Saviour

by CynCyrWrightings

He owned his own business with two of his best friends, had been offered the job of a lifetime and fell in love. Life was good for James T. Kirk, until it had all been taken from him in one fell swoop. He had seen the attempted murder of his bondmate, been kidnapped, and almost raped. That is until his mate came looking for the one he claimed as his.

38. Ready To Work

It was hot, the sun beat down on them relentlessly. He ducked under a low hanging tree branch, running as fast as he could.

"Don't look back Jimmy! Keep running, do you hear me! No matter what, just keep running!"

Jim ran as fast as he could, he knew they had to keep away from the palace guards. If they caught either one of them it meant a life worse than hell. Looking back to check on Sam, Jim skidded to a halt as he watched two men grab him from behind. "Sammy!"

"Keep going Jimmy! What did I say?! Keep running no matter what!"

"No! I'm not going without you!" Jim ran after the guards and his brother. He ignored the protests of the other children, telling them to keep going, that he needed to help Sam.

"Sam..." Jim whispered into the dark room.

Jim reached them just before they could get Sam into the truck. A growl left him as he launched himself at the closest man. "Let him go!"

"Jim!"

Jim rolled across the hard packed dirt, getting to his feet as fast as he'd been taught. When the guard rushed him, Jim ducked under his arms then threw a right hook, hitting the man hard. He countered with his left then kicked out hard, trying to put the guard down quickly. He could hear Sam struggling with the other two guards until someone shouted his name.

"Look out Jim, to your left!"

Turning, Jim jerked back as he was hit hard, the blow bringing tears to his eyes. Stumbling back, breath coming in harsh pants, Jim glared at his assailant. "Gary?" Jim looked around him, the scene having changed to an upscale apartment in SoHo. "Oh god, w-what are you doing here?"

"Well I was just about to ask ya' the same thing Jimmy baby. Missed daddy that much you came in fighting. You must reallywant it bad if..."

"Fuck you, Gary." Jim hissed. He looked around for the door, trying to find a way out of this nightmare...this hell he was in. "I-I was on Tarsus with Sam..."

"Well, couldn't tell. From the looks and smell of ya', I'd say the club around the corner but hey, who am I to judge?" Gary sneered.

Jim focused on Gary, that wasn't something he'd usually say. Gary was taunting, cruel in his anger. This...this was baiting but mild in comparison. Blue gaze narrowing, Jim watched as Gary moved around the room. "What are we doing here though, how the fuck did you even get in?" Jim had had the locks changed after Gary had moved out.

"Aww, come on Jimmy baby, you know me. What ever daddy wants, daddy gets and I wanted you tonight and you agreed. Told me to come on up and fuck you so hard until you could just forget for a few."

Jim stepped back from the man advancing on him. Now this, this was something Jim was familiar with. Jim knew how to handle this Gary in front of him. "If that's what I wanted I wouldn't have called you." Jim was expecting the punch, knowing it would hurt but it still didn't stop him from flinching away. He raised his arms to block his head from the blow but nothing ever connected.

"Jim?"

Lowering his arms, Jim jerked at the soft tone. There was no way he would be here, no way he would hurt him, not in his nightmares. Looking up, Jim let out a broken sound as he watched the face he loved most staring at him.

"Spock..." Jim groaned softly in pain.

Jim crawled over to the figure in front of him. "No, nonononono. Spock, Spock what happened? W-why are you..." Jim felt something warm and slick under his hands, looking down he jerked back. Holding up his hands, Jim tried to hold in the angry yell that rose up in his throat, they were covered in blood...green blood, Vulcanblood.

Jim twisted in the sheets, a harsh sound escaping him as he tried to wake up from his nightmare. "Spock, please..." The gasp echoed in the silent room as Jim clutched the sheets tighter in his shaking hands.

"Oh god, oh god who did this! Who did this and why! Spock, talk to me!" Jim searched the pale body, his anger spiking at the green soaked shirt. Running his hands over Spock, Jim searched for any visible wounds. It wasn't until he'd rolled Spock to his side did he see it. "Someone shot you." Jim laid him down on his back as gently as possible. Shaking, he pulled his shirt off and covered the wound, adding pressure and trying to keep calm. "Spock..." Jim watched as dark eyes fluttered open to look up into angry cerulean blue.

Gasping in pain, Spock reached up to touch Jim. "I-I am sorry, Jim..."

Jim felt a hysterical laugh building in his chest as he looked down at Spock. "You're sorry, fuck, Spock, why?! You didn't shoot yourself did you? Because yeah, then you'll need to apologize but..."

"I-I did not...Jim, y-you are...h-he means you harm..."

