In The Family
Chapter 13
"I always think the opening moments of a party are the hardest…"
Stephanie Clifford
"Everybody Rise"
Jim took himself to the quiet of Doris' study to update Admiral Boyce on Gavin's report. He knew the Admiral would be very pleased the men who broke into her office and injured Mayri had been identified.
Leonard found Mayri and Doris seated on the antique four poster bed where Mayri had slept last night. They were deep in conversation about the fresh flowers that would be delivered in the afternoon. Where would be the best place to put them to show them off? From what the bemused Leonard overheard of the very serious conversation, there would be three fresh flower arrangements, one large, and two smaller ones, each filled with a selection of Carnations, Peonies, Freesias, Roses, Lavender, Sweet Peas, and Babies Breath, all newly cut from the Nara cottage gardens the colonists had planted, then sent to the only florist in Nara for arranging. So engrossed were they, they didn't even notice him as he stood by the doorway listening.
"Of course we'll put one on the main table where the food, plates, and cutlery will be placed, Dr. Stemple. That's the best place for the largest one, everyone who samples the food will see it, and placing it there will definitely show off the beauty of our locally grown flowers. But the other two small arrangements? I was thinking we could put one on your beautiful tea table, which is also a center of attention, and the other one on the small table in the foyer, so it will be seen as your guests come in. What do you think?"
"I think those three places will definitely show off all of our fresh flowers to the best advantage, and it would certainly please the colonists who grew them," Doris agreed. "They're at their best at this time of the year, very showy and lush."
"Errrm," Leonard cleared his throat. "Ladies. Good morning."
"Dr. McCoy!" Mayri beamed at him, her pleasure at seeing her hero clearly visible on her face.
"Leonard," Doris rose from the bed. "I didn't realize you had arrived."
"Just got here, Doris, Spock let us in. Thought I'd give Mayri's one last examination to see if the abrasion and bump on her head are completely healed, then I can clear her to resume normal light activities."
"Of course." Doris moved to leave, but Leonard waved her back.
"You don't have to leave, Doris. This will be real quick and then you two can return to ordering those flowers. Just need a little room here, and we'll get on with it." As usual his Sick Bay bag was with him and he sat on the bed and opened it.
Mayri looked at the bag with deep interest. Last night she had been too befuddled and confused to notice Leonard's bag, but this morning she eyed it with curiosity and not a little yearning to see inside of it. What did Dr. McCoy carry in it? Did he take it everywhere?
Leonard noticed her interest. "Would you like to see what I have with me, Mayri?"
"Oh yes, please, Dr. McCoy. I'm very interested," she said eagerly.
"I try to never leave the ship without it. It's come in mighty handy on many missions when things suddenly went south and someone was injured. Here let me show you."
Leonard pulled the bag from his shoulder and opened it. The medical bag was his pride and joy, a birthday gift from Jim, made from a beautiful synthetic leather. As he showed Mayri each item he'd brought down from the ship, he explained the use of each one to the fascinated Mayri. Leonard often changed the contents of the bag as needed, depending on the type of mission, but presently it contained a hypospray which he'd preloaded with four different drugs, the ones he'd found most useful on away missions, cordrazine, Masiform D, a neural paralyzer, and tri-ox compound. There was also a spray applicator with a topical analgesic, the kind he'd used on Mayri's scalp, a medical tricorder, a portable dermal regenerator, a medical scanner, and a laser scalpel.
"Depending on what kind of away mission we're goin' to, whichever medic goes down with the landing party, changes the content of the med kits. 'Course this is my own personal kit, a gift from the Captain," he added proudly, "so they'd have to use different ones from our supplies in sick bay. After you graduate from Medical School, you'll probably want of your own too."
"Oh yes, I surely will, Dr. McCoy."
"We'll make sure you get one, a real nice one, won't we Doris?"
"Of course we will. It will be a perfect graduation gift." She smiled at Mayri.
"Oh, Dr. Stemple…." Mayri blushed, and for once was rendered speechless.
Leonard chuckled. "You just make sure you do your part and make us proud by studying hard and getting good grades, Mayri. Now then, let me see how you're doing, young lady." Leonard tilted Mayri's still overcome face, and checked her pupil retraction, then with the medical tricorder, he checked the bump and abrasion on her head. The readings showed the abrasion and bump were completely healed, but as always, the doctor did his own hands-on examination of the scalp area. He felt all around Mayri's head with gentle, sensitive fingers, and noted the bump was almost completely gone. Parting her hair he could see the abrasion was now undetectable. This morning Mayri's thick long hair was hanging around her shoulders in loose waves. Some of the bright yellow hair dye was still in it, and in the morning light coming in from the window, her hair looked dappled.
"Looks to me like you're good as new, young lady, and you were very lucky your injuries were relatively mild. It could've been a lot worse. This morning you can even wash your hair with a mild shampoo, just be very gentle where you had the bump and abrasion, and no hair color for a couple of more days. Also, Dr. Stemple will notify your professors you're excused from your classes today. I also want you to rest for a while this afternoon. You can resume normal duties tomorrow."
