Voyages Through Time

Title: Voyages Through Time
Author: Mary Barnes
Cross-over with "Master and Commander"

Forward:  This is a cross-over story with Patrick O’Brian’s novels featuring the main characters of Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin.  Russell Crowe was a good choice physically for Aubrey and though Paul Bettany is an excellent actor he did not fit the physical description of Maturin.  Dr. Stephen Maturin was approximately 5 ft 6 inches tall; he had pale skin but would tan easily, his hair was dark and he had very pale eyes.  His father was Irish and his mother was from Spain, he was an illegitimate child.  However, he was a well studied and intelligent doctor.  Not only a physician but he was a naturalist and a spy for England during the Napoleonic wars.  I love the books and the characters.  In the movie the date is 1812, and in my story Aubrey’s crew are the characters that survived from that movie plus a couple of new ones.  I am portraying Stephen Maturin as he would be physically; I think he would look like Dr. Julian Bashir from Deep Space Nine.  In this story to avoid over writing and increasing the reaction to the ‘new’ Klingon appearance, my story portrays them as they appeared in the Star trek TV series.  The Enterprise crew arrives on the Surprise shortly after the movie timeline was made, about 1813.  Aubrey’s second in Command, Pullings has made Captain and has left the ship; his Sailing Master Allen and third Le-tenant were killed at the end of the movie.  Midshipman Lord Blakeney (the young Midshipman who lost his arm) was promoted the second Le-tenant.  The word Le-tenant was used in the British Navy at that time.  Lef-tenant rank was used in the military.  I have researched the surgery, medicines and treatments in Nelson’s Navy and like McCoy; I was blown away by the advances in the treatments of diseases.  Also the practice of keeping the wounds and environments clean led to a more successful outcome for the patients.  After the reforms made by the Royal Navy after 1805, the British were obsessive in keeping the seamen shaved, somewhat clean clothes and as Aubrey so many times ordered the decks to be scrubbed well.

VOYAGES THROUGH TIME:
 
 
Dr. Leonard McCoy always got a feeling of impending disaster whenever the officers were summoned to Captain Kirk’s quarters.  It meant delayed leave, diversion of previous orders, an admiral having an infantile temper tantrum, a war or epidemic on a planet or region of space.  He took his special brandy with him, Scotty and Kirk would probably need it also.  Spock needed no such dulling of the effects of adrenalin since he was not plagued with the human ‘fight or flight reaction’.  Vulcans had trained their brains to skip that step in preparation for seen or unforeseen danger.

McCoy walked inside the captain’s quarters and sat down in one of the chairs next to Kirk’s desk.  Spock and Scotty were already seated.  Scotty’s face lit up when he saw the brandy.
 
“What a thoughtful doctor ya are, McCoy, always thinkin’ of other’s needs.”  He said, his brown eyes twinkling.
 
“Thanks, Bones.”  Kirk said smiling as he pointed to three empty glasses on his desk.
 
As McCoy poured the amber alcohol into the glasses he asked, “Is it that bad of an assignment that you have the glasses ready, Jim?”
 
Kirk took a sip and made a face as the burning liquid proceeded down to his stomach, “Not bad just very different. Have a seat, Bones; I’ve already talked to Spock and Scotty.  I’ve informed them, now I’m informing you that none of this information is to be shared or repeated.  This is a top secret and highly classified assignment.”  Kirk took another sip then leaned back in his chair.  “Star Fleet has been informed of an attack on the Federation base of “The Guardian”.  The base was attacked a month ago by six Klingons who arrived on a cloaked Romulan vessel.  All of the base personnel were killed and the six Klingons jumped though the “Guardian”.  This was recorded on the base’s security footage.  The point of time and place that they entered was Earth approximately 1800-1820 AD.  After studying the “Guardian’s” images, the specific time was France 1813.”
 
McCoy let out a snort, “Now there’s a dangerous combination, the Klingons working with Napoleon.”
 
“Tha bloody frog was probably a Klingon in disguise.”  Scotty said.
Breaking his silent presence, Spock cleared his throat and his right eyebrow rose.  “Highly unlikely, Mr. Scott.”
 
“Ya don’t know, we could dig ‘im up and check his genetic DNA.”   Scotty shot back, which caused Spock’s left eyebrow to rise to the level of the right one.  Scotty took a big swig of his brandy and Spock turned to look at Kirk.
 
“Well, Mr. Scott, we might just be able to take that sample in person.”  Kirk said as he looked at McCoy’s open mouthed expression.
 
“I think that I shouldn’t have brought the brandy.  Did I hear you right, Jim, that we could get the sample in person?!”  McCoy asked.
 
“There’s nothing wrong with your hearing, Bones.  That is exactly what I said.  Our assignment is to go back through the Guardian and find the Klingons.  Star fleet has sent Admiral Thomason through the “Guardian” to establish a residency in London.  Thomason is posing as a British Loyalist who has returned to England.  Apparently Thomason is a descendant of Admiral Nelson and the Napoleonic Naval battles are one of his passions.  Rumor has it that one of the rooms in his home on Star Base 54 is decorated identical to Nelson’s quarters.  He even has a bed suspended from the ceiling, like Nelson did. Thomason has taken Captain Cynthia McDonald as his ‘wife’ to make his character more believable.  I think it will appear to be a real marriage since she is a fan of Napoleon’s and they will be bickering frequently.”
 
McCoy and Scotty both laughed.  “Yeah, that will make it more believable alright.”  McCoy said.
“Isn’t that a conflict of interest for her to be cheering for the French?”
 
“No, she’s Federation through and through.”  Kirk said.  He leaned forward towards his officers, “Our assignment is to stay with Thomason and McDonald as Loyalists also.  We will be based from their residence and go to wherever there have been Klingon sightings.  It can’t be too difficult to find six Klingons on Earth during that period.”
 
“What if they altered their appearance like Baris’ assistant Darvin?”  McCoy asked.
 
“From what the footage showed they jumped in with slanted eyebrows and wearing their metallic uniforms.  Sorry, Spock, no insult intended on the eyebrows part.”  Kirk said.
 
“None taken, Jim.”  Spock said.
 
“Speakin’ of which, how do we disguise Spock?”  McCoy asked.
 
“Well, in that period of time there were a lot of powdered wigs and three cornered hats.  Which brings me to our other business in this assignment; we are to be officers in the British Royal Navy.
This is the part of the assignment that I can’t wait to start!”  Kirk said, his golden skin tones and hazel eyes shone with visible excitement.  “Just think we’ll be out there on a frigate or a First Rate Flag ship!  We’ll be under full sail at sea, feeling the wind and the waves and hearing the thunderous sound of the cannons!  Bones, you’re almost as green as Spock.  No offence, Spock.”
 
“I do believe that you are correct, Jim.  The doctor looks decidedly pale and is ‘green around the gills’ as the expression goes.”  Spock said staring at McCoy.
 
“Do you get sea sick, too, Bones?”  Kirk asked concerned.
 
“How the hell do I know?  It sounds like a shuttle ride only wet, dirty, bumpy and dangerous.  Can’t I stay in London on land and ‘hang my shingle’ out for the Navy? The surgeon’s of that era were butchers and not highly thought of.  I don’t even want to think about doin’ surgery on a floundering ship that’s filled with smelly filthy sailors, diseases, swarming with lice and vermin and not to mention being shot at by cannon balls!  It’s bad enough to deal with the dangers we face in space.”  McCoy whined.
 
Scotty and Kirk were laughing at the idea of Bones on a three masted, full sail ship, a far more perilous form of transportation than the transporter or a shuttle craft.  Scotty patted McCoy on the back.
“Ye’ll do just fine, Doctor.  Ya will bring tha quality of medicine up just by bein’ there.”
 
“Oh, that’s another thing.  We cannot alter history in any way.  You men have to research your roles and practice being naval officers at that time.  Spock, you’ll be my First Lieutenant.   Scotty, you are my Sailing Master.  Bones, you’re actually going to be my ‘Sawbones’.  We have five days to prepare for this mission.  We will be dropped off on Star Base 54 and from there take a private ship to the Guardian.  As I stated before, this is highly classified and this information cannot leave my quarters.  I am having the ship’s stores make our uniforms labeled as costumes, in case we are being monitored.  The rumor is we’ll be attending a reenactment of the battle of Trafalgar at Thomason’s home.”  Kirk said.
 
“Do we have to practice having British accents because I don’t think I could pull that off?”  McCoy asked with his southern drawl.
 
“No, we’re American British Loyalists.  Any questions?”  Kirk asked.
 
“Too many right now.  I’ll start a list tonight.”  McCoy said scowling.

McCoy poured over the computer banks information on medicine and surgery at the time of their upcoming assignment.  There was some hope; at least during this time period they had primitive microscopes, which he had made to look like one of that period but with more powerful lenses.  He had the ship stores make pills, surgical tools and silk sutures that were used at that time.  The pills were not the mercury, arsenic and other toxic substances utilized at that time, but actual antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral medicines made to look like the pills and potions of the age.  He had herbal remedies in the form of ‘teas’, ointments and solutions.  Blood transfusions were just starting and not human to human but animal to human and cow’s milk infusions.  McCoy shuddered at the thought.  He had a bag of purified salt to make normal saline intravenous solutions.  Needles, syringes and tubing were made to look like duck quills, metal, glass and rubber.  He had glass bottles made to hold the IV solutions.  All of this he had packed into a wooden chest designed like the surgeon’s chest.  He had the stores make a leather bag with tools and medications needed on a landing party mission.  He practiced his skills in suturing using the small needles and silk thread on artificial skin.  The next day, he researched the physicians of that era and was shocked by the information that he found.  The pioneers of surgery were living and had lived about the time they were to jump into.  Dr. Gilbert Blane and Dr. George Guthrie were Scottish physicians who started the reform in surgical skills and the importance of hygiene.  Dr. George Guthrie made the most advances that lasted up until WW1.  Another English doctor of Scottish descent was Dr. James Lind, who was hailed the Father of Nautical Medicine.  Along with Dr. Blane, Lind was one of the physicians who discovered that citrus fruits prevented scurvy as well as having watercress available.  Lind discovered that changing the bedding, cleaning the patients, and fumigating the decks and surgical area with sulfur and arsenic kept Typhoid at bay and reduced infections.  The Royal Navy adopted strict health codes: the seamen were given clean clothes, shaved and scrubbed, this decreased the Typhoid outbreaks.  McCoy was saddened to learn that Lind had died in 1794; he would not get to meet this incredible person.  There were references to a Dr. Stephen Maturin, the son of an Irish father and a Castilian mother.   Before the outbreak of war with France, Maturin had studied under the French surgeon Dr. Depuytren.  He worked with Dr. Dominique-Jean Larrey.  Dr. Dominique Larrey improved battle field medicine and had the first “flying hospitals”, a carriage that picked up wounded soldiers and took them to field hospitals.  It was recorded that Wellington had his troops stop fire as this brave physician rescued the wounded.  Larrey’s surgical skills on and off the battlefield were legendary.  He was one of the first surgeons to perform a mastectomy properly.  McCoy read on about Maturin who was also a renowned naturalist as well as a spy for the British.   The records of Maturin’s contribution to medicine and surgery were valuable; it was a shame that he was not as well known as other physicians at the time.  McCoy pondered if the same might be said about him; all of his discoveries and improvements in medicine might not amount to much 450 years from now. 
 
