Hey, all! Thanks so much for your patience! Now, I've gone back and re-read the story. We've got maybe six or seven chapters to go (that's a rough estimate). And, like I said, a potential epilogue. I'm so happy that you all have been enjoying it so far. I'm realizing that the way that I'm editing it isn't really showing up. The POV changes don't show up for me, and it seems really jarring. That's a glitch I can't manage to fix. BUT I also am posting on AO3 under the exact same name: MistyWaters1192 So, if you all would like to read it with BETTER structure (I'm seeing why a lot of people prefer AO3 to fanfiction), you can go ahead and check it out.
Without further ado, here is Chapter 9!
~~~~~~- POV change/passage of time
Italics indicate dreams or visions
Chapter 9:
Nova lay in a biobed in sickbay, having been dragged there by McCoy despite Nova's protests. He was running a scanner above her abdomen, looking critically at the readings. Captain Kirk and Spock were both there, waiting to hear McCoy's prognosis.
"Just as I thought," McCoy said, cursing softly, "Evidence of internal tearing. But…" he stared intently at the readings, "It seems to be repairing itself. That's not possible."
Nova shrugged, "You forget, Leonard. I was not born a physical being. It could be that I possess higher healing abilities than a human."
"That is possible, Doctor," Spock supplied, "Vulcans have a higher rate of healing simply because it is easier for us to control our biological functions. Healing trances are of use to us, whereas a normal human cannot obtain that level of focus. And she does posses certain Vulcan abilities."
McCoy set the scanner down, and ran a practiced hand across her abdomen, pressing into her to feel for damage. She winced slightly at first, but then became accustomed to the pressure he exuded. He raised an eyebrow.
"And you feel okay?" he asked.
She sighed exasperatedly, "Yes, I feel fine."
He looked at her vitals displayed on the monitor above. They looked as they usually did for her.
"Alright," he conceded, "You're cleared. But take it easy for a day or two. That means no sparring. You hear me, Jim?" McCoy barked at the captain, who grinned sheepishly.
"I got it, Bones," he said, winking at Nova, who smirked at him.
"No sparring," Nova repeated.
McCoy gave them both a scrutinizing look, then nodded. Nova sat up in the bed, and McCoy switched off the monitors. Nova looked at her three friends, seriously.
"What do you plan to do about Starfleet?" she asked.
Kirk nodded, "Yes. We have already taken care of that. We have sent a message to Starfleet on subspace stating what happened on the planet's surface, and the reasons as to why we couldn't leave you there. It will take some time to get through to them, but I have no doubt that they will see reason."
"And should complications from this arise?"
"Then we will handle them when they come up," Kirk said, easily, "The important thing is that you are safe, and we can continue on our mission."
She nodded, but remained uneasy.
"But before we can continue on our mission," Kirk said, looking from Nova to McCoy, "I need to make sure that you both are alright." He turned to Nova, "While you were on the planet, Doctor McCoy made a statement of fact that you felt scared at a particular moment in time. He said that he was sure of that, but knew nothing else, except that you lived. It was stated as fact, not opinion or belief. I would like for you to consent for Spock to examine your state of mind, just to make sure that you and Bones are both okay. Is that alright with you, Nova? Bones?"
Nova gave McCoy a sideways glance, and could feel his unwillingness to comply. With the emotional experience they had on the planet so raw and fresh in their minds, it was hard to imagine that Spock wouldn't catch some of those emotions and memories. This would potentially be exposing Spock to McCoy's father's passing, something she knew he had not shared with his crewmates. Nova spoke, plainly, to the captain.
"While I acknowledge your concerns, asking Spock to meld with us now is like asking someone how loss feels after someone has passed. There was a minor incident on the planet below. Not a significant one, but significant enough for the both of us. It was overly-emotional. It was compromising. We are both in a very different level of vulnerability. I possess the ability to keep certain memories locked up after such an event, for the most part. But I do not believe that Leonard has that ability. Therefore, I propose a meld with both of us simultaneously, so that I may keep certain memories away from the examination."
Spock raised an eyebrow, "While it is possible, you seem to be greatly fatigued mentally, Nova. You may be taxing yourself beyond your current abilities."
"Perhaps," said Nova, "But the cause is sufficient."
"Now, wait a second," McCoy spoke up, "I can't allow you to do that, Nova. Your health is important, and, as Chief Medical Officer, your well-being is my responsibility."
"I recommend that you disregard that fact for a moment, Leonard. Should Spock enter your mind now, you may not have the mental shields in place to prevent an onslaught of emotions and memories that you may not want examined."
"I'll manage," McCoy said gruffly. "Come on, Spock, let's get this over with."
Spock looked from McCoy to Nova, and inclined his head, "Very well, Doctor. I will form a surface meld, to limit my contact. And I will gather the rest of the information from Nova."
Nova pursed her lips, "Leonard, are you-?"
But McCoy looked at her, and she felt his determination, and his desire that she not strain herself more than necessary at the moment. She seemed to hear his voice in her mind saying I'll be alright, darlin'. She nodded.
Spock watched their silent exchange, an eyebrow raised. He stepped in front of McCoy, who had sat beside Nova, both of their legs dangling over the edge of the biobed. Spock touched the points on McCoy's face, and began to initiate a light meld. Nova felt McCoy tense beside her, and her hand instinctively went to his, holding on firmly. Despite McCoy's insistence, she tentatively reached into his mind as discreetly as possible. Taking the memories of McCoy's father, and of their entire interaction on the beach below, she placed them behind walls. She watched Spock and McCoy with baited breath.
A few moments later, Spock removed his hand, and McCoy let out the breath he had been holding. McCoy sent Nova a reproachful look, but she shook her head, giving him a small smile. It did take more out of her than she anticipated, putting shields in place for McCoy, but his comfort was important to her.
"Well, Spock?" asked Kirk.
Spock shook his head, "I only have a hypothesis. Gaining insight into Nova's mind will confirm my hypothesis as fact, or it will dismiss it completely." He raised a hand to Nova's face, and she nodded, closing her eyes to focus her emotions and thoughts. She felt his fingertips make contact, and immediately sensed his presence in her mind.