"Thank you, Dr. McCoy. I don't really feel as if I'll need to rest later today, because I feel just fine, but, of course, I will follow you're instructions. I was waiting to shower this morning because I knew you'd want to examine me when you arrived…or so Mr. Spock informed me," she added mischievously.
Leonard grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. "Mr. Spock was right, he knows me real well from his too many trips to the Sick Bay to check him out after a mission." He looked at the open padd laying on the bed with the garden pictures Mayri had pulled up. "So you two were busy deciding on the flowers for the party?"
"Yes, Sir. Dr. Stemple and I had just finished choosing the flowers for this evenings arrangements when you came in, so if you'll excuse me for just a minute, I'll send off the order and wait for confirmation that it was received."
The confirmation ping came in almost immediately, and Mayri sat back against the headboard looking satisfied. Her last task for the birthday party was finished, but now she had another concern. "Dr. Stemple, I don't have any clothes here, so I'll have to go back to my dormitory to dress for the party. Until I leave I can stay and help you get things ready, since Dr. McCoy said no classes for me today. I think helping here is considered light duties, right, Dr. McCoy?"
"Helpin' Doris will be fine as long as it's nothin' strenuous."
The glance Doris gave Leonard was clearly unhappy. No matter how short the distance to the University, she didn't want Mayri walking to her dorm room by herself, or, or worse yet, walking back in the dark this evening.
Leonard nodded, understanding Doris' quiet concern and whole heartedly agreeing with her. It definitely was not safe. "Tell you what, Mayri. One of us will walk with you to your dorm and wait while you get your clothes for the party, then we'll come right back here. I think all of us would feel better if you didn't go alone to your dorm, or spend the night by yourself there."
"Dr. McCoy is correct, Mayri. It would not be wise. It would be best to err on the side of caution, therefore I will walk with you to your dormitory," Spock told her from the bedroom doorway. "I will wait there while you choose your clothing and whatever else you will need to stay here for another night, then we will walk back together. It is better if you stay here with Cousin Doris for the time being. Perhaps you should also bring your school assignments so you will not fall behind in your studies."
"Excellent idea, Spock," Leonard said, rocking on his feet, looking pleased. No one would dare bother Mayri walking with her Vulcan escort and both Doris and Mayri would be safe here in the house under Spock's vigilant presence.
"Do you think that's really necessary, Dr. McCoy? Those two men attacked me only because they didn't want me to see who they were….and I didn't see them at all."
"Maybe so, Mayri, but attack you they did, and just left you there injured. We're not takin' any chances with your safety or with Doris' either."
"The doctor is correct, Mayri. In lieu of those circumstances, it is best to be cautious with your safety."
"Those goons have no idea that we have clear holos of them now and they've been identified. They're gonna' be in for a big surprise! But meanwhile we don't know what else they may be planning."
"What's going on in here?" Jim asked at the door, one eyebrow quirked in inquiry, interrupting the serious looking tableaux. "Are you having a meeting without me?"
"Captain, we have been discussing Mayri's need for more clothing for this evening's festivities. We have decided I will be accompanying her to her dormitory to retrieve her attire. I will wait there for her and return here with her. We think it would not be wise for her to stay alone in her dormitory tonight."
"Absolutely right, Spock. It's much safer for her to stay here. If you two are going to walk there and back, it's best to be prepared. Do you have your phaser?"
"I do, Sir."
"Good. Stay alert and although I doubt they'll try anything again, don't take any chances or hesitate to use it if necessary. I think Mayri surprised them last night, and she became just an obstacle that had to be removed. They didn't count on anyone still being in the building, and she got in the way of their break-in. They decided to take her out of the picture before she could identify them or sound an alarm. Actually, it could just as well have been Doris or anyone else. I'm sure they planned to be in and out of the building as quickly as possible, evading the cameras, making sure no one would be able to identify them. It was pure luck we got that one good image for Gavin and Sonnai."
"I will be vigilant, Captain. Mayri will be safe with me. Come Mayri, it is best for us to come and go this morning."
"Dr. Stemple, I'll be back as soon as possible to help you set up for the party." Mayri looked at her anxiously. She had always accomplished every task Dr. Stemple had entrusted to her, and this event was not going to be the exception to her perfect record!
"We have plenty of time to do everything, Mayri. It's just a quick tidying up, the flowers and food, and the caterers will set up the food, so I don't want you to worry anymore about this party."
"Jim and I will also help, Dr. Stemple, Mayri. We're experienced at this sort of thing. We've helped Jim's mom several times for different events, right, Jim?"
"We sure have. My mother loves to host events, Mayri, and when we're at the farm we always pitch in to help. So stop worrying we'll all help Dr. Stemple get things ready."
"And remember what I said, Mayri, you have to take it easy, no overdoing it." Leonard gave Mayri a stern glance.
"I'll remember, Dr. McCoy. I won't do too much, I promise."
"Shall we go, Mayri?" Spock's eyes met Leonard's and he gave him a small nod of reassurance. All would be well with Mayri with Spock by her side.
