Spock hit the floor with a graceful thud, landing much more softly than McCoy had earlier. Kirk relaxed slightly and nodded to the security officer.

"Thank you; keep him covered for now."

"Yes sir," was the slightly confused reply. Kirk turned and bent down to help the now-conscious McCoy to his feet.

"Y'alright Bones?" he asked.

"Fine, Jim. Damn hobgoblin's a menace." McCoy caught sight of Spock lying on the floor and blanched. "You shot him!?" he shouted at the security officer.

"He's just stunned, Bones; my order. I couldn't calm him down, and he'd knocked you flat out." McCoy started swearing under his breath as he bent down next to the Vulcan and began examining him.

"Ensign, what happened here?" Kirk asked the slightly-less-distraught man still standing in the far corner.

"I was working on an experiment when Mr. Spock walked in, Sir. He seemed fine at first, and then suddenly came over and snatched my PADD away—" he gestured at the shattered device now lying on the floor in two large pieces "—and after looking at it for a moment began practically screaming at me for producing 'inferior work'." The ensign paused. "Captain, Sir, it wasn't a report; it was my personal log, I swear!"

"It's all right, Ensign," Kirk consoled the young officer. "Mr. Spock's not feeling well, that's all. Head down to the Medbay and get checked out, then take a day and relax, all right?"

"Yes Sir," the man replied. "Thank you, Sir." He left the lab, circling around as far away from the downed Spock as he could.

"Bones?" Kirk asked, looking at the intense frown on his friend's face.

"He's not good, Jim, but there's really nothing I can do for him." He glanced up. "Best I can advise is to bundle him off into his own bed and keep him confined until we get to New Vulcan." Kirk gestured at the security officer who called for an anti-grav stretcher. Within minutes Spock was being escorted to his quarters by six more security officers, his Captain, and the CMO of the ship — and the rumor-mill was running rampant.

Spock's been hurt.

Spock's sick.

Spock attacked an Ensign.

Spock's confined to quarters.

Spock got stunned by Security.

What happened?

Why'd he do it?

Why are we going to New Vulcan?

What's going to happen to him?

And, of course:

Why isn't Uhura with him?

TO BE CONTINUED.

Did anybody think I'd actually hurt Spock? I hope not. :) I have a couple ideas on how poor Uhura's going to handle this…feel free to let me know what you think she would or should do! Also, if you really think I need help - I'm looking for someone to beta my Trek stuff. Interested?

(As always, I don't own them, and I think it's ridiculous that I have to say so…)