The research team consisted of Commander Spock, Lt. Commander Dr. Leonard McCoy and Nurse Chapel and Helmsman Sulu.  This was Nurse Chapel’s first research team on the Enterprise and the fact that she would be with Spock in a relaxed, natural setting had her excited and nervous at the same time.  This was her second year aboard the Enterprise; she had volunteered two years ago to join Star Fleet and requested to work with Dr. McCoy.  This would also be her first research team with McCoy.  What put a dim light on the research mission were the rumors going around the ship, even from her friend Nyota Uhura.  These rumors were suggesting that there was ‘something’ going on between Spock and McCoy.  Chapel had suspected it was Kirk and Spock, but Kirk did not like to be pinned down in any relationship on or off of his ship and not for extended periods of time.  It seemed like a cliché that the ship was his only true love, but from what she had observed this was true.  The Enterprise was a perfect mistress, she only wanted to be taken care of and did not make excessive demands on him nor was she possessive.  Both Spock and McCoy had been in love with someone in their past who rejected them.  As much as they would deny it, they had a lot of similarities, when they cared for someone it was a commitment.  That is what made Spock an excellent First Officer and McCoy a perfection driven surgeon and physician.  There was also a palpable emptiness in them both that their friendship with Kirk seem to fill.  It was also evident that this friendship was not enough.  At first Chapel put it down to jealousy on McCoy’s part that he was so hard on Spock, how could you compete with a perfect Vulcan?  But Spock would seek out McCoy for ‘talks’ which would lead to the infamous bickering.  Occasionally, Chapel had seen Spock’s eyes darken with subtle anger but most of the time his dark eyes would look intently into McCoy’s ice blue eyes.  When Spock was injured, McCoy would work feverously to heal him, even more so than Kirk.  Chapel had heard from Rand, Uhura and Sulu, that when McCoy was injured, Spock was uncharacteristically tender and protective of the doctor.

It was the morning of the forth day on the planet.  Chapel found it hard to fall asleep the first night in the sleeping area with Spock close by.  McCoy had the cot next to Spock; she had heard them talking softly last night.  It was a pleasant talk from what she could hear, there was no indication in Spock’s deep voice or McCoy’s gravelly tone that there was any arguing going on.  Spock’s voice was soft and McCoy’s in his relaxed southern accent.

 

 There were no set times for waking up, there was no regimented schedules.  Usually, Spock was the first to wake up, make his tea then meditate before starting his specimen gathering and analysis.  McCoy, a light sleeper, followed him and soon the unit was filled with the aroma of coffee.  Each person had brought some of their preferred food items and there were the standard ship rations that were available for each meal.  There was one bathroom which had hot or cold filtered and recycled water reservoir for bathing.  They used their supply of drinking water for their oral hygiene needs.   Sulu would have a cup of tea in the morning and McCoy would make enough coffee for Christine also.  Chapel was glad that Sulu was on the team; he was always cheerful and had a great sense of humor.  His hobby of botany was in reality his expertise; he was utilized as a Botanist on the Enterprise and for Star Fleet.  Chapel was pursuing her doctorate in nursing and from there go onto medical school.  She and Sulu worked together on the plant specimens, Sulu for increasing his botanical references and Chapel for her doctoral thesis on medicinal plants.  Spock worked on both botanical and fauna life forms and McCoy was studying the bacterial and viral organisms.

 

There were abundant life forms in the area where they had set up camp; from one cell microbes, multi-legged arthropods and reptile like creatures that inhabited the water and dry land.  Almost all of the larger animals were poisonous, that is to humans and Vulcans.  A few of the animals were what a human female would label as ‘cute’.  One particular life form was small with a furry body and smooth skin covered wings that stretched out from its body.  They had oval shaped heads with brilliant colored beaks and on the top of their head were yellow tufts.  The team did not seem to scare them and the creatures interacted with them almost immediately.  Initially, it was fun to have them around, but now they had become pests.  They would get into the specimens, eat unprotected food and try to eat their instruments.  One creature in particular had ‘bonded’ with McCoy and in spite of the doctor’s protests and yelling, always followed him around the work area and where ever he was in the field.  McCoy named the thing “Jim”.

 

 When Spock asked, “Why did you name it ‘Jim’?”

 

 McCoy snorted and replied “It’s blonde, it’s a pest and it’s a pain in my ass.”

Chapel and Sulu laughed about that for days.  On the fifth day, the team was spread out and they had their communicators to keep track of one another.   McCoy was taking samples from a stagnant pond when he heard a loud deep cry. 

“Who needs help?” He yelled into the communicator.  Another scream filled the air.  Chapel and Sulu reported in that they were okay and they had heard the scream also.  McCoy quickly left the pond and tried to reach Spock, there was no reply from the Vulcan.  McCoy yelled out for Spock to reply then he heard the scream four feet away.  Spock was kneeling by a bush panting and moaning.  The pain must be unbearable for Spock to cry out like that.  He had never heard Spock yell due to pain, even from the creatures on Deneva.   McCoy knelt down next to Spock and saw the agony blatant on his face.

