A/N: It has been far too long since I updated this story last. I had almost accepted the fact that it would never be completed, but then I realized that this was my longest running story I have ever written and I couldn't let it go. I'm sorry about the delay. It's closing in on the end of the story. There's probably no more than 6 chapters left now. I think I can get it done this time. :) Thank you all for the favorites, follows, and reviews. If updates are slow to come it's because I have four classes and that takes up much of my time. I will get you a chapter within two weeks though. That I promise.

STARDATE 2260.160

Beta Quadrant

Azeta Prime

Light touches drifted across her bare back, teasing caresses that drew her from darkness. Fingertips slid lower, curving down the globes of her backside to sink boldly between her legs. The gentle tease shifted into a firmer touch, her parter aware that she was waking. Her partner more than eager...

"McCoy..." Amelia gasped against his chest, her head tilting back so she could land an open gaze on his face. His brow was furrowed in slight impatience, as though he'd been waiting for quite some time for her to rouse. At her hip she could feel him twitch, causing a feminine grin to spread across her face. Oh, he was eager all right.

With ease, he rolled her from him, a soft moan of denial escaping her as his hand withdrew from the apex of her thighs. A moment later he was flush against her back, whispering against her shoulder, "Waking up with you naked on top of me... I can't think of anything else but this."

Then he thrust into her wetness, a pleasurable cry escaping her throat as he filled her. It didn't take long, his expert hands plucking and stroking along her front. With every caress, her body began to rock harder in tandem with his.

His thumb circled just above where they joined, firm rotations bringing her to the brink until she cried out his name and went tight against him. His answering growl came moments later in a rough broken 'Amelia', his hand gripping her hip to keep her still while he set the pace.

It was a wonderful wake-up call.

McCoy panted against her back, his lips trailing up her neck. "You know you're going to be in my quarters now. There's no way in hell I'll give this up."

Arching a brow, Amelia propped herself up on her elbow, looking down at her satisfied lover. "McCoy, are you asking me to move in with you?"

He leaned up with her, curling an arm around her stomach and nuzzling the crook of her neck. She felt him grin. "More like demanding."

Dinner, conversations and the occasional chance that she'd be wearing his coat. Isn't that what he had asked for? Amelia smiled in remembrance, feeling, for the first time in a while, like that was a very real possibility.

In a rare rush of coyness, Amelia said, "I'll think about it." It earned her a quick kiss on a bare shoulder.

"Do that." McCoy gave a reluctant groan and rolled away from her to put his feet on the floor. Over his shoulder, he said, "I'm going to draw a bath."

Just the idea of a bath had her sighing. "A bath sounds fantastic." He gave her a nod then started for the bathroom. She watched his backside as he left, the corner of her mouth lifting in a smile. The sight was enough to stir her recently quelled desires once more.

Within minutes she joined him, soon nestled between his longer legs, the depth of the tub allowing for the water to lap at her neck. This time, she explored him thoroughly in an exchange of touches and kisses. She took her time in learning what he liked, smiled as he gasped and grinned when he growled. Until he'd had enough of her teasing, impatiently tugging at her hips and wordlessly demanding that she ride him hard.

"Are we planning on staying in all day?" Amelia murmured against his chest as they lay sprawled and wet atop the covers.

"That depends on whether or not you get dressed." McCoy dropped a lazy kiss against her bare shoulder, the scruff on his face tickling her skin. Though it was his next words that caused her to shiver. "You stay naked then we won't be going anywhere for a while."

She smiled, her fingertips trailing down the center of his chest to his navel. Her wandering hand was caught in a firm grip before she could move it any lower and she tilted her head back to catch his heated stare. McCoy gave a sigh and muttered, "And you say I'm insatiable."

He tapped her bottom, rolling out from under her. As he set his feet on the floor, he called over his shoulder, "If you expect another round, then I need to get my strength up. Let's get some lunch." At the mention of food, Amelia's stomach growled, reminding her that neither of them had eaten dinner. Or breakfast.

"Yeah. Food does sound like a good idea." While McCoy grabbed a small bag and retreated to the bathroom, Amelia rummaged through her backpack for a change of clothes. She settled on her blue jeans and one of her white undershirts. It was cool enough outside to warrant pants, but she'd go without her flannel shirt for once.

The door chimed just as she pulled the shirt over her head. A frown spread as she glanced at the door in confusion. She hadn't been expecting anyone and certainly McCoy would have mentioned it if he'd invited someone. Her gaze darted to the closed bathroom door.