The next day, Kirk had them meet in his quarters to try on their uniforms and review British Navy protocol, rank, nautical terms and their duties. McCoy had started hair growth treatments for all of them two days ago.  The older officers and sailors of Nelson’s Navy still wore their hair long.  The younger officers and Midshipmen started wearing their hair short in the fashion of the day.  It was strange to see them all with long locks.  Spock looked handsome with his grown out jet black shinny hair, the longer locks on Kirk made him look younger and Scotty looked so very much like the sailors of that era.  McCoy’s hair was very wavy and thick; one could see more of the auburn streaks mixed in with the dark brown.  Chapel and the nurses begged him not to cut off his pretty locks when he returned from his ‘vacation’.   Spock provided most of the information on how to use a sextant, compass, and navigate by stars.  Scotty provided the information on the rigging of the ship, the sails, the decks and structure of the ship.  Kirk, Spock and Scotty intensely discussed the running of the ship from the crew to the riggings and sails.  McCoy was grateful that he was just going to be the doctor.  All of that mess about the sails, charts and wind direction gave him a headache.  Kirk started discussing a Captain Aubrey, his shrewd seamanship and tactical maneuvers in battle.   Then Kirk mentioned his surgeon, Dr. Stephen Maturin and McCoy excitedly joined in on the conversation.  He shared the information he had gleaned on the study of surgery and medicine but specifically Stephan Maturin.  What an encounter it would be to join up with this intrepid Captain, his crew and his invaluable surgeon.  Spock mentioned that both men were quite accomplished musicians and it would be a pleasure to hear them perform and accompany them on his violin.  Yes, Spock had taken up the violin. Then they dressed in their uniforms.  Kirk and Spock looked stately in their uniforms and Scotty looked very authentic as a ship’s master.  Then McCoy put on his uniform, he was thankful that he got to wear pants instead of leggings.  The coat and rufflely shirt had high collars that reminded him of their dress uniforms, thankfully this was his dress uniform.  He would probably be doing surgery in one of the rufflely shirts; having the long hair was annoying enough, even tied back it would be in the way.  They all had white wigs for possible formal occasions.   Then there were the shoes, dainty pointed-toe things with buckles.  Why couldn’t they take their boots with them, they could say ‘all of the Americans were wearing them’?  Kirk had them practice bowing, and ‘extending a leg’.  The shirts were not too bad unbuttoned a little.  McCoy eyed Spock’s hairy chest as he was removing his uniform and the way the breeches fit his lean form.  As he looked up he met Spock’s eyes, Spock was studying him and the dark eyes seemed to caress his body.  The next lesson was on weaponry, McCoy learned how to load, unload and reload a pistol and how to handle a sword.  Kirk and Scotty were really enjoying these exercises; McCoy prayed he wouldn’t have to admit either one of them to Sick Bay with a sword or gunshot wound.  Spock displayed elegant but deadly form with his sword.  McCoy remembered all too well the sword fight they had with the ‘Roman’ gladiators.  That was just one on one; McCoy shuddered at the thought of fighting a ship load of pirates leaping over onto their vessel.   Just being near one of those pirates would kill them all with the diseases that they carried.  McCoy would vaccinate all of them tomorrow against Typhus, Small Pox, Measles, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus and other diseases.  Then McCoy thought of the surgeries he would have to be doing; amputations, head wounds, eye wounds, chest and abdomen wounds.  He played the various scenarios over in his mind until Kirk shook his shoulder.
 
“Bones, are you alright?  You looked like you just lost your best friend.”  Kirk asked.
 
McCoy placed his hand over Kirk’s.  “I pray that I won’t have to cope with that on this mission, Jim.  These battles were nasty and the injuries were atrocious.  There may be little I can do for you all if you become severely injured.  You all need to be very careful and stay out of harm’s way.”
 
Kirk squeezed his shoulder in a gesture of reassurance.  Then Kirk, Spock and Scotty discussed more of the nautical details.  McCoy watched Spock; a sick
feeling came over him if Spock were injured. What would the superstitious seamen do to Spock when they saw his green blood, not to mention his pointed ears?  This assignment was getting more dangerous as the time drew closer to jump into the past.

McCoy found it difficult to sleep that night, his mind was active with even worse case scenarios.  He gave up on sleeping and started to get dressed to go to Sick Bay when his door chimed.
 
“Who is it?” He asked.
 
“It is Spock, Doctor.”  The Vulcan’s deep voice sounded over the intercom.
“Come in, Spock.” McCoy said.
 
Spock entered, he was wearing his Vulcan robe, and obviously he had not been able to rest either.
 
“Having trouble sleeping, Spock?”  McCoy asked.
 
“I am having difficulty meditating, Doctor.  I have sensed a feeling of anxiety from you since this afternoon.  Apparently, the feeling seems to be intensifying.”  He said; his dark eyes did not hide his concern.
 
McCoy sighed and sat down on his bed.  “I’m sorry that I’m broadcasting so loud.  I didn’t mean to disturb you.  There are so many things that could go wrong, Spock.  Going into battle with the Klingons and the Romulans, I can handle that.  It’s the weapons and the diseases of this era that worry me.”  McCoy looked into those ebony eyes, “I’m worried about what these very emotional and superstitious humans will do if they see your pointed ears and green blood.”
 
Spock stepped closer, “We will deal with that if the situation comes.  You are an accomplished physician and you have improvised brilliantly on many occasions when you did not have all of the technology available to you.”  Spock reached out and stroked McCoy’s hair, “This look is very becoming to you and the uniforms we will be wearing are quite flattering.”
 
McCoy blushed, “You mind reader, you!  I was thinking the same about you.”  McCoy eyed the silky black hair, “Did your ancestors wear their hair long as well?”
“Yes, it was not until Surak that we adopted the hair cut that you are familiar with.”  Spock sat down next to McCoy on the bed.  “I have my concerns for your safety as well.  Jim and Mr. Scott have been trained for combat.  While you are good at defending yourself, your tendency not to adopt a military way of thinking may place you in difficult situations.”
 
“All I have to do is hit them with my hypo….dammit; I won’t have my hypos either.”  McCoy let out a loud sigh.  “I have other battles that I am well trained for, Spock.  The battles against disease and the injuries caused by hatred and stupidity.”  Spock’s warm hand stroked the back of his head and his fingers threaded through his hair.  McCoy felt Spock’s hair and the silky strands had a citrusy cinnamon fragrance, it was intoxicating.  He was drawn into a kiss and moaned from the combination of scent and touch. 
 
Spock leaned back, “I must ask Jim if we could maintain this style of hair and dress.  It is having a curious affect on me.” 
 
McCoy cleared his throat, his head was still swimming from the encounter; “I second that motion, Spock.”  He was feeling more relaxed and sleepy.  “What was in that kiss, Spock?  I’m feelin’ like you’ve givin’ me a drug.”  The Vulcan gently eased him onto his bed and covered him with his blanket.  The warm fingers gently combed through his hair as sleep claimed him.
“Sleep, Leonard.  I will protect you.”  Spock’s deep voice echoed through his mind.

McCoy awoke the next morning sweating and panting after having a wet dream that he was too embarrassed to admit he had.  He was on a frigate ship in the Sick Bay, when the ship was attacked by pirates.  The captain of the pirates kicked open the heavy, locked oak doors and barged inside.  It was Spock who was this uncivilized fierce pirate.   The obsidian eyes scanned the room and locked onto McCoy.  The room echoed with the sound of the high leather boots that tread across the wooden floor and the metallic tinkling of the gold necklaces and earrings.  Spock’s sword made quick deadly work of the sailors trying to protect him.  Red blood splattered against the purple open shirt, his hairy chest and the black leather pants.  Spock’s hair was braided in thin tight braids and adorned with gold coins, the braids and coins swept across the muscular shoulders as he strode over to McCoy.  There was fire and intense lust imitating from his eyes but not one bit of tenderness or compassion.  McCoy tried to escape but Spock grabbed him by his ponytail and yanked him backwards.  Spock picked him up and slung him over his shoulder, holding his legs in his strong grip.  McCoy pounded Spock’s back with his fists; it was like trying to punch iron.  The Vulcan pirate quickly made his way to the top deck and like a mountain goat, leapt effortlessly across to his pirate ship.  McCoy winced and cried out as his stomach made contact with the hard shoulder, he was breathless from activity.  The pirates were cheering their captain and his “prize”.   Not all of the pirates were Vulcans; there were Andorians, Romulans and Telerites (of all things!).  McCoy heard Jim screaming at Spock and he looked across at the frigate ship, Jim was the Captain.  He cried out for help from Jim but that was stifled by a hard slap on his buttocks from Spock.  Then he was carried below deck to the captain’s cabin and thrown on to Spock’s bed.  All of the sheets and blankets were varying colors of red in silks and velvets.  The heady smell of orange-cinnamon saturated the room, the pirate’s touch was hot on his skin and McCoy was excited by the sensations.  Strong hands ripped open his ruffled shirt…..that’s when he woke up.

“What was in that kiss last night?” He thought.  He took a cold sonic shower and headed to the Officer’s dining room for breakfast.  He grabbed his breakfast from the processor and sat down with Kirk, Spock and Scotty.  Kirk and Scotty were smiling deviously as they discussed something and Spock was looking very annoyed.
 
“Bones, don’t you think Spock would make a hell of a pirate?”  Kirks asked.
 
McCoy choked on his coffee, so much so that Kirk started patting his back. 
 
McCoy could not answer that question; Jim would bring up that dream up forever.  After he had caught his breath, McCoy looked over at Spock, who strangely was not able to meet his gaze. 
After breakfast, McCoy administered the vaccines to the others and himself.  They would meet in one hour by the Shuttle Bay.  McCoy hauled his surgeon’s chest and baggage down to the bay and waited for the others.  The shuttle craft was loaded and they headed for Star Base 54.  For once in his life, McCoy did not complain about the shuttle ride and he would not have minded using the transporter to the “Guardian”.  He was dreading the whole sailing ship thing; not only the weather factors but enemy ships, whales with revenge on their minds, and sharks.  They landed safely on the Star Base then took a private space ship to the “Guardian”.   They changed into their uniforms and clothes for the trip back into time.
McCoy had vague memories of the “Guardian” planet; the Cordrasine overdose was responsible for that.  Now he looked at the stone frame structure and in the center, the time lines were thinly displayed like the iridescent film in his daughter’s bubble wand.  Spock gave the coordinates to the “Guardian” and on his signal they all leapt through into Earth’s past.  They exited into the center of a square stand of tall neatly trimmed shrubs.  There was a man in a British Admiral’s dress uniform waiting for them.  He was tall, approximately six feet and two inches.  He appeared to be in his fifty’s, tanned skin, pale brown eyes almost the color of amber and he was wearing one of the powdered wigs of the early 1800’s. 
He smiled “Welcome, Captain Kirk to 1813 London.  I am Admiral Thomason.” The Admiral had a British accent.  He extended his hand to Kirk and his party.  “I had you come through to the middle of my garden maze, it has the best cover.  I have a carriage and horses just on the other side of the maze.” He led them through the living green walls to the carriage where they loaded their belongings and climbed inside.  Then he drove the horses himself to his home.  Thomason’s home was his ‘Country Estate’’, a large grey-brown stone mansion with gables, turrets, eaves, columns and hand blown leaded glass windows.
The carriage went up a long pathway and then to the main entrance to the estate.  A footman rushed outside, murmuring his apologies that he was not summoned to assist Thomason.  Thomason excused the young man telling him he had seen his friends dropped off at the public road near his estate and he was very excited to meet them.  The confused footman assisted with the unloading of the crew’s luggage and chests.  Dark wood walls, marble floors and ornate area rugs decorated the entrance way and the hallway to the library was carpeted in rich carpet.  There were oil portraits and tapestries on the walls, mahogany tables decorated with vases holding fresh cut roses and bronze busts of some unknown faces.  They entered through double doors into his library.  A petite woman in a green and ivory silk period dress curtseyed and smiled.
 
“Welcome Enterprise officers to our estate.  I am Adm. Thomason’s wife, Cynthia.”   Capt. McDonald had her auburn hair coiffed in the period style and her eyes were a pale aqua color.  “Please be seated, I will arrange for you to have some tea and biscuits, I know that you must be tired from your voyage.”
 
