Stranded

Chapter 21

"She was a ray of sunshine, a warm summer rain,

a bright fire on a cold winter's day..."

Grace Willows

The morning passed hideously slow. Nyota tried to keep herself busy. Knowing that Len was couch bound as well as anxious waiting for Geoff, Christine, and Jim, she made sure she checked on him often.

She went about her chores quickly, cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen and bathroom, stripping the bed, and washing all the bed linens and towels. She also knew Len would have to shower, shave, and change before meeting the girls this afternoon. Jim would be waiting in the wings, but their initial meeting would be with Leonard. She hoped his gentle, genteel manner would put the three girls at ease, before they encountered the dynamic, charismatic force of Jim's personality.

She gave the listless Leonard his mid-morning snack, watching him anxiously as he ate. Afterwards she give him his 10:00 am meds, plus the Apothecary's potion. He was too quiet, she thought worriedly, as she continued her chores. The third dose of antiviral had been scheduled for 9 am, but Geoff told them to skip it. When he beamed down, he would take a blood sample from Len, identify the new virus strain, and have Mr. Spock's labs compound the proper antiviral. The other meds and the Apothecary potions, were palliative and would make Len feel more comfortable until the proper anti viral was in him.

Nyota finished her cleaning tasks, glanced at the dozing Len, and then at the wall chronometer. Doranna would be here soon with their lunch. She doubted she would need to say much to her about not staying to eat with them, all she had to do is look at Len.

She was happy it would be Jim to talk to the girls, because truthfully, she doubted Leonard would be up to it. Today was his third day with the virus and he was worse. It had obviously sapped all his physical resources, he'd lost weight, he had no energy, and he was now apathetic in his responses to her.

She looked at the chronometer again. It was almost time for Doranna to arrive. She put away all the cleaning products, and went to freshen up.

"Len," she touched his shoulder gently. "Doranna will be here in a few minutes. Would you like to sit up to eat your lunch?"

"Yeah, maybe eatin' will give me a bit of energy. I'm not feeling so good this morning, darlin'." He gave her a wan smile, "no energy."

"I can see that. I think some of Doranna's delicious food might help with that." She helped him sit up, feeling the knobs of his spine. He really had lost weight, she thought worriedly.

Nyota hurried to answer the knock at the door. "Come in, Doranna, Let me help you, but let's go in the kitchen."

With a sharp glance and a small wave to Leonard, Doranna followed Nyota to the kitchen. "Doranna, I'm afraid the doctor is not feeling at all well today. He's very weak. I'm sorry but I think it would be best if you didn't stay for lunch today. He's really not up for conversation."

"I saw his demeanour when I came in, Nyota, and I agree with you. I will leave the food here with you. Is there anything I can do to help you today?"

"Thank you, Doranna. You are very kind, but later this afternoon our friend Kirk will arrive to help me. He called last night and decided to come earlier then we had planned because he said I sounded very tired and worried about the doctor. He also said that he is bringing the new medication that the doctor's old friend, who is also a doctor, made for him. He assured me it will do much to help him recover since it's new type of medicine made specifically for this type of illness. I must confess I will be relieved to have him here, and especially the new medicine. The Apothecary's medicine and the anti-viral have not done the doctor much good, he has not improved at all. Kirk coming with the new medication will be very welcomed."

"I am very pleased to hear this," Doranna said. "That is excellent news! Please keep all of us informed about the improvement of Dr. Mkkoy's health with this new medication. It is to be hoped that it works quickly. And if Alarik and I can do anything more, you have only to ask."

In a surge of emotion, Nyota threw her arms around Doranna and gave her a tight hug. "You have been wonderful, Doranna. Your kindness and friendship mean so much to the doctor and to me.I can never thank you enough for all you and Alarick have done."

"Nonsense, Nyota," Doranna told her, returning the hug. "After what the doctor did for Alarick, for Killeen, for many others, I have done very little. Now then, it is time for me to go, so I will leave you now. I know Killeen is bringing your dinner this evening." She smiled at Nyota. "I will call Killeen and inform him your friend will be here...to make a little more food so your friend can eat also."

"Thank you." She returned Doranna's smile. "I'm sure Kirk will appreciate Killeen's excellent dinner." Nyota walked with her to the door, saw that Len had his eyes closed to discourage any conversation, and locked the front door.

She went back to the kitchen, plated the meals and carried the tray to the living room. "Len," she said, raising her voice a bit, placing his plate and beverage on the small table, "it's time for your lunch."

"Doranna gone?" He mumbled.

"Yes, she just left. I told her Jim was coming today with new medication and to help us. She was happy to hear that," Nyota said, helping him sit up to eat.

Leonard took in her subdued demeanor. He sighed. "It's hard to keep up this charade for the sake of The Prime Directive, isn't it?"

"I hate lying to our friends, Len, they have been so kind to us."

