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.

I promise the story does pick up the action stakes. But my muse refuses to take the most direct route! Unlike my last story, this one currently errs into 20+ chapters.

Chapter 8

To answer or not to answer? The alert stopped, yet another missed message. Convincing herself she deserved a night without tears, the world of dreams offered a welcome escape from relationship dramas. In an instant her worries were spirited away. Later on she would wonder had she listened to the messages would it have been any different.

Too early, and alone in his bed with an ache no painkiller could dull, Kirk clasped his forehead. Today the needs of the intervention usurped everything else. Restless and with nothing to do until later that day, he forced his body out of bed and dolefully headed for the balcony. Although sunrise was just peaking over the horizon, a slight chill hung in the air. His traitorous mind tormenting him she broke up with you. Evasive action was needed - a run would blast away the fuzzy feeling. A few minutes later Kirk was fully kitted up in his running gear.

With no route in mind he let his senses guide him around the eerily deserted garden. Still shrouded in mist, he vista was limited to a few metres ahead at any one point. The crunch of the gravel under feet accompanying him for what seemed like miles. On he pushed, even when the tightness in his chest and the burning in his muscles screamed at him to stop. Stubbornly forging onwards, just five more minutes, just five more minutes the mantra keeping him going. When exhaustion finally hit, he crumpled over arms shakily resting on his knees. Roughly wiping away the sweat stinging his eyes, he battled the urge to collapse and just give in to the overwhelming fatigue.

Out of nowhere a furious voice beared down on his position. Always trusting his instincts he scooted down behind a nearby bush. His field of vision obscured by the flamboyantly coloured flowers and leaves. Thankfully, he was neither arachnophobic nor suffered allergies. Now coated in sticky yellow pollen and face to face with a rather hostile spider, it scurried away seeking a smaller victim.

'This changes nothing...I'm not asking you, I'm telling you!', the male menacingly threatened. 'Good, I'm glad you see it my way...', before covertly continuing on his way.

Guardedly, Kirk peered from his hiding place resignedly letting the man disappear into the mist. His initial response to follow until he remembered the not so quiet gravel under feet. Patting himself down for his communicator, it was a futile effort; it was back in his room.

'So I heard them, or rather he speak...I'm telling you Bones, something wasn't right. Kirk animatedly repeating his experience over breakfast. Jumping up from his seat to fetch his PADD, there was disappointment at the sight of no messages from Uhura even though it was 0730.

'Well Jim, what ya going to do...hey big red...', Kirk quizzically raising an eyebrow.

'Ya know, Samson...' McCoy offered by way of an explanation, a smirk appearing on Kirk's face. 'Anyway...hey big red, I heard a conversation...nah, I didn't see who it was, and they didn't do anything suspicious...but my gut tells me, something is 'hinky'...', McCoy air quoting as he finished. 'She'll tap you on the head and send you on your way', stabbing the rare steak on his plate.

'Look, there have been threats made against delegates at the intervention. She'll take me seriously...'. Kirk made a face, 'you never did tell me why you're eating half a cow for breakfast', circling his spoon over the bloody meal.

Mouth full of masticated meat, 'you know what these official shindigs are like...talky talky talky, and very little eaty eaty eaty. I'm going in prepared.'

Satisfied he was full enough to make it through the official event, McCoy wiped his mouth with a napkin.

'You look like shit Jim. Have you spoken to her yet?' Sympathetically watching his friend.

'Change the subject Bones', speaking as the captain and not as McCoy's friend.

'Ok. But you need to do something about your face. It would not be befitting if the Captain of the Enterprise looked hungover...', he spent the night crying McCoy silently thought to himself.

At 1040 there was more than enough time before Uhura and the others had to make an appearance at the brunch. Security had been discreetly increased around the delegates, since they were still unsure whom the potential assassin might be. She settled at her desk listening to the threats against Citizen Monan. Eyes closed, the voices of two people hurriedly conversing washing over her. The lilt and diction of their speech indicated that two were possibly from a lower cast - one male and one female. They had worked hard to change their speech patterns, for confirmation she called over Getta who nodded in agreement.

'Do you want me to let the Captain know?' pity permeating his offer.

'No, that won't be necessary', biting back her annoyance. She certainly did not need his sympathy. 'I do need you check on Behan though' glaring at him. The officer was calling for attention, and excitedly bound over to the listening array across the lab, shoving two of her co-workers out the way.

'I have something!' She yelled excitedly, playing out loud the passage she had isolated. Extensively manipulating the same data file Uhura was listening to, Behan discovered a previously unheard discussion. The same male voice now agitated, he spoke fast, pop and hiss from static '...do it...brunch...'. Behan now stood to attention, heart rate a little elevated. She had one day hoped to impress her superior officer, and by the looks of it may have succeeded. 'That means something is due to happen-'.

