Thanks as always for the reviews and story alerts. And no matter how it appears my fics always have a happy ending. :) Few minor corrections in this chapter. Thanks to Starsinger for catching the mistakes and for the info on McCoy's ex-wife.

Title: A father's wish
author: Cindy Ryan

Being summoned to by the captain wasn't always a bad thing. However considering all that was going on Bones knew this wasn't a friendly chat Jim wanted. McCoy rubbed his eyes tiredly as he sat in his office. The open communique from Kirk sat on his computer waiting a response. Leonard was temped to ignore it. There were a few rules you could bend with Jim without ending up in the brig.

With a sigh Leonard reached for the blue coffee mug sitting on the left corner of the desk and took a long sip before putting it back. He'd give anything for something stronger right now. Alcohol was out of the question since he was a) on duty and b) needed a clear head. He'd been trying to figure out what do do about the little survivor. Bones intended to keep his promise to her but the favors he'd tried to redeem had fallen through. Starfleet after Khan's attack was still a mess. To anyone on the outside they were a strong united front. On the inside they were still scrambling to pick up the pieces. His options were becoming more and more limited. Bones didn't want to think of what would happen to the survivor once the Vulcans took her back to Earth. Humans had made great strides in a lot of areas. Orphanages weren't what they were in the past. Still she'd be alone until someone adopted her...if she was adopted. Rubbing a weary hand over his face Bones touched the computer screen and sent a reply back to Jim. He knew the captain wanted an update on the survivor. Might as well give him one. Besides Leonard needed somebody to talk to.

"Come."Jim Kirk ordered as the door to his office chimed.

Leonard McCoy stepped in and the door slid closed behind him. "You wanted to see me."

"Yeah, have a seat."Kirk replied finally looking up at his friend.

Jim was surprised at how tired Bones looked. He now understood the medical staff's concern for their boss. McCoy's face was thinner and the rest of him looked like he had lost five pounds at least. The chief medical officer's hair was mussed and there was a day and a half worth of beard on McCoy's chin. Dark circles under the doctor's eyes were a sign of the strain the man was under.

"Your staff is worried about you."Jim began as he leaned back in his chair. "So am I. I don't need my chief medical officer falling over from lack of sleep in an emergency."

Bones shrugged. "I went on a lot less sleep in med school. I'm fine."

Jim studied his friend for a long moment but decided to let that argument go for the moment. "I also wanted an update on the survivor. Is she well enough for transport? The Vulcan ship will be here in eight hours."

"I still don't think that's the best option."McCoy stated quietly.

"Bones..."

"I tried pulling some strings in Starfleet,"Leonard began as he stood and started to pace. "Most of my contacts were reassigned and not able to help."

"I know you care about her...we all do."Jim stated softly. "The Vulcans are the only way to get her to Earth which is the safest place for her right now."

McCoy stopped pacing and leaned back against the wall to the left of the door. Jim had never seen his friend so conflicted.

"I never told you the reason for my divorce."Bones began quietly. "My wife, Jocelyn , wanted kids more than anything. I put my career first...didn't think I was ready to be a father."

Jim remained silent; waiting. Bones didn't speak about his past much and Jim hadn't asked. He had assumed it was too painful for his friend to talk about.

Leonard chuckled bitterly. "If she could see me now..."Bones shook his head and met his captain's gaze. "That little girl needs somebody, Jim. She lost everything."

After his father was killed Starfleet had tightened it's policy on families aboard starships. Jim understood both sides of the argument. He and his mother had barely survived. Space was uncharted and dangerous...if in enemy hands families could be a pawn something used against the starfleet officers. On the other side of the argument deep space missions were long and more often that not lonely for officers. Spouses, children filled that void.

"You think you're that somebody."Kirk stated.

Bones nodded. "She's healthy enough for transport. When that Vulcan ship arrives I'm going with."

"Is that an official resignation?"Jim asked his voice tight.

McCoy moved towards the door. "Yes, I'll send a letter once I get things organized."

