A/N: Here's part 4. We may have wintery weather tomorrow so part 5 could be posted by tomorrow night. If we don't get snow, it will be a few days. I'm sorry. (And BTW – the snow we may get is NOT part of the blizzard that walloped DC and points North. If you are in those areas, you have my best and sincerest wishes that you stay safe and warm.)

Just in case you don't have part 3 handy, here's your handy reference to who's who. Or which BobBob is which:

FomalhautBans our friends encounter:

UmEEg'Y - Protector
Liaison BAn'A'At - cultural interpreter and liaison
YArAch'I - First Counsel
Minister An'EnA - head of the parliament
IngErt'E – UmEEg'Y's first wife
Em'EkdU - aide to UmEEg'Y
WrUA'En – aide to BAn'A'At


The other members of the away team entered quietly, careful not to disturb their sleeping Captain. They talked softly among themselves until 10:30 when Bones woke Jim.

"How are you feeling?" Bones asked as Jim slowly woke.

Jim shrugged, sitting and looking at the concerned faces turned up toward him. He accepted the paper and pen to write a note ensuring them that he was fine. "We'll be meeting their representatives at 11:00."

"They told us, sir," Uhura responded.

"They requested that I come with you, sir," Lt. Ayers said quietly, seeming a little embarrassed by the statement.

"Just you, I take it," Jim responded to Lt. Ayers nods.

"They don't wish to be bombarded by all of our thoughts, sir," Ayers told him.

Jim looked at Bones to see if he believed that assessment.

"What do y'all think?" Bones asked the others.

"Something's not quite right, Captain," Matherson said, the others nodding in agreement.

"Jim thinks something is off too," Bones agreed. "Uhura? Chekov?"

"I wish Mr. Spock were here," Uhura said thoughtfully. "I believe he could figure it out."

Chekov considered that for a moment before nodding. "Captain, they are…."

"They are what, Pavel?" Bones coaxed.

"Maybe I am wrong, sir. But I feel like they are watching us. Not like they are curious. But like they…well, remember when we were on Wolverton?"

They all shivered slightly at his words, McCoy shaking his head. "I don't think they are secretly planning to eat us."

"No sir. But their eyes were on us the whole time at the banquet." Chekov shrugged, unable to articulate it any further.

"It was creepy," Uhura agreed, Ayres nodding.

"Jason?" Bones asked Matherson.

"They were respectful and courteous if a little guarded, sir."

"Did any of them touch you?" McCoy asked, looking at each of them in turn.

"No sir," Uhura said thoughtfully. "Maybe that's the problem? They don't have our thoughts to judge us by? What is it like touching them, Captain?"

He considered her question momentarily before writing his answer. "Touching WrUA'En is very different from touching UmEEg'Y. And it could be their ranks but WrUA'En seems very anxious. Not about us."

"And BAn'A'At?" Bones asked, studying the Captain.

"She is lovely but vacuous."

"All package. No contents," Bones said, making the others laugh.

"Something like that. She is exactly as she appears to be."

"Well, no matter what they said, I'm coming with you," Bones told Jim, getting the Captain's dress tunic from the small chair where he had draped it. "Here."

Jim nodded, pulling it on and fastening it. "The rest of you go to bed. McCoy will alert you when we return."

The three looked like they wanted to argue but knew is was futile. The FomalhautBans had decided they were not welcome at the negotiations and that made it final.

With a reluctant good night, Uhura, Chekov, and Matherson went into three of the bedrooms, closing their doors.

McCoy opened the door at the knock that sounded precisely at 10:45, WrUA'En waiting in the corridor.

"You are ready then?" he asked, looking up at the three Humans.

"We are," McCoy agreed for them all. They followed WrUA'En down the corridor until they arrived at a meeting room dominated by a table in the center, 20 chairs around it. The FomalhautBans all stood as the Humans entered, 14 natives present to the 3 Humans.

Jim didn't sense any of their thoughts, their barriers firmly in place.

"Ah, Captain," UmEEg'Y said in greeting, rounding the table to extend his hand. "Welcome."

//Thank you, Protector. We look forward to a productive discussion.//

"As do we, Captain," UmEEg'Y agreed. He introduced those at the table they had not previously met, Jim sure he would never get their names straight, UmEEg'Y's silent amusement returning to him.

//Apologies, Protector. That was inappropriate.//

//Not at all, Captain,// UmEEg'Y assured him as they sat in two vacant chairs at the mid-point of the table. //Our names are curious to Humans.//

//They are lovely, Protector. And I feel sure our names are unusual to you.//

//Indeed,// UmEEg'Y agreed in good humor. "I am certain I have no need to remind anyone why we have gathered here. The United Federation of Planets has requested that we again consider the invitation to join their organization. Although we have refused on four previous occasions, they must be applauded for their determination," he said, light laughter greeting his statement. "Captain Kirk, your opening remarks?"

The Captain nodded, placing his hand lightly on UmEEg'Y's shoulder. //On behalf of the United Federation of Planets, thank you agreeing to meet with us.// He waited as UmEEg'Y repeated it before adding the other statements every Captain could recite without thinking - assurances of friendship, a brief explanation of the purpose of the Federation, what the planet would gain by accepting membership.

