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 10

Over three hours had passed since entering the cave. The gradual change in incline unnoticeable to all except Spock, his finely honed senses told him they were now a few miles below their starting point. As predicted the further into the cave they went, the sharper the decline in temperature. The humidity was sorely missed. The dark and winding tunnel was just over 3 metres in width, the walls dripped with water giving the surface a smooth sheen. One guard led, lighting the way, followed by Spock, Shyloh almost side by side, then the two Enterprise crewmates, followed by the remaining guard. Spock very specific about the areas he wished to explore, held his tricorder in hand, appraising the route they now followed. The crew intermittently scanning the surrounding area, murmuring amongst themselves. After Shyloh pointed out some of the routes where unpassable, she corrected Spock's plan so their current path deviated somewhat from his ideal. Much to his chagrin, the new route added several miles to their journey.

'Shyloh, I need to explore this location'. Pointing to his tricorder, a depiction of a huge cavernous void. Initial scans showed the rock material was composed of a several metallic elements combined in such a unique way it could dampen down the effectiveness of scanners by 50%. A natural cloaking device.

Shyloh ducked to avoid low lying stalactites, grabbing the tool for review. 'Yes, I know. We're heading in that direction now...' Out of breath, due to the combined effort of walking, talking and climbing over fallen rocks. She could just about make out the backpack of the guard in front, his lead unassailable. 'I know you said you weren't interested in exploring some of the tourist sites, but we're coming up on the emerald pool. This will be a good place to rest for a little while. There will be few if any tourists here over the next few days...'

'That is agreeable', he responded barely winded by the exertion.

The exploration was originally only schedule for three days however, the diversion and slower than anticipated progress meant possibly an additional day underground. After walking in near silence observing his guide, he noted she seemed a little skittish. Having let her bypass him, her furtive glances beyond the guard had not gone unnoticed. Spock knew small talk could often be used as a tool to encourage people to become at ease. Not actively engaging in small talk on a daily basis, he fretted about how to start the conversation. Shyloh was a guide, worked for the First Prime and enjoyed cave exploration. He deduced he had at least three opportunities to find out what the issue could be. So he began, slowly learning about his companion.

With the sun low over the horizon, the dusky violet and orange sky signified the end of the first day of intervention. Each tribe had succinctly and passionately spoken. A few times, arguments had broken out, but Uhura considered the first day a success. Prime Minister Irin's impromptu appearance around 1900, led to an informal drinks reception back at his residence. Although a few people made excuses and declined, it would be improper for the Starfleet crew to do the same. Soothing music played sympathetically in the background, as conversation flowed freely. Uhura chatted with a few high ranking officials from both Kenzii's and Monan's tribe. From her vantage point she could see Kirk conversing with Prime Minister Irin, it was clear they had forged an amicable friendship and were quite relaxed in one another's company. Getta mingling freely, confidently taking his time speaking to all delegates. After doing the polite thing and being seen to have a drink she bid everyone goodnight, aiming for the bathroom before returning to the ship.

Washing her hands, the scene outside a large window in the ladies room captured her attention. Below, Freedan angrily berating several of the guards. His body language suggested something was severely wrong. Seemingly unprovoked, he shoved one of the men to the ground, and began repeatedly kicking and punching the defenceless man. The rest of the guards stood there doing nothing. Gasping in horror, she stormed down the stairs, straight into a confrontation with Freedan.

Kirk held a glass of chilled water, the ice cubes bobbing as he animatedly described how he got the faint scar above his lip. An aide appearing next to Irin, slipped a note into his hand.

'I'm sorry Captain. Duty calls...' promising they would catch up the following day, before striding off. Finally investigating the contents of the note, he cast concerned looks towards his subordinate. Left alone, Kirk saw no reason to remain, dumping his glass on a passing tray he made to leave, as heavy hand pulled at his shoulder. Partially twisting around he peered up into the face of Kulj'ita.

'Captain, we've not really spoken. One would think you were avoiding me...' dropping his grip to free Kirk.

Completely facing Kulj'ita now, Kirk observed they were alone in their portion of the room. Stepping back, it was easier to converse with the very tall Perpetuan.

'Not at all Provost', Kirk diplomacy working overtime. 'How do you think today went?' Kirk's ease with Irin replaced with close guardedness. He did not know why, but something about Kulj'ita did not ring true. McCoy might say jealousy was clouding his judgement, a little of that might be true but still...

'You managed very well. I was impressed. I must confess, I expected you to be different...'

Kirk sensing Kulj'ita trying to bait him, forced a smile and calmly responded. 'Oh, really how?' Hands now clasped behind his back, there they could do no harm.

'Nothing bad Captain, just not as quick to foresee the little stumbling blocks that could set off arguments'. Chuckling, as if they had shared a joke 'there were times where things could have leapt out of your control, yet you kept a level head and won people round'.

