Captain James Kirk had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at his CMO’s expression when he announced their next mission.  His CMO and personal friend, Dr. Leonard McCoy, did not have what one would call a ‘poker face’.  Except when he was playing poker at which he was damned good at.  Kirk heard his Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott snort at McCoy’s gapping mouth.

“Let me get this strait, Jim.”  McCoy said. “We are taking a group of green security cadets, training them and then delivering these kids for the opening of this retired admiral’s new planet?  This retired admiral goes off and buys a planet, builds himself a city, and  then he holds a party to announce it’s open for business.  Who is this admiral anyway?”

“Admiral Hayden Warren.”  Kirk replied.

“What did he name the planet?”  McCoy asked.

“Warren’s Planet, the town is Warrensburg.”  Kirk said with a laugh.

“Well, now there’s an original name for a planet and a town.”  McCoy said sarcastically.  “Does he have a statue and all of that crap?”

“Now, Bones don’t get nasty.  It’s a practical name, there will be no confusion.”

Kirk said rolling his eyes, “It apparently has been his dream to have his own planet and his own town.  He saved his credits and bought a Class M planet in the Balnares system.   He has had a long and successful career with Star Fleet and they want his grand opening to go as uneventful as possible.”  Kirk looked over at his First Officer Spock; the expression on his face was one of barely concealed distaste.  Spock’s classic ‘humans are extremely illogical ‘and in this case ‘how absurdly narcissistic’ eyebrow elevation spoke volumes.  “Admiral Warren has made a name for himself in his assignment of the regulation of the Neutral Zone.  He has kept a strong presence and peace along the zone.  Now that he’s retiring there is some concern that the safety of the Space stations along the Zone may be in danger.”

Spock cleared his throat and looked at Kirk with a questioning glance.

“I know that look, Spock, what’s on your mind?”  Kirk asked.

“Admiral Warren has had a long and successful career; however, there is some speculation as to the methods he used to maintain the peace in that region, Captain.”  Spock replied.

“Yes, there are those rumors and speculations but he’s retired and he wants Star Fleet to protect his planet’s big opening.  That’s our assignment.  Star Fleet has some new graduates from the Academy who are starting their own careers as Security Officers.  Their final three weeks of training will be aboard the Enterprise and their first assignment will be on Warren’s planet.”  Kirk said.  “Bones, Star Fleet wants you to do their physical exams, psych evaluations and needed vaccines during their three week course.  We pick up the cadets on Star Fleet’s Space Port 7 and then stop off at six Star Bases along the way.  Each of the Star Bases has been chosen for their unique environment and terrain.  Then we will arrive at Warren’s planet.”

McCoy rolled his eyes, “Must be nice to have an entire planet named after you.  So it will be three weeks before we reach Warrensville.”

“Warrensburg, Doctor.” Spock corrected him.

“Burg, smurg, ville, borough or Dammitville!  What else does Star Fleet have planned for us?”  McCoy asked.

“As the Captain stated you will be doing the required physical exams, psych evaluations and vaccinations.”  Spock said.

“I heard Jim, Spock.” McCoy said and then he spoke through their mental bond “I don’t have your Vulcan hearing and I heard Jim just fine!”

“Might we be stoppin’ by Wriggly’s planet on the way, Capt’n?”  Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott asked with a devious smile.

“No!” Kirk exclaimed.  “Do you think that planet could deal with thirty men and women loose with hormones raging?  We may not get some of them to leave the planet.”

“And think of all the STD’s I’d be treating.”  McCoy huffed.  Kirk laughed at this remark.  “Laugh it up; I have enough trouble with you.”

Kirk gave him a fake wounded expression, and then he addressed the officers at the table.  “Any more questions?.....Good, meeting adjourned.”  Kirk, Spock and McCoy remained seated at the table.

McCoy leaned across the table toward Spock.  “So what are some of these rumors regarding Warren you were talking about?”

“There have been some reports from Vulcan Intelligence that Warren had been trading with the Orions and possibly some Romulan allies, which gave him some extra credits and kept the peaceful conditions around the Zone.  He has not violated any security codes and there have not been reports of espionage; though his dealings have been quite profitable.”  Spock informed McCoy.

“How did he get away with this?”  McCoy asked.

“Star Fleet, shall we say, kept a blind eye to the situation.  He protected the Space Stations along the zone.  There have not been a lot of volunteers for this assignment, so he did his job.”  Kirk shrugged.

“Is his planet near the Neutral Zone?”  McCoy asked.  Both Kirk and Spock replied “No”.   McCoy continued, “What if he continues this type of trading on his planet?” 

“There is a concern that this activity may continue.  Warren, though retired from Star Fleet, and his planet will not be under Federation control.”  Spock replied.

“It’s his planet and his laws; he can pretty much do what he wants.  Star Fleet is just giving him the security for his grand opening.  Call it a retirement party.”  Kirk said.

“Well, I’m worried about who else might be on the invitation list.”  McCoy said shaking his head.  “This is one of the weirdest assignments we’ve had.  A lot could go wrong.”

Spock handed McCoy a disk, “Here are the names of the cadets, their medical histories and the itinerary of the Star Bases we will be making our stops.”