Having watched Nova become a stronger telepath over the past week, he was surprised to find her control was as shakey as it was the day of their first meld. He could sense her fatigue, and it only fueled his suspicion about the connection that had formed. The emotions swirling through her mind brushed against him, and he kept his shields in place.
"I apologize for my lack of control," said Nova.
Spock nodded, "It is nothing unbearable. I merely seek to clarify if there is another presence here."
Spock searched through her mind, looking for confirmation. Then, suddenly, it hit him. Concern, agitation, the urge to protect. But these emotions were not coming from Nova's mind. They were coming from McCoy's, through Nova's. There was indeed a connection between the two.
"What is it, Spock?"
"Are you aware of the connection?" Spock showed it to her. She examined it, and brushed it softly. She could feel something brush back, so soft she thought she must have imagined it.
"Fascinating," Spock murmured.
"What is this, Spock? I have never seen this before," Nova said.
Spock terminated the meld. Nova opened her eyes, and turned to McCoy, who was already looking at her. Then she turned to Spock.
"Well, Spock?" asked Kirk, again.
"I…am unsure of how to explain, Captain. It is something…private."
Nova held her breath. Had he seen any part of their interaction from the planet?
"Well, Mr. Spock, I think you'll find that us humans are more likely to be alright with discussing emotions," Bones said, eyes glittering, "Besides, how do you expect us to figure out what you found without you saying anything about what you found?"
Spock inclined his head in the equivalent Nova had learned to recognize as a Vulcan sigh, "It is much deeper than emotion, Doctor. It is…something I have only witnessed on Vulcan."
"Well, don't beat around the proverbial bush, Spock. What did you find out?"
Spock paused, then said, deliberately, "From what I can observe, you and Nova have formed a…bond."
"A bond of camaraderie?" Nova asked, confused.
"You misunderstand. This is a bond deeper than friendship. It appears as if you have initiated the Bonding of your minds."
"Bonding? What does that mean?" Kirk asked, taking a step forward.
Spock looked at Kirk, then to McCoy and Nova, "To be plain, the Bonding occurs between two Vulcans before the marital ceremony. The two minds are joined forever, and, from that point, one has a sense of what his or her mate is feeling and thinking. It envelopes both beings, from what I understand."
"Mates?" Nova asked. Her heart fluttered. She turned to McCoy, and she noticed a blush on his cheeks, "Marital partners?"
Spock nodded, "It seems as though you have Bonded unintentionally."
There was silence in sickbay. Nova was still looking at McCoy. There was a certain understanding that Nova had of the Bonding. But she wanted to clarify out loud.
"We are bonded. And nothing can break that bond?" she asked.
Spock thought for a moment, "Not necessarily. A healer on Vulcan could break the bond."
"You can't do it, Spock?" asked Kirk.
"I do not possess the telepathic skill set, Captain. I dare not attempt it and cause significant damage."
McCoy spoke, "Is it dangerous? Is there any risk to Nova and myself?"
Nova noted how Spock shifted slightly in his seat, "I cannot say for certain. Spontaneous joinings are exceedingly rare. Despite not knowing how this particular bond with affect both of you, I do not believe it will be a danger. However, if you do not wish to take that risk, we could divert to Vulcan as soon as possible to terminate the bond. It may even be beneficial. A bond like this can be distracting. Should emotions run unchecked, it can cause the other person to be distracted, possibly in a serious situation. Particularly if one is not accustomed to telepathic contact."
Spock spoke mostly to McCoy, and Nova couldn't blame him. Knowing how McCoy feels about mental "mumbo jumbo" he called it, it was unsurprising that both Spock and the Captain were glancing between one another and McCoy. Sitting there, Nova contemplated the options they had. If the bond was terminated, would she miss it? It wasn't something that she had been consciously aware of. When did it form? When had she begun to be aware of his emotions, despite not physically being at his side? It had to have been following the aftermath of the nightmare she had had. Even now, a shudder ran through her and she felt a thrill of fear grip her heart. That nightmare still gripped her firmly in the quiet hours of her evenings. It had to have been after that. Or perhaps they had always been connected, and no one realized it except the universe… But Nova shook her head. As if things like that really happened.
Nova brought her mind back to the matter at hand: the bond between McCoy and herself. She closed her eyes, and reached through the bond, brush against it gently. There was a return brushing sensation, accompanied with a reassurance that all would be okay. Nova sent comforting emotions across the bond, as well as supplying mental fortitude for McCoy's taxed mind. She felt gratitude wash over her from the inside out. Their communication was seamless, and it made her feel more at peace than she ever had.
McCoy knew that Kirk and Spock were waiting for a reply. He did not like mind melds. Ever since the incident with the Spock from the parallel universe, he had a hard time with any sort of mental contact. Hell, the first time Spock had tried to meld with him after that incident, McCoy had just about put himself in a coma out of sheer panic. But Nova felt different from a meld. Whatever she did, it was gentler, yet more intimate, than any meld McCoy had ever experienced. Gentle for now, anyway. She had told him before that she could become dangerous. But, his mind argued, she also said that 'while I may be capable of harming others, I am not capable of harming you'. Just then, he felt his own mental structure being strengthened, and felt Nova's presence in his mind. His mind brushed against hers, and he couldn't help but feel more complete than he ever had before. This was such an intimate way of existing; would Nova want this?
Nova opened her eyes, and fixed her gaze onto Spock, "I will not allow it to be a distraction."
Kirk shifted noticeably, looking from McCoy to Nova. Spock raised an eyebrow. McCoy's eyes widened in shock.
Nova had decided what she wanted. The bond between them would remain. Again, the memory of the nightmare flashed through her mind, and she shuddered slightly, fear gnawing at her. This way, she has a permanent connection to McCoy that lets her know how he is. She can monitor his wellbeing without running around like a maniac. His well-being was the most important thing. But when had she decided that fact?
"I do not object to leaving it as is," Nova continued.
McCoy nodded, "I'm fine with leaving well enough alone, too."
Kirk raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Bones, you want this mental link to stay?"
McCoy shrugged, "You can barely tell it's there, Jim. It's no bother."
Nova's eyes darted to meet Kirk's before she turned to look at McCoy. It would be a bit of an understatement to say that McCoy's decision surprised her. She sent a questioning thought over the bond, and McCoy glanced her way, sending her reassurance back. She nodded, placing a hand over his, and felt his emotions brush against her entire being like a gentle ocean breeze. Her eyes closed momentarily, content filling her up, then she squeezed his hand and let go.