McCoy wondered why she was talking like that; she really must have taken her role seriously.  Then he spotted two servants on the room.  The Enterprise crew was directed to a circle of high backed silk upholstered chairs placed around a small table.  McDonald requested the tea and biscuits be brought into the room.  A round, kind face woman curtseyed and left the room for the food. 
 
“Gentlemen, would you care for a glass of port or sherry?” Thomason asked.  Kirk, Scotty and McCoy requested port and Spock declined.  “I know your journey has been a long one.”
 
The maid reappeared with a tray of china tea cups, a large china tea pot and a plate of what appeared to be cookies and scones.  There was clotted cream and preserves on the tray as well.  McDonald sat in the chair nearest the table and asked each one of them what they would like in their tea.  The kindly maid was dismissed.  Kirk shot a look at McCoy; the cups they were holding were so dainty it was awkward to try and hold the tiny handles, the cups seemed quite fragile.  The butler, McCoy guessed, served the crystal goblets of port and then bowed.
 
“Is there anything else that you require, Sir?”  He asked Thomason.
 
“No thank you, Hargreaves.   Please inform the staff that we are not to be disturbed for any reason.  We will be discussing important matters about our naval assignments.”  Thomason replied.
 
“Will Mrs. Thomason be staying, Sir?”  Hargreaves asked.
 
“What’s a man without a strong woman at his side?”  He replied.
 
A ghost of a smile touched the butler’s lips, “Indeed, Sir.”  He turned and walked out of the library.
 
“Spock would make a damned fine butler.” McCoy thought.
 
Thomason closed the heavy curtains and locked the library doors.  He joined the others and sat down.
“I have sound proofed this room so we can talk freely.  You all have done your research well.  Your uniforms are very accurate.  However, I would like to make a suggestion, Mr…I mean Lt. Spock.  Would you permit us to trim your eyebrows to about the mid eye?”  Spock nodded his consent. “Excellent, also I would like to make it appear that you had recent surgery from the tips of your ears to about the center.  There are no perfect ears in the Navy.  A lot of men have had parts of their ears shot or cut off.  Having the appearance of recently mended ears will not draw attention.  Dr. McCoy, would you please do the ear surgery and eyebrow
trimming.”
 
McCoy got out of his chair, grabbed his small surgeon’s kit and walked over to Spock.  “I’m sorry, Spock, this is going to hurt a bit.”  McCoy made superficial cuts from the tips of Spock’s ears to the opening of the outer ear canal.  He then carefully sutured the cut area, warmed red candle wax in his hands and pressed thin strips of the wax into the sutures, giving the impression of clotted blood.  Then he shaved the outer ends of Spock’s eyebrows to the center and with a dark cosmetic pencil, he drew the in the eyebrows in the curved human form.  As many times as he had joked with Spock about his eyebrows and ears, it probably was more painful for him to make the changes than Spock.
 
“Brilliant, Doctor, positively brilliant!” Thomason exclaimed.  “Your abilities at improvisation astound me.  We’ll explain you are of an Eastern orientation, Lt. Spock.”  Thomason waited for McCoy to sit back down before he discussed their mission.  “Our next move has been made easier; the Klingons have been sighted and reported.  Attacks made by ‘demons’ working for the French are spreading like a virus through the Royal Navy sailors.  The attacks were on an English trading ship in the Atlantic, off the coast of Portugal.  Some of the reports indicate it was near the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.  There were only five survivors of the attack and they are being cared for in a hospital here in London.  These survivors are well seasoned seamen and tradesmen, men not given to hysterical accounts of supernatural beings.  What they have told us is a French ship fired upon them with their canons and then they were boarded by the ‘demons’ who had bronzed skin, eyebrows like the devil and wore strange clothes with silver threads woven in.  The men said the ‘lightening’ came from the pistols in their hands and it sliced through their masts and rigging like ‘they were made out of paper and string’.  The men were rescued by one of our ships and were brought to England along with some of the wreckage.  I have some of the pieces of the ship here.  Dr. McCoy, I would appreciate your assessment of their wounds to verify that they are phaser wounds.  I know that you have probably read up on hospital care of this age, but being in these hospitals is worse than anyone could ever describe in words.”
 
“I would like to go with McCoy, to question these men also.”  Kirk requested.
 
“Of course, Captain.  I would appreciate your observations also.”  The Admiral replied.
 
The Admiral took them in his coach through the streets of London.  The differences in the class of people were dramatic; from the rich to the very poor.  McCoy looked out of the coach window at the filthy streets and the raw sewage in some sectors.  What made his heart ache was to see children playing in the contaminated water that had pooled in places. The odors of sewage, offal, wood burning stoves, cooking and the fires burning in braziers around which people had gathered to eat the cooked meats or nuts filled the air in the busy streets.  The coach arrived at Middlesex Health Hospital and Thomason, Kirk and McCoy entered.  The hallways were dark and layers of grime had built up on the walls and floors.  Acrid smells of unwashed bodies, urine, feces and the sickly odor of gangrene permeated the halls and wards as they walked to where the victims of the Klingon attach were being cared for.  It took all of McCoy’s control not to scream out at the wretched and deadly conditions of the hospital.  He looked over at Kirk who was pale, but he was grimacing at the conditions as well.  Cries and screams pierced the filthy dimness, there was more than one patient to a bed and many were lying on the floor near a bed waiting to be cared for.  Finally they arrived in a ward lined with cots with patients resting in dirty sheets and rags wrapped around their wounds that obviously had not been changed in days.
There were three survivors now; the other two had died as a result of their wounds.  Admiral Thomason addressed the men and ordered them to be at ease, and then he introduced Kirk and McCoy.   As Kirk questioned the men as McCoy unwrapped the soiled dressings and examined their injuries.  One of the men had suffered amputations of both legs above the knee.  The legs had been sliced and seared by what was confirmed as a phaser wounds.  Another had lost his right arm at the shoulder; the wound had been cauterized by the plasma beam of the phaser as well.  The third had a deep but not lethal cut from his left shoulder down to below the right rib cage.  The flesh was seared like the others.  McCoy cleaned their wounds, applied an ointment that would help heal the burns and prevent infection and gave them some pills for their pain and to prevent sepsis.  Then he dressed the wounds with clean linens.   The men exclaimed immediate relief and said that McCoy was sent by the angels to counteract the work of the devil.  Then Kirk had gathered from their testaments that they had been attacked for the goods and gold that they were carrying back to England.  The six ‘demons’ were like nothing they had ever seen before.  The ‘demons’ had bronzed skin and their tilted eyebrows were like the devil’s.  They spoke a language no one recognized and the sound of the language was harsh and guttural.  These hellish allies of the French were strong as well, they were able to lift up seamen and throw them a long distance and they could carry the heavy chests of booty easily by themselves.  From what the French sailors had demanded, they gathered that these ‘demons’ were looking for Wellington as well as other British generals and admirals.  When the sailors did not give them the information they wanted, these ‘demons’ held pistols that shot out lightening and it killed many of their crew and destroyed their ship.  None of the injured men said that their wounds bled after they were struck by the blazing fire from the pistols.  After hearing the men’s accounts of the incident, they attempted to make their way back outside.  The patients who had witnessed McCoy’s treatments, grabbed at him, pulling on his arms and coat sleeves or wrapping their arms around his legs as he walked by.  Their cries for relief and for cures were pitiful and loud.  It was when McCoy was pulled down into a crowd of the patients that Thomason and Kirk grabbed him by the arms, lifted him up and carried him outside.
McCoy was lifted into the coach and then the horses and coachman sped off back to Thomason’s estate. 
 
“I don’t think I’ll ever get those smells and images out of my mind.”  Kirk said quietly.  “That was horrible, how did man ever survive the medical care in this age?” 
 
Staring solemnly out the window, McCoy said “Like all progress it took its own damn slow time.”
Quiet remained in the coach until they arrived back at the estate.
McCoy and Kirk were taken to their rooms by one of the servants of the estate.   Each of them had their own room for which McCoy was grateful.  The bed in his room was firm and the bedding was soft with real goose-down pillows and comforters. There was a wash basin on the dresser of his room and he washed his hands and face.   His hands were trembling from the encounter at the hospital and he looked at his reflection in the dresser mirror.  His face was pale and the tell-tale dark circles were present that appeared when he was tired or stressed.  Spock’s reflection appeared behind him and he felt the reassuring warmth of Spock’s hand on his shoulder.  McCoy relaxed with the touch, not as much as a suggestion from Spock but from the strength he drew from the Vulcan’s presence.
 
“You are trembling, Doctor.  Spock said deeply, “Jim informed me of what had happened at the hospital.  Are you alright?”
 
McCoy gently lifted Spock’s hand from his shoulder and turned to face him.  “It was as bad a Thomason had described.”  Then he saw the bloody and dirt stained hand prints on his coat and shirt cuffs. There were tears in his pants and unknown body fluids had stained his pants as well.
A rare panicky feeling came over him from the contact with the patients.  He quickly stripped off his coat, shirt and pants.  He returned to the washbasin and scrubbed his hands vigorously until Spock’s strong hands encased his and stopped the agitated action.  Slowly Spock released his hold on McCoy’s hands and gently dried them with a towel.  He was guided to a chair and he almost fell into it.  Spock helped him dress into clean pants, shirt and jacket and it was not until the clean clothes were placed on him that he realized he had brought back the stench of that hospital.  There was a knock on the doorframe and Kirk entered.  He looked at Spock then he stared at McCoy. 
 
“Bones, how are you doing?”  Kirk asked.
 
“Better now that Spock helped me change my clothes.  I have never felt so helpless or so repulsed by people who were in need of my care.  I’ve seen the results of plagues, wars and natural disasters that caused so many injuries and deaths.  I have been able to save so many lives through surgeries and medical treatments.  But today I had to walk by all of those people and purposely neglect them as not to change history, it makes me ill.”  McCoy said.  “Of all of the times in history, why did the Klingons pick this time?”
 
“I have calculated that this time in Earth’s history was the optimal time to change all that would lead to the development of your planet’s progress into the future.  The Klingons have given the French the best weapon available, terror.  Rumors of supernatural forces can swing the beliefs of both sides in a war: one of fear and the other of invincibility.  It appears that they have altered the beam of their phasers.  The evidence of their attacks will have greater proof and effect than if the people and ships were erased.  The fire power and terror of the Klingons will allow Napoleon to win his war over Russia, win Waterloo, invade England and win other battles that he lost.  He may have been a brilliant military strategist but he was too consumed with his power as Emperor.   His increased empire would have been brief and would have left chaos after it collapsed and as a result left a large vacuum in Europe.  This would lead to further fractions and battles, no real solidification of countries in Europe and possibly cause the First World War to start sooner.  Another case scenario would leave a vacuum that could not be filled and the age of industrialism would be delayed by centuries.  We cannot dismiss what technology the Klingons would give the French if any.  I would speculate that the Klingons would do whatever it would take to destroy as many human lives as possible.”  Spock said.
 
“We have to capture them as soon as possible.”  Kirk said.
 
“One positive thing is the Klingons do not carry any diseases that can cross species and infect humans.”  McCoy said.
 
“Yes, that is the only positive thing in this mess.  I forgot; I have been sent by our gracious host to inform you both that dinner is being served.”  Kirk said. 
They went down to dinner and were treated to an exquisite eight course meal.  The food was expertly prepared and each course proved to be better than the previous one.
 
