"Logic VS. Emotion"
Star date: 2281.7
Lt. Natalie Hurst was putting the finishing touches on her Vulcan Kolinahr thesis when Jeanine walked into her quarters. "Hey Natalie! How's the thesis coming?"
Natalie Hurst smiled as she gathered her papers and looked up at Jeanine concerned, "Jeanine, are you alright? You look quite pale."
"I do?" Jeanine went to go look at herself in the mirror, "Wow, I do. That's interesting." She was confused, "But I feel fine. Oh well."
"Jeanine I really don't think you should report to the bridge today," she went over and put her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Nonsense! They need me on the bridge! I can't let the crew down. So are we on for lunch?"
"Aren't you spending time with Leonard today?"
"He's busy down in sick bay, it's not likely. He's a very hardworking man," and she smiled.
"Well then I suppose. I'll be down in the recreation room at one 'o clock sharp," Natalie said while looking at her watch.
"Deal," Jeanine said right when the intercom came on, "Lieutenant Jeanine Simmons, please report to the bridge."
Jeanine said, "See? They can't function up there without me," she laughed to herself as she pressed the button on the intercom to reply, "Simmons here. On my way."
"Are you still going by your maiden name?" Natalie was confused.
"Well, it helps to prevent confusion. Leonard knows and when we're together, I'm Mrs. McCoy," and she smiled widely.
Natalie chuckled, "I see, it totally makes sense."
"I'll see you for lunch!" Jeanine was already heading out the door.
"See you later!" Natalie shouted.
A few hours later, around 1:07 p.m., Jeanine came stumbling into the recreation room definitely looking paler than before. Natalie was worried, "Jeanine!" She ran over to help stabilize her friend by putting Jeanine's arm around her shoulders to hold her up. "You really are sick!"
"Yeah, Natalie, I guess you were right after all. I feel terrible," Jeanine managed to say.
"Okay, we're gonna go take a quick stop in to see Leonard, alright? Come on." They both stumbled through the hallway, into the turbo lift to deck five. Jeanine needed to get to sick bay immediately. "I guess you'll get to see him today after all," Natalie said.
They rounded the corner and ended up right in front of the sick bay doors. They could hear Dr. McCoy talking inside, probably reciting a medical log when they came through the doors. He stopped speaking for a second when he said, "I'll be right with you," without even turning around to look at them. He sat at his desk when Natalie said worriedly, "Leonard," and he whipped around, "She's not feeling well at all."
He immediately jumped up from his desk, "Jeanine! What happened? You're so pale."
"That's what I told her this morning but she said she felt fine. I also said that she shouldn't go to her post, but she insisted," she said as she struggled to hold onto Jeanine trying to get her through the doorway and over to McCoy.
He stood in front of his wife and looked her over quick using his instruments to look at her vitals. "Oh, Honey why didn't you listen? This doesn't look good." He seemed calm enough because he knew his profession well, so he could take care of anything that came up.
He went over to the other side of Jeanine and put her other arm around his neck to steady her as they both got her into a bed. "Go ahead on back to your section now, Natalie. I'll let you know if anything changes. Good thing you brought her when you did." Dr. McCoy put his arm around her, "Thank you—for lookin' out for her." He smiled as she did and she left sick bay.
He then took full hold on her and said, "Alright, come on."
11:56 p.m.
It was the middle of the night and Dr. McCoy was sitting by his wife's bedside looking over some paper work when he heard the sick bay door whoosh open. He looked up and stood when he saw Scotty, the Captain, and Mr. Spock walk in.
Engineer Scott was the first in the door and headed right over to Jeanine's side, "Oh, Lassie," he whispered as he looked down at her worriedly. He sat down next to the bed and put one hand on her head as he stroked it gently. They were dear, dear friends.
Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock both stood on the other side of the bed when McCoy said, "What are you all doing here? It's late."
Scotty answered first, "We came to see our poor Las since we're off duty now."
McCoy was glad they came, especially since it was finally their breaks from post, he knew how much they all cared about her. "Well thanks for comin' fellas. She's just resting now."
"What is it she had, Bones?" Kirk looked up at his friend with an inquiring look on his face.
"Oh, it was touch of the Rigelian Flu. But a pretty bad case of it though. She'll be alright now. She just needs to rest for a while." McCoy came over to join them and touched her hand on the bed as he passed.
Kirk smiled, "That's good. We miss the Lieutenant up there," he chuckled while pointing above his head.
Mr. Spock then said, "Yes, Lieutenant Natalie Hurst would be most pleased with how Jeanine is doing. I shall go and deliver the news myself," he started to head toward the door.
The rest of them were taken aback.
"Why, Spock, I had no idea you had a heart," McCoy said and everyone started to laugh together. Spock just lightly turned back but then kept on heading out the door.
Kirk was confused, "What has gotten into Spock lately?"
Everyone else was still chuckling when Dr. McCoy answered, "If you ask me, I think he's got a bad case of feelings," he made sure to put emphasis on the word, "And we all know how dangerous that is… for him that is." They all laughed.
Scotty then interjected, "Ya know? I do remember hearin' somethin' in the hallway about him havin' lunch lately in the recreation room with Lieutenant Hurst. They would talk about her thesis on the Vulcan Kolinahr."
"Oh no, not Natalie!" McCoy cried out, "Of all the poor souls to have to listen to the history of Vulcan—"
"No Doctor, it was her idea in the first place." Everyone looked at Mr. Scott with surprised looks.
