| Title: Under the Sun IV - “Easy Does It” Author: T'Thrill Series: TOS Romance Code: S/K/Mc, Mc/Sarek Rating: NC-17 m/m This is the fourth story in the Under The Sun series. If you have not read, “Starlights”, “Life is but a Dream” and “The Burning Sands”, you may want to do so. You can find them posted on my website, T’Thrill’s Den of Trek Delights - http://www.oocities.org/tthrill1612/ Disclaimer: Copyright 2000 by T'Thrill/ Revision 2002. This is an original work of amateur fiction based on Star Trek. This work makes "fair use" of Star Trek copyrighted material; it is not intended to infringe on the intellectual property rights of Paramount, Viacom or other owners of copyright in Star Trek or any of their assignees or licensees. The author's copyright extends only to the original material in this work. Warning: This story contains very explicit m/m sex. If you are not interested in and/or offended by such things, you will find reading this a complete waste of your time so please move on. If you are under 18 years of age, please move on. Archive: ASCEML and COCO only, provided headers and disclaimers are intact. All others please ask. Email me - TThrill1612@aol.com Acknowledgment: To Selek, who has led me through the rewrite of this series and who I could never repay for all the time and interest he has shown. Thank you, my friend! Summary: Kirk and McCoy have been bonded to Spock for about five years; Kirk as a full bondmate and McCoy as sko’tan, a bondmate through a lighter bond. This story falls between the ST:TMP and ST:TWOK. There is a danger to one of the newer planets that have joined the Federation. A planet that Sarek has worked hard to bring under the Federation flag. Now that planet is in trouble and he needs McCoy to accompany him on the mission. “Easy Does It” Chapter 1/20 The comm unit beeped. "Kirk," James T. Kirk, Admiral and Chief of Starfleet Operations, answered the comm signal blandly. "Admiral, you are receiving a transmission from Ambassador Sarek, of Vulcan. Sir, it’s coded at level R-3." Lieutenant Commander Daniel Moricy was used to high-level communiqué's coming through to his chief. After serving as Jim’s assistant for over twelve years, he had learned to expect only the unexpected. For eight years he had had to hold down the fort, so to speak, during many situations that took Kirk away, sometimes for extended periods of time, to deal with some catastrophe or other that was occurring in the galaxy. But things had quieted down a lot in this last year. Admiral Kirk had accepted a promotion to Admiral, Grade III, and a seat as one of the Joint Chiefs’. Jim had also had been spending more and more time instructing at the Academy. He kept making noises about ‘being too old to gallivant around the galaxy’. Late one evening as they were enjoying drinks together, Dan had pointed out to Jim that at age forty-nine, he was at the age that most were just receiving their first full command. But trying to convince this man who, by all standards, had achieved more than anyone who had come before that he was far from over the hill was impossible. Dan thought Jim’s decision to remain groundside had something to do with the decommission of the Enterprise. She would still be in service, but was being put through an extensive refit to serve as a training vessel instead of a long-range ship. There seemed to be a connection between Kirk and the Enterprise. As if by taking her out of service because of her age, he, too, was feeling old. He had always heard there was a special connection between a ship and her commander, but since he’d never taken a position where extended travel was necessary, Dan had never experienced this firsthand. He was certain that Kirk’s partners, especially Dr. McCoy, felt it was a mistake for Jim to accept the promotion. In a loud screaming match, which the solid door of the Admiral’s office was not fully capable of silencing, the doctor had made his opinion abundantly clear. And, even after these six months since that scene took place, there still seemed to be some tension between them. Secretly, Dan hoped that this message was the one that would blast Jim out of his chair and send him off on a mission that would put the sparkle back in his eyes. That was what Dan missed the most. The energy and enthusiasm that used to surround the man he had come to call friend. Jim had been pouring through disk after disk of regulations and had become quite bored. Suddenly boredom didn’t seem so bad. An R-3 was reserved for communiqués that dealt only with disasters of a galactic proportion. And if Sarek was involved, this meant serious trouble. The Ambassador wouldn’t contact him over something trivial. He became instantly