A/N: And here we go again for another thrilling installment! Thanks so much for your reviews.

Coastiewife465: Your idea was definitely a good one. If you ever want help with a story, feel free to PM me. =3 Of course he has to work for it! He was a jerk. (I love you Bones). .

Edward the spiderqueen: Ha! Good ol' Spock. And I quote, "A little sufferin' 's good for the soul." xD

AgnesSophia: Yeah Pike's gonna be a fun one to write, especially because of his relationship to Jim. OH! I hadn't even thought about what I was going to do about the letter. I'm sure I can work that in somewhere in a later chapter. –evil glint-

Doxiesmom14: Thanks I'm glad you like it. =]

Traptrogue6: You know, I thought about having a cure but the future can't be THAT perfect. Even their technology fails often enough. =D

Banbi-V: Aww thanks. I'm glad you like it. =3

Passionfornight: Thanks for reviewing. I'm hoping it's interesting. Otherwise this story would be a fail.

Rhea1305: Thanks. =]

Well it wasn't really a message per se. Bones had sent something worse. A text message. Similar to the instant messages of the 20 and 21st centuries, it required him to answer immediately. And actually converse. Couldn't he be left to wallow alone? He sighed and opened the window.

McCoy: Jim.

Kirk: Yeah Bones?

McCoy: You really think that plan of yours will work?

Kirk: For now.

McCoy: Why is your door locked?

Kirk: You tried to get in my room?

McCoy: Yes. I did. And my override didn't work. Wonder why that is.

Kirk: I needed sleep.

McCoy: Really?

Kirk: Yes.

McCoy: Did you get any?

Kirk: Yes.

McCoy: Is there a reason you're only giving one word answers?

Kirk: No.

McCoy: Screw this. I'm calling you. Don't you dare turn that vid-screen off.

Jim sighed and exited the window. He rushed into his bathroom to get a cool towel and sooth his still red eyes. Satisfied that he had eradicated the red, Jim sat in front of his screen and pulled a hand through his hair. Just in the nick of time too, as Bones' face appeared on the previously black screen in front of him. For a second, hazel eyes searched the figure before him. Then there was a sigh of relief.

"Oh good."

"What?" Jim was slightly confused.

"I thought that maybe you'd try to… you know," he made a vague gesture across his neck with one finger.

"Not worth the effort," Jim deadpanned.

Bones raised one eyebrow is what could only be described as a tribute to Spock. "Jim? Are you alright? Your eyes look red."

Jim mentally swore. "Yeah Bones, I'm fine. Just need more sleep."

"Did you already send the messages?"

"One to Pike, one to Spock. Chapel probably already knows. Are you okay?" Jim was genuinely concerned again. His friend didn't look any better than he did. Jim was good at changing the subject.

"Yeah she does. I'm fine." Jim heard Bones' voice crack. His expression softened. Later, he would probably regret this but oh well. "Didn't I tell you to go enjoy shore leave? Go get some ass." Ah the Jim Kirk ten thousand watt smile. Good for fooling any unsuspecting woman or man of the threat level that was neatly contained behind its teeth but not Bones. He saw the hazel eyes narrow with suspicion. He hated that look!

"Shore leave isn't my thing, kid. You know that." He paused for a moment. "And god damnit would you stop smiling?!" Bones finally lost his calm composure. That fake smile slid from Jim's face like the fire from a candle in the wind.

"Sorry. Didn't know smiles upset you. Go to Savannah or something. See your mom and your boyfriend. Don't know when we'll be back on Earth again." With that, an unusually pale and shaky hand reached for the off button. He wanted to go back to sleep and wake up with everything back to normal. If only time travel without a black hole was possible.

"Jim, wait. I didn't mean it like that. I just… it's hard." Jim's hand paused.

"Yeah I know."

Awkward silence for roughly two minutes filled the air. Not the usual companionable silence the two shared. This was genuinely awkward.

"Jim, did you actually sleep restfully?"

