A/N: This is a sequel to 'The Last Full Measure,' and is an AU retelling and follow-on to the events of the TOS episode 'Errand of Mercy.' While the prologue will give one enough information to follow this story, it's highly recommended that you read LFM first, to get the full effect and ramifications of the events in that story, which severely impact this story.
The Long Way Home
Prologue
"Mister Scott, message coming in from Starfleet," Uhura announced.
"Put it on screen, lass."
"Yes sir," she acknowledged, hands flying over the console before her.
The image of Admiral Komack materialized on the central viewer. "Mister Scott, our fleet has the enemy on the run, their ships fleeing for the security of Klingon space. Your request to return to Organia in order to search for Captain Kirk and Commander Spock granted. You may disengage from the fleet and proceed there at best possible speed, Commander."
"Thank ye, sir," the Scotsman said aloud, an "It's about time," muttered softly under his breath.
"I can't stress enough the importance of this mission, Mister Scott. We need to determine their fate. Both possess enough vital information about the inner workings of Starfleet that it could be extremely detrimental for us should that information fall into the hands of the enemy. The Enterprise is tasked with finding out if they're still alive, rescuing them if they are, or ending it for them if rescue is not an option. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal, sir." The Scotsman could feel McCoy tense beside him. A quick glance in the surgeon's direction warned him to hold his tongue. "ETA to Organia at warp five is…" he hesitated slightly, waiting for the navigator to provide the information, "two hours, twenty-six minutes, sir."
"Very good, Mister Scott. Carry on as ordered, and inform us of pertinent developments as they arise."
"Aye sir. Scott out."
oooOOOooo
"Can't we go any faster, Scotty?"
"I'm already pushin' her at warp six, Doctor." The Scotsman had ordered the increase in speed over an hour ago. Something had told him time was of the essence. "Given the damage we suffered durin' that last confrontation wi' the Klingons, I'd say we should be pleased wi' that."
"What's our ETA? Jim and Spock have already been on their own on that planet for over three weeks. If they were captured by the Klingons…" McCoy's words trailed off.
"I understand that, Doctor, but we'll be no good to them if we blow ourselves apart while en route. We'll be there in twenty-two minutes. If they're still there, we'll get them out, one way or another. I suggest ye head to sickbay, Doctor. Odds are, if the Klingons haven't transferred them elsewhere, they'll be in a bad way if they've been prisoners for the last three weeks."
"Fine," McCoy remarked dourly, heading for the turbolift. "Just notify me as soon as we get there."
"Trust me, Doctor – ye'll be the first to know," the Scotsman answered.
oooOOOooo
"Dropping out of warp in five...four…three…two…one," Sulu announced, the ship shuddering slightly.
"No signs of enemy vessels in orbit, sir," a voice from the science station announced. "Scanning the captain and Mister Spock's last known location for human or Vulcan life signs." Several minutes of tense silence engulfed the bridge as the scanner at the science station hummed with activity.
"Found them, sir," the lieutenant announced, glancing over his shoulder at the command chair, "But the readings are extremely faint."
Scott slapped a hand down on the comm unit on the arm of the command chair. "Scott to transporter room!"
"Kyle here; go ahead, sir."
"Tie into the science station's scanners and prepare to beam the captain and Mister Spock aboard." He switched channels without waiting for the transporter chief's reply.
"Scott to sickbay."
"Sickbay, Corpsman Reynolds here, sir."
"Get me Doctor McCoy, right away."
"The doctor and a medical team are currently on station in the transporter room sir, awaiting word of the command team's location."
"We found them, lad. Kyle should be beamin' them aboard any moment now. Make sure sickbay is ready to handle any medical emergency."
"Doctor McCoy put the entire staff on alert before he left. We're ready, sir," the young man assured his acting captain.
"Very good lad, they should be there in a few minutes. Bridge out."
Scotty's next call was to the transporter room. "Kyle, report! What the hell's happenin'? Do ye have them or not?"
oooOOOooo
Relief turned to stunned silence as the two seated forms that had just materialized on the transporter platform toppled over, neither moving. McCoy bounded up the stairs, landing on his knees before them, scanner in his hand, but deep down he already knew. "It's too late," he announced softly to the people gathered in the room, "They're gone."
He heard an anguished cry erupt from Chapel, who fled the room, nothing but silence, a defeated sigh and the shifting of feet on the deck to be heard from Kyle and the two orderlies standing behind the gurneys.
At that moment the intercom whistled, but the doctor was oblivious to the conversation that followed.
Brushing the tears from his cheeks, McCoy was appalled at how much the two of them had changed in just three short weeks. Even in death Kirk appeared haggard, drawn as if he'd been subjected to horrible mental anguish. There was no doubt as to the fate Spock had suffered; one look at the deep bruising, the purulent sores peeking out through his tattered clothing, the empty eye socket, the too-thin frame told him all he needed to know. Closing his eyes, chin lifted to the heavens, he railed at Starfleet, at the Klingons, at the universe in general for putting them through this, uttering a string of silent curses to God, to fate, to the Admiralty, to whoever was ultimately responsible. Consumed by his grief, he glanced at the bodies again, and it was then that he noticed it – even in death, their two hands were clasped firmly together. A sob escaped his lips as a modicum of relief flooded him. At least they had been together; been there for each other, been able to offer comfort, support and yes, even love, when they were called upon to demonstrate the last full measure of their devotion.