 

“Spock, what’s wrong?” McCoy asked as he assessed the situation around him.  Spock did not seem to hear him and he screamed again.  Then McCoy saw what the probable cause of the pain was.  Wrapped around Spock’s right wrist and hand, was a long black multi-segmented and multi-legged creature.  The creature’s large pinchers were buried deep into Spock’s palm and Spock was bleeding from the bite.  McCoy quickly took out his laser scalpel and cut the thing off at the pinchers. As the head fell away, he saw venom sacks inside the mouth.  Spock still did not react to his presence, he was rigid and his face was distorted by a horrible grimace.  McCoy scanned the wound and found his answer.  The creature had injected Spock with a toxin that was disrupting his nervous system; Spock’s pain level was off of the scale.  McCoy gave Spock an anti-venom injection, and then followed that with a pain medication.  Almost immediately, Spock’s shoulders slumped.  The agony on his face was replaced by a more Vulcan-like expression.  McCoy eased Spock on to the ground and instructed him to rest.  Gradually Spock opened his eyes and looked at McCoy; he could only nod his thanks.

 

“Take it easy, Spock, you received a dose of toxin that would have killed ten Klingons.  The toxin did a number on your nervous system.  I’ve never heard you scream before and I don’t ever want to hear it again. I’ve given you an antitoxin injection and something for the pain as well.”  Spock only nodded.  At this moment Sulu and Chapel arrived on the scene and Chapel immediately raced to Spock’s side.  She cradled his face in her hands.

 

“Oh, Spock!..” She cried.

 

Spock shot up into a sitting position and forcefully pushed her away, “Don’t touch me!  My mental shields are compromised.  I can feel all that you feel and it is not right, you are intruding…it is too much!”  Spock turned his back to her to shield his expressions.

 

Christine tried to reach out to him again but McCoy placed a gentle restraining hand on her wrist.

 

“Not now, Christine, he’s a touch telepath, remember?  The toxin he received has affected his nervous system and his shielding abilities.  Your touch is equivalent to screaming in his ears.”  Christine nodded and stepped back.
 
 As soon as Spock was able, McCoy and Sulu assisted him back to the shelter.  McCoy settled Spock on his bed.  The usually stoic face remained lined with pain and his body would suddenly spasm from the effects of the toxin.  McCoy knelt down in front of Spock and began the process of removing the pinchers from the Vulcan’s hand, stopping the bleeding and cleaning the wound.  McCoy’s touch was gentle and his technique was thorough.  As he was working on the wound he became so focused on his task that he did not realize he was holding Spock’s wrist.

 

“I hate to see him like this.  That scream..These spasms.  I thought I had lost him for good this time. What if he would have died?  I don’t want to lose him.  I hope the toxins don’t permanently affect that logic driven mind of his.  What if they suppressed the logic and let some emotions come through.  Not that he would have any feelings for me…That would be a shocker!”  McCoy thought to himself.  Spock’s warm skin caught his attention.  “Shit!  He can hear!”

 

 He looked up at Spock.  The Vulcan’s expression was not what he had anticipated, nor did Spock try to pull away from his touch.  Spock’s slanted eyebrows rose and the ebony eyes looked directly into McCoy’s.

 

“Indeed…..fascinating.” Spock said calmly.

 

“What?”  McCoy asked as he let go of Spock’s wrist.  “I’m sorry, Spock, I didn’t realize that I was touching you.”

 

“There is no need to apologize, Doctor; your thoughts reveal your concern for my health and wellbeing.  They are not intrusive at all.  To put your mind at rest, the toxins have not affected my logical thought processes.”  Spock replied.  “You keep forgetting, I do experience emotions but I am able to control them.”

 

McCoy was caught off guard by this.  He really did care about Spock and the whole incident had unnerved him.  He could still hear Spock’s tortured screams in his mind.  Now the hobgoblin knew that he had been scared that he could have lost him.  He probably also knew how deeply he cared about Spock.  His stomach twisted when he remembered Spock’s reaction to Chapel’s touch.

“Of course I’m concerned about your health!  Jim would have my hide if I allowed you to die on this project.   Don’t read anything else into what you felt.  I care about you the same as all of my patients.”  McCoy huffed.

 

Spock looked at him with one of his raised eyebrow looks.  “Really, Doctor.”  McCoy blushed and looked back down at Spock’s hand; he totally missed the faint smile on Spock’s face.  This was removed by another spasm that twisted the Vulcan’s body. 

 

McCoy stopped his treatment of Spock’s hand and immediately attached a medicine vial to the hypo.  He injected it into Spock’s arm and gently pushed him back on his bed.  McCoy removed Spock’s boots and then covered him with several blankets.

 

“I’ve given you a medication that will decrease the spasms.  Would you like some of your tea?”  McCoy asked him.

 

“That would be appreciated, Doctor, thank you.”  Spock said with his eyes closed in concentration in an attempt to control the spasms and the continued pain in his hand.