alert. "Ambassador, this is Jim. What’s wrong?" "Admiral Kirk, I have been in contact with the Federation Council. We have an incident in sector C-119. The planetary core of Bakswana-6 has become unstable. According to the latest estimates, the planet's axis is becoming compromised and will be thrown out of its orbit within the year. A small moon orbiting the planet was destroyed due to the shifting gravitational forces. The result is a debris field that is already affecting Bakswana-7. Unless a solution is found, evacuation efforts will have to be instituted. I do not need to explain to you what the ramifications would be if the Federation suffers a loss of this magnitude, in this quadrant." "No, you don’t. Sarek, this is disturbing. There are several forces on the outer rim that would like to get a foothold in this sector." "A sector that the diplomatic community has spent years trying to peacefully organize under the Federation flag.” “How can I help?” “I have requested that the Federation deploy equipment and personnel to assist with the immediate needs. I have spoken with President Sho’na as well as Admiral Nogura. They have agreed to send medical assistance as well as transports to service this region. I am requesting that you organize protection against Tovian raiders. The stores of cryogenium are extremely valuable and, until they can be secured, the planet is in great danger from the pirates in that area." "Sarek, you know I’ll do what I can. But do I understand correctly? Are you advocating a show of force?" "I am advocating peaceful aid for the populace. The outpost in the region is unprepared for the type of destructive forces that the factions on the other side of the Neutral Zone are capable of. Once the report of this planet's precarious situation is received, there will be no regard for the Bakswani. They will be destroyed so that the cryogenium can be seized. This must be avoided." "At the risk of war, Ambassador?" Jim was very aware of the value of the mineral found on this planet as well as the importance of protecting the citizens and the region. He was, however, surprised to have Sarek requesting military assistance. "Admiral,” then his voice softened toward his son’s bondmate, “James, I would hope that there is a non-violent solution to this situation. It is my belief that a Starfleet presence may deter any proposed invasion. The most logical course of action is to protect those who have pledged their allegiance to the cause of peaceful coexistence." "I agree. It’s been my experience that strength can facilitate peace.” It was a point of disagreement that he and Spock’s father had shared on many occasions over the years. Perhaps he had influenced Sarek after all. “I will contact Admiral Nogura and coordinate our efforts with those rescue procedures already in place.” "James, there is one other thing that I request." "What would that be?" "Due to the debris field that is affecting the solar system, there have been drastic climatic and surface alterations. There are already reports of cataclysmic occurrences resulting in innumerable injuries and deaths. I am requesting that Dr. McCoy accompany me. Although there are medical personnel en route, it is mandatory to have someone to organize these efforts. I believe Leonard McCoy possesses the necessary skills." "Sarek, I will discuss this with him. However, it won’t be my decision. I’m sure you understand that since the decommission of the Enterprise, and my accepting this position, he’s no longer under my command.” “Understood. I would appreciate you presenting this to him.” “When will you be leaving for the Bakswana system?” "I will be departing in eight point three Standard hours. I will arrive on Denabian in two days and will be boarding a private transport. That will put me on Bakswana-7 in five days. If he is to accompany me, I will arrange his transportation so that we can rendezvous at the Denabian station." "I’ll talk to him and have him contact you with his decision. Sarek, either way, I wish you the best of luck." "James, Vulcans do not believe in luck." The transmission ended, and Jim considered Sarek's request. Sarek was correct that Leonard was the one man who had the knowledge to direct these efforts. As a Starfleet Admiral, he was well aware of Commander Leonard McCoy’s qualifications. However, on a strictly personal note, it scared the hell out of him to think of Bones, his friend and lover, heading into this situation. In addition to the natural disasters, he knew the Bakswani were as rough a race that existed in the Federation. They were boorish, ill tempered and crude. And, as if that were not bad enough, they may have to contend with Tovian pirates. “Shit!” he muttered to the blank view screen. Jim contacted Admiral Nogura, who was already arranging the transports. Based on James Kirk’s recommendation, he assigned two starships to divert to the Bakswana system. When advised that Ambassador Sarek requested that Dr. McCoy accompany him, Nogura was in full agreement. Actually, he stated, "Jim, I will leave it to your discretion as to the personnel we assign to this mission, however, the importance of aiding the Bakswani and salvaging the cryogenium is a high priority. I would recommend any assistance that Ambassador Sarek requests, be granted." 