AN: Usual disclaimer, the rights to Star Trek etc. belong to someone else. The entire story is complete on my PC, and I'll try to load up a new chapter every few days. Please read and review – constructive feedback will help me finalise the remaining chapters.

Chapter 6

In his office McCoy flittered back and forth between the various trays of medical equipment due to be transported down to Perpetous. Jerking his head out of the door, he wished for an influx of injuries to distract him from the ills surrounding Kirk and Uhura. Unfortunately, no agonising screams demanded his attention; no broken bones or accident-prone crew awaited him. Oh today they decide not to try and kill themselves... It was all quiet except work related chatter from his team. Back to checking the equipment, in 45 minutes he would depart along with the medical equipment. Counting swabs, before moving onto a tray of scalpels, he groused to himself about Jim's stupidity. Why hasn't he spoken to me? Why do I care? The questions kept coming, sure he wasn't your typical tree hugging kind of pal, but he could emote when needs be. That one time during classic film night proved just how sensitive he could be. Damn those Disney movies, the first 10 minutes of 'Up' would always get him.

Distracted, he dropped the tray of scalpels and to his chagrin immediately everyone looked round. Fucking great, Jim's got me wrecking the joint! Dropping to one knee, 'I've got this...nothing to see here' he announced to the room, all heads returning back to their previous activities. His calloused hands gripping the cold metallic instruments, turning them over he reassured himself they were undamaged.

'Well, it's kind of sudden. I need to think about it...'

Engrossed, Carol Marcus' approach passed him by. Face to face with the familiar shapely pins, a swift glance confirmed they were unobserved. So he let his fingers do the talking, lightly they traced a sensual route upwards. Tenderly circling ever higher, he quirked his head upwards just in time to catch her sharp intake of breath; the tip of her tongue protruding outwards as she tempered her breathing not to draw attention to the scandalous behaviour unfolding within their midst. With a provocative look he neared his target. Just then her hand swiftly swept downwards blocking his assent.

'Aww tease...', he drawled.

'Funny, you didn't think so last night', mischievously smiling wisely stepping out of reach. He saw the pinkish hue her face had taken, and gave a suggestive wink that in the hands of another would seem depraved, but utilising his southern charm was positively endearing.

They had been dating for nearly 7 months. Although not a secret, few people knew about their relationship. McCoy witnessing how gossip spread when Kirk and Uhura first got together wanted no part of it for he and Carol. Back at his full height, with a waggle of his finger he called for her to follow into his office.

'So, penny for your thoughts. You seemed miles away when I came in...' she waited patiently for a response as he restlessly paced back and forth. His long stride meant he crossed the office in little time. It was dizzying watching him, so she opted to focus on the fish tank instead.

'Say I started acting all weird...being cold towards you...pulling away...what would you think?' posing the hypothetical question. Neither Kirk nor Uhura would appreciate their personal business discussed so openly. Slowing his pace he waited expectantly for a response.

Returned his gaze '...well, I don't know', she shrugged her shoulders 'I guess...I would think you no longer wanted to be with me and weren't sure how to end it...why?' her interest heightened 'who are we talking about?'

'Nobody, just asking a question is all...', confirming what he suspected, the pacing began again. Brows knitted together his forefinger rhythmically drummed against his lips.

'Len...Len...', Carol snapping her fingers in front of his face.

'Huh...', he looked down towards her concerned face 'nothing to worry about' forcing a smile as he gently pulled her upright, locking in for a reaffirming yet stirring kiss. He needed to be sure Carol understood the depths of his feelings for her, even if he was still unable to articulate it. Slipping her hands into his hair, she let her nails rake across his scalp allowing herself to contort into the best position to be closer to him. Her teeth grazed his lower lip repeatedly, bewitched by the deep earthy tones he emitted.

'Wow', she breathlessly murmured breaking away from him, cheeks decidedly tingly.

'Just making sure you know which side your bread is buttered...' he softly uttered, arms drawing her closer into their embrace. Glancing at the clock, the minute hand moved ever closer to 14:00. There was little time to satisfy the primal urge his body demanded he fulfill. The look her gave her promised later...