McCoy took the disc from Spock’s hand, their fingers touched in the transfer.  This did not go unnoticed by Kirk.  He could see the changes in McCoy’s face and eyes.  There was a brief blush to his skin and the icy tone of his blue eyes softened into a darker hue.   “Thanks, Spock.”  McCoy responded softly.

The pickup of the security cadets went smoothly.  McCoy enjoyed meeting the young impressionable people.  This was one aspect of his job he thoroughly enjoyed.  McCoy might have a reputation of having a quick temper, but as the CMO for the Enterprise, he usually had a soft bedside manner and deep compassion for the crew. 

The stops to the selected Star Bases went uneventfully: there were the cuts, broken fingers, mild infections, rashes and other mild ailments that accompany rigorous training on unfamiliar terrain and environments.  The cadets had formed a fairly close knit group, which reinforced team participation as well as accountability.  At the end of their training, before they reached Warren’s planet; Kirk sat down and talked with each cadet.  He asked them primarily what they liked about their training and what the most important thing that they learned in their training.

After hearing the same answer regarding what was the most important thing they had learned, Kirk marched to his cabin’s intercom and called Sick Bay.

“McCoy, get your ass down to my quarters right now!”  Kirk yelled through the intercom in McCoy’s office.

McCoy waited a good thirty minutes before entering his Captain’s quarters.  Spock was standing beside Kirk’s chair at his desk.

McCoy put on the most innocent face he could muster, “Is there a problem, Jim?”

“Is there a problem?  Yes, there’s a problem when all thirty of the cadets say the same thing when it came to what was the most important thing that they learned.

Do you want to take a guess, Doctor as to the reply all thirty gave?”  Kirk yelled.

“They all said, and I quote ‘The Captain is accident prone, don’t let him out of your site.   Under no circumstances let him jump off a cliff, wrestle with the wild life, eat or roll in a strange plant, swim or drink from untested waters and never let him push you out of the way so that he can protect you.’  Really, Bones, I’m the Captain of this ship.  I’m not some stupid kid…”

“Jim, the doctor has cited some actual events that have occurred…”  Spock interrupted but was cut off by Kirk.

“Oh, don’t you start, Spock.  It’s bad enough I have to hear you two argue all the time, now you’re ganging up on me.  You two communicate through your bond, I can’t begin to guess what you are discussing in your heads.”  Kirk said with a slight pout.

Spock gave Kirk his impassive, annoyed expression.  “We are not ganging up on you, Captain, nor do we discuss matters that pertain to you when you are present.”

“Alright…what?  What do you mean when I’m present?” Kirk said, “Oh never mind, back to the discussion of the cadets.”

“Jim, be glad that I didn’t tell them about you and the females you encounter.”McCoy said with a slight sideways smile.

Kirk snorted at this and relaxed, “Sit down, Bones.  How were their physicals and pysch profiles?”

“Twenty six had outstanding physical and mental exams; three showed some moderate anxiety over their new assignments and one I’m concerned about.  Ensign Zack Protousky.  He seems to have joined Star Fleet to be with his friends, his friends have made new friends and he feels alone. Zack is for the most part a loner; he needs more work on the whole team concept.  However, he had the highest grades in his graduation class; he excels at mathematics and physics.  This is one smart kid; I think he should be transferred to Engineering.”

“He signed up to be a security officer, Bones.  Zack will have to adapt and learn to be part of the team; loners can be dangerous in the Security division.  You have to be part of the team.  This is true for all areas of Star Fleet.”  Kirk said starring hard into McCoy’s eyes.

“There are all kinds of heroes, Jim.  Some take another path from the others and meet up with them or surpass them in the end.”  McCoy said returning the intensity of Kirk’s eye contact.

“Well, keep me posted on this Protousky.  I want to know if he will make the cut.”

Kirk said breaking the eye contact.

Later that afternoon, Lt. Uhura notified Kirk that he had an urgent message from Admiral Warren.  Kirk ordered her to put it on the screen.

The bridge crew was not prepared for what they saw.  Admiral Warren was very anxious, sweaty, and pale.  Not the happy retiree that was beginning his dream’s reality.

“Captain Kirk, how far away are you?  When will you arrive on my planet?”  The seventy five year old Admiral asked.

“We are fifty hours away from you, Admiral.  What is the nature of your problem?”  Kirk asked, he remembered McCoy words about a lot could go wrong on this assignment.

“What is the nature of my problem?  I am under attack; my city is being bombed and fired upon.   We’ve been under attack for three days.  Do you have the Security Guards with you?  I asked Star Fleet for at least 200 security officers.”  Warren asked anxiously.

Kirk looked over at Spock; both of them were puzzled by this statement.

“You asked Star Fleet for 200 Security Officers?  Admiral Warren, I believe that there has been miscommunication between you and Star Fleet.  I have thirty Security Cadets who were assigned by Star Fleet for your planet’s grand opening.”

Warren slammed his fist on his table, “Thirty cadets!  How dare Star Fleet treat this as a trivial event!  What the hell am I to do with thirty cadets!  This is inexcusable, I asked for 200 security officers.” 

