He turned it on, then said, "Sulu, just to let you know. If they're stupid enough to have grown any more of those plants, we may not wish to be this close."

"How long will it take?" Kirk asked.

McCoy frowned. "I don't know. Ten minutes or ten days. It depends on the plant."

Kirk stood and assumed an air of nonchalance. "All right, Sulu."

They opened the doorway. Kah'raad led his troop into the doorway and raised his fist in the Klingon salute. "Captain Kirk."

"Commander," Kirk nodded.

Kah'raad strode forward until he was a few inches from Kirk. "I have heard much of you."

"I have heard nothing of you," Kirk replied impassively, noting his men flinching at the nearness of the Klingon, their hands tightening on their phaser belts.

Kah'raad's eyes swept over Kirk's men. He had only two men to Kirk's five, unless there were more in his shuttle. After a long scrutiny, he said, "What I wish to say to you, Captain Kirk, is of some importance. Do you trust all of these men?"

"With my life," Kirk said, smiling.

"Your life is not the issue here," Kah'raad said with a shrug. "I will speak regarding issues of some sensitivity in our governments."

Kirk motioned the Klingon to the front chairs, then nodded at his security. "Four metres."

They stepped back the appropriate distance, which happened to put them almost on top of the Klingon guards. Sulu, after another glance from Kirk, joined McCoy in the back of the shuttle.

The two captains studied each other for a moment. Then Kah'raad leaned forward and said something that came as a low mumble to McCoy's ears. There was a pause, then Kirk said something equally as low. McCoy exchanged a glance with Sulu. The generator hummed with a queer, rather unpleasant vibration that ran right up his legs.

"Should we be so close?" Sulu asked in a whisper.

McCoy shrugged. "To the Klingons or to this thing? It's enclosed except for this small opening." McCoy indicated a vent which was pointed at the shuttle's wall. "Scotty made it directional."

"Let's hope he did," Sulu said. "I can feel it in my calves." He quieted for a few moments, then said, "But if it's aimed at their ship, what will it do to them?"

The doctor returned Sulu's look grimly. "Let's hope none of them have any weak arteries."

Kirk and Kah'raad were still speaking low. Their guards, antsy, were shuffling from foot to foot and watching each other like hawks.

"Damnit, hurry up!" McCoy whispered, shaking his legs to get rid of the vibration from the generator. But it was nearly another ten minutes before Kirk and Kah'raad rose. They exchanged the Klingon salute again, and the Klingon returned to his shuttle. His guards sneered at the Enterprise men before following. The hatchway closed.

"Let's go home," Kirk said, looking sombre.

Sulu returned to his chair as McCoy shut off the generator. During the trip back, Kirk asked, "Well, McCoy?"

"The generator worked fine. The possibilities are that there were no boojums, that there was no plant, or that they've improved the plant so that the generator no longer affects it."

"I don't like that last one." The captain turned his attention back out the viewscreen, obviously distracted.

They waited outside the hanger doors for Spock's signal. Finally they were back and the doors shut behind them.

Kirk hit the intercom. "Bridge."

"Spock here, Captain. I trust everyone is well."

Kirk chuckled. "If that's your way of wondering if any of us got out heads blown off, you can rest easy. Prepare for warp speed, Spock. I'll be up there momentarily."

---

Kirk, Spock, and Tyne Misu were at a table when McCoy entered the mess hall. He punched up a salad and tea from the food processor and joined them.

Kirk's face still wore the slightly distracted half-frown. Tyne and Spock, however, were a chunk of normalcy, she venting rapid questions at the Vulcan and he responding nimbly in his famous lecturing drone. McCoy sat down in time to hear Tyne say, "...but the genetics of it are all wrong!" She turned to the doctor. "Len, tell him--"

"I'm on break tonight," McCoy interrupted, amused. "It's Spock's turn to deal with you."

"Deal with me?" she snorted. "These are logical questions."

"Not entirely," Spock said in a politely neutral tone.

She pretended to huff into silence which, co-incidentally quieted the whole table.

McCoy glanced at Kirk. The captain was merely picking at his steak.

"Not hungry, Jim?"

Kirk brought his full attention back to the table. He glanced at McCoy's plate. "You should talk, Bones. Where are you hiding the rabbit?"

"Believe it or not, Jim, vegetables are actually good for you."

"You can't fool me, Bones. Give or take an hour, you'll be back here looking for the cows."

Tyne glanced up. "Len, I thought you told me you were a vegetarian."

Kirk eyed her, then roared, "Him? A vegetarian? He's eaten so many bovine he could have started his own herd."

Tyne broke in. "I haven't seen him eat any meat."

McCoy shrugged. "My lips have not touched meat for over two years."

"I don't think your lips ever touched it, it went down so fast," Kirk said.

Spock cut in. "I see Vulcan has had a positive influence on you, Doctor."

"I think you've got that backwards."

Kirk glanced between Spock and the doctor thoughtfully. "Just what the hell are the two of you up to?"

"Pardon?" Spock asked as McCoy managed to look mildly intrigued.

Kirk shook his head. "Don't play innocent. It's like waiting for a bomb to go off. The two of you have been in cahoots ever since we came back from Vulcan."

"Cahoots?" Spock queried?

"Hardly!" McCoy said. "In fact, I'm waiting for the 'other shoe to drop'."

"If you are referring to retaliation for the route you used for the Khlabar vaccine," Spock said, "then you may rest your mind. Vulcans are not vengeful."

"Like hell. I just spent two years on your planet, remember?" McCoy said, but to his surprise, Kirk did not pick up on the interplay. "Jim, what's wrong?"

Kirk put down his coffee, which was now cold. "Nothing's wrong, Bones. Spock, if you're done, I'd like you to take a turn on the bridge with me."

The Vulcan rose immediately. When they were in the turbo-lift, Kirk said, "Spock, there's something I need followed up. Discreetly."

Spock waited. Finally Kirk reached over and slapped the halt button. "I need you to check up on V'Rhsal and also on his wife. Her name's Sah'Sheer and she's on the Nézni in the Mutari sector."

"Check for what, Jim?"

"Anything. Everything. Background, family, political affiliations, what they do, what they own." Kirk led out a breath. "I didn't want to ask you this in front of McCoy."

"I see," Spock said neutrally.

"Or in front of Dr. Misu either. She and Bones are getting rather friendly. I've caught her coming out of his cabin."

"May I inquire as to the reasons for this?"

"Kah'raad may be setting me up but he told me the Klingons who met the Romulan envoy were working on their own."

"Why would he impart such information to you?" Spock asked.

"He claims he thinks I can act." Kirk tightened his jaw. "He said the Romulans have been retaliating against Klingon ships and I don't doubt that. The Klingons are probably suffering heavy losses at their borders. Kah'raad claims it's a Vulcan supplying the plants, many of them."

"Does he know the Vulcan's name?"

Kirk looked away. "V'Rhsal."

Spock was quiet for a few moments, then he said, "Jim, it is unlikely."

"McCoy said himself that whoever the stole the plant had to get by an extensive security system and it was extensive. We saw it ourselves. I don't think a fly could have got past."

"If Kór V'Rhsal had committed such an irrational act, Dr. McCoy would have known."

"Not necessarily. Bones said he came home to find the plant gone. It didn't happen while he was there."

"Irrelevant," Spock said. "McCoy would have known."

Kirk eyed Spock for a long time. Then he said simply, "Why?"

"It is not my place to say."

"Spock, we're dealing with a possible war. Tell me."

"Jim, I cannot. I am a Vulcan before I am a Starfleet officer."

Kirk leaned back heavily against the railing. He lowered his voice too. "Spock, there are words you've told me that I have never heard. There are things only we know between ourselves and they have gone beyond my commission."

Spock nodded. "Yes, but if McCoy has not spoken of this to you, I will not do so. It concerns nothing relevant to either of us, or to the Klingon/Romulan situation. I will post an alternate theory. En'Sah'Sheer must know the security system as well."

"Which is why I need her checked," Kirk said. "And don't change the subject, Spock. At this point, I'm ready to confine McCoy to his quarters."

"That is your privilege."

"Spock, for God's sakes!"

"Ask the doctor yourself."

"I would, if I knew what the hell to ask!" Kirk said frustratedly. "Spock, when we get to the bridge, I'm going to order this ship back to Vulcan to pick up V'Rhsal."

"You have been in further contact with him?"

"Just before dinner. He thinks he's coming on board as a civilian advisor."

"That would be his official capacity," Spock said tonelessly.

"I don't know what to believe yet. I need information, not guessing games. If V'Rhsal is responsible for this, he's committed treason against the Federation. I'm to keep my eye on him and that's been handed to me by Admiral Nogura direct." Kirk met the Vulcan's eyes. "Can't you see the position I'm in? f I do end up arresting V'Rhsal, what kind of conflict on interest does that present for McCoy now that there's this big unknown regarding them? Maybe you think their personal consideration ranks higher than an eagle's ass but it pales next to an interstellar concern."

Spock released the halt button. "Jim, I can no more tell you his confidences than him yours. However, I do not believe you will ever have the inclination to arrest Kór V'Rhsal."

PART TWENTY THREE

Kirk sought out McCoy early the next morning. He found the doctor setting up the lab and making coffee.

"I thought I'd catch you now before our days get busy."

McCoy took a chair. "What's up?"

"I wanted to ask you about what happened on the bridge the day before yesterday. I called your name four times before you heard me. I called Spock twice but he was off in some never-never land too. And the both of you looked sick beyond belief."

McCoy didn't respond. Finally, Kirk said, "I asked Spock about it but he clammed up."

"Sorry, Jim. I didn't hear you calling me."

Kirk outstared the doctor. When McCoy dropped his gaze, Kirk felt something inside him drop too.

The ship's intercom droned quietly from the hall and, in the next room, a door opened and closed. "We'll be meeting a Vulcan convoy in a few hours," Kirk said at last.

"I know," McCoy said.

"You do?"

"V'Rhsal's coming on board."

In a neutral voice, Kirk said, "I thought we could use his knowledge about the generator first-hand."

"You also think he's the one who gave it to the Klingons," McCoy retorted.

Kirk felt a cold stab of anger. "Spock was way out of line to--"

"I haven't spoken to Spock since he left for the bridge with you," McCoy said. "Besides, what else should I think?" The doctor frowned. "Jim, I don't understand your attitude towards V'Rhsal. You've hardly been around him."

"Bones, it's not that."

"It isn't anything else," McCoy said. "V'Rhsal no more gave this to the Klingons than you did. It's ludicrous to think so."

"Two years ago I would have taken your word on this. On anything," Kirk said.

The doctor stared at him. "Do you think I've changed my whole value system in two years? I am a Starfleet officer. Beyond that, I am your friend."

"But there's a difference in you," Kirk said.

"You've changed a bit too."

"You've changed a lot."

"Have I?" McCoy looked genuinely pained. Then it passed. "Jim, two years ago, I walked through the Shi'Kaver Hospital. I saw a Vulcan restrained, strapped in a chair. He couldn't move an inch. He'd lost the ability to speak. When he opened his mouth, he drooled, like an infant. He even had to wear diapers. And do you know what the prognosis was? He had another two, maybe even three years left. Can you imagine?"

Kirk shook his head.

"V'Rhsal lost his father to Khlabar, and a close friend. He had a brother who was showing symptoms." He drew a deep breath. "V'Rhsal wanted to try a neural generator which was, like, one of the longest shots there is. He asked for my help. After seeing that man on the ward, I didn't hesitate. Then V'Rhsal said there was a way to get an edge on our partnership, a way to truly pool our resources." McCoy finally looked up. "The mind meld."

Kirk looked about as utterly stunned as McCoy had ever seen him. He choked out, "You? With him? You didn't!"

"I did," the doctor replied quietly. "V'Rhsal ended his meld with his wife to join with me."

Kirk sat down as it went through him. Then, suddenly, he said, "You're still melded, aren't you? And Spock knows?"

"He's known for two years. He sensed the meld through me."

Kirk frowned. "But you hated it. Those few times that Spock..."

"Yes, I hated it."

Kirk searched McCoy's face. "Bones, why are you still melded?"

For a moment, the doctor's expression was the most unguarded that Kirk had ever seen. "Jim, I don't know. I'm...reluctant to end it just yet, I guess."

Kirk chose his next words carefully, "This puts you in the worst possible position. Starfleet ordered me to watch him. Why didn't you tell me before?"

"It's a very personal matter where Vulcans are concerned. I guess where I'm concerned too. Everything he is. Everything I am. It's all there. It's like walking around with my fly always open." The doctor refilled his cup. "Now that you know, you have to act in accordance with regulations. If you feel him guilty, you'll have to assume I've been covering for him. And if you fail to make that assumption, Starfleet will accuse you of a cover-up and it'll be your ass as well."

With a stricken look, Kirk said, "McCoy, if they find you guilty of treason, it's a death sentence."

To his astonishment, McCoy laughed. "Jim, for heaven's sakes, I can just see me sitting in the court room and the prosecutor says, 'guilty of supplying weapons to a hostile faction' and out they come with exhibit A, one big fern."

"It's hardly a joking matter."

"It's hardly serious either. Jim, he can't go to the bathroom that I don't know about it."

Kirk was silent for a few minutes longer. Then, gently, he said, "Bones, if you break this meld now, I can keep you out of it. Surely it can't be that pleasant for you."

McCoy studied Kirk. "Why do you dislike him so much?"

"He sets off every internal alarm I have. I don't trust him."

"I do, Jim. Obviously, with everything."

---

To play it safe, Kirk had the department heads on hand to greet the Vulcan shuttle, if for no other reason than to make the appearance of respect. McCoy sent Christine Chapel as medical representative, an action Kirk was not comfortable with. Spock, however, seemed to have no unease, and acted as if the conversation with Kirk in the turbo lift had never happened. Kirk eyed the Vulcan as the shuttle came to final docking. So he had known for two years. On the other hand it certainly explained the disparity in Spock's attitude with McCoy since the latter's return.

The hatchway opened and V'Rhsal walked down the plank.

"Welcome aboard," Kirk said, smiling. The smile was quickly extinguished as the black eyes bored through to his backbone as they studied him.

"Captain," V'Rhsal said. If he had any inkling of the real reason Kirk had invited him on board, he gave no sign. Then again, Kirk could hardly expect he would. This one was all Vulcan.

V'Rhsal glanced at Spock. "Kór Spock, I look forward to discussing the Asimov Paradox with you."

"I look forward to it," Spock said. "The Chief Engineer, Mr. Scott, and I have made some progress in that direction since our last discussion."

Scotty stepped forward, a large grin on his face. "Pleased to meet you, sir. Your generator design is a bonny thing."

V'Rhsal paused. Then, to Kirk's amazement, warmth invaded the black gaze. "The design meets your approval then?"

"Meets my approval?" Scotty echoed. "Heavens, man! But if you'd care to work on something with me, I've got his idea concerning the warp engines..."

Kirk interrupted. "Mr. V'Rhsal, I extend my gratitude to you for agreeing to this mission. I feel it only right to warn you, though. We're on our way to the borders. I cannot guarantee your safety."

"You indicated such in your communiqué, Captain," the Vulcan replied.

Kirk stepped back. "Due to security, I am afraid you're restricted to diplomatic limits. My officers will explain this to you and show you to your cabin. There is a briefing tonight at 1900 hours."

He left Spock and Scotty to do the introductions with the rest of the officers and returned to the bridge.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Scotty was the only one in the briefing room when Kirk arrived that evening. The Scotsman looked a little flushed and Kirk, with a flash of suspicion, asked, "Scotty, are you sure you're up to this meeting?"

Scotty looked somewhat offended. "What do ye mean?"

"Let me smell your breath," Kirk said.

"Well, it was a wee nip," Scotty said. "But then, it isn't often we get the likes of that Vulcan laddie on board. We spent the afternoon in the engine room, fine-tuning as it were."

"You fine-tuned the warp engines while under the influence of Scotch?" Kirk asked. "Scotty, you heard me say diplomatic limits."

"We were in my office and we had the drink after the tour. To celebrate, ye see."

"We?"

"Well, the Vulcan laddie had a drop too."

"Are you pulling my leg, Mr. Scott?"

"It's true," Scotty said. "I opened my own private stock. Sure and enough but he gets a glass and joins me. He may be a Vulcan but he knows a good brand of scotch when he sees it."

As Kirk was trying to visualize the scene, the door opened and Spock and Sulu entered.

Kirk nodded at them, then continued, "Scotty, did the two of you have any time to devote to the generator, the reason Kór V'Rhsal came on board?"

"Well sure, but then Leonard came in. He and V'Rhsal disappeared somewhere and never came back."

Uhura and DeSalle, the chief of security, showed up next. Finally McCoy and V'Rhsal came in and took the remaining seats.

Kirk took a long look around him before speaking. "The Enterprise will be at Space Station C-6 in eighteen days. We will be meeting Romulan representatives to discuss possible treaty violations. I have no need to tell you what can happen should the Romulans feel we have broken the peace."

"It's the Klingons they have the fight with," DeSalle said.

Kirk shrugged. "That's not as clear to them. A Federation party consisting of Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan, Ambassador R'Heave of Delta, and Ambassador Chen of Earth will be at Station C-6 tomorrow. Hopefully, they'll break some ground for us. Our job will be to provide such evidence as we can in support of the Federation delegates. That means verification of the plant that the Klingons are using, proof that they've refined it on their own initiative, and any documentation that will clear Vulcan of charges of weapons conspiracy. To get such proof, it's imperative that we force encounters between ourselves and the Klingons. The odds aren't the greatest, but if we can run up against a Klingon ship that has a plant on board, we can detonate it using the generator. Organian Treaty will allow us some flexibility to take the ship back with us to C-6 as evidence."

