"It's a …um…an abnormality that appeared on my …on my penis." Spock said in a whisper.

Chapter 2

Spock made it! It was clear that it cost him a lot. McCoy wanted to put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him but it was not James Kirk who stood in front of him, it was Spock, a Vulcan!

"Spock, I know you're uneasy but you must show me…"McCoy gently said while adjusting the light above his desk. "If my office's door is locked, it is not to stop you to run away, it is to prevent someone to enter. And remember, Spock, I already saw this part of your anatomy."

Shyly, Spock made his way to the desk. He took a deep breath and pulled down his trouser and pants.

At first sight, the problem seemed to be an inflammatory skin disorder like eczema or mycosis, nothing special. The question was why here? It was hard to say.

"Spock, I'm sorry but I'll have to touch it." McCoy said while taking out of his pocket a pair of glove in latex.

Spock sighed and closed his eyes in deep concentration. Did he have to remind him he was a touch telepath? No he didn't. He only chose to raise his mental shields and to be patient while answering Dr McCoy's questions in a monosyllabic manner.

"Is it itching?"

"Yes."

"Is it painful?"

"Yes."

It was a surprising and worrying admission from a Vulcan, McCoy thought.

"Is there another lesion elsewhere?"

"No."

"And …It's been one week…"

"Six days thirty minutes and …"

"All right Spock! Skin is supple. Well, it's not purulent but it is expanding!"

"Yes."

"Nevertheless there is nothing on your hands. Tell me Spock! Fifteen days ago, did you not be in charge of the landing party who explored Regalis 8?"

"Indeed. Why do you ask?"

"You finally said another word than yes or no! I really began to worry!" Dr McCoy teased him. "In fact, I have treated two other members of your team this morning for similar symptoms, but only their fingers were wounded. Hum, Spock, do you know a botanist called Edith Greschman?"

Of course he knew her, not for her scientific researches but for her relationships and performances with men. Her reputation in this field was clear and as one plus one makes two! Spock concluded.

"Doctor! How can you suggest such a thing?" Spock said while raising his two eyebrows!

In front of Spock's scandalized face laughed loudly. Spock was so offended he immediately pulled up his pants.

"Calm down Spock! I did not suggest anything! I 'm sure you and this woman didn't …well you know!"

"I always keep my calm, doctor, I'm a Vulcan."

"Yes of course. Um...No matter how it got here, I have to take a sample and prescribe you corticoids as for the others. Please relax, it won't hurt."

Five minutes later Dr McCoy was writing a note for the ship's chemist. "You must apply this cream twice a day and you come back here in three, ok?"

"Yes doctor McCoy! And thank you …for this and for your silence."

"Spock, don't be afraid, this will stay between us."

After Spock's sudden departure to the pharmacy, Dr McCoy sat down at his desk and took a glass of his favorite alcohol.

"Mission accomplished!" He said while taking a look at the sample from Spock, alongside two others. The first was labeled 'Greschman' and the other 'Desbains'.

"What will I do with you Mr. Desbains?" He sighed.

This afternoon was not an easy one for McCoy. At 3 o'clock, having resumed consultations, three other samples were added to his collection and one was from Montgomery Scott!

It was a bad surprise for McCoy. The chief engineer was the only one who didn't beam down to Regalis 8. He was hardly in the transporter room for their departure and arrival… "I have a bad feeling." He said.

Three days later, twenty-six new members of this very select club were taking place in Sickbay. He realized that his waiting room was too small. He had no other choice to inform Jim Kirk that an epidemic disease was now aboard the Enterprise… and when he found out that two friends of his were ill …

"Bones! Why did you not tell me sooner? I saw Scotty's hands; it's spreading to his arms! …And Spock? He seems unwell but where are his injuries?"

In front of an agitated and furious Captain Kirk, he pictured Spock without underwear and shook with laughter! James Kirk was stunned.

"BONES! This is not funny!"

"Hum…Sorry Jim! I'm nervous too…And as if this was not enough, we pick up Admiral Jones today, don't we?"

Regaining his seriousness, he hoped to divert Jim Kirk from his previous question because he promised Spock to remain silent.

This Admiral Jones was their next mission which was nothing less than to serve as a taxi for an old admiral who eventually choose to retire on Earth. After that, the entire crew would benefit from a two month vacation on their home planet!

In fact, Admiral Jones's presence aboard the Enterprise frightened McCoy. People forget that in Starfleet a doctor was also an officer! Leonard Horatio McCoy was Doctor first and no one on board called him Lieutenant-Commander!The problem was Admiral Jones was also doctor which had a higher rank than McCoy.

In McCoy's opinion, Doctor Jones, who sat behind a desk doing paperwork during all these years, has forgotten what medicine was. Since how long ago this man has not held a scalpel in his hand?

A month ago, Jim had been amused by McCoy's reaction when he learned the object of their next mission. Why was he so afraid? He thought at the time. Jones will never take his place!

But now, Jim was not laughing at all.

The ship was in orbit around Starbase 18. In two hours from now, Admiral Jones would be teleported in the middle of a health crisis! Spock and Scotty, two of his best officers and friends, would be soon under quarantine!

Yes, since the last three days, the situation was getting worse.