When he was done, they all sat, Ayers next to Jim, McCoy relegated to a seat away from the table, sitting with the aides and secretaries. Bones didn't mind. He hated diplomacy although he made sure he wasn't in contact with any of the residents as he considered that portion of their jobs. From his vantage point, he could see Jim's face, and he would absolutely halt the negotiations if any signs of stress or strain appeared in his Captain's expression.

While the diplomats at the table discussed the various advantages and disadvantages of joining versus not, Bones had the opportunity to study the faces of the others gathered. Every doctor worth his salt was a student of human nature and Bones was exceptional astute in reading people. He carefully studied those they had already met, keeping his thoughts as tightly under wraps as he could as he considered them in turn.

WrUA'En was across the room from him, sitting directly behind Liaison BAn'A'At who nodded a lot although Bones wasn't sure she really knew what was going on. WrUA'En was keeping his face carefully blank, blank enough that McCoy knew there was a lot going on behind that façade. He didn't know what exactly but those were not particularly happy thoughts he was hiding.

Em'EkdU sat directly behind UmEEg'Y, beside WrUA'En. Bones noticed that their knees were touching the entire time which meant they were in silent communication. Now that was interesting. The rest of the aides were separated from their neighbor by at least a foot, a FomalhautBan foot at any rate. Not Em'EdkU and WrUA'En. Their chairs had been moved just that much closer and even though they were apparently paying complete attention to the talks, Bones had the feeling if there were a quiz when it was over, neither of them would be able to pass it.

Em'EdkU had a blankly smiling expression, one Bones had often seen on aides to diplomats and governmental officials. Like those, Em'EdkU made a pretense of following along but Bones knew he was far away.

"Captain Kirk is not in a position to promise that," UmEEg'Y's rising voice said, bringing McCoy back to the talks. He hoped whatever had come before that was not especially important because Jim looked on the verge of being extremely angry. Oh crap, McCoy thought. I need to pay better attention.

Jim caught McCoy's eyes, Jim's widening slightly. Bones knew that look.

"I sincerely apologize," Bones said as he rose to tower over the residents. "The Captain is beginning to feel the strain and we need to be excused."

All eyes turned toward him, UmEEg'Y reaching over to lightly touch Jim's arm. "Are you unwell, Captain?"

//I am…fatigued, Protector. I have done very little since the accident except sleep,// Jim admitted, the Protector nodding in sympathy.

UmEEg'Y stood to address all those present. "We will adjourn for tonight to reconvene tomorrow at 11:00." The rest rose as one and left, McCoy, Jim and Ayres alone with UmEEg'Y and his aide Em'EkdU. "I apologize, Captain. I should have been more vigilant."

//I am the one who must apologize, Protector. I had not anticipated tiring quite so quickly,// Jim said.

"It is past 1:00 our time, Captain. Your fatigue is understandable," UmEEg'Y assured him. "Em'EkdU will see you back to your chambers."

"Thank you, Protector," McCoy said for them all, turning to follow the aide out of the room. There was a line between Jim's eyebrows that said the ever-present ache in his jaw had escalated during the two hours of talks.

When they reached their chambers, with the door closed, McCoy called up to the ship, asking Spock to come down, ignoring Jim who was shaking his head. "I don't care. You are in some serious distress and I need him to tell me why." Bones turned to Ayres who also looked apprehensive. "Lieutenant?"

"They aren't interested in joining the Federation, sir," she said with a shake of her head. "I can't reason why they asked us to come. No offense, sir," she said to the Captain.

He nodded, looking over at the center of the room when Spock appeared, looking as though it was not the middle of ship's night.

"Captain, Doctor, Lieutenant," Spock said in greeting before turning all of his attention to his Captain. //Stop being so angry, love.//

//You shouldn't be here. Please ask Ayres at least to leave,// Jim said, silently seething.

//She does not need to leave. We will,// Spock said, holding his hand out to Jim who accepted it reluctantly. "The Captain and I will return." With that, they went into one of the vacant bedrooms, Spock carefully closing the door before taking Jim into his arms. "Do not be angry."

//You shouldn't be down here. You should be taking care of my ship,// Jim returned, stiff in Spock's arms.

"It is gamma shift. We are in orbit above a planet that poses no threat to us. Dr. McCoy is worried about you and you are unable to answer his questions. There is no place else I could be," Spock corrected gently.

Jim sighed and finally relaxed against the warmer body. //Something's not right here.//

"As I detected. What concerns you?" Spock asked, leading him over to a couch that would hold them both.

//What did you think when you were here? Did you detect any anxiety from those you encountered?//

"There was a low level of unease. I associated it with the fact that they preferred your presence to mine." Spock said.

//I suppose that could have been what you were sensing,// Jim said, considering all that had gone on. //Are you aware of any of their thoughts now?//

"I am not. Only yours and the away teams'. Chekov is dreaming, Matherson is sleeping soundly, Uhura is tossing uneasily."

