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 11

A gentle touch, followed by a firm prod roused a sleeping McCoy. Bent over double, his body reluctantly moved. Stiffly stretching, a satisfying pop soon followed. Only when all the kinks had be worked out he noticed Carol's concerned face. Quickly looking back at Uhura, she was still asleep and had subsequently rolled over onto her side away from him. He put a finger to his lip imploring Carol to be quiet, motioning her to follow him to his office. Milling around, the day shift were preparing for their duties, he wondered why none had woken him up. Silently groaning, he still had a long day ahead of him. It was 0700, and he due back at the clinic by 0900.

'She looks terrible. What happened?' straight to the point and somewhat curious why her boyfriend spent the night at Uhura's bedside. She cast a glance over her shoulder, before engaging McCoy once again. 'Well...'

So he explained as much as he could, minus mention of the baby. When he finished he had freshened up ready to return to Perpetous, 'she's going to need a friend...'

Carol's eyes widened. 'We're not exactly close, she's never going to confide in me...' stuttering.

'Doesn't matter, just be there to listen. All the testosterone in her life can't be healthy', he pleaded referring to her over abundance of male friends. Grabbing his medibag he escorted her out, hand gently on her lower back he dipped in for a kiss. Sensing her hesitation, he pulled her closer. 'Let them gossip' before tenderly finishing what they had started earlier on.

'Get a room', now awake Uhura sat up watching the pair of them. 'I did wonder when you were going to come out to the rest of the crew...'

Now holding Carol's hand he prowled over, pulling her behind. 'Two things, one wipe that smile off your face. You're meant to be injured...' Uhura's smile dropping a fraction as she squared up to her friend. '...Two, I meant what said about R and R. I'll release you to your quarters but only under the care of my lady here...' Both woman protesting, neither particularly comfortable with the idea.

Uhura spoke, 'I'm sure Carol has more pressing things to do than babysit me...'

'...And I'm sure the Commander would prefer her privacy...' Carol turning so only McCoy could see her dubious expression. Lips pursed, she subtly raised an eyebrow warning him off pursuing the situation any further.

McCoy chose to ignore both, 'Nyota, one of the nurses will discharge you'. Backing away from the incensed pair, 'look I need to go. Sort it out between you' and he hurried away before any more objections could be raised.

As he trudged through the brightly lit corridor to transporter room 2 McCoy comm'd Kirk. A sleepy voice greeting him, 'we need to talk...' he snapped, followed by Kirk's assenting mumble. '...Good...McCoy out', ending the conversation he stepped onto the platform. A nod to the transporter officer to show he was ready, he soon dematerialised.

Samson made it back in good time. She had swung by her quarters and changed into her uniform. The black fitted body suit glistened as it caught the light of the new day. Her phaser sat snuggly against her right hip, swaying to her motion; her dagger secreted inside her cream leather jacket. As always her scarlet red hair was styled to perfection. Confidently strolling towards Irin's office, today she favoured black knee high biker boots. A purchase from her last visit to Earth, the heel boosted her height to gargantuan proportions. First duty of the day, go over security plans for the delegates and the Sunstones. The irony was not lost on her; she the protector was also enabling the theft of the ancient relic. Her aide babbled on about the rest of her schedule, training scenarios to be created, and selection days to find new recruits. Samson focused ahead, fixated on the wide double doors dominating the end of the corridor.

'Samson, a word...' Kulj'ita decreed loudly from his office. Through the open door, he had witnessed her passing by. Out of sight she gave a dirty look, her aide looked worried. She nervously followed Samson as they guardedly made their way to the Provost. Before entering, Samson wilfully dismissed the aide, sending her ahead to prep Irin. Waiting until she was alone, she unenthusiastically entered his domain. His office was vast, coloured in rich greens, golds and reds. Low seating wrapped itself along two walls, various cushions and throws inviting people to settle down. His desk was carved from indigenous hardwood similar to very dark mahogany. It could seat at least six people, however only he operated from it. Official paperwork neatly arranged; several PADDs were scattered haphazardly. Standing to attention she observed his semi-naked form, a towel wrapped around his waist having just stepped out of his shower. An embarrassed female servant slipped out of the office partially dressed, meekly addressing Samson. What clothes she had been unable to put back on clumped in her hands.

