“I don’t believe my eyes!  Leonard McCoy!”  A deep voice called out from the people filling in to the conference room.

Dr. Leonard McCoy looked up and scanned the room for any familiar faces.  Then a tall middle aged man with red hair and a mustache approached the stage from where McCoy would be lecturing.  The man was wearing his blue science Star Fleet uniform, a Commander none the less, but McCoy did not recognize him.

“Leonard, it’s me, Alan Dorser.  We interned together at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi a long time ago.”  Alan said his smile wide and friendly.  There were silver hairs mixed the red but Alan’s face was still the same.  Now McCoy recognized him.

“Well, I’ll be damned, how the hell are you Alan?”  McCoy said laughing as he shook Alan’s hand.  “When did you join Star Fleet?”

“Right after I graduated.  Best training I could have imagined, you remember how restless I was to learn and see everything.  I wish my career was as productive as yours; I’m impressed by all of your surgical techniques and your research.”  McCoy blushed, he tried to remember if he had read or heard of any of Alan’s discoveries.  He hated to put on the spot like this but he voiced his approval of what Alan had accomplished, whatever it was.  “You still have those killer blue eyes, Leonard; the nurses were all gaga about them.  So how’s your family?”

McCoy frowned and cleared his throat, “I’ve been divorced for many years now, Alan.  Jocelyn didn’t like the hours I spent at the hospital and found someone else.  Joanna is in nursing school at Ole’ Miss, following in her old man’s footsteps in medicine.  Did you ever settle down? “

Alan sat on the stage and looked up at McCoy, “No, there was always too much to see and to do.  Without my friend Leonard there was no point to settle in one place.  We were a great team back then, weren’t we?”  Alan said, his hazel eyes shining as he scanned McCoy’s body.

“What was your nickname?  They always called me ‘Dr. Red’.    You’ve put on some weight, not much though.  Oh, now I remember, ’Dr. Scarecrow’ because you were so skinny and you scared a lot of the nursing students.  Some of the staff called you ‘Dr. Locust’ because you would raid the nurse’s lounge for food and you even had the nurses sneak you trays of food that the patients wouldn’t eat.  I’ve never seen anyone since who could consume that much food and stay so skinny.”  Alan laughed.  They discussed more of their interning years for a few more minutes until it was time for McCoy to start his lecture on advances in surgical techniques and his research on some plants for medicinal uses in the field.

After the lecture, Alan waited for him and they talked some more.  McCoy informed him that he was meeting his shipmate and Commander, Mr. Spock in their hotel room.  Alan hinted for an invitation to meet his Commander and have cocktails before the dinner for the conference that evening.  McCoy declined the offer but he stated that he would sit with Alan at the dinner and introduce him to Spock.  Dorser looked disappointed but agreed to meet McCoy at the dinner.

McCoy entered his room that he shared with Spock.  Spock was not in their room, his blue uniform tunic and black pants lay on the chair by their bed.  McCoy winced as he noticed Spock’s formal dress uniform tunic lying on the bed.    McCoy hated the dress uniforms, they were too tight fitting and he hated anything that was snug around his neck. 

He thought about Alan and their rotation as interns.  ‘Red’ was a good nick name for Dorser, he had endless energy, was impulsive but very sharp.  In a way he was like Kirk, only a doctor.

McCoy had always been very meticulous and methodical when he was an intern.  He was and still was a perfectionist.  Now he had his knowledge, experience and he was able to call into action all of his resources at an impressive speed and accuracy.   Alan had been a good distraction during his internship, home life was stressful and unpleasant; quite frankly it was hell.  Dorser was funny and well liked by the staff, he was very outgoing and a good influence on his shy, introverted friend.  They did make a good team; their coordinated skills in surgery, they covered shifts for one another and bounced ideas off of each other about medical cases.  Alan was always trying to get McCoy to ‘loosen up’; there were times when he would massage McCoy’s tight shoulders after a hard day or night shift.  Jocelyn had no patience or empathy for her husband’s sleep deprived fatigue or pains.    Dorser had a good sense of humor and would have McCoy laughing until he cried, very much like Kirk.  As the relationship with Jocelyn became more toxic and painful, Alan had McCoy stay at his apartment as a refuge.  In a way, Alan was like the perfect ‘wife’, he would cook meals, fix McCoy’s favorite snacks and drinks and just sit and listen to him talk.  Sometimes, McCoy would fall asleep on the couch and later find himself tucked nicely into a bed in the guest room dressed in comfy pajamas. 

Then Joanna was having behavior problems from missing her dad and McCoy moved back home; he and Jocelyn made a truce in their relationship with each other for their daughter’s sake.  Alan would come over time to time to have lunch or dinner.  He seemed to have a good effect on Jocelyn, she was less bitchy when he was present and Joanna liked his funny sense of humor.  Their residencies sent them in different directions, McCoy’s father became ill, Jocelyn had reverted back to her unpleasant self and McCoy turned inside himself and shut everyone out.  Medicine was his only life; although it did not save his father’s life, it provided an escape for his father and the guilt of his actions in ending his father’s miserable life drove him further into the emotionless, dark arms of his mistress…his career.  Eventually he and Jocelyn divorced and after nasty custody hearings, Jocelyn got full custody of Joanna.  McCoy had a few friends at work but he had lost touch with Alan.   McCoy eventually went into Star Fleet due to a tempting offer to do as much research as he desired.  Though McCoy liked the research, it was surgery that he excelled at and loved.  Later he would meet an incredible Lt. James T. Kirk and the rest was history.  McCoy and Kirk developed a strong friendship and McCoy became Kirk’s CMO on the Enterprise.  Kirk’s second in command was a Vulcan, Spock.  McCoy had worked with a few Vulcan’s but he was never encased on a starship with one.  Spock was half human and McCoy had a great difficulty getting his head around that.  It aggravated McCoy no end that Spock hid and denied his human half, what was so bad about being a human?  McCoy’s humanity made him the excellent physician that he was and his emotions or gut feelings had saved many lives.  Despite their differences, these two officers eventually discovered that they complimented each other very well.  Spock’s mother, Amanda, was human and immediately after meeting her, McCoy adored her.

It was his second year on the Enterprise and a lot had changed in his life.  After a near fatal experience in an alternate universe, he and Spock had become quite close.  McCoy had the privilege to meet Spock’s parents and saved his father’s life performing heart surgery.  It was one of the surgical procedures McCoy was presenting in his lectures, neurografting was another.  They currently were at a Star Fleet/Federation conference presenting their achievements in science and medicine.  Spock’s parents were at the conference as well.  Sarek was a scientist and he presented a patient’s view of McCoy’s surgical prowess and his son’s incredible scientific research and discoveries to a group of scientists in the Federation.

