Sorry it took so long to update. Kids are out of school and keeping me busy! I hope it's ok. Any changes or ideas, please let me know. I love hearing from readers. It really makes my day and inspires me to continue! Thank you to all of you who have decided to follow/review/favorite. I always do a happy dance when I receive an email telling me!
tishbing
Chapter Twelve
Commander Spock walked out of Charlotte's room satisfied that she would see the logic of his reasoning and he set out to speak with Dr. McCoy. The corridors of the ship were quiet in the late hours and it was peaceful. Sickbay was the ultimate dichotomy from the rest of the ship. There were storage bins, medical equipment, and crew members rushing all around. Spock wondered briefly how this chaos could possibly be understood by any staff member.
He spotted the doctor checking items off of a list and walking. He moved over to join him.
"Jimenez! We're gonna need more sterilizer kits in the third set."
"Yes doctor." A young man shouted back.
Spock moved closer, aware of the fact that the doctor had not noticed him. He cleared his throat to signal his arrival and McCoy jumped at the intrusion.
"Commander! You startled me. Everything ok?"
Spock thrust out his PADD which Dr. McCoy took with a curious glance. As his eyes quickly scanned the document, he started frowning.
"Yeah, it's the response team assignments."
McCoy shrugged and handed the PADD back to him. Spock felt a small wave of irritation.
"I do not wish for Ensign Jones to go to the surface. The planet's tectonic stabilizers are not functioning and it is dangerous."
Spock stated his reasons calmly and waited. The doctor turned back to him and put down his supply list and indicated they walk into his office. Spock complied. Once the door shut Spock stood stiffly by the desk while McCoy sat on the couch.
"Spock, Taurus VI needs medical personnel. Charlotte is one of them. There isn't a valid reason to keep her on the ship. She's not at any more risk than anyone else."
Spock could feel his irritation growing but he quickly shut it down. He projected an aura of calm as he continued his argument.
"I disagree. She is pregnant and..."
McCoy interrupted.
"Is not disabled. It's a natural thing and unless she show's signs of pre-eclampsia or something, she should be fine to do everything she's always done."
McCoy leaned forward, elbows on knees and his jaw set. Spock could see he would not win this argument. He turned to leave when he was stopped by the doctor adding another comment.
"She'll be fine Spock."
He turned to the other man.
"She had better be."
And he left to rest and meditate. When he heard his chimes ringing at 0500, he realized that they were due to arrive at the planet soon. He noticed that Charlotte had left already and quickly got ready for the day. He had wanted to see her off but was unsure if she would welcome it. He decided he'd see her soon on the planet once he had been able to repair the tectonic stabilizers that had malfunctioned.
He made his way to the bridge and saw the captain was waiting for him as he arrived.
"Captain."
"Commander, I've talked with Taurus VI's governor. He's a man named Amir Behnam. They've been hit by several severe aftershocks and are needing supplies, medical personnel, and a team to help repair their environmental systems."
Spock typed up his plan for relief teams and sent it to his Captain's PADD. Kirk smiled at the organized data and slapped him on the shoulder.
"I believe that this should work. Bones sent me the medical personnel team lists. These teams you have set up to assist with rescue and supply distribution is great."
Kirk continued reading the detailed list.
"Arriving at Taurus VI, Captain. We're set to orbit and teams are standing by to transport down."
Sulu's voice rang out on the bridge causing both officers to look up.
"Alright, thank you Lieutenant Sulu. Uhura, please inform Governor Behnam we've arrived and will meet him at the main city square. I think it's called..."
Kirk snapped his fingers trying to remember and Spock let forth an audible sigh in frustration.
"The main city is New Haven."
"Thank you, Mr. Spock."
Spock followed the captain from the bridge to the transporter room and they were quickly beamed down with repair equipment. The city was in ruins. Spock was curious as to whether Charlotte's location was as damaged as this. There were collapsed buildings, some with small fires still raging inside, creating an orange glow in the alleys. There were people rushing to and fro carrying stretchers, injured and tools currently used to extricate survivors. The square was nothing more than rubble in what clearly used to be a source of pride for these people.
Spock could see that though the devastation was immense, the response from the survivors was well organized and it looked to be under control, or as much control as it could be under these circumstances.
"Captain Kirk?"
A loud voice boomed in their direction and Spock and Kirk turned to the newcomer. A large, balding, dark skinned man wearing a grey jumpsuit. His black hair just around the edges of the back and sides of his head. His face was covered in a sheen of sweat and smudges of dirt were present on his clothing. Kirk quickly shifted his engineering bag to his other hand and moved forward to greet him.
"Governor Behnam?"
The man's face broke out in a relieved smile as he took Kirk's hand. He pointed to the distance and gave a small hysterical laugh as he saw teams materialize from the Enterprise appear with supplies.
"Yes, oh thank you! Thank you!"