 

McCoy fixed Spock’s tea for him.  How anyone could drink this stuff was beyond him.  The blend of herbs was pungent and to McCoy’s sense of smell it was like old wet socks.  The color was a purple tinged mud with streaks of green.  Chapel came over to him.

 

“How is he, Doctor?”  She asked.

 

“He’s better, that toxin still is ravaging his system.  He’s still having uncontrolled spasms and his pain levels are still high.”  He looked at Christine.  “I can’t get his screams out of my head. “

 

She nodded, “I can’t either.  Would you like me to take that to him?”  She asked hopeful.

 

“No, it’s okay I’ll take it to him.”  McCoy glanced at the cup and wrinkled his nose.

 

This made Chapel laugh.  “It’s a different cup of tea, isn’t it?”

“If you can call it tea.”  He said and he returned to Spock’s bedside.  “Here you go Spock.”

 

He assisted Spock up to a sitting position in the bed.  Spock drank the tea in silence and handed the empty cup back to McCoy.  He whispered his thanks and lay back down.  McCoy sat down on his own bed and watched Spock for a while.  The medication was working, he was having much fewer spasms and when Spock fell asleep, they disappeared all together.  It was in the evening when Spock walked into the lab area.  His usually cat-like movements were slightly uncoordinated.  McCoy gently assisted him into one of the chairs, careful not to touch him on the skin.  Sulu and Chapel worked in silence, occasionally glancing with concern at Spock.  The Vulcan took some deep breaths and closed his eyes and in a matter of minutes he appeared to be back to himself.  McCoy brought him another cup of tea, and then set about working on the specimens he had collected. It was several hours later that Spock summoned McCoy over to his tricorder and showed the doctor some of the results he had obtained from the specimens he was working on.  As McCoy moved closer to Spock’s side, Spock placed his hand over McCoy’s, their skin touching.  Chapel fought the urge to cry out.
 
“Thank you, Doctor for your quick thinking in helping me and the knowledge of how the toxin would impact me.  Your concern for me is valued…”  Spock’s voice trailed off, he looked at his hand over McCoy’s, still maintaining the contact.  McCoy said nothing as he looked down at their hands also.  After a few seconds Spock removed his hand and he and McCoy discussed some of the toxins they had discovered and some of the bacterium that McCoy had been studying.

Chapel dismissed herself to take a shower.  With the warm water running down her face, she was able to cry freely without anyone hearing her.

 

The night went by uneventful; McCoy woke up frequently and scanned Spock for any residual effects.  Spock still had pain in his hand, he moaned and fidgeted in his sleep.   The next morning was like all of the mornings previously; however, it seemed to Chapel that Spock was avoiding her.  He did not make eye contact with her but he was silent to Sulu as well.

 

McCoy had slept in a little longer and emerged from the sleeping area with his hair all askew and dark circles under his eyes.  He greeted everyone as he shuffled over to the coffee processor and then made some toast which he shared with “Jim”. 

 

Sulu and Chapel paired up to examine some riparian plants by one of the rivers that flowed near their camp.

McCoy was going back to his pond to gather more microbes and multicellular organisms.  Spock was going into the dense undergrowth near their camp. 

 

Sulu watched Chapel for a while; he could tell something was wrong.  Her usually cheerful demeanor was dampened and she would stare out over the river for several minutes at a time.  It was known ship wide that she had a crush on Spock.  He had seen the hurt in her eyes when Spock had pushed her away.  Her intense scrutiny of McCoy and Spock was another clue.  He had heard the same rumors going around the ship as well.  He saw no evidence to these rumors.  Spock’s passion was science and McCoy was always immersed in his research or patient care.  He had known Tonia Barrows and she had told Sulu that McCoy was a gentleman and was a surprisingly very gentle and compassionate lover.  Besides, McCoy often accompanied Kirk on his excursions while on shore leave.  Out of the corner of is eye, he saw Chapel get up and walk to the edge of one of the cliffs that hung over the river.  He looked over to see her bend down to pick a specimen when the rock face crumbled under her feet and she fell into the rapid flowing water.  Sulu called McCoy and Spock to let them know that Chapel was in danger.  Sulu followed her as the river pulled her along and he reported his coordinates to Spock and McCoy as he stayed as close as possible to Chapel.  There was no river bank for Chapel to get out of the swiftly moving current.  The cliffs above the river were steep with no foothold or path down to the river.  Spock arrived with coils of thick vines from the trees and undergrowth and ran alongside of Sulu.  Up ahead of Chapel, there was a natural dam of boulders and debris in the river that might slow her progress and allow her to get out of the water.  However, as they neared this blockage, on the other side was a waterfall, if Chapel did not gain hold, she would follow the path of the river down into a whirlpool at the bottom.  Suddenly, McCoy appeared at the base of the cliff holding on to a small tree.  He had bent his body over to the side holding the tree with one hand and extending his other arm out for Chapel to grab on to.   Working quickly, Sulu and Spock tied the vines together and threw the length of vines down for McCoy and Chapel to grab.  Spock noticed that the river was greedily pulling away the soil around the tree where McCoy was stationed.