Unsure how to respond to the backhanded compliment, Kirk opted not to respond at all. Kulj'ita carried on speaking 'Your support team are exceptionally capable. Getta, very articulate and educated. His father is McMillan Getta-Cooper, a high ranking politician. I confess not to knowing who the important people are on Earth, but he assured me, the Getta-Cooper family is well known'.

With a rueful shake of his head, Kirk stiffly commented 'I would not know, but if he says they are I would believe him'. He made a mental note to search out Getta's family tree.

'Commander Uhura' caressing her name, waiting for Kirk to react. He saw the tightening of Kirk's jaw and change stance. 'She is a very beautiful woman', fixing his stare at Kirk, 'I understand on Earth monogamy is the norm. Here on Perpetous it is not uncommon for partners to seek attention elsewhere...'

'So I have been told', not trusting himself to continue, Kirk knew it best to excuse himself, purposefully looking around the room, 'I have to go now. It has been a long day and I should rest before we resume tomorrow', each word emphasised ever so slowly. Without waiting for a response, he walked away.

Kulj'ita called after him, continuing to goad him 'I hope you take good care of her. Treated wrongly, I imagine she would seek companionship elsewhere...' Kirk's stride faltered, every fibre in his being screaming to react. It took every ounce of strength in him to carry on walking away. Never turning back for fear of the repercussions.

'What the hell is going on? Leave that man alone!' stood between the guard and falling blows, Uhura clawed at Freedan using all her strength to shove him.

So lost in his exertion, he didn't registered her presence, a powerful kick caught her straight in the knee, followed by a blow to the cheek as she fell. Her ear-piercing scream snapping him out of his ardour, his sneer replaced with shocked recognition. Crumpled on the floor, still shielding the injured man, she grimaced clasping her left knee, her face the least of her problems. The pain was excruciating and as stars danced at the edge of her vision. She was vaguely aware of panicked voices calling for assistance, whilst at the same time someone lifting the injured guard away from her every movement sent jolts of hot pain through her. Only when someone jabbed her with a needle, and hands lifted her, the pain slowly receded. Head pressed against a chest, she groggily heard the thumping of a heartbeat. Her eyelids refused to remain open, as a familiar voice shouted orders actively participating in the exchange of angry insults, finally everything went black.

'Ungh...' Croaked Uhura, throat parched. Her eyes refusing to co-operate, open she commanded, gradually her long lashes fluttering open. Assaulted by the harsh lights, she inwardly groaned, willing them to close once again. It didn't feel like she was still on Perpetous, but she didn't feel like she was in her quarters either.

'Where am I?' the raspy voice didn't sound like her own.

'Sickbay. I hear you went two rounds with big red's sidekick. Newsflash, you lost!' McCoy gently berating her. 'Always got to be a hero...What were you thinking?!' He forced open each eye, checking her reactions to stimulus.

'Get that thing out of my face Len!' brushing away his hand. Eyes fully open, she focused on her surroundings. The guard...the fight...the pain...Subconsciously, her hand moved to her face. The skin stretched taut over her face, swelling partially obscuring her vision. 'What happened to the guard Freedan was brutalising?' Attempting to sit up, the dizziness beat her back down. Flexing her fingers and toes, relief flooded through her least they're still working, before gingerly feeling her knee.

McCoy wheeled over a stool, 'Getta said the guy suffered several broken ribs, a broken nose and was one punch from paralysis until you kindly took a hit for him'. Fingers intertwined and elbows resting on the biobed he continued. 'Samson put down Freedan. Apparently, that woman can throw an uppercut to die for...'

'Getta? What's it got to do with him'. Frowning, gently rotating her head toward McCoy. 'Jim brought me back' the memory of firm arms comforting her, making her feel safe, hazy but sure.

'Nope, seems like Getta came down just in time to see you get your arse handed to you...' Uhura rolled her eyes, '...and leapt to your defence. Did you know he knew Muay Thai...boy's a walking contradiction...anyhoo he got in some shots disorientating the big freak long enough for Samson to step in'.

'Is Getta alright, Freedan's a sociopath...he meant to kill that guy...' Stuttering in utter disbelief.

'Uh, ye. A few cuts and bruises. He's sleeping it off. Got to be pretty for the morning...'

Staring at the ceiling, she could have sworn it was Kirk. 'So much for my early night...' She muttered more to herself.

'Huh?'

'Nothing' dismissing his enquiry '...what time is it? Acutely aware it was late, and she would soon need to return planetside.

'0100. Do you need to be somewhere?' In response to his poor attempt at humour, she gave a wry smile. They were alone in sickbay, the last person he expected to see was Uhura bloodied, bruised and unconscious.

'Does Jim know?'

