Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read! :)

I apologise for the long wait for this chapter. I've been revising for my mocks starting December 2nd.

Just a side note about Jim/Spock. That will be a pairing in this series but that won't come until much later round the plot of Into Darkness.

Any mistakes are my own.

Disclaimer: I still own nothing.

Warnings: None for this chapter

Chapter 7: Elementary My Dear

Location: Starfleet Academy

Saturday 13th October 2255

With a giant sigh her PADD went flying beside her. It had been more than three hours since she had started looking at the same documents - which she now knew by heart. Skye glanced at Nyota who, although hadn't said anything to her, was still annoyed that Skye had refused to talk to her about what had been bothering her. She could sense it from the gentle forming of her colours, that were calmly swirling in their own unique pattern according to her essensiya. Skye turned over and pushed herself up and went to collect her PADD and papers together neatly, pushing them under her bed. Nyota sensed her move and she turned to meet her, her eyes watched her carefully, discerning for anything that she could use to pry out of her what was bothering her. Skye glanced at her clock and sighed again, her mind going back to Wednesday's events, re-churning the anger and sadness within her.

"Okay, that's it," Nyota said sitting up.

"What?" asked Skye pulled from the emotions that were rumbling from within her.

"I may not have the precision of a Vulcan but that's at least the seventh time you've signed in the last half an hour," Nyota said.

"This essay is-"

"What's bothering you? Honestly," Nyota said her tone gentle.

They killed him. He'd dead. "Nothing, honestly, I am tired that's all," Skye said lightening her eyes and giving Nyota a smile that was the biggest lie that she had perfected over the years.

Nyota glanced at her and she pursed her lips "Alright, but-"

The bell buzzer sounded and both of them jumped, Skye welcoming the distraction. Nyota was unlike most of the people that she encountered, she didn't take okay as answer she would study your every movement until she made sure you were okay. Nyota went to open the door and it revealed a person that she didn't expect to see until later the next day. When Nyota let the door slide open, they were greeted with the sight of Sara, dressed in jeans and a black jacket, her blonde wavy her tied up in a bun, with wavy strands framing her face. Her dulled blue eyes, decorated with a golden tinge, glazed over Nyota and went straight to meet Skye.

"I hope it's alright, I didn't mean to show up unannounced. I was told that you were here," she tried to explain.

"No its fine," Skye said softly.

"I didn't know where else to come," Sarah said, traces of her grief and sorrow etched in each movement and each word.

"Come in," Skye said looking to Nyota who was watching her.

Sara hovered a bit hesitantly and she looked at Nyota who was giving her a small smile. Skye moved forwards and she embraced the taller woman who enveloped her tightly.

"I am so sorry," Skye whispered into her ear as they embraced. I am sorry for more than you know.

She could see Sara's eyes water as her frown deepened and one tear rolled down her cheek. She brushed it away, sniffing and then giving Skye an attempted smile.

"It's not your fault, God I hate when people say that to me," she sighed.

"I grieve with thee," Skye said solemnly.

"Thank you," Sara said, looking at Nyota "I am sorry, how rude of me, I am Sara," she introduced.

"Nyota," she introduced with a small smile.

"Skye, I need to go, I left Freddy with my mum," Sara said "I'll see you tomorrow."

Skye watched Sara leave, Nyota turned to her and she saw then that she wouldn't believe any excuse that came out of her mouth.

"He was a friend, he died on Tuesday in that accident on the news," she said placing slightly more emphasis on the world accident.

"I grieve with thee," Nyota responded in Vulcan coming close to her "you should know that I am here if you want to talk," she said giving her a hug. All this hugging was driving her insane and Skye had to fight the old urge to pull away.

"Thanks," Skye said.

Nyota's PADD buzzed with an alert and they separated whilst Nyota looked down at it.

"News alert," Nyota said her eyes scanning the rest of the content of the alert "they arrested the person responsible for Denner's death," Nyota told her surprised.

"Who?" asked Skye frowning, alert, going over to the PADD.

"Parker Collins," Nyota replied.

Skye felt shock grab her as she found herself shaking her head "Parker?" she replied.

"Yeah, he was arrested this morning for his murder," Nyota said.

"Parker?" Skye swore under her breath.

"Do you know him?" asked Nyota.

