Hello, all! I'm so, so sorry that I haven't updated in a long time! My health hasn't been too great, and money is super tight right now. I'm literally working 40+ hours every week, and had to pick up a second job. But I promise to keep updating. I'm gonna finish this story! I may not finish before the end of the year, like I had originally planned, but I'm hoping that I finish not too long after the new year.

Let me just say that I cannot believe how much support I have gotten about this story. I cannot believe how much people have fallen in love with Nova. Nova has begun to mean so much to me and it is amazing that other people feel so strongly about her, too.

Thank you so much for sticking with me, and here is the next chapter for you. As always, reviews are appreciated!

~~~~~~-denotes POV change

Chapter 8: Secrets Unveiled

It had been a little over a week since Nova had first stepped foot on the Enterprise. In that time, she had gotten to know the crew quite well, and had begun to develop an almost normal routine. Every morning, she would meditate, then practice with her telekinetic abilities. To her delight, no new abilities had come to fruition. She then would dine at breakfast with McCoy, sometimes joined by Kirk and Spock. She spent most of her free time reading some books that McCoy and Kirk had leant her, or in her quarters pouring over the computer's data banks, trying to learn all she could about humans and Vulcans and any other alien species. At lunch, she would bring lunch down to Scotty in Engineering, and they would eat and laugh together as Scotty told her more and more about the mechanics of the Enterprise's engines, while Nova tried to describe what it was like to exist without a body. Later, she would head to the senior officer's mess hall, where Uhura and Christine would be waiting with tea to talk with her. They had since stopped asking about her dynamic with McCoy, and she was very grateful. Whether or not Christine stopped teasing McCoy, Nova didn't know. After tea, Nova would go to the gymnasium, and, if Kirk was there, she would spar with the captain. If not, she found that she was fond of gymnastics. Occasionally, Uhura would join her. Throughout her day, she would run into Pavel Chekov and Hikaru Sulu, who seemed to spend a lot of down time with each other. Chekov had the tendency to confuse Nova, equating a lot of humaity's accomplishments to that of Russia, while Sulu rolled his eyes. Now and again, Sulu would take Nova into the arboretum to see the different kinds of plant life. Nova loved every second of it. Sulu helped teach her how to care for and cultivate certain plant life.

In her evenings, she spent every other night in Spock's quarters. The Vulcan seemed very comfortable with her, and had attempted to teach her how to play the Vulcan lyre. But Nova quickly discovered that she was completely incapable of playing music at all. It did not bother her; she much preferred listening to Spock's expert fingers strum the instrument. She would occasionally sing a few made up lines here and there, and she hummed along with the lyre. Spock taught her the ways of Surak, and how Vulcan had come to be. Nova was utterly fascinated by Vulcan history, and thought that Surak had made very good points. Usually, she would then have dinner with McCoy. And she would conclude her evenings by saying goodnight to McCoy.

Life on the Enterprise was more than Nova ever anticipated. She was growing as a person, and her eyes were an exact replica of outer space, swirling with colors and light. It was something out of dream, physically existing and being able to interact with those around her. She was content as she could have been.

Until Starfleet finally got back to them.

Kirk was in the briefing room, having just dismissed members of his crew, sitting at the head of the table. Spock stood with him. The bosun whistle sounded, and Uhura's voice came through the comm.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk."

"Kirk here."

"Urgent message from Starfleet, Captain, priority one. Visual message from Admiral Komack."

Kirk felt his gut twist, and he shared a look with Spock, "I'll take it in the briefing room, Uhura."

"Aye, sir."

Admiral Komack's face appeared on the screen, and he began to speak, "This message is for Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise. It is Starfleet's decision that the entity that was brought aboard the Enterprise be returned to the planet's surface immediately."

Kirk stood up, staring disbelievingly at the screen as the image of Komack continued, "We expect to receive a transmission within twenty-four hours confirming that these orders have been followed. And Kirk," Komack's message took a personal turn, "Should you fail to comply, we will be forced to closely examine particular members of your crew. The recklessness that your Chief Medical Officer exhibited in regards to the Prime Directive is a very serious violation. Perhaps he needs a reminder of what protocol is; a reminder he can get back at the academy and away from the Enterprise. And if you cannot control your crewmen, Kirk, I'm sure we can find a place for you behind a desk at Starfleet headquarters."

