Caught in the Crossfire: Chapter Four
The away team and the Shaman sat comfortably in the vehicle as it wound its way through the narrow streets of the capital city. The top of the car was open, allowing the breeze to blow through their hair. In the west, the sun was beginning to set, a pink glow reflecting off of the metallic-like stonework of the buildings. Residents waved and smiled, children ran alongside as the vehicle clawing at the side, in an attempt to get the officers' attention. Everyone seemed cheerful and genuinely excited to see Starfleet's presence.
"…and to your right you'll see our largest library. We pride ourselves on higher education, and ensure that every child is given the opportunity to attain the very highest degree of knowledge. Access to books and media is never limited."
"Shaman Luuk-ti, might I enquire what the University entrance rate is among your youth?" Spock had his PADD on his lap, recording information as they toured the city.
"Certainly, Mister Spock. I am very proud to report that over ninety-three percent of our secondary school students continue on to the University. With higher schooling being free in our society, most of our young choose to further their education simply because they can. It is a wonderful gift we can give to our children. If we are granted entry into the Federation, I would hope that many of our students would choose to enter Starfleet Academy."
Kirk chimed in. "The Academy has so many opportunities, Shaman. Who knows? One of those kids out there in the street could be the first Xentian starship captain!" He waved to a child, who jumped up and down and waved back, a huge toothy grin.
"Indeed, Captain Kirk. The next generation of young Xentians eagerly await the Federation's decision on whether or not we will be allowed admission. Every day in the streets, you can overhear the children speak of starships and alien races, warp cores and shuttlecraft. They can't wait until the day where they can travel the stars knowing that we have an ally that will protect us as we search the skies for more knowledge."
Spock spoke up. "And what of the Graz' Kuul-ai? It would be logical to assume that they have some sort of influence on society. With their radical political views, surely they mean to recruit for their ranks in the cities. Young people are the logical choice for such endeavors as they are highly impressionable."
Luuk-ti lowered his eyes. "Unfortunately, you are correct, Mister Spock. Their group has grown since its inception several years back, and even though we in the government have been fairly successful in keeping them out of everyday life…" he sighed heavily. "…their reach is far from short. We do lose young to them every year, and it weighs heavily upon our people."
Kirk offered a suggestion. "Why not give the Graz' Kuul-ai the opportunity to explain themselves in a controlled environment? It might help both parties understand each other better."
"Thank you for the recommendation, Captain. We did allow them such a pedestal, two years ago, from which to state their case. It turned into a shouting match that ended with one of our high-ranking officials being poisoned to death."
McCoy glared at Kirk and whispered under his breath, "Remember when I told you to ask me in an hour if I was still pissed at you for coming down here? Go ahead, guess my answer." Kirk discreetly slapped McCoy on the side of the thigh to quiet him. "Poison, Jim! Harmless my a-"
Kirk spoke up, ending McCoy's whispered rant. "Shaman, can you be sure that they had something to do with the death?"
Luuk-ti nodded slowly. "Unfortunately, yes. Days later a body was found with a note attached to it. It was a martyr from the Graz' Kuul-ai claiming responsibility for the crime. Along with it came a warning to never make fools of them again." He sighed, his reptilian breath hissing. "Embarrassing them was never our intention. They made themselves look foolish. It is their nature. Brash and impulsive."
Kirk thought for a long moment as the car continued to move through the streets. "Shaman, forgive me for asking again, but you are sure that they're really more bark than bite?" The concern was evident on his face.
The Shaman looked puzzled. "'Bark and…bite?' My apologies, Captain Kirk, but once again I am confused by your vernacular."
"He means to say are you sure they're really not that dangerous? Poisoning an official is something that usually causes alarm." McCoy scowled as he spoke.
"Thanks, Bones, I've got it from here." Kirk subtly gave McCoy a look that said, 'let me handle this.' "Please excuse him, Shaman. He tends to speak with passion, which isn't always a bad thing."