McCoy showered and took a nap while he waited for Spock.  He was awakened by warm fingers stroking his hair.  Spock was sitting on the bed beside him, the dark brown eyes were soft the only outward sign of emotion.

“Sorry, Spock, I dozed off.  What time is it?”  McCoy asked.

“It is 1830; the dinner will start in thirty minutes.  I have laid out your dress tunic on the bed for you.”  Spock said and his eyes twinkled at the scowl on McCoy’s face.  “There have been no documented cases of anyone being strangled or suffocated from any of these tunics, Leonard.  I fail to understand your repeated reluctance to wear yours.”  Spock said as he stood up and allowed McCoy to rise from the bed.  McCoy murmured something under his breath that even with his Vulcan hearing Spock did not understand.

After McCoy was dressed they went to Amanda and Sarek’s room and together they went to the dinner.  Alan Dorser was waiting for them at the entrance to the dining hall.  McCoy introduced him to Spock and his parents.  The group found a table and they sat down.  McCoy informed them of his internship with Alan a long time ago.  McCoy noticed that Alan was staring at Spock intently as he spoke.   An Apodisian, dressed in civilian attire approached their table and through a universal translator on her throat she asked if she could sit at their table.  McCoy had never met an Apodisian before; he knew the planet Apus had just recently joined the Federation.  She introduced herself as Dr. Zuduric.  She was tall, over six feet in height; her skin was bi-colored shades of purple, she had an orange beak for a mouth and two large bulging yellow eyes with horizontally slit pupils, she had four arms that ended in eight long digits and four legs that ended in six long talons and two long serrated dewclaws on her lower legs.  There were yellow and black feathers that grew from her forehead back to the base of her head in a ‘Mohawk’ style.  The translator produced a high pitched female voice that seemed incongruous to her appearance; it did make her appear more feminine in human terms.  Dr. Zuduric had met Sarek earlier and he introduced the members at this table, Alan introduced himself. 

The dinner was buffet style due to the many planets and dietary preferences.  McCoy and Dorser headed to the food that was preferred by many humanoids; spicy meat dishes, fried vegetables and meats, sugary deserts and fruits native to Earth.  McCoy was pleased to see that there was barbeque brisket, corn on the cob (not fried), hashbrown potatoes and peach cobbler (bonus of vanilla ice-cream on top).  Alan loaded his plate with large shrimps, brisket and steamed vegetables.  Spock, Amanda and Sarek had Vulcan/Romulan dishes.  Zuduric had some shrimp and some dishes from other tables.  Dorser laughed and shook his head at McCoy’s plate.

“Please don’t tell me that you still have that high metabolism and you can eat whatever you want.”  He said.

McCoy took a bite of his hashbrowns and winked, “Okay, I won’t tell you.”

“Dr. McCoy is one of the rare humans who has trouble gaining weight.”  Spock stated.

“That is so not fare!”  Alan said.  “I gain weight if I look at food.” He had to keep from laughing at the raised eyebrows on Spock and Sarek’s faces.

“You sound like our Captain.  He swears that I give him something to decrease his metabolism.”  McCoy said as he dug into the peach cobbler. 

The conversation varied around the table but was primarily scientific discoveries and issues.  After the dinner was over, Dorser invited McCoy out for drinks and a night on the town.  Spock stepped closer to McCoy after Alan had placed his hand on McCoy’s arm.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to give you a rain check on that, Alan.  Spock and I retire pretty early.”  McCoy said.  Alan’s eyes widened in understanding that McCoy and Spock were in a relationship.

There was a flash of subdued anger in Dorser’s eyes that McCoy did not like, and Alan’s fingers tightened on his arm.  McCoy pulled his arm free and wished Dorser a good night.  Dorser sat down at the table beside Zuduric.

In their room, Spock seemed slightly unsettled.  McCoy knew that this was due to something Spock wanted to ask but did not want to invade McCoy’s privacy.

“What is it, Spock, I know you want to ask me something?”  McCoy asked.

“Dr. Dorser’s behavior at dinner appeared to be possessive in nature.  Where you involved in a relationship with him at the time of your internship?”  Spock inquired.

"I can barely detect him through our bond, even when his heart was failing I could still feel his presence.”  She said quietly.

“Perhaps he is concentrating on healing.  I believe the healing trance is what is keeping Spock and Sarek alive.  Why don’t you come back to the hotel with me and get some rest.  I want to do some research from my hotel room.”  McCoy said gently.

“I can’t leave them!”  She gasped, and then her small shoulders shook as she sobbed.  “Oh, Leonard, what is happening to them?”

“I don’t know, Amanda, but I won’t stop fighting for both of them until I find out.”  He said firmly.  McCoy’s body was screaming with fatigue and he was hungry.  Neither he nor Amanda had eaten since Spock and Sarek were admitted.  “I don’t know about you, but I am feeling very tired and I think we both could use some food.  We won’t be of any help to them if we neglect ourselves….as these two would say ‘it would be illogical’”

This made Amanda smile and she relaxed, “You are right, I am very tired and thirstier than hungry.  Perhaps a couple of hours of rest and some nourishment will help.”  She slowly rose from her chair and kissed Sarek on his forehead and then on his lips.  She stroked Sarek’s index and middle fingers with hers in a Vulcan kiss.  Then she went over to Spock and kissed him on his forehead.  McCoy went to Spock’s side and squeezed his hand.

“You fight this thing, Spock!  I can’t lose you and your mom needs you, Sarek is also very ill.  Fight, dammit, fight this blasted thing Spock!”  McCoy thought. Then he caressed Spock’s fingers with his own.

McCoy had some tea and food sent to his room and after they had eaten, Amanda took a nap on the couch in the room.  McCoy covered her with a blanket after she fell asleep.  Then he researched Spock and Sarek’s symptoms.  Later he felt his shoulder being shaken and he woke up, he had fallen asleep at the desk.  He winced as he straitened his neck; Amanda was standing at his side with a cup of hot coffee.  He smiled gratefully at her and took the cup of energy from her.

“Thanks for the coffee, I must have dosed off.”  McCoy said.

“You should have taken a nap on your bed.  Thank you for covering me up, I do get cold when I sleep.  Dr. Sparis has called; they found the organism responsible for the infections.”  Amanda said; she saw the impatience blazing in McCoy’s blue eyes.  “It is a parasite from one of the food suppliers for the Federation, Harvest Terra IV.”

“I never heard of the damned place, don’t they screen their suppliers?”  McCoy said with uncontrolled anger.  “Are Spock and Sarek being treated with antiparasitic medications?”

“I don’t know.  All I know is that they’ve isolated the organism responsible.”  Amanda said calmly.

McCoy glanced at the chronometer; he had slept for over four hours.  Amanda returned to her room to bathe and change clothes and McCoy showered and changed his uniform.  They returned to the ICU after eating a small meal at the hotel. 