Kirk's hands were balled into fists and the admiral concluded, "You are to leave the entity behind and move on to your next assignment. We await your confirmation transmission. Komack out."

The screen went blank.

"He can't do that," Kirk said immediately, pacing the room, "Spock, is there any loophole that we can utilize?"

"I do not believe so, Captain," Spock said.

"I can't risk Bones's career. I won't have him reassigned when he's one of the best. That's what the Enterprise deserves: the best."

"And, if you do not return Nova to the planet's surface, Starfleet will take the Enterprise from you, and you will be forced to spend the rest of your career at Starfleet Headquarters."

Kirk exhaled sharply, frustrated, "I can't just return her to the planet's surface, Spock. She's the only one of her kind, now. Her whole genetic make up has changed. Who's to say she can even communicate with the beings down below? She understands companionship and compassion. If we follow orders, we are committing her to a life of loneliness. How can I do that to her?"

Spock said nothing. Kirk kept pacing, and stopped to look at Spock.

"Spock, there has to be another way," said Kirk.

"As long as she is physically able and there is no threat to her, we cannot keep her aboard the Enterprise," Spock told the captain.

"But how can I-" Kirk began, but was cut off by the doors opening. Nova strode inside, her long black hair dancing behind her, her eyes shining. She stopped, staring at Kirk, tasting the charged emotions in the air.

"I am sorry, Captain. Have I come at a bad time?" asked Nova.

Kirk bit his lip, "In a manner of speaking. What did you need?"

"I just came to return your book," she said, holding out a copy Peter Pan, "I must admit, I found it exceedingly enjoyable."

"Yes, I…I thought you might," said Kirk, avoiding her gaze.

"Jim?" Nova placed the book on the table and placed her hand on the captain's bicep, "What troubles you? I can feel your turmoil. There is much guilt within your heart."

"Perceptive as ever, Nova," Kirk offered her a sad smile, then he sighed, "I don't know how to approach saying this to you."

"Just say it right out, Jim," said Nova reassuringly.

Kirk motioned for her to sit, and she sat.

"Starfleet Command has gotten back to us regarding your presence on the Enterprise."

Nova clasped her hands together on her lap, her nerves on edge, "Yes?"

"They have ordered me to return you to the planet's surface, Nova," he said gently.

Nova looked into Kirk's hazel eyes, then into Spock's dark brown ones, "I see…How long?"

"I have twenty-four hours to comply," said Kirk, placing a hand on Nova's, sitting beside her, "I'm trying to come up with a solution that keeps you on board."

"And what happens if you delay in order to come up with that solution?" asked Nova.

"Nothing," said Kirk, easily.

Nova raised an eyebrow, then looked to the Vulcan, "Mr. Spock?"

Spock looked from Kirk to Nova, then said, "Admiral Komack has threatened the careers of both Doctor McCoy and Captain Kirk. The Doctor could be sent back to the academy, and the captain could lose command."

Nova stared at Kirk, who shrugged and offered her a half smirk. Nova stood up, placing a hand on Kirk's shoulder, "I appreciate what you are trying to do, Jim. But I will not permit you to risk your careers, your lives, for my sake. I will return to the planet."

"No, Nova, just let us figure this out-" Kirk began, but Nova cut across him.

"Would you keep me here against my will, Captain?" she looked at him with hard eyes, and light behind them flashing dangerously. Kirk stared at her, and her eyes softened, "Please. I have experienced so much in the short time that I have been here. I have been lucky enough to meet amazing beings. I have learned more about the depth that a simple touch can hold. It is enough."

Kirk continued to stare at her, lost for words.

"Your hands are tied," Nova supplied for him, "And if there was anything you could do to change this, you would do it. But there is not. And it is alright. Leonard belongs where he can help people. You belong amongst the stars. A life on the surface of your planet will simply make the galaxies within your heart ache."

Kirk stood up, and looked down into her eyes, "I'm sorry that I can't be of more help."

"It is alright," she said, smiling sadly, "But…would you mind if I told Leonard? Perhaps he will be more understanding if I am the one to voice what must be."