After dinner they went to the library and closed the doors.  Thomason handed Kirk his orders from the Royal Navy, ‘LETTERS OF THE MARGUE’, giving him authority to hunt down these French terrorists, capture or kill them and bring back to the Royal Navy Headquarters.  Usually with this permission, Kirk would have been commissioned with his own vessel to carry out this assignment.
Since there was only Kirk as acting Captain and his three officers, there was neither an available ship nor a compliment of seamen.  He would be assigned to the HMS Surprise.  He and his officers were given orders to join Captain Jack Aubrey on this very important assignment.  Kirk could not believe his ears, ‘Lucky Jack’ Aubrey?  He asked Thomason to repeat this in case he had not heard him correctly.  Thomason confirmed this statement.  If anyone in the royal Navy could find these alien scoundrels, it was Captain Aubrey.  The wax sealed orders were placed in a suede case and handed to Kirk.
 
“I wish I could go with you to Portsmouth, but I have to stay here.”  Thomason said.
 
“At least you get to do something useful, and you get the good uniforms.”  Cynthia said, “Do you all have any idea how long it takes to get dressed and how many layers I am wearing?  I feel like a silk moth pupa wrapped up in a silk cocoon!  These clothes are hot, tight and the corset is a torture device.”
 
“I’m sorry that you have to stand there and look so pretty all of the time.”  Thomason said smiling at her.  “I tell you what, next time I am venturing out I will let you dress as a Midshipman.”
 
“You’d better, or there will be a war in this house.”  She replied and then started laughing.
 
“You should see her wrestle and fight; I think she could take on the Klingons and win.”  He replied.  “Well, Kirk, I wish you and your men success, at least the enemy has been seen.”
 
“Thank you for signing me on with Aubrey.”  Kirk said glowing, “How much do I owe you for this?”
 
“Six Klingons, alive at least.  If you throw in Bonaparte, well Aubrey might make Admiral sooner than he has hoped.  You will take our carriage to Portsmouth; all of you trunks and luggage will go on a cart behind you. Goodnight and good luck!  You will return back to our estate after you complete your mission.  Strangely enough, you will return back to our time quickly.”
 
Kirk’s expression changed to one of deep sorrow.
 
“We have been though the “Guardian” before.” Spock said.  “It was a very difficult encounter.”
Kirk broke out of his sadness and gave a small smile.
 
“Good luck, Kirk, you’re as handsome as all of the Star Fleet rumors make you out to be.”  McDonald said with a flirtatious grin.  “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”  She said with a curtsey.  “I will arrange breakfast for you all.”
 
“Thank you for everything.”  Kirk said returning her smile with one of his ‘lady-killer’ smiles.  “We will see you in the morning.”
 
“Would you care for a walk around our garden, Kirk?”  Cynthia asked with a twinkle in her eye.
 
Kirk extended his arm, “Only if you call me Jim.”
 
McCoy rolled his eyes and a sigh was heard from Spock. 

Spock walked McCoy to his room and questioned him if he was going to be okay.  He grouchily replied that he would and to stop pestering him.
 
McCoy lay on his bed trying to get the images of the hospital out of his mind.  Soon the soft bedding engulfed him and he drifted off to sleep.  In the morning warm fingers combed through his hair and a hand shook his shoulder.  He had slept on his abdomen, he was warm and comfortable and his hair was spread over his eyes.  McCoy rolled over and sat up; it was Spock who had awakened him.  He reported to the Doctor that the others were awake and at breakfast.  Kirk had ordered for McCoy not to be disturbed and allowed to sleep in.
 
After a hearty English breakfast, they set off towards Portsmouth, where the HMS Surprise was anchored.  The ride was a quiet one and a beautiful trip.  They passed the country side untouched by future technology, quaint villages, sheep scattered in living pastoral scenes and cottage homes with thatched roofs and colorful gardens.
It was night fall when they arrived at the docks at Portsmouth. There were two small boats pulled close to the boarding docks and four seamen were waiting for them.  They all saluted Kirk as he approached with their hands to their hats.  They saluted Spock, McCoy and Scotty also.  Their belongings were loaded in one boat and they were taken by the other to the Surprise.  The boats rose and fell with the small waves.  McCoy swallowed the bile that was rising in his throat; he tried to take deep breaths to quell the nausea that was overtaking him.  How would he feel when the larger ship was rocked by big waves?  When the boats reached the ship, the boatswain whistle sounded and when they had climbed up the ladder and onto the deck, the whistle sounded again.  The crew, the Marines, Midshipmen and the officers were all lined up on the deck.
 
A tall large, handsome man in Captain’s dress uniform stepped forward.  Kirk’s heart almost beat out of his chest, Jack Aubrey!
 
“Welcome aboard, Captain Kirk.  I am Captain Aubrey.  I’ve heard that you and your men have joined the Royal Navy, come to your senses and declared loyalty to the King.”  His bright blue eyes twinkled with humor and there was a sharp intelligence to them as well.  “Let me introduce my officers, First Lt. William Mowett, Second Lt. Blakeney, Sailing Master Mr. Campbell, and Dr. Stephen Maturin.”  Maturin was thin, average height, pale skin, icy blue eyes and short dark brown hair.   Lt. Blakeney was missing his right arm, the right sleeve folded over his chest like Adm. Nelson’s.
 
“Let me introduce First Lt. Spock, Sailing Master Montgomery Scott and Dr. Leonard McCoy.  Here are my orders, Cpt. Aubrey.”  Kirk said as he handed Aubrey the suede case. 
 
Aubrey dismissed his men and invited the Enterprise men to his cabin for supper.  As they made their way below deck, McCoy was amazed at how clean the upper and lower decks were.  Aubrey’s cabin was considered to be small by some of the ships of the line but it was larger than Kirk’s.  The table was set with candles and a table cloth and the large stern windows overlooked the moonlight sea.  McCoy was very grateful that the ship was still, he would hate to embarrass Kirk by vomiting during dinner.  The meal was roast beef and lamb, potatoes cooked in onions and peas.  They were served an excellent Madeira wine with their meal.  For dessert, there was fruit and cheese; the Enterprise crew relished the taste of real fruit off of the tree and vine.
Aubrey asked about Kirk and Spock’s careers.  Kirk recited what he and Spock had planned that they were primarily hired as Privateers by merchants from various countries to protect their ships when debarking on the sailing voyages.  He had met Mr. Scott on board one of the ships and was impressed with his knowledge of sailing vessels and navigation.  It was the opinion of all present that the finest navigators were Scottish.  McCoy stated that the pioneers of naval surgery and medicine were Scottish as well.  Maturin asked if he had studied under them.  McCoy cited his ‘career’ as studying at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.  He had studied in Boston and had visited with some American Indian shaman’s on the medicinal plants that they used.  Maturin studied McCoy for a moment.
 
“I cannot place your accent; you appear to be of Irish descent in your facial structure and coloring.  McCoy is a Gaelic surname is it not?”  Maturin asked.
 
“I am from Georgia, my grandparents were Irish.  Both my parents were born in Georgia.”  McCoy replied.
 
“I myself am of Irish descent.   What is your stand on slavery?”  Maturin asked.  There was a warning grunt from Aubrey.
 
“I abhor the notion of any type of slavery in any form.  I have worked with an excellent physician from Africa, who had studied the practices of the eastern and oriental medicine” McCoy said. “If you count M’Benga studying on Vulcan as Eastern and Oriental regions!”   He thought to himself, and then back to Maturin, “The only slavery that I endorse is that of me to medicine” At this statement Maturin smiled brightly.
 
“Huzzah!” Aubrey cried out, “What are the odds, gentlemen, two Irish doctors, skinny, dark hair and blue eyes that are enslaved and committed to their professions whole heartedly?  To their ever good health.”  Aubrey toasted and ‘huzzahs’ echoed around the room.
 
Spock inquired if they would be graced by hearing Aubrey and Maturin play their violin and cello.
They stated that they would be honored and inquired if Spock played an instrument to which he truthfully replied as being able to play the piano, violin and harp.  The two men were pleased that they would have another musician aboard. 
Then the table was cleared and Aubrey and his officers sat around the table with Kirk and Spock.  McCoy and Scotty talked with Maturin and Campbell.  Aubrey opened Kirk’s orders his blue eyes narrowed as he read. 
 
“How very odd and disturbing.”  He said as he read about the attack.  Aubrey’s steward, Killick an outspoken ill tempered, person was serving coffee and read some of the report.  He grumbled something about all Frenchmen were demons in some form.  Aubrey shot him a warning stare, and then continued to read on.  Then he had McCoy, Maturin, Scotty and Campbell come to the table for the discussion of the matter.  Kirk filled him in on the damage that was done to the English vessel.  The English officers had a puzzled look to their faces, almost in doubt as to how this could occur.  Enclosed in Kirk’s orders were witnessed assessments of the ship’s damage from the naval headquarters, adding confirmation that this was not conjecture or a fictional event.  McCoy discussed the injuries to the men.
 
“Could these injuries have been caused by lightening?” Maturin asked.
 
“There were neither the exit burns nor the Lichtenburg branching patterns on their skin one sees with lightening strikes.”  McCoy said, “The wounds were caused by immense heat and a purposeful skilled severing at the sites of the amputations and wounds, not the random patterns of lightening.”
 
The room was silent for a brief moment after the severity of the seamen’s injuries registered.   Maturin was staring at Spock’s ears, McCoy started to get nervous.  He had noticed earlier Aubrey’s scarred misshapen right ear and the missing and deformed ears of some of the seamen; he hoped that officers and seamen would accept Spock’s ears as having been mended.
 
“Would you allow me to examine the sutures in your ears, Lt. Spock?”  Maturin asked.
 
“Yes, of course, Dr. Maturin.” Spock replied.
 
The English doctor scrutinized Spock’s ears, and then he looked at McCoy.  “I have never seen finer suturing.  The edges are perfectly mended together.  What type of suture do you use?”
 
“I used a silk blend of thread. For facial wounds I only use fine silk, for other surgeries I have used blends of hemp and silk.”  McCoy said with a feeling of relief.  “The American Indians have used yucca leaf fibers for weaving and sewing, these fibers make excellent suture material also.”  He actually had researched this and Sulu had given him some of the fibers, which he had brought with him also.
 
Stephen returned to his seat. “We must discuss the matter of plant materials further.”
 
“I would look forward to that very much.”  McCoy said.  He could not wait to see Stephen’s specimens from his naturalist collection. 
 
The Surprise and Enterprise men discussed the orders further and then it was getting late.
 
“Captain Kirk, you will share my cabin; Mr. Spock and Mr. Scott, you will bunk with the other officers.  Dr. McCoy, Stephen has requested that you share his quarters as well.  All of your belongings have been delivered to these locations.  Dr. McCoy, your surgeon’s chest has been taken to the sick berth.  Goodnight gentlemen.”  Aubrey said.
 
McCoy followed Stephen to his quarters.  It was a small cabin with a hammock, table and chair.  Glass jars with frogs and parts of animals in alcohol solutions, insects pierced by pins on a thin board and some animals that had been preserved through taxidermy covered Maturin’s desk.  Maturin offered McCoy the hammock but he declined.  McCoy told him that he was used to sleeping on a hard surface and the floor would do very well.    He showed Maturin his sleeping roll and assured him that he would be very comfortable.   To sleep in a swinging hammock brought the queasy feeling back, there was no way he could sleep in that thing.  McCoy had trouble sleeping; the groans of the ship’s wood hull, the glass eyed stares from the stuffed animals, pattering of feet outside the cabin and the voices of the seamen were hard to block out.  He could not face Stephen’s hammock, which swayed back and forth and the lantern that hung on the wall swung back and forth also.  Eventually exhaustion claimed him and he slept.  McCoy was rudely awoken by the pitch of the ship that caused him to roll across the floor. He looked up from the floor to see Maturin’s empty hammock swaying faster.  McCoy hurriedly tried to dress as the strong feeling of nausea claimed him and the rolling of the ship made it almost impossible to get dressed.  He barely it made to the side of the ship on the upper deck before he was heaving his stomach contents out into the water below.
Each time he would recover, the ship would rise or fall and the sickness came over him again.  This was absolute misery and it was very embarrassing.  He leaned against the railing for support, his legs felt rubbery.  Suddenly the ship rolled hard in his direction and he almost fell overboard.