There was a loud noise from outside the Admiral’s office and his view screen shook.

“What is going on your planet, Admiral?”  Kirk asked, “You stated that you were under attack.  Who is attacking you?”

Warren placed his head in his hands for about fifteen seconds then looked back at the view screen.  His face had turned a grayish color and his hands were shaking.

“I had made some contacts with some intergalactic merchants during my career and they have set up some businesses on my planet.  Some of them are the ones attacking.”  He said.

“He means pirates.” McCoy whispered at Kirk’s side.  Kirk had not noticed his arrival on the bridge.

“Who are these ‘intergalactic merchants’?”  Kirk asked.

“They are from many areas of space.  I had no problems dealing with them before.  Now they are fighting each other and ruining my planet!”  Warren cried.

“Dealing with them when you are an Admiral on a Constitution Class star ship is probably why you did not have trouble, Admiral Warren.”  Kirk noticed Warren broke eye contact with him, “Did you have some trouble with some of these ‘merchants’ before?”

Warren rubbed his eyes; he still did not resume eye contact with Kirk.  “There were some I had trouble with; it was not a common occurrence.   This isn’t going according to plan…this shouldn’t have happed.”  Warren said.

“You dance with the devil, there’s usually hell to pay.”  McCoy said.

Warren’s head shot up, “Who said that?”

“I did, I’m Dr. Leonard McCoy CMO of the Enterprise.  Are you in need of medical assistance?”  McCoy asked firmly.

“I don’t know.  My family and my staff are secure in our home, it has up to date disaster and security protection.”  Warren said.

“Are the people in your city living in residences?  How are these homes constructed?  What about the business buildings?  Do any of these people have access to a shelter?”  McCoy asked.

Warren beat his fists on his desk again.  “I don’t know!  I haven’t been out there to check.  All of the visual feeds have been damaged by the fighting…I don’t know what’s going on out there!”  Warren said frantically.

“You haven’t been outside to check on these people who live…?”  McCoy started but was stopped by Kirk placing a firm grip on his arm.

“Not now, Bones.”  Kirk said, and then he addressed Warren.  “Admiral, we will contact Star Fleet Command and notify them of the attacks on your planet.  We will go to Warp 2; we will arrive in twenty eight hours.  Lt. Uhura and her relief Communications Officer will contact you every hour to check on the status of the fighting and your needs.”

Warren’s face grew red, “I want more Star Ships here immediately!”

“As I stated, Admiral Warren, I will notify Star Fleet Command, they will make the decisions as to what action to take.”  Kirk said with anger in his tone.

“What was the current population of the people residing on your planet, Sir?  Are some of these citizens with the Federation?” Spock asked.

“I don’t have a current census yet.  My last count was 242 people.  There are over fifty to sixty people who have businesses, not included in the census.  No one here has any affiliation with the Federation.”  Warren replied.

McCoy let out a long sigh, “What type of medical facilities do you have for the people living there?”

“Oh, we have a seventy five bed hospital with six doctors, twenty five nurses, ten nurse’s aides and a staffed lab and three pharmacists.  The hospital has the basic diagnostic equipment and has a fully stocked pharmacy.  Two of the doctors have a clinic for nonemergencies.”  Warren said.

“Is there any way I can talk with one of the physicians so I can plan what resources we will need to supply the hospital?”  McCoy asked.

Warren paled again, and he hung his head.  Without looking up he answered McCoy’s question.  “The last word I heard from Dr. Chang was last afternoon, the hospital had been attacked and raided….I haven’t heard from him since we lost all communication.” 

McCoy looked at Kirk, his blue eyes were blazing and his expression was one of disgust.  He held his tongue, the Admiral had made grave choices and berating him on this would not accomplish anything.

“I will have a Medical Team prepared to help in any way we can.”  McCoy said flatly, it took all of his control not to let his anger leak out through his words.

Kirk smiled gratefully at him, knowing the control McCoy was using.  By all rights the Admiral should be scolded for barricading himself and in family in their protected residence, while his citizens were the ones suffering.  McCoy glanced at Spock who nodded at him and then he left the bridge to plan for the survivors of this attack.

The cadets were informed with the Security division on the Enterprise about what they would be encountering.  There was mixed feelings in the cadets, but most were excited to be seeing some real action.  Zack Protousky sat back in his chair and listened to the excited talk of his classmates.  He looked over at his friend, Ryan, who was joking around with his new friend.  Ryan didn’t once look over at Zack during the meeting.  He felt so alone; the feeling dulled the previous excitement of being on the Enterprise.  Captain Kirk was legendary in Star Fleet, the youngest captain in Star Fleet history.  Kirk seemed so approachable during his interview with Zack.  Kirk the legend and Kirk the Captain seemed incongruous in Zack’s mind.  Then there was Mr. Spock, the best First Officer in the Fleet Dr. McCoy had informed him during his physical.  He had read about the physical and mental strength of Vulcans.  One would never guess this looking at the quiet and elegant first officer.  The cadets had met Mr. Scott when they toured Engineering.  Mr. Scott had a nick name in Star Fleet, the ‘Miracle Worker’.  Zack had read some of Scott’s published articles and talking with him made him wish he had applied to Engineering.  It was a strange coincidence that Dr. McCoy had mentioned the same thing.