"Yeah. A few hours." Jim's face was scrutinized.

"I'm coming over kid."

"Why?"

"Wanna talk to you about your plan. And I'm sure Spock and Pike will respond soon. Treatment needs to start soon too. Gotta make plans."

"Fine." The finger moved and the screen was once again black. "Computer, unlock Captain's quarters," a hiss followed by a click signified his commands had been followed, "locate Commander Spock as well."

A detached voice rang out from above him, "Commander Spock is currently on the bridge. Would you like him to be paged?"

"Affirmative computer."

The last thing Jim wanted was to be alone in a room with Bones right now. Not four minutes later, the door chime sounded. The only one who ever rang that thing out of the two expected guests was Spock. Jim commanded the door open and Spock walked in.

"Ah Mr. Spock. I hope I wasn't disturbing anything important." Jim smiled at his first officer but it didn't hold the usual cockiness. It was… gentle somehow.

"Not at all Captain. In fact I was just reading the details of your communication." Jim took a moment and examined Spock. He stood how he usually would, save a bit tense. It was his face that was mildly disturbing. He looked as he had the day his mother had been lost on Vulcan. Jim felt guilty.

"Ah yes. I thought you should know seeing as you'll be taking over when and if I'm incapacitated."

"That was very logical of you." Spock cocked his head to the side as if listening. Really what he was doing was feeling.

"I have my moments. If I may ask, did you tell Lieutenant Uhura?" Jim had given him permission but hadn't expected him to do so.

"I have not revealed to the Lieutenant the details of your message as of yet Captain." The Vulcan hesitated. "Though I would like to sometime in the near future. It is illogical but I feel as though I should speak with someone."

Jim rolled his baby blues. "Spock, humans aren't logical. Get used to it." He dropped the formality he had used earlier. He hated formality. "You can talk to me if you want. I'm sure Vulcans don't get sick like this." Jim still wouldn't say the 'C' word out loud. That would make it too real for him to handle.

"I believe that would be logical. Was there a reason you summoned me Captain?" He raised one of those nearly infuriating eyebrows of his.

"Ah yeah. About that. Bones is coming over to talk about my plan which involved telling you. I wanted you to be here." Jim had the dignity to look sheepish.

"So you wish my help in dealing with this?" If Jim didn't know better, he'd think the Vulcan was awed.

"Uh something like that, yeah. I don't want to be alone in a room with Bones either."

That eyebrow rose higher. "Has something happened between you and Doctor McCoy?"

Jim was saved from answering by the beep of his PADD. Admiral Pike had responded to his message. Boy that was fast. He quickly pressed open.

Jim,

You can't keep out of trouble for five minutes can you? Cancer huh? Well McCoy can take care of you better than any medical officer around. I'll help you. Sorry to hear it had to happen to you. If you every need somebody, you know I'm here. I can keep the heat off you as long as you need. You'll be fine. No-win scenarios don't exist remember?

Pike

To say Jim was relieved would be an understatement. Spock looked as though he was thinking. Then he spoke. "Captain, I would like to hear what happened between you and Doctor McCoy. It appears to be bothering you. Would you like to speak about it?" Vulcans were slightly empathetic. Since he walked into the room, Spock was able to feel how Jim felt. Jim tensed and straightened. He was caught off guard.

Jim looked like a deer caught in 20th century headlights. "Uh… not really. Talking about it won't do much good. But if you really want to know you can do that Vulcan thought transfer thing. Mind-meld."

"I believe that would be best. As I have your consent, it will not be as uncomfortable as previously." He held up his forefinger, middle finger and thumb and placed them on Jim's face. Quite instantly he saw what had transpired. Spock was furious. It took an unbelievable force to emotionally compromise Spock. Bones had just done that without even knowing it.

There was a pneumatic hiss and the door opened. Spock released Jim. His head swiveled to the door. Bones looked up. Shit.

A/N: Well how'd you like it? I thought a little bit of emotional override was in order for Spock's human side. R'n'R

-Bunny =3