'Damn!' Jim thought to himself. He realized he was hoping that Nogura would decide that Bones was too valuable to risk on a mission like this. After all, the papers that he’d been publishing these last years on the DNA analysis from his time in the desert had rewritten the history of this planet. Not to mention the fact that he had become very valuable now that he was back full time at the Medical Center. However, on the other hand, the Bakswani were important enough to require the likes of Leonard McCoy. Knowing this was not a conversation to be had over the comm, and wanting the three of them together when this was discussed, he paged both Bones and Spock and requested that they meet at the apartment. Chapter 2/20 “Bones, I advised Sarek that the final decision would have to be up to you. This planet is in danger of annihilation. The reports indicate that there have already been many that are injured or dead. But the hazards associated with this mission are significant.” “Jim, I’m a doctor. This is what I do. I help where I can. After all, this isn’t the first dangerous assignment I have been on. The two of you are well aware of that. I just wish it wasn’t in the hind-end of space. Bakswana-7? Shit! That sector’s known as the cadet’s graveyard! One too many fuck-ups and you’ll end up on the outpost in sector C-119! There were times that I thought we’d all be shipped out to that area of the galaxy, I just assumed we’d all be going there together.” “Yeah, Bones, I thought the same thing at times.” It was true that this outpost was where you were sent as a final measure before being busted out of Starfleet altogether. It would either make or break a young officer. They either resigned their commission or returned damned fine command material, much more often the former than the latter. “Damnit, Jim! I’d much rather go on this mission with you at the helm. This is the very reason that I think you should get your command back!” “Leonard, we all must attend to the duties that suit us best at the time,” Spock interjected. “Thank you, Spock! That’s exactly my point! It’s certainly unknown what we’re gonna face out there and Jim has had more experience with the unknown than any captain in the Goddamned fleet! We’ve spent these last five years going from one trouble spot to another. Why should this be any different?” “Excuse me, gentlemen, but I am right here.” Jim sat on the arm of the couch. “And, I believe we have more important matters to discuss than my career choices. Besides, Bones, I’m where I need to be, at least for right now.” Leonard heard the cutting tone in Jim’s voice. Deciding to drop it, he stated, “Well, I’ll contact Sarek and make the arrangements. And there are supplies that I wanna make sure are available. I’ll need to order those so they can be sent.” He went to the comm unit to place the calls. Jim’s avoidance of eye contact with Spock was not lost on the Vulcan. As usual, their shields were firmly in place. In these years since their bonding, they had learned to shield their thoughts, relaxing them only on occasion, usually those occasions only being during times of passion. To go unshielded was too much of a distraction in everyday life. However, Spock didn’t need to read his bondmate’s thoughts to know exactly what Jim was thinking. Their other, their t’hy’la, was accepting a mission of questionable safety. It was not something new for Jim to have those he loved subjected to danger. It was certainly a new experience for him not be present when this occurred. Jim went to the kitchen with the excuse of making tea. In reality, he wanted to give Bones some privacy and pull his own thoughts together. Spock followed. “Jim, Leonard has made his own decision regarding this mission. Your being in the Admiralty is not the reason he is leaving. He has been requested because he is the one man who can accomplish all that will need to be achieved.” Jim shrugged and feigned a deep concentration on the brewing process. After a few moments he turned to Spock. “You know he’s right. I would rather be going along. It’s times like this that I miss having a ship the most.” “And your