Jim leaned closer to Spock. "Stop fucking talking, ok? Save your energy, you're gonna need it." Jim held Spock against his chest, angry tears filling his eyes. He whispered softly to him, pressing kisses against the dark hair. Jim could feel Spock's heart beat slowing, could feel the bond between them being pulled and ripped apart. Holding Spock closer, Jim curled over him, the pain almost more than he could stand.

"Spock, no..." Jim cried in pained anger. "Please, don't go."

The broken cry woke the sleeping man behind Jim, his dark gaze searching for the threat to him and his mate. Blinking, Spock focused on the sheet clad form next to him. "Jim?" Spock reached out to wake him until he cried out his name, this time his pain and anger making Spock gasp. "Ashayam, please, you must wake up."

Jim whimpered at the sound of Spock's voice. He pulled away from the hands running over him, trying to soothe him.

"I lost him, how, w-what did I do wrong? Why would you take him from me!" Jim yelled. He could hear the echo, could hear Spock's voice calling him, pleading with him...

"Ashayam, please..." Spock pulled the sheets back, reaching for the writhing body next to him. He wrapped his arms around Jim and held the trembling man as close to him as possible. He tried to reach Jim through their bond, searching for the cause of his distress.

"Jim, wake up...Ashayam, please..."

Jim gasped harshly as he jerked awake, the arms around him held him close to an overly warm body. Shaking, Jim scanned his surroundings, trying to figure out where he was. He jerked at the sound of the deep, soft baritone.

"Lights, sixty percent."

Turning to look behind him, Jim felt his body stiffen in anticipation for the worse. When he met Spock's troubled gaze, he released the breath he was holding. "Spock."

Spock nodded, concern evident in his voice. "You are troubled, Jim, your dreams," Spock paused, taking a deep breath. "Your dreams are..."

"I-it was a nightmare, Spock." Jim whispered, pressing back against him. He needed to reassure himself that he was real and not another part of his nightmares. "It kept going through two of the worst times in my life but..." Jim sighed as he turned in Spock's arms. "But the worst one was about you..." He drifted off as he placed a hand against Spock's side, sighing in relief at the feel of his heartbeat.

"If you wish, we will speak of it at a later time, for now, rest. We have a number of tasks to accomplish before the sun fully rises." Spock pulled Jim closer, holding on to him a little tighter.

Jim nodded, yawing in exhaustion. "Yeah, ok, you rest too because it's gonna be hell today."

Spock silently agreed, a frown curving his lips down as he watched Jim drift back into a fitful sleep. Running a hand gently through the messy blond hair, Spock leaned down and pressed a kiss to Jim's forehead. Turning to look at the clock, he sighed, the house would be getting up in a few hours. He could take this time to meditate and prepare for the day.

It was the sound of his comm going off that had him easing out of bed, he tried not to wake Jim. By the time he had been able to untangle himself, the call had stopped. Sighing, Spock picked up his comm and scrolled through his calls, a small smile curving his lips at his mothers' name. He wasn't surprised when her picture popped up on the screen and pressed the button to answer the call.

"Good morning, darling. I simply wanted to check on you, make sure that you and Jim were well."

"Good morning, mother. I am well and Jim..." Spock hesitated as he looked at his mother's image, unsure whether he should discuss what had happened. "Jim is still sleeping." Spock looked at the video screen in front of him, unwilling to discuss Jim's nightmare's with anyone just yet. He was surprised to find his mother up at such an early hour but was also relieved that it was her he was speaking to first and not his father.

As if reading his thoughts, Amanda spoke softly, her gaze on her son's face. "Spock, your father loves you very much. He simply wanted what was best for you. He did not know of the bond between you and Jim."

Spock nodded his head as he listened to his mother. He was aware that she didn't require an answer, just that he listen to what she had to say.

"If you would like to join us for an early lunch that would be acceptable or we can arrange a late dinner if you're going to be out at the excavation site."

Spock didn't respond to his mothers statement concerning his father, he knew it would only cause a disagreement between them and that was something he did not want. Instead, he focused on the second half of her statement. "We will try to join you for dinner. Jim is unused to the atmosphere here and it causes him to tire easily."

Amanda nodded in understanding. "Make sure you have plenty of tri-ox then and don't forget sunscreen. The Vulcan sun can be quite harsh on human skin and make sure to pack plenty of water, I don't want either of you getting dehydrated."

Spock smiled at his mother's image, aware of her tendencies to worry more than needed. "We will have everything we need mother, please, do not worry. I will make sure that nothing happens to Jim." He looked up at the sound of the bedroom door sliding open, watching as Jim walked through. "Good morning, Ashayam."

Jim yawned as he walked out of the bedroom, pulling the sheet tighter around him. He stretched before leaning over and giving Spock a kiss. "Good morning to you as well. I heard voices, am I interrupting, should I give you some time?" Jim glanced down at the screen Spock turned towards him. "Good morning, my lady." He gave Amanda a shy smile, his face flooding with heat.

