DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction using characters from the Star Trek universe. I do not claim any ownership over them or any of the many Trek universes. This work is solely for entertainment purposes and is not considered canon (not by a long shot).

Leonard stood quietly on the bridge. He felt a familiar shiver when Kirk's voice came over the comm link.

Just like a damn teenager with a crush on my first alpha, Bones thought.

"Mr. Sulu, I think we found our man. You let him know you mean business," Jim said.

"Aye, Captain," Sulu replied. Pressing the frequency, Sulu spoke clearly and firmly. "Attention, John Harrison. This is Captain Hikaru Sulu of the U.S.S. Enterprise. A team of highly trained officers is on its way to your location. If you do not surrender to them immediately, I will unleash the entire payload of advanced long-range torpedoes currently locked onto your location. You have two minutes to confirm your compliance. Refusal to do so will result in your obliteration. If you test me, you will fail."

Bones cocked an eyebrow as the young alpha delivered the ultimatum with a good deal more confidence than he'd displayed when Jim had originally given him the conn. Leonard gave Sulu an appraising look.

"Mr. Sulu," Bones said. "Remind me to never piss you off."

Bones ran his fingers over his collar again – he was never going to get used to wondering if this mission was the one Jim didn't come back from. He crossed his arms over his chest and followed their signal as it moved toward Qo'noS and John Harrison.

"We will arrive at Harrison's location in three minutes, Captain," Spock said. "It is unlikely that he will come willingly."

No shit, Jim thought with amusement. I wouldn't.

Spock continued. "I calculate the odds of him attempting to kill us at 91.6%."

"Fantastic," Jim muttered.

Sorry about this one, Bones … but you knew I had to come.

Lost in his own thoughts, Jim almost missed Uhura's snide comment to Spock. "Good thing you don't care about dying."

Jim blinked. And here we go …

Spock frowned and turned toward Uhura's station. "I am sorry, Lieutenant. I could not hear what you said."

"I didn't say anything," Uhura said shortly.

Jim waited, hoping that would be an end to it. But when the Beta's very pissed off scent hit him, he knew it was anything but done.

"Actually," Uhura said. "I would be happy to speak if you would be willing to listen."

"Guys …" Jim started.

"Lieutenant, I would prefer to discuss this in private."

"No!" Uhura snapped. "You'd prefer not to discuss it at all!"

Spock continued unperturbed. "Our current circumstances — "

"Uh, are you two really gonna do this right now?" Jim asked.

"I'm sorry, Captain. Just two seconds." Uhura said curtly.

Jim sighed and looked out the view screen. He'd had enough face to face discussions with Bones to know when to just keep his head down.

"At that volcano, you didn't give a thought to us. What it would do to me if you died, Spock," Uhura said, her voice breaking. "You didn't feel anything. You didn't care."

Jim stared at the controls of the ship. He'd heard this argument once — only once — from Bones not long after he'd taken command of the Enterprise. In yet another stellar example of his thoughtlessness, Jim had angrily ordered - with a command from an alpha to his omega - Bones to drop it. Jim was going to do whatever it took to do his job and do it well. The retort had silenced the omega and ended the verbal fight - Leonard had accepted Jim's apologies later, but Kirk knew he'd hurt his mate deeply.

Not four days later, Bones unintentionally made his point. The doctor disregarded his own safety and protocol to enter an emergency venting situation, refusing to let a collapsed ensign die. Leonard succeeded in dragging the young man out but only after giving him Leonard's own mask. Jim would never forget watching his mate stagger out into the corridor seconds before the section locked down. He'd collapsed, bleeding from the eyes and gasping for air. The caustic fumes seared Leonard's lungs and McCoy's well-trained and skilled team barely managed one of the miracles the man himself was famous for – Jim had struggled to push himself through his duties during those long days.

The accident forced Jim see how his cavalier attitude about danger and dying affected his mate. Bones would never ask him to be anything other than James Tiberius Kirk, a fact for which he was eternally grateful. What Bones needed and what Jim now tried very hard to provide - was an acknowledgement that he understood what his death would mean to the omega.

I know you hate this, Bones. I know you hate it more than I'll ever understand … but thanks for loving me anyway, Jim thought. He didn't deserve Leonard but he wasn't going to leave him without a fight.

Bones sighed. It was hard not being able to hear what was happening on board the small ship. Every nerve in his body was thrumming with the urge to push against the bond between himself and his mate. Sulu glanced up at him.

"How do you manage to look so calm, Dr. McCoy?" Sulu asked quietly.

Leonard frowned at the view screen and then looked at the acting captain. "I'm from the South, Mr. Sulu … we invented the bluff."

Sulu smiled. "I hope my omega will be as understanding … whenever I claim one, that is."

Bones cocked an eyebrow. "Any potential candidates in mind, Mr. Sulu?" He had an idea what cherub-faced omega had the alpha's eye.

Sulu gave a tight smile that revealed little. "Perhaps … any words of wisdom to make my suit successful?"

Leonard considered. "You plannin' on having your own ship someday, Hikaru?"

"Yes," Sulu answered promptly.

"Present your claim when you well and truly understand why Commander Spock's little attempt at a noble sacrifice on Nibiru just about killed Lieutenant Uhura. If you know what your claim actually means out here in the black, I doubt there's an omega alive who would turn down a chance to wear your collar, Mr. Sulu." Bones finished softly.

"I'll remember that. And … thank you, Dr. McCoy," Sulu said. "Can I ask - ?"

Leonard smiled. "Neither of us had a clue, Mr. Sulu – we sure as hell know now."

Sulu returned the smile. Leonard turned back to the screen feeling a little more settled. It didn't last long. His heart went into his throat when the ship's signal winked out.

"What happened?" Sulu barked at helm.

"I don't know sir, we just lost their signal. We're trying to get it back."

Yeah, I'm never going to get used to this, Leonard thought as he stared at the view screen helpless to do anything but wait.