Story takes place after "Patterns of Force"
The planet was in good hands Kirk thought as he stepped off the transporter pad and walked over to the console manned by Lieutenant Kyle.
"Welcome back sir," said Kyle.
"Thank you Lieutenant," Kirk answered as he leaned against the console reaching for the intercom.
"Kirk to security."
"Giotto here captain."
"Commander Giotto, have a security team ready to go planet side in 10 minutes dressed in Nazi uniforms from Earth date 1944. Zeon patriots Eneg and Daras will meet you at the beam down point to help bring the body of John Gill home. Mr. Spock will brief you on the extraction and the mission's delicate nature."
"Understood captain. We'll bring him home. Giotto out."
Jim Kirk hovered his hand over the intercom switch then quickly cut the line. The corner of his mouth pulled and his face took on a wan expression. He still couldn't believe how his former instructor brought about a Nazi regime on Ekos. It was like having the rug pulled out from under him to see a person he so highly respected end up having such complete disregard for the prime directive and ultimately die in vain.
"Well Jim, I don't know about you but I could use a drink," said McCoy as he sidled over to the captain.
Kirk didn't even hear him; he was completely lost in thought until a slap on his right shoulder broke his mood sending shock waves of pain down his back and up his neck.
"Oh! Bonesss," Kirk hissed as he bit down hard on his lower lip and shrugged away from Bones' grip. He immediately pried his eyes open and let out a weak laugh. "Not so hard ok." His eyes met McCoy's and quickly straightened his back to play off his pain.
McCoy was no fool, he could read the captain like nobody else on the ship and quickly knew Jim was hiding something from him.
"Now, what in God's name was that all about?" cried McCoy. "What are you trying to hide?"
"Me?! Nothing, just muscular strain and you just happened to hit the sweet spot." Jim's left hand absently sneaked up to his right breast pressing into the muscle hoping to relieve the sting that set in.
McCoy eyed him suspiciously and was about to grill him with more questions but stopped the inquisition as Spock approached.
"Our captors beat the captain and no doubt his wounds have worsened."
Bones' eyes widened. "Beaten! What wounds? Jim, were you not going to tell me? I swear you can act so childish when it comes to your health."
"It's nothing serious Bones," Jim said sheepishly. "Just a few scrapes; nothing to worry about."
"With you Jim, I always worry. Now let me see." McCoy reached up to pull at Jim's lapel and immediately saw bloody streaks on the white collared shirt underneath.
"You call this nothing serious?!" McCoy glared at him eye to eye. The transporter room doors interrupted his berating the captain as the security detail finally filed in. He went on in a whisper, directed solely at Kirk. "Well, I do. Who knows what type of alien bacteria you've been exposed with…when did this happen?"
McCoy was trying to unbutton the white collared shirt when Jim grabbed his wrist to halt him. Jim had to admit, that ever since McCoy reminded him of his wounds, the pain was making itself known more and more. Every little movement was like ripping each lashing open over and over again.
McCoy peered into the eyes of his friend and saw the silent pain and pleading to not do this here, not now. He knew Jim was sensitive about letting his crew see him injured; see him vulnerable. Jim always felt the need to keep up appearances even while in pain. McCoy felt for him…he could never let his guard down.
"I don't know," Jim whined. "I lost track of time…doesn't matter. Besides, I'm not the only one….Spock is right there with me in the roughed up category."
With those words McCoy glanced over at Spock who by now was already giving orders to Commander Giotto as the security team took their places on the transporter pad.
"Energize Mr. Kyle," Spock ordered then turned towards the captain and the doctor and noticed both were looking at him.
"So you tattle on the captain, but can't even own up to your own injuries Spock?" said McCoy.
"Doctor, I know when my injuries are serious and not serious. I'm very capable of healing the lashings on my back with some time in a healing trance," Spock said bluntly.
"Lashings! You two are like trying to squeeze blood from a turnip! For once, can you just tell me what happened…to you BOTH…without me having to dance around the subject…."
"Not here Bones," Kirk said softly. "Mr. Kyle, keep me apprised of the security team and when they beam back aboard."
"Aye-aye captain."
With that, the trio headed out into the corridor with Bones' hand firmly on Kirk's elbow to make sure he was going to where he was going…sickbay.
The trio entered the turbolift. "Deck 5." McCoy ordered.
TBC