They all kind of went through the same denial in their heads when Kirk opened his mouth first, "No," he tried to come up with a specific explanation, but couldn't.
"Are you serious?" Dr. McCoy was almost on the verge of laughing.
"I believe that our Spock is finally learning how to show some human emotion," Kirk said with a big grin on his face when the rest of the room was still shocked.
"Is he out of his Vulcan mind!" Dr. McCoy shouted, "He knows he's giving up his whole life's objective, right?"
Kirk said, "Yes, Bones. I believe he does. And maybe he thinks it's worth it."
"Well Hallelujah!" McCoy could no longer contain himself. This is what he was waiting for for ten years! So he immediately went into his private stores and took out a bottle of hundred-year-old brandy with three glasses.
They all laughed with delight and shook each other's hands in agreement when Scotty looked through the opening at Jeanine fast asleep in her bed, "I wish she could hear all this," he looked back at the rest of them, "She'd be sittin' right here," he pointed to a chair next to him, "havin' a drink with the rest of us."
"She will soon enough, Scotty." And McCoy smiled putting his hand on Scotty's shoulder.
Scotty smiled and took the first gulp, followed by the others.
By four 'o clock in the morning, Jeanine was starting to come to. She opened her eyes and was glad to have felt much better. Nausea gone, fever gone, achiness gone. She sat up feeling quite rested when she heard some chatter coming from another part of sick bay and listening carefully when she said quietly out loud to herself, "Leonard's office?"
She grabbed her robe and got out of bed. She hadn't felt this good in days. She felt that she could easily go back to the bridge now if she wanted to. But she was concentrating on who was in Leonard's office and what they were doing.
She walked out of the sick bay bed quarters into the operating room. She still heard noises coming from his office, for the door was only cracked open. It was then that she heard clear voices and she knew exactly who they were so she smiled. What they guys didn't know was that Jeanine had pushed the door open to the half way point and stood there with her arms crossed listening and smirking.
"Oh, Doctor McCoy, you have no idea how good you've got it," Scotty said.
Kirk also chimed in, "Yes, Bones. You gotta wonderful girl, successful career, and boneheads like us as friends," and they all burst out in laughter.
McCoy just looked at them and said, "Yeah. But to tell you the truth, I don't even deserve all those things," they all looked at him, "I only became a doctor because of the death of my father. And I honestly don't know how I came to associate myself with or even put up with you guys, but I sure don't deserve you. And Jeanine…" He paused and smiled while looking down, "Well, she is the most wonderful thing in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. I don't know how you guys put up with me before she came along," they all laughed again, "But, the fact of the matter is, I don't know how I deserved her in the first place. It must've been a mistake. It was a miracle that she even took a second look at me."
"That's what you think. I actually like looking at you." Jeanine was smiling in the doorway not able to listen to his preposterous rantings anymore.
The men whipped around to the door and their faces lit up to see her. "Jeanine!" McCoy came over to her immediately to put his arms around her. "And how are we feeling this morning?" He couldn't take his eyes off her.
He held onto her shoulders as she gripped his arms, "I'm feeling perfectly fine, Leonard," she laughed.
Scotty came over to give her a hug, "How ya doin' Las?"
"I'm fine, Scotty, thank you." She smiled.
Captain Kirk then came over and took Jeanine's hand in his, "Glad to see you are well, Lieutenant," he smiled at her, "And take all the time you need before returning to the bridge."
"Thank you, Captain."
"Just don't take too long," He patted her hand once, winked, and stepped away. "We can't survive long without you." He laughed.
McCoy addressed his fellow shipmates, "Well thank you for the entertainment this evening, gentlemen. It certainly took my mind off things, but I'm sure it's been a long night for all of us," he put his arm around Jeanine.
"I agree. Goodnight Doctor, Captain, Las," Scotty said as he took his leave out of sick bay.
"Yes, goodnight Bones," Kirk slapped his hand on McCoy's shoulder, "Goodnight Jeanine."
"G'night Jim."
"Goodnight Captain."
McCoy kept his arm around her, "Now I say that it's time to get you back to bed young lady," he winked at her.
"Hey, I already got plenty of sleep young man." She laughed. "So where's Mister Spock? I didn't see him among you guys."
The thought suddenly hit him, "Hey! Where is that Vulcan anyway? Don't tell me…" He looked at Jeanine.
"What?"
"I think he may still be with Natalie."
What!" Jeanine was shocked beyond belief, but McCoy started to laugh as he just held her closer.
"I'll tell ya about it in the morning, dear."
12:17 a.m., four hours ago…
There was a buzz at Natalie's door. She groggily woke up wondering who in the world could be at her door at this hour. She sat up half awake and pulled on her robe and some slippers while slowly making her way to the door. She pressed a button and the doors slid open to reveal Mr. Spock.
"Commander Spock?" She yawned and wiped her eyes, "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Oh… uh, no, Lieutenant. I thought I would come and tell you that Doctor McCoy says that Jeanine will be alright. She is resting now." He just stood there with his hands behind his back as he always does.
"You came all the way to my quarters in the middle of the night to tell me that?" She chuckled a little.
"Oh, right. I am very sorry, Lieutenant. My most sincere apologies. I do not know why I did that. I just felt you ought to know."