//Oh. She may be worried about me. Can you ask Bones to tell her I'm okay?//

Spock nodded, leaving the bedroom to convey the request to the Doctor. When Spock returned, he was holding a hypospray which Jim knew beyond a doubt was about to be pressed into his neck. "Dr. McCoy is telling each of them that you have returned. Ayres retired for the night. McCoy recommended I stay with you. They may be aware of my presence but I will not appear publically."

Jim stood to pace, not acknowledging Spock's words. //When I touched WrUA'En earlier, before he had the chance to shield his thoughts, he would have bolted if he could have. His thoughts were chaotic and in disarray. Like he was being overwhelmed by outside forces. Possibly me.//

"And when you were not in physical contact?" Spock asked.

//He was very guarded.//

"That is not the source of your unease," Spock noted, watching the door to the bedroom open to admit Dr. McCoy who also looked worried.

"How are you feeling?" Bones asked Jim.

"He has a headache and he is concerned. He is also overly tired," Spock answered for him.

"Understandably," Bones said, sitting next to Spock to watch Jim pace. "During the talks, WrUA'En and Em'EkdU were in physical contact. All of the other aides kept their distance from each other."

"Have you touched Em'EkdU?" Spock asked Jim.

//No. He seems capable and knows his place. I mean, I get the feeling WrUA'En resents the fact that he is Ban'A'At's aide when he thinks he should be the Liaison.//

Spock repeated that to Bones who nodded.

//Em'EkdU seems perfectly content to be UmEEg'Y's aide. He doesn't come across as angry.//

Bones nodded again, studying Jim's face. "We aren't going to figure it out tonight, Jim. Try and get some sleep. We'll tackle it again tomorrow."

"He is correct," Spock said softly. "You will be better equipped to determine what is occurring after you have slept."

//Fine,// Jim agreed. After the Doctor bid them both good night, Jim exchanged his uniform for pajamas from the tote that had been beamed down right after their arrival.

"Why are you so angry?" Spock asked, watching Jim pacing beside the small bed where neither of them would be able to sleep.

//They are playing us for a fool,// Jim said. //They aren't going to enter the Federation if I or anyone else asks. So why are we here?//

"You do not believe it is simple curiosity on their part?"

//No. I spent two hours listening to them debate the relative merits of joining. None of them are in favor of it. It doesn't make any sense.//

"No one was advocating that they agree?" Spock asked to make sure that's what Jim had just said.

//There were some token suggestions made on how it would benefit the planet. But for the most part, they seemed determined to convince me that the Federation is sticking its bureaucratic nose somewhere it's not welcome.//

"Most curious," Spock said, pulling the comforter off the bed and laying it on the floor. He went to a closet for a second comforter, laying it next to the first. "Come."

Jim stood over the two comforters, looking down at them. //You are going to be too cold to sleep.//

"There are no other coverings."

//You'll have to sleep on the bed with one of the comforters. I'll sleep here on the floor.//

"That is not an acceptable solution. You will not be able to sleep on the floor."

Jim looked around the room, crossing over to the couch. //I can sleep here. You take one comforter and I'll take the other. You'll still be cold but it will help.//

Spock shook his head at that. "No Jim. That is not an acceptable answer."

//That's an order, Commander,// Jim tried making Spock shake his head again. //Please?//

"We can both remain awake on the floor."

//Go back up then. I'll be fine.//

"Will you come with me?" Spock asked hoping to convince him.

//I can't. I have to stay here. Whatever is going on, I'm not putting my people at risk.//

"I understand."

"Here," McCoy said when he entered through a door that connected with his bedroom. "I don't need these comforters. Now you can both sleep on the floor."

"Did you hear our discussion?" Spock asked, his arms full of fluffy covers.

"No I've developed telepathy since I got here. Of course I heard you. Stop being such martyrs and go the hell to sleep."

//Tell him to stop being so grouchy,// Jim said, taking one of the comforters and spreading it out on the floor before laying down on it.

Spock just ignored Jim, getting the pillows from the bed, putting the ones McCoy brought in down next to them. Once McCoy had left in a huff, Spock removed his uniform shirt and pants, putting on a pair of Jim's pajama bottoms which were slightly too big in the waist and too short for his longer legs. Jim thought he looked positively adorable.

"I am not a puppy, Captain," Spock informed him, laying down next to Jim who laughed internally at his bondmate as he covered them both with McCoy's contributions.

//No, I guess you aren't. But you are still adorable in my pajamas.//

"Thank you, sir," Spock said, rolling on his side to study Jim. "Will you allow me to give you the hypospray?"

//You better or I probably won't sleep,// Jim admitted reluctantly.

Spock nodded, administering it as gently as he could, Jim sighing when it was done. //Thank you for coming down. I'm sorry I was angry.//

"I understand, love. Go to sleep," Spock coaxed, kissing his forehead and soothing the lines of strain he saw there.

//Mmm…//

Spock knew it wasn't long before Jim fell asleep, Spock blanking his mind to try and determine what was occurring that was so distressing to the away team. He felt some low level of general anxiety but he was uncertain whether or not that was emanating from the man sleeping next to him.

Deciding he was not going to be able to find the source of the stress, he relaxed and drifted off to a light sleep, certain he would wake if Jim or the other crewmembers required his assistance.