"Good morning, Jim, no you're not interrupting we were just about to disconnect anyway. I hope you two have a productive day. Spock, I love you and we will see you both later."

Spock nodded to his mother, watching as she closed out the chat. Looking back up at Jim, he couldn't hide the rush of pleasure that moved through him. "How do you feel, Ashayam?"

Jim grinned, "That's something I should be asking you. Are you ok, sore o-or hurt anywhere?" Jim looked Spock over, trying not to miss even the smallest detail. "I am well, Jim, do not worry." Spock pulled Jim towards him, running his hands over the sheet clad form. "How did you sleep?"

Jim grinned up at Spock. "Better than I did earlier, honestly, despite it being for a short time." Looking around the room, Jim spotted a tray sitting across the room. "Is that breakfast?" At Spock's small nod, Jim slid off his lap and padded over to the food. "What do you have here to eat? Please tell me it's pancakes or waffles or..." Jim broke off with a soft sound of surprise. "H-how did you...these are Bajoran breakfast cakes!"

Spock watched as Jim picked up one of the soft, fluffy desserts and bit into it. The groan that left him made Spock want to hear the sound again. "Then you are pleased with your food choices?"

Jim grinned at Spock. "If you only knew! Spock these are the hardest things to come by." Jim took another bite of the sweet and groaned. "I don't know if I'll be any good after eating to many of these." He grinned over at Spock, his pleasure shining in his eyes. "Thanks Spock."

Spock nodded, "You are most welcome, Jim." Spock watched as Jim went over the fruit choices, making sure he was able to eat everything. "Your allergies transmitted through the bond, Jim. I did not pick anything that would make you ill."

Jim nodded as he looked over the tray, everything looked good but he couldn't eat much. He never really had an appetite before the start of a project and this one was a very important one. Sighing, he gave Spock a small grin. "I can't eat, I'll get sick from working to hard and Bones will hypo me for the rest of the day."

"I will not allow that to happen, Jim. Come, you must eat something if you are to maintain your strength." Spock walked over to the table looking over the selection in front of them. He picked up a handful of grapes and proceeded to feed them to Jim. "I do not wish to return and inform my mother that you passed out due to lack of nourishment."

Jim laughed as he looked up at Spock. Swallowing the food in his mouth, he looked down at the array of bowls in front of him. "Ok well, let's make sure we bring some of this with us. I need to get dressed and go find Sammy and Hikaru, we need to get to the site and get our equipment setup." Jim stretched, thinking about the things they needed to do and have done before the end of the working day. Turning to Spock he frowned. "You're going with us, right? I mean, I'm sure your people can give us all the info we need but..."

"No, Ashayam, I will be going with you." Spock reached for Jim, brushing two fingers over the back of his hand then down in a gentle caress. "I am the one in charge of the scientist, I will need to be there to help with any samples or artifacts that you may find."

Jim nodded, "Ok, good. The artifacts we're supposed to be looking for here are at the original site as well as the mountain range behind?"

Spock nodded, his thoughts going back over the information they currently had. "That is correct, we originally started off at the excavation site then it was discovered that the mountain held artifacts as well." Spock walked back to his desk, Jim following behind him. Opening a small drawer, he pulled out a padd. When a rendering of the area popped up in holographic form, he started to explain. "The original site is here." He pointed to a red dot. "We had not expected the site to have become as large as it currently is..."

"How many levels are you at right now?" Jim cut in softly as he studied the map, making a mental note of every spot that was marked. "Have you had to expand down or out and what is the mountain make up? Can't afford to break any drill rigs, excavators, or cutters unnecessarily."

Spock gave Jim a small quirk of his lips. "There are currently three levels, we are working on expanding one section and the mountain composition is mostly sedimentary and metamorphic rock. There have been signs of igneous rocks as well but not as many as the sedimentary grouping."

"That means we'll have to use the hard tipped drills for some spots then." Jim muttered as he looked over the areas in question. "I'll have to make sure that Sam is ready to do some cave diving if we need to." Jim leaned closer to the hologram, leaning against Spock as he scanned the notes on the side. "Is this the initial entry point?"

Spock looked at the area Jim pointed at, a frown curving his lips down. "This is the secondary entry point, the primary point is here, towards the southern part of the site. It was the easiest for us to clear as well as the initial site for the finding of the first group of artifacts."

Jim nodded, he was getting ready to ask more questions when a knock sounded at the door. Looking up at Spock, he frowned. "Were you expecting anyone this..." He was cut off by the sound of his brother's voice and another knock.

"Jim? Sorry, I-I know it's early but I, ummm, I need..."