Spock nodded, "Very well. Then, there is no need to take any further action. I do recommend that both of you spend some time attempting to examine this link and control it."
"Understood," Nova smiled, "Now, if you will excuse me, I think I will go down to the science labs and-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Kirk held up a hand, "Now, I don't know what happened on the planet after Spock and I beamed up, but we all witnessed you get possessed, and McCoy said that that put a strain on your body. I want you to get some rest for the remainder of the evening."
"Jim-" Nova began, but Kirk overrode her, "That is an order, Nova. Same for you, McCoy."
"What-" Bones protested, but Kirk cut him off, too, "You look just as fatigued as Nova, Bones. Get some sleep. Captain's orders."
"Taking over my job, Jim?" grumbled McCoy.
Kirk smiled at McCoy, "Not in a million years, Bones. Just want to make sure my CMO is at the top of his game."
McCoy shook his head good-naturedly, and stood up. Nova stood beside him, and swayed slightly. The room had begun to spin, and McCoy reached out and held her steady. Nova gave him a grateful look before righting herself.
"Good-night, Spock. Good-night, Jim," said Nova, nodded to each of them in turn.
"Good-night, Nova," Spock said, inclining his head.
"Good-night. 'Night, Bones," Kirk said.
McCoy waved his hand airily, " 'Night, Jim. Spock."
Nova and McCoy strode out of sickbay.
Despite insisting that she could make her own way to her quarters, McCoy had accompanied her to Deck 4. Stepping into the warmth of her room, she sighed. Nova could feel her legs shaking, and McCoy held her firmly.
"Ah told you not to put those shields in place," McCoy scolded her gently, guiding her to the bed, and helping her ease onto it.
She placed a hand against her temple, wincing slightly, "You know that you would not have been able to keep Spock at bay, even though Spock really was doing his best to not examine anything of that nature."
"Over taxing yourself doesn't do any good for anyone," he muttered.
"Says the man who stayed up for 36 straight hours to watch over me," she countered.
He spluttered, "That was different. You were a patient."
"A stable patient. A non-critical patient that any competent doctor could have cared for."
He glared at her, and she smirked.
"Get some sleep, Nova."
"You as well, Leonard," she said.
McCoy nodded, and Nova grabbed his hand, peering into eyes that didn't want to meet hers, "I am serious, Leonard. Spock was correct. What happened down on the beach was, as you humans say, no picnic, and your mind must be strained. Rest."
She could feel some emotion emanating from him. Amusement at her use of a human colloquialism, and a thrill in the pit of his soul accompanied with a warmth. But before she could analyze it, he drew his hand away and gave her a mock bow, "As you wish."
She rolled her eyes. They gazed at one another.
"Thank you, Leonard," she said.
McCoy tilted his head, "For what?"
"For bringing me back, and for letting me know you," her eyes were locked onto his blue ones, brighter than any sun she had ever seen.
He placed a hand on her face, thumb caressing her cheek, "Thank you for comin' back, darlin'."
She grasped his hand, and brought it from her cheek to her lips, kissing to tops of his fingers gently, "Good-night, Leonard."
McCoy gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "Good-night, Nova."
He walked away, and she let his hand slide from hers. The doors opened, and shut as he left. Nova got into a nightgown, and, too mentally exhausted to meditate, she snuggled down into the blankets, and fell asleep.
Nova was walking toward sickbay, the hum of the ship's engines the only sound filling the air. It was unnaturally quiet aboard the Enterprise.
"Hello?" she called. Her voice echoed back at her, "Hello-lo-lo…"
Nova felt her own gut twist. A shiver ran down her spine, sending a shudder through her entire body. Her mind was screaming at her. She had been here before. She had seen this before.
"Leonard?" she called, heading to sickbay with sudden urgency. The bosun whistle sounded, "Kirk to Nova."
Nova froze, staring at the comm. Should she answer? She reached out a shaking hand and pressed the button, "Nova here."
"Are you receiving me?"
Nova was taken aback for a moment, "Yes, Jim, I-"
"We - to abort - mission. The Enterprise can't - your readings, - get out of - caves."
Nova stared at the comm "Jim, we are onboard the Enterprise. I am having trouble receiving you. I do not understand-"
"Under no circumstances - Nova to be captured, Bones. - you understand? We cannot allow - fall into - Narakans' hands."
Nova was confused. Had the captain forgotten who he was speaking to? And why was there so much interference? She said, "Captain, this is Nova, I-"
But the comm was shut off. Her heart was pounding. She sprinted toward sickbay, and the doors flew open. She felt every fiber of her being hyper aware to anything that may move, "Leonard?"
She took quick strides over to McCoy's office. The doors slid open, but it was empty. Turning her back on it, she headed for the nurses' station, and found it deserted as well. Her entire body was tense, and she could feel her own emotions starting to spiral out of control.
It was just like last time.
She strode passed the desks, and noticed the files fly off the surface with a large amount of force. Papers fluttered about, and she jumped at the sudden noise. Instead of the falling files being a background occurrence, they had taken a much more center presence in her mind. But she could ponder on that later. She had to find McCoy. Panic seeped in to every corner of her being as she called, "Leonard?!"
She sprinted into recovery, and saw a familiar man with his back to her, half in darkness near a bio-bed. Instead of relaxing, she could feel the tension in her muscles increase ten-fold. She looked around to see if there was anything out of place. She looked over her shoulder at the empty sickbay. When she turned back, she found that McCoy and herself had been transported to an underground hallway. To her right and left were metal doors. The ground and ceiling seemed to be infused with patches of metal. And McCoy still had his back to her.
"Leonard, do you know where we are?" she asked, stepping forward, momentarily forgetting what was to come.
He turned to face her, slowly, and her heart stopped. McCoy staggered toward her, blood drenching the left side of his abdomen, a deep cut on his left cheek. His skin was paler, and his eyes pained. He looked at her, confused, then fell to his knees.