Kirk saw Uhura and Sulu exchange a glum look. McCoy frowned. "Force encounters? Do you mean actively provoke the Klingons?"

Kirk nodded. "This course of action was decided upon by Federation council. Mr. Sulu, your job will be to plot us a nice course that puts us right through the most heavily accessed of their borders."

"I've spent years trying to avoid those spots," Sulu said softly.

"I hope you've all met Mr. V'Rhsal by now," Kirk continued. "He is the designer of the generator. Hopefully, he'll be able to come up with a way for us to avoid sending a shuttlecraft within the one point three kilometre radius of Klingon shields."

Spock interrupted. "Captain, this course of action could cause...misfortune for the Klingon crew."

"I'm aware that some Klingon lives may be lost," Kirk said. "It's a necessary risk."

"Captain, if we take a Klingon ship in tow, are we not in danger of provoking the Klingon Empire?" Uhura asked. "We could end up with war on two fronts at once."

"If we do take a Klingon ship, it will be only to prove the existence of the plant," Kirk said. "The Klingons will have breached the treaty, not us. Actually, the Federation's first directive was to leave this issue entirely between the Klingons and the Romulans. Unfortunately Vulcan has been dragged into it. We have been forced to act." Kirk paused before adding, "Mr. Spock, Mr. Scott, and Mr. V'Rhsal, your work will be with the generator. Mr. Sulu, if we do take a ship, your Away team will board her and transfer sufficient Starfleet personnel to run her. Dr. McCoy would also be boarding with a Medical Team to treat the injured. Mr. DeSalle, our `guests' would be your responsibility. Lt. Uhura, your job will be to send ahead to the Federation Delegation all documentation possible to clear Vulcan and the Federation of any complicity. Any questions?"

The barrage of discussion that followed made Kirk almost wish he hadn't asked. He noted, however, that neither V'Rhsal and McCoy said anything. Even Spock seemed unusually quiet. It wasn't until the meeting had cleared and he and Spock were the only ones left in the briefing room, that the Vulcan said, "Jim, would you, in fact, use Kór V'Rhsal, then deliver him over to Organian law?"

"That's a surprising question, Spock. Are you convinced of his guilt?"

"Hardly," Spock said. "But I was under the impression that you were."

"Spock, I'm not convinced, but if it wasn't him, then who got past that security?"

"There is an obvious answer," Spock said.

"I know." Kirk shook his head. "And if that's so, we're still dealing with a Vulcan."

---

Kirk flew out of sleep at the blare of the red alert. He slammed the intercom. "What's going on?"

"Explosion in shuttle bay, sir," Uhura said. "Deck being sealed off now."

Kirk ran into the turbo, carrying his shirt. In the lower deck, Scotty, McCoy, and a security team were standing outside the shuttle bay doors.

"Atmosphere ok," the Scotsman said. "No hull breach. Ready for entry."

"Open it up," Kirk said.

The heavy doors rolled back. Kirk glanced into the smoky gloom tentatively. McCoy, following, was holding a tricorder.

"I don't read anyone down here," he said, with a trace of relief.

"The bays should be empty at this time," Scotty said. He nodded at his men. "Spread out."

Kirk stepped carefully. "It smells like...burnt pine cones."

McCoy stopped and sniffed the air. His face suddenly dropped. "My God!"

"Bones?" Kirk asked.

"I know that smell. It's..." The doctor looked down. Kirk squinted through the debris-swirling atmosphere. There was something on the floor.

"Shit!" McCoy said. "Jim, we've got to get out of here!"

Kirk took a step towards the doctor and tripped over a rustling, feathery thing he couldn't see. Whatever it was groaned at his movement and slithered around his ankles.

McCoy fanned the air, trying to get a better look. "Jim, we've got to eject this off the ship. God forbid it should get into the ventilators."

"Eject what?" Kirk started but then he saw it. Long tendrils of what resembled heavy, brown ropes stirred over the tops of his boots, whispering and moaning. "Is this your plant?" Kirk whispered.

"It's not mine!" McCoy glared back. "It's a different one."

"Scotty, clear these men out."

The Scotchman was not easily moved by shrubbery. "We could use a pitchfork."

"This isn't funny," McCoy said, holding out his tricorder. "Look at the energy readings."

Scotty's face changed. He took a second look, then called out, "Come on, Lads. On tiptoes. You set your heels on the floor and you'll be working a double, I tell ye!"

"We'll secure the shuttles, open the hatch, and let it get blown out," Kirk said.

He stepped gently to the nearest shuttle, the Spirit, and locked its front pads to the loading dock. As he crept around to the rear pads, he saw the Allegiance tipped on her side. Blackened around a hole that gaped from her doorway were burnt, black vines spiderwebbed across the metal.

"Looks like the Klingons left us a present," Kirk said grimly. Or else V'Rhsal did, but he didn't voice that thought aloud. "Hurry up, Bones."

"Of course I'm hurrying!" McCoy retorted as he secured the Galileo. "I never liked this thing before!"

Kirk fastened the last pads, then straightened, his face thoughtful. "Scotty!"

"Here, Captain." The Scotchman was near the Allegiance, a sour expression on his face.

"Set up a containment field, pronto! I want a sample of this."

"Jim, that's dangerous," McCoy said.

"It's also evidence," Kirk said.

"Of what?" McCoy asked. "It doesn't prove a thing as far as the Klingons go."

"And it doesn't clear your partner either," Kirk said. "If you think the Klingons have refined it, chances are they've mixed it with some native Klingon weed."

"Jim, my tricorder reads energy to the sixth power."

"And we're up to our butts in it," Kirk shrugged.

"Goddamn smart ass sense of humour..." McCoy muttered as he stepped carefully towards the door. As he neared it, V'Rhsal entered, carrying a portable field generator. His black eyes swept across the shuttle bay.

"I know!" McCoy grumbled. He moved into the hallway. A few minutes later, Kirk, Scotty, and the Vulcan followed, cradling a piece of the plant encased in a force field.

Kirk secured the doorway, then opened the intercom. "Bridge."

"Spock here."

"Open the hanger doors."

"Captain, we have not pressurised the..."

"NOW!"

There was a low, rumbling vibration as the doors opened. The secured shuttles lifted slightly as the gravity and life support were overcome. The rest of the movement was not so gentle. Every bulb in the hanger suddenly exploded. The Allegiance hurled towards the opening. One of her pylons caught on the inside hull and wrenched sickeningly as she was sucked from the bay. A first aid kit flew after her, then a blur of a red toolbox. The roar of air was almost deafening.

"Harper! What did I tell ye about leaving your tools around?" Scotty yelled from behind Kirk. "This'll be coming out of your pay!"

"Captain," came Spock's voice from the intercom. "Scanners read high energy fluctuations from the Allegiance."

"I don't doubt it," Kirk said. "Tell Sulu to lock phasers on her and you can close the bay doors now."

"Federated Greenpeace won't like the way we're throwing our junk into space," Scotty commented after the doors had closed.

Kirk studied the piece of plant floating gently in containment. "Is that field strong enough?"

V'Rhsal nodded. "It is adequate. Captain Kirk, this is not the same vine that Dr. McCoy and I grew."

Scotty frowned. "It looks like a bloody fern. `Tis hard to believe it stores energy."

"Captain, the Allegiance has been destroyed," came Sulu's voice from the bridge.

"Good," Kirk replied. "Scotty, take it down to engineering. Mr. Sulu, I've got a flower delivery for you."

---

Kirk stared across the science station at the lit viewscreen. "No doubt, eh?"

Sulu and Tyne were hunched over the board. Spock stood quietly behind the captain.

"No doubt at all," Tyne said. "For once, Mr. Sulu and I agree on something."

The Helmsman chuckled as he pointed at the blowup of the plant's cell structure on the screen. "This is definitely from Vulcan. I'd guess a le'croya or miiko plant pollen from the atomic arrangement. But see, right here, the space between has been reduced and there's an extra molecule, the arrangement of which I've never seen before."

"Could it be a Klingon plant?" Kirk asked.

Sulu shrugged. "I can't tell. It's not organic though. Our computer has no match for it but we can be definite on one point. This atomic structure has been deliberately engineered. It's not a natural grouping."

"Why is it so explosive?"

"The arrangement is holding under protest, Captain," Tyne said. "The whole system's strained. It's designed to collapse."

"The original part of the plant, the Vulcan part, stored energy in weak cells," Kirk said.

"It was being true to its blueprints," Sulu said. "As the design for the cell structure had been made by computer, I doubt that Dr. McCoy could have known it would be an unstable arrangement. It was just bad luck that the generator he used set off the stored energy."

"Can you and Tyne figure out how this plant has been altered from its original Vulcan state because, at this point, we still don't have any proof of Klingon involvement."

Tyne and Sulu exchanged a look, then she said, "We could try."

Kirk nodded. "Start now, then. Borrow who you need from Science and Medical sections. Mr. Sulu, arrange a relief for the helm."

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Kirk got the call from engineering early the next morning. After a quick shower, he grabbed a coffee and headed down to the lower decks. Scotty and V'Rhsal were in a storage office, sitting at a desk littered with papers, tapes, and tools. Scotty, grinning proudly, placed what looked like a shiny, metal coin on the table in front of Kirk. "There's your generator."

"The neural field generator? That little thing?" Kirk asked.

V'Rhsal also sat. "It is not much bigger than the generator I originally designed for Leonard."

Kirk glanced at Scotty. "The one you made was a lot larger."

"Aye," Scotty shrugged. "But this is what it's supposed to be, just beautiful."

V'Rhsal picked the generator up and balanced it on his forefinger. "Mr. Scott and I tuned it to affect the refined plant tissue."

"And the range?" Kirk asked, eyeing it dubiously.

"It would still need to be off the starship," V'Rhsal said. "However, I believe it would work within an eleven hundred kilometre range. It would require shielding with a single vent to avoid affecting the person operating it."

Kirk scowled. "It looks like a ten credit coin. Are you trying to tell me that little thing will affect a ship?"

V'Rhsal's dark gaze regarded Kirk dispassionately for a moment. "It will affect the plant."

Scotty picked it off the Vulcan's finger and held it up to the light as if he were displaying his first born. "It's a work of art."

"The two of you haven't been into that scotch again?" Kirk warned.

Scotty shook his head. "We haven't had time to celebrate. I think I may have a wee bottle in the back."

He set the generator on the table, then left the room. Kirk gingerly picked up the object and regarded it curiously. Finally he looked up into the Vulcan's indifferent eyes.

"I sure hope this works because Dr. McCoy will be the one out in a shuttle."

"Leonard told me."

Kirk rose, shaking his head. "Scotty I can understand. He lives for this. Well, Mr. V'Rhsal, maybe we'll get an opportunity to test this out soon."

---

They found a Klingon ship that morning. She challenged the Enterprise, who was conspicuously on the wrong side of the border. Then, for no reason Kirk could discern, warped back into Klingon space.

"Bizarre," Kirk said.

"Disquieting," Spock commented. "They may be gathering backup."

Three hours later, they came upon a macho Klingon in a small scout with no sense of perception. McCoy and a pilot, in a shuttle, flew into the Klingon's blind side. However there was no reaction from the scout. After putting up with phaser fire, Kirk recalled the Spirit and retreated into Federation space.

Spock, at the science station, said, "Captain, we could meet with many Klingon ships before finding one with a plant on board."

"I know. We'll just have to keep trying. We may have to go after the bigger ships."

"I'm sure the doctor will appreciate your viewpoint," Spock replied.

Two days and seven Klingon ships later, Kirk came upon V'Rhsal in McCoy's quarters. "I have to ask you something."

The Vulcan's unsettling look fastened on the captain. Kirk stood his ground. Holding the dime-sized generator, he asked, "Does this really work?"

"Yes Captain," V'Rhsal said. "Your own chief engineer verified it."

Kirk rubbed his chin. "I'm risking Dr. McCoy out there and some of these Klingons can get rather nasty."

"I am aware of the shuttle's complement," V'Rhsal replied. "I regret that these encounters with the Empire have not been more satisfying for you."

"I'm trying to prevent a war here," Kirk said. "I'm trying to get documentation and get out to Station C-6. The original plant did come from your basement. We still haven't explained that one either."

V'Rhsal, sitting across McCoy's desk, did not answer. Kirk noticed McCoy, in a chair by the doorway, fidgeting angrily however.

"You can understand that the Romulans are going to ask how the plant got from point A to point B," Kirk said.

"It is an obvious question," V'Rhsal said.

"Do you have any idea?"

"I do not," the Vulcan replied.

Kirk felt a wave of frustration wash over him. He'd spoken with V'Rhsal several times since the Vulcan had come on board, but each time had been brief and unpleasant. Even Spock had been more verbal when Kirk had first met him.

He decided to try a different route. "When the Romulans ask me who the Vulcan was that supplied the Klingons, what do you think I should tell them?"

"The truth, Captain, that you do not possess that knowledge," V'Rhsal replied tonelessly.

Kirk chose his next words carefully. "If I tell them that, their next suggestion may be that you come down to the meeting so that they can cut your balls off."

V'Rhsal did not look the least alarmed. Of course, Kirk thought glumly, he probably wouldn't know what an alarmed Vulcan did look like. "Mr. V'Rhsal, since you're on my ship, I am, in a sense, responsible for you."

"Illogical, Captain. I chose freely to come on board the Enterprise."

Kirk lowered his voice. "Mr. V'Rhsal, I saw the security around your house. Who else knows the system but you?"

McCoy held up a hand. "Me."

Kirk didn't acknowledge the doctor. Without moving his eyes from the Vulcan's face, he asked softly, "What about your wife? Where is she?"

"I have no wife, Captain," V'Rhsal said.

"Yes you do," Kirk said. "A geologist. Sah'Sheer. She's allegedly on a science vessel."

"She is my former wife."

Kirk clamped his jaw. "Mr. V'Rhsal, I'm trying to get to the bottom of this. It's not only my duty. I giving you the benefit of the doubt because of your association with Dr. McCoy."

"Captain, if I had any facts, I would impart them to you."

Kirk eyed the Vulcan for a long time before finally rising. "If you would even tell me your best theory, I would make every effort to help you prove it." When the Vulcan did not answer, Kirk finally left.

McCoy glanced at V'Rhsal. "I'm getting a little tired of these 'encounters' between the two of you. I can't figure out what's going on."

"I do not comprehend human motivation, however, he must have seen the change in you. It is, perhaps, more of a change than he expected from such a short duration apart."

McCoy frowned. "What change?"

"I see it," the Vulcan said, humoured. "Does your captain know of our meld?"

"I didn't figure it was his...or anyone's business. But, yes, I told him. I think we both understand, though we have never spoken of it, that she might have to be dragged back. When I feel your time coming, I will tell her. I will go and damnwell move her myself."

"Do you think I could take someone forced to me?"

McCoy looked down. "There will be a time when you won't care one way or another."

V'Rhsal took a moment to answer. "Leonard, I sent a message to Sah'Sheer just after you left. I told her that you and I had ended our meld and...my blood burned."

McCoy glanced up but the Vulcan's face was stolid. "Where is she then?"

V'Rhsal continued impassively. "I have sent the formal declarations to her family of my intent to end the marriage. They have not responded. I may understand their silence as acquiescence."

"But what will you do when...?"

"I have time yet."

"Since she hasn't returned, it sure makes her suspect."

"She has betrayed me. Worse, she has betrayed Vulcan code."

"And Federation laws. My Lord, why?"

"My logic has failed to find an answer."

"Will you inform Vulcan council?"

"I have already," V'Rhsal said.

McCoy frowned. "Then why didn't you tell the Captain?"

"It is proper to go through Vulcan council."

"He thinks it's you!"

"He did before he contacted me to come on board."

"I'm trying to help you," McCoy said. "You're so stubborn!"

V'Rhsal looked amused. "I am a Vulcan. This is our way."

McCoy got up and paced the room. "He doesn't trust you. He doesn't understand how I can trust you enough to keep going out in that shuttle."

"Leonard, why do you go out?"

"That's our plant. Do you need to ask?"

"Guilt is valueless."

"Oh please shut up," McCoy said wearily, his back to the Vulcan.

At length, V'Rhsal stood as well and took a few steps to the door. "It is late, Leonard."

Minutes passed, and still the Vulcan had not left. McCoy finally turned but V'Rhsal's face was a mask, the eyes hooded and unrevealing.

"Leonard, do you ever think on that one morning and what happened between us?"

McCoy fastened his eyes on a piece of the floor tiling that had curled up. "It's kind of hard to forget."

"Leonard, I prefer you."

McCoy felt suddenly sick, right to the pit of his stomach.

"Can it be so?" he asked, hushed.

"However, you told me that you preferred female contact."

"I think..I'd rather have you."

The thread between them quivered.

"Leonard, will you lock your door?"

He complied, moving numbly to enter the code and a sleeping override, an electronic barrier that would silence all but the captain's communications. Tentatively, he took those few steps over to the Vulcan and touched him, felt the alien warmth under his fingers. They stilled in the gentle contact.

...remarkable, leonard...

McCoy drew a shaky breath at the mind touch.

there is something that humans would do now.

yes.

He ran his fingers up the Vulcan's shirt, brushing the tensed muscle and the expanse at the collarbone.

when do you return to your sickbay?

tomorrow morning.

V'Rhsal laid his hand on McCoy's.

the beginning of pleasure, leonard.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

A shrill squeal pierced his ears. McCoy jerked awake to find himself covered with a tangle of blanket. He groped for the intercom.

"...um...McCoy here."

"Bones, sorry to wake you. We have a possible long-range contact with a Klingon ship. She's big. Likely a bird of prey," came Kirk's voice.

"Ok. I'll be up soon." McCoy shut off the intercom and turned to see V'Rhsal awake, his eyes narrowed.

"Again, Leonard?"

McCoy rubbed his eyes. "I'll be damned if anyone goes out in that shuttle in my place."