'Let both set of security teams know!' Uhura shouted as she agilely moved her away around the consoles to the exit.

Her legs pumped fast as she urgently sprinted to the transporter room. Simultaneously hailing Kirk and Samson, out rushed out a garbled summary of her findings. Only cut off as she energised planetside at the co-ordinates given, her urgent tempo resumed towards the marquee. Yet, another beautiful day, she barely had time to notice her surroundings. The usual serenity shattered by a fierce argument between Samson and Kirk. Blocking the entrance to the marquee, the stood toe to toe wildly gesticulating at one another. Samson determined to handle the threat her way, with no help from Captain Kirk. He in turn thought it prudent to have his people help. The click clack of Uhura's heels drew a withering stare from Samson.

'You do not have jurisdiction here. Let me do my job and you worry about the intervention', she ordered. 'My men are more than capable of handling the situation.' Ending the conversation by striding off. Gliding past Uhura, she was joined by the same two guards who had escorted Kirk the previous day. As the last guard passed, Uhura caught him looking her up and down and just like that he was gone.

'Leave it Jim'. The warning laced with a little bit more than concern. Not many people addressed him in the manner Samson just had. She recognised the signs of him plotting. Buffeted by the security that Kirk summoned, she languidly moved out of the way as they surrounded him for their orders. Swiftly they were informed to have eyes on everything, the brunch would still go ahead so not to spook the would be assassin. Throughout his talk she spied him throwing glances her way. A frisson of nerves shot up and down her spine.

'Dismissed', he sent the crew on their way, carving a route through the throng of attendees making their way towards the venue.

Not ready to engage in the discussion she knew he wanted to have, Uhura pinpointed Spock in the crowd, however he turned his head to acknowledge a passing delegate just as she waved for his attention. Somewhat peeved as she stepped towards him, only to be tugged into the furthest recesses of the marquee.

'What the hell-', she spluttered, snatching her arm from the grip of one pissed off James T Kirk. Glancing around there were piles of undressed tables and chairs piled up high. Uhura wondered just how big the marquee was; there was no indication of its tardis like characteristics from the outside. Out of sight she heard the muted tones of excited chatter.

'Why haven't you answered my messages?' he barked whilst looking around to make sure they were not overheard. 'You've not given me a chance to explain myself'.

'This is not the time or the-' she hissed, barging past him.

'How is this going to work...us...' interrupting her in a more restrained tone. She halted, with her back towards him debating whether or not to just walk away. Her ponytail swayed with the indecision.

Uhura dejectedly exhaled, 'our private life shouldn't affect how we work professionally. It never has before', her voice achingly devoid of emotion. 'We'll talk later...' buying herself enough time to listen to the many many messages he had sent her.

'Fine...' he sat down arms resting on the top of his thighs. Watching her walk away, he muttered loudly enough for her to hear, 'Kulj'ita's a creep'.

The underlying tone of apprehension, amongst the myriad of other unspoken feelings was unmistakable. Kirk searched for reassurance; it angered her he needed to seek it. It wasn't Kulj'ita that she wanted. Trying hard to appear unaffected, she pivoted to face him but the tell tale sign of a small crease just above her nose refused to play ball.

Kirk knew his lover was battling her natural reaction to come back at him. That passion which always fascinated him, in danger of becoming his greatest enemy. He tried a different ploy. Sitting upright as he cleared his throat, 'What do you think about the threat?' A knowing grin tugged at her stern features, he knew her too well. Her anger simmered down.

Hands smoothing down tiny creases on her dress, 'There are no women who are part of either delegation. She's probably back on Ranyari, pulling the strings'.

'Well at least I know it's a male who's already here. Shame about the female...' A sliver of tension dissipating at the flippant comment.

'Woman trouble everywhere you go' she stated as a matter of fact. The description hitting closer to home than intended. 'I need to go' pointing out to the arriving delegates.

Dropping his voice to a low whisper, 'I'm sorry...for grabbing you earlier'.

His sincerity sure and true. Uhura could let herself be drawn to him, see herself willingly pulled onto his lap and buried in the certain embrace until she succumbed to the intangible hold he had over her. She ached for that choice; it would be so easy to surrender to him as his gaze transfixed her. Everything forgiven, everything forgotten.

Instead, and she had no idea how she found the strength, she turned away and left before anything more could be said. Until she knew what there was to forgive and forget, she was going to protect herself.

Dejected he carefully arose. Exhaling loudly to clear his head, he rejoined the party before anyone wondered where he was. A fully laden table of food and drink sumptuously awaited the guests, far more than any of them could consume. People wandered back and forth filling their plates while talking to one another. McCoy engrossed in a conversation with one of the Perpetuan doctors, Spock being Spock attempting to blend in and participate as best as he could, and Uhura was nowhere to be seen.