"Leonard!" she hastily dropped down beside him, but before she could ease him down to the floor, there was the sound of a sudden alarm. A red light is flashing, and there is a sound of firearms being discharged. She watches as two crewman in Starfleet uniforms appear beside her. They take cover in the right alcove, and begin to fire at a point behind McCoy, where Nova can see indistinguishable, hulking figures. She grabbed McCoy and dragged him into the left alcove, leaning him against the wall with right side of his body against the metal door. There are shouts in the corridor, and more firearms. Looking over McCoy, she notices a phaser attached to his hip. Grasping it, she peers out, and fires a shot at the figures looming closer. One of them cries out. Taking cover, she turns to McCoy, her heart racing wildly, panic seeping back into her. She could feel his pain through their shared bond, despite his efforts to block it from her.
One of McCoy's hands was pressed to his side, attempting to ease the blood flow. Nova brushed her hand against the cut on his cheek. He winced, his eyes struggling to remain focused. He reaches for his medical kit, releasing the hold on his side, and Nova pulls his shirt back. The skin beneath is torn wide open, and the amount blood spilling from it is shocking. Could someone bleed like that and still live? A rush of red, pause, a rush of red, pause. Each beat of McCoy's heart pumped the life giving liquid from his body. McCoy pulled out a hypo, his hands shaking. His face is paler than Nova has ever seen it, his lips turning blue.
Taking the hypo, she looks at him, "Phytonadione. Where?"
"Near widest-part-of-wound," McCoy struggled, choking on his own words. He coughed violently, and Nova saw blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. She pressed the hypo to him, and it hissed, releasing the chemical into his body.
"Hold on, Leonard," she said. There was a sound of a weapon discharging, and the blast hit the wall behind Nova. Everything shook, and rocks crumbled down from the ceiling. Nova threw herself onto McCoy, feeling the warmth of his blood on her front, feeling how cold his skin had become. Rocks the size of baseballs crumbled down and hit her squarely in the back. When the rocks had stopped falling, she pulled herself back from McCoy, knocking the rocks aside, and leaning down to check that he was no worse.
"Nova," McCoy tried to push her away, "Go…"
"Are you out of your mind?" Nova shouted, leaning out into the corridor to fire the phaser two more times. She pulled back under cover, "I am not leaving you, Leonard!"
She felt her own breath beginning to hitch. She was panicking. Her chest was tight, her gut was twisted, and tears were stinging in her eyes.
McCoy reached up for her, his hand shaking. She took it in her own. She could feel his emotions, erratic and confused. Fear, pain, and hope. She tried to comfort him, holding onto his hand with her own and placing the other over his wound. Heavy footsteps sounded off behind her, and she whipped around to find a huge figure that she couldn't quite make out. The figure raised a sharp weapon. She held out both hands, both of them covered in McCoy's blood, "No!"
Her eyes glowed bright blue, and the weapon bounced off an invisible shield. Taking advantage, Nova dealt the figure a right cross, and held up a hand, blasting him back with her mind.
A cry of pain called her attention back to McCoy, who had tried to get up, only to fall back to the floor, gripping his side, and panting shallowly. She knelt beside him, "Do not try to move!"
"Go…" his eyes were shifting out of focus.
"I cannot," she whispered, taking in high pitched gasp of a breath, "I cannot. I will not leave you here. We will beam back together."
She placed her hand against his cheek, putting her forehead to his. Her eyes were locked onto his blue ones, which flickered momentarily to meet her own.
"No…va…" his eyes drifted shut. She could feel his entire body go limp beneath her hand. The pain she had been feeling through their bond faded.
"Len…Leonard?" she shook her head, biting her lip, "Leonard? Open your eyes…"
She reached out to him through the bond, letting her emotions flood into him, using her mind to feel his presence. Sending as much strength as she could to him, she hurtled after his spiraling mind. She gasped at the emptiness she felt. His presence was barely there, and she could see the last of his light fading, fading... No, not again. She would not allow this to happen. She felt tears streaming down her face, and her entire being filled with an unbearable pain. She choked back a sob, her face screwed up in agony.
Her power flared up within her in the despair she did not think was possible, the same despair as the first time, intensified by their newly formed bond. She felt power coursing through her, and she grit her teeth, holding out her hands in front of her, which had begun to glow in a bright crystal light, "No…"
She pressed her hands against McCoy's side, feeling his blood beneath her hands, and that bright energy flowed into his lifeless body, and she screamed, "NO!"
And his body glowed with her power, and she screamed in agony, emotional and physical. It was all the same. McCoy gasped, coughing, his chest rising shallowly. Still glowing, still burning with rage, she turned and stepped into the corridor. Two figures were sprinting toward them. She held up both her hands, and spread them out in a swift motion. Both creatures were flung into opposite walls, slumping to the floor. She could feel McCoy fading again, and she shouted, "Beam us up!"
McCoy had stopped breathing again, and she placed her hands on him once more, willing her own life to flow into his, that bright crystal light engulfing them both, and she felt her whole world spin. She saw flashed of their time together, him in her arms, his skin beneath her fingers, his heartbeat loud in her ears, and then nothing but black.
And as Nova slept, she tossed and turned. The dream intensified, and her body floated into the air. Objects around her quarters began to shake and hurl around the room. Still tossing in midair, she began to whimper, the soft glow that usually emitted from her skin as she slept glowing brighter than normal. Her hair whipped around her, flying in the amount of power she was putting out. Then, she opened her mouth, and began to scream.
McCoy sat up as if someone had doused him in icy water. His heart was racing, and he had broken into a light sweat. Confused, he threw back the blankets, looking around for the cause of his sudden consciousness.
"Computer, lights," McCoy said tiredly, rubbing his eyes. The lights came on in full, and McCoy blinked rapidly to adjust to the sudden brightness. Nothing seemed to be out of place, nor did he appear to be in any danger. Yet, there was an undeniable anxiety swirling within him, a fear. He thought for a moment, and another wave of panic washed over him. Panic, he realized, that was coming from another person's mind. He could feel terror running rampant through the bond.
Nova…
He sent a questioning thought along the bond, only to find her unresponsive to his call. He tried again, his head pounding from the mental exertion of the day. But he continued to feel wave after wave of panic.
Sprinting out of his quarters, he headed for the turbo lift. Once inside, he twisted the mechanism to his left, "Deck 4."
The lift opened up and he hurtled down the corridor until he reached Nova's room. He could hear a commotion coming from within, and he pressed the button that would alert her to his presence. That's when she started to scream.