work here?” “Suddenly seems very unimportant.” “Jim, as long as we remain in the Service, there will be times when duty will separate us.” “Yeah, I know. I just sure as hell don’t have to like it!” McCoy had completed his conversation with Sarek and was now ordering equipment to be shipped to Denabian. It seemed to be a lengthy list and, by his tone to the supply agent, he was in no mood to be told something was unavailable. When there was no longer any sound coming from the library, the two men left the galley to find Bones nowhere in sight. “Bones?” “Yeah, I’m back here. I’ve gotta to get packed. Y'all wanna help?” The men joined him in the bedroom. “Well, did you get everything arranged?” “I guess so." He had pulled two of the large travel bags out and was stuffing his gear into them. “I’m leaving tonight by shuttle to the Rigal-5 station. From there I’ll be on a transport to Denabian. I’ll meet up with Sarek there, and with any luck, the equipment I’ve ordered will be there and loaded. We’ll be on a private ship until we rendezvous with the Federation transport just hours away from Bakswana-7.” “Bones, I really am sorry...” “Jim,” Leonard stopped what he was doing to look at Kirk, “You didn’t order me to do this. It’s my decision to go. This planet’s in trouble and I can help. I’m the one who’s sorry about that crack out there. I know what you’re doing here’s important. And, if Sarek hadn't asked for me, Nogura would have sent me anyway. After all, I am the best man for the job.” Jim ran his hand down the face of his lover. There had been tension between them these last months. Leonard couldn’t understand why Jim would give up any hope to command a ship, even only part of the time as he had been doing these last years, to be stationed permanently Earth-side. He had never been able to give Leonard an acceptable answer, maybe because he didn’t have one for himself. He knew he felt a connection to the Enterprise that he didn’t think he could ever feel for another ship. And, except for the two and a half years between the original mission and the V’ger incident, and this last year, he had commanded a ship for over thirteen years years. True, they had been in San Francisco about half of that time for these last eight years of his command, but the Enterprise had still been his, and at a moments notice they would be off to deal with some escalated situation. It had been the best of both worlds. But when word came that the Enterprise would be decommissioned as a long-range cruiser, something told him it was time to grow up and begin acting his age. When Nogura offered him a promotion and a seat at the Joint Chiefs’ table, he had accepted. Now, no matter what the differences between them had been, Jim didn’t want McCoy to leave without understanding what these last nine years of being his partner, his lover, his sko’tan, had meant to him. Spock asked, “Did my father indicate how long you will be away?” “No idea. Sarek said it’d depend on whether the planet must be evacuated or not. I can let you know more once I get there. I have to be at the transport station at 2130. That gives me five hours and, given the fact that I’ll be gone for God knows how long, I really have other things I’d rather concentrate on.” He flashed his blue eyes toward the bed. “Well then, Doctor,” Spock moved behind Leonard and removed the small pack from his hand and tossed it on top of the other two travel bags, “I think we must do all we can to accommodate that request.” His lips moved to the back of Leonard’s neck and began to nuzzle the sensitive area moving across the neck to the rounded ear. Having that warm breath and tongue assaulting his ear, Bones became weak. Even after these years together, it still didn’t take much for these men to set him on fire. Jim moved to the front of Bones and in one stroke pulled open the uniform tunic and slid it off his shoulders. He tweaked the erect nubs with his thumbs and encased the enticing mouth with his own. His tongue savored this mouth that he had come to know so well. They pressed their bodies together and let each feel the first indications of arousal from the other. Jim felt between them for the trousers clasp and released the opening. He slid his hands underneath the waistband and began a thorough exploration of the hidden treasures within. Spock bathed the sensitive neck and was nibbling along the shoulders and down the spine causing Leonard to arch his back in seductive desire, thrusting his groin forward into skillful fingers. Spock came to rest on his knees behind Leonard and pulled the pants below the hips. Spock began to administer his talents to the round, firm cheeks. Sucking, massaging and gently biting each until they