Luuk-ti bowed his head. "If you are worried for your personal safety while here on Xentia, please know that any and all precautions have been taken to ensure you have a secure and enjoyable visit. We have been monitoring the Graz' Kuul-ai and have seen no threats for some time. Again, we hope that if the Federation decides we are worthy to join, you would be willing to provide guidance on how better to deal with them. Please forgive me a second time for not being entirely open about the problems we have had with the Graz' Kuul-ai. I hope this behavior on my part will not negatively influence the Federation's decision." He smiled faintly as he pointed to another building. "Now, where were we? With all this talk about those hoodlums, we've missed some beautiful examples of Xentian architecture. There you can see the medical school where…"
Only McCoy seemed to notice the abrupt change in the mood of the citizens in the streets. People began to go inside and shutter storefronts. Children were whisked off the sidewalks abruptly by frightened parents.
McCoy leaned in close to Jim as the Shaman prattled on. He spoke with a low whisper, his mouth barely moving in an attempt to not draw attention to himself. "Jim, look. The people…something spooked 'em. They're all clearing the streets. And their color changed. It's orange now."
Kirk looked over his shoulder to see two children, a faint orange glow peeking out from underneath their clothing being forcefully pushed inside a house. As the car turned the corner, he focused his attention back to the Shaman, who had abruptly stopped talking and had a look of terror in his eyes.
At the end of the street was a group of heavily armed Graz' Kuul-ai. Soldiers yelled as they pushed innocent bystanders to the ground, tore storefronts apart, scattering wares all over the street. Women screamed, terrified hisses came from the mouths of children as their homes were destroyed. One of the soldiers looked up from his pillaging and noticed their vehicle.
"Starfleet!" His voice hissed angrily as he pointed his spear in their direction.
The sound of gunfire erupted seconds later and Kirk found himself being shoved to the floor of the car, McCoy laying on top of him shielding him from whatever was about to come their way.
"Spock! Get down!" Kirk screamed frantically from underneath McCoy. The Vulcan dropped down into a crouch, covering his head with his PADD. "And Bones, get off me!"
Lieutenant Fox remained standing, pulling his phaser out of the holster. He never got a chance to fire it. A single shot pierced his temple and his body fell from the vehicle. There would be no time to retrieve him.
"Fox!" Kirk's voice was filled with horrified sorrow. He tried to reach for him as he fell. McCoy was having none of it, and pushed him back forcefully.
Luuk-ti pulled his robes over his head and did the same. "Driver! Turn around quickly and get us back to the capitol building!" A bullet shot through the windshield, instantly killing the guard who had been sitting in the front passenger seat. His body slumped to the side, his head lolling backwards. Lifeless eyes stared directly at Kirk, orange blood already beginning to pool in the poor soul's open mouth.
The Graz' Kuul-ai began to run towards the car as the driver wrenched the wheel in an attempt to turn in the narrow street. With little clearance, he spun the vehicle around, hitting a fruit stand and scattering the produce on the street. The wheels of the car crushed the delicate fruits as it sped away.
"Jim! Are you hit?" McCoy quickly ran his hands up and down Kirk's uniform top and pants, looking for any signs of injury.
"I'm fine, Bones!" Kirk began to sit up, only to be pushed back by McCoy.
"Stay down, dammit!" McCoy ducked just in time as a bullet whizzed past his head. "This is bat-shit insane! Those bastards are trying to hit us!"
The gunfire continued, bullets ricocheting off of the stone buildings. The driver sped up and flew down the street, the few people left outside darting out of the way as they passed. Within minutes they were at the capitol building, two carloads of Graz' Kuul-ai hot on their tails.
Kirk jumped from the open-roofed vehicle without bothering to use the door; instead he vaulted himself over the side. Spock and McCoy were right behind him, dodging not only bullets but spears.
McCoy shrieked as a metal spear flew between him and Kirk. "Jesus Christ! Now they're using spears?"
Luuk-ti had made it to the massive door and was holding it open, beckoning the men to hurry inside with a clawed hand. "Hurry, gentlemen! Once we're inside they won't be able to get to us!" His movements were frantic.