The group of cadets had heard of Dr. McCoy also.  “Stay healthy and stay on his good side.  If you are injured there isn’t a better doctor in all of Star Fleet to get you back in one piece.” One of Zack’s instructor’s at the academy had told his class.

Zack could see the part of staying on his good side; McCoy did not seem to take carelessness very well.  However, this cranky doctor had the best sense of humor.  It was hard for Zack and his fellow cadets to keep a straight face when they recited the information McCoy had them memorize for Kirk.

After their supper, Zack didn’t feel like staying in his room he shared with three other cadets.  All they were talking about was fighting the enemy and using their phasers.  Zack had studied the physics behind some of the weapons that other races use.  Hand phasers would be like using a nail file in a sword fight.  He wanted to talk to someone about this without looking like a coward.

McCoy was going over the medical preparations with M’Benga and Chapel, when Zack approached him and wanted to talk to him.  McCoy escorted him to his office.  He had Zack sit in the chair next to his desk and McCoy sat down next to him.

“What can I do for you, Zack?”  McCoy asked softly.

“Dr. McCoy, I’m…I’m worried about what will happen on Warren’s Planet.  I feel sick about what is happening to those people but how can we fight the people who are attacking?  I heard about the weapons that were being used and what happens to someone hit by those weapons.  I guess I’m asking if all weapons kill or what are the chances of…”  Zack asked his grey eyes were fixed on McCoy’s.

“What are the chances of surviving the hits from these weapons?”  McCoy finished for him.  Zack nodded.  “There are all kinds of weapons used, Zack.

Believe me, I’ve seen my share.  You are going to be part of a team that will be with you.  You’re not going to be out there fighting on your own.  May I ask why you are asking me about this?”

Zack slumped in his chair; he looked much younger than his twenty years. 

“After the meeting, we were talking about what we were going to be facing.

A lot of the guys were excited about being in the fighting and the chance to kill some of the ‘bad guys’.  I mentioned that a lot of people were suffering because of the fighting and they laughed at me.  I want to defend the people but I’ve never killed anyone before.  A lot has changed since we boarded the Enterprise; I feel so out of place.”

McCoy leaned forward in his chair.  “Zack, what you are feeling is perfectly normal and you are being realistic.  Sometimes when people are faced with a dangerous decision they may speak bravely, boldly and underestimate the danger.  In a way this is a type of coping.  Unfortunately, in a situation like this there are many victims on both sides, there are bad people and good people on both sides and it’s hard to tell if they are a victim, a hero or a monster until the fighting is over.

As a Security Officer, your main objective is to protect the crew, your team and the persons you have been ordered to protect.”

“It sounds like you’ve been through a lot of battles, Dr. McCoy.”  Zack said sitting up straighter in his chair.

McCoy laughed, “Zack, my battles are nothing like what you, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and the Security team will be up against.  My battles are fought in and around the human body and usually in Sick Bay.  Some of the biggest monsters I have to deal with are so small that I have to use my computer microscopes to even see them.  My job is protecting the crew against infections, viruses, accidents on and off the ship.  The wounds to the human body, I can deal with.  That’s my specialty on this ship being a surgeon.  I have an excellent staff assisting me; I can’t do my job without them.

“Our security officers are well trained and are very efficient; you will be protected by them as you assist them.”  McCoy reassured Zack.  They sat in silence for several minutes.  “You mentioned that a lot had changed since you came on board, can you tell me a little more about that?”

Zack squirmed in his chair and ran his fingers in his blonde hair.  “I was very close to one of the cadets but he has found someone else.  The breakup was so sudden, I feel so alone.  He’s very brave and a good fighter.  I guess I thought we would be together through this.”

“Zack, do you know who is the best person to be close to?  It’s you.  No person can fulfill your needs, your dreams or complete you as much as the person inside of you.  We do meet people who compliment us and provide the compassion and partnership we need.  But you cannot meet the needs of the next special person in your life unless you are secure in yourself.”  McCoy said.

“They told me you and Mr. Spock are together.  How did you know that he was the one you would choose?”  Zack asked.

McCoy sat back in his seat, “Son that is a long story.  We have known each other for many years.  What attracted me to Spock was his character, his knowledge and his unwavering devotion.  I can count on him in any situation regardless of my actions, words or any danger I find myself in.  He is my anchor when I am in the turmoil of my emotions and he is my strength when I am too tired to continue.”

“Oh,” Zack said, “You seem so strong and confident.”

“Gaining these attributes inside of you is a process.  It cannot be achieved overnight or in one mission to a new planet.  My journey started a long time ago in medical school.  There were times that I frankly was so scared that I would never be able to perform the surgery correctly or diagnose the right disease.  Experience is our teacher.  You learn from each experience, Zack, regardless if you are successful or you fail.  Don’t be afraid to take chances but always listen to that voice in your head. Trust your first impressions, they are usually right.  I hope that I have answered your questions, Zack.  Is there anything else?”  McCoy asked.