"I know, darlin'. But this will soon be over." And it couldn't happen too soon, Leonard thought. He could feel himself getting sicker and weaker, in spite of all he, Geoff, and Nyota were doing to mitigate his symptoms. He sorely needed Geoff and Christine with their expertise and their access to the best medical tech in the quadrant. Spock saw to it that the medical data base from SFM's enormous computer library was always uploaded and up to date. All new medical research and medications were added. Whatever flu variant this was, Geoff would soon have it analyzed, have targeted anti virals compounded and in his blood stream before Alpha shift was over.

Nyota went to her bedroom to get her comm and sat down to eat her meal with Leonard. Neither of them felt much like talking, both anxiously waiting for 2:00 pm, the ship's estimated time of arrival. Nyota kept glancing at the comm unit, until she made herself stop. Time wouldn't go any faster by willing it. When they finished she took the dirty plates and stuck them in the dishwasher to clean and sanitize them.

Leonard had already fallen into a light doze when she came back to the living room. He was sleeping more and more which she had noted in her notes for Geoff. The virus was taking its toll on his body slowly but inexorably. Jim would be upset, but he'd hide it, put on his positive Captain face, support and cheer up his best friend, and quickly turn him over to Geoffrey and Christine. He'd then focus his attention on the three slave girls, using his diplomatic and tactical skills to convince them they could get away from the Orions, leave their lives of slavery and degradation and return home.

Her self control broke and she glanced at the chronometer again. Forty five minutes...she felt almost giddy knowing that soon the ship would be here.

"Len," she touched his shoulder. "Jim, Geoff, and Christine will be here in a short while. Do you want to freshen up before they beam down?"

Leonard opened bleary eyes. "I feel too tired to get up, darlin'. Do you think you could bring me a warm wash cloth, my sonic shaver, my comb, and a fresh pajama top. I can do a quick cleanup here."

"Is your fever up already, Len?" Nyota asked alarmed.

"Don't think so, I just don't have any energy. Thought Doranna's good meal might help, but it really hasn't." He sighed. "Mighty glad Geoff is coming, I need his help real bad. I feel myself getting worse, weaker every day."

Nyota bit her lip. "You'll be better soon, Len. Geoff will be here before you know it and fix you right up. Now don't fret about a thing, I'll help you freshen up, get you looking your usual handsome self, or you're going to scare Jim," she teased gently. "Just lie back and relax, I'll bring in everything to you."

From Len's bedroom she grabbed a fresh pajama top, his comb, his sonic razor and a wash cloth. In the kitchen she filled a bowl with warm water, put everything on a tray and carried it in to Len. She helped him sit up and put the razor in his hand. He made quick work of his scruff, then ran the warm wet washcloth over his face and hair. Nyota helped him with his clean pajama top and handed him the comb.

"Don't think I can lift my arms to comb my hair, Ny," he admitted.

Nyota saw that his face was already pale and drawn with exhaustion. Just that small amount of activity had worn him out. "Here, let me do it, Len." With just a few flicks of the comb through his thick dark hair it looked as good as it usually did on the ship.

Nyota's comm beeped. Jim, she thought with excitement, getting up from the sofa. "Uhura here."

"Nyota, we're here." On the comm screen Jim's face was lit with excitement. "We'll be ready to beam down in a few minutes. Geoff and Christine are putting together an expanded medical kit for Bones and they'll meet me in the transporter room in ten minutes. Scotty will beam us down himself. Is the house secure?"

"Yes, it's closed and locked up tight, Jim." She moved away from Leonard who seemed to be dozing again. "Jim," she whispered urgently. "Len seems to be worse today. He's been sleeping most of the day, and he's very weak and lethargic. he's still hoarse, although his cough has diminished today, but at this point I don't know if that's good or bad."

"Geoff will figure it out, Nyota. I know this has been very hard on you, but we're here now. We'll see you in a few minutes. Keep your comm on for our coordinates."

"Len," Nyota shook him gently.

Leonard opened his blue eyes and looked up at her sleepily."What's wrong, Ny? Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. Len, the ship's here! Jim, Geoff and Christine are here! They're beaming down in a few minutes."

Leonard sat up with a jerk. "They're here? Thank the good Lord!"

Nyota beamed. "I know! You'll be well in no time at all."

Leonard stretched out a shaky hand. Come here, darlin'." Nyota grasped his hand. "Are you feeling worse?" She asked, eying him worriedly.

Leonard shook his head, grasping her hand tightly. "I just wanna' say thank you, Ny, thank you for all you've done for me. Taken such good care of me, doing hard things, like the IV. I'll never forget how good you've been to me." He patted her small capable hand. "You, Nyota Uhura are an exemplary officer, an accomplished woman, and most of all a wonderful person and friend."

"Len!" Nyota protested, blinking back sudden tears. She smiled tremulously. "I could say the exact same thing about you, Leonard McCoy."

"Hurrump," was Leonard's eloquent rejoinder. "Go on, now, go wash those hands before Jim and the others get here. Don't want you gettin' sick on me, at the end here, after all this time you've been taken care of me."