 

“Dr. McCoy, that tree will not hold.”  Spock yelled.  “Grab hold of the vines and tie them to your waist.”

 

The vines fell short of McCoy’s grasp, but Chapel had arrived at this point and was able to grab onto the vines.

 

“Doctor, you are in a precarious situation, have Chapel float down to you with the vine and I will pull you both up.”  Spock replied

McCoy yelled at Christine, “That’s it, Christine, you’ve got a good hold.  Spock, pull her up now, dammit. I’m okay and there is time to pull both of us up to safety.   Hurry!”  He yelled at the Vulcan.

Christine wound the vines around her waist and held on as Spock easily pulled her up to safety; he ignored the pain in his hand as the vines rubbed against it.  No sooner had she cleared the top of the cliff, she wrapped her arms around Spock’s neck and held him tightly.  Spock removed the vines from her waist and leaned over to toss them to McCoy.  He gasped; both the small tree and McCoy were gone.  He looked at the debris pile in front of the waterfall, no traces of McCoy’s blue tunic.

 

Spock scanned the entire area for McCoy; he was nowhere to be seen.  Chapel still had her arms tightly wrapped around his neck and she was trembling.  Spock firmly yet gently pulled her arms off of him.  He stood up and looked at Sulu.

 

“Keep watch over Nurse Chapel.  I am going to try to find Dr. McCoy.” Spock commanded.

 

He studied the falling water as it reached the basin bellow.  The basin swirled with foaming and turbulent waters, there was no sign of McCoy.  From the basin flowed a smaller river.  Spock followed this river for a while, still no sign of the doctor.  Evening was approaching and the light was fading.  Strong winds preceded the storms that developed at this time.  Spock followed his path back to the waterfall, carefully scanning for any sign of McCoy or his science blue shirt.  There was no trace.  Lightning now raced across the sky and struck the trees and the ground around him.  Spock ran back to the shelter, grabbed his tricorder and turned to go outside.  Sulu stopped him.

 

“Sir, you cannot go out there.  It is too dangerous.  The tricorder will not be accurate due to the interference from the lightening.  You’ve looked for Dr. McCoy for hours.  He may be resting somewhere sheltered from the storm.  We need to do the same.  The lightening and flood waters are too dangerous for you to be out there.”  Sulu said as he placed a hand on his arm.  Sulu could see the frustration on Spock’s face.  Then the Vulcan’s mask was back in place.

 

“Thank you, Mr. Sulu.  You are correct.  The lightening will not allow for accurate readings.  As you have stated, I have made my efforts to find Dr. McCoy.  I will have to wait for the storms to subside before I make my search again.”  Spock said coolly.

 

Christine was wrapped in a blanket that Sulu had brought for her.  Her hair was still set and she trembled from the cold and from McCoy’s disappearance.

 

“I am so sorry, Spock, I should have done what you instructed me to do.”  She said, struggling not to start crying.

 

He looked at her, there was no condemnation in his face in fact there was almost a look of sympathy.

 

“We know how strong minded McCoy can be, Nurse Chapel.  I followed his instructions as well.  Perhaps his strong, stubborn nature will aid his survival.”  He said quietly.

 

Sulu snorted at his comment and it eased the tension.  They sat at the table in the lounging module and listened to the storm raging outside.

 

As soon as Spock began to pull Chapel up, the tree was swept up by the river and it pulled McCoy along with it.  He held onto the small tree in hopes that it would be trapped by the debris ahead.  The current turned the tree around so that it was heading top first then it pulled the tree and McCoy under the water and into the tangled mass of debris.  McCoy took a deep breath before he was submerged.  The tree wove itself into other plant matter and stopped.  The amount of tangled debris was deeper than it appeared above the water. 

 

McCoy was trapped against the mesh of plants, tree branches and rocks and the force of the river kept him pinned firmly.  His lungs were burning from his held breath and there was no way he could swim underneath the tangled mass.  He almost inhaled water as a piece of wood slammed against his chest.  McCoy struggled to pull himself up through the jumbled mass.  Finally he was able to get his mouth above the water and he inhaled a painful breath of air.  He rested in the debris cage for a while then tried to figure out the best way to free himself.  That’s when he heard the thunder and the whistle of the wind through the branches and twigs above his head.  The evening storms were starting and river would be rising and gaining strength.

 

He took a deep breath and wove his way through openings in the debris.  He felt the familiar burn in his lungs and when he cleared the last opening; his body was hurled downward into the basin below.  The force on his body was painful when he hit the churning basin.  The current brought him up to the surface and he was able to get a breath of air.  His body was pulled and pushed along at the will of the currents; he scanned the area around the basin for a bank on the side or even a rock to grab onto.  Suddenly he was slammed against a large boulder and his body was scraped around its surface.  He cried out at the pain as his skin was scratched along his back.  Then the water pulled him against another large rock and his right leg was wedged between narrow crevices in the rock.  He struggled to get free but the rock held him firm.  At least his head was above water and he panted from all of the activity.  He looked at his hands, they had scrapes and cuts from the rocks and debris.  His face was cut and bleeding in places.  He looked around his trapped location.  He screamed out for Spock, but even Spock’s keen hearing would not be able to hear him above the roar of the waterfall and whirling basin. It was getting dark and the ominous clouds spread in the sky. 