'At ease...please...' He casually called her forward pointing to a free seat. If he were embarrassed being caught out, it was hidden well.

'I prefer to stand...' Samson haughtily informed him. 'How may I assist you?' Intentionally avoiding the eye contact, preferring instead to enjoy the view from one of his many windows overlooking the grounds.

Kulj'ita perched on the edge of his desk, stretching for the PADD closet to him. He made a show of searching for something, satisfied he had what he needed he began. 'Your psycho cousin nearly brought the good name of our people into disrepute. Luckily, Commander Uhura escaped relatively unscathed...' his sarcasm barely in check. 'If you're not going to sit down, be useful and shut the door' he snapped angrily.

Samson did as she was told and remained by the door. Few people spoke to her in that manner, her fists clenched at her side watching as he sauntered over to her. Once in arms reach, Kulj'ita pulled her towards him. His free hand gently explored her face, but she yanked away as if his touch were like fire.

'Enough of this nonsense!' He bellowed.

At once she settled, then slowly broke into a broad smile. He gasped as her hand snaked beneath his towel. Jaw slackened, she softly began to rub the head of his penis, before changing her grip to move her hand up and down his erect shaft. Soon he began to thrust unable to control his bodily reaction. Easing his hold on Samson, his head lolled forward as small sighs told Samson he was just in the right place. Just as he was ready for release searing pain ripped through him; screeching in agony he semi dropped to his knees. Samson nails purposely digging into his penis.

Ignoring the barb about her cousin, she hissed in his ear 'It offends me that you had such a pitiful specimen', squeezing harder to remind him about his earlier visitor. She paused, as he wheezed. 'It also makes me very upset when I see you sniffing around Commander Uhura...' She abruptly released him as he slid to the floor whimpering.

'Are you out of your mind!' He rasped shakily standing. Samson stepped by and sat down, finally taking him up on his offer. Legs jubilantly resting on his desk she demurely watched him, suppressing every instinct to laugh out loudly. For several years they had been lovers and it benefitted them very well.

'I'm very busy. What do you want?' Unsympathetic to his current predicament, she inspected her nails with mock fascination.

He carefully considered his next words, but then thought better of it. Quickly shaking his head to indicate nothing. 'Pleasure as always, Kulj'ita', she beamed widely, slamming his door shut as she exited.

McCoy startled by the noise in the otherwise silent venue, doubled back when he realised it was Samson. She gave him a curt nod, as he slowed to thank her for her discretion. On closer inspection, she found him to be one of the more attractive humans. A wry smile formed as she pondered his suitability to get even with Kulj'ita. His toned form was highly pleasing to her, and it did slightly distract her as she accepted his thanks. With a gracious smile, 'I'm sorry doctor. I'm late for an appointment', quickly dismissing him as she continued onto Irin's office.

Well thank you too, McCoy groused having gone out of his way to find her. He continued on to Kirk's room housed in a different part of the complex. He needed to tell his friend about Uhura's mishap, before anyone else did.

'What?! How the hell did that happen? After his run in with Kulj'ita, Kirk had taken the long way round back to his room to calm down. Fortunately, this had prevented him from stumbling right into the middle of things. He frantically searched for his comms unit, still dressed in his t-shirt and pj bottoms he had actually been awoken by McCoy. As McCoy spoke Kirk started at …distracted and slipped down some stairs... and grew more and more incensed. That was not like Uhura, she wasn't clumsy.