McCoy talked with Dr. Sparis and he showed McCoy the organism responsible.  It was about the size of a virus; one celled, hexagonal in shape and had a cytotoxin that was extremely deadly.  There were few of these organisms in the victim’s blood stream and from other body fluids.  McCoy let out a sigh of relief that the thing did not travel into the brains of the victims.  The antibiotics were breaking down the organism’s cellular walls but this caused a release of more toxins as the organisms died; the antibiotics had been discontinued.  The accumulation of the toxins could destroy the kidneys, livers, hearts and the brains of the victims.  McCoy returned to Spock’s bedside and was surprised to see Alan Dorser there waiting for him.  McCoy approached him warily.

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

“It’s what I can do for you, Leonard.  My expertise in Star Fleet is Epidemiology and Infection control.  I was called in as a consult for the victims of this food contamination.  There was left over food from the vegetarian buffet and I was able to isolate the parasite from one of the vegetable dishes and the blood samples from the victims.  The DNA of the parasite is identical in all of the specimens.  All of the victims had consumed the same dish.  Harvest Terra IV is a new resource provider for the Federation.”  Alan said.  McCoy collapsed into the chair by Spock’s bedside.  “Are you alright, Leonard?”

“Yes, Alan, I’m just so relieved.  Good detective work on your part.”  McCoy said, “It was very fortunate that you were attending this conference.  Were you able to derive a treatment to work against the cytotoxin from this thing?”

“Thing?  You mean parasite don’t you.”  Alan corrected him.

“Yes, parasite, I’m sorry I’ve been so worried about Spock and Sarek, I’m not thinking clearly.”  McCoy replied as he rested his face in his hands.

“Sorry, man, I know you’re exhausted.  To answer your question, no, we haven’t been able to isolate any antitoxin.  Another epidemiologist suggested that we go to Harvest Terra IV and locate where this organism is and if it native to that planet or is it being spread to other horticultural planets from another source.  You met her last night, Dr. Zuduric.”  Alan said as he kneeled in front of McCoy.  “You’ve done some impressive research yourself, Leonard, we could use your help on this.”

McCoy looked up at Dorser’s hazel eyes and then over at Spock’s motionless body, he felt so helpless just sitting here.  Spock and Sarek were in good hands with Dr. Sparis.  He rubbed his tired eyes and concentrated; this could help Spock, Sarek and the other victims and he was wasting his talents just sitting on his butt.  He stood up and walked over to Sarek’s bedside.  He informed Amanda of the plan and she appeared to show some hope at the information.  McCoy returned to Spock’s bedside and placed his hand over Spock’s.

“Spock, I’m going to Harvest Terra IV.  That’s where this damned parasite came from.  Alan is an Epidemiologist for Star Fleet, isn’t that interesting…or fascinating…any way you still fight for me dammit.  I know this is illogical but I love you.”  McCoy thought as he held Spock’s hand.  Then he looked over at Dorser, “Let’s go kick this parasite’s ass.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

McCoy tried to keep the contents of his stomach down as their shuttle broke through the atmosphere of Harvest Terra IV.   There was a lot of cloud cover and many air pockets, lightening flashed outside the shuttle’s windows and thunder reverberated in the shuttle’s interior.  Dr. Zuduric appeared to be unaffected by the turbulence, her unblinking bulging eyes stared out of the windows.  Alan sat across from McCoy; he looked over at him with concern.

“You okay there, Leonard?”  Alan asked, “I forgot that you had a hard time on shuttles.  Those trauma team shuttle flights with you weren’t very pleasant.  I’ve got some nausea medication in my bag….”  Dorser said sympathetically looking at McCoy’s green complexion.

“It’s okay….we’re almost there.”  McCoy moaned.  His fingers had a death grip on the arm rests and his knuckles were white.  He took slow deep breaths to calm himself and then the shuttle moved smoothly toward their destination.

The area they were flying over was a living patch-work quilt of greens, reds, yellows and browns.  Row upon row of plants, as far as he could see, grew at various heights and the patterns in the soil were like a painting.  Their shuttle eventually landed at a research building.  The building was at least ten stories high and the front and part of the sides were all clear windows, there was condensation in some of the building’s windows and there were vines with fruits and flowers that grew up on the inside.   McCoy took a deep breath of the fresh air, now rain washed from the storm; he missed Earth sometimes especially Georgia.  Their shuttle pilot removed their luggage and helped them load it onto a trolley that had been left for them to use.  Both Zuduric and Dorser had brought their own research equipment; the labs were available to them with further equipment to use.  They were met by four of the staff who escorted them to their rooms in the main part of the building.  The upper floors were apartments for the staff and visitors.  Dr. Zuduric and Alan had their rooms on the sixth floor and McCoy was shown to his room up on the ninth floor.  The staff member apologized for splitting them up but there were a large number of visiting horticultural students staying in the building.

McCoy was given his door pass to room 917.  He would meet Zuduric and Dorser in 2 hours for a light dinner in the buildings ‘mess hall’.  His room was small but very clean.  He had a twin sized bed with an iron work head board and frame.  The bedspread was a quilt with floral print patterns and the sheets were a dark green color, it was very homey and comforting after the shuttle experience.  The colorful array of vegetation stretched out as he looked outside his window.   The adjoining bathroom was ‘quaint’, an old style water tub with a shower and shower curtain.   He contacted Amanda and Dr. Sparis that he had arrived safely and he would report their findings as soon as they were available.

After a cafeteria style meal that was surprisingly very tasty, they were given a tour of the fields and orchards.  The towering enclosed glass greenhouse was for the seedlings and plants that needed a more moisture rich environment, some other areas were for ‘plants’ that could not grow in an oxygen rich environment and antigravity room for plants that had evolved in almost weightless conditions.  The area of contamination was a hydroponic system of plants growing out of openings in a very large covered unit.  The plants varied from cabbage and lettuce like varieties, grasses, root-type vegetables and to grains, including rice and millet.  The irrigation water came from a large towering container and flowed through the entire system.  The return water was cleaned through a process of filters and UV light waves.  McCoy was impressed at the system; Scotty would be beside himself studying the system.  McCoy recorded some video feed and information for Scotty.  The area was very tidy, there were no leaks and the covering membrane was spotless.  As they neared the end of the unit, McCoy could smell a moldy, sour odor.  The plants in the outer parameter had wilted and some were black with mold, the odor grew worse like rotten broccoli.  The technician was horrified and called the central office on his communicator.  McCoy and Dorser put on their protective gloves, masks and eye shields.   McCoy cut through the covering and fell back on his heels, the smell was over whelming.  Then he and Dorser took samples of the water, which had become stagnant in this area; the roots of the plants, foliage and they removed the clogged filters.  They were driven back to the building and they took their specimens up to the lab on the third floor.  The specimens were isolated and labeled and an inventory of the plants specimens was made.