"You call me stubborn."

McCoy pushed at him. "Look! I've got two inches between you and the wall, for heaven's sakes! You always squish me."

V'Rhsal allowed a small smile to soften his brow. "My apologies." As he loosened the covers so that he could move, his hands grazed the doctor. A strong surge followed his touch.

"I am honoured that you have permitted me a fulfilment of our bonding. But, always and at any time, it is your choice too."

McCoy shook his head. "What I have done..."

"What we have done," the Vulcan corrected.

"I've gone down a path I never thought I'd go."

The Vulcan studied him with black eyes, stillness like pondwater.

"V'Rhsal, I'm just wondering idly. Can two males survive pon farr?"

He took a long time to answer. "I do not want that to happen to you."

"Can two males survive?"

"There are male only marriages on Vulcan."

"Many?"

V'Rhsal smiled. "I do not know the exact count." He touched McCoy again, placing his fingertips to the doctor's in a caress of familiarity. That which joined them expanded and engulfed.

They had no need to assume the classic mind-meld position, fingertips to temples, Vulcan superior, Human supine. They were touching, McCoy knew, but where now? Fingertips, thighs, arms - where else? Everywhere and nowhere, so strange, this sensation. Where did one's skin end and the other's begin?

if i knock you up, v'rhsal, i promise i'll do the right thing by you.

McCoy felt V'Rhsal's smile in their minds, laughter like ripples. Whose synapses? Both, now. The joy of it. The sheer pleasure of the touching.

why is this so new to you, v'rhsal? didn't you ever make love with your wife?

translation. human term for sexual act.

McCoy's mentally laughed.

ok, didn't you ever perform a sexual act with your wife?

it was a frenzy. i would not call it love. it was not pleasurable either.

V'Rhsal felt the human's response to this. Felt something else too, something deeper, and it was delightfully sexy.

leonard, tell me about human love. tell me about sacrifice. tell me about needing. tell me how it feels to care for someone so much you would give your life for them.

So he told him. He told V'Rhsal, then realized the Vulcan already knew. The old knowledge, buried on a deeper level. But what were levels to them now? He felt the Vulcan at the deepest part of him, and that was only the beginning, like touching the sand at the bottom of the sea, only to find more sand below, and more and more, opening all of yourself and there was no all, no boundaries, no start, no end.

Someone could have been hammering on the door. McCoy knew he wouldn't hear. They were too far inner-directed. Outside ceased to exist. There came only the rhythms and tides of V'Rhsal's mind in his, and his in V'Rhsal's, and the delicious sensation of their skin on one another. It was fluid, so ecstatic, this mindsex. He felt a peak building, the rise of the wave to the tip of the iceberg.

He felt V'Rhsal's crisp thought.

i give you my name, leonard.

He told him his secret name, his lover's name.

what can i give you in return?

this, leonard. what you are giving me. this and this...and this.

And it was breathtaking.

---

A Klingon Bird of Prey sat heavy on the viewscreen. McCoy looked at it and his heart sank.

Kirk shook his head. "You're not going out this time, Bones."

"Pardon me?"

turned at the doctor's tone. "I'm sending someone else."

"Who?" McCoy challenged. "Who else knows how to work the generator?" There was a flash in the blue eyes unfamiliar to the captain.

Uhura and Spock looked up at the interchange. "I will go," Spock said.

"I can't risk you," Kirk said, still eyeing McCoy in surprise. There was Scotty, but Kirk could hardly risk that either. If he tried to go himself, Spock would bring down a whole book of regulations on him. Still...

"Spock, show me how to work it," Kirk said.

"Regulation two `a', paragraph `a', subsection one `a'," Spock said. "No commander of a vessel shall, under any circumstances whatsoever, is to voluntarily and without due recourse-"

"I know what the book says," Kirk snapped. Chekov had turned in his seat as well.

"Still no answer to our hails," Uhura said.

Kirk gave her half an impatient glance. McCoy was waiting, silent and oddly defiant.

Kirk finally stood. "Doctor, go get ready. Spock, I'm piloting that shuttle. You're in command and your first and only priority is this ship. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Spock replied.

---

McCoy took the co-pilot's seat in the Spirit, the generator in an enclosed metal case the size of a ring box at his feet. He didn't speak or even look at Kirk while the latter did a pre-flight check. As they cleared the hanger doors, Kirk finally broke the silence.

"I hope the damn cloaking device holds good."

"It's worked every time until now," McCoy replied, his voice low.

"Maintaining radio silence." Kirk shut down as many systems as he could and flew the shuttle clear of the Enterprise and out towards the Klingon Bird of Prey. "Are you going to turn that thing on?"

"It's already going."

They neared the Klingon ship. She was a huge ship, by any standards, but it wasn't until they were flying outside it's hull that the sheer dimensions engulfed them. The harsh breadth of it stunned the senses. She flew malignantly, facing the Enterprise, matching her movements inch by inch, breath by breath. It stirred deep feelings of anger in Kirk to have that monstrosity so near his starship.

"Fifteen hundred kilometres..." Kirk said. "Fourteen hundred...You ok?"

McCoy started, then turned. The blue eyes were startling, coming to focus as if he were returning from the fog of a daydream. "Sure. I'm fine."

Kirk eyed him a few moments more, then returned to the controls. "Twelve hundred...eleven hun---"

The sky thundered. To Kirk it felt like two cement bricks suddenly slammed both sides of his head. Then he was looking at his feet. He caught a blue blur of McCoy, arms flailing, before his head smacked the floor of the shuttle. Stars burst in his eyelids, a smell of burnt rubber gagged him, and suddenly he was in floating black and there was no sound at all.

---

Kirk opened his eyes. A dark moistness stung them. Wincing, he reached up and pulled a cloth off his brow. Then, in a blurry squint, he looked carefully around him.

He was still in the shuttle. The red emergency lights were on and the chairs seemed oddly tilted to his fuzzy balance. He made a move to rise but stopped as pain stabbed his head.

"Easy."

He tried to turn as McCoy came around in front of him. "Don't move." The doctor took a reading with his scanner, then hypo-ed something in Kirk's arm. "You got a bump on the back of your head and you cut your cheek. That bled like hell. I suspect a mild concussion."

Kirk tentatively rubbed a temple as the pain receded. "How are you?"

"You broke my fall," McCoy managed a shrug. Kirk heard a rumbling sound, deep as if from far away. "Jim, that ship just blew. I can't describe it."

"Where are we?"

"I managed to land us on an asteroid. We're cloaked. There's no atmosphere out there so don't open any doors."

"And the Enterprise?"

"I don't know." McCoy averted his eyes. His shirt was ripped and Kirk could see a purplish bruise starting on an arm. "I saw bits of the Klingon ship go by us. A piece tore one of the Spirit's landing pads. Then they started firing and the Enterprise retaliated, so I got us out of the way. But our damaged pad was leaking. A Klingon shuttle chased us." He paused as another rumble vibrated through the metal floor. "That's them, looking for us." He listened for a few seconds, then added. "I landed this thing in some sort of hollow and shut the engines down." He shook his head at the sound of another blast. "They've been doing that for nearly an hour, hoping to stir us up. A couple of times I thought they'd actually hit us."

Kirk listened to the sounds of phaser blast for a few moments, then nodded. "I'd say they're a couple of kilometres out." He studied the doctor. "You're hurt."

McCoy shook his head. "It's nothing."

Kirk raised himself up, then put both feet on the floor and stood. He reeled a bit, but it passed and he could walk to the front of the shuttle.

The console has sustained little damage though the rest of the shuttle looked as though a fierce wind had battened through it. He tried a few systems, then relaxed when they came on-line.

"This isn't too bad. We could probably lift-off when our friends leave."

McCoy straightened his chair, then sat, wincing as he did so. With his foot, he gently kicked the box that held the generator. "Goddamn thing."

"Is it off?" Kirk asked.

The doctor nodded.

"Don't kick it anyway."

"Jim, they couldn't have had any warning. What we did...what I did...there must have been deaths."

"They started it, Bones." Kirk tested a few more systems, then sat back in his chair. "Spock's probably tracked us. If he's followed orders, he has a brig full of Klingons and one damaged bird of prey in tow. When it quiets, we'll decloak and fly out." He touched his cheek. His fingertips came away bloodied.

"Here."

McCoy tossed a gauze pad to him. His face looked gaunt in the faint starlight and red lighting.

Kirk glanced once more at the generator. "Are you sure it's off?"

The doctor shrugged. "I disconnected the power source."

"You did, eh?"

McCoy frowned at Kirk's tone. "What does that mean?"

"At the briefing with Sulu and Tyne, you swore up and down you didn't know a thing about it."

"It doesn't take an engineer to take out a battery and I don't care for your insinuation."

"The day after V'Rhsal came on board, I got Spock to ask him to reproduce the plant model and the generator. Do you know what your partner said?"

At McCoy's scowl, the captain said, "He said only you would be able to do so." He shifted, painfully stretching his legs out. "However, Tyne told me that even getting you drunk hadn't worked. She believed that you couldn't duplicate your own work and I believed her. She and Sulu have been trying to do it."

"It'll never work. What V'Rhsal and I did was just a fluke."

"Hardly a fluke," Kirk said. "The Klingons seem to be growing a garden-full."

"If I could have done this any easier, don't you think I would have instead of risking my ass in this damn shuttle?" McCoy glared. "And what the hell is that jerk talking about, saying that I could do it again?"

"Can't you tell me? You're linked with him."

McCoy glowered at Kirk. "You don't understand."

"Then tell me! That's all I want."

The doctor looked furious. His tone was cutting. "Ok, Captain. Spock didn't track us, but he didn't have to. V'Rhsal knows exactly where we are. Unfortunately, they can't come get us because your Vulcan has neither Klingons in the brig nor Klingons in tow. The Enterprise was damaged by the explosion. Her shields are down and she can't fight back." As he stood, a burst of thunder reverberated through the shuttle, dimming the lights. "They're coming back." He left Kirk sitting alone at the front of the shuttle.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

The blasting stopped so quietly that it took Kirk a few minutes to realize that it was truly over. McCoy returned to the front of the shuttle as Kirk checked a few systems. But when he went to start the Spirit, the doctor shook his head.

"Don't. They're still there."

"They'd be pretty low on fuel by now." Kirk was irritated and sick with worry. His voice could also be cutting. The doctor, however, simply took a seat.

"What's going on now?" Kirk asked.

McCoy didn't look at him. "The Enterprise doesn't have warp drive. Apparently neither do the Klingons. Shields still down. She's just out of firing range of the Klingon ship."

Kirk softened his tone. "That's pretty handy, but it's making you a little green."

"If by that you mean I look sick, I can believe it," McCoy swallowed.

"Then I'll spare you the one about growing pointed ears." Kirk glanced through the port but the sky was unrevealing. "Bones, could you get a message to Spock through V'Rhsal? Does it work like that?"

"I can try."

"Tell him to get my ship the hell out of there."

McCoy was quiet for so long that Kirk glanced over uneasily. When the doctor opened his eyes, he did look green. "Spock says he'll do the logical thing."

"Damn him..." Kirk whispered. He stared out the port for a few minutes, then stood. "I suppose I'd better see what there is for rations. Want anything?"

"No."

"Sure? Not even reconstituted coffee?"

McCoy shook his head.

Kirk eyed him, troubled, before checking the stores. When he returned with two cups, he said, "I hate this waiting. It's all I ever seem to do." After a while, when McCoy still hadn't touched his cup, Kirk said, "Come on, Bones. What is it?"

The doctor stared out the window. "Have you ever done something you never imagined you could, an act so remote from what you thought you were that it just blows your whole sense of self out a porthole?"

"Are you referring to the mind meld?"

"No."

Kirk grinned. "Is this about Dr. Misu?"

"Jim, be serious."

Kirk sipped his coffee. McCoy didn't often open up and this was a rare opportunity. Carefully, he said, "An extended link with a Vulcan is the last thing any human would willingly do and you're the last human I thought would do it."

The doctor finally reached for his cup, his movements stiff and strained. "I told you it's not about the meld. I'm talking about when you do something where no one compels you, a decision you make on your own that astounds you afterwards."

"I understand," Kirk said quietly. "Sometimes, I look back and see things I've done and I'm shaken right through. Yet I would do the same again."

"That's not very comforting."

"Bones, you hold so much back, no one can comfort you."

A distant rumble vibrated through the shuttle. "Damn. They're back."

"I wish we had weapons," Kirk looked up as the ceiling shivered. "They know we're here. They're not going to give up. Spock, damnit. Get that ship back on line!"

---

McCoy, wide awake, wrapped himself in a sleeping bag and curled up near the back window. Kirk had fallen into an uneasy sleep some time ago and he envied it. What moved between him and V'Rhsal now throbbed heavily. Underneath the constant awareness of the Enterprise, and the worry, was an almost pleasurable ache. What have you done, Doctor? And a voice said, I slept with a man. Is this what I put women through all these years? But it wasn't the same. It was strange to call it physical for they had hardly moved. But the mental intimacy, the running of thoughts together like streams of water, the touching of nerve and fibre, that was the true meaning of sensation, of laying bare every last cell, every last strand quivering with cerebral pleasure. He had physically craved it. At the bottom of it, he discovered this morning that he had never known anything about love or lovemaking. And, at the bottom of it, he discovered that they knew how to touch in all the right places.

'I am honoured that you have permitted me a fulfilment of the bonding.' Then, damnit, he'd got up and started making plans for finding a wife, just when McCoy was opening his mouth to say, I love you.

Something nudged his mind. He stood, on legs half-asleep, and walked over to Kirk's chair.

"Jim, wake up."

Kirk bolted awake, hazel eyes instantly alert.

"What is it?"

"The Romulans have just arrived."

"Damn!" Kirk threw off his blanket and leaned over the console. "Strap in."

"We're not going up there now?" McCoy started but the Spirit was already coming alive, her engines pulsating.

"That's my ship." Kirk did a quick pre-check. "How is she by the way?"

"Warp still out. Shields and weapons back up."

Kirk half-grinned. "That's handy."

"Why don't you try it sometime?" McCoy grumbled as he buckled into the co-pilot's seat.

"I'm not crazy."

McCoy's stomach lurched as the shuttle lifted off and flew clear into space. The box that held the generator slid under his seat.

"Secure that," Kirk said.

As McCoy groped under the seat, the captain checked the scanners.

"There are three ships out there."

"I told you," the doctor said. Then he happened to look up. "Oh Jim..."

Battle-wounds scarred the Enterprise. A blackish streak curled over one of her pylons and continued up around the nacelle. Another one ran the length of the hanger doors. Worse, however, was the sight of the Klingon ship, poised between the Enterprise and the Spirit, her hull pock-marked from the explosion. As the Spirit neared, the Romulan scout came into view, situated as if at the third point of a triangle, her red, sleek lines a bitter contrast to the battle-pitted ships across from her.

Kirk launched the Spirit towards the Enterprise, increasing speed. McCoy, alarmed, said, "Jim, this isn't a square dance! You can't just barge in!"

"Ssh!" Kirk opened a radio frequency. "Enterprise."

"This is Captain Spock. Spirit, you are in a dangerous position. Advise you leave the area."

"I advise you let us in."

McCoy eyed the Romulan and Klingon ships as they neared, expecting to find phaser bolts ready to slice the shuttle open. Then a curious thing happened. As they neared the Klingon ship, she swung away, clearing the path.

"What are they doing? Looking for a better spot to shoot us from?" McCoy asked.

Kirk frowned. "Maybe they've put it all together - shuttle, plant, explosion." He kicked the Spirit into overdrive and barrelled towards the Enterprise. Suddenly he was looking at his feet again. The Spirit vibrated horrifically as a loud bang rocked her.

McCoy latched onto his seat as Kirk slammed into the controls. The Spirit spun, then slowly stablized.

"We did it to them again," McCoy said. But as the words came out, the Klingon ship came into view and nothing on her had changed. The hull was no worse and she was still moving slowly away.

A booming noise rolled through the shuttle. She rattled violently and, suddenly, the Enterprise was moving away from them.

"What the hell is that Vulcan doing?" McCoy demanded.

"Tractor beam," Kirk said.

"He's supposed to bring us in!"

"From the Klingons!" Kirk engaged the Spirit's engines, running them until they squealed loudly. Smoke rolled out across the floor. Finally, glumly, Kirk leaned back in his chair. "They tracked us when I opened the frequency. I guess we're going out to dinner tonight."

The Bird of Prey engulfed their tiny viewscreen as the shuttle was dragged towards a lighted, open hatch in the belly of the great hulk.

"Only phasers....damn..." Kirk mumbled, looking around the shuttle. "Nothing to jury-rig."

They bumped down. Another shake indicated the tractor has loosened. From outside the Spirit came footsteps, then voices.

McCoy stiffened. "That's not Klingon."

Kirk glanced over. "I don't hear--"

"They're not speaking Klingon. It's--"

The hatch opened and a massive shape filled the doorway. As the shape bent to enter, the light touched pale skin and elegant, pointed ears.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Romulans do not escort. They carry. Kirk and McCoy were hauled to the small, dim bridge of the Klingon ship and dropped roughly at the feet of a very tall, smirking Romulan.

"Captain James T. Kirk. How strange to find you in a little shuttle. I didn't think you ever left the bridge of your ship."

Kirk looked carefully around him. The bridge was manned by five other Romulans but a single Klingon male was strapped in a chair by the viewscreen. He returned Kirk's look silently and sullenly.

"You may stand if you wish, Captain Kirk, unless you truly prefer laying on the floor."

As Kirk brought a knee under him, something crackled. Scattered brown leaves lay over the floor and the end of a tendril lay coiled around the base of the centre chair. He looked at the debris curiously.