Prime Minister Irin proudly held court, bombastically regaling everyone with stories about his people's role as intermediaries in many intergalactic issues. He was exceptionally proud the planet was renowned for their discretion managing talks such as the intervention. A character, all those around him listened in awe to the colourful tales.

Kirk idly moved through the crowd. He spoke when spoken too, but made no effort to strike up conversation. Instead he focused his energies on scouting the room for any suspicious activity, which included checking up on Uhura. When Samson joined the event he defiantly held her gaze. Freedan followed closely behind engaged in a conversation with several of Irin's aides.

Spock stealthy appeared by Kirk's side, 'Captain, you seem preoccupied'. This passed as small talk for him; he still did not understand human compulsion to fill up silence with innate chatter.

'Just being observant. What about you, prepared to explore some caves?' Kirk's forced response.

'I am ready, my team is briefed. Once we have finished here, Shyloh will accompany us to the caves'. Kirk mumbled a reply as he followed the path of Uhura who was currently chatting to several of the Kitari contingent.

'Captain, I believe it wise to interact with the head of each tribe. They seem rather antagonistic to one another at the moment'. Spock observed Citizens Kenzii and Monan openly glaring at one another, the hostility barely in check out of respect for Prime Minister Irin.

Kirk looked back at his friend and then the Ranyari. Spock was right, it was bad form to ignore the guests of honour. 'I'd better run interference...', he treaded confidently through the crowd, greeting people as he walked by, suddenly he was the person everyone expected to see.

He approached Citizen Kenzii first only because Citizen Monan was engaged in conversation with Getta. 'Sir, I hope your representatives have found everything to your liking'. He knew everything was fine; Rand was a stickler for detail.

Shyloh snuck in late hooping nobody had noticed. However, the telling glance from Samson indicated she had failed. Nervously brushing down her hair, she grabbed champagne from a passing waiter, doing a double take sure she had seen him before. When no name was forthcoming, she gulped down the cool beverage and set her sights firmly on Commander Spock. Scanning the room she soon spotted him, towering over most the human guests and clearly not a Perpetuan or Ranyari, it was not difficult.

'Good day Commander Spock. I trust you are adequately rested for our exploration-' her gaze drifted after the waiter once more.

'Yes I am' he stoically responded noticing her interest in the passing Perpetuan.

'What?' she flustered before regaining her composure. 'Good, good' she said distractedly.

'Here is the route I wish to take'. He pulled out his tricorder and watched Shyloh handle the device. Very meticulous in his plans, the route cut out sights most others tried to see.

'You do not wish to see the usual tourist sites - emerald cavern, the harmonising rock pool?' These tended to be the most requested sights jam packed with valuable artefacts. As a guide she always included them in her itinerary.

'No', came his impassive but certain voice. He observed her frown, 'I do not believe there is a problem with my route. It is the most efficient route to travel based on available cartographic maps'.

'Yes, yes it is. But normally explorers also wish to explore. Also, seismic activity has rendered some of these passages impassable of late.' She questioned how useful she would be, since he was not venturing near the usual tourist hotspots. 'I'm sure if I listed the other lesser known wonders you and your team would be very interested...'

'We are not here for recreation. Should my crewmates wish to explore when they are off duty they are more than able too'. He irritably wondered why Shyloh seemed intent on diverting the attentions of his team with unnecessary sights. Their objective was clear, looking at the emerald pool, no matter how beautiful it might be, was not going to give Starfleet the information they needed. 'I will pass on your offer to my crewmates and instruct them to contact you if they wish...'.

Having pleasantly conversed for 20 minutes, Kirk was about to move on to Citizen Monan when he unwittingly caught a flash of something that didn't belong. Rapidly assessing those nearest to him, he could not fathom the source of his unease as he pushed through the delegates. Next to Citizen Monan a waiter poured champagne into flutes and delicately passed the glasses out. Just to the side of the waiter, a shorter Ranyari stood. Dressed in the colours of Monan's people, he furtively cast glances towards the important delegate. He was also the only one without a drink or a plate of food. As he moved closer to Monan, his ceremonial wrap buckled to reveal a discreetly hidden weapon.

'Hey!' Kirk shouted out jovially to disguise his approach. His loudness drew the attention of not only Monan and other man, but also an appalled Kulj'ita. The human's casual calling smacking of disrespect. Ignoring the Provost's disapproval, Kirk subtly pointed out the man for Starfleet and Perpetuan security to see. Until there was concrete proof, security would hold back, trusting that Samson had indeed adapted Starfleet training for her team. She stiffly nodded her agreement for the guards to do as Kirk said.