She stood there smiling at him, "It's alright Mister Spock, and would you please call me Natalie?"
He just stood there. "I do apologize again for waking you, I can go now." He started to turn away from her door when she caught him by the arm.
"Mister Spock? You did come all this way. Would you like to visit for a while? Maybe I could ask you some more questions?" She smiled at him and held her arm in an inviting gesture to come inside.
"I would be delighted," he turned back and she led him into her quarters over to a table.
"I'm really glad that Jeanine is doing well. She scared me today! I advised her to not go to her post, but—"
"You did the right thing," Spock said to help reassure her.
"Thank you," she smiled at him.
"Well you were acting logically. You knew something was wrong with her so you insisted she not work, for her performance would decrease and the ship would not be up to standards. Then we would be in a much bigger problem."
She laughed and was puzzled at the same time, but agreed with him, "Yes, exactly right."
He also looked confused back at her when she thought she said something wrong, "What did I say?"
He just kept looking at her, "Nothing, you just agreed with me. Normally the Captain and Doctor McCoy never agree with my intentions. They always think logic is not the way to go about things."
"You're right," she said and he looked at her with his eyebrow raised. She then continued, "But they're right too." He immediately looked up at her.
"I do not believe that I am understanding you correctly."
She laughed and put her hand on his, "Spock, you have to find the medium between the two. You can't only act on logic because you couldn't anticipate the outcome or reaction of your enemies, and you forget to feel along the way. And you can't only act on emotion because then you relinquish your ability to command and you won't come to the right decisions."
"I see. I have never thought of it that way."
"Well now you have," she smiled, "But you know, Mister Spock? You do know that you're half human… so you have the best of both sides. You can easily become the most effective officer the fleet has ever seen just by looking not only into your logical decisions, but your human intuition as well."
Spock had never had such an insight into his own logic before. And all of a sudden, Natalie noticed that Mr. Spock had slowly put his hand on hers. He still kept the same look on his face, one that was always calculating, "Thank you."
She just stared at his hand on hers surprisingly. Then he spoke again, "Natalie, you are the only human that I have ever let myself become close to in my life. You understand my culture, so therefore you understand me. Thank you for listening, but I will now take my leave of you," he stood up and headed for the door before turning around, "I apologize again for my coming so late."
Right when he finished speaking, Natalie reached up and kissed Spock gently. She slowly released but stayed close to his face and just stared into his eyes. He was shocked beyond belief so he kept staring at her blankly. But the funny thing was Spock had never felt like this before in his life. He didn't think it was at all ever possible but he had some feelings toward Natalie. Maybe not strong ones, but any 'feeling' for Mr. Spock was something!
"Fascinating…" was all he could say in a slight whisper.
She then realized what she had just done. She wasn't sure if it was because she was just so tired or that she actually wanted to do that so she caught herself in embarrassment. "Oh. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"
"No. Please don't apologize." He held up his hand in front of her but then picked up her hand with it. "This emotion of 'Love' is strange and mysterious to me. It's foreign and almost alien. It seems wrong and most illogical—"
"I'm sorry, I forgot that you can't—" she was trying to apologize, but he immediately interrupted putting his hand in front of her again to stop her from going too far.
He then held her hand with both of his, "This does not seem logical. But Natalie, you make me want to try. I now realize that every time I see you working hard, I want to see what you are doing. And when I see you in the recreation room, I wish to be near you. I now understand these feelings I have, and I have never been able to show or experience them before. You are the only one who brings them to the surface."
And for the first time in his life, Spock himself touched Natalie's face and took in her beautiful features. He slowly, almost painfully and awkwardly, leaned down low. He got closer and closer to her face when his insides were screaming at him to not. But he soon realized that he could be logical and also have a life. He kissed her gently. It may have been very slow and very soft, but it was a kiss from Spock nonetheless. That deserves some recognition.
Star date: 2283.4
The Enterprise was on her voyage toward Ceta Alpha II, a mining planet in desperate need of some updated vaccine medication that the ship was carrying. Captain Kirk was about to leave his quarters to the bridge when Dr. McCoy walked in with the usual confused, yet troubled look.
"Mind if I come in?" he said somberly.
"Sure, Bones. What's on your mind?" Kirk walked over smiling and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. The Doctor's facial expression did not change. Kirk now became worried so he slowly took his hand off and inquired, "Bones, what's wrong?"
McCoy exhaled slowly before answering, "Jim, I've just finished with the entire crew's physical examinations. Everyone checks out—but one."
"Is it serious?"
"Possibly, but not entirely."
"What's the name of the patient?"
The Doctor paused for a second, but closed his eyes and sighed while finally uttering, "McCoy—"
"Not again, Bones…" The Captain became worried for his friend, just like the last time; almost four years ago when Dr. McCoy had contracted Xenopolycithemia.
But the Doctor put his hand up, "No, Jim," he paused a moment, then looked serious, "It's Jeanine."
Kirk became worried, "What's wrong with her, Bones?"
He proceeded to explain, "When Jeanine had that horrible case of Rigelian Flu last week, I had to give her high doses of antibiotics. They and the virus were pretty much at war with each other inside of her while her body took the beating. Some of her tissues were damaged, but not to the point where most of them can't function normally."
"Most of them, Doctor?" Kirk became confused.
"Some of her reproductive organs were damaged. She has insufficient egg production and they aren't—well let's just say they're not in 'proper working order'."