“No, Dr. McCoy, you have been very helpful.  You had suggested that I might consider going into the Engineering department later.  What about medicine?”

Zack asked, the faint signs of anxiety were returning to his face.

“Don’t let it worry you, young man.  You have so much time on your side.  Take one experience at a time and learn from it.”  McCoy said, “You should get some sleep, it’s going to get very busy around here.”

Zack left and McCoy sat for a few minutes at his desk.

“Thy’la, I am honored by your thoughts and words.”  Spock said through their bond.  “You complete me.”

“Don’t get all sappy on me, Spock.  I’ll be done here in an hour.”  McCoy replied back, smiling.   “I meant everything I said, Spock.  You are my strength”

When the Enterprise achieved orbit around Warren’s planet, Warren was notified.  He gave the coordinates to his residence to Uhura.  Kirk, Spock and Scotty beamed down to meet with him.  They were amazed at the spacious living areas and the elegant décor.  Warren and his wife, a very nervous fragile person, met with them.  Kirk finally persuaded Warren to lower one of the shields over the windows to assess what the Enterprise crew would be up against. 

The scene before them was ghastly.  Most of the Admiral’s outside estate was charred and torn up.  The city beyond his iron fence was devastated, black smoke rose from the ruined homes.  Something caught Kirk’s eye up against the iron gate to the Admiral’s home, it was the charred bodies of some of his citizens.  Apparently these people were trying to gain shelter but were stopped by the iron fence and gate.  Their burned bodies were contorted into black bent shapes.  Mrs. Warren cried out at the site and ran from the room.  If Warren was feeling anything, he did not show it.

“Have you seen enough, Captain Kirk?”  He asked angrily.

“Not nearly enough, Admiral.  Leave this window uncovered so that we can see where the fighting is and where the perpetrators are.  I want more windows exposed on all sides of your residence.”  Kirk ordered.

“My family…”  The Admiral started.

“Is there a safe room where you and your family can stay in?”  Spock asked.

The Admiral nodded, “Then I suggest that you proceed there immediately and stay there until we send for you.” 

“What type of weapons do you have in your residence?”  Kirk asked.

“Follow me and I’ll show you our weapon closet.”  Warren said.

They followed him and assessed his supply.  Then they returned to the large living area.

“This room will be our headquarters, Admiral.  How many rooms and bedrooms do you have?”  Kirk asked. 

“We have five living areas, fifteen bedrooms and four bathrooms.  We have a large kitchen and a smaller kitchenette down by the quest rooms.”  He answered.

“We may have to make some of the bedrooms a make shift hospital, since the one hospital was destroyed.”  Kirk said.  Warren started to protest but Kirk gave him a hard glare.  “These people are living on your planet, Admiral!  I can’t begin to count the number of violations that you have made.  I’m beginning to see that some of the rumors about your deals with the Orions and other races may be true.”

“How dare you come into my home and accuse me…”  Warren yelled out.

“You asked for Star Fleet’s help, you’ve got it.  The use of your home for the chance to save the lives of your citizens is a very small price to pay, wouldn’t you say?”  Kirk yelled back.  “I have a feeling that these attacks are more than competing merchants.  You owe them something, don’t you?    Is it credits, equipment or information that they want?  The killing of your citizens is personal, Admiral.  Do you owe these attackers something that you promised and failed to deliver?”  Warren nodded.  “Go to your safe room and stay there until the situation is under control!”

Warren stared into Kirk’s smoldering hazel eyes, then into Spock’s obsidian eyes and at the disgusted look on Scott’s face.   “There is food for your crew in the kitchen and use whatever rooms you need.”  He walked off with his head held high, oblivious to the carnage outside.

Kirk had the Security Team and Cadets transport in first.  He divided them into four teams.  One team would be with Kirk and Spock, the second team with Mr. Scott and his team of engineers, the third team to be with Dr. McCoy and his staff as they made their rounds in the city for the wounded and the largest team would stay at the residence.  They had a map of the city and marked out the areas each team would be covering.  McCoy’s team would overlap the other teams due to the number of wounded in the city. 

Portable cots and medical equipment were beamed down to the residence to set up a make shift hospital in three of the guest bedrooms.  Chapel and her nurses set up the equipment and medications.  An OR suite and recovery area of sorts was set up in the living areas near the quest rooms.

Once all of the teams were assembled and organized, they set out.  Kirk’s and Spock’s team went out looking for the attacking aliens.  Mr. Scott’s team started to repair the damaged video and communication systems.  Dr. McCoy’s team started out through the iron gates.  McCoy’s anger over the situation increased when he saw the charred bodies of the citizens.  Their bodies were later housed in a portable shelter that would act as a morgue.