"Nova!" McCoy called, but she just screamed and screamed.
"Computer, open the door to guest quarters, Emergency Medical Override McCoy-1-Alpha!" he said. The door clicked and slid open. McCoy rushed inside, then had to duck to avoid a chair that had flown at him. Objects were hurling all around the room. Nova was floating a foot above her bed, clutching herself as though afraid she'd fall apart. Her skin was glowing brightly, and she was screaming as if she was in agony. He ran over to her, and pulled her down on the bed, noting that she was drenched in sweat. She sobbed and was shaking, screaming all the while. McCoy shook her, calling to her. He called to her through the bond as well: darlin', you're safe. I'm here. Darlin', you're safe, you're alright.
Still, she screamed and cried. The shaking intensified, and she struggled to draw breath. McCoy's heart raced, and he shook her hard.
"NOVA!" McCoy shouted, both out loud and through the bond.
She inhaled sharply, and sat up suddenly, gasping for air. Her long black hair was plastered to her face, the glow was fading from her skin. The objects flying around the room fell to the floor with a clatter.
Panting as if she had run a mile, she looked at her shaking hands. They were smooth and clean; no traces of blood of any kind. She looked straight ahead and saw the dishevelment of her room. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and jumped, turning to face McCoy with wide eyes.
Nova could see the concern in those blue eyes, and her own eyes darted from his face to his abdomen. The nightmare was fading away, and she could see that he was not injured.
"Leonard," she panted, running her hands over her face. She could feel the tears that had fallen, mixed in with sweat, her hair sticking to her face. As she rubbed her eyes, she said, "Lights, 15 percent." The lights came on dimly. When she lowered her hands, she found him still staring intently at her. She attempted to block her emotions from the bond, but McCoy shook his head.
"Darlin'?" he said quietly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Nova felt tears form in her eyes at his warm touch, and her breathing hitched. He was alive and here with her.
"Darlin'," McCoy repeated, his eyes pained by her torment, "What is it? Are you alright?"
She took a shakey breath, "Of course, Leonard. I am…"
But she looked at him, drinking him in the same way she had done the last time this nightmare had happened. Despite all logic, she found herself afraid to blink and look away. Afraid that this may be some dream, and the other reality. He sat down beside her, watching her, waiting.
"I am…" her voice cracked as her mind raced. She could be a danger to him. And, despite all her promises, she may not be able to keep him safe. What if these dreams weren't dreams? She felt hot tears spill from her eyes, and her breathing was still coming in hitches, "I…"
And she broke. She began to sob uncontrollably, shaking all over. McCoy's eyes widened, horrified at her grief. She could feel his concern, and he pulled her to him. Immediately, her arms encircled him and he leaned back down onto the bed. Her entire body curved against his, and she felt one of his hands on the back of her head, the other stroking her back reassuringly.
McCoy couldn't believe how scared and hurt she was. Her grief was a hurricane, tearing through her mind, and McCoy could feel it. He could feel her tears soaking through his shirt. She was trembling from head to toe, and weeping openly. She cried out, and he held her tighter.
"Shh, darlin', shh. You're alright. It's alright," he said.
He felt her grip on him tighten, clutching him as if she might die if she let him go, and was overwhelmed by flashes of the nightmare. He saw the tunnels, the hulking figures, and he saw himself injured and dying. The images swirled inside his mind, and Nova shook harder, crying as if the world was ending. He continued to shush her, to rock her back and forth on the bed. Her anxiety was exceedingly high, and he tried to reassure her both physically and through the bond. Holding her close, he shifted her body so that her head rested directly over his heart. Taking one of the hands she had clutched around him, he loosened her grip and slid her palm under his shirt, exactly where the wound had been. Still he shushed her, but he took deep breaths between each comforting sound, trying to reassure her that he was here and very much alive.
She could feel herself being readjusted, but didn't care. When McCoy tried to move her hands, she struggled. But he forced her hand against his flesh. She ran her hand against his abdomen; smooth and undamaged skin. Her hands began to stop shaking, and she continued to rub her hand across his side, telling herself over and over that he was fine. He reassured her through the bond, telling her that she was safe on the Enterprise, and he was right there with her. She noticed McCoy taking deep, even breaths. His heartbeat was loud in her ears, and she allowed herself to be submerged in that beautiful sound. Slowly, Nova's breathing began to match McCoy's, her hand still rubbing his side softly. The tears stopped flowing from her eyes, and Nova just lied there, listening to the sound of his gentle breathing and strong heartbeat. The entire time, the same phrase repeated over and over in her mind: he is alive. He is alive. He is alive.
McCoy had stopped shushing her, and was stroking her hair while the other arm gripped her tightly to him. Gradually, her mental barriers fell, and their emotions were flowing back and forth from one mind to the other with ease. While she was still tense, she was not as panicked as she was before. She felt McCoy inhale deeply, before asking, "Are you alright?"
Taking a shuddering breath she responded, "I am…calmer."
"What happened?" he asked.
Nova shook her head, "I do not know. I was subjected to a…nightmare."
McCoy nodded, "The same one."
"No," she shook her head again, "This one was different. The places were different. The words were different. But the…" she swallowed, "the end results were the same."
"My death," he supplied, and she tightened her grip on him, "Hey, darlin', it's fine. I'm alright. You're alright. Everything's fine. It was only a nightmare."
She shook her head, "I fear that they are not. I fear that they may mean something."
"Nova, it was just a nightmare. Nightmares can't hurt you."
"Leonard, I have experienced more 'hurt' from a nightmare than anything else in my existence," she said harshly.
McCoy sat up, and she let go of him. She looked at him sincerely. He sighed.
"What I mean is that they can't physically hurt you," he said.
She shook her head, and got off the bed, pacing around the disheveled quarters, wringing her hands, "I can not explain why, but you are incorrect. I feel as if there is some truth within these nightmares. And this one was more …vivid. There was more detail. It started in sickbay, as before, but then we were in…caves? Tunnels? The floor and walls were patches of metal within dirt. Jim said something about capture and Narakans-"
"Narakans?" he asked, "I've never heard of Narakans."
"And I was able to prevent us from being killed by using an invisible force of some kind, and then forcing the Narakans back," she continued as if McCoy hadn't spoken, "In the previous nightmare, files flew off the desk without provocation. The following morning, I discovered my telekinetic abilities. What if my powers continue to evolve and grow?"