"Nice of you to come to us," the Romulan said. "We've been looking for you for quite a while. We almost had hopes that you'd crashed on impact."

Kirk stood and said quietly, "If my officer and I are hostages, then you have committed an act of war, Commander."

"Centurion T'svak," the Romulan corrected, but his voice was more thoughtful. He studied the doctor carefully. "I believe I've seen your face somewhere."

McCoy tore his gaze away from the plant debris but remained silent.

T'svak reached into his pocket and pulled out something which crinkled as he unwrapped it. Putting his face up close to the doctor, he said, "I've discovered the Klingons have this very interesting thing on board. Would you care to sample it?" He suddenly thrust a brown object under McCoy's nose. McCoy, startled, jumped back.

T'svak chuckled, then put the object in his mouth. "I believe it's called chocolate. Klingons hold it in great value since they've only been able to get it by raiding Federation ships. Eating this is their one true claim of civilization."

"Centurion," Kirk said, "I trust you have some reason for bringing us on board."

"Obviously," T'svak said casually but his eyes were still on McCoy. Then, slowly, he smiled. "Of course. Now I know you. Here I was believing I would have to rely on information second-hand. By the goddess, here in front of me is the source of it all. I do know you. Dr. Leonard McCoy, of the now famous partnership of McCoy and V'Rhsal, the creators of this new secret weapon which the Klingons have so blatantly been using on defenceless, little Romulan outposts."

"I'm a physician, not a weapons designer. And Vulcans don't..."

"Vulcans do," T'svak said. "They do indeed. Tell me, Doctor, where is this fantastic new weapon of yours?"

Dryly, McCoy replied, "You're standing in it."

The Romulan took another bite of the chocolate bar, then strode up to the centre chair. It crinkled under him as he sat.

"I have little patience, Doctor. This weapon of yours has caused many deaths."

"I know there have been deaths," McCoy said softly. "But there isn't a weapon, just a---." His voice was cut off by a disrupter in his throat. Kirk made a move, then saw the weapons were set to kill.

"Let's try that again," T'svak said.

McCoy, angrily, said, "It's a plant, the plant you're sitting in! It stores energy."

"I'd better report this right away," T'svak said. "The Federation grows plants that can blow up embassies. And I suppose you also have trees that launch missiles and small animals that can take out satellites."

"Why don't you ask the Klingon if you don't believe us?" Kirk said.

T'svak unwrapped another chocolate. "You're slow, Captain Kirk. I see you've never heard how to have the last word with a Klingon." He nodded at a guard. Immediately the Klingon was rammed back in his chair and his mouth forced open. Several of his teeth were missing and behind them, oozing purplish blood, was a mangled shred of tissue where the tongue should have been.

---

Kirk tested the forcefield at the exit of the Klingon brig, then rubbed his hand gingerly. "I have to admit, Klingons build efficient prison cells."

McCoy, sitting on the end of the one bunk in the small, grey room, said tiredly, "It may be efficient but they could have at least put in a bathroom."

Kirk's mind was still on the forcefield. "Perhaps if we used something metal. McCoy, get in touch with Spock and..."

"I can't."

Kirk turned around. "You did it before, Bones."

"I'm sorry," McCoy said as he leaned back against the wall. "It takes a lot of concentration and V'Rhsal has to do most of it. I've tried but he's not there." He closed his eyes. "We've been here over thirteen hours and Spock's yet to fire a warning shot. I knew he wanted your command all along."

Kirk stood on the bunk and checked the ceiling panels. "If the Romulans prove to Organian satisfaction that we developed a weapon, then they're not violating any treaty by holding us for questioning. Spock can't act." He finally sat down on the bunk as well and gave McCoy a strange look. "And if you know Spock hasn't used the phasers, obviously you're in touch with V'Rhsal at some level."

McCoy didn't answer.

"I wish Spock were here. He's great at breaking jail." Kirk's eyes roamed over the cell for the hundredth time. "I don't understand why we've been left here for so long."

"I don't understand why we haven't seen any other Klingons," McCoy said. "I looked in the other cells as we were passing and we seem to be the only occupants down here."

"The peace bond has been broken between the Romulan and Klingon Empires. Under Interstellar treaty, the Romulans have the right to seize the Klingon ship. Maybe the Klingons are on the scout."

"I hope so. That chocolate-eating, son-of-a-creepworm seems particularly bloodthirsty."

The captain glanced at McCoy. The doctor looked white with fatigue.

"Bones..."

There was a long silence. Finally McCoy said, "The talks at Station C-6 have failed. Spock's been in touch with T'svak twice to warn him about the plant. T'svak still maintains that we've fabricated a story about an exploding bush as a cover for a new weapon. He also denies finding any evidence of the plant at all despite the fact that he's sitting in it and Spock can see it during visual transmission."

He opened his eyes to find Kirk looking half-amused, half-awed.

"I hope it blows up right under his ass," Kirk said.

"Oh, and he's still eating candy. Spock interprets that as a gesture of rudeness."

Kirk leaned back against the wall but his gaze was still on the doctor. "Once, only once, Spock and I melded for an extended period. It was when we boarded the Romulan ship to steal the cloaking device and he suggested it as a safety device, to keep us in touch. After a day I found I had a vague awareness of where he was. It never went further than that. But you're repeating things to me almost word for word."

McCoy looked away. "I suspect that Spock has, considerately, never really melded. The difference between what he's done and this is like the difference between a pushpin and a yardspike."

The forcefield quivered then disappeared. T'svak stood in the doorway.

"Did you sleep well?"

When he didn't get an answer, he smiled. "I suppose not, with only one bunk. Still, it's warm in here. No rodents. Doctor McCoy, I've come to ask you once more about your latest creation and I don't want to hear any more lies about leaves that blow up."

Kirk stood. "We've offered you the truth. The evidence is on this ship. You have no right to hold us."

"Captain, you will be escorted back to your shuttle within the hour. However I do have a right to hold the doctor. The Romulan Empire has issued a warrant for him and the Vulcan on charges of conspiracy, illegal weapons distribution, complicity, and sabotage. I have been ordered to take the doctor to intergalactic court where we will file for extradition papers to remove him to Romulan jurisdiction. By the way, Doctor, where is your partner? On Vulcan?"

"I'd like to see this warrant," Kirk demanded.

"We'd all like a great many things, Captain. Unfortunately, we don't often get them." T'svak gestured behind him. Two guards entered the cell. "Return Captain Kirk to his shuttle and make sure he returns to open space. Dr. McCoy will be returning with us to our ship."

"Under intergalactic treaty, I am to be assured of the validity of the warrant."

T'svak shrugged. "You are not on the starship, Kirk. The warrant was shown to Captain Spock."

"And I have the option of taking my own personnel to intergalactic court!" Kirk continued.

"Since said personnel is already on my ship, you don't have the option of demanding him back."

Kirk, furious, took a deep breath. "This isn't your ship."

"Legally, when I seize a ship, I have the right to hold any and all on it."

"Federation personnel with outstanding warrants can have a Starfleet guard accompaniment."

"An accompaniment which I can deny," T'svak said. "Give it up, Captain."

Kirk glanced at McCoy. The doctor, in a soft tone, said, "He's lying, Jim."

T'svak raised his voice. "Take Kirk!"

"Wait!" Kirk barked back, grabbing McCoy's arm. "Bones..."

"Spock hasn't agreed to this. That's why we've been in here so long."

"He doesn't have to agree to it, Doctor. It's the law," T'svak said.

"Spock has a problem with the warrant," McCoy started but Kirk was hauled away by the Romulan guards.

"The only problem is between that Vulcan's ears," T'svak retorted as he stepped out of the cell. Kirk's last view of McCoy was a backward glance before the forcefield shimmered into the doorway.

"I had better get a look at that warrant now!" Kirk ordered. "Or I will be incredibly less-restrained that Captain Spock when I return to my bridge."

T'svak shoved Kirk through a hatchway into the shuttle bays, then opened the Spirit and pushed him up the plank.

"You'll find the cloaking device has been disassembled but we did fix the stabilizer. Have a safe trip, Captain."

The hatch was thrown closed, then jammed from the outside. Kirk struggled with it for a few minutes, then stilled as the hiss of the atmospheric depressurizers sounded.

"Damn!" He sat in the pilot's chair, going over his options. The intercom crackled and T'svak's voice came over the line.

"Captain, the hatch doors may not remain open for too much longer and, with all the damage to this poor Klingon ship, I may not be able to return atmosphere to the hanger deck."

Kirk started the Spirit and flew her, angrily, out the hanger doors. He had no real wish to return to the Enterprise but he'd barely cleared the Bird of Prey when a tractor beam grabbed him and repelled him roughly towards the Enterprise.

"This has barely started, T'svak," he muttered, leaning toward the intercom. Static answered him.

By the time he landed the Spirit and got to the bridge, he'd formulated seven plans of attack. Unfortunately, none of them were legal.

Spock rose from the command chair as Kirk entered. "McCoy's still over there." Kirk told him. "If he'd known V'Rhsal was on board, I probably would have been held for an exchange."

"Centurion T'svak has not yet transmitted a copy of the warrant," Spock said. "The transporter room has a fix on Doctor McCoy but we cannot beam him in while the Klingon shields are in operation."

"How are we?"

"We sustained relative damage from the explosion. All systems are now back on line, including warp drive." Spock returned to his science station. "We have been scanning the Romulan scoutship. Due to the inclement relative sizes of it and the Bird of Prey, I suspect T'svak deemed it imperative to board with as many of his crew as possible. One life form remains on the scoutship. Regular crew complement is ten to twelve."

Kirk eyed the viewscreen. "This presents possibilities."

Spock continued. "Twelve minutes after the Romulans boarded the Klingon ship, there was further transporter activity back to the scoutship. However, the life form reading did not change. I assumed that T'svak had found the plant, or what remained of it, and beamed it to his ship. I contacted him to warn him of the danger. Illogically, he denied knowledge of the plant."

"That's the logic of war," Kirk said.

"Captain, we are not at war."

"T'svak is."

Spock considered for a moment. "He is treading a fine legal line but he has not entirely stepped over it."

"Transporter activity, Captain," Sulu said.

"Confirmed," Spock said. "It is coming from the Klingon ship. Their shields are lowering."

Uhura opened a line to the transporter room. "Mr. Kyle, stand by please."

"Do you have a fix on McCoy?" Kirk asked.

"Yes," Spock bent over his scanner. "Their shields are down."

"Now, Kyle," Uhura said.

There was a tense moment. Finally Kyle's voice came over the intercom. "I'm sorry, Uhura. I couldn't pull him out of their transporter beam."

"Reading seven life forms on the Romulan scoutship," Spock said. "One human. Screens are up. They have a tractor beam on the Klingon ship. I read engine activity."

"Impulse only," Sulu said.

"Course?"

Sulu bent over the helm. "Seven three six mark two. They're headed towards the neutral zone."

"Match Enterprise speed and direction with them."

"Aye, Captain."

Kirk glanced at Uhura. "Lieutenant, send a tight-beam transmission to Organia. Include the past two days logs and ask them for an emergency grievance hearing. Refer to Dr. McCoy as a hostage."

"Right away, sir."

Kirk hesitated, eyeing the viewscreen. Then he got up and went up to the science station. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he said, "Spock, what are the odds that T'svak did transport the plant to his ship?"

"Considering Romulan intelligence, known search methods, and mode of operations, I would estimate eighty three percent."

"The generator isn't in the Spirit. McCoy has it." Kirk glanced once more at the viewscreen. "Where's V'Rhsal? He's got to warn Bones."

"Kór V'Rhsal is in engineering with Mr. Scott."

"Get hold of him." Kirk walked over to Uhura's station. "Lieutenant, open a channel to the Romulan ship please."

"It's open, sir."

"Centurion T'svak. This is Captain James Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise. If you do not transmit a copy of the warrant for my officer, Dr. Leonard McCoy, within the next minute, I will be forced to take measures. Respond."

There was no answer.

"I know they received the transmission," Uhura said.

Kirk returned to his command chair. "Yellow alert, Mr. Sulu. Phasers at quarter strength. Put a shot in their path."

"On your command, Captain," Sulu said.

"Now."

The phaser bolts flew across the scoutship's nose. She continued on her way steadily.

"Nudge them, Mr. Sulu."

The scoutship rocked under the phaser fire.

"She's stopped," Sulu said. "They're powering up their phaser banks."

Kirk nodded at Uhura, then spoke. "T'svak, I wouldn't advise it. You'd better hurry up with that warrant."

"Transmission coming in, Captain," Uhura said. "Audio only to hard copy."

"Let's see it," Kirk said.

Spock pulled the tape from Uhura's board and relayed it through his station. "It is the warrant, Captain." He paused, studying his scanner. "It does appear legal."

"Damn," Kirk swore quietly.

"They've resumed course and speed," Sulu said. "Sixteen point five hours to neutral zone."

Spock turned. "Captain, if the warrant was indeed authorized, Centurion T'svak had no reason to withhold it. Advise confirmation of the court signatures."

"Go ahead." Kirk rubbed his eyes, then returned to the science station. "Let's see it, Spock."

As the Vulcan scrolled through the legalese-ramblings of the warrant, Kirk's anger got deeper. "How can they accuse him if they haven't got evidence of a weapon?"

"They have evidence of what it does," Spock started but Kirk had suddenly straightened.

"Captain?"

Kirk, smiling, turned to Uhura. "Lieutenant, tell Sub-Centurion T'svak that if he does not hold position, I'll be forced to blow him out of the sky."

"In those words, sir?" she asked, grinning.

"Well, in your own." Kirk crossed the deck. "Sulu, full power to phasers."

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

T'svak came on screen a moment later, looking angry. "Captain, what is the problem now?"

"It's this way, T'svak. If I had such an officer as Dr. John Leonardo McCoy, I would certainly deliver him into your sweet hands."

"A misspelling does not negate the integrity of the warrant, Kirk!"

"No, but you do need to wait for a corrected one to be issued. In the meantime, why don't we just hang around this part of space? It'll give you a chance to hoard the rest of the chocolate from the Klingon ship."

T'svak shut off the transmission. Kirk turned to Sulu. "Bring weapons to bear on the scoutship. If they so much as twitch, go across their bow again."

"Yes, sir."

As Kirk started for the turbo lift, he added, "Spock, you have the con. I'll be in engineering. If we get any word from Organia, let me know."

---

McCoy sat on the edge of a chair, scowling. T'svak's guards had dumped him into this cabin over two hours ago, then left without a word. Actually, they'd shoved him through the doorway. He caught his hand on the desk which delayed his rushing back to the door only to find that they'd locked it. His arm, cut deep, had bled heavily for nearly ten minutes and still oozed now. Out of protest, he let it run on the white carpeting and, as he watched, another red drop ran over his wrist and fell, silently, into a growing stain by his feet.

He glanced around. The cabin was actually very nice, probably officer's quarters. A long desk faced a wall of ornate shelving on which were a few plants and a long, garish sword. A computer terminal sat on a smaller desk and behind him, in a darkened, inner room, was a large, swelling bed covered in a pink and grey comforter. The bathroom was also rather elaborate with a tub that could fit two and tiled mirrors on the wall.

He'd turned on the computer earlier but soon gave up in frustration at the Romulan symbols on the screen. The intercom didn't seem to work, or else they were ignoring him. The door wouldn't budge.

Why they'd left him alone in such a fancy cabin, he couldn't fathom. The brig and an unpleasant interrogation session was more in line though, at this point, he still hadn't ruled it out.

The door chimed. McCoy, surprised, eyed it for a few moments before saying hesitantly, "Come in."

The door opened to reveal a large orang-utan of a guard. "Time to eat, Human."

He stepped back and a slight, long-haired Romulan woman entered with a tray. She smiled at him as she set it down on one of the desks. "Are you hungry?"

"No."

"I thought you might be by now. Look at you!"

He pulled back at her sudden exclamation, and followed her gaze down to his hand. "Sorry. I bled on your carpet."

She disappeared in the bathroom, then returned with a basin of water. Kneeling in front of him, she wet a cloth and pressed it against his wrist. "Did the guards do this?"

"No, the desk."

"Hmm." She inspected the wound. "It should be closed. I will have you escorted to our sick lab."

McCoy resisted pulling back from her touch. "If you don't mind, who are you?"

"Arhal." She looked at him and smiled again. "What is your first name? John or Leonard?"

"John."

She shook her head. "It does not suit you." She was still rubbing his wrist with gentle pressure. "John Leonard David McCoy, M.D. was the name on the warrant. But your captain did call you...Bones."

"He's funny that way. He has this thing about names."

Arhal stood then pulled out a chair for herself. "I should tell you. You are on the Romulan Scoutship Nehaàn and we are currently holding position in Olvad's Cradle, sector three. The Enterprise, forced to recognize intergalactic treaty by the Organians, left the area a few minutes ago. We will be here another three days while we await a Romulan contingent."

"So I'm an official hostage now," McCoy muttered.

"Don't blame your captain. He has to give way under the laws." Arhal picked up a plate. "Try some. I do not want you ill."

"I'm not hungry," McCoy replied, softening his tone.

"What may I call you? Bones?"

"If you want."

Arhal leaned forward and laid a hand on his unhurt arm. "I will tell you why you are here."

"To be tortured miserably before death?"

"Romulans do not torture. It is not our way." She pulled at a rip on his sleeve. "You are bruised here too, on this arm. But it is older. Did your captain do this to you earlier?"

McCoy eyed her, not replying. Finally she pulled back. "I will have to find some more comfortable clothing for you. Bones, you and the Vulcan, Engineer V'Rhsal, have created a weapon which was delivered to the Klingons. If you had made this weapon and kept it on your own planet, it would not matter."

"I didn't create a weapon nor did I deliver any weapons to any Klingons."