Kirk stood and walked around the desk stopping in front of it. "Bones, I understand what you're feeling; I do. We need you here...you're the best Starfleet has."

"I made a promise."Leonard replied simply before turning and leaving.

Jim sank down onto the corner of his desk wondering how he was going to convince one of his best friends to stay. Did he even have a right to fight McCoy on this? Friendship was about doing what you could to ensure your friend's happiness. Bones clearly believed he could make a difference in that little girl's life. How could Jim deny that even if he couldn't picture the Enterprise without Leonard McCoy?

Three hours flew by before Bones realized it. He was so busy getting ready for his departure that time was the most important and least important thing on his mind. As Leonard packed his second duffel bag he still didn't really have a plan. He had no place to live back home. Bones had let Jocelyn take everything. He could always let the little one recuperate in Starfleet medical for a few days until he found something suitable.

Placing the last article of clothing inside Leonard zipped the bag closed and set it on the floor. He sat down onto the corner of his bed and looked around his quarters. He hated everything about space travel and yet the Enterprise had become home. The crew; family. In a few hours Bones was going to leave both most likely not to see anyone for three more years. He was giving up his life, his home for an alien baby that had no one. Was he crazy? Probably but it wouldn't be the first crazy thing he'd ever done. The door chime caused Bones to look up.

"Come."McCoy acknowledged as he stood and walked over to the small desk that sat against the right wall.

"Doctor."Spock greeted as he stepped into the room and the door shut behind.

"I'm busy, Spock."Leonard replied as he began picking up items from the desk surface. "If you're here on the captain's behalf..."

"He does not know I'm here."The half-Vulcan responded.

Something in Spock's tone caused Leonard to stop what he was doing and turn to face the science officer. In the years Bones had known Spock he'd gotten better at reading the half-Vulcan. Spock did his best to keep his human side under control. Once in awhile Bones spotted clues that the human side was winning. This was one of those times.

"What you're doing is admirable however, it is a bit rash."Spock stated.

"Only you could compliment and insult me at the same time."Bones muttered as he turned back to his desk.

"You misunderstand..."The science officer began."The child is fortunate to have you."

"Good we're on the same page."Leonard snapped the lack of sleep starting to have an affect.

"I do not believe you have thought this through, Doctor."Spock commented.

"Trust me, Spock, I've done nothing but think about it."Bones replied as he finished clearing his desk and put them in one of his bags. "I tried every option I could think of and it boils down to the simple fact she'll be alone."

"You do not know that."Spock countered."Starfleet could have arranged..."

"They haven't."Leonard replied tiredly. "They're more interested in stopping the weapon that wiped out these poor people then finding loving parents for the only survivor."

"You have often said that the crew of the Enterprise is the bond becomes stronger during a deep space mission."Spock continued. "This journey has barely begun and this family has endured a great deal. Doctor, we need someone who is part of us to heal us."

Leonard studied Spock for a long moment. Bones had lost count how many times Jim had to referee when he and Spock got into a debate or argument. Spock's logic had saved them more often than Leonard cared to admit. Anyone watching those arguments wouldn't know the friendship that endured the battles. That the half human half-Vulcan science officer, the doctor from Georgia and the brash young Captain were best friends. Two of the greatest friendships Leonard had ever had. A lump formed in Bones's throat and he swallowed it back.

"You guys will be fine without me."McCoy stated his voice strained and hoarse.

"Doctor..."Spock began as McCoy picked up his bags.

"Take care of the captain,lord knows he needs somebody to keep him out of trouble."Bones instructed as he paused in the doorway.

Spock nodded tightly. "I will."

Leonard took a step into the hall before turning back halfway his head lowered. "Take care of yourself too, Spock."

Exiting his quarters Bones made his way to Sickbay where he'd spend the remaining hours. As he walked Leonard tried not to think too much about what he was doing or the people he was leaving behind. He just had to get through the next few hours and he'd be starting a new life.