"I did, he used to be around when my Uncle was working here, he is- was my brothers friend," Skye said, anger threatening her shields, that urge to move – do anything - recapturing her.

"Also there is a memorial for Denner today, all cadets are called to attend," Nyota informed her.

Skye almost laughed. There was no way in hell they're going to get me to go to his fucking memorial. Nyota looked at the other updates that were in the news column and she showed her pictures of Parker, much how she remembered him last time that she had seen him, now being led by officials to headquarters of Starfleet Intelligence. Nyota glanced at her and Skye frowned back, crossing her arms and shaking her head bitterly.

"You okay?" Nyota asked.

"Yeah, just sometimes wondering what the hell I am still doing here," she replied.

"Skye-"

"I need to go find something," Skye said interrupting her.

Nyota nodded and Skye turned to leave, giving Nyota a small smile which she returned with her own.

She needed Jim.

A year and two months ago

The room was too quiet and Ardira could tell from the stony expression on the medics face that it would not be good news. She felt weary and a familiar feeling of hopelessness crawled back into her system.

"Where is he?" Ardira said, her voice filtered with panic as he did not emerge with the medic.

"Madam President, Advisor Rakem has been taken to the recovery ward, he has been displaying signs of illness."

Ardira didn't wait long enough to hear of the medic's explanation because she was already walking quickly towards the outer chambers. She didn't bother to acknowledge the nods and the signs of Rith that were being made to her as she sailed through the long twisting corridors. She arrived swiftly to her destination and hovered momentarily checking that there was no one there and then cursing herself for having to think of such precautions. When she entered the room she saw a sight that she had become accustomed to. Rakem was in his bed, with an ancient system of wires trying to drain the toxin from his system.

"Rakem," she breathed.

"I am well," he whispered sitting up trying to reach for Ardira.

"Please do not strain yourself," she said pushing him back.

"What are the results? They did not tell me," Rakem asked eagerly.

Ardira looked down, her features betraying to him what he feared most. She didn't have to utter a word and he slumped back.

"Again," he whispered disappointedly.

Ardira didn't say anything but she sat perched at the end of the small cot and took his hand. They stayed quiet for a few moments but it was Rakem who would not break the silence.

"When may be try again?" he asked.

Ardira didn't bother to hide the flash of pain followed by fury that crossed her face.

"No, I forbid anymore of these trials," she said shaking her head.

"Ardira we have to move past personal feelings, the Jandu army grow stronger," Rakem stated trying to dispel the weakness from his voice.

"I won't allow it," Ardira said shaking her head.

"This is my choice Ardira," he said taking her hand.

She looked at him and she frowned. It was a wonder how much he was still affected by the system of their society. How he continually thought that his life was worth next to nothing because he was merely expendable.

"Then I forbid it as your president," She said.

Rakem's almost recoiled at her tone. A tone he was all too familiar with. The tone of the higher classes, who ordered around their servants.

"Ardira, must we really cross this line," he asked her.

"I will not allow my people to go through unnecessary pain with these ludicrous trials," she said to him.

Rakem smiled gently and took her hand as he saw her mind clogs turning. She sat up straighter and looked over to him.

"I need you to advise me," she said slowly, carefully phrasing her next words.

"Go on," he nodded in reply.

"It is obvious that we are failing, more than obvious that we are. So there is only one course of action that I can see left. We need help. Outside our own system. We need help from anyone we can find. I was contemplating the Federation. I know given our history it would not seem like a wise decision but I cannot see any more options. I refuse to go and sent more of my advisors to their deaths with failed peace treaties," she explained, letting Rakem soak in her words.

"The council will not receive this well, they may choose to outvote this decision and it would take too long to receive an Asshir from the Trisirr."

"It is not that part that I need advice for. I already knew that the council would out vote me. They are far too conservative in their views and it is because of this, and my father that we now find ourselves in this predicament. I am not intending to call council on this decision and I will not go to the Trisirr. I aim to make the decision in secret," Ardira said confidently.

"Going against the council will be risky, they could unseat you. However I would advise you that we must act and quickly if we are to survive the next year. What is it you plan to do?"

"I am going to send out a ship with a messenger on board, they will speak on behalf of us all. They will find us aid," Ardira told him.

"Then I advise that you do so. Who do you have in mind?" he asked.