Jim walked over to the door, pausing before opening it. He glanced back at Spock, a grin curving his lips. "You, uh, you may want to put on a robe or shirt. Not sure if I like the idea of anyone seeing you like that." He gave Spock a wicked grin, the smile widening at the blush that started at the tips of his ears and moved down.

"Would it not be best for you to dress as well, Ashayam? I am not sure I would enjoy anyone seeing you in your current state." Spock's dark gaze moved over Jim as he pulled his shirt on over his head. He watched as Jim flushed then looked around for his clothes. "Your change of clothes are in the bedroom, I will answer the door while you get dressed, Ashayam."

Jim chuckled, "Ok, let me take a quick shower and tell Sam I said don't eat all my food!" Jim ran to the bedroom to shower and dress, turning back to give Spock a small, shy smile before closing the door. He knew why his brother was there and if he followed habit, Bones would be right behind him.

Spock could feel the heat spreading through out his body as he watched the bedroom door close with a soft whoosh. Turning back towards the front, he walked over and opened the door to find a nervous Sam Kirk and a half sleep Leonard McCoy. "Good morning, Sam, Dr. McCoy. Jim will be out shortly." He stepped back to let the other two men enter before letting the door slide closed behind them.

Sam nodded, looking around for his missing brother or any signs of him having been hurt. It wasn't until he felt a hand on his shoulder did he jerk around in surprise. "Oh, uh, s-sorry, I was just..."

"It's ok, Sam, you're worried about him but I'm pretty sure Spock wouldn't harm Jim." McCoy yawned, then turned his dark gaze to Spock. "Tell me where he is so I can make sure Sam doesn't start freaking out like a toddler in a toy store."

"Hey! I'm not that bad, I'm just concerned about my brother, that's all." Sam could feel his face heating as he looked between both men. "He's been through a lot and I just want to..."

"You want to make sure I'm not dead yet, right?" Jim walked out of the bedroom, finally having found his pants and one of Spock's shirts. "I'm ok, Sammy, really. I was just taking a quick shower." Jim walked over and hugged his brother tightly. "Seriously, you don't have to worry so much about me."

Sam looked Jim over, finally convinced once he'd gotten a hug. "I know, I know but I can't help it. I'm sorry, I'm pretty sure you were both sleep and I didn't want to wake you with a comm..."

"It's ok, Sammy." Jim repeated. He watched from the corner of his eye as Bones pulled out a tricorder and started taking his vitals. "Come on let's eat, Spock found Bajoran breakfast cakes!" He laughed at the look that lit up both men's expressions. "I don't know how he did it, I'm sure Lia is still in bed but we have breakfast cakes!" Jim turned and winked at the silent man behind them, smiling softly at the light jade flush on his usually pale skin. "Spock's been very good to me since we've been here." Jim whispered softly.

Sam nodded, looking between the two then heading over towards the food tray. "Would it be ok, i-if I had one? I mean I know it's for you but..."

"No, Sammy, grab one, we need to wake everyone up. Spock was showing me the dig site. Looks like we'll be dealing with limestone and marble once we get through the first two layers of the mountain."

Sam groaned, "That's going to be hell for the small drilling rigs then. I don't think Scotty was able to get but two of them working with that new material."

"Well, we can worry about it later. Bones, if you don't stop trying to scan me every time I move!" Jim threw his hands up in frustration as his friend followed him around the room. "You're making Spock nervous and irritating the hell out of me!" Jim glared at his friend, noticing the dark circles under his eyes, the tired droop of his shoulders, and the deep lines around his mouth. "Hey, you ok? You look like hell."

McCoy waved off the concern, his expression focused on the blond man in front of him. "Lia's having trouble sleeping and it's hell when a telepath can't sleep." He looked down at the tricorder in his hands then back up to look over at Sam. "He's fine, just like we said he was. His neural patterns are all over the place but that's not unusual and his blood pressure is good, considering who it is. Now if you three will excuse me, I have a pregnant wife who is wondering what's taking my ass so long with these two clowns." He put his equipment back into his bag then walked over and snagged an orange and pomegranate. "She loves these things, not sure why but I'm not going to argue with her." He walked over to Jim and gave his shoulder's a tight squeeze. "Sam is worried, don't be to hard on him, ok?"

Jim nodded, hugging his friend in return. "I know, we're gonna head down early. If we get started now, he'll be to busy to worry." Jim grinned as Bones chuckled. "You and Lia gonna make it today?"

"Yeah, you know how she is, wouldn't miss this for the world. Make sure Hikaru doesn't forget to bring his kit this time, we might need it." McCoy stepped back from Jim and turned towards Spock. "I'm leaving you with a tri-ox pack specifically for Jim. With all Jim's allergies and fucked up immune system, we can't afford him getting sick or dehydrated."