Zack was thankful that he was assigned to Dr. McCoy’s team, along with four other security guards.  Dr. McCoy, Dr. M’Benga and two of McCoy’s residents comprised the medical team.  The stench of burnt flesh, the decay of the bodies of the persons, their pets and animals mixed with the burnt houses and chemicals made Zack nauseous.  Two of the security guards had lost their breakfast after seeing the bodies of the victims.  So far, there were no survivors in the residences around the Warren estate.  On the outer areas of the city, they found many survivors.  The people that needed complicated surgery were beamed up to the Enterprise, Dr. M’Benga and one of the residents went with them.  The nonemergency surgeries and wounds were beamed over the Warren residence where McCoy and the other resident would be returning shortly.  The rest of the cases were taken care of McCoy in one of the houses.  Zack noticed the way McCoy approached the people who were injured, especially the children.  His voice softened and his hands were so adept and skilled in his treatments.  McCoy was very much in control of the situation, his quick assessment of the people’s injuries, his delegation of patients to his resident and the rapid treatments.   Kirk checked with McCoy to assess the injuries and the mortality caused by the attacks.  So far Kirk and his team had not encountered or seen any of the persons responsible for all of this damage; nor did they find any survivors.  McCoy returned to the residence and started on the surgical cases.   Then he was called by Kirk, the attacks had resumed in the business area.  McCoy could hear explosions and yelling over Kirk’s communicator.  He could hear Kirk’s team firing their phasers, and the Kirk yelling out for Spock.

“Jim, have you been hurt?”   McCoy asked anxiously.  Then McCoy felt pain from

Spock through their bond.  “Jim, what’s happened to Spock?  Jim!”

“Bones, he’s been hit on the head and neck by pieces of the building.  He’s bleeding a lot but he is conscious.”  Kirk replied. 

“I’m on my way with Chapel.  How many others are hurt?”  McCoy asked grabbing his field kit and motioning for Chapel, Zack and his security team to follow him.

“A lot of my team were hit, Bones.  Six are dead; four are wounded, not counting Spock.”  Kirk answered.  “Be careful, Bones.  Enter the business area through the south east; the attackers are coming from the northwest.  Our attackers are primarily a mix of humanoids, there are some Orions but we can’t place all of the blame on them.” 

“Will do, Jim.  McCoy out.”  Then through the meld, “Spock, how are you?  Don’t lie to me; I can feel your pain.”  McCoy could almost hear Spock’s sigh.

“I am not seriously injured, Leonard.  You are interpreting my pain through your human emotions.  I have had worse pain.  As Jim suggested, be careful Thy’la.”  Spock said.

McCoy and his team made their way to the area and saw Kirk motioning them over to a store entrance.  Zack cried out as he saw the broken body of his friend in the street, it was obvious that he was dead.  McCoy placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Zack, there’s nothing I can do for him.” McCoy said quietly.  Zack nodded, staying at McCoy’s side.

On their way to the store, they passed more dead civilians and the security team.  They made it into the store as Kirk and his team covered for them with phaser fire.  McCoy quickly went to Spock.  He had a large cut from behind his left ear that went down to his shoulder; he has a smaller cut above his right eye.  Spock’s vital signs checked out stable and Chapel began to clean and close his wounds.  McCoy directed Zack and his team to move the less wounded men in another part of the store.  There were two seriously wounded Security guards.  McCoy stabilized their blood pressure and gave them Tri-Ox compound then beamed them up to the Enterprise.  One of the guards had a crush fracture of his left lower leg, and the other a dislocated shoulder.  McCoy cleaned the guard’s leg, repaired the broken vessels, set the bones and applied quick hardening foam to support the leg until they returned to the residence.   The injured guard talked with Zack.  He said the building that they previously had been in had been bombed.  The security officers that just been beamed to the Enterprise and himself had been buried in the rubble of the building.  Mr. Spock had picked up the pieces of rubble off of them as if they were made of paper, and this was after he had been hit on the head.

“We’re ready when you are, Jim.” McCoy said.

Kirk nodded.  McCoy walked over to Spock, the bleeding had stopped.  The cut behind his ear was a nasty one; Spock’s tunic was soaked with green blood.  He helped Spock to a standing position and his fingers brushed Spock’s forehead.

“That’s a deep cut, Spock.  Is the pain better?”  McCoy asked.

“Pain is never better, Doctor, it can be decreased but to have pain is not an improvement.”  Spock replied.

“Don’t be a smart ass, Spock.”  McCoy growled, though through the meld, “I’m relieved you are okay.  I was worried.”

Spock gently caressed McCoy’s hand.  “I am relieved you have not been injured.”

It was quiet outside of the store; there was no phaser fire of bombing.  Kirk peaked out of the store and was not met with any resistance. 

Kirk assisted Spock and the other guards carried the one with the leg injury.   McCoy, Chapel and Zack walked along side.

Suddenly there was a cry, “Doctor, help me over here!  I’m trapped in the rubble.  I’m Lt. Read.”

The rubble was close by and not in the line of fire; McCoy could see a red uniformed arm waving from the debris.  McCoy told Christine to stay with the group and he would signal if he needed her.  He ran in a low position toward the wounded security guard.  Zack pulled out his phaser and started to follow McCoy. Then there was a loud noise and a strong blast sent the doctor into the air.  He handed hard and the debris from the blast hit him   McCoy felt sharp pain in his chest, back and legs then all went black.  Zack hit the ground and covered his head.  He was hit with small pieces of rubble and was not severely injured.  He crawled on his stomach to McCoy’s still body.  Zack checked McCoy’s pulse, and then looked for his tricorder.  The tricorder and the doctor’s field kit had been torn from his grasp in the explosion.  Protousky stayed by McCoy’s side, phaser drawn, and he kept low.