 

Lightning danced around him and the winds chilled his wet body.  McCoy was exhausted, cold and his body ached from the bumps and cuts he had received.    Soon all was dark around him except the piercing brightness of the lightening which was reflected in the water as well.  Rain pelted his face and body and he felt the rise of the river as the rains added to its volume.  Something slithered across his left shoulder then down into the water.  Suddenly a black head rose next to him, it was one of the aquatic poisonous reptiles.   It bared its sharp teeth at McCoy with a hiss and McCoy stayed as still as he could.  Soon it slithered away into the river which now was at the level of McCoy’s mouth.  He tried to remove his leg from the grip of the rock, the jagged edges pierced through his pants and cut into his skin.  He turned around and grabbed at the rock to pull himself free.   He was unsuccessful in loosening his leg but at least he was able to stretch himself higher.  The effort added to his weariness and the continuing rains made his grip slippery at times.  McCoy would rest briefly and he would loosen his grip, now the river was at eye level.  Then he would twist and pull himself higher up on the rock for his only hope for surviving the night.

As soon as the sound of the thunder ended and the pelting rain slowed, Spock and Sulu left the shelter.  Spock had the tricorder set for human life signs and Sulu held the powerful hand light.  Together they made their way back to the water fall and the basin, the most logical place for McCoy to be.  The closer they came the silence from the tricorder was disheartening. 

 

This last stretch up was the last for McCoy’s endurance.  He was so tired, cold and in pain.  He lost his grip and he slipped down into the water.   The shallow breath he had taken did not last long and unconsciousness came quickly.

 

Spock and Sulu arrived at the basin and were rewarded with beeps from the tricorder that faint human vital signs were present.  The beam of the hand light illuminated the surface of the water.  The tricorder directed them to a large rock approximately forty feet from the edge of the water; it also indicated that the heart rate was slow and irregular.  They shone the light over the rock; there was no sign of McCoy. 

 

“He must be under the water by the rock!”  Sulu exclaimed.  Spock shoved the tricorder at Sulu and he dove into the water.  Spock swam to the rock and felt under the water as he made his way around the large boulder.  The current made it difficult to stay close to the rock and the cold water affected his already weakened muscles.  On the shore, Sulu felt his heart sink at the silence from the tricorder, the heart beat stopped.   Spock was three fourths of the way around the rock when his hand encountered the silky feel of McCoy’s hair.  His hands searched down the doctor’s face then down the back of his neck.  Spock grabbed hold of McCoy’s tunic and pulled hard.  The doctor’s body did not budge, it was ensnared on the rock or unseen plants.  Sulu kept the light steady on Spock and he saw him tugging on something below the surface.

 

“What’s wrong? Did you find him?” Sulu yelled to Spock.

 

“The doctor is trapped by something.”  Spock yelled back.  Then Sulu saw Spock take a breath and go under the water.  It was an agonizing twenty seconds before Spock resurfaced with McCoy’s head supported in the crook of his arm.  He swam to the shore and lifted the limp doctor up into his arms.  Spock carried him to where Sulu was standing and set him on the ground.  The tricorder was silent; there were still no signs of a pulse.  Spock placed his mouth over McCoy’s cold lips and gave him two breaths then started chest compressions.  He continued the resuscitation efforts for minutes.  There was no response from McCoy.  Sulu called the shelter for Chapel to bring the medical kit.

 

  She arrived minutes later.  At this point the sun was rising and she saw Spock working hard to revive a very blue McCoy.  She knelt next to Spock and ripped McCoy’s tunic and undershirt open to bare his chest.  Her Feinberger revealed no vital signs; she pulled out the small cardiostimulator and placed it over McCoy’s heart.   Then she applied the respirator mask over the doctor’s mouth and nose.  Chapel set the respirator and the cardiostimulator to the resuscitation settings.  When the cardiostimulator delivered the first shock, McCoy’s body arched.   There was no heart beat in response; she set the cardiostimulator to the heart stimulation mode.  The hiss of the respirator mask expanded McCoy’s chest.  Still no response from McCoy, then Chapel gave a dose of Cordrasine.  The resuscitative mask and cardiostimulator continued the programmed deliveries for another ten minutes.  The Feinberger read no spontaneous heart contractions or respirations from the doctor.  Chapel started to sob quietly as she realized their efforts were not working.  McCoy was extremely cold to the touch and his color was darker.  She was starting to call the time of McCoy’s death when Spock placed both hands in the meld position over McCoy’s face.  His fingers pushed deep into McCoy’s skin and he was saying something in Vulcan.  His voice grew louder and commanding.  McCoy’s body suddenly spasmed and he took a deep breath; this was followed by coughing and retching.  Spock and Christine turned the doctor’s body to the side as he vomited out river water.  Both the tricorder and Feinberger beeped with the reassuring sound of McCoy’s vital signs.  Chapels read the results, McCoy’s oxygen levels were low and she adjusted the respirator to condense the air so McCoy would receive a higher percent of oxygen.  He was hypothermic, his temperature was 96.8.  Spock took both of McCoy’s wrists in his hands and placed them on the doctor’s chest and stared at McCoy intensely.  Then McCoy’s eyes fluttered open, he appeared dazed but then his face contorted when he had another coughing episode.   He did not cough up any water with this bout of coughing.  He took deep breaths and his eyes cleared.  He looked at Chapel and at Spock.  His eyebrows knitted together when he looked up at the Vulcan.