Spock nodded, having watched everything in silence. He was unsure as to why McCoy had been there until he remembered Sam's penchant for being overprotective when it came to his brother. "Thank you, doctor, I will make sure to bring it with us." Spock took the small pack and set it beside the padd on his desk. He turned back to McCoy. "If Liana is having nightmares, doctor, try offering her something sour. As children, we found that it will refocus our minds on something more...displeasing...than the nightmare."

McCoy nodded, "Thanks Spock, never thought of that. Lia usually just brushes me off with an it's ok. Something sour, hmm? Maybe it'll work with that one as well." He motioned over his shoulder to Jim who made an indignant sound. "Don't say you didn't, I know better than anyone how you are in new places."

Jim flushed as he tried not to admit that his friend was right. It wasn't until he looked up at Spock's concerned gaze did he realize just how serious they both were. "Yeah, well, at least no one got hurt."

"Not this time anyway and if Hikaru hadn't known what to do..." McCoy said softly.

"I never would have hurt Karu! I swear, Bones, you guys know that! I-it was just a nightmare a-and he came in at the wrong time..." Jim paled as he thought back to when he'd first started having the nightmares, shortly after his last break up with Gary. He had almost stabbed his best friend through the heart. If Sulu hadn't been quick enough in moving back, Jim might have succeeded. "I-I wasn't trying to..."

"It's ok Jimmy, really. Len and Spock are just giving suggestions." Sam moved closer to his brother, aware of the dark cloud beginning to form on his pale face. "Hey, Len meant no harm, Jimmy." Sam ran a hand gently across Jim's back. He could see the fear and worry in his eyes as he kept his gaze focused on Spock.

"I swear I wouldn't hurt you, never, not as long as I can control them." Jim moved forward slowly, his gaze holding the concerned, dark one in front of him. "Spock..."

"I am not concerned about your harming me, Jim. My concern is more for you than anything else." Spock reached out and took Jim's hand, pulling him gently towards him. He could feel the relief that flooded Jim's system as he moved closer. "Dr. McCoy is correct, however, in the fact that you did have a nightmare. We will work on this once we return. Right now, you would much rather be working and I will not deny you the opportunity to do what you do best."

"You mean outside of the bedroom?" Jim couldn't help the joke, he needed to lighten the mood and this was his usual way. "I mean we could always find some place..."

"God, I'm going back to my room. Don't comm me until you're headed down to the site. I am not dealing with an angry, pregnant Betazoid female because you're afraid she'll get hurt." McCoy scowled at all three men then grinned. "Besides, she wants to talk to you when she see's you." He pointed to Jim, laughed at his look of alarm then turned and left the room.

"That's not ever a good sign." Jim mumbled.

Spock tilted his head to the side, listening to something in the distance. "Mr. Sulu and Pavel have both arrived. Nyota will meet us at the site once we are ready." He placed a soft kiss against Jim's forehead, then turned towards the door. He waited until he'd heard the sound of laughter and hushed voices before commanding the computer to open the door, allowing their friends entrance. "Mr. Sulu, Pavel, I bid you both good morning."

Sulu chuckled, "Morning Spock." He nodded as he passed him, walking into the suite. He couldn't help but grin as he watched Jim studying a padd. "Morning Sam, Jim, already working, I see." He looked at the hologram in front of them, a frown curving his lips down. "Is this the dig site? That looks like pockets of shale, limestone and..." Sulu broke off with a sound of discontent, his dark gaze turning to Jim.

"And pockets of marble as well as slate and quartzite." He knew why Sulu was frowning, Sam had said they only had the two new drill heads. "We'll have to find another way. Can't afford to wear out the new ones before we really need to."

"You know Scotty will have your ass if you don't at least test one of them, though." Sulu chuckled. "You'll have to deal with this, look at how much limestone there is, if we can't successfully cut through it..."

"I'll handle it." Sam broke in as he moved closer to the group. "Lia and I can go out and look around, we got it." He studied the hologram in front of them, noting the spots already marked. "We have that new echo tech Scotty sent. We could use that to see how far we'll have to go as well as give us a reading on the mountain range."

"Ve could hook it up vith cameras and monitor's to record ewerything." Pavel moved closer to the desk. "Mr. Scott showed me vhat he vas vorking on, the schematics are back in my room but ve can also reenforce the extra drill heads, too."

Sulu nodded, "We'll go back for them before we head down. First we need to figure out how we'll be going through the marble and slate." He frowned as he looked at the site layout. "How many levels are we looking at because this looks like..."