The horticultural staff assisted them in identifying the plants.  There were seven plants that they were not able to identify and stated that the plants were never ordered to grow at their facility. 

Amongst the unknown plants roots was a huge colony of the parasites.  Dr. Zuduric ordered that the entire hydroponic system be shut down, the area be covered and quarantined, if any of the plants had been recently harvested they were to be removed from all food sources and those plants were to be placed in a sealed container under her supervision.  She did not want the plants to be burned; the organisms could be aerosolized and inhaled.  They worked until almost midnight by their time clocks and they were exhausted, especially McCoy who had been running on fumes anyway. 

“I think I am goin’ to call it a night.”  McCoy said, his accent becoming more noticeable, “I haven’t had much sleep since Spock and Sarek became ill.  What time is breakfast served around here?” 

“From what I was told the cafeteria opens at 7:30 am.”  Alan said, “I’ve already ordered some grits to be made just for you!”

“You’re spoilin’ me all over again, Alan.”  McCoy laughed and then let out a long yawn.

“Do you want me to walk with you up to your room?” Dorser asked.

McCoy dismissed his suggestion with a wave of his hand as another yawn escaped his mouth.  “I’ll see ya’ll in tha mornin’.  G-night, Dr. Zuduric; g-night, Alan.”   He said and then shuffled up to his room.  McCoy fell on his bed; he didn’t even undress nor pull back the covers.  His thoughts were of Spock and how he missed his physical presence.  Spock would have been a great help on this mission.

McCoy was awakened by the soft solar light that came from his window.  He glanced at his chronometer, it was 6 am.  He felt much more rested and he sat up.  He must have become cold during the night because he was under the sheet and quilt and he was hugging the other pillow that was on his bed.   He really missed Spock.

He read over his notes in his computer log and added information from yesterday.  At 7:30 the small cafeteria had opened and McCoy joined the line of students and staff for breakfast.  McCoy was thrilled to see that grits were indeed prepared; he was given a large bowl of the grits because there were very few takers.  He grabbed some scrambled eggs, bacon, wheat toast and a large cup of coffee.  He searched for Alan and Zuduric at the tables but he later spotted them in line for breakfast, motioned to where he was sitting.

After breakfast, they returned to the labs and worked on the specimens, primarily the parasites.  It was in the afternoon that one of the horticultural lab technicians had identified one of the plants being native to the planet Apus.  McCoy looked over at Zuduric, who was analyzing the cytotoxins from the parasites.  McCoy went over to the technician and viewed her computer analysis.  Not only was the plant from Apus but there was a large amount of native soil present around the roots and the largest numbers of the parasites detected were in this soil and roots.  The horticulturist stated that this was very odd and against the growing procedures set for this planet.   McCoy recorded her findings on his tricorder.  The lab tech went over to show her findings to Dorser and Zuduric.  McCoy went to the main office of the center and asked if there were any Apodisians on staff at the center.  He was informed there were none on staff and Dr. Zuduric was the only Apodisian they had encountered.

However, when a new planet joins the Federation, arrangements are made to have the native food plants distributed to some of the Harvest Terra planets; none had been scheduled for delivery to this planet.  McCoy requested information on the Harvest Terra planets.  He was handed 2 data disc brochures about the planets.

McCoy returned to his room and viewed the discs.  Harvest Terra was a franchise of planets owned by the Galaxy Organic Food Providers, the share holders were many diversified investors.  The planets varied in their atmospheres and terrain conditions.  Harvest IV was a class M planet suitable for humanoids, Vulcans, Romulans and other races.  According to the information McCoy was viewing, the company had very strict requirements, regulations and protocols for growing the food sources.  McCoy checked on his computer for any other incidents of food contamination from any of the planets.  There were several reported but nothing fatal like the one that had affected so many at the Federation Conference.  McCoy called the security office and inquired if there were any surveillance disks from the last six weeks and if the surveillance cameras covered the area of the hydroponics unit.  He was very disappointed to learn that the cameras did not scan the grounds in that area nor were there any in the fields and orchards, only around the building’s perimeter.

McCoy contacted Amanda and learned that Spock and Sarek were more stable.  The Vulcan physician who had helped him, Dr. T’Sarsa, was brought in to help with the healing trances.  McCoy was very relieved to hear this.  He asked if Spock was conscious but Amanda informed him that neither Spock nor Sarek were conscious yet.  He told Amanda that he was sending the information about the parasites, the plant and soil from Apus and the Harvest Terra franchise.  Amanda expressed her thanks and she would give this information to Dr. Sparis and she would convey through touch McCoy’s words of encouragement to Spock and Sarek, especially McCoy’s feelings of affection to Spock.  Amanda strongly encouraged McCoy to be careful; Dr. Sparis and the staff in the ICU were suspecting deliberate contamination of the food that was served.  As he had promised, he sent the information directly to Amanda and Dr. Sparis.

This made sense to McCoy due to what the lab tech had said about the plant from Apus being placed in the unit with the planets native soil.  Who could do such a thing?  What would their motive be for causing a parasitic outbreak?  Did the parasitic organism need the soil to survive?  None of the other plants were from Apus, they were still being analyzed.  McCoy studied the franchise more and he discovered that they were developing a pharmaceutical business as well.  The pharmaceuticals would be medications, herbs and other remedies from numerous planets.  It was to be their “health eating-healthy life style” campaign.  

McCoy was interrupted in his research by a knock on his door and Dorser walked inside.

“Here you are, Leonard.  I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”  He said smiling, and then he looked at McCoy’s computer screen.  “What are you studying, McCoy?” 

“I learned from one of the lab techs that one of the plants was from Apus and still had soil attached to the roots.  I was just checking into Harvest Terra’s process for receiving and growing plants.”

“Well you don’t have to look any further.  The Horticultural tech misidentified the plant, it wasn’t from Apus and the material she said was soil was just large colonies of mold.”  Dorser said.

McCoy had seen the specimen and scanned it himself; it was a mineral nonorganic substance that she had found.  He had seen fungi from many planets; most had organic matter and all were living.  The he thought of the Horta, very small amount of carbon and mostly silica, but the Horta have DNA.  Fungi have DNA; the minerals were primarily elements without DNA.  McCoy tried to keep his expression blank.

“Well, that’s a big relief.  At least we know that the parasites prefer a stagnant and fungi rich environment.”  He said as he turned off his computer, he looked at the time.  It was 1830 (6:30 pm) and as if on cue his stomach grumbled.  “I forgot to eat lunch, are you going to supper?”

“It’s the reason why I’m here, I’m starving too.”  Alan said and McCoy caught him eyeing the information discs again.  “How are Spock and his father doing?”

“There has been no change in their condition; I just talked to his mother.  Dr. Sparis is still working hard on an antiparasitic medication.  I hope that we can find some answers for them and especially for the other surviving victims.”  McCoy said keeping all information at a minimum.  “They don’t keep a menu of the meals here do they?”