Arhal met his eyes. Hers were vivid green and reflected like a cat's in the cabin lighting. "I believe you did not intentionally create a weapon but the results of your work are clearly destructive. Your captain has said that your work was stolen from Vulcan. This I also believe. But the work was taken and used on Romulan outposts. The Romulan Empire has issued a warrant for your arrest. You will not be trailed in a court but it is our right to have you duplicate your work in our labs." She stood. "In the meanwhile, I can give you comfortable living quarters. Our physician will affix a transponder in your arm. This will allow you the freedom of the ship's halls without constant guard. I advise you, though, to stand clear of any restricted areas. You have been on Romulan ships on the past so I assume you know what a restricted sign looks like."

"Arhal," McCoy stood as well and looked down at her. "Just what is your position on this ship?"

"I am a visitor," she admitted. "My ship will soon be here."

"Your ship or the ship you serve on?"

She smiled again, a smaller, warmer grin. "I am Commander Arhal and my vessel is the Flag Ship Rhiannsu-Traal. I gave up these quarters on this ship for you and that is no small honour, Bones. I trust you will be appreciative enough to reward me by your work in the lab."

McCoy rubbed his wrist. "Commander, I would be happier in your brig."

"You are a gallant liar, Bones."

"And I don't want your physician to put anything in me anywhere."

"Don't push me or he may put the transponder somewhere other than your arm."

McCoy sighed. "The big thing is, it took both me and the Vulcan to do what we did. I'm not sure if I can recreate it on my own."

"Unless you wish me to deliver you to Romulan High Council, you will try. Eat now, Bones. In fifteen minutes you will be taken to sick labs." She left, her lithe form moving lightly through the doorway. McCoy sat down glumly as the door shut. He knew, thanks to the link, that she was also a gallant liar. However, the Romulans were no idle threat when they could well take what they felt equitable from his own mind. His work had been used, somehow, as a weapon. The Romulans had the right to demand he share it with them.

He scratched at his face. His mouth felt gummy.

"What the hell did she leave?" he said to himself, pulling the tray to him. There was some kind of purplish meat, yellow tubular vegetables, and an assortment of red leafy things. But it smelled all right and finally, in resignation, he ate it.

---

The physician was a dark, brooding Romulan who didn't say a word to him. He fixed up McCoy's hand, checked him over quickly, then injected the transponder. Arhal stood by the whole time, watching the board, her face unreadable. When he was allowed to stand, she motioned the guards away and said, "That was not so bad, Bones."

"No animal likes to be tagged," he retorted, but the gruffness in his voice surprised even him.

"Come to the lab." She strode out of the room and he followed quickly. The corridors were smaller than on the Enterprise but deserted and they were able to descend the levels quickly.

"I have accommodated a computer in standard for you. The intercom is connected to my room and you will inform me of your needs for equipment and supplies. You will make these requests to no other but me."

"And T'svak?"

"Has no choice," she shrugged, "though he would rather be overseeing you himself."

"I thought he was a centurion."

She laughed. "In his dreams." She stepped into the middle of the lab. "You may decide your own rest and work periods however, the more quickly you provide a working model of the weapon, the sooner you will return to your ship. If anyone enters this lab excepting myself, you will immediately inform me." She walked around the room. "Is there anything you immediately require?"

"I have no guarantee that you will return me to my ship, even if I manage to recreate this work by myself."

"You do. I have said it is so." Arhal came up to him. "A Romulan's word is as good as a Vulcan's. We both hold honour highly. Now tell me what you require to begin work."

"On the Klingon bridge, I noticed organic debris, specifically leaves."

"Bones, I find it difficult to see a plant responsible for the destruction on the Klingon ship."

"If your scientists had studied the make up of those leaves, you would see the possibility." He studied her, looking for a reaction, and was rewarded with a frown. The Romulans would have studied the leaves despite any claims to the contrary.

"I need that debris," he added.

"It will be delivered." Arhal left.

CHAPTER THIRTY

McCoy worked the rest of that day. Arhal, herself, delivered the meals and he saw no one else. This was a military secret and he could understand her caution. But, he thought angrily, it was wasted caution. He could no more grow another plant than he could grow another leg. For her sake, he kept busy. When she delivered the leaves, he forced himself to focus on them.

"The chemical structure of the plant has been modified," McCoy said. "My original design comprised Vulcan organics but the atomic relationship has been in a way I don't recognize. I believe the Klingons enhanced the energy-storing capacity of the plant tissue on their own initiative."

Arhal was silent. When he finally looked over to her, he found her eyes were studying him thoughtfully. "Bones, those leaves do not store enough energy to toast a tuber."

"Put enough of them together and they'll toast a ship's hull."

"How many leaves would that require?"

McCoy hesitated, then admitted, "The plant the Enterprise first found on a Klingon ship was over nineteen kilometres long."

"Can you grow a plant from these leaves?"

"I don't think so," he said. "I need the stamen part of the stem in order to reproduce it. If I had, say, more of the plant."

"There is no more on the Klingon ship."

"You mean, there isn't any more there now," McCoy said softly, looking steadily into the green eyes. When she didn't answer, he continued, "Arhal, I can demonstrate, even with the few leaves here, that they were altered with something that does not grow on Vulcan. I can also attest, and the Vulcan Science Academy can witness, that the plant the V'Rhsal and I grew was based on a model of a brain stem and was designed for no other purpose than straight medical research. We had no intent to create weaponry and that's obvious by the fact that we kept the damn thing in the basement of his house and we both slept there with it. Once the Organians are made aware of these facts, I have no doubt that they will order my immediate return to the Enterprise."

Arhal didn't back down. "Bones, why were you and your captain out in a shuttle?"

He blinked. "It was the captain's idea, but it had nothing to do with the plant. He had a plan and it failed."

"Oh?" She cocked an eyebrow at him. "I believe that the Klingons had the weapon, whatever it may be, but not the detonator. I think that you and the captain carried that detonator on the shuttle, therefore, it was something with a limited range. A detonator implies a fuse and implies that you were treating something on the Klingon ship as a weapon and not as stolen medical research."

"Once the Klingons modified it, we sure as hell treated it as something dangerous but---"

"Bones, when we searched the shuttle, we did not find any evidence of a detonator. I assumed that you and the captain had jettisoned it on that asteroid. That may also be what the Organians assume." She stroked his arm as if she was petting a dog. Her tone was commanding. "Bones, you will be with me for some time."

"Then you're going to have to get me a stem."

"If I can find one."

"It shouldn't be that hard. You can start by looking on this ship."

She suddenly laughed. "You may be human but you have a backbone."

She did not return with anymore of the plant that evening and, finally, he gave up his fruitless puttering and walked out to the hallway. A Romulan in a doorway eyed him but did not return his greeting. On the plus side, neither did the guard follow him. An announcement sounded over the intercom in Romulan, which he didn't understand. Static drowned out half of it and even the engines sounded alien.

McCoy walked up the levels to his room, passing no one else. A bottle of Romulan ale and a glass had been left on a desk but there was no other sign of entry.

"Of all damn things," he mumbled. He wasn't sure if, despite the transponder, he was under surveillance, but if he was...

He uncorked the decanter and drank out of it, ignoring the glass. Then he lay down on top of the covers in the bed. It was hot in the room, almost stifling and he wondered if Romulus had the same climate as Vulcan. That awful, awful heat, just pressing down on you. It was a wonder he hadn't got heat stroke.

He rolled onto his stomach, felt the sweat itch under him, but more than that he felt restless and heavy. Uneasiness had been gnawing at him all day. He didn't know if it was coming from him or from somewhere else.

Closing his eyes, he reached inward.

v'hrsal...

ike trying to listen through the staticky intercom, he could barely find the Vulcan.

damnit, don't leave me like this!

Electric shocks, then...

leonard.

Like a gust of hot air, he recoiled.

what's going on?

the organians have not yet responded. we are waiting.

do you know what they want me to do?

i know.

i can't.

try.

v'rhsal, i feel very strange. my hands are shaking. when i try to focus on things, it seems like they're moving. i feel like...you won't understand, but i want to rip their pointed ears off their heads with my bare hands.

give them what they desire, then return to me.

i can't recreate the model. they're not going to believe it's a plant anyway.

we will do it together.

McCoy took a deep breath and hugged his face into the pillow.

---

He was throwing up when he heard the sound of the door. A moment later, Arhal's voice came from behind his back.

"Too much ale, Bones?"

Fearing it would only make him gag more, he refrained from retorting to her humorous tone. She wet a cloth, then wiped his forehead. "Perhaps a strong coffee will settle your stomach. I have some that did not come from the ship's reconstitutor."

McCoy pulled back from her curiously cool touch and managed a single word. "Why?"

She laughed. "Human, you are dense. You give me that weapon. My empire gives me a fleet!"

He swallowed. "I've told you what it is. If you'll just let me prove it to you."

"Tell me, Bones. What did you and your captain carry out in that shuttle?"

"We carried us."

"And?"

"Just us. We were hoping to retrieve the plant." A spasm of pain ran over him. He bore it out with an expressionless face, hoping he was hiding it from her.

Arhal's steady look ran over him. "Bones, I'm going to ask you again and before you answer, consider this. There is more than one on this ship who wouldn't mind watching an accident happen to you. I'm all that stands in their way." She stepped back. "What was in the shuttle?"

"The detonator."

"Good. Make me one."

"I can't. I'm not an engineer."

"But you designed it."

"No, he did."

"He who? The Vulcan?"

"Yes, the Vulcan. I'm just a doctor. I keep telling you."

"What kind of a detonator was it? Chemical? Electrical? Plasmic?"

"Electrical, of a sort. It's use forced breaches of energy pockets in the plant."

At her silence, he said, "Arhal, if you want proof, you're going to have to give me that plant you took from the Klingon ship. If you don't, I warn you that I am just going to spend my time walking around this ship until an accident does happen." He looked her in the eye. "I do know what security areas look like so, believe me, I know where to walk."

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

"He wants to what?" Kirk demanded angrily.

Spock ignored the outburst. "Kór V'Rhsal wishes to abide by intergalactic treaty and transport to the Romulan ship."

"I can't allow it. He's a civilian."

"Under Vulcan law, he is within his right."

"No way, Spock. It's bad enough they have McCoy. If they even guessed V'Rhsal was out here, they'd be shooting the hulls off us. I may not like him much but his safety is my responsibility."

Spock clasped his hands behind his back. "The Romulans want information. Dr. McCoy cannot provide it to them on his own and we cannot wait on the Organians."

"McCoy's hardly on his own there. He's linked with that Vulcan. He could have provided schematics long ago and he's got the generator in his pocket. If information was all they wanted, Bones would be back here by now," Kirk said. "So the answer to V'Rhsal is no. He's not going over there."

"Dr. McCoy has given them no more information than he gave us," Spock said, then silenced. Kirk eyed him for a few moments, not liking the Vulcan's stance.

"Well..."

"Jim, you do not understand the mindmeld."

"McCoy said the same thing to me. I don't pretend to understand. The point is, he was repeating messages verbatim."

"I know." Spock frowned.

Kirk waited. It was peculiar that the Vulcan, his Vulcan, hesitated to tell him.

It is not a simple mind meld," Spock said finally, as if concluding the end of an equation.

"Spock..."

"And none of our concern." He paused but Kirk did not push it. He perceived the concern, the worry. After all, it was his friend too. But his captain would not pry. "Jim, you should allow Kór V'Rhsal to go."

"Are you questioning orders?"

"I would never presume to do such a thing," the Vulcan said stiffly.

"Of course, Mr. Spock." Kirk sat at his desk.

---

McCoy clutched the edge of the table as another wave of pain swept over him. They were starting to frighten him. This morning one had been so intense that he'd fogged out and found himself wandering disoriented in the hall a few minutes later with no memory of leaving the lab. They felt like bad cramps, only he couldn't tell specifically where the pains were originating. Vaguely, it was somewhere around his stomach and then they gnawed out. Two or three would come together, then they would ease for a while before renewing the attack.

He eased his grip on the table, leaving a wet handprint, and pulled a clean slide from the dispenser. Sterilizing a blade, he nicked his arm and let a few drops fall onto the glass.

"...shouldn't self-diagnose, Doctor..." he muttered, "...unless the only other physicians around have pointed ears..."

He slid the slide under the microscope and bent over the viewer, hoping he had some time before the next spell.

"...white blood count ok." He refocused the microscope, cursing the tediousness of the process. "No evidence of food poisoning, for some reason."

The lab door opened. He caught sight of green. Her eyes? No, the plant! Leaves and vines of it.

Arhal studied him curiously as she draped the vegetation over a chair. "Here is your famous exploding flora. Did you know you're bleeding? You've opened that wound again." She neared. "You look feverish too. Have you been sick again?" She touched his cheek with fingers that felt like icicles.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Are you sure no one's going to come in here but you?"

Arhal's brow wrinkled at his harsh tone. "You're military property. Specifically, my military property."

"I'm only on loan."

She snorted. "Bones, if you're going to get sick and die, do it after you've given me your secret."

"It's the food," he lied.

She sighed, out of anger or weariness, he wasn't sure. A few minutes later he heard her leave the lab.

He stumbled towards the microscope, feeling the tingling sensation starting again.

"No way!" he said, gritting his teeth. He stained the slide and bent over the microscope again. "Damnit, there's got to be something. Come on!"

The table was moving. It was his hands, shaking, and his eyes were getting bleary.

"What the...?" He rubbed his eyes. "Testosterone? I wonder..."

The pain burst through him. When he came to, breathing raggedly, nearly twenty minutes had passed and the metal microscope was in pieces.

---

Arhal found him late that evening in the hanger, trying to commandeer a shuttle. Despite her small stature, she had well-developed Romulan muscles for she picked McCoy up and literally hauled him back to his cabin. It wasn't until the door was closed that she opened her mouth.

"The guard would have shot you! Are you so eager to die?"

"I've got to get back to the Enterprise."

"You know the terms!"

"No, I've got to..." McCoy trailed off, unable to find the words. His chest rose and fell raggedly.

"I have heard of you, Bones. I did not think you capable of a tantrum. And there's something else you've forgotten. The Enterprise left the area two days ago."

He picked up a chair and threw it at her, with a ferocity that shocked him. She stepped aside and it shattered into pieces against the wall.

"I have indulged you long enough," she said, furious.

"The ship is here. It's the Vulcan..." McCoy stopped, trying to grab his breath as another round of pain assaulted him.

"What Vulcan?" Arhal asked, but he could see by her face she'd already figured it out. She stepped cautiously toward him. "Did you meld with the Vulcan before you flew out in the shuttle?"

His hands tightened on the edge of the desk. She saw it but kept advancing. "That was terrible timing, Bones because, if he dies, you'll go with him. You have to be touching to break a meld." She stroked his cheek, touching him as if daring him to retaliate. "This is intriguing, Bones. It's become obvious that he had the brains in this partnership and he is going to have to come to you. All I have to do is wait for him."

---

McCoy opened his eyes to a blaze of ceiling light. The white light hurt less than the visions scalding the darkness of his eyelids. When the salt from the sweat on his face stung his eyes, he fought to keep them open rather than face the darkness again. He couldn't wipe his face, for Arhal had restrained his arms and legs. He would have felt degraded if he hadn't felt so deeply angry.

He focused on the sword on the shelf, running his eyes along the upraised sleek blade and handle. There was nothing else in his line of vision, except for the light. He couldn't even raise his head to see his arms. He could feel the restraints, but he couldn't see them. He couldn't hear anything either, not from the hall, not even the engines of the ship. The lack of vibration meant, at least, that they were still in the same spot. The Enterprise was still out there but the expected Romulan contingent must be very near indeed.

A spasm of pain trembled, as if testing the territory, then surged freely through his nervous system. Breathing hoarsely, he rode it out, clenching his teeth against the bitter taste it left in his mouth. Pain, obsession and desire - that description he had taken from V'Rhsal's own memories. Pain that craved release. Desire and thirst. No wonder they went into the madness of oblivion. No wonder they embraced it.

He focused on the sword and tried again to find the Vulcan. While fearing what he might find on the other end, it would at least give him a location. He had visions of a Vulcan from hell coming for him and he wanted to be forewarned.

When the next convulsion hit him, he gave up. Whatever the link had been, he'd lost it now.

Something cool pressed the side of his face. He strained to turn his head and found the bleared form of Arhal bending over him.

"Is it bad, Bones?"

He didn't answer. Finally she pressed the end of a straw in his mouth. "Drink. It will help."

Whatever it was tasted like wet leaves but it soothed. She sat on the edge of the bed and wiped his face with a gentleness that bothered him. "For a human, you have a high capacity for suffering."

"You have a high capacity for watching suffering," he said in a raspy voice.

"You knew the rules of the game when you started to play and I want that Vulcan."

"He'll be in no better shape to give you what you want than I am."

Arhal shrugged. "I have my own plan for dealing with him."

McCoy frowned. "At least give me the dignity of untying my arms. I can't reach anything and they're getting numb."

"I do not wish you to hurt yourself."

"One arm."

She undid one strap, then straightened the pillows under his head. "Perhaps, Bones, the Vulcan is leaving you to die."

"It's a long trip from his planet."

"But not so far from the Enterprise." Arhal met his eyes as she gave him another drink. "We both know the Enterprise is still here and that your partner is on it."

McCoy silenced. At length she said, "You deserve to know this. I offered your captain a deal, you in exchange for the Vulcan. He lied and said he had no Vulcan on board. A Vulcan male caught in the madness is not a pleasant houseguest. Your captain would do well to consider my offer."

"If Captain Kirk was willing to risk a civilian life to save my own, I would consider it a betrayal, and so would a Romulan."

She smiled. "You are brave and you seem to have a sense of honour. I will allow you this." She undid the other strap on his arm. Though she was in reach, he made no move to grab her.