were pink, heated orbs. He then spread them and his fingers teased the tight orifice. Gasps of pleasure escaped Leonard’s lips at the feel of Spock’s fingers against his opening. Jim moved to his knees and pulled the pants, boots and socks off, then began to lick the tip of Leonard’s straining cock. Bones wanted to thrust against that wonderfully slick mouth, but he didn’t want to move his ass away from that marvelous attention from behind. He stood still, letting these men ravish him, clutching a light brown head of hair and gasping for air between moans. Spock thrust a finger into the opening. Pushing into the hot softness of the channel, he found the sensitive spot behind the penis and lightly ran his finger across it. Jim felt the cock involuntarily jump within his mouth and knew that Spock had touched the seat of this man’s passion. He massaged the hot pouch and felt the orbs contract, ready for ejaculation. He withdrew his mouth from the organ and heard the moans of unquenched desire. “No…Oh God,” Bones pleaded. “Soon, very soon,” Jim whispered as he sucked a drop of fluid from the slit. He rose and retrieved a bottle of spiced oil, removed his own clothes, and returned to Leonard. Jim stood in front of him and gently pushed Bones down to his knees. Spock stood long enough to shed his own restrictive clothing, then returned to his position behind his compact, human lover. He used his knees to part McCoy’s legs and pressed his body against the back of the cooler one. Spock spread the reddened cheeks and nestled his cock within the crevice. Jim stood before Bones and presented his erection to him. Bones hungrily took the head into his mouth and sucked the organ to near fulfillment. He teased the tip and then consumed the shaft, taking the full length into his mouth and throat. The smell of desire drove him to a level of excitement that he had only known with these men. He felt Spock’s fingers caress the sides of his face and the meld flared between them. He could feel Spock’s need to be fully sheathed within him. There was a flaming of all of the senses and each knew the needs of the others. Spock could feel the ache inside of this man. //Yes, Spock...fuck me! I need to feel you inside me. // //Yes, I will fuck you.// Jim pulled his cock from the doctor’s mouth and knelt beside the two men. Spock bent Leonard over until he was resting on his hands. Jim poured a generous amount of the oil onto his fingers and, as Spock held the cheeks apart, Jim massaged the oil into the orifice. He worked his fingers inside until he was sure Bones was ready. He poured more oil into his hand and reached for the Vulcan’s cock. He tenderly and seductively rubbed the oiled hand up and down the engorged shaft. //Th’y’la, if you continue this I will not be able to penetrate that which calls for me. // //Please! Jim...stop that! I need him inside of me. NOW! // Spock gripped the mounds and centered the head of his organ at the entrance. He pushed inside and when both ridges were firmly ensconced in the human, he stopped the penetration to allow McCoy’s muscles to adjust. //More, Spock. I want all of you inside of me. // Slowly, he resumed his entry and did not stop until he was fully engulfed. Bones’ head rolled back as he moaned in satisfaction. He loved the feeling of being taken. Jim moved in front of Bones, sat back on his heels and with one hand on Leonard’s head and one holding the base of his cock, presented his organ for attention. Bones’ tongue slowly slid up the length of Jim’s swollen organ, tracing each vein, teasing the most sensitive areas, pausing only occasionally as a groan was ripped from him as Spock would thrust hard against that very responsive spot buried deep inside. With each vigorous thrust, Spock’s scrotum would slap against the back of his own swollen sack and create a vibration that would seem to radiate throughout his groin. He pulled Jim’s cock into his mouth and began sucking up and down the engorged rod. With the bond completely open, they were all feeling the sensations of the other two. This doubling and redoubling of sensations was wonderful, but it meant that orgasms usually came quick and often. Jim grasped the dark head and pressed hard into the moist heat. The feel of the warm orifice and the talented tongue, not to mention the other sensations he felt through the bond, undid him. He pumped deeply into the mouth and with a shiver he came, in hot, pulsating waves. Spock felt for the engorged penis between the muscular thighs and spread the droplets of slick moisture leaking from the tip onto the head and shaft. He matched his stroking of the shaft to the same rhythm he had established within the tight orifice. Through the bond, all