Chapter 1

Killing Loneliness

Leonard McCoy took a sip of his beer. He looked a bit strange sitting by himself in the crowded bar, enviously watching as couples and groups of friends passed him. Despite the Enterprise's success in rescuing Commander Pike, he had found himself left behind while Kirk and Spock had gone off on their own adventures.

'I'm sorry, but do you mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full,' a thin woman asked Bones, interrupting his train of thought. She was holding a tall red drink and a thick novel. People were buzzing around them, laughter and loud music pounding through the air.

'Sure, why not?' he said.

'Thanks'

She sat down opposite him and opened her novel, reading and sipping her drink. Bones, bored, watched her with mild interest. She was alright looking, but nothing extraordinary. Draining his beer he looked down at the empty bottle in his hand.

'Um, can I get you another drink?' he asked pointing to the bar. 'I gotta go up there'

'Oh, sure,' she replied. 'Thanks'

She pulled out her wallet and handed him some money. 'Just a Cardassian Sunrise please'

He nodded and walked away, and she put her feet up on the seat opposite her to mind his spot. She kept reading until a figure sat down beside her.

'Hey babe, can I buy you a drink?' asked a sleazy looking man in a Starfleet uniform.

'No thanks,' she said. 'My boyfriend has got me covered'

She said the last part loudly as Bones returned, thankful that he was taller than the sleazy guy.

'Can I help you?' Bones asked, playing along. The man started and got up.

'Sorry man, I didn't know'

'That's cool man, just move it along,' Bones said, glaring at him. The man nodded and stumbled away. Bones laughed and sat back down.

'Thanks for that,' she said. 'Sorry'

'It's no problem, glad to help,' he said.

'The next round's on me, ok?' she said finishing her drink and starting on the second.

'Actually do you mind doing the same for me? I'm not really in the mood for people at the moment,' he asked quietly.

'Sure,' she laughed. 'Though if a hot one comes by I'll pretend to be your sister, deal?' she asked. They tapped drinks.

'Deal'

'I'm Leonard by the way. Leonard McCoy,' Bones said.

'Anya Petrov,' she replied. 'What do you do Leonard?'

'I'm a doctor, how about you?'

'I'm an artist'

'Nice. Are you from around here?' he asked. She shut the book and tucked it next to her.

'No I'm just here for a job, I'm staying round the corner at the Marriott,' she said.

They kept talking for a while, each using the other's guise to keep sleazy drunks at bay.

'I think I might take off now,' Anya said. 'Thanks for letting me sit here'

'Hey no problem, it was nice to meet you,' Bones said. Anya went to stand up, so he decided to take a shot.

'Hey do you want me to walk you back to the hotel?' he asked. 'I mean we should probably leave together since we've told half the bar we're going out'

'Yeah ok'

It was only a short walk to the hotel.

'So this is you,' said Bones looking up at the neon red hotel sign.

'Yeah, here I am,' said Anya. 'Look, I don't suppose you want to come up for another drink?'

'Yeah'

Anya had barely opened the door to her room when she spun around and kissed Bones. Slamming her against the wall they frantically tore at each other's clothing, falling onto the bed in a drunken tangle of limbs...

The next morning Anya's eyes flicked open. Her head was pounding as she sat up, squinting at the sunlight as it poured in through the cracks in the shades.

'Oh god,' she moaned. A figure stirred beside her and she jumped. Bones rolled over and slipped his arm around her waist.

'Morning,' he muttered.

'Morning,' she replied, sliding out from his grip. He groaned and sat up, Anya averting her eyes as the sheet slipped off him.

'Oh god how much did we drink last night?' he asked, watching as she scurried naked into the bathroom and slammed the door.

'I really don't wanna know,' she called back. She returned a second later, now wearing a bra and pulling on a pair of jeans.

'Can we order breakfast or something,' he asked, his stomach was growling.

'Just coffee for me,' she said looking at the clock. 'Fuck is that the time? I'm going to be so late!'

He glanced at the clock as well. 'Oh shit, me too!' Jumping up he pulled his clothes back on.

'I'm sorry to run off, but can I call you tonight?' he asked.

'Um, sure,' she said. 'Just call the front desk and have them put you through'

He kissed her quickly and raced out of the door.

Ten minutes later she too left the hotel room and raced towards Starfleet.

'Gentlemen, thank you for coming,' Admiral Pike said as the men walked into his office.

'What's so urgent? Have you got any word from the kidnappers?' Kirk asked. Pike shook his head. Three Starfleet officers: Hikaru Sulu, Montgomery Scott and Jake Griggs had been taken two days ago. There had been no ransom demand from the kidnappers, and all searches had turned up nothing.

'No, but I have some good news,' he replied. 'I have called in a favour from an old friend, who I think can help us'

'Sir, no offence, but I don't see how he can help,' Spock said.

'It's she actually,' came a familiar voice. The four men turned to the figure in the doorway.

'Ah Anya, nice to see you again,' Admiral Pike said to the woman. Bones' mouth dropped. It was her...