"Radmoor, he is trustworthy and I have seen how he commands the warriors," Ardira replied to Rakem.

"Grr'Radmoor?" asked Rakem turning white.

"Yes-"

"He is young and often rash, perhaps-"

"I will send his sister Reina with him, she will calm his temperament," Ardira said dismissing Rakem's worries and his advice which was not a surprise to Rakem.

She leaned forwards feeling slightly more confident and took his hand. She was leaning forwards but the door opened violently, exposing Council Member Vithiier, who looked flustered trying to rearrange his ornate red robes.

"Madam President, I am sorry to interrupt but we must call you for an emergency meeting," he informed her.

"Understood, thank you," Ardira said hoping that he would go ahead but he hung back imminent that he see her follow him.

"Go," whispered Rakem.

Ardira smiled at him and she touched the binding ring she wore on a strong chord he had given her. It was their secret way of telling each other of their true feelings, which could be punishable by death for Rakem if it ever came to light. Rakem returned the gesture, checking that the agitated Councilman was too distracted to see. He watched her disappear and the doors closed with a firm shut, leaving him to his thoughts.

"Grr'Radmoor… Grr'Radmoor," he repeated dumbly to the room around him.

He thought of Grr'Radmoor and his blood turned cold.

"Shit!" cursed Jim.

Skye turned back to look at Jim as he looked apologetically at her. They returned back to silence as they both hunched over his PADD, looking at the numbers going passed them. The final equation presented itself and Jim frowned in concentration and continued typing before they heard a click.

Jim looked pointedly at Skye who caught on and she in turn shook her head at him.

"You're not serious," she said.

"Nope, a deals a deal," he said with a grin.

"Fine, Jim you are a genius," Skye said with a small grin despite what they were doing.

"Oh ye of little faith," Jim replied.

He pressed enter and the machine whirled to life and with three more rapid movements they got what they had come for.

"This should do the trick," Jim said taking the gadget into his hand.

"I just hope there's something that we can find, Agents have probably raided the place by now," Skye said tying up her hair into a bun.

"We'll find something. We'll get to the bottom of this," Jim said his face hardening, Skye recognising that expression, the one that Star Fleet had been the victim of more than a couple of times over the years.

Skye nodded feeling better than she had in the last few days. It was risky but she was hoping that they would fine something – anything – as long as it helped her get any closer to the people who had killed Joe and all the other people in that 'collision'. She felt determination coarse through her whilst she shared a look with Jim who was putting the final touches on the gadget that would hopefully take them into Denner's apartment. Jim finished, setting it down next to them and he looked at Skye who nodded back at him.

"Let's go," Jim said.

The streets were silent that night. The sky was filled with light clouds that sailed passed and the air was slightly cool. They paused to scan over the area, there was no one in sight and together they made their way over to the main door. Skye pressed the device that Jim had created and it cut the feed from the security camera. Jim quickly entered followed by Skye as she pressed the gadget again, restarting the live feed. The apartment block was quiet with no sounds coming from any direction; they made their way up the stairs Skye making use of her extra sensitive ears to make sure that they were in fact unaccompanied. James ascended another flight of stairs and paused momentarily to look at his PADD and he nodded entering a few calculations, them looking at Skye to go and press the button again. His door had been secured with lines of security defence and they had just cracked the first wall. Skye looked at the screen beside Denner's apartment door and they saw a flash before a number pad appeared. Both of them paused, Jim looked irritated and began to type quickly but the screen flashed red.

"What's wrong?" asked Skye her face falling slightly.

"The system is finding its way around my algorithm," Jim stated, irritation laced in his tone.

Skye didn't have enough time to reply but the computer began flashing and Jim cursed taking out the wires from the hole they had inserted.

"What kind of a defence system is this?" Skye muttered, stunned because this technology was not used on mere secondary apartments.

The computer flashed warning firewall breached, alerted secondary master holder. Skye looked at Jim and she acted decisively swiftly, taking her hand and balling her fist before hitting the computer screen as hard as she could, shattering the screen blank. How could we have screwed up? Skye cursed. Jim's device looked like it had come out of the Stone Age compared to the technology that had been used to fire proof the door.

"That's one way to do it. We gotta be quick. I don't know who the secondary master holder is but I don't want to stick around long enough to find out," Jim said quickly pushing open the door.