"So what are you saying?"
McCoy looked at the Captain in the eyes and somberly concluded, "It's likely an eighty-five percent chance, Jim, that she can't get pregnant. It's possible that the two of us may not be able to have children."
Doctor McCoy walked a few feet away with his back facing the Captain. "Oh, Bones, I'm so sorry." He went over to comfort his friend and brother. He put his hands on McCoy's shoulders, "Does Jeanine know?"
"Not yet. I was about to go tell her." He turned to face his Captain, "Jim, no matter what, don't treat us any differently."
"Of course not, Bones." He took his arms off McCoy as he left the Captain alone again. The sadness he felt for his friends was sure. He cared about the Doctor deeply, and that also went for his wife. His heart was heavy on the way up to the bridge, but he knew he had to try and forget so he could get back to his command. Four hundred and thirty people depended on him.
Star date: 2284.1
The next day, Captain Kirk was at his command on the bridge amidst the usual chatter and computing noises when he just couldn't take his mind off of the newfound troubles with Dr. and Mrs. McCoy.
He then tried to direct his attention toward the ship as he turned to his helmsmen, "Mister Chekov, what is the position of Ceta Alpha II in comparison to ours?"
Chekov answered immediately, "The Enterprise shall arrive vithin orbiting range in about forty-six hours, Keptain."
Just then, Jeanine walked off the turbo lift with a stack of papers about the area of space they were in. She had a report for the Captain.
"Thank you, Mister Chekov. Jeanine!" Kirk turned to face her with a smile, "So nice to have you back on the bridge, Lieutenant."
She smiled in return, "Thank you, Captain. Here is the report you asked for, Sir," she handed him her report. "We are in the Centauri quadrant, very near the planet Plantaris."
"Ah thank you, Lieutenant. As you were."
She nodded and went to her chair that had been empty for three days since she had her illness. It felt good to be back at her post, and it almost seemed like she never wanted to leave it again.
She was saddened by what her husband had told her the day before in their quarters, but she knew they had to focus on their jobs. She told him not to be sad for at least they had each other. They began to go back to their lives because they knew they had so many aboard this ship who loved them. He agreed with her and kissed her on her forehead before he went back to sick bay. She would release her tears later when the time was right.
She started to map out the area around Ceta Alpha II when the lift doors opened, and Dr. McCoy stepped out heading toward Kirk's chair. He stood just to the left of him leaning on the arm of his chair when Kirk was aware of who's presence it was and he said, "Well, Doctor, no invalids today?"
"Well aren't you just a riot, Captain. But no, all is quiet in sick bay. Nurse Chapel has even stooped to playing cards," McCoy laughed. "Let's just say that I can't wait to take care of some patients on that planet we're hurtling off to," he lifted his hand gesturing to the screen in front of them.
"Don't worry, Bones. There'll be a good number of 'victims' for you," he winked at McCoy.
"Now just a minute!—"
"Captain!" Uhura just shouted to Captain Kirk with worry, "I'm picking up a hailing frequency! But it's strange… it wasn't there before. It sounds urgent, sir." She looked confused.
"Put it on speaker, Lieutenant." Uhura immediately switched over the audio to the speakers on the bridge.
The Captain spoke trying to reach whatever was hailing them, "This is Captain Kirk of the Federation Starship Enterprise—" He was cut off.
"Captain Kirk! We are Centurians, and you have been frequently warned not to cross into this area of space!"
Everyone looked confused, but none more than Kirk, "I assure you, stranger, that I have heard no such warnings and that I wish to convey to you that we mean no harm or disrespect. We are on a peaceful mission."
Jeanine immediately stood up and walked over to stand next to McCoy. They were all listening intently.
"That is too late! You have ignored our warnings! And now you will pay the price!"
Kirk erupted, "Now wait a minute! Let me prove to you that we mean no harm! You have no right to attack a federation starship!"
Just then, Jeanine tried to put her arm on Dr. McCoy's shoulder, but her hand passed right through, "Leonard! Captain!"
They all turned to her and saw that she was transparent.
"Jeanine! What's happening!" McCoy tried desperately to grab onto her, but couldn't. "Jim! Stop this!"
But within seconds, she was gone; disappeared. "What the devil did that son-of-a-bitch do! Where is she!"
Before they could get answers, they heard a mellow, "Captain—"
They all turned to see Mr. Spock also starting to become transparent as he stood while looking at his see-through hands. Then he was gone as well.
"Spock!" The Captain rushed over to the science officer's station, but soon found nothing in its place.
"JIM! DO SOMETHING!" McCoy was hysterical and angry beyond belief.
Captain Kirk went over to the communications and became hysterical himself, "Listen here, you bastards! Where are they! Where's my crew! Answer me!"
"Captain, they are down on the planet below you. They are together, and they are to survive together. But that is not all—"
"What do you mean, not all?"
Dr. McCoy all of a sudden started feeling strange, "Jim! It's happening to me too!"
"Bones!" Kirk shouted, but McCoy was already gone. He turned to Lt. Uhura, "Uhura, was McCoy the last?"
"No, sir. I have reports that there is one more person missing, from the Historical section on Deck six."
Kirk looked blankly, "Hurst. They took Lieutenant Natalie Hurst as well. But why?"
Then Scotty piped up, "Sir, maybe it has to do with the fact that all four of them are significant to one another. Mister Spock with Doctor McCoy's significant other, and Doctor McCoy with possibly Mister Spock's."