The lie told McCoy kept his face neutral, convinced Kirk could see through the fabrication. 'Oh no you don't!' snatching the comms unit from Kirk's hand. 'She's resting and shouldn't be disturbed'. The captain scrutinised him, narrowing his eyes at his friend before moving away. Never mind, he thought to himself, he would see her tonight. In the meantime he would have Rand provide updates about Uhura's wellbeing.

Kirk Grabbed his PADD, head down thumbing through his overnight messages. McCoy briefly talked about his plans for the day. Kirk muttered appeasing sounds not really listening, his mind focused on what he would say to Uhura when he saw her later. No longer content to wait for her to decide when they would finally speak, tonight, he determined, would be the night. A message sent to her stated just that - 2000 we have to talk, I'll see you in our quarters. Are you really ok? Bones told me what happened. J.

'Anyway, I've got to go. Perpetuans to save and all that. Try not to get into too much trouble Jim...' exiting the room. Kirk exhaled deeply, padding to the bathroom to get ready for the long day ahead.

'Dr Shanay, this is Communication Officer Getta...', Kirk introduced her to the various delegate members, her arm linked through his he lead her to the head of the table. She had arrived during the night, 'I like doing things my own way', she had informed him when he picked her up from her room. Small in stature for a human, she was minuscule in comparison to the Perpetuans. Several times already Kulj'ita had awkwardly stooped to listen to her commands. She cast a knowing look over Getta 'you're McMillan's boy aren't you?' Visibly dismayed, he weakly nodded. '...Humph...' Her response catching Kirk's attention, he fleetingly looked at both of them.

'Well as much as I do like shooting the breeze with so many attractive young people, we have a job to do. Shall we?' They had discussed tactics earlier on. Her way of mediating was definitely unorthodox. 'Everybody sit down!' Dr Shanay barked out loudly. Stunned silence followed, her gravelly tones booming around the room. 'We're here for a reason, there is no time to waste pussy footing around', scanning the faces around her, 'let's begin...'

The two tribes aligned themselves with their representatives, taking the opportunity to present their revised demands. In Uhura's absence Kulj'ita would support Dr Shanay. Thank god for small mercies... Kirk's relief palpable, as the Provost moved across the room away from him. He excitedly exclaimed 'Let's do this Getta...', together blond and brunette leading the way to one of the other conference rooms. Back and forth they went throughout the day, the list of demands and concessions discussed and analysed. It was intense, but eventually a tentative agreement had been brokered.

By 1800 when people could no longer concentrate, Dr Shanay dismissed them imploring them to rest as the following day would be about fine-tuning the agreement. Kirk stood by the door exchanging handshakes with the departing Ranyari, Dr Shanay stood beside him, now using her cane, the long day had clearly taken its toll.

'Stubborn people, but they'll get there in the end...' She confidently stated. Using Kirk as support, they wandered back to their quarters quietly chatting about the day's events and other matters. 'I would have like to have met Commander Uhura. I heard her diplomacy skills are nearly as good as mine...'

He proudly smiled, then cleared his throat to change the subject. 'How do you know Communication Officer Getta's family?

'Have you ever meet his father...Lord Getta-Cooper?' Kirk shrugged no. 'Only by the saving grace of his family name, does he still remain in politics. He knows the right people and uses that to get what he wants to the utter disregard of anyone else!' Dr Shanay was vexed, Kirk kept quiet. Peering up at her companion she continued in a calmer voice. 'Young Getta is good, has some of his father's cunning, you saw him with Citizen Monan over the last point of contention. Had him eating out of his hand. Yet, representing the best of what the Federation has to offer. I think not, Diplomatic Core maybe, but not Starfleet.'

Silently considering her insightful statement, it now made some sense why Getta was amongst his crew. She knowingly smiled, 'Oh don't play coy with me Captain. I wouldn't be good at my job if couldn't read body language, yours screams doubt whenever he's around...' Before he could respond an armed guard ran by, followed by another and then more; rapid footsteps from all around. Suddenly, loud shouts of alarm from all over the complex. They stood frozen, chaos unfolding around them. 'What the hell is going on?!' Dr Shanay spun around, frantically looking for the source of the commotion.