"If that happens, we'll deal with it," McCoy stood, watching her pace, "You can't just dread something every time you dream about it."
"They are not normal dreams, Leonard. I have had normal dreams about the Enterprise, and the foods I have tried, and singing with Nyota while Spock plays the lyre. I cannot accept that this is a 'normal' nightmare."
"Every human has had recurring nightmares before. Ask anyone on this ship and they'll tell you," McCoy forced her to stop pacing, turning her so that she faced him, "First off, why would you be beamed down to a planet with a landing party? You aren't a Starfleet officer, so you have no reason to be down there. And second, we don't even know that the Narakans are real."
She sighed in frustration, looking up at him, "Please do not disregard this. Each time my powers grow, I am at risk for dying that much sooner. A form such as this one can only contain so much. You know that."
"Hey!" he gripped her shoulders firmly, "I don't wanna hear that kind of talk. We have already stated that you might not die, so quit talking like you are."
"If I take a sealed container filled with water and heat it until it boils, and there is no release, the container will explode. It is fact, not probability," she took a deep breath, looking at his chest as opposed to his eyes, finding it easier to not look at him, "I am not saying that I wish to die. Quite the opposite. But perhaps these nightmares mean something. Perhaps they foreshadow what is to come. Can you tell me that you know, with one hundred percent certainty, that this is not the case?"
McCoy opened his mouth, but his retort died on his lips. She nodded.
"Perhaps I will let Jim and Spock know of this nightmare," she looked up at him again.
He rubbed the back of his neck, "I can't say that you aren't having premonitions. It's possible, considering how fast you seem to acquire new abilities. Maybe letting Jim and Spock know is a good idea."
Nova ran a hand through her hair, "Premonitions?"
"It's a strong feeling that something bad will happen, a concept of getting a hint about the future," he answered, "But it isn't common. We've encountered alien cultures in our travels that have believed in the concept of premonition."
"You have?" she asked sharply.
"Yes, but what does that matter? We're explorers. We've met many aliens races."
She began pacing again, her mind racing, "Do you remember what the Leader said? 'When we make contact with a physical species such as yours, we take on their appearance. In that first moment of contact, we examine their memories, focusing on the beings they have encountered. Some can begin to develop abilities based on what kind of entities have been contacted.' Because any being we have encountered have obviously seen other planets, it is logical to conclude that those beings have encountered species with special abilities. That causes the power to become overwhelming in my kind once we have physical form. Do you see?"
"And because of that, it's probable that you will continue to develop different abilities," McCoy groaned, "As a starship of exploration, we encounter new life consistently. Some with very interesting abilities."
"Anyone telepathic or telekinetic?" she asked.
"Spock's telepathic, as you know. We've met telekinetic entities," he looks at her, and points, eyes widening, "We've met an empath!"
"An empath?"
"Yes! A being named Gem. She was empathic, completely. She was mute; she couldn't say a word. All she had to do was touch you, and she could convey her emotions and feel your own. That's the first thing you were able to do when you obtained physical form!"
"You are right!" she exclaimed, running her hand through her hair again, "Was she capable of anything else?"
"She had the ability to heal via touch. She was a full empath; could take your pain and your injuries as her own, and heal herself at great cost."
She stopped pacing, her eyes wide, "Great cost?"
"It drained her. Could have killed her," he said.
She nodded once. That was something to keep in mind. Her eyes ached and stung with tiredness. Softly, McCoy's mind brushed against hers, lending her some strength. She acknowledged it, and smiled.
"This has proved to be most enlightening. I shall have to speak to Jim and Spock tomorrow. But," she yawned softly, "I find myself weary."
"That's to be expected," he strode to her, "It's been an exhausting day. Would you like me to give you something to help you sleep?"
Shaking her head, she smiled again, "No. I do not require anything. Please, return to your quarters and rest. I am sure that you are still mentally fatigued from today's events, as well."
"Will you be alright?" he asked seriously.
There was a beat of silence as she looked up at him. Holding her breath, she placed her hands on his shoulders, leaning against his chest, and listened again to the steady sound of his heartbeat, and rhythmic breathing. She inhaled deeply, and exhaled softly. McCoy placed his hands on her arms, resting his head on hers. Nova turned to look up at him, and her eyes locked with his.
"Yes. I shall be alright."
"Alright," he murmured softly, "If you need anything, darlin', don't hesitate to call."
She nodded. His blue eyes bored into hers, and he leaned forward. Nova's heart began to race, thumping wildly in her chest. She held her breath as he pressed his forehead to her own, cupping her face in his hands. Holding perfectly still, she allowed his concern to wash over her, feeling his anxiety and found herself reassuring against it with her now calmed mind.
He nodded, pulling away from her, and letting his hands fall, "Good night, Nova."
"Good night," she said softly.
He walked toward her door, and as it slid open, she opened her mouth. McCoy turned, silhouetted against the brightness of the corridor.
"Thank you, Leonard," she said.
"You don't have to thank me, darlin'. As long as you're alright."
"Yes…Thank you, Leonard," repeated Nova.
He smiled, "You're welcome, Nova."
And he turned from her doorway, and headed out. Nova watched him go. Looking around the disheveled room, she sighed. There was no way she would clean up tonight. Decided instead to meditate for a while before returning to bed, she settled down, much calmer than she was before. Her mind drifted toward the bond, and she felt it pulsing with life. Satisfied, she blocked out everything, and began to meditate.
The next day, Nova awoke much later than she normally would. Her thoughts were jumbled and she felt groggy. In all honesty, Nova would have preferred to sleep the entire day away. For a being that hadn't needed sleep for centuries, she found it slightly amusing that she should actually crave it now. But it was nearly lunch time, and Scotty would be expecting her very soon. Reluctantly, she sat up, and began to pull on some suitable clothes.
Having dressed, she headed down to the mess hall, and grabbed a few things for her and Scotty to share. Then, she carried a tray full of goods to Engineering. She nodded to passing crewmen, smiling at them as she went. Before long, she found herself walking into Engineering.
"Scotty?" she called, smiling.
"Up here, lass," answered the Scotsman from Engineering's second level. Nova smiled, and began to levitate with the tray in hand upward. Once on the second level, she landed lightly with a smirk.