"Of course," Kirk nodded. Nova squeezed his shoulder, and Kirk could see that her eyes were shining with something other than light. But she had turned from him, and gave Spock a nod before leaving the room rather hurriedly. Kirk picked up the book, and turned it over and over in his hands.

"Jim…" Spock spoke quietly, standing at Kirk's side, "She is being logical. Logic dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one."

Kirk sighed sadly, "It might be logical. But it's not fair."

Spock said nothing. The two then headed for the bridge in silence.

Nova walked into sickbay, and found McCoy eagerly talking with Diane.

"Think of it! If we can really harness the healing properties of the plant life below, we could create safe, non-addictive pain killers!" McCoy was saying.

"Yes, but there is no real guarantee that they won't be addictive. The tests look promising, I agree, but let's not get ahead of ourselves," Diane glanced at Nova, and smiled.

"Nova! Pleasure to see you," Diane said.

"Hello, Diane," Nova smiled, then turned her gaze to McCoy, "Leonard, could I have a word with you?"

McCoy looked at Diane, who nodded, "Take your time. I'll be here."

She smirked, and McCoy rolled his eyes.

"Sure, Nova. Step into my office," he mock bowed, making a sweeping gesture with his arm.

Nova shifted slightly, "I…wondered if we may walk together?"

McCoy straightened up, his eyes full of concern, "Of course, darlin'."

Nova nodded, then turned and strode out of sickbay. McCoy followed her curiously. It wasn't like Nova to walk him out of sickbay. In fact, it wasn't like her not to walk beside him. But here she was, leading him away from sickbay. And he followed her without question. She led him to the forward Observation Deck, which was, thankfully, empty. The doors swished closed behind them, and Leonard could feel her sadness trickling from her as she fought to keep it from him.

"Darlin', what's wrong?" McCoy put his hands on her shoulders, gripping her firmly from behind.

She took a deep breath, "Leonard…there has been a development. And I…" she stepped out of his grasp and looked out at the stars, placing a hand on the clear windows, "I am no longer able to remain on board the Enterprise."

"What are you talkin' about, Nova?" McCoy asked, "You can stay here as long as you like."

Nova shook her head, and turned to face him. There was such sorrow in her eyes that McCoy felt his heart ache.

"No, Leonard. Jim has received orders to leave me on the planet. The Enterprise will proceed to its next mission. And I will remain on the planet below."

"Absolutely not," McCoy said angrily, "I'll be having a word with Jim. He can't-"

"It is Starfleet's decision," Nova supplied, "Not Jim's. Jim has already expressed regret that there is nothing more he can do."

"I don't believe that!" McCoy said, and Nova winced at the harshness in his voice. He started to pace back and forth, "Ah'll contact Starfleet myself and-"

Nova took his hand in hers and brought the other to his face, forcing him to look at her, "No, Leonard." Her voice was a whisper, full of emotion, "They threatened your career. Jim's, too. I will not have you sacrifice all that you have worked for."

He jerked out of her grasp, and threw his hands up, "Ah'm a doctor, damnit! Ah took an oath when Ah became a doctor: First do no harm! That is the first thing you learn, Nova, and leaving you down on that planet would be doin' you harm!"

"Leonard-"

"And don't you give me some crazy story about how you'd be in no danger down there. Loneliness is just as dangerous as any physical threat, and that is what we would be committing you to. No one to make contact with ever again! That's doing psychological harm, and Ah won't condemn you to that! A career ain't worth the life of an innocent!"

"You do not have an option!" Nova snapped, and McCoy stared at her, "It is the logical thing to do, Leonard. I am one being. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one."

"Screw logic! It's not right!" McCoy shouted, "You're just gonna give up without a fight?!"

Nova looked at him, then sighed shakily, running a hand through her long black hair. She looked around the room helplessly.

"There is nothing I can do," she said quietly, "Please do not think that I wish to leave the Enterprise. Do not begin to think that I wish to leave the friends I have made here. Do not believe for one moment that I wish to leave you."

Nova could feel McCoy's emotional turmoil. The aching in his chest was running through her own. She felt tears sting her eyes, and McCoy's face softened.

"I want to stay," her voice was so soft he could barely hear her, "But I will not allow you to sacrifice the life that you have built for yourself simply for me. I have had the chance to know you. To learn about you, Leonard, and find out what makes you you. That is more than I could ever have hoped for."