After the explosion, Spock tore himself away from Kirk.  “Leonard!”  He cried out.

“I cannot fell McCoy.  Something has happened”

He tried to go to McCoy but was held fast by Kirk, he was still unsteady by the head wound.  Spock tried to make contact through the bond; there was no response from McCoy.  Kirk directed the group behind a wall of rubble.  His stomach spasmed when he saw McCoy’s crumpled body but relieved when he saw the young security cadet guarding McCoy.  How had McCoy made it over there?  Chapel informed him of the cry for help, Kirk had not heard the cry.  Spock had not either; his pain had interfered with his other senses.

“Chapel, stay with Spock.  I’m going to check on Bones.”  Kirk said as he drew his phaser as well, Spock gave him his Tricorder and then he crept toward McCoy.

“How is Dr. McCoy?”  Kirk asked Zack.

“He’s unconscious, sir.  His pulse is weak.  It looks like he was hit on the chest and his legs by the explosion.  He landed hard on his back.”  Protousky said.

Kirk looked at his friends face.  McCoy was bleeding from a wound on his chest, more troubling was the blood bubbling from his lips.  “Bones, can you hear me?” Kirk asked as he gently shook his friends arm.  Then he checked McCoy’s pulse at his wrist, the pulse was weak and fast.  He turned to Zack, “Did you hear a cry for help from someone?”

“Yes sir, over there in that pile of rubble.”  Zack pointed to the area where they had heard he cry for help. 

Kirk scanned the area; there was no sign of life.  Either the person died or it had been a trap to lure them over to a bomb.  “Kirk to Enterprise.” He said in his communicator.

“Lt. Uhura here, Captain.”  Her melodic voice came over the speaker.

“Have M’Benga go to the transporter room, I’m beaming McCoy up.  He has been injured, he’s unconscious, he has a chest wound and he’s bleeding from his mouth.” 

“I will alert the Transporter Room and Sick Bay, Captain.  Is there anything else?”

“Not at this time, Kirk out.”  Kirk sent her the coordinates and in fifteen seconds McCoy’s body disappeared in the transported beam.  Kirk looked at Zack, “Good work, Mr. Protousky.  You protected our Doctor, you assessed his condition and you did not panic.  Let’s get back to the others.”

Kirk returned to a pale Spock, who had sat down beside the wall.

“Is he alright, Jim?  I cannot sense him through our bond.”  Spock asked.

“He took a hard hit, Spock.  He’s got a chest wound and he’s bleeding in his mouth.”  Kirk said as he assisted his friend to stand again.  Kirk felt Spock lean on him a little more than usual as they made their way back to the residence.

Chapel took care of Spock and made him comfortable as he entered into his healing trance.  She could tell he was concerned about McCoy; she was very concerned for her boss. 

Kirk had the area scanned by the Enterprise for the location of the attackers.  There was no evidence of a space ship in orbit on the other side of the planet nor were there shuttle craft hidden on the planet.  Kirk had a ring of devices placed around the area where the attackers were gathered.  On his signal, these devices were activated and it sent out a stunning force into the area.  The persons responsible for the attacks were rounded up after they were stunned.  A makeshift prison was set up in one of the building they had been using as a hideout.  A large amount of weapons was confiscated along with a large amount of contraband.  Star Fleet was made aware of the situation along with the loss of Kirk’s crew and the cadets.  Warren was more honest with Kirk about his dealings with these so called ‘intergalactic merchants’.

McCoy awakened slowly, it was quiet around him except for the beeps and noises made from his biobed.  He opened his eyes slowly and looked around.  There was dull pain in his chest and in his right leg.  He tried to sit up but a warm hand on his shoulder pushed him back.  It was Spock.  The wound from his ear to his shoulder was healing; there was a long green scar in its place.  The cut above his right eye was totally healed.

“When did I get back on the enterprise?” McCoy asked.

“Three days ago, Leonard.  You were injured in an explosion” Spock said.  “You have suffered a concussion, a left chest wound and a fractured right femur.”

Spock said as he gently brushed the hair off of McCoy’s forehead. 

“What did I miss down there?”  McCoy asked as he held the fingers of Spock’s hand on his face.

“It appears that the Admiral had been trading with numerous Romulan allies, some Orions and some humans who deal with stolen and confiscated materials.  Warren has been trading Star Fleet medications, equipment and other materials for his own profit.  The problem with the medications is it had long expired; this caused deaths and severe side effects among the persons who used them.  The equipment was in disrepair and the other materials were worthless.  The attackers were seeking retaliation for the losses they had suffered in paying for dangerous drugs and worthless equipment.   Warren paid the price in the destruction of his planet and the many deaths of his citizens.  He has lost the rights to his planet and is being convicted of stealing and selling harmful medications, selling faulty equipment that belonged to Star Fleet and endangerment of citizens and especially the children.”  Spock said.