"There are three levels but we'll be working near the mountain range. We need to find out just how far down we'll have to go. If we can bypass most of the..." Jim changed the hologram from the mountain range to the rock layers. "Most of the metamorphic rocks, then we should be ok, if not we'll have to have Scotty and Pavel tell us how to protect the other drills. Which means we'll have to set up the rigs in between sites and make sure the excavators don't cause an issue with their weight."

Sam nodded, "We have two extra heads for the big drillers but lost one for the smaller set." Sam looked at the site layout and frowned. "The ground doesn't look stable to the south. The tectonic plates are still shifting in some areas, not by much but you can see there's some activity. If we pull out the heavy excavators and start digging here it could make the ground stability worse."

Jim leaned closer, looking at the readings Sam showed him. Turning to Spock, he frowned. "You guys haven't felt any tremors while you've been out there?"

Spock shook his head. "We have been monitoring the plate movements but there have been no significant changes." He tilted his head in thought. "None that we have observed to be a danger." He moved closer to the desk, looking at the information that appeared on his screen. "There is an additional shelf lower in the outer region of the site. To the north there is the concern of sehlat's as well as poisonous plant life. The different colored flowers and shrubs are marked in yellow or orange." Spock pointed to a group further down the image. "Anything marked with blue is where the water table starts and the earth is marked in green. All the areas that we have seen or been are marked in red. This particular area is where Sam is looking." Spock pointed to a small area to the southwest of the site. "It is stable for walking however..." Spock paused at the sound of a knock on the door. Turning to look at Jim, he raised an eyebrow in silent question.

"It's not for me, everyone I need to talk to is here with the exception of Scotty and Lia." Jim frowned as he watched Spock walk over to the door. He straightened, watching closely as the door slid open and Stonn appeared. He looked over at his brother, a frown curving his lips down. "I'll be right back." Jim said softly, he walked over to where Spock and Stonn stood wondering why the other man had shown up.

"I come to offer my assistance to you and your bondmate, cousin." Stonn looked at Spock, his expression blank as he waited for a response.

Spock glanced behind him, aware of the curiosity pouring off of Jim. Stepping back, Spock motioned for Stonn to enter then turned to Jim. "Stonn is familiar with the composition of the mountain range as well as the area. He may be able to offer a better insight than I, as to the best place to start excavation."

Jim nodded, looking at Stonn as he watched him. "Well, Lia and Sam are the ones you'll need to talk to." He turned to look at Pavel with a quick grin. "And Pavel, as well, he's the engineer until Scotty can get here."

Stonn nodded his head once towards Jim then turned to the three men still standing around the desk. "Mr. Kirk, Mr. Sulu, Mr. Chekov, I offer my assistance to you."

Sulu grinned as he threw an arm around Pavel's shoulder's. "We welcome all the help we can get." He chuckled softly as Pavel nodded his head in agreement. "We're going to head to Pavel's suite for the schematics, then out to the excavation site. I'll take the primary team and equipment with us, Jim, if you'll get everything else?"

Jim groaned, "Leave us with all the heavy machinery, why don't you?" Jim winked at his brother, grinning with the pleasure of finally being able to get to work. Clapping his hands, Jim bounced from foot to foot. "Let's go, the sooner we get out there the sooner we can get to work. I can't wait to get my hands dirty in the red sands of Vulcan."

Sam laughed, "Good to see you so happy." He patted Jim on the back. "Grab your pack and I'll meet you in the cargo bay." He turned to Sulu and Chekov. "You two be careful with that second rig, I think something may have happened to one of the cable's."

Sulu nodded, "We fixed it last night, so it should be good to go." He frowned as he and Pavel headed towards the door. "There's been a lot of..." He stopped at the small sound from Sam, glancing over at Jim. Sighing, Sulu nodded then waved at his friend as they left the room.

"Hey, Sammy?" Jim watched as his brother stopped in front of the door. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Sam turned to his brother and gave him a small smile. "It's nothing, we'll talk about it later, ok?"

Jim nodded, he didn't miss the relief that filled his brother's eyes. "Yeah, ok, we, uh, we'll talk about it later." He watched as Sam nodded, turned to Spock and Stonn, repeating the action then looked back. "I'll see you in a few, don't forget your pack." Sam waved and left the room.

Jim frowned, "Something's going on and Sam's not telling me."

Spock went back over the conversation, trying to figure out what Sam was trying to keep from Jim. "Your equipment malfunctions, Jim. Have you ever had so many before?"

Jim looked thoughtful as he did a quick inventory. "No, not since we first started and even then it wasn't this many."

Spock glanced at Stonn then back to Jim. "We will make sure to take inventory of everything before we return this evening. It would seem that your brother is concerned with the number of, mishaps, that have occurred."

Jim nodded, "Ok, well, come on you two, if we're going to get started, now is as good a time as any. I want to make sure that nothing goes wrong today and that means I need to be there before everyone leaves."