"What about Lieutenant Fox?" Kirk looked to McCoy with concern in his eyes as he ran.
"We have to leave him, Jim! If we go back those bastards'll drop us like flies under Memaw's swatter!" He grabbed Kirk by the arm. They sprinted to the door, tumbling inside just as a spear shattered on the stonework next to them. Spock followed seconds later and Luuk-ti's guards slammed the massive door shut behind them.
A dozen capitol guards, all armed with assault-type rifles stormed down the grand staircase and took their positions in front of Luuk-ti and the away team. They readied their weapons at the door.
The group stood panting, trying desperately to catch their collective breath. The guards locked the heavy door and backed up in a defensive stance, weapons ready. As the Graz' Kuul-ai outside pounded on the outside, Kirk and his men slowly moved backwards, along with the Shaman.
"Spock! Contact the Enterprise!" Kirk wiped the sweat from his brow. "Tell them we need immediate extraction!"
The pounding on the door that had been relentless up until that point suddenly stopped. The only sound was that of Spock's voice trying to contact the ship.
"Enterprise, do you read? Enterprise?" Spock turned to the Kirk. "Captain, I am unable to connect with the ship. The magnetic interference of the stonework is obstructing any attempted signal. We must move away from the buildings to contact the Enterprise."
"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?" McCoy moved extremely close to Spock, so much so that their noses almost touched. "The minute we set foot out of this building, they're going to shoot us!"
"I am aware of the risk, Doctor. I was simply stating the obvious fact that we will be unable to contact the ship unless we change locations. I was not suggesting that we actually attempt it at this time. It would be illogical to risk our lives at this moment."
"Well then what do you suggest we d-"
The door exploded in, wooden shrapnel splintering into the room. Everyone ducked and covered their heads as the wood flew through the air. As the smoke began to clear, a looming figure entered through the haze.
"Illustrious Shaman, Luuk-ti! Look how you cower behind your flunkies!" He cracked his massive knuckles. "See if your Starfleet saviors can protect you now! As of this moment, this government is mine. Xentia will never be known as a puppet of the Federation!"
Luuk-ti gasped, then stood up straight, standing his ground. "Ka'al! You are not welcome here! Whatever you're trying to accomplish, know that you will fail! With Starfleet on our side, you cannot possibly wi…"
A second later, his eye was pierced by a bullet, his body falling limply to the ground. Kirk looked on in horror from behind the guards as the Shaman's corpse twitched briefly before becoming still.
"Captain, we need to run quickly!" Spock's voice was whispered but urgent. "I do not believe that Ka'al has taken notice of us." Spock drew his phaser and set it to kill.
"I'm with you on that one!" Kirk grabbed McCoy by the arm and tugged him down the hallway, Luuk-ti's guards trying to keep Ka'al and his men at bay. The noise of the ensuing scuffle and shots was deafening in the cavernous hall of the building.
Kirk didn't have the slightest idea where he was headed, but knew they needed to contact the Enterprise before they were all killed.
As they ran down the halls, turning down random corridors to lose their pursuers, the sound of heavy, fast-moving footsteps threatened closer with each second.
"Jim! Now do you believe me when I say this was a bad idea?" McCoy was out of breath, his voice forced as his lungs burned.
Kirk darted down a dark hall. "Now isn't the time to say 'I told you so' Bones! Save it for the ship!"
McCoy released a tirade of expletives as he followed Jim and Spock down the deserted hallway.
They took refuge in a small alcove and tried to gather their thoughts on what to do next.
"What the hell is going on?" McCoy's eyes were fearful. "Is this some goddamned military coup?"
Spock checked the charge on his phaser. "It would appear so, Doctor."
"Great, just great." McCoy grumbled as he tried to covertly check Jim again for injuries. "'Trust me, Bones! It'll be fun!' he says. You're idea of fun is sadistic, you know that Jim?"
Kirk brushed his McCoy's hand away from his arms. "I'm not injured, so quit checking me!" He tried to catch his breath. "So now what, Spock? I'm pretty sure we're cornered."
