Chapter 11

"Goddamn it's cold," McCoy swore as the snow whipped about around them.

"You can always go back to the Enterprise," Jim ground out. He was just ahead of McCoy as they walked into Hielo's capital. The storm had moved into the mountain range where the capital was nestled in snow and rock. It had slowed down but the wind was still making walking in the soft snow hard.

"We are 1.8 kilometers from the transportation point," Spock replied and gently grabbed Jim's arm as he swayed. "It is illogical for Doctor McCoy to walk back that distance alone. There is a high probability that he could become lost."

"I would not get lost," McCoy sputtered angrily.

"Yeah… Bones can defend himself just fine,"

"Which has been proven on multiple occasions however if he was to illogically decide to make the return trip without us, he would face a great danger of becoming disoriented," Spock proclaimed stoically. "However, there is the miniscule possibility that he will be able to return without fail."

"Because I'd leave you two to your own devices," McCoy growled at Jim, watching Spock's steadying hand. He mumbled something under his breath grabbing Jim's arm and slinging it over his shoulder.

"What're you doin'?" Jim asked distracted.

"You really think you're going to make it all the way there by yourself?" McCoy asked accusingly.

Jim took a few moments to answer as they continued on. "Yeah…. The girl needs our help."

"Captain, I believe there are people approaching us," Jim and McCoy looked at Spock who was just ahead of them and at the crest of the last hill that descended into the capital.

"Hostile?"

"I am unable to ascertain their motives at this point however," Spock put away his scanner and checked that his phaser was within reach, all in one swift motion. "I believe we should continue with caution."

"Sounds like a plan,"

"If we die, Jim," McCoy growled into his ear as five figures appeared from the snow. "I'm going to haunt you for the rest of your afterlife."

Jim smirked as several guns were leveled at them. "What are you doing here?!"

"We came to speak to Lady Mystral," Spock spoke coldly. "About the execution of Desdemona Caldwell."

"We come in peace," Jim added extracting himself from McCoy's crutch status and deftly supporting himself on his own two feet.

"Take their weapons," The same man ordered. Jim relented his with a raised eyebrow letting McCoy know he was definitely running a fever. Again. And just after it broke. McCoy clenched his fists, thinking of ways to trap Jim in a bubble for the rest of his life.

"I'm never letting you go anywhere near a snow planet again," McCoy grumbled, watching as they snatched his med kit from his grasp.

"I do not see how the probability of the Captain becoming involved in troublesome matters to be centralized around only ice and snow planets," Spock observed as they were surrounded and prodded forward.

"For once I see your point," McCoy said with a hint of disgust. "Jim gets into trouble on every planet we go to."

"Do not," Jim said embarrassedly.

"When you can name a single mission that didn't involve some sort of dangerous situation, let me know," Jim huffed indignantly as they were escorted down into the capital.

Spock caught Jim before he fell on his face, McCoy coming over and helping to lift him upright. They were in a great white hall of ice. Guards and people in expensive looking clothing stood to the sides. A guard prodded them in the backs as McCoy grabbed Jim's shoulders and gave him a small reassuring shake. "Jim. Focus. Come on. You brought me down here now you better have a way to get us out."

"Bring me their communicators," McCoy glared at them as they were all patted down and their coms taken from them. Jim wavered on his feet slightly with McCoy holding his elbow. Spock was watching the scene unfolded before them with interest.

Lady Mystral sat a top her throne, adorned in gold and red looking magnificent and important. Her face was set in a smug grin. She did not look like the scientist leader that had acted like glue for those out casted because of their wish for the health of their people. She stood taking the coms in her hand with a small amount of disdain. "Your technology would help us greatly."

"We are unable to allow you to use it," Spock replied. "It is illogical. You already have your own methods of communication that suit your people."

"This planet is dying," McCoy looked at her surprised. There was a simmering scorn waiting for the cool cover to be removed.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He snapped. Jim remained blank, lost in his thoughts.

"It means," McCoy's mouth fell open as Spock's eyebrows rose into his hairline. Iago Caldwell had appeared next to Mystral, kissed her lightly on the cheek and continued speaking. "That we are in need of technology that will allow us to go to another planet and live."

"Why exactly do you need weapons for that?" McCoy snarled. Iago smiled almost gleefully at him.

"We never said we would allow the planet's people to remain in power,"

"It is illogical to risk so many lives when you have newly joined the Federation and are able to ask for aid to your people," Spock replied, his mind whirring to figure out the situation.

"We do require the Federation's aide," Iago smirked. "We require a spaceship and a suitable way of taking it over."

"You have been working with each other?" McCoy pointed between them.

"We have been for quite some time," Mystral smiled, resting her hand on Iago's. "He had the power and I had the way to achieve it. It is the perfect relationship."

"Well if I'm a monkey's uncle," McCoy grumbled, leaning towards Jim as he took a steadying stutter step. "Easy."

"I am surprised that you did not figure it out sooner," Iago said, regret on his face. "You all seemed so promising with being the senior crew of the flagship. Bring Desdemona to me."

Jim looked up at her name. McCoy gripped his shoulder to steady him again. "Easy, Jim. She's coming here. No need to get your panties in a bunch."

"Fascinating," McCoy looked at Spock. "I was unaware of the Captain choosing to wear ladies underwear."

There was a moment of silence as McCoy stared at Spock with his mouth dangling open, the muscles around his eyes twitching to move. Jim looked up at Spock a "no you did not just say that" expression on his face. Desdemona entered the hall, flanked by two security guards, to barking laughter and McCoy and Jim wiping tears of laughter from their eyes. She looked to her father.

"Did they finally crack under the idiocy of your ideal plan for life on another planet?" Desde rolled her eyes. "Honestly, I'm surprised they cracked now. When I'm about to die. Perfect timing."

Jim sucked in a shaking breath and stood up grinning at her. "Desde! Told you we'd get here in time. Little worse for wear but we're here."

Desde smirked and rolled her eyes at his careless manner. She lifted her chained wrists. "I'm still in handcuffs."

"And we're still in control," Iago's eyes glinted in triumph. Jim shrugged.

"That is until I make your plan crash around you. Remember when I left the meeting to enjoy the winter air?" Jim brought out his charming smile and tapped a finger to his temple. "I do have a method to my madness."

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A/N: So... Brain wave happened the other day. Here is the next chapter! Chapter 12 will be up Friday or Saturday, depending. Thanks for reading and as always review!