To break the heady spell McCoy asked 'Why'd you come see me anyway? Is everything okay?' searching for some unseen ailment.

'Does a girlfriend need an excuse to come visit her boyfriend?' she coyly blushed as he released her.

Moving around his desk to collect the remaining items going with him, 'Boyfriend...hmm, I think I'm a little too old to be someone's boyfriend...' he peeked up at her, before dropping the last of the his kit in his medibag.

'Well, what are you then?', she challenged.

Suddenly the conversation veered off in a direction he was not willing to consider just yet. A knock at the door prevented him for responding. What indeed? venturing over to see who had saved him.

At the designated time in transporter room 4, Scotty concluded there might just be too many people congregated together. The collective babble of so many people becoming a whiny hum. He had swapped shifts to make sure everything went smoothly with so many senior crew members transporting planetside. And if he were honest with himself to observe his Kirk. From his elevated position his gaze swept across the room; Uhura in a conversation with Christine and Spock, McCoy crouched down examining something in his medibag. So far, so good, until he saw Kirk watching Uhura - like a man stalking his prey. His commitment deterred any other crew members approaching him.

'Ok, is everyone ready?' shouting to draw their attention to him. 'Right, you'll beam directly into the Prime Minister's personal residence. Let's try not start an intergalactic incident, aye?' His joke earning a few chuckles. 'First party onto the pad please-' adjusting the transporter parameters, he looked up just in time to see Uhura take her place on the platform.

'Hey! What's the delay. Some of us have sick people to save. I didn't spend 1000s of hours crafting these magnificent tools', McCoy held up his hands and reverentially displayed them for all to see.

Jolted back to the task at hand, Scotty hit the energise button all the while furiously glaring at Kirk. Ha! I can take him...

Materialising in the grounds of the Prime Minister's home, everyone squinted at the bright sunlight. It was very warm, and beyond the gates brown arid dirt was the only thing that could be seen for miles. Uhura was enthralled, they had landed on plush green grass surrounded by what seemed like pine trees. Bird call sounded around them, and butterflies casually fluttered by. Holding out a finger, a single white specimen landed on her finger before flapping away. Next she noticed the flowers, rows and rows of colourful bouquets, the perfume was intoxicating inhaling deeper as her senses were hit with the sweet smell.

Directly ahead stood a vast complex. It dwarfed the presidential building back on Earth. Imagining the 100s of people who operated within its walls, she was sidetracked by Kirk's rapid movement through the throng of people. He appeared to be making his way to her, and not for the first time in recent weeks, she wished she could read his mind.

'Captain! Captain!' came the insistent male voice.

Kirk let out an irritable growl, once again foiled from conversing with Uhura. Eyes screwed shut, the clear blues orbs were slowly revealed to the world, as he deliberately spun around on his heels to face the incoming group of Perpetuans. A vision of serenity masked his true feelings, as the other members of the Enterprise party fell silent and congregated behind their captain. The more senior members of the crew stood closest to Kirk, with Uhura just offset to his right hand side. McCoy and Spock stood directly behind her.

Four men and one woman approach them, two of which were guards looking at the amount of weapons that hung from their torso. As they drew closer Kirk held out his hand, to be gripped in turn by an impossibly long limb. Following it up to a face, Uhura saw it belonged to an olive skinned man, just shy of 8ft tall. His friendly eyes crinkled with excitement. Purple irises peered out from impossibly long lashes, the same as his companions. All but one, their hair a striking shade of silvery grey.

'I am Prime Minister Irin, welcome to my home'. He began to pump Kirk's hand, delighted to make his acquaintance. Kirk returned the exuberant handshake, it was hard not to genuinely moved in the alien's presence. Irin definitely had charisma, and was quite striking. The murmurs of approval from several members of the landing party also supporting Uhura's initial assessment.

Irin took back his hand, and listened attentively as Kirk introduced the various members of the Starfleet crew. With each name he gracefully acknowledged each person. Genuinely happy to make their acquaintance. Finally it was his turn to introduce his entourage. Placing his arm around the shoulder of the man nearest to him. 'This is Provost Kulj'ita, my deputy. He has been working with closely with your Yeoman Rand'.