"Yes, Sir, will do, Sir." Nyota gave him a saucy salute and went to wash her hands.

The comm by Len pinged. "McCoy here."

"Hey, Bones." Jim beamed at him. "We're beaming down in five minutes. I'm here in the transporter room waiting for Geoffrey and Christine. Geoff is giving last minute orders to the staff. He's a little nervous about leaving the ship without a doctor or head nurse, but I told him if he's needed Scotty would beam him right up."

"Damn straight, but I understand, Jim, Geoff is real conscientious."

"Like you are, Bones. You have a great staff."

Leonard nodded. "I do." On the comm screen, over Jim's shoulder, he saw Geoffrey and Christine enter the transporter room.

"We're ready, Captain."

"See you in a minute, Bones." Jim closed his comm.

"Ny," Leonard called out hoarsely. "They're beaming in."

Nyota came hurrying in just as the familiar jingle of the transporter announced the beam in and Jim, Geoffrey, and Christine materialized, right on time. Jim, since he was staying, was already dressed in his Sarenan attire.

Jim looked around the small living room, handed Nyota a small duffle, "Sarenan clothing for later," he mumurmed to her, and went straight to Len. He sat on the edge of the sofa and picked up Leonard's lax thin hand. "Hey, Bones." He smiled his sunniest smile, hiding his alarm and dismay at how thin and ill Bones looked. "We're here at last, and Geoff and Christine are going to fix you right up."

Jim looked sternly at Leonard. "So, Dr. McCoy, what do you mean getting sick like this? You never get sick! And while you're off ship too. I think this will be the last time I let you off the ship without me, Bones. I was worried sick about you."

Leonard squeezed the strong, calloused hand and looked with unadulterated pleasure and affection into Jim's worried hazel eyes.

"Sorry I worried you, Jimmy, but Geoff will fix me right off. You can stop frettin' 'bout me now. Cain't tell you how damn happy I am to see you." He looked at Geoff and Christine. "Damn happy to see all three of you."

"Leonard, let me take a look at you." Geoffrey said. Jim squeezed Bones' hand one more time and vacated his seat to Geoffrey.

"Chris." Geoffrey held out his hand, and Christine handed him the medical scanner and a blood draw syringe.

"Hey, boss," Christine smiled down at her favorite doctor, she too putting on her professional mask and hiding her worry about how ill Leonard looked. "As soon as we find out what kind of bug this is, we're going to get you well."

Geoffrey handed her the syringe now filled with blood, Jim spoke softly into his comm to Scotty, and Christine disappeared. Spock and his brilliant Science staff were waiting impatiently for the blood sample to arrive. It would go straight to one of the labs for a complete breakdown of the virus down to its last molecule. Once identification was complete, the proper antiviral would be replicated for Leonard's specific flu variant.

Christine would come back as soon as the vaccine was ready. Meanwhile Geoffrey and Jim, Leonard between them, got Leonard back into his bed. He was so weak they had to hold him up and Jim could feel the heat of his skin through the pajama top.

"I'm going to give you a high calorie nutritional booster, Len, and a stronger antipyretic. I want you to rest. The Captain and I are here and we'll take care of everything. Right, Sir?"

"That's right," Jim said, tucking the quilt snuggly around Bones. "You don't have anything to worry about now, Bones. Everything will be taken care of. I'll speak with the three girls, Christine will be back soon with the antiviral for you, Nyota will be vaccinated and so will the rest of us. Rest now."

"I will, Jim," Leonard said trying to keep his eyes open. "I've been mighty worried about Nyota, but now that you're here, I can stop worryin'."

"Damn straight!" Jim patted the thin shoulder. Leonard was already fast asleep. He looked at worried question Geoffrey.

"It's all right, Captain. I gave him a mild sedative, he'll sleep for a couple of hours. Rest is the best thing for him until we get the antiviral in him. I hope by the time he wakes up Mr. Spock will have it ready."

They went back to the living room. Nyota looked at the time and Jim nodded.

"Change of plans, Nyota. Bones can't possibly do this, hes too sock. Geoffrey will see the girls instead. He can explain the process of removing the slave collars and tell them about the quarantine and antivirals they'll need. The rest will be up to me."

Geoffrey nodded. Nyota showed them into Len's office just as the door bell rang.

She hurried to the front door. "Please come in," she told the three girls. "The doctor is waiting for you in his office."

Dallash nodded looking relieved and gently ushered her two young sisters inside. Nyota led them straight into to Len's office.

Dallash looked around and her eyes widened as she saw Geoffrey. He stood up from Len's desk. "Hello, I'm Dr. M'Benga," he said, looking keenly at the three girls. Two of them did look quite ill. "Miss Uhura told me you've been very sick. I'm here to help you feel better."

Jim stepped off the wall where he was leaning casually. "And I'm Captain James T. Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise. I'm here to offer you a way to escape from the Orion pirates and get you back to your home and family."