'The Sunstones have been taken. I repeat they have been taken. Code red, code red' a panicked voice in the far off distance. 'LOCK THIS PLACE DOWN NOW!' Searching for the source of the voice, Kirk swore it sounded familiar.

'Doctor, I'm sorry I need to go...' Sprinting off, he followed a group of guards making their way to the main building. Their height gave them a speedy advantage, by the time he had caught up his lungs burned as he gulped down precious oxygen. Quietly jogging up the stairs, to where he thought he heard voices coming from, he came face to face with Irin's imposing double doors. Taking a steadying breath, he pushed open a door and witnessed a frenzied sight of aides calling for help. Samson was comforting a greatly distressed Irin, suddenly all eyes focused on him - the interloper.

'You are not needed Captain...' an irate Samson charged towards him. Roughly manhandling him, she tried to shove him out by his arm.

'No! Let him stay', Irin ordered.

Kirk jerked out of Samson's grasp, already feeling the bruise forming on his tricep. Triumphantly striding over he paid no mind to Freedan giving him a weary look, before Samson's second in command ducked out to monitor the search activities. She stood back gathering her thoughts, Kirk's involvement would make it increasingly difficult to manipulate the search efforts. She had already gone to great lengths to plant a false trail of clues far away from the actual location and eventual destination of the Sunstones. Samson anxiously paced, snatching stolen glances at Kirk and Irin. As aides approached her seeking an update, she shoo'd them away 'go ask Freedan...'

Having left the two alone long enough she marched over. 'Prime Minister...' Hoping she sounded confident 'we do have the situation in hand. My men are scouring the immediate vicinity'. Pointedly looking at Kirk, 'the Captain is busy with the intervention. We cannot burden him with this problem...'

'It's no problem at all. I'll personally see to it that my head of security reports into you within the hour'. Kirk held her gaze with steely determination. He would not be dismissed this time. A tap to his insignia, a quick explanation and he had assembled a search team ready to help. He considered warning Spock, if there had been one theft there might be others. However, he could not be reached. Something about being too far down within the cave network for communication.

'My sincerest thanks Captain', Irin rose from his desk 'if you excuse me I need to Provost Kulj'ita'. He looked towards Samson to follow him. Just then Freedan reappeared in time for Irin's missive, 'please escort the Captain back to his quarters'. Kirk's quizzical expression forced Irin to explain, 'everyone is now confined to their quarters. Anyone out without due reason will be immediately arrested and held for questioning'.

Freedan stiffly gestured for Kirk to follow, as Kirk said 'I'll see you in the morning Prime Minister'. Kirk left as directed, but as he passed Samson he couldn't help himself, smugly 'see, told you I could be useful...'

Earlier that day Shyloh followed through with her orders. After returning to her tent, she constructed a believable reason that would get the Commander out of harms way. The sound of movement awoke her, so she poked her head outside the tent. Spock was engaged in his morning stretching ritual, 'I hope I did not disturb you', returning upright he stilled observing Shyloh's reaction.

'No, I was ready to wake...' Quickly rebraiding her hair, it was now or never to implement her plan. 'Commander, the purpose of the trip is scientific exploration?' he remained quiet so she continued 'with the recent seismic activity, and time to consider our present route by traveling in this direction we can shave off one day and still see everything you need to...' Handing him her PADD, she let him examine the revised schedule.

His lithe fingers following the onscreen route, without looking up he passed comment 'We will go as soon as the others wake'. With that he gracefully ducked into his tent. During the exchange, their fingers had briefly touched and he sensed concern, but most of all he had sensed deception, deception about her idea. Why would she be lying? Until he knew more, he vowed to carefully watch the beautiful guide.