Alan laughed, “You didn’t read your computer information on the facility and the cafeteria.”

“What’s on for tonight’s meal?”  McCoy asked as his stomach growled again.

“I think it’s an open buffet and salad bar.”  Dorser replied.

“Great, I’m craving a hamburger…do you think they have French fries?”  McCoy said.

Alan laughed again, “I can’t stand it…you get to eat all of the fun stuff.”  They entered the lift to go to the cafeteria.

After supper, they returned to the lab.  McCoy looked for the lab tech that had shown him the sample.  He did not see her in the lab or the other rooms on the third floor.  He stopped one of the other lab techs and asked about her.

“Oh, you mean, Laura.  Well, her rotation was over and I think she headed back to Star Base 15.”  The young man replied.

“Okay, thanks.”  McCoy said.  That was odd; she must have come by herself for a rotation here.

The other unidentified plants had been identified from various other planets, none of which were from planets in the Federation.  The plants would be toxic to humanoids but none of their toxins appeared in any of the victims.  McCoy thought about Amanda’s warning; the contamination may have been intentional.  Was a member of the Federation targeting humanoids, did they object to Apus being admitted into the Federation?  McCoy wondered who voted against Apus joining the Federation; it had to be a majority vote for them to be accepted but who were the minority.  Dr. Zuduric appeared very concerned about the outbreak and her analysis of the specimens was very thorough.  He doubted Alan had anything to do with this, Dorser was always professional and he was a member of Star Fleet.  All of the toxins were due to the parasites.  McCoy wondered if the Apodisians were susceptible to the toxins as well.  He needed Spock; he needed that tremendous analytical brain of his.  The Enterprise was off on another mission and he really could use the computers for research.  How could he reach Kirk?  Did Kirk even know that Spock and Sarek were ill?  McCoy ran several scans on the parasites himself and he transferred the information from his tricorder to his computer.  He tried to find the plant that Laura had shown him, but it was missing in fact all of her information was missing from the lab’s computer data banks.  There was a cover up going on, was it on the part of Harvest Terra or Dr. Zuduric and Dorser? 

Alan invited McCoy to his room; he had some Tennessee whiskey in his suit case.  McCoy smiled; maybe he could get some information out of Alan.  Dorser’s room was larger and there was a double bed.  McCoy sat down into one of the chairs and stretched out his legs, it felt good to be sitting down.  Dorser remembered McCoy liked his whiskey strait up with a small amount of ice.  He poured himself a glass which he mixed with some soda.

“Damn, this is smooth!”  McCoy said appreciatively, “This is what I needed.”  Dorser sat on the edge of his bed facing McCoy.

“Yep, this is good stuff.  So how long have you been the Enterprise’s CMO?”  Alan asked.

“Oh, about a year and a half, I took care of the captain when he was a patient of mine.  Kirk was a lieutenant at the time.   We became friends and he fought for me to be his CMO.”  McCoy said and he took another swig of his drink.

“You were that much in demand?”  Alan asked wide-eyed.

“Oh no, just the opposite.  I like Star Fleet, but I hate all of the damned red tape you have to go through to get anything approved.  Jim Kirk is Star Fleet’s golden boy and a damned fine captain; he wanted me as his CMO due to my surgical skills.  He also can’t stand ‘yes men’ on his ship.  Kirk wants his officers to be efficient and trust worthy.  I fit those two qualifications.  I’m afraid I’ve stepped on a lot of toes in the Surgeon General’s office.  They like ‘yes men’ and they don’t want….let me think of some of the names the Surgeon General has called me.  Oh, yes, a ‘damned maverick ‘, ‘too argumentative’, ‘not a team player’, ‘self-centered demi-god surgeon’, a ‘pain in his ass’, ‘a foul mouthed rebel’ and ‘too cocky’.  Jim’s been called on the red carpet several times because of my attitude but he sticks up for me and he rubs their noses in the surgical procedures, vaccines and medications that my staff and I have accomplished.  Believe me, there is no love lost between me and the Surgeon General’s office.”

“When did you meet Spock, have you been close for very long?” Alan asked.

“Spock is Kirk’s second in command and the Chief Science Officer, sorta’ my boss.  Spock was already the Commander on the Enterprise when I joined.  He’s a half Vulcan-half human hybrid.  He’s more Vulcan than any Vulcans I have ever met.  At first, he got under my skin with his extensive scientific knowledge and his devotion to logic.  Logic won’t help you when you’re doin’ open heart surgery and you’ve got a bleeder.  He appeared cold and uncaring and he’s infallible.  I was wrong, very wrong.  He and Kirk are very close friends and he is extremely protective and loyal to Kirk.  I guess I got a little jealous of their friendship, how do you compete with someone who’s perfect?”  McCoy paused and took a gulp of his whiskey.  “We had discovered an earth like planet where there were only children living, very old children living…”  McCoy filled him in on the details of the antidote and how he had heard from Kirk how caring and protective Spock had been towards him.  Alan gasped when McCoy told him that he had injected himself with the untested serum.  Then he filled him in on the events that had happened in the Mirror universe and the aftermath.  “We’ve had our spats before we visited that universe, it got to be sort of challenge between us, almost a daily game.  Kirk told us on many occasions that we sounded like an old married couple.  It was not until Spock and I were together in our minds that I discovered how much he cared for me.  I don’t know what I would do if something happened to him.”

Alan had been very quiet; it was difficult to read his expression.  “Is he demonstrative in his affections, does he tell you he loves you, does he make you laugh and is he fun to be with and spontaneous?”  He asked.

“No, not verbally.  Spock’s never been by human terms playful and fun seeking.  He does have a great sense of humor; you just have to pay close attention to what he is saying….”  McCoy said but was cut off.

“You seem to fall in love with the wrong people, Leonard.  Jocelyn was cruel and spiteful but it seemed to make you more determined to please her.”  Alan said; there were tears forming in his eyes.  “You deserved so much better then and you deserve so much better now.  I don’t quite how to tell you this…when I saw you with Spock I knew I had a chance.”  Alan cleared his throat and wiped the tears off of his cheeks.  “I have been in love with you ever since our internship.  I have always preferred men to women, but you were married and you seemed to be a dedicated heterosexual.  When you would stay at my apartment when things were traumatic at home, I was so happy.  I couldn’t tell you how I felt but I could show you.  I loved to cook for you; when you feel into a deep sleep I could hold you in my arms and take you…”

“That’s how I always wound up in the guest room.”  McCoy said softly, not quite sure how to take this confession from Dorser.  McCoy did not want to know what else happened.  “I’m sorry that you felt you couldn’t tell me and I hope that I wasn’t taking advantage of your feelings.  You were so good to me…I had no idea, Alan.  I don’t know what to say.”  McCoy said looking into the watery hazel eyes.  “You were very important to me and your friendship saved me.  To be honest, I have always preferred women to men.  My relationships with women have usually turned out wrong.  My job and my friendships meet my needs, there are very few times that…um…I need the physical aspects of a relationship.”