McCoy recoiled, 'Are you insane. Oh no, we're going to tell him you slipped and twisted your ankle. Need to remain up here for a few days r and r...' He pushed off his seat and wondered to his PADD. 'Samson has agreed to the ruse for now...I explained Jim was a hot head when it came to you...' He would also have to thank his staff and the transporter staff, they were very good keeping secrets.

She snorted, she could imagine the fallout if Kirk got hold of Freedan. It was risky enough leaving him alone with Kulj'ita. She swung her better leg off the biobed, cautiously moving the newly healed leg next to it. Sat upright, she debated whether or not to stand up.

'I wouldn't try that if I were you...' Without looking he knew what Uhura was attempting to do. So much like Jim, and she doesn't even know it... He rubbed at the back of his head, suddenly uncomfortable in her company.

Contemplatively, she looked down towards the floor. The magnitude of her heroics sinking in, slightly pissed off she didn't get a chance to demonstrate her well-honed self-defence skills.

'I don't mean to pry...but have you told him? Carefully walking back towards her, PADD in hand tapping against his free palm.

'Told him what?' Sifting through the day's events, maybe she's missed something McCoy had said. She apprehensively waited, he looked very tense. 'Len, you're freaking me out...what's with the doctor face...'

'This...' shoving the PADD into her hands before retreating to a safe distance. One arm across his chest, the other clasping his cheek. He watched with baited breath.

'What...the...fuck...this is a joke right?' Searching for signs of a tell from McCoy. He shrugged his shoulders. If she weren't in sick bay, she would soon need to be. Her hand stroking the screen, there in front of her multiple scans of a very small but very healthy foetus.

'Nine weeks...' in response to her unasked question. 'I take it, you didn't know...'

'No!? I haven't had my period in a while, birth control and all that...But my cycle has never been very regular. You know that...' gesturing towards him, a blush crept across his cheeks. Yes he knew, but he didn't want to know.

'As your doctor anything you say to me will be treated in utmost confidence...' She needed to know, his duty to her came before his friendship to Kirk. He steadied himself against the door frame determined to give her space 'what are you going to do? Are you going to tell him?'

A million thoughts whirled through her mind. A child, they didn't even have any pets together. Now they were responsible for creating a new life. Pretty poor timing on both their parts. She wasn't even sure she wanted to be a mother. A career in Starfleet was a lifelong commitment, she could count on one hand the number of mothers serving on the Enterprise at this very moment. That's not to say there weren't any pregnant women on board, just very few came back after giving birth. She wasn't sure she was ready for that.

'Nyota...Nyota...' Gently calling her, McCoy had been trying to get her attention for a while.

Big brown eyes peered back at him, her voice flat and weary, 'so I guess I know why I've been so damn tired lately...' The room felt too small, too warm, she needed to get out of there, crawl out if she had to. 'Fuck!' yelling loudly enough to make McCoy flinch. Gently swaying so not to put any pressure on her knee. 'What do I tell him? When do I tell him', adrenaline finally depleted she fell forward McCoy only just catching her in time. They both landed in a heap on the floor.

Sitting them back up, 'You need to rest. To say you've had a shock is a massive fucking understatement', he felt her shaking, as he laid her back on the biobed. Looking down at her small frame, he felt for her. Grabbing his stool, he quietly sat down as she searched out his hand and trapped it in a vice like grip. McCoy wasn't going anywhere just yet.

After their extended rest at the Emerald pool, Spock and co walked for a further 2 hours locating a safe spot to erect their tents. Bioluminescent fungi gave an eerie glow to their nook for the night, with everything and everyone tinged green. One guard would remain awake overnight, placing himself at the opening back towards the group. Bidding everyone goodnight as custom dictated, Spock retired to his tent to meditate. As he prepared he wondered what Christine was doing. He knew Vulcan logic would say it was foolish to waste his time doing so, but his human half missed his mate. Married for nearly a year, it would be the first time they had spent so long apart. An unusual expression of tenderness befell him. Soon he settled down with his meditation lamp attempting to subdue the flame.

Waiting until she was sure everyone who needed to be, was asleep, Shyloh crept out of her tent. Strategically positioned, she needed to slip away unseen and unheard. In the morning, she was to lead Spock to the cavern, dangerously close to places he need not be. Already reminded by Freedan, should she fail to contain him, he would have to take the necessary steps himself. Shuddering she crept towards her destination, she had a rendezvous to maintain. An hour later, turning around a corner she came face to face with two heavily armoured guards. They parted to let her through never giving a second glance. A camera monitored the comings and goings of everyone, with the tunnel she had emerged from now bathed in infra-red beams.