It all started to make sense to the Captain, "Yes, that bastard said they need to survive together."
Sulu then came to a conclusion, "So maybe they were switched because it'll make the game more interesting to them. Then no matter what happens to one group, the other group will have lost someone significant… No one wins."
"And my people have no idea what's going on," Kirk said.
Then the unknown being spoke again, "They will be going to the same destination, but must help each other along the way. They will be given tracking devices. Some may die… some may not. You and some of your crew will be waiting at the finish to find out if anyone will arrive: All? Some? Or none? The coordinates are on the screen. It will be Scientific knowledge against Medical knowledge. You will be allowed to send one and only one message to each group upon arriving at the coordinates, but that is all the communication I will allow. You will receive none in return. You will know in twenty-four hours."
They were gone just as fast as they came. Uhura muttered worriedly, "Science versus Medicine…"
"Or Logic and fact versus emotion and intuition…" Kirk worried for his crew, but grabbed a handful of officers, "Sulu, Scotty, come with me. Uhura let me know if they try and contact the ship again. Chekov, you have the con." They headed for the transporter room immediately. "We're beaming down to those coordinates."
24 hours: 59 minutes: 25 seconds left
On the surface, Mr. Spock awoke to a beautiful countryside, much like he observed when they were on shore leave about five years ago; a shore leave that proved to be an interesting 'theme park.' He sat up and looked around, but then he spotted Jeanine unconscious about fifty feet away. He got up to rush over to her aid.
"Lieutenant," he said as he tried to lift her up.
She opened her eyes and put her hand on her head, "Mister Spock?" She blinkingly looked at him, "Where are we?"
"We are on what seems to be the planet's surface very near the area of space that creature had contacted us from."
Just then they heard a beeping sound. They looked around wondering what had been causing it when Spock looked over to where he just was and saw something black and rectangular. He got up, and helped Jeanine up as well. They both walked over and Spock picked it up. "It seems to look like our own tricorders."
They both examined it when Spock noticed something, "There's a message being sent to this device," and he studied it. He finally looked up at Jeanine and said, "It was the Captain. He spoke of how they were only able to send one message, but that is all. Apparently we weren't the only ones that creature brought here. It brought Dr. McCoy and Lieutenant Natalie Hurst here as well. The Captain says that it is a game to this creature. We are to survive together while trying to reach the same destination, where the Captain, Mister Sulu, and Engineer Scott are waiting. He says it's logic versus emotion…"
"What—" she was shocked beyond belief. "Leonard? Natalie? This can't be. What if something happens to the other group? What if only one group is supposed to make it? Spock! This can't happen!"
Spock grabbed her hands with his, "Lieutenant, please. Hysterics will not help now. We do not know for sure what the rules are if there are any. And it specifically says that we have to work together." Then he looked her in the eyes, "Lieutenant— are you with me?"
She calmed down, "Yes, Mister Spock. I'm with you."
"Good." He released her hands and proceeded to come up with a plan. "I want to personally make sure that we ALL survive."
"But Mister Spock," he looked at her, "It said that we have to survive together. There's no way that we can save the others as well. Who knows where they were taken on this planet."
Spock suddenly smirked slightly, "Ah, see that's why you are human, Lieutenant. You are seeing what they want you to see. They want you to survive and get to your destination, so that's what you are trying to do. I am doing the same. However, I am also trying to figure out how to outsmart our creature to immobilize it, so that we may all return to the ship.
"Spock, you're a genius! No offense to Leonard, but I think logic is winning in the game for survival at the moment." She smiled at him, but then it melted away to sadness, "I sure hope Leonard's alright."
"They gave us a tricorder, so if it makes an appearance anywhere on the planet, I will know its consistency of energy. But I do believe that we should begin heading to our destination, Lieutenant." He gestured in front of him and she followed suit. "We will find a place to rest for the night as soon as it starts to get dark. And I am sure the good Doctor is fine, Lieutenant." They had the start of a plan, and hopefully it would work.
Somewhere on the other side of the small planet…
Dr. McCoy was also the one to wake first. He noticed the very same scenery around him, and then saw Natalie Hurst unconscious as well about fifty feet away. He rushed to her and then he noticed he had his medical kit with him. He started to examine her as she began to wake.
"Dr. McCoy?" she sat up wondering what was going on.
"Yes, Natalie, it's me. Are you alright?" He helped her up.
"Yes, I'm alright. But what's going on?" She clung to Dr. McCoy not sure what was happening.
"I'm not sure."
Just then, their tricorder started beeping as well. McCoy looked down at it hanging down across his torso. "Now where did that come from?"
He held it up and saw the message that was received. His face went from confusion to absolute disgust and fear. He looked at Natalie and said, "It looks like it's a game to these things. It's us against Spock and Jeanine. We are to help each other to survive while trying to reach this destination where Jim, Sulu, and Scotty are waiting. I can't believe this! It's damn logic against emotion it says! Damn! I knew that our logic arguments would come back to bite me in the butt!" He lowered the tricorder and looked at Natalie. She was scared; he could tell. He suddenly felt her pain. "Don't worry, Natalie," he brought her over in a hug. "We'll get through this. They'll be alright. Spock is very smart. And I know that Jeanine is in good hands… I just hope they make it."
She released herself slightly from the Doctor's embrace, "Then we should get going, Bones. There's no time to waste."