Spock walked up to his side.“Do you require assistance, Doctor?  You must be careful, you could fall overboard.”  Spock said.
 
“Spock, do me a favor.”  McCoy gasped.
 
“Anything, Doctor.” Spock replied.
 
“Please neck pinch me!  I can’t take much more of this seasickness; I’m so tired of vomiting.  I’m so miserable.  Please, Spock.”  McCoy begged.
 
“Doctor, I would not perform that action on the ship or on a shuttle craft.  You will acclimate soon.”Spock said as McCoy was once again heaving.
 
Aubrey and Kirk walked up beside them. 
 
“Maturin is the same when we have been on land for a while.  It takes him a while to get used to the sea life.”  Aubrey said.  “Another trait you both have in common.”
 
Kirk placed a sympathetic arm around McCoy’s shoulders, “Anything I can do for you, Doctor?” He asked.
 
“I just begged Spock to give me a neck pinch, but he refused to do it.  Oh…..I’ll never complain about a shuttle ride again!”  McCoy gasped.
 
“What is a neck pinch?” Aubrey asked.
 
Kirk quickly looked to Spock, who expertly replied, “It is a Chinese acupressure point at the junction of the shoulder and neck area that renders one unconscious.”
 
“Ha, ha, ha, ha.”  Aubrey laughed in his trademark laugh, “I must see this, but not on the dear Doctor.  I’ll have Steven bring you some tea and toast, Dr. McCoy.”  Then Kirk and Aubrey walked off.  Stephen Maturin, at this point, walked toward them.
 
“I have been informed that Dr. McCoy is infirmed, sea sickness no doubt.”  He said sympathetically.

“I find a tincture of opium helps this.” Maturin suggested.
 
“I think the mind altering effects will make it worse.”  McCoy said as he rested his head on his crossed arms on the railing.

“I also find that dry toast and tea help me with this affliction.  I shall return with some for you.” Dr. Maturin walked off.
 
Once again McCoy was hit by the spasms of his stomach.  Spock touched his face with his fingers in the meld positions and McCoy started to feel relief.  He straightened up and looked at Spock.
 
“Whatever you did, it worked.  Thanks, Spock.”  McCoy said gratefully.
 
“I merely dampened the information from your Vestibular nerve to the cerebellum.  This is only temporary, once the feeling returns; I can decrease the nerve impulses again.”  Spock said.
 
“Well, I’m in your debt, again, Spock.  Thank you.”  McCoy smiled.  Maturin brought McCoy the dry toast and tea.  McCoy ate the toast and drank the tea, thanked him and stated that he had ‘immediate’ relief.
 
Then McCoy and Maturin went down several decks and to the stern of the ship to what the men of the Surprise called the ‘Sick Berth’.  Due to the bay shaped area the term eventually changed to Sick Bay.  The well secluded and protected area was dark, only lit by several lanterns. 
 
“How the hell will I perform surgery in this light?”  McCoy asked himself.  What he could see were clean scrubbed floors, clean linens on the cots and hammocks and clean operating tables. 
He was introduced to Mr. Higgins, the surgeon’s Mate and to a silent giant of a man, Padeen.  Padeen was intensely loyal to Stephen, he mainly spoke Gaelic by which Stephen and he conversed.  Maturin showed McCoy his surgical instruments and his medications.   McCoy opened his surgeon’s chest and the two compared the similarities and differences of their instruments.  Maturin had never seen a glass syringe before, nor the slender and sharp suture needles.  Killick brought them afternoon tea and they looked over Maturin’s extensive collection of specimens from his journeys and observations of a naturalist.  It saddened McCoy that almost all of these animals and insects were extinct in his century. 
Then Maturin started to pack up a trunk of supplies.  Puzzled, McCoy asked Stephen where he was going.  Stephen replied he had business to attend to in Portugal and he would return in several days.  McCoy did not want Maturin to know that he was aware that Stephen had been a British spy.
Maturin excused himself and went to Aubrey’s cabin.  Wanting some fresh air McCoy went up to the top deck.
He spotted Scotty studying the sails, masts and rigging, checking the current speed of the ship and the direction to the destination that the ship was to head towards.
 
“How’s it going, Scotty?” He asked.
 
Scotty’s sun tanned face beamed, “I’m havin’ tha time of me life, Doctor.  I’ve dreamt of being aboard a sailing ship and this beats all my fantasies.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, I miss tha Enterprise and me engines but it can’t compare to this ingenious network of ropes, wood and cloth.”  Then he began telling McCoy what each sail, tie, mast and rigging was for.  McCoy followed him up to a point then it all went over his head.   He enjoyed hearing the excited tones of Scotty’s voice and the thicker accent that Scotty had regressed to.  Then Scotty was summoned by the ship’s Sailing Master and he bid a “good bye” to McCoy.  McCoy strolled on the deck for a while and then he spotted Aubrey and Maturin.  They were standing close together, their shoulders touching.  There appeared to be a deep friendship between the two of them.  Aubrey’s expression changed to one of concern and he hugged Maturin briefly.  The two walked toward a boat that was secured to the side of the ship.  Padeen shuffled behind them with Maturin’s luggage and chest.   The big man loaded it all into the boat and then assisted Stephen into the boat.  Two seamen climbed in with them, apparently they were ordered to accompany Maturin and Padeen on their mission.
Maturin looked up at McCoy, “I leave my Sick Berth and the health of the men in your very capable hands, Dr. McCoy.”  He said as the boat was lowered to the water. 
 
Aubrey called out, “Padeen, please take care of our dear Doctor.  Do not let him fall off of the boat, fall off a bridge or fall into the sea, lake, and stream or puddle at any cost.”  Padeen nodded and moved closer to Maturin in the small boat.
McCoy returned to the Sick Berth and treated some of the crew that had some in with various complaints.  He made small talk with Mr. Higgins, who was a pleasant but nervous individual.
Later he dined with the officers in Aubrey’s cabin.  The food had changed to the regular meals that the officers ate when at sea.  McCoy was very grateful to Spock for decreasing his nausea as he observed the maggots that were crawling out of the biscuits.  He had read that these were the larval stage of beetles and not the fly larvae found on decaying animals or humans.  Aubrey shared stories of how Dr. Maturin had a strange way of falling into the water.   It seemed that the ocean or any body of water had a magnetic pull on the unfortunate doctor and whenever Stephen was up on deck, all eyes kept a keen look out for this puzzling occurrence.   Maturin was a poor swimmer and on numerous occasions Aubrey had to dive in and save him.  After supper, Spock accompanied Aubrey on the violin that he had brought with him.  McCoy was mesmerized by Spock’s face.  The Vulcan closed his eyes while playing and the subtle expressions that were delicately displayed on his face were beautiful.  The melody was a tangible symbol of Spock’s structured and logical thoughts.  McCoy was surprised to find his eyes misting up over the combination of Spock’s expressions and the music.  He memorized every facial movement and every note; it was like an embrace and a caress for his soul.  Aubrey, his officers, Kirk and Spock stayed in the captain’s cabin and discussed their next destination based on reports that Aubrey had received.
 
The following morning, McCoy brought his coffee and toast down to the Sick Berth.  He viewed what slides Maturin had made from his specimens but McCoy used the microscope that he had brought with him.  He started to keep a journal of all that he had observed; this would be for his own records and enjoyment.  He also viewed slides of samples of the watered down rum “grog” that the seamen drank, he and Stephen had discussed the foul liquid.  As Maturin had informed McCoy, this “grog” was teaming with all sorts of tiny organisms.   He was so engrossed in his enjoyment of all of the specimens that he had to be summoned to dinner.   At sunset, the colors that painted the sky and were reflected in the sea were breath-taking.  During the night, a trail of phosphorescent light trailed in the water alongside and behind the Surprise as the ship disturbed the plankton and other sea organisms.  Thousands of stars were visible in the black velvet night sky and the moon spilled its silvery glow on the dark open waters.  McCoy and Spock gathered up some of the glowing plankton and studied them under his microscope in the Sick Berth.  McCoy enjoyed the change in environment with Spock.  Spock was no longer the Commander on a Star ship, he was an officer but he was able set aside his duties and join McCoy in their common interest in science, exploring and studying life forms.
 
The next day started the same; there were a few minor complaints that McCoy had to treat.  He went back to Stephen’s specimens.  Suddenly there was a distant but loud explosion which was followed by the rocking of the Surprise in the sea.  There was another thunderous boom and the ship was rocked again.
“This is like being on the Enterprise.” McCoy thought to himself.
 
There was a roar of commands and shouts of the officers and crew followed by the pounding of feet.  A drummer was beating out a steady rhythm and shouts of “Beat to quarters!” filled the ship.
Heavy equipment was being rolled across the floor several decks above the Sick Berth.
 
Higgins burst into the Sick Berth out of breath.
 
“What’s going on?”  McCoy asked him.
 
“We’ve been fired upon by a French ship.”  He said panting.  Then he brought out several buckets filled with sand and spread it on the floor.  McCoy had read that this was done to absorb the blood from patients and prevent the surgeon and his assistant from sliding in the blood and fluids of the wounded.
 
“I wonder if the French ship is the one with the Klin….I mean demons.”  McCoy said.
 
Higgins paled and rubbed his hands together nervously, “Oh no, not the demons!  I’ve heard the stories about what they did to the crew of that ship. Oh, dear!”
 
“Don’t worry; these demons are flesh and blood like us.  They can be wounded and bleed also.”  McCoy tried to reassure him.
 
A puzzled but relieved expression appeared on Higgins’ face, “If you say so, Doctor.”
 
Then another explosion sounded and the whole ship shuddered.  The sound of cracking wood and the screams of the crew were heard above them.
 
McCoy quickly set up his surgery tools, sutures, medications and bandages.  He had made up the bottles of saline water after Stephen had left using boiled water and the salt he had brought with him.   He set up a basin filled with vinegar to wash his instruments in between surgeries and a bottle of vinegar to wash his hands.  What he wouldn’t give for surgical gloves or his Steri-Lite field.  There was a deafening roar as the Surprise’s cannons returned fire and the heavy cannons were sent backwards and then recoiled after being reloaded.   McCoy picked up his surgeon’s case; bandages and ordered Higgins bring up the canvas stretcher.  When he arrived on the top deck, there were ropes, pieces of sails, broken wood, bodies and blood.  He came across two seamen who were beyond his care, one had lost his entire head and neck and the other had been cut in half by a cannon ball.   Yells of orders and screams of pain filled the air.  Most of the men had suffered wounds that only needed a cloth bandage and some had suffered closed fractures of their arms, but they refused to leave the fight and they would continue to defend their ship and captain.  McCoy bound and secured the injured arms with bandages and secured the arms to their chests.  The loyalty and courage of these men was incredible.  Then McCoy was summoned to aid a Marine who had fallen from the mast where he had been perched as a sharp shooter.  The man’s leg was completely fractured in two places and bleeding badly from the wood fragments that had pierced his leg.  To make his rescue more difficult, he was tangled up in ropes and debris from the shattered spars.  McCoy gave him a dose of opium, placed a tourniquet above the wounds and went about freeing the marine from his enclosed trap, he had to use a knife to cut some of the rigging away.
Sounds of breaking wood and flapping cloth were heard directly above his head.  McCoy looked up to see more of the spars, pieces of the mast and sails hurtling down towards him.  His reflex was to cover the man underneath him with his body and brace for the coming impact.
 