Dorser rose from the bed and knelt in front of McCoy, the pain in his eyes were overwhelming but a look of desire was replacing the sorrow.  McCoy licked his lips nervously and his heart was hammering in his chest, he felt trapped.  Suddenly Dorser grabbed his shoulders and his mouth pressed hard against McCoy’s, his grip was tight and powerful and he pushed McCoy back into the chair.  The alcohol had made McCoy woozy and he tried to fight back.  Then he heard the door open to Dorser’s room, it was Zuduric.  If she was surprised her bulging nonexpressive eyes gave no indication she was.  Dorser slowly released McCoy and he rose to his feet, straitening his uniform.  McCoy was panting and he slid slightly down in the chair.

“I am sorry if I am interrupting the two of you.”  She said.  McCoy wiped his mouth off and straitened himself in the chair; his heart was still beating rapidly.  Dorser ran a hand through his hair and turned to face her.  “Alan, there is something I need to discuss with you.  It is a matter of great importance.”

Dorser let out a moan, “What is it, Dr. Zuduric?”  He asked angrily. 

She looked over at McCoy, “Dr. McCoy would you please excuse us, this is a matter for Dorser and I.”  McCoy rose out of the chair but he was blocked by Alan.

“Can’t it wait?  Can’t you ask me now?”  Dorser’s face was red with frustration.

“No, it cannot wait and Dr. McCoy is not privileged to company information.”  She said, her voice through the translator was louder but lacked the emotion behind her words.

Alan turned to McCoy, “Where are you going to be, Leonard?”

McCoy thought quickly, “I’ll head back down to the labs, there are some tests I need to check on and I hear the cafeteria is going to be open at 2300 (11 pm) for the third shift.  I want to get a snack before bedtime.  I’ll see you both in the lab.”  He made a quick exit without looking at Dorser’s face.

McCoy ran up to his room and grabbed his communicator.  He set up his Tricorder by the door and set it as an alarm system to alert him if anyone entered his room.  His communicator would receive the alarm signal.  He had to get in touch with Amanda to see if she could contact Kirk.  He ran outside and to the orchards, the trees would give him cover and it was still light outside.  The sun did not set until midnight, the planet’s long daylight hours improved the growing seasons of the crops.  He settled under a large apple tree and opened up the channel to contact Amanda.  The communications center in the research building would amplify his signal.

“Leonard, it is good to hear your voice.  Spock and Sarek are awake, weak but awake.”  Amanda informed him.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard in days. Listen, Amanda, could you get me in contact with Jim Kirk?  It’s very urgent that I contact him.”  McCoy asked.

“I can do better than that, you can talk to him yourself, and he’s here at Spock’s bedside.  Let me give him my communicator.”  She said.  There was a brief pause that seemed like hours to McCoy.

“Bones!  How are you?  Have you found out anything?  They still have not found a specific antitoxin but they are getting close.  M’Benga is working on finding one on the Enterprise.” Kirk’s voice said through the speaker.

“Listen, Jim, have the ship’s computers search for the names of the share holders in the Galaxy Organic Food Providers.  Check to see if Dr. Zuduric and Dr. Alan Dorser are on the list.  There’s a cover up here on Harvest IV.  A horticultural tech that identified the Apus plant has vanished along with the plant and the soil that was still in the roots.  I scanned her specimen earlier and I sent the information to Dr. Sparis.  Dorser said that the tech was wrong, that the plant was not from Apus and the soil was just fungi.  That is total horseshit.” McCoy informed him.  “Also send the information on the plant in question up to Sulu; I’d be very interested to hear what he discovers.”

“Hold on, Bones, I’m contacting Uhura.  I’ll get right back to you.  Where are you?”  Kirk asked.

“I’m hiding in the orchard; I didn’t want to call inside the building.”  McCoy said.

“In an orchard?  Why would you hide in an orchard?  Wait, Bones, Spock feels strong enough to talk, I’m handing him the Communicator.”  Kirk said.

“Spock, Spock, are you there?”  McCoy asked impatiently.

“I am indeed here, Leonard.”  Spock’s deep voice said, it was breathy but it was wonderful to hear his voice.  “Please be careful…all is not what it seems…father had been talking with Dr. Zuduric earlier….he doubts her motives are genuine...he received information through touch telep… I cannot stand being this weak…I must gather my strength…..Leonard you are no match against her…Do not confront her...”  Spock had stopped talking.

“Spock, Spock, are you alright?  Spock, answer me!” McCoy asked worried.

“Sorry, Bones, Spock is so tired.  I have the answers to the questions you had asked.  You were correct about your suspicions about Zuduric and Dorser.  Dr. Zuduric has been a share holder in the Galaxy Organic food company for many years and she has performed a lot of research through them.  Her planet, Apus, is running out of natural resources and their race is endangered.  That is why her planet sought membership in the Federation, for protection and for the many resources available for them.  Dorser recently joined on as a member of the Galaxy Organic Company to head start their pharmaceutical division.  He has been conducting some vaccines and antitoxins trials.  There have been no ill effects or malpractice on his part but he has been in research with Zuduric for some time.  His part in this maybe minimal but he has not stopped her.” Kirk informed him, “Dr. Sparis was able to trace the food delivery from Harvest IV and the harvesting of the plants in question from the hydroponic garden to the conference was a mistake.  Those plants were not tagged to be pulled for the delivery.  According to the kitchen staff here, Dr. Zuduric was outraged that her planet’s flora was used in preparation of the meal.  This was after the outbreak and discovery of the parasites.”  Kirk said, “Bones, the Enterprise is being deployed to investigate this occurrence.  We should arrive at Harvest IV in 30 solar hour’s time.  Is there any other information that you need to send us?  We have enough evidence to arrest Zuduric and Dorser.”

“Not at this time, Jim, but I’d like to find out what happed to the lab tech, Laura.  I have a bad feeling about her disappearance and the disappearance of the specimens.  Take care of Spock for me, I’m eager to see you and end this incident.  McCoy out.”  McCoy put his communicator onto his belt and made his way stealthily back to the research building.  He entered though the back door of the building and used the stairwell instead of the elevators.  His door was unguarded and he entered his room, he made sure the door was secure.  The tricorder revealed no recorded intrusions. 