"In the Vulcan's state, it would not be wise to feed you. You might aspirate. Is there anything else I can get you?"

He shook his head, feeling the now-familiar tingle starting again. He only wished her to leave before the full extent hit him. Unfortunately she stayed sitting on the edge of the bed, a witness to the onslaught of the pain. It was worse this time, like a nova gutting his abdomen. He closed his eyes, unable to stifle a groan. Her cool hands on him felt like icy needle-pricks. She stroked his face and murmured something in Romulan. When it was over, her eyes were very close to his.

"Bones, my physician could sedate you."

"No."

"It would be easier for you."

"Give me the choice to face it with my eyes open."

Arhal settled against the bed's headboard. "I will stay with you. Because you have courage, I promise you this. If you die, you will not be alone."

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

"This isn't good," Chekov whispered to Uhura as they watched the Starships Venture and Valiant assume formation. The Romulan contingent of four flagships and another scout had arrived this morning but had been content to sit quietly with their weapons aimed unswervingly at the Enterprise.

"Arhal wants V'Rhsal and she's not going to back down," Uhura whispered back.

"I guess Doc didn't give them what they wanted. Sulu and Dr. Misu haven't been able to duplicate it. V'Rhsal refuses. I see one way out of this now," Chekov said, then quieted when the turbo lift opened.

"Status," Kirk said.

"Captain Fernandes is hailing us, Captain," Uhura said.

"Put him on."

Fernandes was sombre. "Jim, I wish I could say I'm happy to see you again."

"I know Enso," Kirk smiled. "What's your news?"

"I've got a personal carryover of orders."

Kirk nodded, then turned to Chekov. "Alert Transporter Room."

"Yes, sir," Chekov said as Kirk returned to the turbo.

Fernandes beamed over with three guards and a surly-looking Romulan which he brought into the Enterprise briefing room.

Surprise momentarily crossed Kirk's face. "What's this?"

Fernandes nodded and one of his guards shoved the Romulan into a chair. Kirk noticed that electronic cuffs were on the Romulan's arms and waist.

"Former science officer of the Vulcan ship Nézni, Commander Ralag."

"A Romulan on a Vulcan ship?"

Fernandes shrugged. "Found abandoned on some outpost and adopted by a Vulcan couple. He's got an interesting history to him, especially the last two years. He's broken one of the top Vulcan laws, the one about transporting weaponry and selling to an outside dealer. He claims he's an importer of rare plants on the side."

Kirk took a seat. "And I don't suppose any of these plants happen to be explosive?"

Fernandes blinked. "You've heard this? My information was supposed to be oral. No electronic transmission of any kind."

Kirk leaned forward. "And who happens to supply you with your foliage, Ralag?"

He was greeted with a sneer.

Fernandes frowned. "He claims some Vulcan named V'Rhsal, who, I hear, is on board your ship, Jim."

"He's here. Ralag, are you sure you got that name right? Are you sure it's V'Rhsal, not, perhaps, Sah'Sheer?"

Kirk was rewarded with a slight flicker in the Romulan's eyes. He turned to Fernandes. "Sah'Sheer is V'Rhsal's ex-wife."

"I see," Fernandes said. "Jim, if you'd care to put this Romulan in your brig, I'll give you your new orders."

Kirk nodded at Fernandes' guards. "My men are just outside the door."

When he and Fernandes were alone, he said, "You know that Dr. McCoy and V'Rhsal were partners for some research."

"I heard," Fernandes said. "It's hard to believe that a bush can take out a Klingon ship."

"The 'bush' we found was over nineteen kilometres long and had one hell of a fuse," Kirk said.

"What did they need something like that for? I thought they were doing medical research."

"I'm not quite sure, but I can tell you what I think happened. Sah'Sheer did not agree in V'Rhsal's choice of partners."

"Why? Because Dr. McCoy's a human? I hear Vulcans can be funny that way."

"I don't know the whole story," Kirk admitted. "There must have been other grounds but McCoy's definitely part of it. She left V'Rhsal when the research started. A few months later, V'Rhsal and McCoy returned home to find what looked like the remains of a phaser blast in the kitchen. It destroyed a computer and some of their work. A few months later V'Rhsal's flyer and the plant was stolen. Whoever did it got past extensive security. McCoy contacted me and asked me to check out this Sah'Sheer. I contacted the Nézni and they said she was on board."

Fernandes leaned forward. "Easy enough to tell the codes to someone. It's a weak alibi."

"Very weak," Kirk said. "Of course it doesn't explain Ralag's motive."

"Maybe they're a twosome," Fernandes offered. "If Vulcans do things like that."

"I hear Vulcan women can," Kirk said dryly. "What have you got for me?"

Fernandes hesitated. "You might not like this. You've been ordered to transport Ralag and V'Rhsal to Vulcan."

"If I withdraw, that leaves only two of us. They've got six ships out there and they control what's left of the Klingon vessel. McCoy's on one of those ships."

Fernandes looked down. "I know. The Romulans have a right to him, under intergalactic treaty."

Kirk stood and paced around the table. "I'm hardly going to leave him."

"This came straight from the Old Man himself. He's probably waiting for you to call him."

"He's damn right I'm going to call him!"

Fernandes winced. "Easy. I'm just the messenger. And if it's any consolation, Jim, I'm not happy about it either." He stood. "I'd better collect my men and get back. Give me a shout before you leave."

"You'll hear me."

---

Spock entered the dimness of McCoy's quarters so softly that only a Vulcan could have heard his footsteps. V'Rhsal, sitting at the doctor's desk, looked up.

"What is his name?"

Spock studied the impassive face before him. "Ralag. He is a Romulan with Vulcan adopted heritage."

"And he served on the Nézni," V'Rhsal said.

Spock waited. Finally, he said, "He is in the brig. If you desire, I will escort you to him."

V'Rhsal stood. "I accept your offer and am honoured," he said in the traditional Vulcan response.

Spock followed a pace behind. Inwardly, he admired V'Rhsal's complete control, the mental discipline achieved to present such unemotion at this time.

"What is the doctor's status?" Spock asked.

"Restrained, and in pain."

They entered the turbo lift and descended in silence. Spock had broken the Vulcan code of silence when he had relayed suspicions of McCoy's condition to Kirk. V'Rhsal had not questioned Spock's breach of propriety. In fact, he had not alluded to it at all other than to report on McCoy's physical state. This Spock also admired for V'Rhsal had no Vulcan reason to speak of McCoy and, in fact, had disregarded his own personal privacy to address human worry and concern.

They walked through the security level to the brig. Ralag, curled on the corner bunk in the far cell, looked up at their arrival. His sneer disappeared upon seeing V'Rhsal.

"You will speak your name," V'Rhsal said, standing quietly before the forcefield.

Ralag was stared down. Finally, he spat, "Ralag A'r Stell."

V'Rhsal nodded, his face still utterly impassive. "Take her. She is yours."

As he turned to go, Ralag managed a derisive tone. "She gave me a message for you."

"Keep it unto yourself," V'Rhsal said.

Ralag laughed. "When she got your communication, she showed it to everyone on the ship. Then she gave it to me. She put it in my hands. She said you burned...with illogic."

Spock withdrew a few steps but V'Rhsal walked on quietly. Ralag jumped to the forcefield and shouted.

"Do you know she once aborted her womb? She killed anything of yours that started to grow in her and now she's pregnant with my child. Mine! Take that back to the human with you!"

The lift doors shut Ralag out. Spock lowered his eyes, giving what privacy he could. V'Rhsal, dispassionately, said, "Kór Spock, I acknowledge your actions."

"He did not speak to my ears." Spock looked up. "I would ask of the doctor's condition."

V'Rhsal's eyes clouded. "He is...difficult to reach. He is in much pain."

Spock considered his words before saying, "Dr. McCoy can withstand a great deal of suffering."

V'Rhsal did not answer. When the turbo lift stopped, Spock escorted him back to McCoy's quarters in silence.

---

Spock was working at his desk when the door to his cabin buzzed. Without looking up, he said, "Enter, Jim."

The door opened and Kirk came in, looking askance. "How the hell do you always know when it's me?"

Spock raised an eyebrow. "You do not hesitate before sounding the chime."

Kirk snorted as he took a chair across the desk and set down the tray he was holding.

"Here. My turn to bring tea. I managed to wangle some of that awful Vulcan brew for you." He placed a cup in front of the Vulcan and, without looking up, asked simply, "How's Bones?"

"In much pain."

"You told me you had suspicions," Kirk sighed. "I have to say this. When you were going through...that time, it was fairly apparent. When I spoke to V'Rhsal this morning, I didn't see anything."

Evenly, Spock replied, "I am not full Vulcan."

"Look, I know it's probably none of my business--"

"You are correct. It is not," Spock said. "Nor is it mine."

Kirk finally did look up. "So what happens?" he demanded. "Is V'Rhsal going to let it kill him? If so, what happens to McCoy? Will Bones die too? What, in God's name, is V'Rhsal planning to do?"

Spock could have answered it in one word in Vulcan. In Standard, he had no words to choose. "The obvious solution is for Kór V'Rhsal to go to his...bondmate." Spock's voice sounded...shamed? Kirk blinked. He opened his mouth but said nothing.

Spock waited. He had often thought it a credit to this human that he could think rationally even in the midst of strong exasperation. He waited, knowing his captain.

"Where is this bondmate?"

"On the Romulan scoutship."

"She's a Romulan?"

"He."

Kirk shook his head. "Vulcans do that?"

Quietly, Spock said, "McCoy does not have much strength left."

"McCoy? McCoy?" Kirk started, then he closed his mouth as it all sunk in.

"It is not just a mindmeld, could not be at their level of communication."

"We're talking about Bones!"

"Who is at the wrong end of a bonding."

"He told me it was a meld!"

"Jim, it's much deeper."

Kirk leaned against the wall. "But McCoy's another male and he's not like that! What the hell could he do? Fight him?"

Spock turned away. "Kór V'Rhsal did not discuss his options with me. Regardless, he would have to be touching Dr. McCoy in order to end the meld."

"If he does that, won't he die?"

"Yes, he will die, but McCoy will live."

Kirk paused again, then said, "The Romulans aren't going to let him just waltz in. And if it means his death, they certainly aren't going to let him near Bones."

"He possesses knowledge which they want."

Kirk shook his head. "No matter how I view this, and believe me, I've tried in many ways, I can't let V'Rhsal off this ship. If they get him, we lose every option. We'll lose Bones for sure."

---

McCoy clutched the headboard, shaking under the anguish. When it lessened, he wiped his forehead. His sleeve came away bloodied. He could hear Romulans in the hall and a relentless buzzing in his head. A mist hung over the light.

"I never thought I'd go like this," he muttered. "I hope I take him with me." Was it only six days ago he'd sat up in bed and moved legs he could feel?

The wolf was playing piano at the side of the bed. "Did I drink anything before I went to sleep tonight?" McCoy asked him.

"Heaven knows," the wolf said. "I don't know what they serve in this joint." He played a few scales. "What do you want, Len? An old classic? A little Mozart? Lizt?"

"Brahms."

The wolf made a face. "His stuff's so dull. It'll put you to sleep."

"Brahms," McCoy repeated, closing his eyes.

"Len, when you listen to that stuff, you are getting old." However, the wolf complied, playing softly. "Len, I've been thinking."

McCoy opened his eyes. "Yes."

"You brought that generator with you. The plant's on board."

"Hmm..."

The wolf shrugged. "Fireworks, Len. Going out with a bang and all that. We could time it with the last chorus."

McCoy fumbled in his shirt.

"Other pocket, Len."

"Right." The generator was in the other breast pocket. It was the size of a coin but it felt curiously heavy on his forefinger.

"What do you think, Len?"

"It has merit."

"It's what I would do, my friend."

McCoy twirled the generator around as he listened to the music. "Are you ready?"

"On the downbeat."

McCoy brought his other hand up and fumbled at the power connection. It sparked and caught and McCoy, fascinated at the interplay of colours across the metal surface, held it up to the misty light. It twirled, there was a loud bang, and the piano died.

---

Kirk flew off his feet as the bridge tilted under him. There was a second of pitch black, then the red emergency lights came on.

"Chekov! Status!"

"Power loss, Captain."

"Source?"

"Outside the ship, sir. Unusual energy readings. I don't recognize them."

"We have lost the main engines," Spock said. "Secondary systems also out."

The alarms blared. "Intruder alert. Intruder alert."

Spock bent over his scanner. "Confirmed."

Kirk banged against the rail. "Where?"

"Here, Captain. On the bridge with us."

They stared around eerily. Kirk counted shadows and there was one more.

"I am Captain James Kirk. Identify yourself!"

"There is no need to raise your voice, Captain Kirk." The shadow at the viewscreen moved forward.

"Identify yourself."

The lights came on. A placidly smiling man in a simple robe stood before Kirk. "To you, I am Ayelborne."

Kirk eyed the Organian for a moment. "Ayelborne, you took a long time to get here."

"A `long time' is millennium, Captain Kirk. I am here. I am on your sister ships and your enemy's ships. I am at the council chambers on C-6. I stand in the ruins of Allát."

Kirk sat in his command chair. "I take it you got my message."

"I received your message before you sent it."

"Ayelborne..."

"Some silence please, Captain Kirk. I wish to see how we all stand."

Kirk exchanged glances with Spock. The Vulcan merely shrugged.

Ayelborne, still smiling, walked to the viewscreen. "Dr. McCoy used the...generator?" He looked to Spock who nodded. "Generator. Unusual word. He has just attempted to destroy the Romulan ship. Dreadful. Inherent in your kind. Of course I cannot allow it. Dreadful, terrible destruction. Utter waste. You have not learned much since our last meeting."

Kirk's jaw tightened. "Ayelborne, That's my man on that Romulan ship. Are you going to take a grievance hearing or not?"

Ayelborne closed his eyes. "I sense pain here, pain and...self-sacrifice. Curious."

"Ayelborne..." Kirk started again.

"Captain Kirk, I have decided. What the Romulans now possess, they will keep. The Klingons have paid already with their own lives. You and your kind will return to your home base. But the pain..." Ayelborne lost his smile. "This I must not allow either, to preserve life."

Kirk rose out of his chair. "Ayelborne!"

But the Organian had shimmered out of existence.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

McCoy opened his eyes and found himself in another place. Perception was wrong. No, he was actually upright! His legs were free and tingling as the blood returned to them. The sweat was drying on his face.

A panel in front of him blinked a few lights. Where was this place? Those windows...a shuttle?

"My Lord, they take you to heaven in a shuttlecraft," he whispered.

"Leonard..."

He turned. In the chair beside him was V'Rhsal, looking visibly stunned.

"Where am I? Is this real?"

"We are in the Spirit..." V'Rhsal trailed off.

"How did I get here?" McCoy asked, still in a hushed voice.

The Vulcan managed to compose his face. "I believe the Organians have arrived."

McCoy glanced out the window as well. "There's a planet below us."

"Vulcan."

As V'Rhsal guided the shuttle through re-entry, McCoy rubbed his legs. "Do you know what they did? They tied me down! That was after I thought I had food-poisoning. And where the hell were you?"

"I could not reach you."

"Do you have any idea what I've gone through?" He eyed the Vulcan but V'Rhsal's face was completely expressionless. "It's your time, isn't it? Couldn't you have warned me before I left? Didn't you feel it coming?"

"No, I did not. It is too early."

They entered the atmosphere. There was a flash of heat in the shuttle as red and orange streaked past the ports. V'Rhsal became aware of McCoy's steady gaze on him.

"Leonard?"

"I expected, I don't know," McCoy said. "But you seem awfully controlled. Where are we going?"

"My house."

McCoy shivered suddenly. "What will happen then?"

"We will break the meld, then you will lock me away."

"V'Rhsal, I can't."

"We set out to defeat Khlabar and we have accomplished that purpose. Time now for endings, Leonard."

McCoy felt the shuttle touch ground. The engines quieted. "So much for your back fence," he said, glancing out the window.

V'Rhsal unstrapped himself from the chair and rose. "Let this be done within the privacy of my own walls."

McCoy followed the Vulcan silently, allowing V'Rhsal to control for both of them. But he could feel tendrils of fire laughing at the edge again.

They entered through the back door, into the kitchen, the place where he had spit watermelon seeds. Sunlight poured through the open blinds. He took off his boots and felt the floor warm under his feet. The cooling unit hummed softly and beside it sat a cup in the sink.

V'Rhsal climbed the stairs to his room. McCoy had rarely come in here thinking it a bare, depressing area. Now he understood why it was so. It contained nothing breakable and the door had a heavy lock.

V'Rhsal spent a few moments looking through the blinds, his hands resting on the sill. McCoy's stomach cramped and he sat on the bed, trying to ease it. "Pon Farr is like having a bad case of the runs."

The Vulcan turned. In every line, every muscle, in the razor-sharp of the black eyes, McCoy saw fury.

"Tie me, Leonard. Chain me. Fasten me down."

His voice was hoarse.

"No."

"Quickly!"

McCoy jumped. The man he knew was leaving in every course of pain and, as he looked, he felt a deep indignation at what could break a proud spirit.

"Quickly!"

Pain burned behind McCoy's eyes. Running in a trail of pricks it burst in every nerve.

"Leonard! Do not hesitate! Restrain me!"

"No! I can't do that!"

McCoy touched the rampantly hot skin and felt the flutter of the Vulcan's heart. Torment like a fire flying over a fuel trail, raced over him, boundless, boundless fire surging through the link. Though terrified, McCoy hugged V'Rhsal to him.

The Vulcan felt the difference, the skin on skin. He ground. He wracked himself against the cooler skin. To McCoy it felt as though his flesh was being dry-scorched off of him but he held on. Wave upon wave of the white hot came upon him, now rushing, now slithering. His brain roared in a furnace. His eyes blinded. V'Rhsal shoved him brutally back onto the bed then came for him and the smell of sweat and copper overwhelmed him. Fingers dug into his temples, raging to complete the link. A bayonet thrust into his mind. Screaming, he pushed and, somehow, threw the Vulcan off.

