Morning, folks. Sorry about the delay, had no time to post this stuff. Thank you to those of you who posted, its really REALLY great to see your work appreciated. And no, I haven't beamed off the planet, much as I've wanted too. Peace and long, buddies.

"Jim, can I talk to you?"

The captain looked up from his desk in his ready room. "Certainly, Bones. What's on your mind?"

McCoy looked around the room, reluctance now written on every feature. "Uh, Jim?"

"Yes?" the other prompted patiently.

"Is there a …um… chance that the Enterprise will be fighting that Warbird out there?"

Kirk's face betrayed the amusement and bafflement that felt. "Yes, doctor, there is a very good chance of us doing so. You've known that since it arrived. Why do you ask now?"

McCoy was staring at the floor. "Well, know, Jim, I …don't think you should do that, Jim."

"You know what my orders say, Bones. They specifically stated …"

"…to protect the planet at all costs from the Romulans. I know that, Jim. Just, can try not to kill anybody? No fighting? Just talk to them?"

Jim leaned forward, looking up at McCoy. "You know that we always do try to talk to them. You also know what talking usually accomplishes." He paused, then, "Why the sudden 'let's be friends' speech, Bones?" Kirk sounded perplexed.

McCoy scowled. "Call it a hunch on good authority." With that, he stalked out of the ready room.

"Bones, I want you and your little black bag in the transporter room in half and hour," Jim's voice said over the intercomm.

"Why?"

"Because you're coming down with us to the planet's surface to meet with the locals."

McCoy looked at the intercomm, wishing that looks could kill…. or at least maim. "Aye, Captain," he said frostily and cu the connection. He turned to where Spock lay awake. The Vulcan met his gaze, face impassive, but his eyes betrayed him for an instant. Those eyes spoken volumes. Of hurt and rejection.

"Watch out for the Captain, doctor," the other said, betraying nothing in his tone.

"Yeah, thanks, I will," McCoy muttered, gathering up his equipment. "Look, Spock,…" he began, Spock stopped him with a raised hand and a shake of his head.

"Not this time."

Mccoy nodded and headed out.