Captain Jackson paced the small confines of his room with a scowl etched into his normally friendly features. The high collar of his dress uniform dug into his neck. Irritated, he tried pulling it away but soon gave up and let the fabric alone.

Hallon watched his captain with a faint trace of amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Sir, I know this situation isn't ideal but you must stop fidgeting with that uniform."

Jackson stopped and sighed. "Ideal would be the furthest word to describe this." His hand gestured to the brilliant blue planet that could be seen floating in a sea of stars.

"It sure is confusing. First they want to kill us, now the Council wants us to be their guests of honor." He shook his head. "It just doesn't make sense."

Bridge to Captain Jackson

Jackson leaned over and pressed the button on the intercom. "Jackson here. What is it?"

Enterprise is hailing us.

"Put 'em through." He sat in his chair and motioned for Hallon to do the same. They were both seated and enjoying a small glass of liquid courage from Hallon's home world when the monitor flickered to life. Captain Kirk's face occupied most of the screen, annoyed and just as fidgety in his dress uniform. Hallon smiled at the similarities in the two captains. "Ready to get this over with?"

Ha! You have no idea. We got the coordinates and should be ready to beam down in three minutes. Spock and I will meet you and Commander Hallon down on the surface.

"Three minutes. Jackson out." The captain downed the rest of the glass and blinked his gray eyes a couple of times. Hallon followed Jackson through the ship until they reached their transporter room. Engineer Stacko was at the controls. He was a short, balding man who joined Starfleet to get as far away from Earth as possible. His smile was soft.

He saluted the captain with the enthusiasm of a new recruit. "Everything's ready, sir."

"Good." Jackson extracted his communicator. "Bridge?"

O'Hera here.

"Keep her out of danger, you here?"

She won't even get a scratch, sir.

"I'll hold you to it. Jackson out." Hallon was waiting on the platform. With a final look to Stacko and his wrinkly laughing eyes, Jackson pulled at his collar before clasping his hands at a comfortable position behind his back. "Energize."

The celebration went as expected. There were many dignitaries to shake hands with and introductions were made with pleasant smiles. Deep inside, all Jackson and Kirk wanted to do was get back to their ships. Olivia and McCoy were still down in those caves. Somehow, it didn't feel right to socialize with the people who put them down there. Jackson could sense Kirk's desire to bolt and placed a strong hand on his shoulder.

"They'll be alright. Lieutenant Gellar is the most determined woman I've ever met. Doctor McCoy seems very much like her in that regard."

Kirk scoffed, drinking down the beverage that he'd swiped earlier that evening. "You got that right. They're both stubborn."

Hallon approached with a young woman hanging onto his arm. His eyes held a silent apology but Jackson merely nodded his head. "Captain Jackson, this is Molshara. She's Emperor Zolaff's daughter."

Jackson gave a slight nod. "Your grace."

Jim stepped forward. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. My name is Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise."

The woman blinked her lilac eyes in Kirk's direction. Where vibrant life might once have lived sorrow and fatigue took its place, though she did a good job of hiding it behind her charming smile. "Such a long name. Surely there is something shorter I may call you?"

"I'm called Jim." Hallon had to resist the urge to chuckle at the captain's blatant flirting.

Molshara stepped forward and curtseyed gracefully. "Perhaps a dance, Jim?"

After a moment, he put on his best half smirk and held out his hand. "Who am I to refuse?"

Hallon and Jackson watched the two head to the dance floor. Jackson heard the Vulcan science officer approach behind them. "Mr. Spock? What have you found out?"

"These people are very secretive. Even their database is scarce of information beyond three thousand Earth years ago. That point was indicated as the Alecksha."

"The Alecksha? What do you suppose that means?"

"I think it is best if Captain Kirk is involved in our discussion. It would also be prudent for our conversation to not be made in such a public place."

Their eyes searched the crowd and found Kirk and Molshara deep in conversation. "I'll get him," Hallon nodded toward the crowd.

Meanwhile Kirk and Molshara were having quite the discussion. It started off simple. A few comments about the weather and the places he'd visited were exchanged. Soon, Molshara's eyes grew serious. "Why don't we take this outside?"

Kirk raised an eyebrow. "I'd prefer not, ma'am. Your father is already very suspicious of us."

"Daddy won't mind. I promise."

"Whatever you want to say can be said here."

"Not when the walls themselves have ears. Please, Jim, it's important."

He searched the room and found Spock and Jackson talking politely to a group of aristocrat's daughters. Hallon was approaching them, making his way expertly through a crowd like he'd done this sort of thing a million times.