McCoy sighed, “Spock, the way those people died is a horrible price to pay for some asshole’s ego and greed.”  He remembered the charred bodies of the victims.  He studied Spock’s face.  “Your wound is healing well, there shouldn’t be a scar.”

“Dr. M’Benga has reassured me that there will not be a scar.  He also reassured me that you will heal well, also.”  Spock said looking at the bandage on McCoy’s left chest.  “You suffered a hemothorax and three broken ribs.  The bone fragments almost punctured your pericardial sack.”  McCoy felt Spock’s warm hand glide down his right leg and stop at the knee.  “The bone stimulator units will be on for one more day.  You will need some physical therapy after the knitting process is finished.”

“Oh, so I’m going to be a patient for a while.”  McCoy said.

“Yes, your staff is quite excited about this, especially, Ms. Chapel.”  Spock said inclining his head toward Christine, who was charting at a desk.  She rubbed her hands together and had a very devious expression on her face.

“Spock, get me out of here now.  Just pick me up and carry me out, no one will notice.”  McCoy said with a false anxious tone to his voice.

“No, Leonard, I have dealt with Nurse Chapel before.  She is quite formidable.”

Spock said with honest sincerity.

Chapel flexed her arms and tried to look like a fighter.  “You’ll stay in your bed, Leonard if you know what’s good for you.”

“My name is Dr. McCoy.”  He yelled at her.

“Not right now, you’re a patient, you have no other title.”  She said with a bright smile.  This made McCoy laugh, and then he winced.  “See how weak you are and you’re all mine.”

“Oh, joy.”  McCoy sighed.  He looked around sick Bay at the other patients.  There were three Security Guards and there were some patients from the planet.  He turned his attention back to Spock.  “I missed out on all of the action.  How many of our crew did we lose?”

“We lost ten of the cadets and twelve of our own security team.”  Spock answered.

“How’s Jim taking this?”  McCoy asked.

“As well as he usually does.  He has already notified the families.  The unnecessary loss of these lives is very difficult for him.”  Spock said.

“Was Zack Protousky one of the one’s killed?” McCoy asked. Spock shook his head, “Was he wounded?”  Again, Spock shook his head.  “Blast it Spock, how is he?”

“He is well and he performed bravely.  After you were wounded he went out and protected you and stayed by you.  Jim has sent in a commendation for his actions.  Also, Jim talked to Mr. Scott and they both agree he should be transferred and promoted to Engineering.”  Spock informed him.

“That is great news; he’s a smart young man.”  McCoy said.

“I agree with you, his academy records and exams reveal a very promising young officer in the making.”  Spock replied.

A warm smile broke out over McCoy’s face, “You agree with me, do you?”

A twinkle arose in Spock’s eyes, “In this particular case, Leonard.”

Kirk and Zack came over to McCoy’s bed.  Kirk’s expression was one of concern as he stared at the bandage on McCoy’s chest.  McCoy watched his eyes travel to Spock, probably looking at Spock’s scar.  Then his countenance changed.

“Bones, Zack wanted to pay you a visit to see how you are doing.”  Kirk said as he patted the young man on the back.  “He’s been pestering me, Spock and the Sick Bay staff.”

Zack seemed hesitant to speak, “Dr. McCoy, I have been checking on you.  It was a pleasure to have guarded you.  I’ve told my friends about how you helped the people on Warren’s planet…I mean planet 129046.  When you went to help the trapped security guard, you were so focused.  You were so brave.”  Zack said.

“Brave is not a word I would use.”  Kirk said.  “Mr. Protousky and I have drawn up some restrictions for you in the future.  Would you please enlighten the Doctor on these new rules, Zack?”  

Zack cleared his throat, “Dr. McCoy is not to charge out unguarded for any crewman or person that has been wounded.  He suffers from a hero complex and shall be treated for this condition by his Sick Bay Staff, Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk.  Should he fail to head these restrictions, he shall remain at the mercy of his staff, primarily Nurse Chapel.”

Kirk and Chapel broke out laughing and so did Zack.  Spock looked at McCoy with his most authoritative Vulcan expression.

“I propose an amendment to these restrictions, Captain.”  Spock said.

“What do you want to add, Mr. Spock?”  Kirk asked curiously.

“That the Doctor may not take any untested medication that he has compounded nor submit himself as a Guiney Pig for any medical or laboratory test or experiment.”  Spock said looking down at McCoy with a certain satisfaction.

McCoy scowled at this, “Well, dammit!  Then don’t count on any miracle cures.   I’m out numbered.  I’m a prisoner in my own Sick Bay.”  He crossed his arms and his lower lip pouted out a bit.

Kirk leaned closer, “A dose of your own medicine is the best treatment for you, Bones.”

“Why do you call him ‘Bones’?”  Zack asked Kirk.

“Come with me, Zack, and I will tell you the story of how Dr. McCoy and I met.  He was a real hero, then.  Get some rest, Bones.  I almost lost you both.  Spock, take good care of him.”  Kirk said as he led Zack out of the Sick Bay.

Spock turned to McCoy and offered his two fingers, “I will always take care of you, Thy’la.”

McCoy brought his two fingers up to caress Spock’s.  “I know, Spock, and I’ll always be there for you.”