Spock nodded, picking up their packs and following Jim as he turned to leave the room. He knew that the issues concerning the excavation equipment could just be a coincidence, a convenient coincidence, but one nonetheless. Despite the knowledge, Spock couldn't help but wonder at the suddenness of the occurrences. As they walked to the cargo bay, he listened to Jim talk about their plans for the site and what could be expected the first couple of days. When they finally made it to the lower levels and out to the cargo ship, Spock was just as ready as Jim to get back to work. "It would seem that everyone is just as eager as you are to get back to work, Ashayam." Spock looked over at Jim, a small smile on his lips as he looked at the group of people standing around the bay. "It would seem that your team members are eager to get back to work as well."

Jim nodded his head in agreement as he looked around. "It's going to be great, Spock, just wait. This is gonna be the best time of our lives!" Jim gave him a wide grin then turned towards his team. "Hey guys!" Jim said in a raised voice. Greeting everyone with a smile, waving hands, and head nod. "We're going down for set up and reconnaissance! I need everyone on top of their game today, we have some soft spots to the south and the big boys may not work in those areas, so pay attention! If at any time you are unsure of an area, make sure you ask a senior lead! Do not, I repeat not, attempt to do something if you were not told to! Other than that you all know the drill so grab your bags and let's go!" He grinned at the cheers and laughs he received. Turning to Spock he frowned. "Damn it to hell."

"Ashayam?"

"I forgot my pack, Sam and Bones are going to ki..."

Spock gave him a small quirk of his lips. "I have your pack as well as mine, Jim. There is no need to worry." Spock broke in softly. He turned slightly, showing that both packs were slung over his shoulder. Spock carried both bags as if they weighed nothing. "You seemed to have other things on your mind."

Jim stepped closer to Spock. "Remind me to thank you once we get back." Jim gave him a wicked grin as Spock's ears turned a light jade. He reached up slowly and pulled his pack off of Spock's shoulder. ""Cause I'm very thankful you remembered."

"I will be sure to remind you, Jim." Spock watched as Jim flushed, his breathing picking up as he moved closer still.

"God, it's going to be hell being away from you." Jim looked up into the dark, unfathomable eyes. Smiling softly as Spock nodded in agreement. "At least we'll have our lunch breaks, if you guys do that?" Jim knew he could easily make the demand that Spock remain with him but that would be counterproductive to them getting anything done. Spock was a scientist and would need to be with the scientist. Jim was in charge of the excavators and diggers. His job requiring him to be away from Spock longer than he wanted. "Please say you're eating lunch." He couldn't help the hopeful note that entered his tone.

Spock nodded, his mind going over the schedules already planned out. "I will find time for lunch with you, Ashayam." He reached for Jim, an impulse he knew he should control but couldn't. As his arm went around the slim waist, Spock pulled Jim closer. "I would ask that you remain as close as possible, Jim. We are unsure if all the sehlat's from the south area have left or..."

Jim looked up at Spock, a grin on his lips. "Don't worry, honey, we are prepared for every eventuality." He chuckled at Spock's frown. "Don't frown gorgeous, I swear, once you've worked on Kronos, you know not to go anywhere unprepared."

Spock held in a sigh, he was positive Jim and his group knew what they were doing but the dangers of Vulcan were not the same as the dangers of the Klingon home world. "I do not underestimate your ability to protect you and those who work with you, Ashayam. I am merely asking that you do not go to far south without an escort." He would take no chances with Jim's safety, the southern part of the site extended into the territory of the sehlat's, if Jim were attacked while out on his own...

"You worry to much." Jim smiled at Spock, then sighed. "Ok, ok, if it will make you feel better I'll make sure to have someone with me."

Spock nodded, "Thank you, Ashayam. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me." His fingers flexed against Jim's skin, the desire to go back to his room and keep Jim with him was strong. He pushed back the shiver of apprehension when he spotted both Nero and Ayel standing near one of the large drilling rigs. Pulling Jim closer, he leaned down and whispered softly in Jim's ear. Enjoying the shiver that raced through the tan body.

Jim closed his eyes at the feel of the warm breath ghosting against his ear. "Yeah, well, ok, let me go so I can get some work done. I'll see you at the site?"

Spock nodded, "I will be joining the rest of the science teams." He glanced over again to where Nero and Ayel stood, now with more of their own members. "I would ask that you do not engage Nero any longer than needed. He has been informed that you are my mate yet his attention towards you..."