"Yes, you're right. Let's go. And don't worry Nat, you're in good hands."
"Oh I know that. I have a Doctor, I'm set," she slightly smirked a little, and then they were off on the path that the tricorder was showing them.
18h:26m:55s left
Night had engulfed the planet revealing multiple beautiful moons and thousands of twinkling stars. Spock and Jeanine had set up a campfire and were getting warm next to it. It was silent for a while when Spock broke the silence, "Lieutenant, I couldn't help but notice the past few days aboard the ship that you and Dr. McCoy seemed to be acting differently from your usual emotions."
She was sitting about two and a half feet away from Spock, and she looked up at him.
"What I mean is I do not completely understand this concept of emotion. And you two did not seem yourselves."
"You're very perceptive, Mister Spock. But you're right. Leonard and I have had a little run-in with life. And we are not able to enjoy the full joys that it usually brings."
She saw his face was of complete puzzlement. "But you are living life, are you not? So what else is there? What did you run into?"
"Spock, I don't think you'd understand since you are Vulcan, and you're especially not an emotional human in a committed relationship."
"You are only partly right, Lieutenant. Remember that I am only half Vulcan."
"I remember, but I also know that you resent your human half, Spock. If only you didn't, then you could enjoy what life has to offer as well."
"Lieutenant, is there something wrong between you and Doctor McCoy?"
"Not like that, Spock."
"Then, what is it? You may confide in me if you wish, Lieutenant." He looked sincere.
Jeanine decided that there was no harm in Spock knowing the truth, "Well, Spock, do you remember that awful illness I had recently?"
"Yes, it was very tough on Doctor McCoy, and you as well."
"Yes, well, apparently the illness itself and all the antibiotics that I was given have rendered me almost 'infertile' if you will." She paused for a second, and then the emotions finally hit her as she looked up at Spock with tears rolling down her face as she quietly expressed, "I can't ever have children, Spock…"
At this she suddenly started to release what she wanted to release the moment Leonard told her the news. She turned away from Spock and curled herself into a ball, and let it out. Spock watched this and found that he had a slight sympathy for her. It was difficult for him, but he slowly scooted over eventually directly behind Jeanine, and he wrapped his arms around her lightly. She immediately turned into him and let it out while wrapping her arms around him as well. He stroked her hair, "I'm sorry… Jeanine," was all he could say. This was seriously a step up for the half Vulcan; the empathy of another human being.
Star date: Unkown
17h:31m:28s left
"Captain's Log:Mister Sulu, Engineer Scott, and myself have beamed down to the planet at the precise coordinates we were given. We were told that we would know in twenty-four hours as to the status of our comrades, who have been forced to play this little game of survival. Two groups including: Dr. McCoy and Lieutenant Natalie Hurst in one group; Mister Spock and Lieutenant Jeanine Simmons McCoy in the other. Seven hours have elapsed now. There's no knowing as to the danger they could possibly be in if anything has happened. All we can do is wait."
Dr. McCoy and Natalie were walking in what looked like a desert. But it started getting cold since the sun had just gone down. She shivered slightly when it caught McCoy's eye. He went over and put his arm around her to keep her warm, "Here," he rubbed her arms a little bit, "We don't want you catching Pneumonia."
"Thanks." She smiled, and they kept walking. It was silent for a few minutes when Natalie spoke, "Bones?"
"Hmm?" He turned his head and gave her his attention.
"Jeanine really has no idea how lucky she is to have you. You're kind, generous, a real gentleman, and not afraid to show your feelings or what you're thinking. It's very uncommon, but valuable—" she looked down.
He began to look confused, "Yes, I suppose those are good qualities. But that's just who I am. What's your point, Natalie?" He was looking at her.
"My point is that It's completely opposite of who Mister Spock is…" She looked up at him.
He then looked straight ahead, "I see." And then he looked down at the ground as well, "You see, Nat, Mister Spock is a complicated being. He is an alien after all. But as you get to know him, you slowly start to see and understand who he really is: He's loyal to the end, he cannot tell a lie," Dr. McCoy started to chuckle as he kept going, "He'll take any insult as a compliment, and he won't lash out against you. He will always keep his cool." He then sighed, "But, I gotta hand it to him… He's incredibly smart and handy. He could very well be the most valuable person on that entire ship besides the Captain."
Natalie started to smirk a little, liking what she was hearing about the man she had feelings for. But then it slowly faded away, "But he could never show affection toward another."
He felt her pain, and looked at her with sincere empathy. "What you gotta know is, Spock may be a green-blooded, pointed-eared, emotionless computer… but he will always be there for you. He is still half human, and just wants to reject those emotions that are trying to surface. But heck, maybe you could be the one to tell him that it's okay. Then who knows? Maybe he'll let them through. You just have to have faith."
She smiled again, "Thanks, Bones." And he gave her a small kiss on the forehead as he squeezed her tightly once.
9h:52m:05s left
Jeanine woke up in the middle of the night to a diminishing fire and saw that Spock was still awake and staring at it blankly. He looked tired and worn out. "Mister Spock, you're still awake?" She rubbed one of her eyes.
He still kept on looking at the fire, "Yes, Lieutenant. I am still quite awake."
She suddenly looked embarrassed, "I want to thank you for earlier. It was rather difficult for me and I didn't mean to release that collection of emotion in front of you. I'm sure it was difficult for you as well."