"I just finished speaking with Admiral Boyce," Jim told Leonard and Doris as they walked into the living room.
"I have fresh coffee," Doris said. "Let me get us some."
"Thanks, Doris. I sure could use another cup," Leonard said. "Woke up real early this morning."
They sat down, sipped their fragrant coffee appreciatively, and Jim went on. "He ordered us to apprehend and arrest the two men who broke into Doris' office tonight. We're to do it as quietly and discreetly as possible. The Admiral said Officer Marchan has the authority to proceed with the arrest. The two men have been identified as Antares employees, as the body guards of two Antares Corporation's managers. The proof we need that they broke into the office and injured Mayri is clearly evident in those holos. Admiral Boyce said it's more than enough evidence to arrest them.
As soon as we get a copy of the prospectus, he also gave me authority to detain the two Antares Corporation managers for questioning. The holos of the bore holes we forwarded to the Admiral, the obvious illegal digging, and Scotty's identification of the digging equipment as Antares property, is enough to nullify the prospectus and Antares' petition to mine the ryetalyn in Nara. They are also suspected of attempted bribery of Federation Council subcommittee members."
"You hadn't told us that Scotty's had identified the boring equipment, Jim."
"Hadn't had a chance to yet, Bones. Found that out from Scotty right before I spoke to the Admiral. It's just one more mail in their coffin."
"What about those high priced lawyers they use, Jim? They're gonna' be Johnny on the spot as soon as those guys are arrested."
"After we arrest them, the Admiral wants them adjudicated on Earth. They'll only be held a short time, just long enough for a prison transport ship to get here to take them to Earth. One is already on the way, with orders straight from the sector chief, Admiral Barnett. The attorneys will be allowed to travel to Earth with them in order to represent them."
"How are we gonna arrest them? In a room full of party guests?" Leonard looked troubled. Those two men were dangerous as Mayri's injury proved.
"I have an idea how we're going to do it, Bones. I just need Mayri to take care of one small detail when she comes back. I think it will work out. Officers Marchan and Timmons will do the rest."
"Jim, does this mean that the mining won't take place?" Doris asked.
"That's exactly what it means, Doris. We just have to tie up a few loose ends to bring this to an end. Hopefully it will also mean that the Antares Mining Corporation will be put out of business, the corporation dissolved."
"And let's not forget the subcommittee members who are suspected of bribery."
"That may be harder to prove, Bones. Unless they rat on each other…."
"Or unless Sarek gets the truth out of them," Doris added, grimly.
"I have absolutely no doubt he'll be able to do that," Jim said remembering the formidable power emanating from the regal, imposing Ambassador.
The front door opened and Spock and Mayri came in. Jim heard Doris give a small sigh of relief that Mayri was back.
"That was fast," Jim smiled his approval.
Mayri had a garment bag in one hand and a pair of dress sandals in the other. Spock carried her small suitcase. "I also brought some clothes for tomorrow, and my pajamas and cosmetics for tonight, Dr. Stemple. It's a very important occasion in your honor, and I want to look extra nice." She smiled shyly.
"I'm sure you'll look lovely, darlin', both of you ladies will," Leonard said, his southern gallantry in full display.
"Thank you, Leonard," Doris smiled. "We'll do our best to live up to your expectations."
Jim glanced at Spock.
"Nothing to report, Captain. All was peaceful and uneventful during our walk to and from the dormitory, and yes, the house shield is back in place."
Jim snorted softly. "You have to stop reading my mind, Spock. You're supposed to be a touch telepath, not be able to do it from across the room."
Spock's lips twitched in amusement. "There was no mind reading involved, Sir. Merely a knowledge of your penchant for readiness in all circumstances."
"Spock's got that right, Jimbo."
Doris grinned. "It seems to me the three of you seem to read each other's minds."
"Heaven forfend," growled Leonard. He pointed to Jim's head, "lightning fast," then pointed to Spock's, "ponderously logical." He rocked on his feet. "Think I prefer my own thought processes to stay in my own head, thank you very much."
"I would prefer that as well, Dr. McCoy. The chaos within would most surely overwhelm me."
Jim burst out laughing. "That's enough you two. Mayri, let's go in Doris' office. There's a small task I have for you. It will only take a few minutes."
"Of course, Captain."
It didn't take long, and soon the two came back in the living room with Jim looking, as Bones said, 'like the cat who ate the canary.' "What did you do, Jim?"
"I'll clue everyone in later after I speak with Officer Marchan. Meanwhile let's help Doris clean the house, and get things ready for the party. What can we do to help you, Doris?"
Doris looked around the house and marshaled her thoughts. "Let me see. The living room furniture and fireplace both need dusting, and so do the books here and in the study. The hardwood floors need to be swept with the dust mop, the bathrooms freshened and fresh towels put out. Two of the bedrooms need dusting and the beds made, Mayri and I will tackle the two bedrooms and kitchen if the rest of you divide the other chores. Does that sound alright to you gentlemen?"
"Absolutely," Jim told her. "Come on, men, let's get this show on the road."