Keep those prompts coming! I love hearing from all of you. As always, drop a review!
/*\
"I don't like it."
Jim was standing in McCoy's office with his arms crossed over his chest. He was pacing the small carpeted room from one end to the other, brooding. His face was pinched in a way that told of stress and sleep deprivation. Kirk was fiercely protective of his crew and at the moment some higher up sitting behind a desk was poking the mama bear. This was his family and at this very moment his family was being sent into a less than ideal situation and he was none to pleased.
"Well I'm not exactly thrilled about it either Jim but I don't really see a way around it. These people need the treatment and the vaccine but more than that, they need someone to over see the whole operation. Now, since I'm the one who came up with it, it only make sense that I should be the one to stay. Who knows what kind of problems might crop up with a new vaccine. Not to mention the fact that they have...unique biology."
Jim stopped pacing and sighed, rubbed his throbbing temples. He knew that Bones was right, because of course he was.
To say that the inhabitants of the planet below had "unique" biology was a bit of an understatement.
The Etad were by all accounts a species of humanoid-android hybrids. Their appearance was overall bipedal humanoid with various body parts and systems comprised of cybernetics. It seemed to vary person to person as to what parts were made of what but each person was a seamless and beautiful blend of flesh and technology.
Their history taught that once the entire planet had been at war. After decades of fighting, the two sides came together and established The Fusion Protocols. The following generations had biocircuitry blended with their DNA thus producing a society with the elements of both logical and analytical machinery and the emotional connections of the people. The results spoke for themselves. Disease had been eradicated, as had conflict and many other problems that still plagued countless worlds in the Federation. Needless to say, Starfleet was keenly interested in the Etad. So when a distress call had come out for the small planet the Enterprise had been dispatched with the order to provide aid with whatever they needed. Of course the intent was to help, but any favor they could gain in the eyes of the people would definitely be a step in the right direction.
The Etad had successfully eliminated diseases from the population generations ago and thus research into the subject was all but halted. Now, however, they faced an infection of their bioneural circuitry and they were still at square one while vast numbers of the population continued to fall ill.
"I know Bones, I know. This is a weird one for sure but I still can't believe Starfleet is ordering me to send you down alone. That is beyond irresponsible and I have half a mind to tell the brass where to put it. Spock should go with you at the very least. This problem if half science-y anyway really. "
Bones rolled his eyes, "Science-y? Really Jim?"
"You know what I mean. They are half robot."
"Yea Jim, I noticed that. Like I said, I don't like it either but it is what it is and bitching about it won't change it. Besides, we have established that is isn't the mechanical components that's the problem. Its not one-hundred percent but the working theory is that the new off world contact introduced some pathogen that affects the bioneural portion of their physiology and they requested to limit face to face contact until we know more. And I don't need Spock. That green blooded elf would just annoy the fire out of me for the next two weeks anyway. I have the team from the research center on the planet to do all the heavy lifting, I'm basically just a babysitter."
Jim began pacing again, chewing on his nails.
"Fine. We will be gone for two weeks. Not a minute longer. You have the long range communications center if you need anything at all. We can be back here in 7 hours. We will be parked at Starbase 3 for maintenance but it's nothing we can't drop and run. You check in every 48 hours, you understand? That's an order." He pointed a finger at the doctors face for emphasis. Bones slapped it away, frowning.
"Get that disgusting spit covered finger away from me. And yes, I will Jim. Don't worry."
*9 days later*
Jim was working his way through an agonizingly tall stack of reports in his temporary office at Starbase 3 when Uhura burst through his door, out of breath.
"Captain, we received a transmission from the Etad. Dr. McCoy is ill."
Jim's blue eyes turned to ice. "Recall the crew. We are leaving. Now."
Guilt and worry churned his stomach as he followed her out the office toward the docking bay. He had known it was a mistake to leave the Doctor on that planet. He couldn't help but feel like he had abandoned his best friend. Now Bones was sick and alone on an alien planet and Jim was to blame. Why couldn't things go smoothly, just once. He strode through the airlock leading to the ship and headed for the bridge. *
*Hold on Bones. I'm coming.*
—
The Enterprise entered orbit of Etad.
"Hail them."
Uhura's fingers flew over the comm panel. "Coming up now sir."
Jim turned to face the viewscreen. The face of head of the research facility filled the screen. Her long golden hair was swept to the side and pinned with a jeweled clip showing off her swirling blue and gold cybernetic eyes . The skin of her face faded down to a shining, iridescent blue metal that seem to pulse with her heartbeat.
"Captain. I am pleased that you were able to return so swiftly. I'm am afraid we are at a loss as to what has befallen your Doctor. We are prepared to receive a small medical party to the following coordinates. " She nodded to someone off screen. " We have isolated Doctor McCoy from the majority of the population to ensure there is no further contamination to either party. I will meet you there momentarily." The screen went blank as the connection was terminated.