Just in case it wasn't someone who spoke English, she grabbed her communicator before heading towards the door. When it slid open, she was surprised to see a uniformed Kirk and Spock standing in the hallway.

Her back went stiff as she glanced between the two. Not because of Spock's sullen expression, but because of Kirk's knowing one. The captain stared at her as though he'd never seen her before, his eyes wider than usual.

She should have known this was coming. As soon as Spock learned the truth it was only a matter of time before that information reached the ship's captain. She just wondered how much the First Officer had divulged and why.

Behind her, she heard the bathroom door open and the heavy footsteps of McCoy's approach. Before he came within earshot she found herself whispering, her voice pleading, "Don't tell him."

"It's going to come out sooner or later, Amelia." In that moment, she knew that Kirk was right. The fact that even the captain was aware of her true identity was a reminder that this secret is not one she can keep.

Amelia simply sighed and said, "He needs to hear it from me."

"I needed to hear it from you." Too late for that now.

"Hear what?" McCoy, catching the end of their conversation, piped up as he cast a confused glance between Amelia and Kirk. His gaze briefly passed over Spock, the confused expression intensifying.

"I'm afraid Amelia's shore leave is being cut short. There's a situation in the hydroponics bay." Even if she hadn't known it was a lie, she would have been able to tell by the way Spock tilted his head to glare disapprovingly at Kirk.

"And it can't wait two days?" McCoy's irritated huff earned him a shoulder shrug.

Kirk managed a wry grin. "Plants might be dead by then."

"Let me get my things." Spock said nothing, simply turned on his heel and headed down the hall. All she got from Kirk was a quick nod of approval before he started after the Vulcan.

When they were gone, Amelia went to her backpack, her thoughts occupied with what was soon to come. She needed to sit down with Kirk and tell him everything, or whatever hadn't already been shared by Spock.

Behind her she heard McCoy close the door. Then he was at her side, a frown pulled at the side of his face. "I'll go back with you."

No. If he came back with her then there wouldn't be chance for her to talk to Kirk alone. He'd be there simply out of curiosity. Amelia shook her head, shoving clothes back into her bag. "You should stay. Enjoy yourself and your shore leave."

"I was enjoying myself." It wasn't petulant or said in a huff. It was just a fact, followed with a wave towards the door. "And now the person I was enjoying myself with is leaving. So I'll be leaving too."

She knew she shouldn't be getting irritated with him because he didn't know what was actually happening. But she did feel irritated and that came through as she rubbed a hand over her eyes and sighed. "Fine."

"Fine?" He blocked her as she started for the door, her backpack on her shoulder. "Amelia, what is wrong with you?"

That question... she didn't even know how to begin to address it. She'd had sex with him, for one, and though that had seemed like a wonderful decision at the time the truth still hung between them. Amelia found herself staring straight ahead at that invisible barrier.

She met his gaze, the confusion there sapping the fight inside her. He was confused because she'd made the conscious choice to lie to him. It wasn't fair, not when he'd tried so hard to be honest with her.

The truth died in her throat and her gaze drifted to the floor. "This was a mistake."

She went to walk around him, but his hand caught her arm. The confusion was gone, replaced with steel, his voice low. "It was a lot of things, but it wasn't a mistake."

Amelia jerked her arm from his grip. "You don't know anything about me, McCoy!"

"I know enough!" It wasn't anger that made his voice rise. It was frustration and fear, a combination that always seemed to make him volatile when it came to her.

"No, you don't, which is why this was a terrible idea. I was delusional to think this could work. That I could ever find anything normal after everything I've been through."

He didn't block her path this time, simply called at her back as she headed to the door. "Whatever it is, we can get past it. We haven't fought this hard to get here for nothing."

She wished that were true. With all her being she wished that it was as simple as getting past it. Amelia glanced towards the door, considering her options. He was going to find out and when he did he'd look at her like Kirk had.

Like she was a liar.

The lies had to end there. In the room where they had changed the very nature of their relationship. Amelia tilted her head, her tone just as firm as McCoy's had been when he told her they hadn't fought so hard for nothing.

"I was born in 1962."

A beat passed, his mouth tightening at the corners. "What?"

"I was born. In. 1962. The year 1962. July 5th 1962. Not a Stardate, just good ole' month, day, and year. We'd barely made it to the moon, much less another another planet. The only aliens I knew were Mexicans that crossed the border." With every word she watched his expression change from frustrated to concerned.

Another long beat. "How long have you thought this?"

She almost laughed at how clinical he sounded. "You think I'm crazy."

"Confused." Because God-forbid he call a patient crazy to their face. "Not crazy."