Armed with their PADDs they entered Denner's roomy spotless apartment. Hurriedly looking round the space she saw there was a huge living room, a kitchen area with three doors that led to the other rooms.

"I'll look out here," Jim said putting the gadget in his bag and began to look around.

Skye went into the study area first, her eyes adjusted speedily to the darkness of the room. It smelled of an odd fruity scent that invaded her nose which was most likely coming from the bowl of those terrible chips that she had remembered as a child. She continued forwards, looking amongst papers and different files that had been neatly stored on the surface of the black painted wooden desk. She lifted some of the papers and looked through them, illuminating them with the torch from her PADD. Her frown deepened because most of the papers she had found were all public record and there was nothing she couldn't get access to with her cadet account. She inspected the room carefully trying to determine any place where Denner would have kept documents that he would have retained secretly. Skye walked round the room feeling different nooks and crannies, fitting into spaces that would be seen as just ordinary. Her hands glided along the surface of the desk and her fingers found a dip in the joint. She felt more hopeful, bending down to look at the spot. She drove her finger further into the gap and found a slot for what looked like a key. She shot up and looked around, her eyes landing on what she was looking for. On the desk buried amongst paper clips was a bunch of old fashioned keys. She picked through each of them pushing them through the slot until the one second from last clicked into place. The side of the desk broke off and landed on the floor with a small thud. Looking inside she saw a whole cabinet full of paper files and a PADD. She smiled and pulled them out and quickly gazed through until she saw a bunch of payment files. Glancing quickly at them she saw payments issued to the labs that had been producing the drugs, their funding to the company on Med Base VIII had increased dramatically over the last year, it followed Joe's findings. Exactly when Denner had stopped there, their funding had been approved shortly afterwards. The next documents she pulled out from the files compartment were the reports which approved of the funding. A smaller paper caught her eye, it was dated back a year ago and it was a red alert request made by Denner to get an inspection on Med Base VIII. Judging from the other files and what Joe had found out, no further action was taken, which didn't add up, because according to the file, the request was to go to Nogura himself. Puzzled she wondered what Denner had found there that had made him adamant to get his request directly the Head of the Fleet himself. Skye grabbed her PADD and took some quick snaps before she replaced all the files in the desk as she had found them. When she did, a single crumpled piece of paper fell from the pile. Studying it she frowned, the markings were intricate and in a language that she was unfamiliar with, it looked, at a guess, a dialect of Klingon but she wasn't sure. From the other room she heard sudden a sudden crash which made her jump.

"Jim!?" Skye hissed, paper still in hand.

"We need to leave now," Jim called.

Skye rapidly placed everything the way she had found it stuffing that piece of paper she still hand in her grip in her pocket. From outside she could make out faint lights, whoever the secondary master holder was had contacted the police. She cursed under her breath as her and Jim made it quickly to the side stairs, running and jumping three stairs at a time in order to get out. When they made it into the night air they didn't stop until they reached a dark cornered alleyway. Jim was leaning against the wall taking deep breaths whilst Skye stood next to him looking around. The noise could still be heard but they managed to leave relatively unseen by the officers who were on their trail. They moved hastily finding the nearest path to take them back to the Academy. When they eventually came back onto another side street, Skye spotted an officer that was talking to a woman a few paces away and Jim, who was unaware, cursed loudly after he had fallen over some rubbish that had been left on the ground. The officer looked up but didn't seem to take much notice of the two windswept individuals. Skye rounded the corner and Jim followed quickly hoping that the officer wouldn't realise. The officer's communicator buzzed and she could hear the faint voice coming from the other end. Two suspected thieves running from the scene of the crime heading your way – one is female and the other is male, others may be involved. Female is reported to have red hair and male blonde – stand by for more details. The police officers smile dropped and he glanced at the ragged appearance of both Skye and Jim, who stood there sheepishly. Jim looked at Skye and she nodded back. Both of them slowly moved away and the police officer slowly put down his communicator.

"I need you two to stop where you are and put your hands up," the officer said speaking slowly.

"Sorry, no can do!" Jim said before grabbing Skye's hand and bolting at top speed.

"Jim!" Skye called "Shouldn't-"

"Now this is what I call reliving old times!" Jim said turning a sharp corner causing Skye to nearly stumble.