"Captain Kirk. There's something that needs to be discussed." His eyes darted to Molshara. "In private, ma'am."

Her grip on Kirk increased but only very slightly. It was enough for Kirk to notice.

"Ma'am . . ."

"Please, call me Molshara."

Kirk sighed. "I do need to return."

"No. Please, just hear me out. I'll only take a minute." Her gaze went to some curtains not too far away. Perhaps they led to a private balcony.

"Alright one minute. Commander Hallon. Tell Commander Spock to keep an eye out."

"Aye, sir."

Hallon gave a slight nod and spun around on his heel. Jackson had on a confused expression. Before anything could be said, Hallon held up a hand. "Apparently the two need to discuss something. He'll need one minute. Until then, Commander Spock, Captain Kirk has asked you to keep an eye out."

Jackson held back the small frown. He'd known Hallon for a while and knew he wouldn't be this professional unless something serious was truly going on. Jackson's gray eyes narrowed on the crowd. "Go follow Spock. See what you two can find out. I have a feeling she has some information. I'll keep investigating here. I'll have my communicator with me."

"But sir—"

"Not another word, Hallon. That's an order." Hallon simply nodded, pulling at the sleeves of his dress uniform. "And quit messing with that uniform."

Hallon cracked a smile at his commanding officer's mocking yet playful tone. "Aye, sir." He straightened his shoulders and tried to appear as tall as he could without looking like an idiot. Spock advanced first, making a beeline for the curtained doorway. Hallon crossed the floor with grace and precision so that any who looked upon him would think Hallon was born to this life. In a way, he was. His father was a merchant for the Royal Family and his mother was a Royal Librarian. His childhood was spent at parties like these. Of course celebrations on his home world were far bigger and more lavish than any other world he had thus far seen. Therefore it was no trouble for him to meander to the Vulcan's side without arousing suspicion. Spock's ears twitched as he heard Hallon approach.

"Commander. Have you been able to find anything out?"

"She is talking to him and seems to be upset."

Hallon remained glued in place with his back to the wall. "Does your captain need our help?"

"I do not believe so."

Kirk sighed and pulled at the uncomfortable collar.

Molshara ran her nails lightly over her forearms, the cold night air sending shivers down her spine. "I have information for you."

"What kind of information?"

"Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast. First you must promise you'll take me from this place."

"We're not a travel ship."

"Would you be willing to become one if I told you the one you call Olivia Gellar will soon be dead?"

"Explain."

"Promise first."

Kirk's resolve wavered for a moment, but then solidified. "How is Olivia in danger? Is there something in the cave?"

Molshara crossed her arms and looked down into the sleeping city below. Beyond the limits, a massive swamp stretched out before being consumed by desert.

"If you won't take me out of here, then can you at least have your doctors look at this?" She pulled up her right dress sleeve to reveal a rash with a dark blue tinge to it. The splotches began in the crease of her elbow and continued up her arm before disappearing behind the sleeve.

"What is that?" Kirk looked back to see Hallon, Jackson and Spock standing in the doorway. Jackson stared in wonder while Spock raised an eyebrow. Molshara, with bright red cheeks, pulled the sleeve down and crossed her arms in defense. She tried backing away when Kirk caught her arm.

"It's ok. These three wouldn't hurt a fly." His bright, but very pissed, eyes came to rest on the three other men. "I though I said one minute?"

Spock clasped his hands behind his back. "You have spent nearly two on this balcony."

"Captain Kirk. What is that?"

"No idea. Spock?"

He held out his hand, which Molshara looked on with apprehension. "If I may hold your arm."

Her eyes widened but Kirk's gentle hand on her shoulder gave her the courage to trust this alien. Spock looked over Molshara's arm with curiosity. "I've never seen anything like it captain. I'll need to bring back samples for analysis."

Spock had just ended his sentence when a loud bang and a screaming filled the air. Jackson, Kirk and Spock ran through the curtains to find a scene of chaos. People were running about everywhere, women shrieking and soldiers trying and failing to keep everyone calm.

The source of the issue was revealed when Kirk caught sight of the body on the floor. She was one of the councilwomen they'd seen on their first visit. Her skin was pale and held death's luster. The group got closer until Jackson froze from horror.

"Captain Kirk."

"Yeah, I see it." There on the old lady's arms was the same bluish rash that Molshara had just shown them.

"I think it's time we leave, Captain."

"Agreed."

Captain . . .

