Title: Animal (tentative)

Chapter: 2

Pairing: Spock/Kirk (slash)

Rating: T

Author's Notes:

This is a work of fanfiction. Written without profit or ownership of characters, this story was created for entertainment purposes only.

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McCoy POV

The room became unnervingly quiet as Spock and I settled into our positions. I observed Captain and First Officer from the computer workbench. Spock lay at my feet beside the exam table. This wasn't the first time I had monitored one of Spock's deep healing meditations. As I understood it was an intense hypnotic trance entered by Vulcans to focus blood, oxygen, and antibodies to the places of injury thus speeding the healing process dramatically. The meditation took extreme control of one's consciousness and thereby lent the Vulcan a vulnerability not usually exhibited by their species. Spock would be conscious of what was going on around him; however he needed full focus on healing his injuries and would be unable respond immediately to threats on his person or psyche.

At the last possible moment, the Vulcan would speak, demanding something of me. Usually a bit of pain, a slap to the face or pinch, was all it took to bring Spock back to consciousness. So, I awaited his instruction.

I tried not to move or make excessive noise. Spock and Kirk both needed uninterrupted rest. When it was time to change bags of IV fluid for the Captain, I did so quietly. Quickly checking his vitals, I administered a dose of opioid-based pain reliever through Kirk's skin.

The still and silent room allowed me to log my medical status report for the Captain and First Officer and review the reports of the rest of the team. It was then I learned that Sulu had returned with the least injury to his person and was currently under the care of Chekov.

Chekov? I called for Nurse Chapel to explain this.

She sent a communiqué immediately recapping the state of Sick Bay. The medical attendants were overwhelmed with the injuries of the away team. When certain members of the crew offered to help, how could she refuse?

I was not as offended by the idea of crew members assisting medical staff as one may imagine. However, I stood perplexed by a question I was afraid to know the answer to. Who the hell is flying this ship?

After glancing over to the bodies at rest, I typed a quick message to Lt. Uhura. I hoped, at least, she was on the Bridge. The Lieutenant responded via instant messaging service.

UhuraN: What is the status of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock?

McCoyL: The Captain has not regained consciousness. Spock is at rest, healing.

UhuraN: I understand.

McCoyL: Who has the conn?

UhuraN: I do, doctor.

At that, I was relieved. There was nothing more that I wished to say to her and so I closed our messaging window. I trusted she would not judge my behavior as 'rude' after hearing the state of our Captain and First Officer.

With Lt Uhura in charge, I no longer worried for our ship. She could handle the command for a time and I could focus on the injured.