They stepped forward and started to follow Behnam as he led them through the former square to a small one story building that had seemed to survive the devastation relatively intact. Spock pulled out his tricorder and scanned.
"Taurus VI's environmental controls?" He asked calmly.
Their guide shifted his stance and looked up, squaring his shoulders before replying.
"Yes. The power cells for all of the systems had started failing about six months ago. We sent multiple requests for aid from Starfleet but after everything that happened we kept being put off."
Kirk's expression hardened as he moved closer, grabbing the governor by his arm.
"What did you do? Those power cells should have lasted a further six months from what I read. That's why Starfleet put you on a wait list."
Behnam pulled away, eyes wide, almost hysterical. The sight was disturbing to him.
"We didn't know if anyone was going to show up. We couldn't get a damn answer from anyone!"
His voice rose as he continued. His eyes flicked between the two officers as he continued his tirade.
"We had to find someone to help us. We made a deal with a passing ferengi ship. They offered a computer program that would decrease the system's power output and not compromise performance. They said it would double the life of the power cells."
"And what happened?" Kirk continued, his voice icy.
"It caused a cascade failure, systemwide. All the power cells were drained within 6 days. Our technicians haven't been able to stop it."
Behnam's voice was barely above a whisper as he finished. Even Spock barely heard what had been said. He understood Behnam's desperation and fear but not the actions taken. Every species knew to avoid ferengi business dealings. They are ruthless in their quest for latinum.
"Take us to the environmental systems."
Spock hurried after the two men, mindful of the knowledge that through this man, they had their work cut out for them.
It had been twenty-four hours before they had identified and purged the recurrent algorithm from the system. The damage had been severe and now new power systems had to be installed in each location. Spock calculated which areas were most likely to suffer seismic activity and sent the information to the Enterprise.
"Good work, Spock. I think Scotty and his team can handle it from here while we take a break."
Kirk smiled and stretched. Spock resisted the urge to do the same. The two of them had been hunched over the systems since arriving and Spock was beginning to feel the strain of the close quarters and long hours. He would need to check on Charlotte's team before allowing himself to rest.
"You ok?" Kirk asked.
Spock could see the lines around the man's eyes denoting concern.
"I am well. I would like to contact Dr. McCoy and ascertain the status of their village before I retire."
Kirk started laughing and slapped him on the back. The vulcan recoiled slightly at the physical contact.
"You could just say that you're worried about her, you know?"
Spock's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had been unaware that he had been so obvious. Jim moved to take a seat in front of him and turned serious.
"How are things between you and Ensign Jones? I know that it's spiraled a bit out of control since she found out about the link between you two and then the whole pregnancy thing. She must be a little freaked out."
Spock shifted and thought. He had not had adequate time to process the pregnancy himself and he doubted that Charlotte had either.
"Things are as well as they could be, for now. We are cordial to each other. I am finding it difficult to establish a closer relationship with her as of late. She is...stubborn."
Kirk shook his head in amusement, his eyes lighting up.
"Yeah, I figured she would be after being steam-rolled. I think she'll eventually come around, though. I can see that you care for her. Just continue to take it slow and she'll appreciate it. I think you should try finding a topic of common interest or find out more of what she likes."
Spock rose an eyebrow in his own amusement. Here was Captain Kirk, notorious for relationship dodging and one night stands, attempting to advise him on the very thing he avoids. Clearly, Jim understood Spock's lack of enthusiasm at the advice offered.
"Yeah, I know. Not the most reliable source of information but it's what I'd try if I found someone I liked."
Spock contemplated his advice and before he could formulate a response alarms began blaring and the dark room began to glow red. Spock could feel his heart rate increase as he pulled up the monitors trying to determine what was going on. Kirk was faster.
"There's an earthquake, sector j-2, northern continent."
Spock looked closer at the readings and his heart clenched. He saw that the affected area was near the village Dr. McCoy had been sent to. The magnitude was listed as a 8.0 on the Richter scale. He was grabbing his communicator to send teams to the epicenter when he felt a wave of pain and panic that was not his. He knew, instantly, that it was Charlotte.
McCoy stumbled through the newly collapsed building, a sense of panic threatening to overwhelm him. He savagely tore at the wreckage and continued screaming Charlotte's name. In the distance he heard the transporter but ignored it as he kept pulling at the bricks.
"Doctor? What's going on?"
McCoy's head turned and he saw what he supposed was his relief team. A group of six red shirts and behind them was a mountain of supplies. They were regarding him warily, almost like he was a madman and in a way, he probably looked like one. His face was unshaven, he had bags under his eyes from lack of sleep and he was trying to get into a crumbled building.
"My nurse is in there. We just had another earthquake and it collapsed on her. We've got to get her out."
His voice was hoarse from shouting. His hands numb as he continued to pull at the rubble. He was quickly joined by five of the team. They were all young men, and the sixth member was a young woman with bright red hair. She was scanning the wreckage when her eyes widened in fear.