 

“I hear your voice in my head.”  McCoy gasped through the mask.

“I initiated a meld with your brain to stimulate your heart and respirations.  You were not responding to our resuscitative efforts, Doctor.”  Spock informed McCoy.

McCoy looked at Spock then at Chapel, “Was I dead?”  He rasped.

“I was about to call the time when Mr. Spock performed the meld, Doctor.”  Chapel said.  “We need to get you back to the shelter, Doctor, you are very cold and you need medical attention.” 

 

Spock lifted McCoy into his arms and held him firmly against his chest.  McCoy’s head fell against his shoulder.  Spock could feel the doctor’s shivers and he pulled his cold wet body closer to him.

 

“You’re goin’ to have to teach me that meld trick, Spock.  That would come in handy in my practice.”  McCoy thought through the meld.  His teeth were chattering and his shivering increased.

 

“Rest, Doctor.  You are far from recovered.”  Spock replied.

 

When they reached the shelter, Chapel assisted Spock in removing McCoy’s wet cloths and boots. Spock gently placed the doctor on the bed and covered him with a blanket. He quickly removed his wet clothes and put on a dry uniform. Then he helped Christine treat the many scrapes and cuts that covered McCoy’s body. McCoy was very quiet during the process; Spock could feel his embarrassment at being naked through the treatment. McCoy’s right thigh was bruised and bleeding where the rocks had cut through his pants into the skin. Chapel worked quickly to clean and seal the wound. McCoy grimaced though the treatment and he reached out and grasped Spock’s arm. Spock placed his hand over the doctor’s forehead and McCoy relaxed.

“Sleep, Leonard.  I will control your pain.”  Spock thought through the meld.  The doctor’s eyes closed and his breathing became even as sleep engulfed him.  Chapel looked up at Spock puzzled.  “I have induced sleep for the doctor.  He was experiencing a great amount of pain.”  He informed her.

 

She nodded as she glanced from Spock’s face to McCoy’s relaxed features.  Chapel gave McCoy some antibiotics and Triox compound.  As soon as she had finished, Chapel gathered her equipment and Spock covered McCoy with several blankets.  He grabbed several pillows; lifted McCoy’s lean shoulders and his head up and then positioned the doctor on the pillows so that his head was elevated.  Spock slid his arm under the pillows, sat on the bed next to McCoy and then his other hand rested on one of the doctor’s.  Chapel watched them for a moment then quietly left the room.  Sulu came in to check on McCoy.  Spock did not acknowledge his presence; his total focus was on McCoy.   Chapel came in every fifteen to twenty minutes to assess McCoy.  Spock was controlling his pain and keeping him stable.  At times Spock’s eyes were closed and his eyebrows were knit in meditation or concentration.

Spock came into the lounge area two hours later.  He fixed some tea and sat the table with Chapel and Sulu.

 

“Thank you for your assistance, Nurse.  Your treatments have stabilized Dr. McCoy.”  Spock said as he nodded in her direction.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Spock, you have done most of the work in helping him.  He means a lot to you, doesn’t he.”  She replied with hint of sadness. 

 

Again the Vulcan mask was put in place, his face betrayed no emotion.  “He is an excellent physician; to lose him would be a loss for the Enterprise.” 

 

She smiled at that, “He’s one in a million.  That is why I chose to volunteer on the Enterprise.  He has a great capacity of compassion for the crew and others that he treats.  I have never worked with such a knowledgeable and gifted doctor.”

 

“In spite of his temper?”  Sulu laughed.

 

“Oh, that’s all bluff.”  Chapel replied, and then she shot Sulu a look.  “Don’t tell him I said that.”

 

“The entire ship is well aware that the doctor’s bark is worse that his bite.” Spock added.

 

“I heard that.”  Came McCoy’s southern accented voice.  “Come closer and I’ll show you how bad my bite is.”  This statement was followed by an episode of coughing.

 

Spock’s eyebrows rose in his usual response to one of McCoy’s statements.  They left the table and went into the sleeping area.  Despite the warning about his bite, McCoy remained very pale and haggard.  More bruises were visible on his face, neck and chest.   Chapel went over to his side and felt his forehead.

 

“You are running a fever.”  She said as she grabbed a tricorder. 