"Affirmative, Captain. Although I am not familiar with the layout of the building, it would be prudent to expect Ka'al's men to be entering from more than one point. If they are indeed planning to take over the seat of government, it would stand to reason that they would want to control the building and its occupants as quickly as possible."
Kirk nodded. "Those guys out in the street knew we were Starfleet. They were aiming at us."
"You're damn right they were aiming at us! Somehow I don't think the Federation will look too kindly on this type of behavior!" McCoy scowled angrily at Kirk.
"You're not helping, Bones." He leaned forward to peek around the corner. "The coast is clear. I say we head down the hall and hope there's an exit that isn't blocked by several angry soldiers."
"While I agree that we need to move forward to facilitate our escape, I suggest that you let me go first, Captain. Your safety is our number one priority." Spock moved forward on his haunches, also looking around the corner.
Kirk agreed. "Be careful, Spock."
The Vulcan nodded. "Wait for my signal, then follow closely behind me." He moved out into the hallway, crouching as he slowly made his way to the end. He peered carefully in both directions before motioning for his comrades to follow.
Kirk and McCoy both crept slowly towards Spock. "Which way?" Kirk's voice was a whisper, almost drowned out by the commotion of the fighting going on in the building all around them.
Spock thought for a long moment before turning left down the hallway. McCoy looked at Kirk with suspicion. "How the hell do we know he knows where he's going?"
"I am heading East, Doctor. The main entrance is located on the West side of the building, so it would stand to reason that if we were trying to make a getaway, the logical route would be as far away from there as possible." He turned to look at McCoy with a raised eyebrow. "Unless you can suggest a better alternative?"
McCoy scowled. "Just don't get us killed."
"It is not my intention, Doctor. Now please follow me."
The three men carefully made their way down the hallway, which was eerily without any commotion. This did not go unnoticed by McCoy. "It's too quiet."
Kirk mustered a sly smile. "Don't be so pessimistic, Bones! Would you rather be dodging bullets?"
"I'd rather be on the ship."
Kirk patted him on the back. "You'll be back to your stuffy old Sick Bay before you can say 'Georgia Peach Pie.'"
"I hate peach pie." McCoy narrowed his eyes.
The sounds of the skirmishes and gunfire echoed through the building. It seemed to be getting closer. The three men picked up their pace, moving swiftly towards the end of the hall. Once there, they were presented with a problem.
Just as Kirk had predicted, there were a number of soldiers.
"Aww, great," Kirk muttered under his breath as he peered around the corner. "We're gonna have to run for it. Look, over there…" Kirk pointed with his phaser. "…that hallway has a door at the end. And it's open."
"Jim are you out of your goddamned mind? We'd be running across an active firefight!"
"It's that or get caught here, Bones! You want to see the ship again? Put your running shoes on!"
"Captain, I agree with Doctor McCoy. Running out into the room would put us in considerable and unnecessary danger." Spock's face was emotionless.
Kirk huffed. "We don't have time to argue. If we don't make a run for it, they're going to capture us. It's only a matter of time. I know it's stupid, but it's the only chance we have."
Spock thought. "I would object further, but I know you would not take my warning." Kirk smiled slyly. "I would like it noted in your log upon return to the ship that I was opposed to this, Captain. Should anything go awry."
Kirk smirked. "You got it, Spock. Now let's haul ass!"
Kirk sprinted out into the foyer, the soldiers never even noticing him. Spock and McCoy were hot on his tail, their feet flying as they crossed the expanse.
Fifty feet. That's all they had to cross.
Bullets flew willy-nilly through the air as the capitol guards fought valiantly to save their building and their livelihood from the rebels. They were all caught up in the moment.
None of the soldiers heard the pained cry erupt from Kirk's lips as the bullets tore into his body.
The Captain stumbled to his knees, his body lurching forward as he began to fall to the floor. Blood spurted from his mouth as he gasped.
"Jim!" Without stopping, McCoy reached down and grabbed Kirk by the shoulders, dragging his instantly heavier body backwards towards the other hallway. "Spock! Jim's hit!"
