Ship's night had fallen, and most of the standard crew were asleep. Spock, however, moved restlessly about his quarters. Sleep alluded him as a big alludes a light bulb. Until it is fried by the heat and drops dead, Spock mused then instantly banished the thought. Such thoughts were illogical and emotionally based.
He stopped, suddenly dizzy. He swayed where he stood, then collapsed to the floor, limp.
The foliage around him was lush, full and damp. Eyes ¾ green, gold, blue, brown ¾ stared at him. Little beings stared, murmuring to each other. The wind whispered, "Shara shotana keytan-sho. Eela sheaco tanam." The eyes turned away, looking behind them.
Shivering, Spock staggered back to his feet, only to lurch, doubled over, to his bed. He collapsed in it, welcoming the heat of the blankets. He did not understand the odd blackouts and the dizziness that overcame all of his barriers. Perhaps, he thought as exhaustion claimed him, it is time to see McCoy about this.
Spock had made the appointment with sickbay for the afternoon, just after the beginning of lunch, his usually time. The Enterprise had entered into orbit of the planet Tsansasha. All stations were alert and waiting for the Romulans to arrive. However, until that time, Science was not about to sit and twiddle its thumbs. They were taking down as much information on the planet as they possibly could.
McCoy lounged on the bridge, watching the commotion. "Jim," he said, "it's as busy as a beehive up here."
"Sure is, sloucher."
McCoy looked offended and proceeded to ignore the captain.
Spock chose to intervene between the two friends. "Captain, the planet shows signs of ancient ruins of cities in the swamp and forest area halfway up the equador. They date back over 200 years."
"Interesting. Any idea what might have felled them?"
"No, sir, but scans show that there is little evidence of a battle, merely a lack of live in them. There is no . . ."
Kirk turned when Spock didn't finish his sentence. The Vulcan leaned over his consule, breathing heavily.
"Spock, you alright?" Bones asked, moving to the Vulcan's side.
"I do not believe so, Doctor," the other said softly, his head still lowered.
"Jim, you're losing your first officer for a while."
The captain nodded. "Take good care of him, Bones." He watched as McCoy eased the Vulcan over to the turbolift, an arm waiting to catch him. It alarmed him that Spock didn't protest being lead off the bridge.
Just before the turbolift doors opened, Spock swayed, his knees giving out. McCoy caught him as he fell. "Jim get some help up here, now," he ordered as he lay the Vulcan out flat. He noticed that Spock's eyes were half-open and glazy. "Spock, can you hear me?" he said, leaning in close to the other's ear. No response.
"Romulan warbird straight ahead, sir," Sulu annouced. "Just at the edge of our sensors.'
"Sheilds up," the captain ordered. Turning to Bones, he said, "Get him off the bridge and kept him off."
Bones nodded as the med-team that Uhura had called came out of the turbolift. They quickly placed the Vulcan on the stretcher. As they moved him into the turbolift, Spock's eyes suddenly focused on McCoy.
"We're taking you to Sickbay, Spock," the doctor said in the tone that broke no agrument.
"Doctor, I assure you, I am fit for duty."
"Yes you are fit for duty." A pause, then: "Two days from now at least. Now settle in for the ride." The doors closed and the lift headed for sickbay.