Once inside it took a while to acclimatise to the bright lights, but when she did the sight of priceless artefacts from across the quadrant displayed as if she were at a museum never failed to impress her. Their beauty in stark contrast to the cool grey tones of the rock face. Uplighters highlighting every irregularity as she passed by. They would not be there long, the cave acted as a hub whilst waiting for transit to their new owners. Where cost was no barrier, almost anything could be had. Both men and women feverishly working to package paintings, statues, jewellery for moving, their chatter echoing around the room. With several communications being intercepted and Starfleet's presence nearby, everyone was increasingly nervous. But with the unique composition of the cave, it was unlikely they would ever be discovered. Hence the choice for the base of action.

Away from anything else, Shyloh approached a tall black door with trepidation. Taking a few seconds to compose herself before pushing it open. As she entered the den, she scowled at the collection of vicious weaponry designed specifically to inflict the most amount of pain and damage as possible. Knives, guns, swords, phasers and a few things she could not identify glistened menacingly. Some adorned the rock face, whilst others were placed on velvet cushions high on plinths. Freedan took sadistic pleasure having her at his beck and call. A few feet away from his inner office come interrogation suite, taking a deep breath to steady herself before striding in confidently.

Low light warmly lit the room. Sparsely decorated, a set of hooks dangled from the ceiling. She faced an imposing desk, several monitors adorned it. The room was slightly chilly for her liking.

'I have everything in hand. They will not be an issue I can assure you of that...' The conviction in her voice, even fooled her.

His leather chair facing away from her towards an artificial fire, he made no attempt to acknowledge her. 'It would be unwise to do anything rash...have I ever let you down before'. She swallowed, attempting to keep down the bile threatening to make an appearance. He was never normally so still or quiet. The chair spun around slowly, and Samson glowered at her. Startled, Shyloh shrunk back.

'My cousin assured me you were worth the money we have shelled out over the past few years. Until a few days ago I would have agreed...' She gracefully stood, brushing down her outfit. Her voice icy cold with indifference. 'But I find myself watching a monitor showing me we have three Starfleet officers within a stone's throw of the most sophisticated fencing syndicate in this quadrant'.

Slowly circling around the desk, she critically assessed Shyloh. Disdain clearly evident, only Freedan's attraction enabled her to get a foothold in the operation. Though she begrudgingly admired the way she kept him out of her bed. Many had tried and failed. The thrill of the chase was especially attractive to Perpetuan men. Ominously she fingered one of Freedan's desk daggers.

'Do you know how long and how hard I have worked to establish my group as the go to people for the acquirement of rare goods?' Now standing directly in line of sight of Shyloh, she deliberately leant her tall, lean body back against the desk. 'Nothing will endanger that...' Implication understood, Shyloh tried to remain unaffected by the threat

'Where...where is Freedan?' chin jutting out attempting to regain her composure. Samson returned back to the seat, casually crossing her legs before continuing.

'A misunderstanding earlier this evening with Commander Uhura has temporarily rendered him out of action.' Displeasure of the night's activity and, having to overpower her own flesh and blood for that silly human female rendered her partner less for now. Now she had had to kowtow to Dr McCoy's request to keep Captain Kirk unaware of the situation. No easy task, every witness was gathered up and tactfully persuaded it was in their best interest to keep quiet about the matter. Commander Uhura, wherever she went men falling over themselves to help her. She pursed her lips, not quite understanding Kulj'ita's enthralment of Uhura. She was not even remotely attractive and far too short. Aware Shyloh was still in the room, she beckoned her to sit down. Reluctantly she settled in a seat opposite Samson.

'I'll make this quick. After all you need your rest'. No longer bothering to hide her contempt 'You will find a reason to avoid visiting the cavern and instead head off in this direction...' A map appeared in front of both women, Shyloh reached out to touch the diagram, where her hand broke the light source the image distorted. Perplexed, Shyloh quietly questioned why.

'Because I say you should, that's why', Samson retorted angrily.

'What if they refuse? They're not the usual sort of tourist who is easily swayed...' Hesitantly voicing her concern. Aware the dagger could easily inflict a lot of damage.

'And that is my problem, why? Are you not a guide? Guide them. I'm sure this is why we pay you to keep people away from here...' Craning her head to the side, she wondered if Shyloh had temporarily gone mad. The Sunstones were going to be taken later that day and returned to the cave. The further away Spock and his team were the better. Whilst Freedan relished killing people, Samson only did so when necessary, and it would not be good business to kill Starfleet officers.

'Shouldn't you be going now...' watching Shyloh skulk away, she reached out to her comm terminal, wanting an update on Freedan's well-being. He was now awake and severely pissed off. That will teach him to be so reckless. Next she sent a message requesting an update about Commander Uhura. Finally she contacted their latest client, he was paying handsomely for the procurement of the Sunstones. His only stipulation they be acquired on a certain date, which also happened to coincide with the intervention. Their method of transportation back to him was cunning. If pulled off she would be impressed. Once she had them, he would provide her with a contact. Ending the call, she left, destination Prime Minister Irin's residence.