“You still have some water in your lungs; you have probably developed pneumonia.”  Chapel ran some readings, “My suspicions are confirmed.  I viewed some of your specimens from the water; there are some nasty organisms in that river.  Would our antibiotics and antimicrobials be effective against these organisms? ”

 

McCoy nodded and informed her which ones to use.  He started coughing again, his thin shoulders heaving with the effort. McCoy looked so vulnerable when he was ill, his usual energy and personality seemed to give his body increased dimensions.   He was like a wet cat, although perfectly able to scratch your eyes out, now he looked defenseless. Chapel gave him some more medications to prevent further infections. 

 

“Is the doctor permitted to have tea?”  Spock asked her.

 

Chapel looked at McCoy who nodded his head.  She was going to give her oaky but McCoy knew his limits and needs.

 

“There’s some chicken broth in the supplies and I want some of Sulu’s tea with lemon…please.” McCoy requested.  Spock left to go to the kitchen area and McCoy turned to Chapel.  “I don’t want his tea, it smells funny, and the color…”  He whispered as he made a face. 

 

Christine smiled, “His tea is better for you, there are herbs in his tea that have broncho-dilating effects and expectorant properties.  Not to mention natural antimicrobial effects.”

 

McCoy stared at her wide eyed, “I get the expectorant part of it.”  Then he thought of all that Spock had done for him, “Oh, tell him that I’ll drink his tea.”

 

“I was preparing that tea for you any way, Doctor.”  Spock’s voice said in his head.

 

McCoy frowned, “Are you still in here?”  He asked out loud.

 

“I’m standing right beside you, Doctor.”  Chapel replied.

 

McCoy brought his hand to his head, “No, Spock is still talking in my head.”

 

Chapel realized that Spock had made a bond with McCoy in the process of saving his life.  She wondered how deep and how long the bond would last.  McCoy was so fortunate; she would give anything to have that connection with Spock.

 

Spock returned with a cup of tea and a cup of broth.  McCoy pushed himself up and took the tea from Spock.  His hand trembled and the tea spilled onto the blanket.  He tried to stabilize the cup using both hands but the trembling continued.

 

“Allow me, Doctor.”  Spock said gently as he took the cup from McCoy.  He brought the cup to McCoy’s lips and steadied it as the doctor took sips.  McCoy nodded when he was finished.  Spock brought the cup of broth over with a spoon.  He fed McCoy several spoonfuls until McCoy held up his hand that he had finished this also.

 

“Thank you, Spock; your tea isn’t half bad in spite of its color.”  McCoy said.

 

“Color has nothing to do with the properties of tea, Doctor.  The tea is thoroughly good, not half good.”  Spock said with one of his familiar tones with McCoy.

 

McCoy only shook his head; he was too tired to take the bait.  His eyes closed and once again sleep claimed him.  Spock watched McCoy for a while then he could feel the toll of the toxins and the cold water had on his own body.  He had some of his soup and tea and then announced to Chapel and Sulu that he was going to rest for a while.  Chapel came over to him, this time she kept her distance.

 

“Can I do anything for you, Spock?”  She asked.

 

“No thank you, Nurse.  I need to rest and go into my healing trance.  The events of the last two days have depleted my energy.”  He said as he noticed the desperate longing in her eyes.  “Your efficient assessments and monitoring of Dr. McCoy and me will be the best action on your part.”

 

“Of course, Mr. Spock, I will be watching you both closely.”  She said with a nod.

 

Spock lay back on his bed and closed his eyes.  Through the mental link his thoughts flowed over to McCoy.  The doctor’s mind was filled with fragments of images of his ordeal distorted in the REM stage of his sleep.

 

Spock spoke softly to McCoy and eased the turbulence of the dreams.  McCoy’s subconscious responded to Spock’s presence and the pleasing emotion of love permeated the link.  McCoy’s love was strong and it flowed freely unbound by the doctor’s conscious attempts to suppress it.  Spock was not overwhelmed by the emotion for it was gentle and tentative.  Not the overwhelming flood of unbridled feelings that came from Christine.  These were the emotions of a man who had loved and lost, who knew the cost of caring about someone even if the object of his love did not return his affections.  Spock also sensed the relief that these feelings were returned since there was doubt that Spock had any capacity or desire to care for him.

 

Spock mentally caressed McCoy’s subconscious, encouraged the doctor’s feelings and then narrowed the link so that Spock could still monitor McCoy and allow his mind to enter the healing trance.

The sound of coughing aroused Spock from his trance.  McCoy was wheezing and coughing and his color was pale and his lips were blue tinged.  Spock immediately went to the doctor’s bed, pulled him against his chest and held him.  McCoy’s body was hot to touch and his thoughts were suppressed by the infection in his lungs and body.  He was beyond Spock’s ability for help.   Chapel arrived and scanned McCoy with the Feinberger; she also stared at McCoy in Spock’s embrace.

 

“His condition is worse.  There’s nothing else I can do for him here.  We need to get him to the nearest Star Base.”  She said as she fitted the respiratory mask in place.

 

“I’ll put in a call to Star Fleet Medical.”  Sulu said and he left the room.