Spock ducked as an errant bullet nearly missed his head. He reached out and assisted McCoy by grasping Kirk's already bloodied arm. The two men hauled their fallen Captain into the hallway and through an open side door, which Spock immediately locked once they were inside.
They were in a storage room, no bigger than nine feet across and wide. A small window, low to the ground adorned the back wall. Spock switched on the overhead light, bathing the room in a pale yellow glow.
"Jim?" McCoy slapped his cheek, trying to get him to respond. He pressed his index and middle finger to Jim's neck. His pulse was erratic and faster than it should be. The Tricorder in his other hand blared as warnings started to sound. His eyes darted over Kirk's body, taking inventory of the bloodstains growing on various parts of his uniform top and pants. He didn't need the damn device to tell him that Kirk was critically injured.
Upper Left Thigh, no exit wound. Left Abdomen, no exit wound.
He gently rolled him and checked his back. Kirk cried out in pain.
Left Shoulder, no exit wound.
Goddammit.
Projectile ammunition. Bullets.
Heavy bleeding already.
Shit.
As McCoy rested him on his back once again, Kirk's eyes rolled around in his head, his breathing becoming labored. His uniform top was almost completely soaked in blood. He struggled to keep his eyes open.
"Jim! Look at me for a second!" He shook the man gently. "Listen to me, alright? You've been shot. Old school, with bullets."
McCoy could tell Kirk wasn't focusing clearly, and he wondered if he had even heard him. The fallen Captain writhed on the ground, attempting to clutch his belly with his right hand. His left arm was almost completely useless, as the shoulder joint had been ripped apart by the slug.
"I've got to get your shirt off, Jim. Hold still for a second, or this'll hurt more." McCoy retrieved a small pair of scissors from his Med Kit and began to slice the uniform top up the middle, then split the sleeves on either side. The sight he exposed was horrific.
Jim had a large, gaping wound on his left side, just below his ribcage. It was spewing blood at an alarming rate. McCoy hastily pressed his hand on top of the hole, in an attempt to slow the bleeding.
Kirk screamed. "Don't! Bon…" His eyes screwed shut as he gasped. He tried to force McCoy's hand away weakly. "Oh God! St…"
McCoy grasped Kirk's bloody hand with his own and squeezed. "Listen to me, Jim. You have to calm down. I know it hurts, alright?" He was relieved when Kirk squeezed back, albeit very weakly. His eyes scanned upwards on Kirk's heaving chest, towards the shoulder. Another hole glared at him, this one not bleeding as much as the abdominal wound.
No exit wound means the bullet's probably embedded in his shoulder blade. Better there than in his brachial artery.
McCoy decided the bleeding from the shoulder wound was minimal enough to let alone for the time being. It would need to be dealt with at some point, but the doctor had other worries at the moment.
His eyes moved down to Kirk's left thigh, wet blood staining the already dark fabric. Even though the pants were black, the mark was still visible. McCoy poked his finger into the hole in the trousers and pulled the fabric aside, trying to determine the severity of the injury. Jim hissed in pain as he brushed over the open wound.
"Sorry, Jim. I'm gonna have to cut your pant leg off, too."
Kirk's voice was weak and pained as he still managed to crack a joke. "See? 'Always knew…one day you'd want…to get in my pa…" He gasped and threw his head back as McCoy pulled the cloth away from his bleeding leg.
The bullet hole was ugly. The projectile had gone in at a weird angle, causing the edges of the wound to be jagged. McCoy could just see the butt end of the bullet lodged millimeters into the muscle. He thought briefly about trying to pry it out with his bare hands, but he knew Jim would most likely scream like a banshee.
And then the soldiers would certainly find them.
He thought quickly, looking around for something to fashion a temporary tourniquet. He was running out of hands to apply pressure. He almost didn't hear Spock.
"Doctor, how badly has the Captain been injured?" Spock's face actually showed the smallest hint of concern.
"I don't know yet, dammit! Get over here and help me so I can finish checking!"