"Oh, my god! Stop! It's unstable and could come down at any minute."
She shouted at them and though his instincts screamed to dive in and grab his heroic idiot of a nurse, he had to step back too. His chest felt like there was a tight band across it, squeezing tighter as every second passed. He turned to the red haired woman, his hands were shaking but his voice was steady.
"Do you read life signs?"
She adjusted her scanner and it was all he could do to wait and not rip it from her hands with how long it was taking.
"Yes, and I see a communicator near her location."
The bands loosened slightly with the knowledge that Charlotte was alive but he didn't know her condition. As he grabbed his communicator to try and get through to her it had started chirping. Surprised he slowly opened it.
"McCoy here."
A burst of static and then he heard a retching sound before he heard a faint voice.
"Jones here. I'm ok."
He felt the color drain from his face and his knees grew weak from relief. It was quickly replaced with anger. She had no business climbing into a potentially unstable building even if it had been to save someone.
"Like hell you are! Where are you hurt?"
He could hear a weak sigh and he knew she was rolling her eyes at him. It only irritated him more.
"Charlotte?"
"I've got a bump to the head and a cut to my leg. I'm not pinned down or anything."
McCoy nodded his understanding and turned to the group next to him.
"You think Enterprise can beam her out and then bring her back down here?" So I can kill her he added mentally.
"Yeah, it'll just be a minute."
He turned on the young woman as she was talking into her communicator signaling the Enterprise and pulled his close to his face.
"Charlotte, the Enterprise is gonna beam you out and then to us. Alright?"
"Ok."
He flipped his comm shut and waited. The colonist who'd woken McCoy came running up, out of breath.
"Is she gonna be ok?"
McCoy scowled at him.
"I hope so. We're getting her out now. Is everyone else alright?"
McCoy had to ask. He was pleased to see him tilt his head in an affirmative. He then heard and saw the swirling transport about five feet away. Charlotte was standing hunched and slowly straightened up. She was covered in dirt and dust to the point where she looked like a statue. The only color McCoy could see was a long red slash to her left leg and blood was trickling down and the deep red of blood on a cut to the crown of her head.
McCoy ran over and grabbed her arms, forcing her to sit. He was worried when she didn't say anything. The colonist, Samuel, handed him a first aid kit and medical scanner which he quickly ran over his nurse.
"Just what were you thinking? You could have been killed." He managed through clenched teeth.
Charlotte's head whirled around, eyes wide and her mouth was open in surprise.
"I'm sorry. How was I supposed to know we'd get hit with another quake?"
She mumbled and looked away. Bones breathed a sigh of relief at the readings. He grabbed a container of sterile saline and started rinsing her wounds and slowly closed them with his portable regenerator. The leg took a while as it was deep.
"Are the babies ok?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah, just these cuts and a minor concussion. You're also showing signs of exhaustion."
Charlotte's body sagged and he wrapped an arm around her, bringing her close. Her body relaxed into his and he felt her bring her arms around him in a hug.
"Is the little girl ok?"
Her voice was muffled against his neck.
"Yes, she just needs her leg set and some rest."
Charlotte slowly pulled away and smiled. He quickly administered an antibiotic.
"What happened?"
Spock's sudden appearance startled them. McCoy noticed Spock's eyes flashed dangerously and he knew that though Spock's face was calm that he was seething inside.
"Charlotte went in after a little girl in that building."
He pointed to the pile of brick that was once a home.
"And we got the child out but then we had an earthquake that destabilized the house causing it to collapse before we could get her out. She's fine, no broken bones, minor concussion, some cuts that were easily healed."
Spock was watching Charlotte intently, scanning her from head to toe and McCoy could see she was fidgeting at the attention. She'd clearly had enough and started to stand to leave when both men put a hand on each shoulder and prevented her rising.
"I'm fine. I just need a shower and a nap." She muttered.
McCoy shook his head slowly.
"We're fine here. We've finally got some back up and you're no use to me right now. We'll get you a bunk and you can rest in the gym. Someone needs to keep an eye on you for the next twelve hours because of that bump to your head."
Spock looked up.
"I could watch her. I have been told to "take a break" as well. She may be more comfortable on the Enterprise."
McCoy looked at Spock and sensing his concern, agreed. Much to Charlotte's chagrin.
"Wait a minute, I'm fine."
Spock looked down at her and even McCoy could feel a chill from the cold look he gave her.
"No."
He carefully helped her stand on her shaking legs and opened his communicator.
"Spock to Enterprise. Two to beam up."
McCoy waved to them as they left. He had thought about writing Charlotte up for her being so reckless in her rescue attempt, risking herself instead of waiting but he figured she'd get enough of an earful from Spock to leave a lasting impression. After all, it worked for Kirk...most of the time.
