*Author's Note ~ I have not done one of these in a while, but I feel it is needed now.  First I must apologize for the long break there.  I was sick for a while and had to make up and bunch of stuff for school and then I was gone for the weekend, so there was not much time to type.  I have a lot written, several chapters ahead of this, but I just have to type them, which is a real chore.  Also, so far this story has been pretty much action.  But I labeled it drama, and here is where it starts getting dramatic.  And perhaps confusing.  I'm putting in a lot of ideas that I'm not so sure will work out, so bear with me.  If you get confused about anything at all, just ask.  I either try to explain or tell you that the explanation comes later and you'll have to be patient.  And as always, be hard on me.  Give me all the criticism you have.

Kirk walked through the doorway and listened for the whoosh as the pneumatic door slid closed.  He sat on the edge on his bed, thinking about sleeping but knowing it wouldn't happen.  Getting up, he went to his computer, leaning heavily on the desktop.

"Kirk to sickbay."

"McCoy here."

"Bones…"

"No.  Neither of them are awake.  Yes, he is fine.  She's in pain right now, but she'll live.  Yes, I will call you with any change."  The doctor sounded tired.  He had the right to be.  It was ships night and he'd just gotten out of surgery.  "Happy?"

"No."

"Get some sleep.  McCoy out."

That was a refreshing conversation.  Kirk sighed and slid into his chair.  He laid his throbbing head on the cool wood surface.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk."

He immediately came to life as the night shift communications officer's voice rang in his ear.

"Kirk here."

"Sir, Admiral Connell wishes to speak with you.  Shall I put it through down there?"

"No.  I'll be right up."  Kirk stood, tugged on the hem of his shirt and ran a hand through his hair.  Sighing once more, he left his quarters.

"On screen," Kirk waved his hand at Lt. Kohl, motioning for her to sit back in the center chair.  "I won't be here long."  He stood in front of the helm as the image on the view screen changed from passing stars to the kind, worn-out face of the Admiral.

"Where is she, Kirk?  I want to talk to her."

Kirk was startled by Connell's sudden aggressiveness.  "You can't, she's sleeping."

The Admiral sighed and he seemed to age ten years.  Kirk was intrigued.  "Why?"

Connell hesitated.  "Diplomatic business," he said finally, "You are to bring her here to earth as soon as possible."

"Earth?"

"Yes, she's needed."

Needed?"  Kirk did not like where this was going.  "Needed?  Why?"

"That's confidential."  Admiral Connell shifted uneasily behind his large desk.

"I can't," Kirk stated bluntly, going back to an earlier part of the conversation.

Connell was taken aback.  "And why not?" he demanded.

Kirk smiled sweetly.  "The Enterprise is scheduled for shore leave, and I promised my crew nothing before.  Besides, Lieutenant Montgomery is in no condition to be moved.  My Chief Medical Officer just finished operating and has informed me that he is unsure at this time as to whether or not she will recover."  Kirk decided that he needed to rest, whether he slept or not, he was beginning to sound like Spock.

"Recover?" the Admiral frantically asked.  "Recover from what?"

"Several ribs had been broken, as were facial bones.  She suffered from a concussion, internal injuries, severe internal bleeding, third degree burns and massive psychological trauma."

"Oh god, what have I done?"  Admiral Connell seemed to wilt as he slumped in his chair before the view screen returned to space.

"Transmission ended, sir," the communications officer stated.  Kirk turned to face her.

"Thank you, Ensign…"

"Lieker, sir."

"Ensign Lieker.  Yes.  Thank you."  The captain quickly left the bridge.