"I'm neither. I'm a time-traveler."

This time it was McCoy who looked to the door as an escape. "I'm getting Spock." He was in doctor mode now, assessing how best to treat her. His touch on her shoulder was reassuring, but not affectionate. His words were calming, but not personal.

"He knows." Amelia hoped that knowledge would ease McCoy. "He's known since before he became my sponsor."

It went through one ear and out the other. "We can get you help."

"I'm not crazy, McCoy. This happened to me seven months ago. A ship capable of time travel caught me in a chroniton wave and pulled me to the future. To here. I landed in Denver where I was hit by a hover car. I was interrogated by a Betazoid. All of this is in the redacted portion of my file. I was accused of working for Khan Singh since I was alive just before the Eugenics war began. That's the reason I was placed aboard the Enterprise. For my protection. I know how this sounds, but-"

"Do you?" He interrupted her, "Do you really?"

"I lived it and even I think it's a little crazy." He eyed her carefully, reached out to touch her shoulder. The hand never landed though because he withdrew suddenly, his expression guarded, and started for the door.

"I'm getting Spock." And then he did. Whatever words were exchanged between the doctor, the captain, and the first officer were too low for Amelia to hear. But she knew the content, because a few minutes later she was being escorted back to the ship and McCoy was nowhere in sight.

STARDATE 2260.160

Beta Quadrant

Orbiting Azeta Prime

"It's true, Bones." Amelia wasn't crazy. She wasn't delusional. She was a goddamn time traveler...

His palms landed on the wall, as if he could garner strength from the structure. It hadn't even been half an hour since she'd been in his arms, but it felt like ages ago. There was no warmth in his chest, the swell replaced with bitter cold.

She'd lied to him. She'd made him believe in the possibility of a future.

And God help him since that fact was being pushed out of his mind by ways he could save Amelia's ass from the situation she was in.

"There's a standing warrant out for her to be placed into Federation Custody." Jim's words haunted him, had sent the rational side of his brain into a melt-down.

"What the hell is she being accused of?" The bark he'd sent back hadn't been met with reprisal, but instead a tortured gaze.

"Crimes against the State. Terrorism. Bones... they want to try her for the attacks in London and San Francisco."

"Doctor McCoy?" Spock's voice, steady as always, had him clenching his jaw. Of course the Vulcan was managing to keep it together. Instead of turning to face him, McCoy just remained leaning against the ship's corridor wall. Without ample preparation, there was no telling what he might do to the man who'd kept this from him. "Doctor McCoy, we need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that we cannot maintain custody of Miss Wright."

That did it.

Pain radiated through his hand and wrist, an instant punishment for the blow he landed against Spock's cheek. What made it worse was that he knew the Vulcan had let him land it.

McCoy's vision blurred, his breath catching in his throat as he tried to orientate himself to the sudden change in position. And the rapid changing of his emotions. "You knew!" Anger. Bitter anger laced his voice as he shouted in the hall and stared at the bruise forming on Spock's face. He was so far gone that even the green tinted skin didn't make him feel any better. "You knew and you didn't tell me!"

Spock shot him a narrowed glare, whether that annoyance was for the punch or his shouting, McCoy wasn't sure. "This is not something we can discuss here. We must report to the ready room."

The desire to hit him again rose; however, he also knew that Spock was right. Later he could yell. Later he could take out his anger and maybe create a second bruise on the other side of Spock's face. But for now he, they, had to deal with the problem at hand.

Ten minutes later they stood in the ready room, the long table surrounded with just a select few. Spock, Sulu, Uhura, and Scotty. All members of the senior staff. All trustworthy enough. And based on the confused glances McCoy saw them sending to one another, none of them knew Amelia's secret yet.

His hands clenched the back of one of the many chairs in the room, fingers pressing so hard that his knuckles were white. Spock, thankfully, had kept his mouth closed since they had arrived. Though on the other hand, the silence allowed his mind to wander.

She really was disaster incarnate.

She'd come into his life all heated and appealing and managed to draw out what was left of the kind man inside him. And the lies had slipped through pretty smiles. He had been deceived by innocent eyes and a beautiful face.

Damn her.

Damn her for making him feel. Damn her for breaking him when it had already taken so long for him to recover. Damn her for the fact that even through all that, he still wouldn't let her face this alone.

The doors behind him slid open, the hissing sound pulling him from the dark thoughts he had previously been unable to ignore. Jim walked in first, shoulders straight and looking every part the captain. Then again, McCoy knew him better than most. He could see the concern in his friend's eyes. Even Jim, the master of facing the unknown, was worried.