Spock checked the lock on the door once more before quickly moving to Kirk's side.
"Hold your hand here," McCoy instructed, pointing to Jim's abdomen. "Press hard, no matter how much he bitches. He's bleeding too much."
Spock did as he was instructed, Jim crying out as new, stronger pressure was applied. Blood pooled under the Vulcan's palm.
As soon as Spock's hands were firmly in place, McCoy grabbed Jim's discarded uniform shirt and ripped off one of the bloodied sleeves. Working quickly, he wrapped the sleeve around Kirk's thigh and fastened it tight, causing the Captain to whimper. The doctor took note that Jim's strength seemed to be fading. He should have cried out much louder when he pulled the tourniquet tight. It had to have hurt like a bitch.
McCoy wiped a bloody hand across his sweat-soaked brow. He looked down at Jim, half-lidded icy blue eyes meeting his own. He gently ran his fingers through his friend's sweat-dampened hair in an attempt to calm him.
"Jim, you gotta stay with me, you hear?" He checked his friend's pulse again. Thready and weakening.
Kirk blinked lethargically. "It hurts…" He swallowed hard.
McCoy's heart broke in two. He knew Jim must have been in terrible pain, but he was reluctant to administer any pain meds until he knew the full extent of the Captain's injuries. He needed a better, brighter and more sterile environment to work in.
And this dusty storage room certainly did not fit the bill.
"Look, Jim. I…" He hesitated as a pained look crossed Kirk's face and he shifted on the floor. "…I know it hurts. And I know that you probably want me to give you some painkillers…"
A single tear ran down Kirk's face and disappeared into the hairline above his ear. McCoy had to fight his own sorrow. It was time to be a professional, for his friend's sake. He grabbed Jim's hand squeezed.
"…it's just that I can't right now. I don't know how badly you've been hurt yet. Spock and I are going to get you to the extraction site and then I promise you I'll dope you up like there's no tomorrow." He managed a small, comforting smile.
Kirk's eyes were pleading. "Pl-please, Bones…" His breathing was becoming erratic. "…help…me."
McCoy knew he needed to stay strong for his friend. "I'm gonna help you Jim. We're gonna be back on the ship in no time."
Blood began to trickle from the corner of Jim's mouth. "So sorry…Bones." He closed his eyes, and was having a hard time catching his breath.
McCoy recognized this pattern. The pain was becoming too much for Jim. He cursed himself for wishing that he'd just succumb and let himself go unconscious. Then at least he wouldn't be in agony anymore.
Kirk tried to continue, his eyelids struggling to stay open. "You…t'ld me so. Y'knew…would happen..." His chest shuddered as he let out a shaky breath. "…were right…Bo…" Jim's eyes finally closed and his head lolled to the side.
McCoy let his head droop, causing a tear to slide down his face and splatter on Jim's shoulder.
Sweet Christ, what have I done? I let my best friend lay here in anguish and hoped he'd just go out.
I'm a monster.
"Doctor McCoy."
He looked up and locked eyes with the Vulcan for a brief moment before returning his attention to the unconscious man at his knees.
"Doctor, you lied to the Captain. We do not have any way of safely reaching an acceptable distance away from the city. We will not be able to return to the Enterprise for some time."
McCoy scowled as he tore the other sleeve from Jim's shirt and balled it up. "What the hell was I supposed to do? He was hurting, Spock!" He pushed Spock's hand away from Jim's weeping abdomen and pressed the cloth to the wound. He then grabbed the Vulcan's hand again and replaced it on the fabric. "Sometimes you need to fudge the truth a little to get someone through shit like this!"
Spock merely nodded and kept steady pressure on the Captain's stomach.
McCoy looked down at Jim's face, no longer wrenched up in agony.
He would get Jim through this. He would piece him back together, like always.
He just needed to get Jim somewhat stable enough to drag to the extraction site. He hoped the commotion would die down enough so that they could attempt to leave under the cover of darkness.
McCoy dug through the Med Kit and got to work, praying that soldiers wouldn't come crashing through the door.