Never once taking his eyes of the suspect, Kirk casually looked around for the nearest senior Starfleet officer. Summoning Spock to his side, shoulders just touching but facing away from one another Kirk whispered, 'whatever happens do not let any guests leave...' A faux laugh burst forth from Kirk's mouth, now McCoy and Uhura were intrigued for Spock was no joke teller. Something was wrong.

'Who is that short man beside Monan? Check discreetly, I don't want to spook him...'

Spock pretended to search for Shyloh, casting his gaze over the person who had captured Kirk's interest. With his superior memory the name was easily recalled. 'Citizen Hybro'. Kirk extremely grateful that someone had paid attention when the Ranyari introduced themselves.

Citizen Hybro skittishly looked around. Kirk's not so subtle attentions causing him to wilt under the probing scrutiny. Strategically placed near the exit he realised retreat might be the best form of defence, so ducked out of the tent. Speedily putting decent distance between himself and the structure. He heaved a sigh of relief, shakily palming away his weapon into the nearest flowerbed.

'They're lovely aren't they...' Kirk maneuvered himself next to the clearly startled man. 'I don't believe we've-'

Not waiting to find out the next word, he slammed his fist into Kirk's stomach, and shoved the winded captain to the floor. Rolling on the ground, through his watery vision Kirk witnessed his would be assassin dart off, closely followed by a blur of extremely long legs and red hair. Samson it seemed grew tired of waiting for proof. Groaning he teetered back onto his feet, before giving chase.

Speeding through the gardens, Hybro attempted to shake off Samson by aiming for the thick growth of densely packed trees and overgrown bamboo like shrubs. The wind whipped past, his outer garment flapping open as he sped forward. Within fingertip of grasping him, Samson stumbled and he regained the lead. Growling in frustration she picked up the pace once again, having allowed him a slender advantage he had disappeared deeper into the greenery. Kirk's calling drowned out by the rustling as she moved in search of Hybro. Kirk steamed in, bulldozing the lithe structures in his way. He strained to hear any other movement, his tricorder showed two dots dancing around the screen. Mentally calculating the most appropriate route he swung around and to the left.

Hybro underestimated just how determined Samson was to accost her prey. Now within sight, she pulled out her phaser and fired. Instantly he went down, clutching his knee he screamed out in agony.

Standing over him, Samson positioned herself for what looked like a kill shot. Phaser pointed squarely at his temple. Heavily panting, her features twisted as she readied her aim.

'Samson, no!'. Hybro's inhuman sounds inadvertently guiding Kirk in.

A little over 5 metres away, he faltered as the reeds framed her silhouette. 'Stop!', more authoritatively. She neither flinched nor dropped her guard at his missive. Leaving him no choice a single shot fired out, eliciting a surprised yelp. Her weapon lay on the ground next to a now quieter Hybro.

Flexing her fingers, she frantically looked around for Kirk. 'Are you crazy! I was going to render him unconscious. I am not a murderer...' she prowled towards him.

'Captain!' McCoy materialising out of nowhere albeit slightly out of breath. He was closely followed by Samson's men. Several flew by to attend the would be assassin. Cuffing and dragging him upright.

'None of you understand the Kitari, they take take take. My people are suffering...' he whined.

Samson stiffly turned away and followed Hybro and her men. Orders were to take him back to the interrogation suite in Irin's palace.

'Thanks, I thought I was going to have to hit a woman', Kirk joked before grimacing. Nothing was broken, but he was still sore gently rubbing his stomach. Summoning four of his security team to meet Samson back at Irin's residence. She had made it crystal clear all matters of the intervention were his domain. Questioning would be assassin who threatened the integrity of the discussion he reasoned fell within that domain.

'Why did you come after me?' They stomped back through the undergrowth, Kirk in the lead and McCoy closely following.

'As our Vulcan friend would say, it was the logical thing to do. Assassins, weapons and you don't tend to mix well'.

Fifteen minutes later they found themselves back in the main garden. During the journey back to the marquee, Kirk questioned what the reaction was to his undignified yelling and impromptu departure. McCoy explained Spock had informed Citizens Monan and Kenzii as well as Prime Minister Irin and Provost Kulj'ita of the situation discreetly. Kenzii vehemently protesting he knew anything about the plot. For all intents and purposes the other guest just assumed that's how humans acted. They had not noticed anything untoward.

'Shit, I look a mess...' Trying to make himself presentable, there was no time to change his clothes. 'Well, this will certainly make negotiations more interesting...' Kirk muttered.

'Uh huh' agreed McCoy, as they casually ambled back into the brunch. The chatting as vocal and boisterous as before, Irin being a practical host tempered down the potential explosive situation. A hug of thanks from Monan, a supportive nod from Spock and a concerned once over from Uhura. All while McCoy covertly scanned him for other injuries.