Chapter 6

Spock cornered McCoy one day before the start of his shift.

"Doctor McCoy, may I speak with you?"

"What do you want, Spock? I haven't had my morning coffee yet."

"I am concerned about the health of the captain. Have you noticed?"

"Well, I know for a fact that he upped his workout time and he seems tired, but he is completely avoiding me. I could only check his meal's card, and he's got them all, and since for once he is behaving and not getting injured, there is very little I can do if he doesn't come here."

"As first officer, it is my duty to point out when I see something wrong with the captain or the crew. I acknowledged that the captain is not sleeping well, as I do not see him coming in bed at night. He also lost a significant amount of weight in the past few weeks, and as a matter of fact I do not can recall the last time I saw him consume an entire meal. It occurred a few weeks ago that I woke up to Jim throwing up in our bathroom, painfully, might I add. The next day, on the bridge, it seemed that his coffee made him nauseated. But I have to say that his work's proficiency is not diminished. Our bond has been closed from his part, so I cannot verify how he is feeling. I am… troubled, doctor. I do not mean to harm the captaincy of James, but it is also logical to make further investigation about this."

"Damn hobgoblin, couldn't you just say that you're worried sick for your husband?"

McCoy gestured for Spock to follow him further in his office, thinking.

"Let's just say that I could be able to corner him in the mess today for lunch. You would need to tell me straight when he leaves for it, so I can walk in too and have it with him. First sight check-up is, well, not the best, but it's a start. Then we can think about any action needed. Do you agree, Mr Spock?"

"I do agree, doctor. I will call you immediately when James will take his break. Thank you for your help." With this, they went to work diligently.

The next four hours Spock found it very difficult to focus on his work, and kept watching the captain from the corner of his eye, listening for anything unusual, and to trying to gather more information. Difficulty breathing. No coffee. Six times in the bathroom, each time he would turn green as he was going to be sick. He sent a message to the doctor stating all of these additions. Then lunch break came. The captain spoke, "Well, lunch break guys, I'll see you in 30." He moved up from the chair and went to use the turbo lift. In that moment, Spock sent another message to McCoy, alerting him about Kirk.

Bones entered the mess, searching the tables to spot his best friend. He saw him in the furthest corner, like if he was hiding. He got his tray of food and went to sit with him.

"Hi Jim, what's up? It's been a while since we've shared a meal."

Jim looked up, panicking. He didn't notice his friend coming over. "Hello to you too, Bones. Didn't see you there. I'll catch up with you later, my break is almost over," he lied, attempting to take his tray and leave. McCoy put and hand over his forearm, stopping him.

"Jim, wait. Sit down please," He said, gently.

Kirk was like a deer caught in the light, replying fast, "I'm sorry Bones, but I have to go, really."

"No, you don't. As a matter of fact, you just started your break, like me. Can't we talk, in peace?"

Jim frowned. "Something wrong with the crew, Bones"? Jim asked, worried, sitting down again.

Doctor mode on, Leonard started to analyse the person in front of him before speaking. This man was not the same James Kirk he knew. This person was a shadow; pale, sullen, sunken cheeks from weight loss, his skin ashen. He could see small tremors now and then. The food on the tray completely forgotten. Something was really wrong with him, and he really needed to take actions.

"Actually yes, Jim. I am worried for a member of the crew that is sick but doesn't want any help."

"Well, you are the CMO, if this person is really so sick, you have to take action, help him or her. You know how I don't like when one of my crew is ill. I would even command this man or woman personally if I have to. Who is it, Bones?"

Pondering his next few actions, the doctor held his chin in deep thought, frowning.

"You, Jim. It's you. And don't say otherwise, because I'm here, right in front of you. And all I can see is an unwell person. Please, come with me to the sickbay. We're worried about you."

Jim was shocked about how blatant as well as gentle his friend was. Sure, he felt like crap, short breathed, couldn't keep his food down, and the cold was the worst by far, but he would never admit it. He had to act fast, or he would be in deep shit.

"Listen, Bones, I still have half a shift to finish. How about I pay you a visit when I'm done? I really have some important reading I've got from Command to finish."

"I'll give you 10 minutes after the shift is over to come down, otherwise I'll send our hobgoblin to force you."

"Ok, ok I promise. I'll come. See you later Bones." And he left. McCoy sighed, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What's happening, Jim." He thought. He finished his lunch, went back to the med bay and alerted Spock of the oncoming visit Jim was supposed to have.