Then it slowed. McCoy opened his eyes and found V'Rhsal hovering over him, staring blindly at the rumpled sheets.

He took a shaky breath, feeling the wicked hurt in his bowels. But the wave receded further until the link was nearly gone.

"...reflected fires..." V'Rhsal whispered, coughing as he tried to draw in air.

McCoy tasted his own blood in his mouth. One eye was swelling shut and his chest felt as though someone had taken a jackhammer to it.

The Vulcan touched McCoy's temples and opened the small strand left.

let us join in the ritual for mating.

my god, v'rhsal. it hurts!

i know but it is not from me. it is coming from you.

i don't understand.

be still. it will be all right now.

---

He woke to the sound of rain pattering on the windows and a cool breeze moving the blinds with a soft click.

McCoy sat up slowly, feeling dizzy. The covers lay crumpled on the floor and he was alone in the bed.

"V'Rhsal?"

The link opened. A strong surge of the Vulcan's presence, the heat, the touch of minds. He recoiled.

A few moments later, V'Rhsal entered the bedroom carrying a tray.

eat, leonard. it will help.

He sat beside the doctor, balancing the tray on his knees. He poured a cup of tea, then looked over and smiled.

McCoy took the cup, eyeing the Vulcan uneasily.

i was told never to trust a smiling vulcan.

i was told never to trust a smiling human.

explain this to me.

celibacy does not agree with you. fires from your mind reflected into mine. your desire started my pain.

McCoy ate carefully, then discovered he was hungry.

i have never felt so much pain. i thought it was your time. are you saying it was me?

V'Rhsal bent his head.

it was from both of us.

then, your time is still to come.

yes.

do you think this other could happen again?

if we remain joined and celibate, yes.

answer this simply, v'rhsal. can two males survive it?

i know two vulcan males can, however, leonard, answer me. you reconnected the power source to the generator, knowing there was a large amount of the plant-model nearby. did you not perceive the danger?

i perceived it.

would you have rather faced death than me?

you dumb Vulcan. you've got it backwards. i set off the generator to prevent you from coming for me. i had no guarantee that the romulans would let you live any longer than it would take to give the information to them. as far as i was concerned, they would have pried what they wanted from your mind and just kicked you out the hatch. and i had some idea that maybe your ex-wife might, you know, return.

she has chosen another.

McCoy put the tray on the floor, then pulled up the covers.

when i was strapped down on the Romulan ship, i had some free time to think. i know very little about this but i see one vulcan-human marriage and she does not appear to be suffering. so, i've come to a decision.

which is...

i want you.

V'Rhsal met the doctor's eyes.

i want you as well.

there's a way to break the cycle, isn't there?

it is possible, but it requires recurrent periods of mating.

McCoy laughed.

i don't have a problem with that.

and it would require your return to vulcan in one or two years time.

i can do that too.

leonard, in one year, or two, i could not guarantee what you would find when you returned. it would be much worse. you could die.

McCoy met the black eyes.

i would be here.

leonard, i cannot risk you. if we part, you could involve yourself in a normal human union that would not imperil your life.

v'rhsal, what is normal? with all my experience and education, i don't have a clue.

V'Rhsal set the tray on the floor, then reached over and pulled the covers down from the doctor's chest.

leonard, look at what i did to you.

McCoy pulled the covers back up.

i'll heal.

is this truly what you desire? could you commit yourself for the rest of your life? would you record it on vulcan public record? if your shipmates and family asked you, would you admit i was your mate? could you tell your captain that you have chosen me for your bed?

i am not ashamed of it. are you?

V'Rhsal didn't answer. Instead he got up and left the room.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Kirk drummed his fingers on his chair arm as Spock guided the shuttlecraft through Vulcan atmosphere. "Every time we have dealings with the Organians, I feel slighted."

Spock glanced over but said nothing.

"We don't get the plant. The Romulans don't. I have to take their assurances that they've cleaned up the remainder from the Klingons. God knows what they put Bones through over there and Ayelborne doesn't seem to think we deserve an apology."

"There will be no war," Spock pointed out.

Kirk scowled. "I suppose it was also Ayelborne who scattered my shuttle, my chief medical officer, and that damned V'Rhsal over here to Vulcan."

"V'Rhsal's family has replaced the Spirit."

Kirk glanced around the interior of the shuttle. "Ok. This is better than Starfleet-issue. It still doesn't excuse it."

"Vulcan understands," Spock said simply.

Kirk leaned forward and tapped his fingers on the console. "Do you think V'Rhsal's still alive?"

"I do not know."

"At least Bones is ok. If V'Rhsal survived, I imagine they've probably ended that mindmeld by now." Kirk caught Spock's eye. "Or whatever it was."

"It is not our affair, Jim."

"It's my prerogative to worry. Bones always said that I did stupid things but he's sure got me beat this time."

V'Rhsal's home was at the fringes of the city, his back yard at the edge of a large stretch of sand. As they neared it, Kirk leapt out of his seat.

"Is that the Spirit?"

The once-high security wall was left in scattered clumps over red sand, flattened by the impact of the shuttle. The shuttle itself was scarred from re-entry. Black divots streaked from the belly up over the wings and a long crack ran across the roof. Wires hunt out the back hatch whose panel was now a spider's web of breaks. But the worst was the pilot-side pylon, almost completely sheared in half and bent completely backwards from its normal angle.

"So much for the security system," Kirk said. As they landed, and the full extent of the damage became more apparent, Kirk added softly, "I hope McCoy's in one piece."

The door of the house opened as Kirk was regarding the debris. A Vulcan Kirk didn't know came down the back steps.

"Captain Kirk. Kór Spock."

"Yes?" Kirk said.

"I am Soltar, a physician at the Academy Hospital and an acquaintance of Leonard McCoy."

Kirk eyed Soltar worriedly. Was McCoy in the hospital?

"Leonard left a portion of his work for me to complete. I delivered the results this morning. This way."

Soltar led them back into the house, into a large living area, then disappeared. The doctor had been sitting at a table by a terminal reader but jumped up at their arrival.

"Jim! Spock!"

"Good God, Bones! That's one hell of a shiner. Are you all right?" Kirk rushed over to him.

"I got it from the shuttle crash. I'm fine."

"I left you on a Romulan ship, Doctor. You end up on Vulcan AND you're AWOL. You've got a lot of explaining to do."

McCoy scowled. "Someone does. One minute I'm enjoying the best Romulan wingding in the sector, the next I'm in freefall."

Kirk eyed McCoy strangely, then exchanged a look with Spock. The Vulcan, however, appeared to be studying the carpet intently.

"Where's V'Rhsal?"

"I don't know and I really don't give a damn."

"The Organians put the two of you on the shuttle together, didn't they?"

"Much to my eternal joy," McCoy muttered. "I thought the Organians were supposed to be smart."

Kirk had been genuinely uneasy, justifiably so, wondering if V'Rhsal would confront McCoy. After all, Spock had come at him during Koon-ut-Kali-fee without a shred of the person he'd known. "He's still alive?"

McCoy blinked. "We didn't crash that badly so I guess he is. Do you want some coffee?"

He went into the kitchen and Kirk, frustrated, followed. If McCoy didn't want to discuss it, nothing in the universe would move him.

"Do you know how it turned out?" Kirk asked.

"Yes," McCoy said, pouring coffee. "Sarek came by."

"And you know that Starfleet wants you to turn in your botany permit." Kirk sat at the table.

McCoy handed Spock a cup. "You'll like this. It's horrid."

"Bones, Starfleet isn't happy with you," Kirk cut in.

McCoy shrugged. "So?"

"The Old Man suggested that the two of us might want to drop by his office sometime soon."

"He's upset because Vulcan took Sah'Sheer and Ralag away from him," McCoy said. "I'm tempted to send him a potted plant for his office. What do you think? Something with a lot of leaves?"

"McCoy," Kirk warned.

"Give me a few moments to get my stuff and we can get going." McCoy retraced his path into the den. V'Rhsal was at the terminal, lightly tapping the keyboard.

kirk and spock are in the kitchen.

will you be leaving with them?

that was kind of the reason why i spent the morning packing.

V'Rhsal shut off the terminal.

i am gratified that soltar was able to utilize your notes in your absence. your departure will not affect further research.

to think i actually cared what was going to happen to you.

leonard, i care what is going to happen to you.

that's nice.

your presence in this house has affected me.

well i can't say you let it show.

McCoy picked up a book and stuffed it in the sack.

leonard, do i have your attention?

just hanging onto every word.

V'Rhsal came around to stand in front of the doctor.

you are angry, correct?

"Angry? Angry?" McCoy burst out. "You don't have a flying frog's notion what that is!"

In the kitchen, Kirk and Spock glanced at each other, than looked over their shoulders curiously.

"Leonard..." V'Rhsal started.

"Right in the middle of my telling you things I've never told anyone before, you just walked out! Do you know how that made me feel?"

"Angry?" V'Rhsal ventured.

McCoy glared at him. "Is that supposed to be a joke? You bastard!"

V'Rhsal hastily took a step backwards and whispered, "Did you say that Captain Kirk and Kór Spock were in the kitchen?"

McCoy took a deep breath, then lowered his voice.

"Do you remember what we did together?"

"My memory is quite adequate."

"We made love."

V'Rhsal looked at the doorway anxiously. "Leonard..."

"I would never have considered it with a male, much less an oversized anteater like you. It was something deep to me. When you got up the next morning and made plans to go wife-hunting, it hurt. And you had the gall to call humans depraved!" McCoy grabbed a tape and hurled it into the sack. "I should have known something was wrong from the first when I came out of that mindmeld to find you on top of me."

V'Rhsal put a hand to his forehead, looking very green. "Leonard, does it not bother you that your friends might overhear?"

"No!" McCoy snapped the knapsack closed. "Is that clear to you? Or do I need a sledgehammer to get it in your head?"

When V'Rhsal did not answer, McCoy snapped, "Don't you at least have the decency to say something?"

The Vulcan eyed the doctor warily.

"I give up." McCoy started for the door.

leonard, the meld.

end it quick

V'Rhsal glanced around the room, then motioned to the desk.

lean against this so you do not fall.

hurry up.

perhaps you should put down your possessions.

McCoy sighed and dropped the knapsack.

ok? are you finally ready?

close your eyes.

McCoy did so, then waited. He felt the Vulcan's fingertips graze his forehead. Prickles ran over his arms and chest.

"...what is this?..." he whispered.

The Vulcan touched his cheek to the Human's. "...it is the beginning, Leonard..."

"...Kirk and Spock are out in the kitchen!..."

The Vulcan so suddenly smiled that McCoy lost his balance. V'Rhsal put his arms around the doctor to keep him steady, then he reached down to open McCoy's pants.

McCoy knew Kirk would be perplexed by now over the length of time it was taking him to 'pack up his things'. He doubted that Spock would intrude but Kirk had never been patient and might very well come down the hall to see what was taking so long. The ultimate - to be caught doing the wild thing on a desk with another man, but he was far too aroused to stop. Where V'Rhsal was touching him was crackling every nerve, the pleasure more extreme than with anyone else he'd ever loved.

A small moan escaped him, which he muffled against the Vulcan's shoulder. The warmth of the Vulcan skin came down on him as he leaned back over the desk. His thighs ended up around V'Rhsal's and one arm got trapped against a computer monitor, the positioning exceedingly awkward, yet they managed to put all the parts together.

V'Rhsal rubbed himself against the doctor. McCoy gasped.

does it hurt, leonard?

oh God, no...don't stop!

V'Rhsal's black eyes looked down into the human's blue ones.

touch me.

McCoy did, touching everything, lingering everywhere. By now they were physically grinding against each other.

McCoy felt himself grow taut, felt the Vulcan's answering hardness, felt his heart hammering and his abdomen tensing, groaning as the throbbing in his groin grew ponderous and heady. He kissed the Vulcan, feeling the alien lips over his. To his amazement, the Vulcan started kissing him back, breathing heavy against his mouth, sweat running off his lip.

McCoy felt the tip of the Vulcan's tongue touch his and it sent him over the edge.

it's happening! i can't stop it!

V'Rhsal pushed hard against McCoy. McCoy felt his own crisis spike, the sudden undulations, then the release and the cascade of sticky seed over his abdomen.

The Vulcan moaned softly, then came an answering stickiness from him as his ejaculate pooled with the human's.

McCoy closed his eyes and hugged V'Rhsal to him.

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

In the kitchen, the sudden, utter descent of silence unnerved Kirk. Leaning forward, he asked, "Do you think McCoy killed him?"

Spock studied his cup as if it was some new species of life. "The design of this pottery grain is quite intriguing. Did you note it is triple-glazed?"

"Spock-"

"Jim, I am not going to go and look."

Kirk half-rose, then sat back down, glancing in the hallway behind them.

---

McCoy opened his eyes. The room was dark.

"The sun's gone done," he whispered. "How long have we been in here?"

"Seventeen minutes, forty-four seconds," V'Rhsal answered in a low voice.

McCoy rubbed his cheek against the Vulcan's. "There's something in my back."

"A paperweight." The Vulcan reached around to the desk and moved it away. Then he stepped back to adjust his clothing.

"I can't believe we did that." McCoy risked a look at the doorway.

"They are in the kitchen, Leonard. Kór Spock is explaining the origins of Vulcan pottery to your captain." V'Rhsal turned on the desk lamp. "We have been...indelicate."

"I don't care. If we had been caught, I would have just laughed and kept going."

"Leonard, preference of choice is recognized under Vulcan Family Law. We could register this union."

"Your family won't approve," McCoy said.

"The Head of my family is my paternal grandmother. She is the only voice. My union with Sah'Sheer did not result in children. The issue of an heir is not a consideration and the marriage has been ended by implied consent. As well, you have been granted Vulcan citizenship. Your skills are of benefit. My grandmother may require validation of a pon farr cycle but there is no logical reason for her to disapprove of this joining."

"Validation?" McCoy scowled. "You mean if we survive it?"

"I will need to seek you when my time comes upon me. Do you fear this?"

McCoy met the Vulcan's eyes. "No. Not at all. We've gone deep here. The difference of it...thrills me. It takes my breath away. It's worth anything to me."

"And we have only just started."

"I have one stipulation."

"Yes?"

"You hold anything back from me, you play around with my feelings just once, and I'll strip the hide off you."

"I quite believe that," V'Rhsal said seriously.

McCoy touched his fingers to the Vulcan's, then leaned forward and kissed him. "I want to again," he whispered beside the pointed ear.

"Leonard, we can't." V'Rhsal eyed the door leading to the kitchen. McCoy laughed and kept kissing him.

"Will you inform them?"

McCoy let go. "Yes, though I'd rather stay here."

V'Rhsal listened for a moment. "I believe they are now in the back yard."

"Great! They're out of hearing range." McCoy tugged at V'Rhsal's pants but the Vulcan jumped away.

"I'd prefer more privacy, and a place other than my desk." V'Rhsal pulled his zipper back up. "I will be at my office in the hospital."

V'Rhsal went one way. McCoy went the other, through the kitchen and out the back door. Spock stood, back stiff, at the furthest reach of the yard, where the desert sand began. Kirk had turned the Spirit's outer lights on and was picking through the rubble like a disgusted beachcomber. He looked up at the doctor's arrival and said gruffly, "What the hell have you done to my shuttle?"

"I wasn't driving."

"Did he even try to land right side up?" Kirk picked up a melted, brown...something, grimaced, then threw it back in the pile. McCoy waited, trying to compose his expression. He knew they'd heard the argument but was unsure just how much else had been audible. Finally Kirk plopped down on one of the pylons and said, "I'd just put all new chrome on."

"It's a bitch to keep polished anyway."

"What do the neighbours think of the mess?"

McCoy shrugged. "I don't know. I've never met either side." He quieted for a long moment. Spock took a few steps away from them, disappearing around the garage.

"Jim, I want to tell you something. Do you remember, years ago, those rumours about you and Spock, that the two of you were more than friends?"

"I remember," Kirk muttered. "It went around the ship like wildfire."

"If it had been true, it wouldn't have made any difference to me."

The doctor's tone jarred Kirk. He eyed McCoy uneasily. "What is this about?"

"It's about me and V'Rhsal."

"What are you saying, Bones? That you two sleep together?" Kirk asked, so stunned he could barely put the words together."McCoy, you allow this?" But while he said it, in his mind's eye, he remembered the doctor, standing stiffly at attention - I'm staying here. His reply - Bones, if we can't correct the course of this planet, we'll have to blow it out of the sky. And the doctor, stubborn, had said, I'm staying here with these people.

McCoy chuckled. "Yes, I allow it."

"My God, McCoy, why?"

"Why not?"

Kirk put a hand to his forehead. "Good thing I'm so near the ground. Saves me the trouble of toppling over."

"I've never seen you topple over," the doctor said gently.

"You know Vulcan males go through that seven year heat. We had enough trouble with Spock and he's only half Vulcan."

As if hearing his name, Spock reappeared on the other side of the garage. McCoy glanced at him, then turned back to Kirk. "Jim, I've fallen in love."

Kirk shook his head. "No way."

"Why do you think I kept extending my leave?"

"He's another male!"

"Jim, I kind of know that already."

"Was it not just ten minutes ago that you said you didn't care where the hell he was?"

"Actually, it was more like seventeen."

Kirk eyed the doctor, for, in truth, he was unnerved now. McCoy, for his part, was looking thoughtfully at Spock.

"Just how good is your hearing anyway?" McCoy asked with an odd tone.

Spock managed to look innocent. "I have a cold and my ears are somewhat congested."

The doctor smiled. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Spock."