“Dr. McCoy!”  He heard Spock yell at him.  The marine looked up in horror at the plummeting mass of wood and canvas.  McCoy closed his eyes, covered his patient and prepared for the impact.  When he only felt just a small whip from the ropes, he opened his eyes.  The marine was staring opened mouthed over his shoulder.  Spock was behind McCoy and he had caught the tumbling mass before it reached the doctor and his patient.  Then Spock tossed the mass aside and assisted McCoy in freeing the trapped man. 
As McCoy was securing the broken leg in a splint and applying pressure dressing to the bleeding wounds the marine said, “My god, Lt. Spock caught all of that wood and sail!  He tossed it like it was made of paper and silk.  He’s so strong!”
“He eats a lot of vegetables.”  McCoy replied, “Let’s get you below and reset your leg.”  McCoy ordered the man to be taken to the Sick Berth.  As he made his way around the deck, McCoy had failed to notice that the French ship had come closer.  He heard the sound of gun shots and saw several crewmen fall.  There were screams and the French were swinging over onto the deck by ropes.  Pistol fire and the clank of swords were heard over the din of the shouting.  McCoy turned to see a Frenchman hit Spock over the head with a piece of wood and push him down to the deck.  The stunned Vulcan was turned onto his back and the Frenchman straddled his waist.  McCoy cried out in horror as the enemy drove his knife into Spock’s chest where the human heart would be, he rushed to Spock’s aid.  The man twisted the knife as he sneered evilly and pulled out the knife.  Before he could deliver another strike, Spock caught his wrist and the Frenchman winced and dropped the knife.  McCoy was almost to Spock’s side when the Frenchman started screaming.
 
 “Il est un demon, diable!  Le sang est vert!” (He is a demon, devil!  The blood is green). 
 
His screams brought a brief halt to the fighting around them.  Spock reached up with his other hand a neck pinched the man before he could draw more attention and he pushed the unconscious man aside.  By this time McCoy was at Spock’s side.  Spock was bleeding steadily from the wound but McCoy did not see any bubbling from the wound nor was Spock spitting up blood.  The knife had missed his lungs but he was bleeding badly and needed help.  The Surprise’s crew drew near and McCoy had to think fast.  He covered Spock’s wound with cloth and applied pressure but the green blood soaked through.  McCoy reached for Spock’s knife, pulled back his own sleeve and made a cut on his left forearm.  The cloth and Spock’s uniform were soon covered in his red blood.
 
“Doctor, that was unwise.”  Spock said stiffly as McCoy put more pressure on his bleeding wound.
 
“Yeah, well it’s more ‘unwise’ is for these superstitious sailors see your copper based blood.  Now, put your hand over your wound and apply pressure.  Act like a human would you, grimace, cuss or act like you passed out.”  McCoy said as he let more of his blood cover the bandage and Spock’s uniform.  Spock gave McCoy an annoyed look then he closed his eyes and gave the impression of being unconscious. 
 
Kirk ran up to their side out of breath.  “Spock!  McCoy is he….what? There’s red blood on him.”
 
“It’s my blood, Jim.  I nicked myself to cover Spock’s blood with my red human blood.  That unconscious Frenchman over there announced to the whole ship that Spock was bleeding green blood and that he was a devil.  Thank God, he spoke in French.”  McCoy said as he tied a piece of cloth around his forearm.”
 
“I didn’t know you spoke French, Doctor.”  Spock said through partially opened eyes.  “Captain, I received at stab wound to the chest.  I believe the knife hit a vein and it missed my lung.”
 
“I don’t speak French, Spock, but I know that the Latin base for blood and green are similar and demon and devil is self explanatory.  Quit talking, you’re supposed to be unconscious!”  McCoy barked at Spock.
 
“That’s what all of the shouting was about.  The pause in the Frenchmen’s attack gave us the upper hand.  Captain Aubrey is over on the other ship discussing the terms of their surrender with the Captain.”  Kirk said eyeing Spock’s chest with concern.  “How bad is his wound, Bones?”
 
“Well, as my patient so accurately diagnosed himself, there may not be severe bleeding but it’s enough to warrant concern.  My biggest fear is the knife that was used to make that wound probably was never cleaned between battles and Spock got injected with a lot of nasty bacteria.  I’ll clean out and examine his wound and then I’ll let you know what the damage is.”  McCoy said.
 
Kirk slapped McCoy on the back, “That was quick thinking on your part, Bones, thank you.  You both are blood-brothers now and in some culture you’re married.  Spock, be a good patient for your blood-partner.”  The daggers coming from McCoy’s eyes made him change the subject.  Kirk asked, “Do you need a hand getting him below, Bones?”
 
“That would be a great help, Jim.”  McCoy said as they assisted Spock to a standing position.  They each put one of Spock’s arms over their shoulders and they made their way (with Spock’s subtle assistance) down to the Sick Berth.  Kirk stood by as a lookout and to block the view of Spock’s blood as McCoy cleaned the wound, applied antibacterial powder specifically made for Spock and packed the wound with a clean dressing. 
 
“Good work, Bones.  I’m going top side to assist Aubrey.”  Kirk said smiling warmly at McCoy.
 
“I’m going with you, Captain.”  Spock said, “The bleeding has been stopped and the wound treated.  There is no reason for me to remain here.”
 
McCoy sighed, “Oh, go ahead and take him with you, Jim.  He’ll start diagnosing everyone down here and driving me crazy.  Spock, please be careful, you did loose enough blood to make you weak.  Spock, make sure the Captain doesn’t get hurt.”
 
“I always try.”  Spock said as he and Kirk started to walk out.
 
“Not hard enough!”  McCoy yelled at their backs.  Then he did surgery on the Marine’s leg, repairing blood vessels, reattaching muscles and tendons and resetting the bones.  The Marine was admirable in his ability to remain still through the process; even with the dose of Laudanum McCoy was certain that the surgery was very painful.  He washed his hands and instruments in vinegar and then went about treating the other wounded.  About two hours after Kirk had left he returned out of breath.  McCoy’s first thought was Spock had started bleeding again.
 
“Bones, they need you on the other ship.  There are English prisoners who are very ill.”
 
“Bones?”  Higgins repeated, “You called him ‘Bones’?”
 
Kirk quickly replied, “Well that’s what he does, he fixes or cuts off bones.” 
 
Higgins and the seamen started laughing and shouting out “Bones, Dr. Bones!”
 
McCoy grabbed his away kit and snarled at Kirk, “Your physical is due when we return to the ship, and just you wait!”
 
Kirk assisted McCoy over to the other ship.  Kirk led McCoy past the wounded on the deck that either reached out to McCoy for help or cursed and spat at him.  They went down numerous decks to the ‘brig’.  The ship was filthy, the French seamen were not as clean shaven like Aubrey’s crew and the rank body odor was enough to make even him sick.  As they descended, they passed the French Sick Berth where a blood covered surgeon was busy amputating a seaman’s leg.  The poor man was tied spread-eagled on the operating table and the necrotic leg was held by the surgeon’s mate.  The surgeon did not acknowledge their presence, there were too many patients moaning and crying out for treatment.  The brig was at the bottom most part of the ship and there was at least two feet of foul smelling dirty water in this area.  There was floating debris and human waste that they had to wade through to get to the prisoners.  The jail cell was merely a metal barred cage that did not keep the water out.  Most of the prisoners were able to get out unaided.  One prisoner was face down in the water, he was dead; the other was sitting with his back against the bars.  The man’s face was grey, McCoy could hear the rattle of secretions in his throat and he was unconscious.  McCoy ordered that the man be taken up to the top deck.  The prisoner was laid out on the deck and in the sunlight his color was worse.  McCoy had the Surprise’s men assist him and hold up a blanket around the sick prisoner.  McCoy removed the man’s clothes and shoes and then he took the blanket and covered the man with it.  The change in temperature and environment brought the man to consciousness but he was very confused and struggled in McCoy’s grip.  The man started coughing and he brought up greenish mucous which he spat onto McCoy’s face.  The foul fluid hit McCoy on his mouth, nose and eyes.  He wiped off as much as he could with his sleeve.  The man was placed on a stretcher and carried over to the Surprise’s Sick Berth.  As the man was being settled on one of the cots, McCoy quickly changed his clothes and washed his face and hands with vinegar and gargled with the vinegar as well.
McCoy did surgeries on other men who were in need.  Higgins turned out to be a fairly good assistant but McCoy wished he had Chapel at his side.  Her quick thinking and ability to judge which instrument or treatment he needed were invaluable.  
Stephen had returned and immediately started taking care of the other patients.  He commented on how organized and efficient McCoy had been; the patients had received the best of care in his absence.  Aubrey came down to visit his men and to check on the injuries and losses.  Maturin told him that they were indebted to Dr. McCoy for his quick response to the injuries and his efficient treatments and surgeries.  Aubrey insisted that McCoy join them for supper, he knew the doctor must be hungry and he needed a break.  Stephen seconded the idea; he had dined before returning to the Surprise.
McCoy washed his hands in the vinegar and informed Aubrey he would be up shortly after he changed his clothes. 
The supper was relaxing and the accounts of the battle were entertaining.  The French ship would not have brought much in the way of a prize.  What remained of the crew, including the doctor and his more viable patients, were allowed to leave on the life boats, the orders from the French Navy for the capture of the Surprise were kept and the officers were taken as prisoners.  Their ship was cannoned and sunk.  Aubrey praised Kirk’s fearless fighting and reports that he received from the crew of Spock’s strength and bravery were almost to the point of hero worship.  McCoy blushed deeply as Aubrey conveyed Stephen’s and the crew’s praise for his quick action, excellent medical care and his bravery also.  After the brandy, McCoy could barely keep his eyes opened and he was excused to get some well deserved sleep.
 
McCoy awoke the next morning with the headache from hell, a sore throat and his whole body ached.  As he dressed he noticed that he cut he had made on his arm was red and swollen.  Then he thought of the filthy water in the French ship.  Spock was right, making the cut on his forearm was unwise; however, he would still do it again to protect Spock.  He went down to the Sick Berth and assisted Maturin with the patients.  They worked through the morning and afternoon.  By this time, McCoy felt worse, he had started coughing and he felt dizzy.  Then he remembered the prisoner who had coughed in his face, the man had died five hours after he was brought on board.  He went to his supply chest and took some antibiotics.  By the late afternoon, he was coughing more.  Stephen looked over at him with concern, but he said nothing.   They had finished all of the needed surgeries and were able to make rounds on the other patients in time for supper. 
The feeling of being chilled and dizzy increased during the meal and he tried to subdue his coughing.  During one bout of coughing, he excused himself to go out on deck to get some air.  He went to Stephen’s cabin and took more of the antibiotics he had brought.  His left arm was throbbing from the infection and swelling.  McCoy went back up on the deck and ran into Spock.
 
“There you are, Doctor.  We were concerned when you did not return and I could not find you on the deck.  You have been coughing, are you ill?”  Spock asked.
 
“No, I’m just tired.  The room was getting stuffy and being cooped up in the Sick Berth has made me a little claustrophobic.”  McCoy replied.  A severe chill made him shiver and he walked to the deck rail for support.
 
“You are shivering.”  Spock quickly felt the doctor’s forehead before he could protest.  “You have a fever, how long have you felt this way?”
 
“I told you I’m fine, I’m just tired.”  McCoy said as he pinched the bridge of his nose, the headache throbbed with the rhythm of his heart beat.
 
Spock grabbed him by the left arm and he let out a yelp of pain, then Spock pulled up the sleeve on his left arm.  Even in the darkness, nothing could escape the Vulcan’s keen vision.  “Your arm is infected.  You must go to Dr. Maturin immediately.”
 
“I’ve taken some antibiotics.  I can’t let Stephen see this cut; he’ll ask how it happened.”  McCoy said as he pulled his arm back from Spock’s hold.
“Tell him you received the cut while you were top side during the attack.”  Spock said.
 
“You want me to tell a lie, Spock?”  McCoy asked in an amused tone.
 
“No, Doctor, I only wish for you to receive the proper care for your injury.”  Spock replied.
 