McCoy opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

"I am sorry, Leonard," her voice broke.

McCoy stepped forward swiftly, "Darlin', shh. No. I'm sorry," and he pulled her into a tight embrace. He could feel her distress and her confusion. Not once since stepping onto the Enterprise had McCoy ever wrapped his arms around her. Nova wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.

"What is this?" she asked thickly.

McCoy took a steadying breath, placing one of his hands on the back of her head, "It's called a hug, darlin'."

She seemed to tighten her grip on him, and he held her reassuringly.

"I'm the one who's sorry. Sorry that we can't do anything. Sorry that nothing I say can help," McCoy rested his head on top of her own.

This time, it was she who said nothing.

"How long?" he asked.

"Less than twenty-four hours," she replied, "But I will leave sooner than that. Prolonging the inevitable will just cause more pain, in the end."

He pulled her away from him, tilting her head upward so that he could look into her eyes, and he found his own sadness reflected in those space-like orbs, "Then, we'd better make the most of them, huh?"

She smiled, and gave a small laugh as he traced his thumb beneath her eye, catching the tears that hadn't fallen. Together, they stood near the window, one arm still around each other, McCoy's other hand on her cheek while her hand rested on his chest. They stood like that for ten minutes, McCoy staring down at her, drinking her in, while Nova closed her eyes and listened to his breathing, feeling his heart beat beneath her palm.

"They can't, Captain!"

Kirk had called a meeting with his bridge staff. Uhura had gotten to her feet, and had slammed her fist on the table.

"Starfleet can't expect us to abandon her!" Uhura continued.

"I dinnae understand their thought process," said Scotty, shaking his head, "Nova isn't dangerous. No reason Starfleet should order us to leave her behind."

"I believe," Spock said, "That Starfleet is uneasy about our silence on Nova's development. The Admiral does not know that she elected to call herself 'Nova', nor does he know of any of the abilities she has developed during her time as a humanoid. If he did, he may have considered her dangerous."

"But zat is what Scotty is saying! Nova isn't dangerous at all!" Chekov said.

"I don't think I ever met anyone as gentle as Nova," said Sulu, "The way she touches the plants in the arboretum, you would think that they were made of glass."

Kirk held up his hand, and they all fell silent, "I understand your frustrations, believe me. Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do. I have already informed Nova of what has happened, and she is adamant in returning to the planet's surface."

"Sir, we can't let her-" Uhura began.

"Lieutenant!" Kirk said, and Uhura stopped speaking, "Nova has made a decision. But I want everyone to keep thinking of any regulation, any loophole we can use to our advantage. Is that understood?"

"Aye, sir," chorused the bridge officers.

"Good. You're dismissed."

They all got up to leave. Uhura hung behind, and looked at Kirk.

"Captain…Does Doctor McCoy know?"

"Nova asked to be the one to tell him," Kirk said.

Uhura nodded understandingly. Then, she left the room, Kirk following her to the bridge.

Christine had heard about the plans to leave Nova on the planet, and she had yet to see McCoy anywhere. Her heart broke for McCoy, who had grown so close to Nova that Christine had noticed a change in him. He seemed lighter than he ever was before.

Walking into the sickbay, she found him at the desk, pouring over Nova's file.

"Len…" Christine walked up to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I just heard about Nova. How is she?"

McCoy cleared his throat before saying, "She asked to be alone to meditate. Said that her emotions weren't in check, and she needed to rein them in so that she wouldn't hurt anyone."

Christine looked onto his face, and she saw that he was withdrawn.

"Len, are you alright? Is there anything I can do for you?"

McCoy shook his head, "No, Chris. Not unless you can change Starfleet's orders."

"How long does she have?" asked Christine.

"Less than 20 hours now. But she is preparing to leave within the hour."

"So soon? Why?"

"She-" he cleared his throat again, and Christine gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "She doesn't want to drag it out. Says it'll hurt more the longer she waits."

Christine wrapped her arms around McCoy, holding him from behind. He gripped her forearm for a moment.

"I know how much she means to you, Len," Christine said, placing one of her hands on top of his, "Even if you won't admit it to yourself, I know how hard this is for you."