 

 “You can set him back on the pillows, Spock.”  Chapel said.

 

Spock appeared to ignore her; McCoy still remained cradled in his arms.  Spock scooted McCoy over and he sat down on the bed.  Then he said, “This position is sufficient, Nurse.   I can support him easier this way.”

 

Chapel let out a loud sigh.  “You’ve bonded with him, haven’t you?  He doesn’t care for you, he’s always attacking and insulting…”  The expression in Spock’s eyes stopped her.  The ebony eyes darkened with barely controlled anger.

 

“What business is that of yours?  The doctor’s feelings for me are not up for discussion, nor are my feelings for him.  The fact that we are now bonded is a private issue and should be respected.”  Spock said harshly.

 

Chapel’s face flushed at the rebuke and her eyes filled with tears. 

“Yes, sir.”  She said quietly.

 

Sulu reentered the room, “Christine, the Medical Director of Star Base 28 wants to speak with you about Dr. McCoy’s condition.  He’s arranging an emergency transport team.  I’ve also contacted the Enterprise, Mr. Spock; Captain Kirk wishes to speak with you.”  He said as he viewed the scene before him.  The tension in the room was palpable and he had never seen Spock’s eyes that intense before.  Chapel pushed past him wiping tears from her face and her lips were trembling.  Was McCoy’s condition that critical?

 

“Would you please bring me a communicator so that I might converse with the Captain?”  Spock asked Sulu.

 

“Yes, Sir.”  Sulu said as he went to fetch the communicator.   When he returned, Spock was looking down at McCoy’s face.  The doctor was still held up against Spock’s chest, his harsh breathing was disturbing.  Sulu handed Spock the communicator.

 

“Jim, this is Spock” The Vulcan said into the communicator.

 

“Spock!  What’s wrong with Bones?”  Kirks voice was loud, “What’s going on out there?”

 

“The doctor was injured in after being caught up in flood waters.  He has since developed pneumonia and is septic.  I was bitten by one of the poisonous life forms here….”

 

“Are you okay?!  Oh god, both you and Bones.  We’re three solar days away, Spock.  Can you wait that long?”  Kirk asked.

 

“Negative, Captain, Nurse Chapel is arranging for emergency medical services.”  Spock replied.

 

“Can I talk with Bones?”  Kirk asked.

 

“He is not able to talk, Jim, he is too ill.”  Spock said.  “Ah, here is nurse Chapel.  What is ETA for the medical
team?”  He asked her. 

 

“They will arrive in two hours.”  She said coolly.  She stared at Spock as she struggled to keep herself in control.

 

“They’ll be here in two hours, Captain.”  Spock repeated.

 

“That’s good.  I know he’s in good hands with Nurse Chapel, Spock.  Check back with me when they pick him up.  Kirk out.”  The communication was ended and Spock handed the communicator back to Sulu.

Spock eased McCoy back on the raised pillows and stood up.  He started gathering his possessions and packing them.  Then he packed McCoy’s items as well.  Sulu and Chapel shot each other confused looks.

Spock quickly dressed McCoy in one of his lounging outfits, and then sat down on his bed.

 

“Are you going with Dr. McCoy, Mr. Spock?”  Chapel asked.

 

“Yes, I am not well myself.  It would be wise for me to go with the doctor.  There is a Vulcan doctor on Star Base 28.  The Enterprise will arrive in approximately seventy one hours.  This will allow you both to finish your research.  I will process and pack up the doctor’s and my specimens and equipment.  Please have them taken back to the ship with yours.”  Spock excused himself as he stepped around them.

 

“What was that about?”  Sulu asked Chapel.  “He seems very concerned about Dr. McCoy.  Is his condition that critical?  Spock is leaving with him?  Spock seems much better than he was days ago.”

She kept her eyes on McCoy, “When Spock had to initiate a mind meld to save Dr. McCoy’s life, it seems they have a bond now.”

 

“Oh.”  Was all Sulu could say.  Now he understood why Chapel had been so upset and it explained Spock’s behavior as well.

 

When the Emergency Medical shuttle arrived, the team worked quickly starting IV’s, medication and a respirator for McCoy.  One of the techs scanned Spock and sent the information to Dr. T’Vak.  She would treat Spock when he arrived at the Star Base.  Spock gathered both his and McCoy’s belongings and walked along side of the stretcher as the team loaded the doctor on to the shuttle.  Chapel stood by the doors of the shuttle and watched Spock as he sat down.

She took a deep breath, “I wish you both good health and I will see you on the Enterprise.”  She said.

 

Spock acknowledged her statement with a nod.  He turned in his seat and placed a hand on McCoy’s shoulder.

It was three weeks later that McCoy and Spock returned to the Enterprise.  On the outward appearance, there was no change in their interactions with one another.  However, the looks that they gave each other were no mystery to Kirk, Sulu or Chapel. 
In the privacy of their quarters, McCoy and Spock were able to explore this new relationship and strengthen the bond that they shared.

 

 

                                                                       THE   END