"It's alright, Lieutenant. You had a surge of human emotion. Quite common in matters such as that you are in."
"Yes, I suppose."
"…Despite how unnecessary and illogical."
Jeanine could not believe what she just heard. Her being heartbroken over something that affects her entire life, and not only hers but Leonard's as well. "Mister Spock," she enunciated every syllable slowly as she started to become heated, "I don't believe you understand the essence of the human soul; even though you are half human yourself. It is in no way illogical. It is how we humans face our obstacles, by expressing our emotions so that we may somehow possibly move on and live another day. What if you found out that you were no longer able to compute exact figures. You probably wouldn't be a content being. It's just who we are… and so are you. You can't just ignore and bury what fifty percent of you is. You comforted me earlier this evening, and you did it by choice; by instinct to empathize with another. It is not just for your well being but for the other. It helped me feel better and move on. It didn't harm anything. And if your own personal dignity was in some way hurt by helping another feel good, then you are seriously one messed up being, Spock!" She stood up steamed and walked away.
He pondered for a moment, and then slowly stood up heading in the direction of where she wandered off to. He found her about a hundred feet away, and silently stood next to her. "You are right, in a sense, Lieutenant. I do not understand completely what it is to be human. But I do know what it is to be an outcast," Jeanine immediately looked up at him with confusion as he continued, "whether it be on the Enterprise, in the Federation itself, or even on my own planet. I have faced rejection in so many ways. No one understands me. But I have found only one who accepts me and my ways; who is educated about my background—"
Jeanine then said quietly as though coming to a conclusion, "Natalie…"
He simply nodded and repeated in agreement, "Natalie."
Jeanine felt terribly about how she went off on him, "Oh, Spock I… I'm so sorry." She put her hand on his arm to try and comfort him. "I hadn't realized. And here I am worrying about my own problems. I'm just cranky because I miss Leonard so much and I'm worried about them and how they're doing."
"We will finish this 'game' they want us to play. And we will survive to see them again." He merely put his hand on hers that was touching his arm as they turned to walk back toward the fire.
But Jeanine suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from behind them. They both quickly turned alarmed.
"What was that!" Jeanine screamed.
Spock instinctively held her back behind him as he went to investigate. Suddenly, Jeanine heard loud rustling in the darkness and a phaser going off when she knew something made its presence known to Spock. "Spock!"
"Jeanine! Run! Leave now!"
"No, Spock!" She ran to get a huge branch to help with, "We're supposed to survive together! And that's what we're gonna do!" She lunged into the darkness at whatever it was hoping they would survive so she would see her husband again.
5h:22m:47s left
"Captain's Log: Our crew members are still missing, and there are four hours left until this 'game' is over when we will find out their fates. I could lose my first officer and friend, Mister Spock, the best first officer the Federation has ever seen. I could lose my senior medical officer and close friend, Doctor Leonard McCoy and his wife, my Astro-Geographer, and I could lose my historian, Lieutenant Natalie Hurst. These are tough times just waiting to see what happens, but it is all the more worse what they are facing. I hope I won't have to replace any of them—"
"Captain! Look!" Kirk's log was interrupted when Sulu's voice was heard over the wind, and it sent adrenaline rushing through his body. He whipped around to see when Sulu shouted, "It's Doctor McCoy, and Lieutenant Hurst!" He was pointing at two figures who had just entered their camp.
"Bones! You won't even let the devil himself kick ya down," Kirk said to himself ecstatic to see the Doctor and Lieutenant both alive.
They both looked exhausted, dehydrated, and heated. They were almost on the brink of collapse when they finally reached the Captain and his party out of breath. He knew they would need help so he called over to Nurse Chapel, "Better be ready with some stimulants, Nurse."
McCoy almost fell into Kirk's arms as he caught his friend. "Jim, we made it," McCoy said almost out of breath and smiling slightly. The other ship's Doctors came rushing over to their aid when McCoy said, "No, I don't need a Doctor. Help Natalie!" and he waved his arms for them to go.
Kirk protested, "Oh, Doctor, of course you do!" He set McCoy down on the ground for Nurse Chapel to look at, "Just because you're a Doctor, doesn't mean you don't need one too." He smiled to himself, but then it faded when he turned to look back and see if anyone had followed Dr. McCoy and Natalie; particularly a group with someone that has pointed ears. He saw no such group.
1h: 37m: 22s left
Dr. McCoy was sitting alone on a large boulder just watching the distance for his wife and Officer Spock. He couldn't and wouldn't give up hope.
Scotty was holding Natalie in comfort back at the camp while she awaited the news of her best friend and Mr. Spock.
Captain Kirk saw McCoy just outside the camp. He strolled over and McCoy heard someone coming so he turned around to see Kirk. The Captain sat down next to his friend and handed him a coffee.
"Bless you, Captain," McCoy rejoiced at the smell of hot coffee. He took a sip and said, "Jim?"
"Yeah, Bones?"
"I really hate those Centurians. I mean how could they just take and separate four officers into groups and drop them off onto an unknown planet and say 'here ya go, now don't die in twenty-four hours or you won't see your shipmates again.' I mean who does that!" He stood up, "Jeanine is somewhere out in the middle of damned nowhere with Mister 'Logic-is-always-right' and they got down to the planet before us. It's been hours! What's happened to them!"