McCoy took a steadying breath, and rubbed her forearm in a thankful way. She released him and he stood up, running a hand through his hair.

The bosun whistle sounded, and a soft voice spoke, "Nova to McCoy."

Immediately, McCoy pressed the comm button, "McCoy here."

"I would ask that you join me in the transporter room. Mr. Spock and the Captain are already on their way," she said.

Christine could hear the resignation in Nova's voice, and she spoke, "He'll be there, Nova. I'll take over sickbay while he's gone."

"Christine?" Nova asked, "I…will miss our talks, Christine."

"So will I," said Christine.

"I'll be there in ten. McCoy out."

He disconnected. Christine smiled sadly at him, "Go on."

He nodded gratefully, and left sickbay at a swift pace.

Nova stood in front of the transporter pad, her back to Kirk, Spock, and Scotty. The doors to the transporter room opened, and McCoy stepped inside, looking around. Nova turned to him, and smiled her reassuring smile. He struggled to return it.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay a while longer, Nova?" asked Captain Kirk.

Nova shook her head, "Thank you, Jim. But it is…difficult enough as it is. Would you please give my regards to the others? Particularly Nyota. I…will miss her."

Kirk nodded, "Of course."

She stepped onto the transporter pad and turned to face them. The transporter hummed and McCoy could feel her anxiety.

"Let us beam down with you," he said.

She tilted her head curiously.

"The transporter always makes me nervous. People weren't meant to have their molecules scrambled like that. And I know you aren't very fond of them, either."

She thought for a moment, then nodded, "I would appreciate that."

McCoy stepped up to the transporter, and Nova immediately nestled close to his side.

"Could we come along as well?" asked Kirk, "I'd like a chance to…well, say my farewells."

Nova nodded again. Spock and Kirk stood beside them, and they looked to Scotty.

"Energize, Mr. Scott."

"I shall miss you, Scotty," said Nova, raising a hand in farewell. He raised a hand back.

"Aye. And I'll be missin' you, lass. Energizing."

She felt the transporter begin to work, and placed her hand on McCoy's chest, leaning her head against him exactly as she had done when she beamed aboard with her eyes closed. McCoy held her tightly. When she opened her eyes, she was on the planet's surface. The trees were large and…had they always been so ominous? Nova felt the slight breeze, and inhaled the cool air. This was supposed to be home. But she had never felt more out of place.

She let go of McCoy and walked to the nearest tree. Placing a hand on the rough bark, she smiled. She could feel the years in this tree. Nova could feel the three men watching her, waiting for some signal from her that all was well. She turned to face them, her head held high.

"Thank you for all that you have done for me," she said, "All of you. I would not be what I am without each of you. I do not have the words to express how much this experience has meant to me. I will miss you all."

Her eyes lingered on McCoy longer than the others. She walked to Kirk first, and said, "Thank you for letting me stay on board your ship, Jim. I will never forget it."

Nova reached out a hand and grasped the captain's forearm. He grasped hers, and pulled her into a one-armed hug. She returned it, and then let him go. Then, she turned to Spock, and held up the Vulcan salute.

"Peace and long life, Spock," she said softly.

Spock returned the gesture, "Live long and prosper, Nova."

"Please keep playing the lyre," she told him, "It gives me peace that, somewhere in the galaxy, you will still be playing."

Spock nodded. Nova then turned to McCoy.

"I have no words for moments like these," said Nova, holding up a hand. McCoy pressed his palm to hers, and gave her a small smile. She could feel his emotions: sorrow and regret. Nova traced her hand from his palm all the way up his arm and to the base of his neck.

"It's moments like these," McCoy said, "That we have to say something that no one ever really wants to say. And that's goodbye."

Nova shook her head, "Sir James Matthew Barrie wrote a book called Peter Pan. And, I read about him, and he had interesting view of good-byes. And I believe that I agree with his sentiments."

"And what were they?" asked McCoy, his astonishingly blue eyes fixed on her multicolored ones.

"'Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting'," Nova said quietly, "And I will never forget anything. Not a single moment."

"Then, what do we say?" asked McCoy.

She thought, then wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him to her. He held her, stroking her back softly.

"It was nice seeing you, Leonard" she whispered into his ear.

He balled his hands into fists for a moment, "Same to you, darlin'."