McCoy showered and then went to bed.  He had nightmares about the plants, Dorser and Zuduric.  They had Spock held captive and were torturing him.  McCoy tried to help him but his arms and legs were frozen, he was snared in a spider’s web.  The fibers of the web were tight around his wrists and ankles; he pulled at them desperately to free himself.  The more he heard Spock’s screams the harder he tried to free himself, the web fibers cut into his skin.  Then the dream faded as he went into a deeper sleep state.  Another dream surfaced, he was still caught in the web and he was lying on his back and a large spider was sitting on his chest and abdomen.  McCoy cringed as one of the eight legs stroked his face and a hooked appendage pried open his mouth……he awoke screaming.

Dr. Zuduric was sitting on top of him and one of her digits was opening his mouth.  He struggled to push her off but his arms and legs were tethered to the bed frame at his wrists and ankles. 

Her bulging eyes were staring into his and she was silent.  McCoy was able to get his left hand free but Zuduric was quick and grabbed his wrist.

“Dr. McCoy, what a meddlesome human you are.  I should have kept a closer eye on you.  I sensed something was wrong when you disappeared last night and my computer scans picked up on your conversation with your captain.  It was foolish of me not to have investigated who else Laura had given the information to.”  She said.

“What did you do with her and the sample?”  McCoy asked as he still struggled in vain. 

“Oh, she’s feeding my future children.”  Zuduric said.

McCoy gasped, “Your future children?!”

“Yes, the ‘parasites’ are my eggs.  My world is dying and I needed to find other compatible planets to continue my species.   Our eggs are fertilized outside of our bodies and the unfertilized eggs need certain conditions to keep them viable until fertilization can be achieved.

Once fertilization is successful, then my children develop in their nutrient rich medium.  Any protein source will do whether it is a nitrogen rich soil, a human body or a Vulcan body.  My eggs were accidently harvested and sent to the conference.  I followed them and unfortunately they were consumed.  It was not my intention that so many would suffer or die.  My planet joined the Federation for protection and for recolonization.  My race is a very old one; we have adapted many ways of protection to insure the survival of our race.  The toxins given off by my eggs are one of the methods.  The toxins kill the host and the eggs are kept viable even through the decaying process.  When the victims were given antibiotics, these chemicals killed my eggs and in their perishing they would kill the host body they were in.  It is a defense method that has prevented harvesting and ingestion of our eggs.”  Zuduric said.  The mechanical voice from the translator made her words even more chilling.  “Now, you also will take care of my children, Doctor.”  One of her hands held a hypo filled with a fluid and McCoy struggled to get his one hand free.  As Spock had warned him, he was no match for Zuduric’s strength.  She administered the dose in his arm and another hand holding a small cup poured a foul tasting liquid into his mouth.  His jaws were held tight together by her long fingers and he tried to spit the fluid out.  After a minute she released his mouth and he spit out the fluid.  “It is too late, Doctor, my eggs have already made their way through your oral tissues.”  Then she delivered another drug with a hypo.  “Sleep and let my children keep you company, Dr. McCoy.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The last thing Spock remembered was Leonard holding his hand as he was lifted up into the emergency transport.  Then there was only darkness followed by a pain that flooded his entire body.  His brain informed him of the damage that was occurring but the extent of the damage had overwhelmed his mind.  Distant voices whispered through the information flooding his consciousness.  His mother informed him Sarek was ill and her presence in his mind was a delicate balm, not strong enough to overpower the assault on his body.  McCoy’s thoughts were stronger and they gave him some focus on the enemy inside of him.  Dr. Sparis sent him images of the parasites that were present in him, Sarek and other victims.    Spock was able to concentrate on these parasites, what were they?  Then his thoughts turned to what his father had revealed to him about Dr. Zuduric.  Sarek had unintentionally touched one of the doctor’s arms and the information that he received was quite disturbing.  Sarek knew that she was desperately searching for her eggs.  He saw the partnership she had with Dorser and her involvement with Galaxy Organic Company.  Sarek had revealed this information to Spock prior to the dinner.  Spock thought about the chance encounter that Zuduric would sit next to Dorser at their dinner table and Dorser’s past with McCoy.   When Leonard informed him he was going to Harvest IV with Dorser, it gave him a stronger focus to heal.  With the assistance of T’Sarsa he was able to emerge out of the toxic effects of the infestation.  The whole process of the toxins and his healing had depleted his strength; it would be days before he would be able to function.  Dr. M’Benga had dealt with a similar case on one of his internships in infectious diseases.  They were able to successfully filter out the parasites without setting off the toxin release defense.  Within two hours both Spock and Sarek were free of the eggs and their own healing abilities were able to neutralize the residual toxins.  The other victims made quick progress as well.  Amanda and Sarek remained at the conference site, they would gather more information about Apus, Galaxy Organic Company and where other eggs of the Apodisians had been sent.

Spock returned to the Enterprise and he rested in his quarters as they neared Harvest IV.  Both Kirk and he were very concerned about McCoy, he was not replying on his communicator and the research center would only tell them that he was in conference with Zuduric and Dorser.  Dorser’s possessive attitude toward McCoy puzzled him, he had known McCoy years ago and there had not been any contact between them until now.  Amanda informed him that Dorser requested McCoy to join the study on Harvest IV, it was not Star fleet Command that ordered McCoy to join them and Zuduric was involved as well.  The conversation with Kirk concerned him, why did McCoy have to be outside of the facility to make the call?  Who was he hiding from and what dangers was he facing?  The missing lab tech and the specimens made him more concerned.  Was McCoy in more danger with Dorser or Zuduric; or were both of them a combined threat.  McCoy always underestimated his vulnerability, this delusion of being impervious to danger never ceased to puzzle him.  According to Kirk, this was the medical mind set; since most medical professionals are exposed to so many diseases and toxins and rarely become ill themselves, it was a sense of false security.  Spock and Sulu had been studying the life forms on Apus.  There was a frog-like creature that could devour the eggs of the Apodisians and were not affected by the toxins; they had strong enzymes in their digestive tracts that dissolved the cell membrane quickly.  A science team from Star Fleet was on Apus and sent them the molecular structure of this enzyme.  This enzyme was being replicated in their lab with the assistance of Dr. M’Benga in the form of an intravenous serum and an oral medication.

It was eight hours before they would reach Harvest IV and Spock meditated for a while and then rested.  He would need his strength to help rescue McCoy.

McCoy rose in and out of consciousness as the eggs released their toxins.  He would shiver violently due to a high fever, his body was in severe pain and he was very weak.  Occasionally, he felt a cool cloth wiping his face and when he opened his eyes he saw the blurry face of Alan.  Dorser was saying something to him but he was too ill to understand.  McCoy had been released from his bonds and his arms and legs were limp on the bed.  As the fever and toxins progressed, the pain from his head and body were overwhelming, he begged Alan for relief or at least just put him out of his misery…he was going to die anyway.  Dorser said nothing, but he tenderly bathed McCoy’s hot skin with cool water and dripped cool water into his mouth.  In his mind, McCoy screamed for Spock, unsure if Spock was improved or if he had succumbed to the toxins as well.  Eventually, everything went black and McCoy embraced the dark void as a release.