Hallon's voice was weak and just barely rose above the background static. Jackson flipped open his communicator and whispered into the device, "Commander Hallon. Where are you?"

There was . . . an attack

The three bolted back to the balcony. Only this time when the curtain was flung open, Jackson could smell the blood before he saw the body. Hallon was slumped over, holding Molshara's limp body in his arms. There was a dagger wedged in between a couple of her ribs right where her one of her hearts was. The blood loss would be fatal. Hallon looked to be spared any physical injuries.

"Commander. What happened?"

His voice was coarse from the tears falling down his face. "It all happened so fast. Someone attacked us. She must have heard it coming because she pushed me out of the way. That dagger was meant for me, sir."

"I suggest, Captain, we all return to the Enterprise. The situation will likely worsen."

Kirk sighed, running a hand through his hair before grabbing his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise. Four to beam up."

Aye sir. Locked on to your biosigns now.

"Energize."

Hallon looked like he'd been drug through a field of sharp pointy rocks and then forced to endure several hours of "reality" television. When Jackson asked about the attack, Hallon could sense the frustration from how little he could remember.

"I'm sorry, sir. I wasn't really paying attention. One minute I'm standing and the next I'm on the ground with a bleeding woman beside me. I didn't even know we were being attacked. However, she did give me something." He pulled out a small drawstring purse. He opened it and dumped the small chip into his shaking hand.

"She didn't explain what was—"

Erin stepped over with a hypospray. "Hallon, I need you to relax. You're going to be feeling some pain soon and I don't want you awake until I can get a pain neutralizer synthesized."

Jackson took the chip before clapping a hand on Hallon's shoulder. "Thank you."

"No problem, sir. Alright, Doc, hit me." His smile faded only slightly as he lost consciousness.

"Doctor Kolshar. Please accompany Captain Kirk, Commander Spock and myself to Conference Room Two. I have a feeling we're going to need your medical opinion."

************************************************************************

The following morning brought with it a severe pounding headache. Olivia didn't say anything. The pain was minor and she could handle just about anything. So as the hours went by and they descended further into the cave system, the pain got worse.

"Alright. You need a break."

"No, I don't." Her voice was a whisper, but it sounded like a scream in her ears.

McCoy dropped his equipment and raced over before Olivia could hit the ground. He propped her against the wall and offered her some water, which she reluctantly accepted.

"I thought you were in good shape."

"Yeah, well, obviously not good enough. How come you're not being affected by this?"

"I don't know."

His voice was softer than a normal speaking voice, but it still sounded like screaming to Olivia. "Must you scream?"

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"Other than the implosion of my brain against my skull, I'm just peachy." Her tone was sharp like a blade.

Doctor McCoy frowned and grabbed his medical tricorder. Olivia cringed as the annoying beeping drew closer. She squinted her eyes shut and threw up a fist. "One more scan and that thing gets smashed against your head."

The readings were so erratic, McCoy had to check them twice. Cursing modern technology, he placed the tricorder among the other gear and sat next to Olivia. Her eyes were closed with her fingers rubbing her temples.

The back of his hand went to her forehead, which caused Olivia's heart to flutter for second before resuming it's higher than normal beat. McCoy's eyes widened. He removed his hand and placed a couple fingers to her throat to feel for her pulse.

"Damnit, woman. How long have you been feeling these symptoms?"

"Ever since we woke up this morning. Why?"

"You've got a slightly raised temperature and your heart rate is erratic. You shouldn't be conscious."

That's when the darkness started prickling Olivia's vision. She had no time to give warning except for a small moan before everything went blank. McCoy slapped Olivia's face a couple of times.

"Come on, Olivia. You need to stay awake. Stay with me, damnit!" There was still no response. Her heartbeat was still erratic but her temperature appeared to be lowering. Her face was troubled like stuck in a repeated nightmare. Her mouth twitched into a frown and began mumbling incoherent words.

Olivia's dreams were always in a way freaky and random. This one was different. She was back at McCoy's room at the Academy. Their first date had ended there and Olivia was surprised with her forwardness, but she was a woman and she had needs. McCoy was saying something to her, something about a new memory suppressant drug that was still in its testing stages. In theory, it would be able to erase all memory and the person could start a new life free of his or her past.

She wasn't able to catch what he said next because all of a sudden they were locked in a kiss. Olivia found herself experiencing the emotions she'd thought were long buried. It'd taken what one (two?) years to build up her defenses and one kiss was enough to completely destroy them.

How in the hell was that fair?