were being inundated with their passions. Spock felt the rectal muscles clench around his shaft and felt the first contractions of ejaculation. He felt the first of the creamy liquid being released into his hand and he used the ejaculate to coat the organ and bring the orgasm to a shuttering end. He thrust deeply into the channel and let the rectal movements bring him to completion. His own penis lurched inside Bones as his semen was released into the contracting chamber. Shivers ran through them as the last waves of the orgasms passed through each. Spock eased his cock from the tightness and ran his thumb across the moist opening. A feeling of warmth flooded him. He understood the reasoning for this man’s departure, but it would not make the separation any less distressing. Standing, Spock moved to the edge of the bed and pulled Leonard to him. He wrapped his arms around his lover and nuzzled his lips to the damp forehead. This is a feeling he would certainly miss in Leonard’s absence. “Yeah, I’ll miss you, too.” Bones lifted his head and gazed into the dark eyes. Leonard combed his fingers through the silky, straight hair and captured the lips of the Vulcan. Spock maneuvered them onto the bed, so that his sko’tan was lying on top of him. Leonard straddled Spock’s thighs, allowing the semi-softened cocks to press together. He released the mouth and used his tongue to follow the delicate curves along the inside of the seemingly fragile structure of the pointed ear. “Leonard, if you continue this activity, I can not be responsible for my actions,” Spock purred. “Is that a promise, sir?” Bones whispered into the ear, allowing his breath to stimulate the Vulcan even further. The cock pressing against him was beginning to harden, and the feel of blood filling Spock’s organ again, caused his own erection to renew. Jim lay beside them and Spock rolled them so Leonard was sandwiched between them. Jim’s hands gently caressed McCoy’s body and traced the lines of the muscular back. He lightly ran his finger down the path of the spine to where the top of the crease began, and followed the path between the mounds until he touched the opening. The wetness of Spock’s ejaculate had the orifice well lubed. He pushed his finger inside and stimulated Bones to full arousal. Jim slipped his finger out of the opening and centered his cock, pressing gently. His organ slid inside the man up to the root in one smooth stroke. Spock reached down and fondled the warm shaft still wet with semen. He worked his body down and, still stroking the organ, he sucked each hard nub. His tongue trailed a path down the breastbone and across the tight abdomen. He held the base of Leonard’s erection, appreciating the sight of the swollen phallus, still wet and glistening with cum, and teased the head with his tongue. With the encouragement of the doctor’s hand in his hair, he pulled the organ into his mouth, tasting the sweet-salty taste of the previously expelled seed. Jim’s thrusts were quick and deep. Beads of sweat had formed on his own skin as he pumped into Leonard’s body. His lips savored the equally damp neck. The scents and flavors of the three mixed into ambrosial passion. Jim’s hands caressed the thighs and buttocks of his lover, squeezing and kneading the flesh. At the height of arousal he gripped Bones’ hips and pushed hard inside and exploded. The feeling of Jim’s convulsing penis inside him caused Leonard to thrust into the hot moist mouth. He entwined his fingers in the silky hair. An orgasm was building from deep within him and he knew it was going to turn him inside out. Spock felt the power of the orgasm that was going to pass through his companion. He released the hard organ from his mouth. He grasped it and began long smooth strokes up and down the shaft while moving back up the body. He wrapped his arm around Leonard’s shoulders and held him tight against him. “Oh, God...I’m cumming,” Leonard breathed raggedly into the ear. He felt his mind lose all control. He was over the edge and felt as though he was going to shatter when the impending orgasm threatened to rip through him. He wrapped his arms around Spock’s neck and embedded his head in the area underneath Spock’s chin. Spock gripped him tightly, feeling the intensity that was wracking this man’s body //I have you, my t’hy’la. Give into this. // Leonard buried his face in the warm throat as he relinquished all control and allowed the orgasm to wash over him. He moaned into the neck as his body convulsed with the impact. His cock jerked against Spock’s. The uncommon vulnerability of the man in his arms and the heat of the friction against him undid Spock. Holding on tightly to each other their fluid splashed between