If Irin was considered handsome, Kulj'ita was off the scale stunning. Had it not been for diplomacy training and the need for tact, Uhura would have openly gawked at his beauty. He too was tall, a genetic trait of the people she concluded.

Kulj'ita delicately nodded his head in the direction of Kirk as he cast his eye over the arrivals. 'I hope everything will be to your liking. Yeoman Rand was very exacting in her details'. Kulj'ita directed the statement to Kirk with a knowing smile.

'I'm sure it will be Provost Kulj'ita, thank you'.

Kirk stepped towards him to shake his hand as well. A little hesitant and perhaps not familiar with the human gesture, Kulj'ita's grip was limp but he still shook unsure what to make of the movement. In the back Uhura heard McCoy guffaw. Quickly glancing at him, sure enough with one hand over his mouth he waved her away. Something caught her attention, returning to her former stance she was face to face with Kulj'ita.

'Commander Uhura...' His voice softly caressed her name as gentle as the breeze. If he was unsure about shaking Kirk's hand, he was thrilled to take Uhura's. As he clasped her hand, she noted his palm was soft and his thumb was gently stroking her skin. The frisson of something surprising her as they remained bound by the physical connection. Looking up, a tell tale smile from him hinting of secrets between them.

Kirk aggressively cleared his throat intent on breaking the revelry. Kulj'ita unwillingly drew his attention away from Uhura and back to the captain. An unsaid hostility flowed from Kirk as he shifted to face the Provost head on. Returning the glare with a confrontational smirk, the warmth reserved for Uhura in very short supply for Kirk. During the heightened exchange, Uhura used the opportunity to calm ownership of her hand, clasping them both behind her back taking an imperceptible step towards Kirk.

Whilst the three way exchange was happening, Irin began to introduce the remaining members '- this is the head of my security Samson. She is a fearless warrior. I'm sure if there are any disagreements between our guest she'll have it sorted in no time...'. Her face serious, eyes fixed on the crowd. Fiery red hair flowed from the top of her head, shaven shorter on the sides in the style of a faux hawk, it was not surprising many had thought her to be a man, there was very little that was overtly female about Samson. At the back of the group, McCoy got the feeling she didn't smile much. When her eyes fell on him she held them longer than necessary scrutinising the doctor before moving onto the rest of the crew.

'Welcome to Perpetous', her pace was slow and deliberate. 'I recommend you stay within the perimeter walls unless accompanied by one of my teams...' Oh joy, McCoy mouthed to himself. 'To my left is my 2nd in command 'Freedan...', the sentence remained unfinished, all eyes focused on Freedan. As attractive as the others, there was something unlikeable about him. His arrogant gate, and semi permanent sneer at odds with the important role he held. He refused to acknowledge any of the Enterprise crew instead choosing to focus on a spot in the distance.

Finally, the last person spoke 'who is Commander Spock?'

Up until this point Spock remained quiet observing the scene unfolding in front of him. 'I am...' he raised his hand to draw the female's attention. Dressed differently to the rest, she had on a tight cream body suit, which accentuated her curves. Her hair was pulled back into a long french braid that hung down to her buttocks.

Confidently she advanced forward, the crew parting to let her reach Spock. 'I am your guide Shyloh. I look forward to working with you'. She held his gaze, a touch longer than necessary before joining her people once again. Familiar with Vulcan's being touch telepaths she resisted the urge to shake his hand as she had observed the others do.

'Well, now that we are all acquainted. Please follow Samson and Freedan. I am sure you'll want to explore...' Irin gesturing to the crew to follow their escorts. As they moved off, he walked in the opposite direction with Shyloh.

The senior team reported to the captain's suite for a debrief. Whilst the others were traveling back and forth between the ship, Kirk would stay planetside. Spock, McCoy and Uhura assembled in the formal meeting room, one of five rooms, the others where the bedroom, living room, a dressing room and bathroom. McCoy let out a low whistle, 'guess it pays to be the boss...' As he swept around the sprawling suite easily quadruple the size of the captain's quarters back on the ship.