Skye could help, despite what they were running, from roll her eyes. Jim turned another corner and suddenly collided with another individual who emitted a loud 'omph'. Skye stopped brushing red strands that had fallen into her face, ready to start again, until she saw who she was staring at her. Leonard McCoy. Great, just great.

"Jesus-" Leonard began, until he recognised the two.

"We really have to stop meeting like this Bones!" Jim said hand reaching for Skye's.

"What the hell are you two doing running around at this ungodly hours as if you were being chased by the damn devil himself?" Leonard grumbled.

"Would love to chat but we really have to go," Jim said moving forwards.

"Now wait a minute-" he began.

"Sorry," mouthed Skye.

Just when they were about to make a move to run again the officer appeared and Skye tugged at Jim "Freeze! I need you two to put your hands up! Now!"

Leonard looked horrified. Skye shied and put her hands up and Jim followed suit. Leonard was still frozen on the spot and the police officer was slowly moving towards them, his inexperience showing as he took out the hand retainers, latest technology in crime stopping, and moved towards Jim. He took their belongings off them and Skye looked warily the PADD.

Don't worry, they won't find anything on there, I made sure any new files added on there won't show up.

Thanks, life saver.

We can't get caught.

Bit late for that. We'll lie, they have nothing there to tie us down. They just saw us leaving the same damn street at as the 'robbery'.

For our sakes I hope so. I just can't believe that system.

I haven't seen anything like that before. The system detected my device that should have been invisible.

"You to sir, hands up!" called the young officer.

"Now wait a minute, I have nothing to do-"

"Now!" shouted the officer.

Leonard grumbled and placed his hands up and Skye heard him mumbling "take a midnight stroll to clear you head, it'll be peaceful and quiet – my ass." The backup that the officer had called for soon arrived taking hold of Jim, Leonard and Skye, reading them their charges and then finally hauling them into the back of the hover car. The doors slammed and Jim looked and Skye and they shared a look.

"Well this is certainly not how I imagined spending my evening," Leonard said "Now will someone please tell me what the hell is goin' on!"

Don't tell him anything, he can't get involved.

What are we supposed to tell him?

Tell him what we'll tell the police

Which is what exactly?

Don't worry I have it all covered

We'll say that we were walking in the area because we were doing some research for that project I was telling you about, the museum is right round the corner-

It's almost midnight Jim.

Okay that will never work, we were just walking around because-

You were distressed, there was a recent loss in the family.

Okay when we-

Heard a break in!

You're getting a little too excited about this Jim.

What can I say I have a knack for getting-

-us into more trouble

"I don't know what the hell you two are doing but what the hell is going on?" Leonard asked the two who for the last minute had been pulling faces at each other.

"Calm down Bones were working on in!"

"Calm down kid! Calm down! I've just been arrested for breaking into an Admiral's apartment!" he said frowning.

"Its fine, we were just looking for something-"

Don't worry I am not telling him anything.

"You two are doing that damn thing again," Leonard said, his tone etched with more annoyance by the second.

"Its fine we were just talking-"

"Yeah kid and I am a fairy," Leonard muttered.

"It's a bond," Skye said speaking to him.

"Bond?" Leonard asked.

"It's a Vulcan bond, it's allowed us to talk to each other telepathically," Skye explained.

"It allows you to do what?" Leonard asked "Actually you know what forget I asked, Vulcan Voodoo mumbo jumbo, probably won't understand a damn thing anyway," he grumbled sitting back.

Jim shied and sat back and Leonard was directly staring at the two, his eyes drilling into theirs.

"We broke into his apartment to get a paper for my assignment," Jim said casually.

"You did what?" he asked his expression changing to one of disbelief; Skye being sure that he would have worn the same expression if Jim had just told him he was a criminal master mind who had planned to take over the universe.

Skye sat back and she grew serious as Leonard was studying her frowning.

"And you agreed to this why?" asked Leonard.

"I guess I just have a knack of getting myself into these type of situations," Skye replied without a smile.

The type of situations that could lead to a very dangerous place.

They then fell back into silence until she felt Jim reach out again.

We still need to sort out what were gonna tell the cops.

Skye sighed heavily and got herself ready for a long night.

Where is it?

Why do they wait?

The enemy grows stronger.

We must act now.

I am done waiting.

We take it by force.

Let us go.