Hello everyone! Thank you so much for sticking with the story, and sorry about the break – it was longer than I meant it to be. (Thanks, flu.) Anyway, the story will begin to ramp up from here on through. . .


-Chapter 8-

The next thing Leonard knew, he was halfway down the hallway, the redhead's startled gaze echoing behind him.

He was never, never one to act on impulse. He'd felt like something had grabbed by the scruff of his neck and yanked him into action.

Honestly, he had no clue what he was doing, or where he was going. Two thoughts pounded together in his brain, a dissonance of fear and resolve.

He had to stop them from killing Kirk. It was wrong, and Harrison knew it. And yet Leonard remembered the turbulence in the man's eyes.

Skidding to a stop in the turbolift, Leonard's thoughts whirled. He couldn't reconcile the man who saved his daughter with the man they claimed had tried to murder a roomful of admirals. It didn't make sense.

As soon as the doors slid open, Leonard was across the Bridge and in front of the captain's ready room, with very little idea as to what was going to do. He pressed the button.

"Come," the reply came. Hesitantly he entered, trying to press purpose into every movement of his body.

The man looked up, his piercing gaze landing on Leonard.

"Captain Harrison?"

"Yes?" the captain asked expectantly, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What can I do for you, doctor?" His voice was cold, but not icy.

A deep breath. "I request permission to join you on the away team to Kronos."

To his credit, Harrison barely blinked. "May I ask your reasoning?"

Another deep breath. "Respectfully, sir, I think I can be of use."

"You haven't told me everything you know about James Kirk," Harrison said in a tone of observation.

"No, I haven't, sir."

"May I ask why?" Harrison raised a brow, detached curiosity coloring his eyes.

"I...think I can be of use on this mission, sir. I don't have any diplomatic skills or anything, but I certainly can help out as far as medical things go." Leonard paused, surveying the captain's expression before taking a risk. "You're taking Lieutenant Sulu to the surface with you, I assume?"

A cool gaze met his. "I was considering it."

"Then you must be aware of his physical condition."

"I have been informed he can adequately pilot the shuttle."

"He can, but it's a little risky, depending on the shuttle you take. If you wouldn't mind allowing me to tag along, I can keep an eye on him. And, if it comes down to the wire I can handle myself in a fight."

Harrison continued regarding him for a moment, long enough to make Leonard want to shift uncomfortably, but he held the man's gaze.

"My first officer Spock is leading the away mission. Whatever decision he makes I will stand by." He turned his attention to a PADD. "Dismissed."

Leonard nodded and left, scanning the Bridge for anyone wearing the Cmdr. pips.

Once he located them, on the collar of a blue uniform, he half-laughed. Figured the first officer would be a Vulcan.