Settling around a circular table, McCoy opposite Kirk, Uhura to the right of him and Spock in the remaining seat. McCoy watched his two friends, a hint of discord affecting the normally jovial dynamics. However, professionals when it mattered they tried their utmost to be courteous in the presence of others.

Kirk steepled his hands under his chin. 'First impressions then...' His eyes closed, using the tried and tested gambit to the general consensus about the situation.

McCoy went first '...Well Samson seems like the type of gal, I can't wait to take home to meet my mother...'

Spock's eyebrows shot up, 97% certain his crew mate had just made a joke. Uhura's chuckle and the Captain's wry smile confirming his supposition. One could never be 100% sure about anything. Invariably outside factors might affect the outcome.

'I have not observed enough to form a definitive opinion. But knowing you want me to provide some insight. I guess it unusual that we are being accompanied by armed guards. Our research did not allude to any issues that might threaten the safety of us or the delegates'.

Kirk nodded in agreement, 'Uhura?' Opening his eyes, waiting for a reaction.

Carefully mulling over the question, 'The Prime Minister seems genuine, wasn't overly keen on Samson or Freedan. Kulj'ita, I'm unsure about. I think that's a fair assessment of the situation'. Uhura detected a slight clenching of Kirk's jaw at the mention of Kulj'ita, a deep breath the moment passed.

A shrill sound swayed their attention, 'Captain Kirk your attention is required. I'll have my guards escort you to me. Samson out'. Just then two muscular Perpetuans appeared having let themselves in. Kirk held back a beat unsure what to make of the missive.

'Guess, I'd better go...' undauntedly strolling towards the guards.

Spock rose out of his seat, coolly stating 'I have some matters to attend to', and left Uhura and McCoy alone.

'Looks like its just you and me Len. What do you want to do?', Uhura made her way to the balcony looking over the lush green gardens. In the distance she could see a patrol circling the grounds. McCoy joined her, resting his hip against the rail carefully searching for the best way to express his concerns.

'Excuse my language, but Kulj'ita was using his hand shake as foreplay, and following through with some serious eye fucking'.

Not usually so blunt, given the troubles in Uhura and Kirk's relationship she needed to be careful. McCoy continued 'the way I see it, Jim doesn't like to share his toys and he and that Kulj'ta fella are never going to be friends...'

Uhura held up a hand to halt him speaking, taking deep breaths to steady herself before continuing. It was no use, simmering with rage she shouted, 'I'm not a fucking toy, and further more if Jim doesn't like other men paying me attention maybe he should stop being a dick and tell me what the hell is going on!' McCoy blanched at her outburst, just below the balcony the chatter of people died down to silence. Smacking her palm over her mouth, Uhura stormed back into the suite.

McCoy sauntered back into the room. He considered his next choice of words carefully, weary of being on the receiving end of the infamous Uhura temper. 'I'm just saying, don't be easily taken in by the attentions of another'.

Now it was her turn to blanch, 'do you really think I would give up on my relationship with Jim? Aghast at the very notion.

Until then it had never, not once, been a consideration - Should I? To McCoy it looked like she was experiencing an epiphany. Suddenly Uhura sprinted to the bathroom and vomited, heaving until nothing was left. Slumped over the toilet bowl, she rested her back against the wall pulling the back of her hand across her mouth.

'You ok? Got some water for you...'. McCoy listened through the door, he heard shuffling and the click of the latch being opened. Slowly turning the handle he let himself in. Uhura snatched the glass from his hand, downing it in one.

Handing him back the empty glass, 'Sorry, must have been something I ate'.

The time spent doubled over the toilet, the idea she had refused to consider now felt like the right thing to do. In a steady voice, 'Until Jim is ready to tell me what the problem is, I'll give him space to figure out what he wants to do'.

Squeezing past McCoy she strode towards the living room and zipped up her bag. A dumbfounded McCoy did not envisage his pep talking backfiring so spectacularly.

'Oh shit' he mouthed to himself.