“Okay, Spock, you win, I’ll show Maturin my wound when we go back to his quarters.  I’m feeling better, let’s go join the others.”  McCoy conceded and he could detect a small expression of victory on Spock’s face. 
Later when McCoy and Maturin had retired to his quarters, they started getting undressed.
 
“Dr. McCoy, what happened to your arm?”  Stephen asked, “The wound is infected and your color is far too pale.”
 
“I was cut on the arm during the attack on the Surprise.  I have taken medication for the infection and I feel better than I did at supper.  By morning, the medication will have taken effect.”  McCoy told him.
 
Maturin gave him a half smile, “What terrible patients we doctors make.  I would do the same.  I agree a dose of medicine and a good night’s sleep will do wonders.”
 
During the night, McCoy was restless.  His cough was returning and he did not want to awaken Stephen.  He put on his robe and went out on deck.  The cool night air felt refreshing although he was still shivering.  A spasm of coughing seized him and he could feel the rattle of the secretions in his lungs.   The antibiotics had not halted the infection in his arm nor his chest.  He leaned heavily on the railing for support as dizziness and weakness overtook him.  A Midshipman on watch stopped by to check on him and hearing the doctor’s labored breathing he started to go get Dr. Maturin.  McCoy stopped him an ordered him to get Lt. Spock.  The young man started to protest but McCoy informed him that he had just given him a direct order to get Lt. Spock.  It was a matter of minutes before Spock was at his side.  McCoy collapsed into his arms and Spock picked him up gently.
 
“You are very ill, Doctor, I am taking you to Dr. Maturin.”  Spock said firmly.
 
McCoy grabbed the collar of his uniform, “Don’t let him bleed me, Spock, please don’t let him bleed me.”  Then the doctor went limp in his arms.
 
Spock carried McCoy to Maturin’s quarters, Stephen dressed in haste and they hurried down to the Sick Berth.  Spock set McCoy on one of the cots and Stephen brought over a lantern, in the glow of the soft candlelight, McCoy appeared as a ghost he was so pale.  Stephen removed McCoy’s robe and night gown and he sighed at the infection in the doctor’s left forearm. 
 
“This is far more serious than I thought.”  Maturin said.  “He has been coughing as well, and his lungs sound full of fluid.  I suspect a pneumonia of some kind.”  He had Spock support McCoy’s left forearm as he opened the infected wound.  He cleaned out the wound and sprinkled sulfur into the opened area.  Then he packed the wound with linen.  “I like to keep the wounds open so that they heal from the inside out.  If I were to close the wound, it would not heal and infection could return.”  Stephen brushed McCoy’s hair away from his forehead, “He has a high fever, and I will bathe him in tepid water to bring his fever down.”  Maturin noted Spock’s intense stare at McCoy, he was familiar with that stare.  It was one of deep concern for someone that he cared about and a look of helplessness.  “I’ll be honest with you Lt. Spock, the doctor is gravely ill.  I will do the best that I can to care for him.  He is at a critical phase and he may not have the strength to fight this battle.”  Spock slowly nodded.  “I will summon you and Cpt. Kirk if there is a change for the better or hopefully not for the worse.”
 
“Thank you, Dr. Maturin.  I will see if the Captain is awake, I know he will need to learn of the change in our doctor’s condition.  If you will excuse me.”  Before he left, Spock placed his hand on McCoy’s face and briefly closed his eyes in concentration.  Then he departed the Sick Berth to find Kirk.
 
McCoy opened his eyes and in the fevered haze he saw Higgins holding his right arm.  Maturin was holding a bowl beneath his arm and he saw his blood flowing from a cut.  Panic seized him and he angrily pulled his arm free.  The bowl was knocked out of Stephen’s hold and blood splashed on him and Maturin. 
 
“Dammit, I said no bleeding!”  McCoy screamed.  “You stupid idiot, bleeding does nothing but deplete the patient of red and white blood cells.  People died in this era from overwhelming infections and hypovolemic shock.  Of all the incompetent, irrational practices…you fools!”
 
Higgins gasped at McCoy’s words and Maturin frowned.
 
“I will excuse your words, Doctor because you are ill.  Bleeding patients is the standard of practice; it keeps the blood cells from creating friction and increasing the fever.  Hold still, you are bleeding and you will hurt yourself.”  Maturin said as he tried to subdue McCoy.  However, he was backhanded by McCoy and Higgins received a kick in his abdomen as McCoy gained his freedom.
McCoy was able to move off of the bed and start up the stairs to the upper decks as the surprised doctor and his assistant got to their feet.  “Higgins, go get Padeen.  We will need his assistance.  What did he mean by ‘people died in this era’?  He is confused to his profession and time.”
 
On his way up the stairs, McCoy screamed out for Kirk and Spock and the shocked crew gave him wide berth as he ran frantically passed them.  Maturin yelled out orders for the men to grab the doctor but they were too stunned by McCoy’s bloody appearance.  When he reached the top deck, McCoy was panting and coughing as he scanned the deck through his blurry vision for Kirk, Spock or Scotty.  He yelled out their names as he staggered past the crew. 
 
Suddenly he was grabbed from behind by large strong arms, Padeen had caught him.  Maturin stood in front of McCoy and grabbed hold of his face.
 
“Calm yourself, Doctor McCoy, you are very ill and you are endangering your health further by this agitated state.”  He said staring into McCoy’s wild blue eyes. 
 
“Jim, Spock, help me!”  McCoy cried out, his voice hoarse.
 
Kirk, Spock and Aubrey ran up to them.  Kirk tried to hide the anger on his face at the treatment McCoy was receiving and his blood stained arm and body.
“What is going on?” Kirk asked.
 
“I was bleeding Dr. McCoy and he became frenzied and confused.  He said some
very uncomplimentary things about my practice in his anger.  I know that he is ill and he is not himself.”Maturin informed Kirk.
 
Kirk had to think fast, “He was captured and severely tortured recently.  He almost died.  McCoy must be reliving that experience.”
 
McCoy looked at Kirk in desperation, “I told Spock not to let them bleed me.”  He turned his fever brightened blue eyes at Spock, “You damned green-blooded hobgoblin, and you didn’t tell Jim.  You promised Spock, why did you let him do it to me?”
 
Spock stepped forward and quickly reached around McCoy’s neck and delivered the pinch. McCoy went limp in Padeen’s hold.  Spock gently took the unconscious doctor in his arms and lifted him close to his chest.
 
“As you said, Dr. Maturin, the Doctor is not himself.  I speak for myself and for Dr. McCoy, who has praised your medical expertise, and that you are an excellent physician and surgeon.  Any insult he has spoken is a result of the torture that he had received.   I will assist you with Dr. McCoy’s care.”  Spock said.
 
Maturin paled and looked at Aubrey, “I myself was tortured, and I understand the effects that that experience can have on a person.  No wonder he reacted as he did.  Strangely though, I did not see any scars on his body in my examination.”
“It is possible to inflict injuries without scars or wounds.  There are many cultures that have this knowledge to cause organ damage and fracture of bones without open wounds.”  Spock said, his dark eyes were piercing in their intensity at Maturin. 
 
“Yes, of course, I apologize.  We must get the Doctor back to the Sick Berth.”  Maturin said.
 
“Spock, stay with him.  Keep him quiet and calm.”  Kirk ordered.
 
“Aye, Captain.” Spock replied
 
Aubrey was stoned faced, “’Green-blooded hobgoblin’ I have never heard that phrase before.  It is very hard to see the effects of illness or injury on a friend.  After Stephen’s torture, it grieved me deeply to see the pain he was in and the lingering disabilities.  I do not know what I would so if I were to lose him.  He can be a peculiar fellow at times.  Sometimes his ideas and philosophy do not conform to the Royal Navy way of thinking.”
 
Kirk shot an amused look at Aubrey.  “Maturin is like that, so is McCoy.  He can be so stubborn and outspoken but he is a strong humanitarian and a damned fine surgeon.  I’m afraid I let him get by with his outspoken nature and he’s usually right.  Does Stephen hound you constantly about your diet?”
 
Aubrey let out a loud laugh and put his arm around Kirk’s shoulder, “These two have to be related, they have so much in common.  Now let me tell you about how Stephen nags at me.”
 
Two of the crewmen were watching McCoy’s delirious outburst and they had witnessed the attack on Spock by the Frenchman.  One turned to the other:
“I told ya ‘is blood was green.  One don’t make that stuff up.”
 
Spock followed Stephen down to the Sick Berth.  Spock bathed McCoy’s face, chest and right arm with cool water to clean the blood off of his skin and to bring his fever down.  When Maturin was busy with other patients, Spock placed some of the antibiotic and antiviral pills in the Doctor’s mouth under his tongue.  They would be more efficiently absorbed this way rather than getting McCoy to swallow them.  As the day progressed McCoy seemed less febrile to the touch and he was semiconscious.
He was mumbling incoherently but then he opened his eyes and stared at Spock.
“I had the strangest dream about you, Spock, before we left the ship.  You were a pirate and you captured me.  You could not look at me at breakfast; did you have the same dream?” 
 
Spock did not answer.  He had shared the same dream, when he kissed McCoy he accidentally opened a mind link with the doctor.  His desire for McCoy and the Doctor’s passionate response were blended with the fears of the mission McCoy had been obsessed with.  The dream was true in various respects of Spock’s affection and concerns for McCoy as well.  He also perceived McCoy’s pleasure at the notion of being ‘taken’ by Spock; although, Spock would not have acted in such a fashion unless he was in Pon farr. 
 
“We will speak of the dream later, Doctor; you must concentrate all of your energy on becoming well.  Your fever is down but you have pneumonia and you had an infection in your arm.  Dr. Maturin opened the wound and cleaned out the infection.”  Spock said as he brushed his wet hair with his fingers.
 
“That feels so good, Spock.  Thanks for takin’ such good care of me.”  McCoy said and his eyes closed.  He slept peacefully for the next ten hours.  Then he stirred and opened his eyes, they were clear blue and focused.  He coughed occasionally but the rattle of secretions in his airways had subsided.  “How long have I been asleep, Spock?”
 
“You have been unconscious and semiconscious for approximately thirty hours.  The infection in your arm is gone and your pneumonia is under control.”  Spock informed him and in a softer voice, “I gave you the antibiotics and antiviral medications sublingually.”
 
McCoy smiled, “Excellent treatment, Dr. Spock, just what I would have recommended.”  McCoy said as he sat up in bed. 
 
“Ah, Dr. McCoy, you have made an incredible recovery.”  Stephen said with a look of genuine surprise.  “I was worried that you might have succumbed to your illness.  You have received excellent care from Lt. Spock; he has not left your bedside.”
 
McCoy looked over at Spock, “Thank you, Spock, you have saved my life again. “
“It was the least I could do for you, Doctor.”  Spock said as he stood up, “I will go inform the Captains that you have made a remarkable recovery.”  Spock informed Kirk and Aubrey of McCoy’s improvement.  When he and Kirk were alone, Kirk sat down and shook his head.
 
“It was all I could do not to blow our cover when I saw Bones.  I never took into account that he could be the one to become ill or injured.  It was bad enough seeing you wounded.  I could have lost you both.”  Kirk said.
 
“I was in no danger of dying from my wound but Dr. McCoy is not fully well yet.  His exposure to the contaminated fluid in the French ship via the cut on his arm led to infection and the bacteria entered his blood stream.  Apparently one of the English prisoners who died from possible pneumonia had coughed in the Doctor’s face.  This was reported to Dr. Maturin while I was at McCoy’s bedside.”  Spock informed Kirk.  “Though the Doctor is awake he is far from recovered.  I was able to give him the medications that he had made up for us while Dr. Maturin was not looking.  This helped in keeping both infections in check.”
“What was all that mess about the about the bleeding?”  Kirk asked.
 