The interplay between them had shifted in a way Kirk could not quite grasp. All he knew for sure was that the McCoy he faced now was a hundred and eighty degrees from the friend he knew two years ago. Back then, this was a conversation he and the doctor would never have had.

"Bones," he tried, "the risk of the thing!"

McCoy turned back to him, the same blue eyes Kirk had seen a hundred times, but they were not the same. There wassomething else in the blue Kirk had never before seen.

"The 'thing' is my business," McCoy said. "Jim, this is supposed to be good news."

"I'm sorry. Congratulations, Bones. But," Kirk stood. "If anything happens to you, whatever he is to you, he will pay."

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

Kirk thought, by rising early, he would miss the Vulcan heat. In fact, it was waiting for him before he sat up out of bed. The thermal cover fell back and he hit, without the advantage of the barrier, a wall of mean hot.

"Damn..." He paced to the bathroom and stuck his head under the cold tap. "This is nuts."

He and Spock had spent the night at Spock's parents. It had been a long time since he'd had the pleasure of Amanda's company. More than that, the night gave him a buffer between McCoy's dropping the bomb and his facing V'Rhsal. Kirk had spent his life listening to his internal alarms, most of the time at McCoy's encouragement. Even when he hadn't agreed with it, he'd always thought McCoy's judgement sound, but accepting this meant overcoming every gut feeling he had

Spock had dropped into his Vulcan mode and was unapproachable on the subject. Kirk had no one else to talk to here, so he'd spent the night endlessly running through it on his own. He'd tried, but the image of that cold, side-stepping Vulcan kept smacking back at him. Two males were one thing and Kirk had no real problem with that, though he would never have figured it for the doctor. But this was beyond gender. To Kirk, it was akin to putting a goldfish and a shark in the same tank.

After breakfast, he and Spock took a flyer to V'Rhsal's. As Kirk strapped in his seat, he said, "Am I supposed to be honoured McCoy wants me to attend this ceremony?"

"There is no ceremony, Jim," Spock said as he guided the flyer into a main route. "This is a simple, formal declaration to V'Rhsal's family to recognize the union."

"A union or a marriage?"

"There is no difference. As investment of the family name is generally the foremost consideration when determining suitable unions, family interests can be served by the joining of two males or two females."

"That doesn't apply here. We're talking about McCoy and another male. I've never seen anything like this in him before. More than that, we're talking about McCoy and a Vulcan. You can't sit there and tell me this doesn't startle you at all."

"They have been joined for almost three years. I would hardly be 'startled'."

Spock landed the flyer in the front. As he powered down, Kirk said, "I'll support him. God knows he's done the same for me, many times, when he must have thought me totally deranged. He's supported me, but he never did it blindly."

When the flyer's motor silenced, they could hear noises from the back yard. V'Rhsal and McCoy had cleared up much of the wall and McCoy was standing in the last remnants of it, leaning on a shovel, when he saw Kirk and Spock.

"Here, Jim. This is for you." He tapped a pile of shiny metal with his shoe.

"What is it?"

"The chrome off the Spirit. I saved it for you." McCoy smiled quickly, then tossed the shovel into a corner of the yard.

V'Rhsal turned at their approach and nodded slightly. "Kór Spock. Captain."

"Hello," Kirk said, picking up a piece of the metal. "McCoy, where's the rest of the shuttle?"

"I think it's being turned into a bird feeder."

"What?" Kirk glanced up, unsure of the doctor's humour.

"Leonard," V'Rhsal said. "I explained the function to you quite clearly."

McCoy glanced over at Spock. "What on earth is a Conductive Reflex Oscillating Two-Way Pantitulator?"

Spock clasped his hands behind his back and said expressionlessly, "A bird feeder."

McCoy shot V'Rhsal a look that Kirk would have found funny under any other circumstances.

V'Rhsal put down his shovel as well and asked, "Leonard, are you ready to leave?"

McCoy held up a piece of the wall. "Not if you're driving."

The humour in V'Rhsal's next words took Kirk by surprise.

"Are you implying that my landing was less than satisfactory?"

"Funny, I do seem to have that impression."

"We could use city transportation, Leonard."

"Hiking the twenty-three blocks to the nearest stop in the heat of Vulcan midday would be a delight. What do you think, Jim?"

"I'm not getting into this, McCoy," Kirk said as he straightened.

In a serious tone, V'Rhsal added, "Leonard, you do not know the route. In addition, you have a problem with coming to a full stop before opening the hatchway on my side."

"That only happened once."

"I fell out of the flyer."

"It was only a few metres."

"Five metres."

"And you soft-landed."

"A lichen-spike bush is not a soft-landing."

Kirk turned to Spock. "You drive."

---

V'Rhsal's grandmother was a Kohlinar-Master and lived in shrines a significant distance in the Vulcan desert. It took almost an hour to fly there, an hour during which V'Rhsal and Spock talked softly in the front of the flyer, and Kirk and McCoy talked not at all in the rear.

After Spock landed the flyer and shut off the engines, he and V'Rhsal both stilled for a few moments, eyes closed, as if meditating. Kirk glanced at them, then shrugged and got out of the flyer. McCoy hesitated following, torn between standing in the hot desert sand or panicking quietly in the cool interior of the vehicle. He knew he would have to submit to a mind-touch by one of these Masters. That it would only take a few seconds was hardly comforting. His mind had already been through a windmill and he was figured there were still some pieces floating around somewhere. He didn't want more people in the wind with it. He wasn't sure either if they would pass the `test'. He had no idea what a true bonding was, and he wasn't sure if simply loving someone was enough.

V'Rhsal finally stood.

are you ready, leonard?

let's go.

The heat outside the flyer was horrific. It baked his skin and burned his lungs. Where the Masters lived seemed to be part of a mountain, the door inset against the sheer edge of a cliff.

V'Rhsal stood near the door for a moment. Then he spoke quietly, so low that McCoy had trouble hearing. He heard V'Rhsal's name, and that of his family. He heard his own name and something further in High Vulcan he did not understand.

The door opened.

come, leonard.

They followed V'Rhsal down a long hall and into a dim chamber. McCoy noticed Kirk almost on his heels, the captain's unconscious protective reflex. Normally he would have pushed Kirk away. Normally...

At least it was cooler here but there were no windows and nothing to sit on that wasn't made out of stone.

what do we do now? McCoy queried when, after about ten minutes, they were still alone in the chamber.

we wait.

V'Rhsal stood so McCoy did too. Spock stood near the doorway, hands clasped behind his back and head bent. Kirk paced with small, nervous steps. McCoy strained to listen but there was nothing to hear, nothing he could hear at any rate. The sweat soaked the back of his shirt.

Finally he heard a footstep and a tall, severe-looking woman entered. Her robes dazzled white, even in the dimness of the room. A large, glowing stone hung on a thick band from her neck and her eyes glittered coldly above it. She was attended by two blonde Vulcan women, beautiful but no less steely than their mentor.

The Master's eyes fastened on McCoy as if trying to cut through him. He held his ground. His new motto - always outstare them.

Finally she turned away. Her eyes flickered over Spock and Kirk. To Kirk's credit, he too returned her stare without blinking.

"V'Rhsal, son of Starn, son of T'Pall, why does thou come here?"

"I seek thine approval of my bondmate."

"Why does thee bring these off-worlders?"

"One to join. One to witness."

The Master's gaze swept over Kirk and Spock. "State who thou art."

Courteously but firmly, Kirk said, "Captain James T. Kirk, Starfleet."

Spock finally looked up. "I am Spock, son of Sarek, son of Amanda."

"Thee are both known to me." She returned to V'Rhsal. "Thy wife has rejected thee?"

"Yes."

"Why hast thou chosen a Human male?"

"It is my desire."

"Does he understand? Will he submit when thy Vulcan blood burns?"

"He understands."

V'Rhsal did not look at McCoy once during the interchange. Nor did he offer any support through the meld. McCoy, somewhat daunted now, had decided the best course was simply to stand quiet. The Master, however, started another cool inspection of him.

"What is thy name?"

"McCoy, John Leonard David."

"Makkoy, John Leonard David, since the earliest of memory, Vulcan males must endure the burning of the madness. If thee bonds with this man, thee will become part of the madness and it will become part of thee. Thine own blood will burn and thine own madness will come upon thee. Thee must also decide. If thou so choose, thou may leave here now."

He took a deep breath and said, "I am not leaving."

She bent her head. "Open to me."

V'Rhsal knelt in front of her. McCoy hesitated, then did the same, swallowing hard. Kirk made fists, nearly overwhelmed by the urge to grab McCoy and pull him away. Spock gently laid a hand on Kirk's sleeve.

The Master's fingers felt cool on McCoy's face but her mindtouch was swift and sharp like a thin needle flashing down. He gasped as she pierced the very core of him where the strands of the link lay reposed but she drew out just as swiftly and he heard her voice say, "This bonding is true."

She left a headache in her trail. McCoy rubbed his temples as V'Rhsal helped him up.

With a stoical expression, the Master said, "V'Rhsalkam and Makkoykam, thee are joined with thy family's consent in the presence of these two witnesses." Then she turned and left, her women a step behind.

McCoy found V'Rhsal's keen black eyes on him. "Did we pass?" he asked, feeling a little faint.

"I had no doubts, Leonard."

Kirk glanced at the closed door. "Is that it?"

"What do you mean, is that it? My God, you should have felt my end!" McCoy muttered.

Kirk's brow furrowed. "Bones, are you ok?"

"Oh, I'm ok. I'm just turning bloody cartwheels....someone drives a pickaxe through my head but I'm fine now...." he muttered as he plodded out the door. "...don't worry about me..."

Kirk went to follow but Spock's amused voice stopped him.

"Yes, he sounds perfectly normal."

---

Something buzzed in McCoy's head. He opened his eyes to find the wall less than an inch from his nose and an immovable weight at his back.

"Not again..." he grumbled. He tried to roll over. "Vulcan, wake up and move."

Without opening his eyes, V'Rhsal complied. "Leonard, answer the com-port."

McCoy sat up, reached across the Vulcan, then stopped. "You're closer."

"There is an eighty-six point three percent chance it is for you."

"Do you make these numbers up?" McCoy yawned as the message tape kicked in. When it clicked off, he tried to get back into his spot but found it occupied by a Vulcan who was half-asleep again.

"I've got it figured out."

"Pardon?" V'Rhsal opened his eyes.

McCoy sighed. "You're going after the warm spot in the bed, my warm spot."

V'Rhsal raised up, blinking. "I apologize."

"And well you should. I get the wind knocked out of me and I never have any room left by the time morning comes," the doctor admonished in mock severity.

V'Rhsal opened both eyes. "Are you always this pleasant in the morning?"

The doctor laughed, then kissed him. "I apologize too."

The kiss deepened. It was some time later when V'Rhsal said, "It is zero six thirty hours on your ship's time. You are due on board by thirteen thirty."

"How do you do that, know the time like that?"

"I would teach you but your mind is not ordered enough."

"Funny man." McCoy laid back, rubbing his eyes, then stretched languidly. V'Rhsal's hand brushed across the doctor's arm and came to rest on his chest.

there is something erotic in all this, leonard.

you admit to that?

i admit only the obvious.

hmm. look, vulcan, i've got a proposition. i'll teach you to respond a little more to your nerve endings and you teach me a little more logic and order. i want to out-logic this certain vulcan. it's a dream of mine

i see i will have an uphill battle. it is fortunate we have years in which to accomplish your aim.

we really are going to have to work on these jokes of yours.

CHAPTY THIRTY SEVEN

The Enterprise moved gracefully through the stars and all was in order. McCoy took a few hours to settle into his cabin before returning to sickbay. Some of V'Rhsal's clothes were still there and, as he hung them up, he reached inward and gently touched the Vulcan. They hadn't said goodbye. Under this system, they'd never parted.

Sickbay was muted. There were no patients, no lingering cases. Even the paperwork had been cleared. McCoy sat at his desk, seeing, for the first time, that the top of it was laminated and that he had a blotter. He turned on the terminal.

"Computer."

"Working."

"Log in. McCoy, Leonard, M.D. Chief Medical Officer."

"Working. McCoy, Leonard, M.D. Your file has been assigned to science department."

McCoy frowned. "Pardon?"

"Are you requesting further information?"

"Yes. Log me in as Chief Medical Officer."

"M'Benga, Geoffrey Richard, M.D. is Chief Medical Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise."

"He was the C.M.O. but now I'm here. Please correct the error."

"Working. McCoy, Leonard, M.D. Current status, assignment Science Department. Your Department Head is Captain Spock."

McCoy resisted an urge to hit the terminal. "Look, you pile of twisted microchips, I'm a physician. I belong in the medical department. Correct your files."

"There is no error in programming, McCoy, Leonard, M.D. Your status is active in the science department and you are three point four hours overdue for your shift. Please report to your department head immediately."

McCoy hit the intercom. "Bridge."

"Uhura here, Doctor."

"Is the captain up there?"

A moment later Kirk's voice sounded. "What is it, Bones? Can't find sickbay?"

"Jim, there's an error in the computer. It's got me down as working in Spock's department."

"Just a moment, Bones. I'll get it checked."

McCoy waited impatiently, listening to the sounds of the bridge over the line. Finally Kirk returned. "Bones, we put Starfleet docs direct into the personnel roster. They assigned you to sciences and I'll have to get clearance from head office before I can get it changed. In the meanwhile, enjoy your stint. Just a minute, Spock wants you."

The Vulcan's crisp tones came on. "Doctor McCoy, you are seriously overdue for your shift."

"Oh for pete's sake," McCoy started.

"Doctor, please report to second auxiliary science station," Spock said. "Lieutenant Sheffield is expecting you."

"You can't be serious," McCoy said.

"Bones, just wait it out until we get it fixed," Kirk said, sounding amused. "I'll get Uhura to send a message out pronto."

McCoy switched off the intercom. "Yeah...right..."

---

Second auxiliary science station was deep in the bottom of the starship, between auxiliary helm control and the food processors. It was a dismal, dusty place where all the old samples and files ended up for cataloguing and storage. Sheffield, a tall, pale man who looked like he belonged in a cave, welcomed McCoy happily.

"Isn't this something, doc? I finally got me some help down here."

"It's just temporary," McCoy mumbled, sneezing on the dust.

"I hope you've worn your old clothes. I've got me some grubby work today." Sheffield crawled into an access tube that served as overflow storage space. "We got ourselves a whole conglomerate of samples from the Denebian slime pits to put away. I've been just waiting for an extra hand to help me. Here!"

He threw something at McCoy who instinctively caught it. When he saw what it was, he wished he'd missed. He held a dead shell of a slime devil, a red, crab-like animal that smelled awful even before they died.

"I've got fifteen slime devils alone," Sheffield called out. "Babies, adults, all four genders. Man, we gonna have ourselves a good time today."

McCoy swallowed, then crawled in after Sheffield. "Well, fifteen isn't so bad."

Sheffield looked back at McCoy and laughed. "Sure, doc, fifteen of them. I also got me a family of Alderian Crust-Slugs, some Wango Biter Bats and a slew of Drip-Toed Worms. And that's just in the first lot."

He whistled as he climbed further and further up the shaft. McCoy, cursing, crawled more slowly, the slime devil under one arm. Three hours later he was completely covered in grey dust, shell fragments, and the web-like hair of the biter bats. The latter itched worse than anything he'd ever known. His head had stuffed completely to the point where a sneeze roared like a trumpet full of cotton.

"I have to...achoo!" McCoy sniffed. "I have to get a decongestant."

Sheffield shrugged. "You'll get used to this."

"Heaven forbid," McCoy, on hands and knees, started moving back the way he'd come.

"Don't let Mr. Spock catch you sneaking off-duty."

"You mean he'd better...ACHOO!...hope he doesn't get in my way," McCoy grumbled.

He was easing out of the tube, back-end first, with legs that felt as stiff as knotted pinewood, when he heard a soft chuckle.

"There's a view I don't see everyday."

McCoy straightened painfully and turned. Kirk and Spock were standing in the doorway. The Vulcan looked impassive as always but Kirk's face wore a wide grin.

"How's it going, Bones?"

"Very...ACHOO!" McCoy coughed some dust out. "Very funny! Are you both enjoying this?"

"As a matter of fact, we are." Kirk chuckled again.

Spock's eyes took on a decided glint. "Doctor, I trust you have tagged and stored the specimens in a manner to my satisfaction."

"You'll find them again, if that's what you mean," McCoy muttered. He pulled a long strand of bat hair from his tongue as he tried to swallow the rest of the hairball away.

"You'll be happy to know that we've got the clerical error straightened out," Kirk said. "I'll be booking you in as C.M.O. first thing tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" McCoy glared. "Why tomorrow?"

"Since you've started, you may as well finish out the shift," Kirk said. "Lt. Sheffield is long overdue to have a little help down here."

McCoy felt a dig of suspicion. "Both of you appear to be highly enjoying this."

Kirk leant against the doorjamb, arms folded across his chest. Spock looked innocent, as if a halo sat on his eartips. The Vulcan said, "Doctor, I trust the next time a report is due, you will deliver it to me on a labelled tape."

McCoy blinked. "Spock, that was three years ago!"

Kirk cut in. "And, McCoy, the next time you give a vaccine to Spock, I hope you use his arm."

McCoy buried his face in his hands and immediately regretted it as another hairball went up his nose.

"Doctor, you still have forty-five point seven eight minutes left on your shift."

McCoy glowered at the Vulcan and mumbled something.

"What was that, Bones?" Kirk asked pleasantly.

"I said," McCoy clenched his teeth, "Yes, sir." He turned and crawled back up the tube.

"Happy cataloguing!" Kirk called after him. A mumble came back to him. He glanced at the Vulcan, then sighed. "You know, Spock, I have a feeling we may come to regret this."