Uhura's comm pinged.
"I have them sir."
Jim practically jumped from his chair and headed for the turbo lift.
"Send them to the transporter room. Alert medical to have a team meet me there."
He didn't wait for a reply as the doors slid shut.
—-
Jim and the medical team materialized at the coordinates given. When the beam finally faded he looked around the room. The walls were a soft peach color that was likely meant to induce a feeling of calm. It made him want to vomit. Cold steel tables took up two of the walls and were covered with computers, sample dishes, supplies and other lab equipment he couldn't identify. The rest of the room was bare save for the cot set up in the corner. His stomach fell somewhere near his shoes as he took in the sight of his normally loud and animated best friend lying curled up on his side, motionless on the small bed, the rising of his chest to shallow and to fast. There was not a single trace of evidence to indicate the Etad had attempted to care for the ailing Doctor in any way.
The medical team descended on McCoy, hyposprays and tricorder readings flew between them. Jim forced himself to turn away from the flurry of activity as the facility leader entered the room. She eyed McCoy and the medics wearily from the doorway. Jim marched over to her, invading her personal space.
"What happened here. Why has he not received any medical care." He demanded.
She didn't flinch at the sharpness in his voice but stepped back putting more space between them.
"As I said, we do not know the reason for his condition. Shortly after we began the inoculations there were some concerning reactions. Some of my people became even sicker and Doctor McCoy spent many hours attempting to determine the cause and altering the formula until it was effective. We continue to believe that the pathogen plaguing our people does not affect flesh and he showed none of the symptoms others displayed. Our scans showed no reason for his deteriorating health and when queried on the matter he stated he was well. We had no reason to question him. "
Jim tried to quash the emotions that threatened to spill over. Of course McCoy had brushed off any concerns about his wellbeing. The day he admitted he wasn't well Jim would eat his shirt. As he was about to question her further Nurse Chapel came over to the pair.
"Captain, it seems Doctor McCoy is suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. The electrolyte imbalance is causing an irregular heart rhythm. He needs treatment immediately."
Jim absorbed the news on his friends condition. Worry made his stomach churn. He forced himself to think rationally.
"Is he contagious? Is there any danger to the rest of the crew if we bring him on board?"
Chapel shook her head, "You misunderstand Captain. He isn't sick. His scans are clear. It appears he has not eaten or drank in days. I can't give you a reason as to why just yet but that is most assuredly the cause of his current state."
Jim looked over her shoulder at the medics working over their commanding officer. He watched as one of them knelt next to McCoy and expertly placed an IV catheter in the crook of his arm and attached it to a waiting bag of fluid. He stood, pulling a pair of scissors from his pocket and cut the Doctors shirt away and began placing leads on his chest to monitor his heart. Soft and rapid beeping filled the room. Jim turned back to Chapel.
"Get him ready to go." She nodded once and joined the medics working on the Doctor.
He addressed the Etad standing before him, reminding himself that this had (probably) not been her fault and she was the only source of information he had at the moment. He took a steadying breath.
"Ma'am I understand your caution when dealing with off world visitors but I need to know why my officer was not cared for. We came here to help in a gesture of good faith and now a member of my crew shows every sign of neglect. Was he not given access to food and water? And why didn't he receive medical care when he got sick?"
She looked at him, confusion playing across her features.
"I apologize Captain but I do not understand. He was given all that he requested for his work. We did not-"
"I'm not talking about the research equipment. I'm talking about basic human needs. Nutrition. Water. Did you not see him eat or rest while he was here at all?"
Jim had seen his friend work himself into the ground on many occasions. Especially when it came to relieving the suffering of others but this was a whole new level. On more than one occasion Jim had had to drag the Doctor from his office, his feet tripping over themselves, words slurring together, back to his quarters and all but order him to rest. But it had never been this bad.
The woman gestured to one of the pieces of equipment he had been unable to identify.
"We provided a portable energy station for his use but I must confess I did not personally see him use it."
Jim looked at her. It was his turn to be confused. "An energy station? I don't know what that is or what exactly Bones would use it for."
"It is for the conversion of the mechanical energy to bio fuel. It is how we maintain our flesh. You must have something similar to fuel yourselves."
A sick feeling settled in his gut as he began to form an idea as to what had happened. It seemed to be a physiological misunderstanding. It was times like this he was reminded of just how alien the universe could be. He heard all he needed to.
"Yes. In a way. I appreciate you making us aware of Doctor McCoy's condition as quickly as you did but we need to get him back to the Enterprise as soon as possible."
She inclined her head and retreated back through the door. He forced himself to stay calm and joined the medical team at the doctors' side. Bones was mumbling and his eyes darted around beneath his eyelids but he was otherwise unresponsive . His face was ashen and he was still breathing way to fast. He had a mask over his nose and mouth delivering oxygen to his lungs and wires and tubes snaking over his bare chest. Jim swallowed hard. He turned to Nurse Chapel.