Her thoughts lost all incoherency after that as she submitted to her feelings. Then her mind stepped in and reminded her she wasn't actually kissing him. It was a memory, a recollection of a time long gone.

Olivia's eyes flew open to McCoy running a tricorder over her body. His hazel eyes flew to hers, concern and panic clearly evident in their depths. Her gaze went to his lips. Those soft, very talented . . .

Stop it! Olivia focus, now!

She shook her head. "What the hell is wrong with me?"

"Correction was. Whatever happened to you while you were unconscious straightened your body out. How do you feel?"

Olivia noted her heart returning to its normal rate. "Better."

McCoy placed an arm across her chest. "Don't even think about getting up."

"We need to get to the research team. Something bad has happened. I can feel it."

"Since when are you intuitive?"

"Just trust me. We need to get moving."

"Fine. But when I say stop, we stop. Understood?"

"You're not my commanding officer."

"I'm your attending physician. You will listen to me."

"Fine."

They traveled in silence, following the map. Soon Olivia looked down at her watch and realized it was growing late. They should be reaching the chamber soon. Just as she thought it, McCoy stopped them.

"What's wrong," she asked.

He pointed to a door with intricate drawings and writing. Olivia had to squint to read some of the finer symbols.

"Just your standard beware message. It leads to the central chamber." Below that message was another inscription that talked about the Alecksha. Olivia ignored it and followed McCoy into the next room.

The chamber was large and obviously made by some sort of intelligent civilization. Drawings and writing adorned the walls and columns supporting the high fifty-foot ceiling. The air was stuffy and there was an odd smell to it. Like mixing lemon with mint. It almost reminded her of home.

They walked down two sets of stairs to reach the bottom of the chamber where most of the activity here probably took place. There were three altars and crumbling statues of figures. Olivia figured this must have been a temple of some sort.

"Look at this."

Olivia turned her head to see McCoy indicating one of the better statues. It was a woman, clothed in robes that left little to the imagination. Her blue hair was swept back into a side ponytail that tumbled into a sea of curls. Pale gray eyes surveyed the empty room with an inner confidence. Olivia looked down at the plaque and soon blushed.

"This is a statue of Casara. She's the goddess of fertility." She indicated the broken statues. "Those two are Mirus and Varon. Her escorts."

"How do you know this?"

"I don't know. But I'm guessing this temple is devoted to Casara. We're bound to see more rooms with her in them."

"What are you doing?"

Olivia had knelt down to the base of one of the male statues. "These burn marks indicate an explosion was set here."

"Why would someone want to blow up a statue?"

"I don't know. My guess would be the research team as they were the only ones who've been down here."

McCoy approached the statue of Casara. Olivia bit her lip to stop herself from protesting. The feeling building in her chest was kind of like jealousy but why the hell should she be jealous of a statue? She was ripped from her thoughts when McCoy was suddenly sent forcefully backwards. He landed on his back and was gasping for air by the time Olivia fell to her knees beside him. She watched with panicked eyes as his closed and his breathing stopped.

"Shit. Leo don't do this to me."

She started the procedure for CPR.

One…two…three…

"Damnit, Leo."

Ten…eleven…twelve

"You're an idiot if you think you're dying this easily." She returned to the compressions, counting silently in her mind. Seconds wore on to minutes and still Olivia kept trying.

"I'm not giving up on you." The first set of compressions done, Olivia lifted his chin up and breathed in a mouthful of air.

"Goddamnit Leo!!" Olivia gasped for air and supplied all she could in a second breath. The pain had returned sometime during the whole ordeal and gave a sharp twinge in her side. Exhausted and cold, Olivia searched for a pulse.

But there was nothing.

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Author's Note: HAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAA!!!!! I have the power!!!! Bones will stay dead unless I get reviews. Yay, I found something to blackmail you guys with ^_^

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So I have lots of people to thank:

-Jac Danvers

-thebloodrose

- Lady Valadhiel

-Canna

-CaffeineKid

-DuckyInTheWater

- fafinette

-wild-in-spirit

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And of course a big thank you to all the people who have alerted and favorited the story!!! All of you are complete EPICNESS!!!! I spent 8 hours packing and checked my email to see all these lovely reviews, favorites, alerts, etc…I 3 you guys!!! Anyway, I'll only bring back Bones with a little review love. Press the button…it's SHINY!!!! Wow…that was a little too hyper for it being so late. I'm kinda loopy from watching chick flicks/musicals all day. I absolutely adore Colin Firth in Mamma Mia lol

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-Trekky17