"Is really creepy?" Jim broke in. He shook his head, "Don't be jealous, ok, seriously. He's beginning to freak me out with the whole over protective vibe." Jim sighed, "I guess I need to let him know to back off for real now, especially with the whole, you know." Jim motioned between them. "Well, now that we're staying bonded, I can tell him to fuck off and it be ok." He could feel his face heating at the look Spock gave him. "Don't look at me like that." He grinned as he pulled away from Spock. I've got work to do and so do you. Hurry up so we can go have lunch!" Jim turned and jogged over to where his brother stood with Bones and Liana. He looked back to give Spock a small wave and grin then turned to join his friends.

Spock nodded his head, the rush of fierce pleasure that surged through him made him dizzy. He hadn't realized how exactly he would feel knowing that Jim belonged to him, solely. "He watched as Jim, Sam, McCoy, and Liana boarded one of the transports headed out to the site. Holding back a sigh, he looked around the cargo at the remaining occupants. His gaze found Nero's, not surprised to find him watching him.

"He hold's an unhealthy degree of interest in your bondmate. Would it not be beneficial to inform him that his attentions towards Mr. Kirk is not wanted?"

Spock turned to find T'Saava standing to his left. "Nero has been informed more than once of the relationship between Jim and myself. It will take Jim, himself, informing Nero of the situation in order for it to be understood." He knew that despite Jim telling Nero how things were, he would still persist in his pursuit of Jim.

"Then we will make sure that he understands that James Kirk is part of the royal family. Which means that he is no longer available to entertain Nero's disrespectful attentions." T'Saava watched asNero and his team boarded a transport then followed behind the other three. Turning to Spock, she gave him a blank stare. "I will follow you, Spock, while Stonn follows your bondmate. We will make sure that no harm comes to our family." Turning to Stonn, T'Saava gave him a short nod then turned and headed towards the group of scientist.

"I agree with T'Saava, Lord Nero over steps his bounds where your bondmate is concerened." Stonn stepped closer to Spock. "I will remain with the excavation crew for as long as I am needed. Ayel means Jim Kirk harm and if we do not remain alert..." Stonn let his sentence drift off as he watched Spock closely.

"He will not take Jim from me." Spock said softly. Blinking, he turned to Stonn. "We need to focus on our jobs as well as remain alert. Do not allow Jim to go unattended and Nero is not to be left alone with either Jim or his brother, Sam. I do not fully trust him with either one." Spock knew that in order to protect Jim he would need to protect Sam Kirk as well. "Sam means a great deal to Jim and I will not see him hurt anymore than he has already been."

Stonn nodded, "I will make sure that the transport is readied, your mother is here, it seems she wishes to speak to you." Stonn nodded his head towards the diminutive woman dressed in a long turquoise robe.

Spock nodded, "I will speak with my mother, tell T'Saava I will join her shortly. Keep alert as to who is around Jim." When Stonn nodded, Spock turned and walked over to greet his mother. He gave her a small nod and quick quirk of the lips. "Mother, I did not expect to see you until later in the evening."

Amanda smiled up at her son. "I wanted to see you and Jim before you went out to the site." Looking around, Amanda sighed. "I see I missed Jim, however?"

Spock nodded, "He needed to get his equipment set up before the sun was at it's peak. We will have lunch together, as schedules permit. Is there something you wish me to give him?"

Amanda shook her head, running a hand down the front of Spock's robes. "No, I just..." She paused as she looked around the bay. Looking back up at Spock, she didn't hide the concern in her voice. "He sounded a little off from yesterday. I wanted to make sure you both were well."

Spock nodded, "Jim did not sleep well, it is my hope that he will be able to rest better once he has had a chance to go back to work."

Amanda nodded, "I read somewhere that he was prone to nightmares after what he and his brother had gone through. It was a shame to have read that article about such bright, young men."

Spock frowned, unaware of what article his mother was speaking about. Shaking his head, he turned to survey his group of scientist and engineers. Turning back to his mother, he placed a hand over the small ones on his chest. "We will speak more about this once we return, mother. If you will excuse me, I must get back to work." He hesitated, torn between his desire to give his mother a kiss and leaving without doing so.

"You know you do not have to if it will make you uncomfortable, Spock." Amanda looked up at him with a small smile. "I do understand..."

Spock leaned forward and gave her a soft brush against her cheek. "I know you understand mother and for that I am most grateful." He gave her a short nod then stepped back. "Enjoy your day, mother, we will join you and father for the evening meal."

Amanda smiled, surprised at Spock's action. Nodding her head, she gave him a small wave and watched as he turned and walked over to his transport. "Be safe, my son." Amanda watched as the transport left, the apprehensive feeling in her stomach intensified. She wasn't sure why but something was going to happen and she prayed that whatever it was, it spared her son and his new bondmate.

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My apologies for taking sooooo long to update...had some things going on in rl & needed to take care of that first. Hopefully it won't take as long to get the next chapters up, so want to thank everyone for sticking with me and for being so patient! I SWEAR YOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!