Kirk, Spock and a Security team beamed down outside of the research building.  Minutes later, M’Benga and Chapel beamed down.  The landing party met little if no resistance, the research personnel were not involved in this incident and they wanted to find out what happened to Laura.  The landing party searched the third floor laboratories, but Dorser and Zuduric were not there.  Their rooms were empty as well.  They took the lift up to the ninth floor and went to McCoy’s room.  Dorser was standing near the door with a very pale, limp unresponsive McCoy in his arms.  McCoy was wrapped partially in a white sheet but Kirk and Spock immediately saw the bleeding, bruised flesh around his wrists and ankles.

“Let go of Dr. McCoy.” Kirk angrily shouted his phaser was drawn; the security team had their phasers drawn as well.

Dorser just stared at Kirk and he held the limp doctor closer to him.  Spock stepped forward and stared into Dorser’s eyes.  Then Spock walked up to Dorser and pulled McCoy out of his arms.  Dorser made a soft cry of protest but released him into Spock’s arms.  M’Benga scanned McCoy and shook his head.

“We may be too late.  He’s already in organ failure.”  He gave McCoy a shot of the enzyme antitoxin.

“I loved him, I didn’t want Zuduric to kill him but we had too much to lose.  You are a lucky man, Mr. Spock, to have his affection.  He loves you…a lot…”  Dorser said he eyes watering.

This made Kirk angrier, “Where’s Dr. Zuduric? Where is the lab tech Laura?” 

Alan did not reply; he saw McCoy cradled in Spock’s arms.  Spock turned his head and his dark eyes burned with an intensity that Kirk had not seen since the fight with him on Vulcan at his challenge for T’Pring.   M’Benga gave McCoy another dose and some other medications.

“I’m not going to ask you again, Dr. Dorser, where is Zuduric?”  Kirk yelled.

Dorser looked at Kirk with a sigh of defeat, “She’s left for Apus.”

“Where’s the lab tech?”  Kirk asked.

“Her body is in the hydroponic unit.”  Dorser said.

“Captain,” Spock said, “We are taking McCoy to sick bay.”  Then he, M’Benga and Chapel dissolved into the transporter beams.

“How did Zuduric escape?”  Kirk asked.

“She had a shuttle just outside the gardens here.  I wanted to be with Leonard until…”  He stopped talking and allowed one of the security guards to place restraints on his wrists.

Kirk called Scotty to beam up the team and Dorser.

McCoy was aware of feeling comfortable, warm and familiar sounds and smells alerted him that he was safe in his Sick Bay.  His eyes fluttered open and he saw Chapel and M’Benga standing close to him.

“Welcome back, Boss.”  M’Benga said.  “I’m going to let Mr. Spock and the Captain know that you are awake.”

McCoy looked over at Christine, “How long have I been out?” 

“Almost thirty five hours.  We almost lost you.  Spock and Sulu had discovered an enzyme that destroys the eggs and neutralizes the toxins, and Dr’ M’Benga developed it into a serum.  It was repairing the damage to your organs that took a while.  You’ll still be our guest here for another three days, but we’re very glad you made it back.”

“I am in your capable hands and I’ll be the best patient you’ve ever had.”  McCoy said with a slight smile.

Chapel snorted, “May be you need four days, after a remark like that I know you’re still sick.”

McCoy closed his eyes and rested until Spock arrived.  He had missed Spock so much and he was worried that he would die before he would see Spock again.  Tears leaked from the corner of his eyes and warm gentle fingers wiped them away.  He opened his eyes and saw Spock’s face before him; it was all he could do not to break out into sobs.

Spock’s fingers rested at his temples, “There is no need for such displays of emotion, Leonard, and you are safe.  I have to admit that I was deeply concerned about your welfare and I might not have the chance to tell you….I love you.”  His voice sounded in McCoy’s mind.

McCoy responded to these words by breaking out into chest heaving sobs.  Spock gently lifted him up against his chest and held him.  The pleasure and reassurance that he felt of McCoy’s body in his arms strengthened him more.  McCoy was an essential part of him now, a completion.  When the sobbing had subsided he lowered the doctor back onto the Biobed.

McCoy’s eyes were red from crying but the blue irises were the vivid shade that Spock treasured.  He handed McCoy some tissues and the doctor blew his nose and wiped his eyes.

“Nothin’ like a grand ole’ emotional reaction to greet you with, Spock.”  McCoy said; his voice was raspy from crying.

“I am use to them, Leonard, and I would not change them for anything.  It is good to see that you are conscious and that you are healing.”  Spock said.

“Bones!  It’s great to have you back!”  Kirk said coming closer, he had waited for Spock and McCoy to have their first moment together.

“What happened while I was incapacitated? “  McCoy asked.

“Dr. Zuduric tried to escape by way of her shuttle that she had near the research station before all of this happened.  She was the one who had placed the native plant from her planet in the hydroponic garden.  Since she would do research at the facility it was easy for her to cultivate her ‘nursery’ so to speak.  No one at Harvest Terra IV remembers sending her plants with the rest of the food for the convention.  We did find Laura; she was under the cover of the hydroponics unit.  It was Zuduric who killed her.  Star Fleet intercepted her shuttle before she could reach a commercial star ship back to Apus.  It took a while to get her to talk; she was faced with the destruction of her eggs if she did not reveal what had happened.   Dorser was somewhat involved, he was hoping for the head position with Galaxy Organics in their Pharmaceutical division.”  Kirk’s voice softened, “He did not want Zuduric to kill you, but she apparently had some control over him.  He did not leave with her; he wanted to stay with you.”

“Until I died?!  I remember I begged him to help me or just put me out of my misery but he did nothing.”  McCoy said.  “I had no idea about his feelings for me when we were interns.  When he saw me with Spock, he became jealous…it was so bazaar!  He tried to get physical with me but Dr. Zuduric conveniently interrupted him.  She wanted to discuss company business with him.  That’s when I contacted you out in the orchard.”  McCoy shivered.  “Where is he now?”

“He’s on his way to Star Fleet command, where he will be court marshaled and tried as an accessory to murder.”  Kirk said.  “Well, I’ve got a ship to run.  It’s good to have you safe and sound, Bones.”

McCoy turned to Spock and studied the dark eyes, the slanted eyebrows and the pointed ears.

Spock was so beautiful and the best thing that ever happened to him.  McCoy reached up and traced one dark eyebrow with his finger.  Spock gently took McCoy’s hand in his.

“I am the one who is more fortunate, Leonard.  Rest now and sleep.  I’ll stay here until you fall asleep.”  Spock said. 

The warmth and gentle strength of Spock’s hand around his, relaxed McCoy and he drifted off in the security of Spock’s love.