"You're getting better and better at that, lass. If I dinnae know any better, I'd say you always could fly," he winked.
Nova laughed, "You flatter me, Scotty. I brought lunch. Shall we continue our discussion about the procession of warp travel?"
"Absolutely!" he said, wiping his brow, "Just as soon as I finish fixing this power coupling in the Jeffries tube. Don't ya start without me!"
"I would not dream of it," she smiled, sitting cross legged on the floor, as Scotty disappeared into the tube.
"What's our heading, Mr. Chekov?" Kirk asked his helmsman.
"Bearing 115 mark 22, sir," said Chekov, "On direct course for Naraka."
"Mr. Spock, what do we know of Naraka?" asked Kirk.
The First Officer bent over his station as the computer fed him information, "Federation made contact two Standard years ago, shortly after the Narakans developed space travel and warp capability. It was decided that the Narakans were too barbaric a people to join the Federation at that time. We are to check on their progress and send a report to Starfleet of our findings. Note that the Romulans have shown an interest in the Narakans, and we are to be on alert for their presence."
"Noted. Mr. Chekov, how long until we attain standard orbit around Naraka?" Kirk queried.
"Approximately twenty-sewen minutes, sir," Chekov answered.
"Mr. Spock, do you have all the information we need on the Narakans?"
"Yes, Captain," said Spock, holding up a disk in his hands, "Ready to review the information at your convenience."
"No point in waiting. Let's head to the conference room, and-"
"Keptain!" Chekov shouted, "Romulan wessel de-cloaking starboard of us, sir, on opposite course from Naraka! They are changing course and heading for us!"
"Red alert," Kirk said, leaning forward in his chair, "Uhura, hail them."
"We are in neutral space, Captain," Spock reminded him.
"A little too close to our borders for my liking, Mr. Spock. Let's see what they're up to," Kirk said.
Uhura pressed a button on her console, and placed a hand over her ear piece, "Attention Romulan Vessel. This is the Federation Starship U.S.S Enterprise. Please state the nature of your presence."
There was a beat, then, "No response, Captain."
"Again," said Kirk.
"Romulan Vessel, this is the Enterprise, do you read us? Please state the nature of your presence so close to Federation Space."
There was another beat, then, "Still no response."
"Shields up, Mr. Sulu," said Kirk.
"Shields up, Captain," Sulu confirmed.
"Open a channel, Uhura," Kirk said.
"Channel open, Captain."
"This Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise. You are very close to Federation territory. Acknowledge."
"Incoming message on visual, Captain," said Uhura.
"On screen," said the captain.
A rough looking Romulan appeared on the Enterprise's view screen, "Captain Kirk. I am Commander Kival."
"Commander Kival," Kirk acknowledged.
"Why such open hostility, Kirk? We have violated no laws," Kival said smoothly.
Kirk inclined his head, "True. I merely wished to take this opportunity to remind you of your position relative to Federation space."
Everyone on the bridge was tense. Sulu's hand hovered over the firing mechanisms.
"Of course, Kirk. And I need not remind you that this is neutral space. No claim by the Federation or the Romulan Empire. Yet."
Kival grinned, baring his teeth. Kirk clenched his own, maintaining eye contact with Kival.
"Captain, sensors picking up a Romulan war bird de-cloaking portside, powering their disruptors!" Spock shouted.
"Evasive maneuvers!" Kirk yelled.
The ship veered as the second Romulan vessel fired. The Enterprise shook violently.
"Shields down 30%!" Sulu shouted.
"Return fire, Mr. Sulu!" Kirk ordered, pressing the comm button, "This is the captain. All hands, battle stations!"
Sulu fired, and struck the Romulan's shield. Kival's ship took the opportunity and fired on the Enterprise. The ship lurched again. The second Romulan vessel cloaked.
"Shields gone, Captain!" shouted Sulu.
"Fire photon torpedoes at Kival's ship!" Kirk commanded.
Sulu hastened to comply. Two photons, one right after the other, made contact with Kival's ship.
"Their shields are down, Captain," Spock confirmed.
Again, Kival's ship fired on the Enterprise. The Enterprise lurched suddenly.
"Damage report coming in from Engineering! Several minor casualties, and they report someone trapped," Uhura informed Kirk, "Incoming transmission from Kival; audio only."
"Play it," Kirk said, scowling.
"Captain Kirk, please send our regards to the Narakans. No doubt they will have a few things to consider before deciding whom to ally themselves with," said Kival's voice, "This was a warning. We will be watching, Kirk."
"Warbird is cloaking, Captain!" Sulu said.
"Fire phasers!" said Kirk.
The Enterprise returned fire, but hit nothing. Kirk slammed his hand down on the arm of his chair, "Damn!"
Down in Engineering, the crew had reacted immediately in the first attack. Scotty slid out of the Jeffries Tube and started barking orders to his crew. Nova watched him, getting to her feet.
"What can I do to help, Scotty?" she asked.
"You can get outta here, lass," Scotty said, eyes softening, "Get ta your quarters until this is all over."
"Scotty-"
"I don't want ya hurt, lass," he said. Climbing down the ladder so he was on the first level, he ran to the console, trying to compensate for the sudden rush of energy against the Enterprise. The ship lurched again, and Nova was thrown off the second level down to the first. She landed hard, the air leaving her lungs in a rush. A hand clutched to her chest, she gasped and sat up, quickly getting to her feet. There was chaos everywhere, men and women shouting facts and figures about the ship. Nova began to head for the door, but felt a prickly sensation running down her back. She turned and noticed one of the younger looking members of Engineering was standing alone by a console, "Engines are overheating, Mr. Scott! We have to give a little leeway!"
"Aye, lad! Do it!" shouted Scotty.
The young man reached above the console and began to press a series of buttons. Nova felt her stomach clench, and she reached out to the younger man. Something was going to happen. Something terrible, and that young man was going to be hurt. A split second later, the ship was hit a third time, and there was an explosion in Engineering. A part of the wall next to the young man had blown out, and the debris had pinned him beneath the console. The console had caught fire, the flames licking the floor very near to where the ensign lay. Nova started forward, but other crewman had already rushed to his aid. They all drew back, however, at the intense heat coming from the console. No one could get near enough to help the ensign. The metal pinning him down was starting to heat up, and he cried out for help. A woman in a red dress ran out into the corridor, shouting something about a fire extinguisher.