“It was common practice for the physicians of this age and the ages before this time to cut the patients extremities at various locations to induced bleeding.  Some of the physicians would bleed as much as 920 ml.  The theory behind this illogical and errant treatment was to allow the bad blood to flow out and to prevent the blood cells from rubbing up against each other.  The belief being that the friction of the blood cells produced heat and this is what caused fevers.”  Spock said.
 
“Oh, poor Bones; no wonder he was so upset.  I had no idea where all of that blood had come from.I will stay with him tonight, Spock.  You need to get some rest, you are recovering also.”  Kirk ordered.
 
“Thank you, Jim.  I will only need a few hours of meditation for my healing trance.  Captain Aubrey has found your company to be beneficial and helpful.  He is a remarkable and well disciplined Captain, much like you, Jim.  The crewmen and his officers hold the same loyalty and respect that the Enterprise’s crew has for you.”  Spock said.
 
“Thank you, Spock.  Now go heal yourself.  That’s a direct order.”  Kirks said with a smile.
 
Spock inclined his head and headed to the officer’s quarters.  He was easily able to go into the healing trance.  Some hours later, Spock was alerted by the firing of the Surprise’s cannons.  He quickly dressed and rushed up to the quarterdeck. 
A French ship had been spotted and the Surprise was going full sail to capture it.   As they drew closer, they were able to make out the name of the ship and view some of the crew with their telescopes.  Aubrey has his trained on the stern of the ship.  It was a forty gun frigate named the Beau M’lle.  Suddenly, he let out an exclamation and called Kirk over.  Kirk looked through the telescope and he spotted a very thin, bronzed skin man with long thinning hair and the tell-tale slanted eyebrows.  They had found the Klingons!
Although this particular Klingon did not appear well at all, he was still dressed in his Klingon uniform, which was becoming thread bare.  The sails were not trimmed nor at full sail.  The few crewmen that were on deck were waving and yelling frantically at the Surprise.  The Klingon turned around and yelled at them and the crew huddled together.
 
“What manner of man is this?” Aubrey asked.
 
“That is one of the ‘demons’ that we were sent to capture.” Kirk said.
 
“A demon, that scraggly ruffian?  He looks like an actor with stage makeup on, a demon indeed!”Aubrey scoffed.
 
“He must have done something to those poor souls to make them afraid of him.”  Aubrey’s Sailing Master said.
 
One of the French crew was waving a white flag out of site of the Klingon.  The crew was surrendering to the Surprise.
 
As they neared the French frigate, the Klingon spotted Kirk.  He began yelling in a tone that would be construed as cursing but one word was very clear, “Kirk!”  After the verbal barrage, the Klingon started coughing and he leaned hard on the railing.
 
“He appears to be ill.”  Spock said.
 
Grappling hooks were tossed over to the frigate and ladders formed a bridge.  The French crew scrambled over quickly and the knelt before Aubrey pleading with him.
 
“Go fetch Maturin.”  Aubrey ordered and then he turned to Kirk.  “Our dear Doctor is fluent in five languages; French dialects formal or rural are one of his specialties.”
 
Stephen quickly came up to the men.
 
“Stephen, what are they saying?” Aubrey asked.
 
Maturin talked with the desperate men.  He turned to Aubrey, “They are pleading for mercy for their actions against the Royal Navy.  These foreigners call themselves ‘Klingons’.  The crewmen have stated that the Klingons have killed most of their crew.”  He spoke with them again and interpreted again.  “They say that these ‘devils’ used guns from hell itself.  The guns shot flames that burned their crewmates.  The word they keep using in likened to incinerate.”
“The lightening guns that had been reported by the English tradesmen after the attack on their ship.”  Kirk said.  Maturin confirmed the account with the men.
As he conversed with the men further he learned that the Klingons had become ill and while they were sleeping, the crew tossed the devil guns over the side of the ship.  Some of the crew attempted to use the guns but they only burned up several of their crewmates and some supplies in the hold of the ship.  They reported that four of the Klingons had died as the result of starvation and dysentery.  The Klingons could not eat the food on the ship or fish out of the sea, everything made them ill.  The one on the top deck is the strongest and the remaining three are below, too ill to move.
 
They looked across at the Klingon who was propped against the railing, but hard defiance burned in his eyes.
Aubrey sent the Marines to fetch the man and he gave no fight to being transferred to the Surprise.  He glared at Kirk and then he looked at Spock.  There was an expression of confusion on his face but then he pointed at Spock and was yelling “Vulcan!” along with other phrases in Klingon.
 
“What the devil is he saying?” Aubrey asked.
 
“I am familiar with the Klingon dialect.”  Spock said.  “He remembers Captain Kirk and me from a battle we had with his pirate ship when we were on the USS Vulcan.   He no doubt still harbors ill will against us.”
 
The Klingon started coughing again and he sat on the deck.
 
“Jim, that Klingon is ill.”  McCoy’s voice came from behind them.  “He appears to be malnourished as well.”
 
“Dr. McCoy, you are too ill to be out of the Sick Berth!”  Maturin exclaimed, “You must return immediately.”
 
At this point the remaining three Klingons were drug aboard.  One was obviously dead and the other two were unresponsive and limp.  McCoy went over to check on them and Maturin started to protest.
 
Kirk held up his hand, “It’s okay for him to be here for a moment.  He is familiar with the Klingon physiology.”
 
“Indeed?”  Maturin said and he joined McCoy by the three bodies.  “What a peculiar skin color.”  He stroked the face of one of the unconscious Klingons and looked at his hand.  “It is not make up, I have never seen skin this color before.  Their hair is different also; it is like a boar’s hair in texture.”
 
McCoy made his assessments of the three. “Captain Kirk, one is dead and the others are comatose.  I do not believe they will last for much longer.  It appears they have suffered from severe malnutrition.  The essential amino acids that they need in their diet cannot be found on Ear…I mean apart from their home region.  Apparently French cuisine did not agree with them.”  There were numerous soft laughs; it served to break the tension.
 
“Ah, a metabolic imbalance and intolerance.”  Maturin said.  “This accounts for their strange skin color.”
McCoy nodded.
 
The Klingon seated near the Marines got his second wind and he grabbed the nearest sword and stabbed one of the Marines in the chest.  He glared at Kirk and with a wild cry and a frenzied attack he charged at Kirk with the sword raised.  He was felled by a Marine’s rifle fire.  With the assistance of Maturin, McCoy walked over to the downed Klingon and pronounced him dead.  Kirk requested that the bodies of the dead Klingons be placed in empty barrels for transport to England and to Admiral Thomason.  Maturin requested that he be allowed to dissect one of the bodies.   McCoy looked at Kirk wide eyed.
 
“My orders were to bring them back whole, I am sorry Dr. Maturin.”  Kirk said.
 
“Stephen, you would find their anatomy to be boring and very similar to ours.  Any differences are at the cellular level.”  McCoy said but he could tell Maturin was not buying his statement. 
 
“Stephen, ask the crew what they did with the four Klingons who had died.”  Aubrey requested and Maturin complied.
 
“They say that they tossed them overboard.  They were afraid that they were not truly dead.”  He replied.
 
“Well the fishes will take care of the bodies.”  Kirk said to Spock.
 
“The salinity of the sea water will no doubt corrode the lightening guns over time.”  Spock said.
 
The boarding party of Aubrey’s officers and some of the Marines reported that there were strange burn patterns in the hull and evidence of an intense heat that did not spread beyond to other areas of the ship.  They did find some fine French wines, gold, whale oil and other things of value.  The Frigate itself would be a good prize for their efforts. 
 
Aubrey shook his head, “This has been a strange business.  I have never heard of a country called Klingon.”
 
“I have never heard their dialect before.” Maturin said.  “It bears no semblance to any language that I know.”
 
There was a soft moan and the sound of a body hitting the deck.  McCoy had passed out.  Kirk and Spock rushed to his side.  He was pale again but his skin was cool and moist to the touch.  Spock gently picked him up and carried him down to the Sick Berth.   Maturin accompanied him.  After an examination, Stephen stated that McCoy had fainted due to his weakened state.  Spock covered his body with the blankets and sat at his side on the bed.  After a while, the blue eyes fluttered open and he groaned.
 
“Easy, Doctor, you fainted on deck.”  Spock informed him.
 
“How embarrassing. “  McCoy rubbed his temples and grimaced, his headache had returned.  “I’ll be okay, Spock.  I’m tough.”
 
“No you are not, Doctor.  You have far exceeded your body’s limitations as usual.  No wonder you hold the title of the “worst patient on the Enterprise”.  You are not immune to the weaknesses and illnesses of the human body.”  Spock gently chastised him.
 
“I’m afraid that Jim holds that title.”  McCoy said with a small smile.
 
“I’m afraid not, as your staff would attest. “  Spock adjusted the blanket more and then he brought McCoy some more of the antibiotics and antiviral medications.
 
“You’re goin’ to put me out of a job, Spock.”  McCoy said after he took the medications.
 
The ebony eyes bore into his, “You are indispensible and irreplaceable, Doctor.  You are far too important….
You must forgive me.  I do not know why I am so…” Spock began to say.
 
“I know what you are trying to say, Spock, thank you.” McCoy said as he placed his hand on top of Spock’s.
“I have had the rare pleasure to see another side of you on this mission.  When you were playing the violin with Aubrey, your face was so beautiful.  I witnessed expressions, though they were very subtle, on your face and the music that you produced from the violin that I will treasure forever.”  Tears welled up in his blue eyes and ran down his cheeks.  “Now I’m getting all emotional as usual.”
Spock tenderly wiped the tears from his face, leaned forward and kissed McCoy on his forehead.  “You must sleep now.  We are headed back to England and then to Admiral Thomason’s   estate.  From there, we will be traveling back to our time.  There are many things that I want to say to you and share with you.”  His eyes scanned McCoy’s face and tenderly stroked the wavy hair back, twirling some of the strands in his long elegant fingers.  “As I had stated earlier, this style of hair is immensely pleasing to me.”  As he stroked McCoy’s hair the Doctor’s eyelids closed and the peaceful beauty of sleep transformed his face.  McCoy’s finely sculptured mouth relaxed and his breathing slowed in the rhythm of sleep.   This is what Spock treasured, the security McCoy felt in his presence, the uninhibited affection that came from his thoughts and the promise of a new relationship awaited them when they returned to the Enterprise.

EPILOG:
When the Enterprise crew returned to Admiral Thomason’s estate with the bodies of the Klingons, Kirk asked if they were going to take them back through the “Guardian”.  Thomason replied he would take care of everything and for the men to return first.  When the Royal Navy received the bodies, they were not surprised at all; there were four ordinary men in makeup and in stages of decay.  The matter of the ‘demons’ was closed.  The incidents were dismissed as French treachery to stir up fear in the Navy.  Admiral Thomason and his wife received some news that his brother in America was ill and they left England for an uncertain amount of time.  The estate was sold eventually. 
After returning to the Enterprise, McCoy was looking back over the records of Maturin’s notes on his medical career and his findings as a naturalist.  McCoy noticed a significant change in the material from the first time he read the doctor’s notes.  Maturin mentions an American physician who he held in great esteem.  McCoy’s name was not mentioned but his contributions to the Surprise were so noted.  He also mentioned the physician’s friend, the American Le-tenant and the strength and caring he had shown.  He mentioned that the grog was affecting the minds of the crew due to tales of the inhuman strength that this Le-tenant possessed.  He made no mention of green blood. 
McCoy and Spock enjoyed several days of R&R.  They both kept their long hair during their vacation.  Spock played the violin for McCoy every night.  During the nights, McCoy would lie in Spock’s arms and he would tenderly caress the scar that was on the Vulcan’s chest, it was a reminder that he could have lost Spock.  As Spock had said many years ago that he was thankful that his anatomy was not like a human, McCoy was grateful also.  Then McCoy would rest his head against Spock’s left side and let the sound of Spock’s heart beat lull him to sleep.

                                                                     The   End

Return to Main Page