them. It was minutes before they could move and when they did, it was to gentle caresses and brushing of lips against each other. These were no longer the actions of burning desire, but of love. Leonard turned and captured Jim in his arms. Any disagreements from the last months were forgotten, only the love they felt for each other remained. Jim ran his finger around the swollen lips and looked into the eyes that turned from iridescent blue to deep violet during passion. They all three lay entwined, all naked except for the lightweight chain and small medallion they each wore, appreciating each other in this time that they had left together. Chapter 3/20 They had discussed dining out, but decided that having to say goodbye in a public arena was something that they would all rather avoid. So, they ordered Chinese and ate at the apartment. Sitting around this table had become so familiar for them. It was where most of their discussions took place, and this evening was no different. But although the conversation was kept light, the underlying tone was detectably ominous. The three were well aware that it could be months before they would be reunited, beyond that they wouldn’t speculate. The hazards that faced the team being sent on this mission were unimaginable. Natural disasters, an unstable planet and the possibility of intergalactic war were just the known obstacles that they were to face. And missions of this magnitude always seemed to toss in a few unwelcome surprises. Jim glanced at the chrono. Time was growing short. Bones’ flitter would be here momentarily to take him to the CTC. From Central Transport he would be beamed aboard the shuttle that would take him away. The chime indicating that the lift had been activated sounded and the three just looked at one another. Not wanting this time to end, not wanting to say good-bye. Spock rose and keyed the access. The yeoman took the bags and stated he would be waiting at the flitter. Jim and Bones stood up and started for the lift door. Jim reached out and took the arm of the man beside him. “Bones, I want you to take care of yourself. I know you. You’ll want to stay until every last Bakswani is safe. If you receive orders to go, I expect you to get the hell out...fast! Is that clear?” “Yeah, Jim, crystal clear.” “And, I expect you to keep us updated.” “Yeah, I will.” Jim caressed the side of his face and brushed his lips against Bones’. It was all either one could manage. Bones touched the place on his uniform where underneath rested the bonding medallion-- the one that Jim had presented to each of them on the day the first mating fever had ended. It symbolized the bond between the three. Jim turned away and walked to the windows that overlooked the bay. McCoy turned to Spock who was waiting at the door. Spock placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him close. He released the shoulder and touched the meld points on the face, not creating a meld, just feeling the familiar spark of the flame between them. “My t’hy’la, return to us safely.” “I’ll do my very best to grant that request. Take care of him, take care of each other, okay?” The lift door opened once more. Bones leaned in for a brief kiss, turned and exited the apartment. The trip from Earth to Denabian was uneventful. The shuttle was small and presented few distractions. To keep from brooding about those he was leaving behind, most of the two days onboard were spent studying the medical tapes on the Bakswani. A lot of the information was redundant. They were a humanoid race and the physiology was not so very different from Terran. Actually, it was possible that they had common ancestors. The spaces in the skeletal structure of the ribcage were somewhat different and the cranial cavity was marginally larger, but otherwise very similar. The only notable differences seemed to be in the composition of electrolytes and, because this was an oxygen-rich planet, lung capacity was decreased. It seemed, however, that the cultural differences were going to be the most challenging. Upon arriving at the Denabian transport station he was advised that there would be a courier waiting with his transportation orders. As he exited the shuttle, an attendant directed him to a light blue being that was assigned to meet him. “Commander Leonard McCoy?” The sound from the translator mechanism sounded very metallic, but understandable. “Yes, I’m Leonard McCoy.” “This is your transportation disk, Commander. You are to report to the private transport, Malcolm Beech. Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan has already boarded. Your equipment did arrive and is being loaded. This,” the man handed him a second object, “is the disk with the inventory of those supplies. Your bags have been transported to the ship and I will take you over by hovercart, or if you wish, you may use the transporter.” “No, thank you, the hovercart will be fine.” Onboard the ship he was shown to his quarters and advised that Ambassador Sarek was next door. The suite was luxurious compared to the quarters on a starship. Of course, this being a private cruiser, it was set up for the public not for Starfleet personnel. Leonard unpacked the items he would need for this leg of the trip and stowed his bags. It had been a long, cramped ride on the shuttle and he decided to shower before meeting with Sarek. The warm water felt good against his skin. He hadn’t realized how tense his muscles were until the jets of the shower began their massage on his shoulders. He stood under the hot, pounding water contemplating all that was ahead. Unknown time passed as the water beat the tension from him. He turned off the water, dried himself and slipped into the luxurious black, Vulcan robe that Spock had given him for Christmas. Spock had one just like it and it seemed every time he wanted to put his on, he found that Leonard was already in it. Leonard loved the feel of the fabric against his skin. It had a sensuous quality that was indescribable. He walked into the bedroom to get dressed, but before he had the opportunity, the door chime signaled him. He walked into the entry room and stated, “Come.” The door slid open and Sarek was standing in the doorway. “Sarek! It is good to see you, again. Please, come in.” Sarek paused for a moment, arched an eyebrow and then answered, “Thank you, Leonard. I hope your trip was uneventful.” “Very. It gave me time to catch up on my research on the Bakswani. Have a seat. May I order you anything to drink?” Sarek took a seat in the guest area. “No, thank you. I do not require refreshment at this time.” He sat in the chair across from Sarek and for the next hour they discussed the current situation on the planet. They also discussed its proximity to the outer rim. It seemed the major external threat to the residents was from raiders. A group of planets on the other side of the Neutral Zone was home to the Tovian. Not possessing the same level of organization, this band was not characterized as an empire, as were the Klingons and Romulans, but they were far more dangerous. They had no respect for other lifeforms, and killing for any reason wasn't an issue for these beings. They took few prisoners. Their method of operation was to invade, kill, scavenge and leave behind a path of destruction. McCoy explained to Sarek that Jim had ordered two starships to the area, but it may be a few days before their arrival. Until then, the personnel manning the outpost would be their only line of defense. Unfortunately, this would afford them little protection. The defense systems on the outposts were minimal at best. They served primarily as monitoring stations. Their purpose was to notify Starfleet of any unusual activity in the sector. Sarek stated, “All transmissions regarding Bakswana-7 have been coded, however, that does not insure security. The presence of the transports will afford some additional protection. That will have to do until the first starship arrives. I will do all in my power to negotiate a settlement should there be an invasion.” “But, Sarek, from what you’ve said, I would assume that the Tovian are not a group interested in negotiation.” “I have found that to approach any conflict with an expectation of peace is the first step to a peaceful solution.” The door chime interrupted their discussion. It was a steward advising them that dinner was now available in the dining room and they would be served, at their convenience, during the next three hours. Leonard didn’t know about Sarek, but he was starving. He had only been able to eat a few bites of the dinner three nights ago. It had been hard to swallow around the lump in his throat. And the food on the shuttle had been less than interesting. “Are you hungry?” Bones hoped the Vulcan was ready for dinner now. “It would be acceptable to partake of the evening meal at anytime. However, due to the various tones that have been emanating from your abdominal region, I would say now is preferable to later.” The small quirk of the left eyebrow caused Leonard to catch his breath. This could have been Spock speaking to him. Humor? Very surprising. Leonard smiled at Sarek, “Thank you, it’s been a while since I’ve eaten anything. If you’ll excuse me I’ll go change.” Sarek raised an eyebrow and stated, “The Vulcan sun’di is an interesting choice of attire.” “Yes, a gift from Spock. If you will excuse me for a moment, I shall get dressed.” “Certainly.” |