"I need a medical team down here, now!" Scotty shouted into the comm, "Hold on, Damon! We'll get ya out of there!"
Nova's eyes were wide, and she stared at the ensign, whose face was becoming flushed from the heat. She ran over to him, pushing past the engineering crew. She drew as close as she could. Sparks flew from the console and landed on her skin. They burned, but she paid no attention. The nightmare of the night before was still fresh in her mind. In it, she could shield from attack. Perhaps she could shield the ensign from getting badly burned. Focusing all of her energy, she closed her eyes and stepped toward Damon.
"Nova, no!" Scotty shouted.
She ignored him. She had to test her theory. It may be the only way to save the ensign. She felt as though something was covering the exterior of her body, an invisible something that would protect her. She held out a hand, and stuck it directly into the flames on the console. She felt the heat, but did not feel the pain of the burns. Pulling her hand back, she examined it. No damage. Nodding, she knelt down beside Damon, and placed a hand on his head. Slowly, she extended this shielding to his body. His cries became moans as the agony diminished. She could taste his fear.
"What is your name?" she asked.
"Damon…Luke D-Damon," said Damon.
"I am called Nova. Please do not fear. I shall help you," she used her other hand to make the metal pinning the crewman levitate slightly. Her hands shook as she focused, no room for error. The metallic debris shifted off Damon, and she set it down a few feet away. Just then, the woman who had rushed out came back, holding something metallic in her hands. Running over, she shot it at the console, and a cooling mist emitted from it. The hand that had just released the debris was held up against the mist, blocking it from hitting Nova and Damon. Nova looked back over her shoulder at the young man, whose teeth clenched in pain. Once the woman had stopped spraying, a few crewman rushed forward and helped move Damon away from the console. Nova had dropped the shield and her hand. She followed the men, staggering slightly, and motioned for them to back away. Damon looked into her eyes, his green orbs laced with pain.
"It will be alright," she said softly, brushing his hair back, "You are young."
Too young, she thought to herself. She placed a hand over his shoulder where part of the explosion had burned him badly. The flesh was ripped and oozing, charred in some places. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on her desire to help him. She heard all in the room gasp, and she opened her eyes. Her hands were glowing with a crystal light.
The same light as her nightmare.
She felt her own energy flow from her body to Damon's. The strain on her body caused her to shudder. He gasped softly, eyes wide. She shushed him softly, and pulled her hand back. The flesh had sewn itself shut. There were no black marks, and it seemed to be nothing more than a mild burn.
McCoy was heading toward Engineering, Christine hot on his heels, med kit in hand. What the hell had happened? One minute, he's running some experiments, the next the whole dang ship is rocking like a boat on the high seas. Immediately, he had reached into the back of his mind to feel the bond. Nova was startled, but she seemed to be alright. Then, Scotty had called for a med team. McCoy felt Nova's anxiety increase, and he sent a questioning feeling over the bond. She reassured him in return, but then he felt her energy being drained at a rapid rate. McCoy grit his teeth, and sped up. What the hell are you doing, Nova?
"Nova…" Scotty's voice was full of awe.
The room tilted, and she caught herself before she hit the floor. Scotty put a hand on her shoulder, holding her steady.
"Are you still in pain, Luke?" she asked, slightly breathless.
"Not like I was," he said, wincing a little, "You saved me."
She offered him a warm smile. The doors to Engineering opened and McCoy rushed in with Nurse Chapel close behind him.
"What in blazes-?" he asked, noting Nova and Damon , "What happened?"
"Luke has been injured, Leonard," Nova said, leaning into Scotty's hands.
"And you look like you've expended a lot of energy," said Christine, kneeling beside Nova as Scotty stepped aside, "Doctor, I'll give Nova the once over. You see to Ensign Damon."
McCoy glanced over at Nova, who nodded, and he kneeled beside Damon. Christine gripped Nova by the shoulders and guided her away from the crowd. Sitting her down in a chair, Christine pulled out a scanner, and it whirred as she ran it over Nova.
"What happened?" asked Christine.
"Luke was in trouble, and none of the crew could get to him. I surmised that I could stave off the flames and remove the rubble pinning him down," Nova said simply.
Christine raised an eyebrow, "And how did you know you could withstand the flames?"
"I dreamt about it," she answered.
Christine stopped scanning Nova and stared at her, "You dreamt about it?"
Nova nodded, "Last night, I had a nightmare. In it, I found I was able to produce an invisible shield, as well as heal wounds. The last nightmare I had, I found that I had telepathic abilities. The next morning, I found that I actually had those abilities."
Christine glanced at the scanner and her eyes widened, "Your heart is under strain. Do you feel alright?"
Nova nodded, "Yes. A little dizzy and weak, but I feel alright."
Christine pursed her lips, "All the same, I want you to come with us to sickbay. Just so we can run a few tests. Is that okay?"
"If you feel that it is necessary, Christine. I trust your judgment. I, myself, am not a doctor."
"Well, I'm not a doctor, either," said Christine.
"Yet," Nova replied smoothly.
Christine smiled at her. She turned to McCoy, "How's Damon?"
"He'll need some time under a flesh re-knitter. Other than that, he seems alright. Damn near miracle. From what he's describing he had well beyond third degree burns. Now, they're only minor," McCoy's blue eyes met Nova's universal ones, "And he says it's all thanks to you."
Nova felt McCoy's concern, and she soothed him mentally.
"Alright, let's get you both to sickbay. I'll call for a gurney for Damon," said McCoy, but Damon shook his head.
"I'm okay to walk, Doctor. Thank you," Damon sat up, wincing.
McCoy helped him to his feet, and Christine pulled Nova up to her. The four of them made their way to sickbay. All the while, McCoy could feel Nova's exhaustion, despite her efforts to block him out. He kept glancing at her, with her own words ringing in his head: "But perhaps these nightmares mean something. Perhaps they foreshadow what is to come. Can you tell me that you know, with one hundred percent certainty, that this is not the case?" And McCoy's heart fluttered with worry. What if Nova had been right? And why had Christine insisted on bringing her to sickbay when she seemed perfectly fine?