"Bones, calm yourself. We'll find them if I have to fight the Centurians myself. It'll be alright."
"No Jim, you have no idea what it's like. I have finally gotten the chance to be happy for the first time in my life with the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and now it can all be taken away from me in just a few hours. So no, Captain, I don't believe it'll all be alright." He gave him his angry stare with his eyebrow raised and walked back to the group.
0h:5m:13s left
Everyone was growing restless and the Captain grew even more worried as they all watched out into the distance for any sign of movement. There were two hour shifts of a few of them who would watch and scan the horizon and the other would sleep, eat or try to locate anyone using their equipment. No such luck so far.
Dr. McCoy was on watch duty, and to tell the truth, he didn't want to be anywhere else. He hadn't eaten or slept since he and Natalie returned. He was a wreck, and Captain Kirk came over to comfort his friend.
"Bones, don't worry. We'll find them," and he looked off into the distance.
"Really, Captain… there's only five minutes left. The Centurians must have made sure that one group wouldn't survive. And if they don't make it back by the end of that time, they'll be killed for sure."
"It's their sick game that they must have played on how many other ships passing through here. How many people were killed innocently? This is wrong."
"Jim, if it happens to be that Jeanine and Spock don't make it, then I wish to submit my resignation."
Kirk looked at McCoy immediately, "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, Jim, that if I can't have her then I have no reason or purpose to live for anymore, especially not in space."
"Jeanine wouldn't wish you to do that."
"And how do you know what she does or does not wish!" McCoy became heated but calmed himself down.
Kirk could tell he was stressed and exhausted, "Bones—"
"Jim?" He looked out to the horizon once more seeing no one and then looked back, "There's only fourty-five seconds left. Let's head back to everyone else. They couldn't have made it." Kirk put his hand on McCoy's shoulder.
He somberly looked at the ground and started to head back as Kirk opened his communicator and said, "Kirk to Enterprise, There is no more time left. Prepare the transporter. Five to beam up on my signal. Kirk out." He took one last look out to the horizon when he noticed something peculiar in the distance. He squinted a second and saw a blue figure and a red figure. He smiled immediately and shouted, "BONES! Everyone! They made it!"
Dr. McCoy turned around while Scotty and Sulu and Natalie all came running toward the Captain passed him. He joined them, and saw what Kirk saw.
"Captain?" Sulu asked.
"They're right there! Do you see! They made it with ten seconds to spare! Bones!" He turned around to look at Dr. McCoy who was shocked beyond belief. "Kirk to Enterprise! Belay that last order! Seven to beam up on my signal!" McCoy took off running with the rest following.
They could see them more clearly now. Jeanine was helping Spock to walk as he was weak and had a badly injured leg. He leaned on her with one arm around her neck. They were slowly making their way. She was trying with all her might and strength. She could buckle under his weight any second when she finally looked up and saw a bunch of figures running toward them. She knew when she heard McCoy in the distance calling "Jeanine! Jeanine!" She just smiled and thanked God for allowing them to make it.
The Captain and Sulu and McCoy made it first. Kirk and Sulu took Spock from her and she literally fell into the arms of the love of her life. "Leonard!" she screamed and hugged him tightly. But she couldn't keep her strength up as she started to collapse again. He immediately picked her up into his arms. He just stared into her eyes as he carried her back, "Jeanine I didn't think you'd make it," he was on the verge of tears as she was too.
"Neither did I. But I'm here now," she said as they immediately kissed each other passionately while walking back to their camp.
Star date: 2285.6
Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy were walking through the hallway of the ship when Kirk said, "Well now Mister Spock, I am very pleased to see you up and about."
"Yes, Captain. I am quite well and ready to return to my post."
"Of course, Spock. Anytime you're ready, we would be happy to have you back on the bridge," Kirk smiled.
McCoy started to chuckle as well, "Yes, Chekov couldn't quite fill your shoes."
Spock became confused, "I do not see, Doctor, why Mister Chekov would want to fill my shoes with anything."
McCoy and Kirk just gave each other looks when they both said, "Nevermind."
Spock then spoke while stopping in the hallway, as McCoy and Kirk noticed and stopped a couple feet ahead. "Captain, Doctor, you both need to know that I would not be here if it weren't for Jeanine."
"What are you talking about, Spock?" McCoy looked curiously at the Vulcan.
"You mean Jeanine saved your life?" Kirk half smiled.
"Yes, Captain. That is exactly what I mean. When the creature attacked, I told her to run. She said that we were to survive together so she grabbed a large branch and helped me render the creature incapacitated. She therefore helped me up and half carried me until we met up with you, Captain. This incident took place approximately 9.8 hours previous to the time you found us."
Dr. McCoy was astounded, "Wait, wait, wait. You mean she half carried you almost ten hours to where we were—without stopping?"
"Yes, Doctor. That is precisely what I mean. She saved my life," Spock looked at both of them again and then spoke to Kirk, "I will see you on the bridge, Captain." He then nodded and turned to walk away.
Kirk and McCoy continued walking. "I had no idea how determined and strong your wife was, Doctor. You may have some competition," Kirk said as he winked and nudged the Doctor.
McCoy just smirked as he said, "Oh I don't think so, Jim. She doesn't go for over-dramatic captains," he said as he smiled to himself while walking away with his hands behind his back.
"Hey! Whattya mean by that?" Kirk started walking after McCoy trying to get his attention. "Bones!"