His back went stiff when Amelia came next. She was once more dressed in the white uniform she so often wore, except there was an addition to it. Around her wrist was a thick silver band with colored lights. She might have well have walked in wearing a set of leg irons.

Someone sucked in a sharp breath and McCoy turned to see that it was Scotty. His eyes were wide as they narrowed in on the restriction band. In just a few moments, everyone else caught sight of the device.

Please have some kind of plan, Jim...

The Captain was the first to break the silence of the room. "Five hours ago I received an order to place Amelia Wright under arrest on charges of terrorism. All of you are going to act as witnesses to the fact that she has restricted access to the ship." He gave a quick wave towards the silver band. "Considering her work in the hydroponics bay is essential she will not be placed in the brig, and she will be allowed access to the cargo bay. When we finish this meeting, that is the only thing you will be placing in your reports. Do you understand?"

Uhura and Sulu both nodded, while Scotty simply stared at Jim with an appalled glare. "You canno' be serious, sir. You know that lass is no terrorist."

Instead of answering, Jim looked to Spock, who answered for the captain. "I have no doubt that you have come across Miss Wright's personnel file. The reason her file is redacted is because her arrival on the Enterprise was orchestrated to ensure her safety. Miss Wright is from the twentieth century. She was unwilling transported from the year 1992 to the year 2259. Because she was alive during the year Khan began his genocide of humans, some higher ranking members of Starfleet believe that she is allied with Augments."

"What?!" Again, Scotty shouted his disbelief.

Uhura, on the other hand, simply glanced between Jim and Spock. "Based on the fact that she's here, I'm guessing that neither of you agree."

"No." For once the Vulcan's voice betrayed an emotion. Conviction. "The Captain and I stand by her innocence. However, we were given the order and it is our duty to see it carried out. While we are in transit to the Andorian Space Station I will be attempting to garner support to see the order dismissed. Fortunately for us, there are many on Earth who stand with Miss Wright."

The silent member of the room finally spoke, his tone laced with concern. McCoy turned his head to glance at Sulu as the once Captain asked, "Sir, why are you telling us? This could be classified as treason."

"Because I trust you." Jim leveled his gaze at Sulu. "I trust you to fulfill this task should anything happen to me and you are left at the helm." There was much unspoken in that statement. McCoy wondered if there was a risk that the Captain would face reprimand for his actions, to include being removed from his post.

Considering he was Amelia's best chance at getting out of this, McCoy hoped that wouldn't be the case.

While McCoy fought frustration, Jim continued and turned to look at Uhura. "I trust you to monitor communications and ensure that our efforts are not twarted." Then, finally, Scotty. "And I trust you to get us to that station so I can confront the man who's doing this. Amelia hasn't been with us for very long, but several of you know that she's loyal to this ship. That she is honest and kind. And that she would risk her life for any one of you."

There was no moment of silence. Their faith in Jim was obvious when they all asked, simultaneously. "How soon do ya' need us to be there, sir?" "Who do you want me to contact, sir?" "Is there anything else you need me to do, sir?"

McCoy released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. Cautiously, his eyes drifted towards Amelia, who was still standing behind Jim.

It took all of his will not to move from his spot behind the chair when he noticed the gloss in her eyes. How was it that he could go from the feeling of betrayal to the need to protect her in a heartbeat?

Orders were dished out, but McCoy didn't watch as each person received them, his vision filled only with Amelia and the way her shoulder shook with each word. "Two weeks. I need Commander Richard O'Shea on the line as soon as possible. Get notice to the space station that I will want a locked bay. No one gets on the Enterprise without my approval. And I need three rotating guards on her to keep her safe. For now, that is all."

A quick chorus of "Aye aye, sir" was the only response just before they began filing out of the room to leave Spock, Jim, Amelia, and himself.

He didn't hold back then, his feet carrying him before his brain could process.

McCoy's hand caught her upper arm, a grasp that she was more than familiar with at this point. At his back he could feel someone clutching his uniform shirt. Jim's weak attempt at stopping him did nothing.

Whatever well she had inside of her burst as he tugged her against him, his arms locking tight around her. "I'm sorry..." Her shoulders shook with sobs, her hands fisting in the material at his collar.

Anger brimmed under a surface of fear. Fear for her. "Damn it, Amelia." He wondered if he would ever stop saying those words to her. He wondered if he would ever want to... "I told you that you were disaster."

He ignored the stares he was certain that Spock and Jim were giving him. He ignored the words they exchanged at his back. He ignored everything except the crying woman in his arms and the way his heart was breaking.