"Are we ready?"
"Yes Captain."
"Then lets get him home."
—–—-
Consciousness came back to McCoy with the gentle finesse of a Klingon war party. Shattered shards of memory tore through his brain to fast for him to latch onto any one in particular. Images of people screaming, flesh hanging off limbs revealing steel and wires underneath, fingers clawing at him, pulling him down, tearing at his skin, hands on his face trying to smother him.
*No. Stop! I'm sorry. Please stop! Let me go!*
McCoy tried to bring his hands to his face to push away the heaviness there only to feel strong hands wrap around his wrist pushing them back down. He started thrashing. He needed air dammit!
"Bones! Stop fighting me! Open your eyes. Your home. It's safe. It's ok. Just breath."
His thrashing slowed but he continued to pull against the hands encircling his wrists. The screaming changed pitch and morphed into the sound of an alarm. A biobed alarm. From a sickbay. McCoy cracked his eyes open and was met with a pair of concerned cerulean eyes staring back. They flicked up for a brief second to something above Leonard's head. The alarms still shrieked.
"That's right Bones. There you go. Try to calm down before Chapel gets back with that hypo or your ass is going nighty night. She's almost as bad as you with those things."
McCoy glanced around as he tried to slow his breathing and racing heart. He was back home and in his own sickbay. While he was glad to be back on the ship it was definitely not good that he appeared to be a patient at the moment. That and the fact that he felt like roadkill left to rot in the Georgia sun left him with some questions. His last memory was being on the planet. There had been some serious reactions to the vaccine but nothing he couldn't fix. He recalled working hours on end but everything started to blur after that. He looked back up at Jim.
He opened his mouth to speak but only managed a small croak followed by chest wracking coughs. His throat was like sand paper. A straw was at his lips and he sipped greedily. He tried again.
"What happened?"
Jim let out a breath and dropped into a chair next to the bed.
"You were dehydrated and malnourished. You were barely conscious when we got to you. Do you remember anything at all?"
Jim looked at him, waiting for an answer. He tried to focus, to remember but it was all a jumble and he was so very tired. His eyelids drooped shut of their own accord. He felt a warm rough hand clasp his own.
"It's ok Bones. Just rest. We can talk later." Then softer, "I'm glad your ok."
—-
McCoy drifted back to awareness much more peacefully this time. The soft sounds of sickbay soothed his senses. He looked over to see Jim still seated in the chair by his bed reading a padd.
"You know if your going to read trashy romance novels you should do it in your own quarters."
Jim's head snapped up and he was on his feet in a second.
"Bones! You scared the crap out of me you know. You have been out for two days now."
Two days?! That's was a bit not good. He wasn't sure how to respond.
"Sorry kid."
Jim frowned at him, "You nearly worked yourself to death you know that? Turns out the Etad don't actually eat and drink the way humans do. They have some kind of energy bio fuel transfer thing they do. Obviously that wasn't going to work for you so what do you do? You stay and continue to work anyway. You were so dehydrated that your heart wasn't beating right. You were a mess." McCoy could see the weariness in Jim's eyes. Worry and a hint of anger played across his face. "Why? Why didn't you call us back to bring supplies? You know we have dropped everything for you."
He felt a strap of guilt. His mind was much clearer and he thought back to the time spent on the planet.
"It wasn't on purpose Jim. I had some water and ration bars in my pack and when I figured out they didn't have food as such I figured I would just use what I had with me, organize the vaccine centers and call you right back when I was done. But then the problems cropped up with the formula and I guess I got caught up trying to fix it." He played with a string on the blanket covering him, avoiding Jim gaze. Jim just shook his head.
"Yea, that sounds about right for you. You did it though. Before they found you passed out on the floor, you finished it. The Etad are responding well and getting better." He paused and a dark look came across his face. "I'm sorry Bones. I knew better than to leave you alone. I should have never abandoned you. I...I'm sorry."
McCoy looked up at that. "Now you stop tight there Jim. You were following orders. Besides I'm fine. A little rest and a good meal and I'll be right as rain. None of this was your fault."
"If you say so. But at end of the day your safety is my responsibility. You have my word this wont happen again." He paused for a moment and changed the subject.
"You know what they said when we explained that humans need to eat and drink to stay alive? She said 'Oh so humans do need nourishment?' She was actually surprised. Since they never saw you use the machine thing that they use they thought we didn't eat at all." He grinned. "She actually seemed kind of grossed out when I explained it all to her."
Bones dropped his head into his hands and groaned.
"I hope you used proper medical terms in your impromptu biology lesson."
Jim faked a wounded expression, "Really Bones? Do you know me at all?"
"Yea Jim, I do. That's the problem." He flapped his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Now scram so an old Doctor can get some rest." He shifted to a more comfortable position in the bed. He really was exhausted. Jim stood and gave McCoy's arm a gentle squeeze.
"Glad your back Bones."
"Me too kid