They parted, and Nova stepped back from them. Again, the three men stared at her, waiting.

"You had best be going," she smiled, and McCoy could feel the turmoil behind it, "The Enterprise is not going to run itself."

Kirk pulled out the communicator and flipped it open. He gazed steadily at Nova, who nodded reassuringly. He opened his mouth to give the order, then, suddenly, there were bright lights all around them, the very same lights that had appeared when they first arrived on the planet. Nova's eyes widened in fear.

"Jim, beam up now!" she shouted.

The lights turned to her, and began to surround her. She backed away, against a tree.

"Nova!" Kirk and McCoy shouted together, rushing toward her. The lights swirled around the three Starfleet officers.

"Take care not to let them touch you," Spock called to the other two. All of the lights were humming angrily.

"Leave them be!" Nova shouted, walking toward them, and reaching out. As she reached for them, the lights backed away from Kirk, Spock and McCoy, as if they feared her touch. She stood in front of Starfleet officers, and felt herself levitating off the floor, her telekinetic abilities taking hold. Her eyes glowed so that most of the color was gone, and all that was left was quick flashes between blue, brown, and white.

"You will not get closer," she said firmly, glaring at the lights. She spoke over her shoulder, "Jim, beam back to the ship!"

"What's going on, Nova?! Are you in any danger here?"

"I am not, please, just beam up and do not return to this place!" Nova said, desperate for them to leave before the worst happened. Nova, hovering a few inches off the ground, floated toward the lights, which continued to back away from her.

"Come back to the ship," McCoy said, stepping forward, reaching for her.

Nova shook her head, "Jim, please!"

Then, the large blue orb from their first encounter came tearing down from above. Nova, glared at it, but McCoy could feel her fear. The orb flashed, and seemed to be trying to communicate with Nova. Nova looked over her shoulder, and her eyes found McCoy.

"Go," she mouthed at him.

He shook his head slowly, "I can't."

Without warning, the blue orb lunged forward and made contact with Nova. There was a blinding flash of light as all of the orbs returned to the tree tops, as if to observe. Nova had crumpled to the ground. And blue orb was no where to be found. McCoy started to walk forward, calling Nova. Before he could take two steps, Nova was on her feet, back to McCoy. Slowly, she turned to face him, and opened her eyes. McCoy gasped.

Nova's eyes were nothing but blue light, the same blue as the orb. There were no pupils, no irises, no whites. Just a blue light.

"Nova?" McCoy asked, taking another step forward, but Kirk held him back.

"Nova?" Nova's mouth had moved, but the voice that had issued from it was deeper, "Is that what she is being called? How quaint. She has a 'name'."

"What have you done to her?!" McCoy shouted angrily.

"Calm yourself. I have possessed her for the time being. She is still here, and she is trying her hardest to break free. Sadly, I have millennia on her, and she is no match for me. I am here to ask why is it you are choosing to leave her."

Spock was the first to recover from shock, "And why would that be any concern of yours?"

"It is the question that the older life forms must ask in situations such as these," said the orb.

"Nova's situation is unique," Kirk said.

Harsh laughter came from Nova's mouth, "Is that what she told you? How terribly frail you creatures must be."

"You better explain yourself," McCoy said furiously.

"Our kind can exist eternally. Surely, she told you that much?" the orb watched as the men nodded, then continued, "And she divulged why some do not exist for that long?"

"Because you choose to end your existence," said Spock.

"No. Because, like any species, those that are weak will give up. If our kind cannot be content with what we have, as observers of the universe around us, then they lose the desire to live. A sorrow consumes them, and they wonder if this is all there is. So, in a sense, they choose to fade away forever."

"That sounds like suicide," Kirk said softly.

"Is that what it is called? I suppose that would be correct. Different species have different words for it. And as to 'Nova' being the first of her kind, that is as far from the truth as possible. This has happened before, and it always ends the same way."

"I don't understand," McCoy growled, "What do you mean that it's happened before? How does it end?"

The orb sighed, and Nova placed her hands on her hips, shaking her head, "You just don't get it, do you, you simple-minded creature? Our kind can become omnipotent. We are all that was and we are all that will be. There are things about our kind that you can only dream of. But, as with every species, there are those fools who desire to be different. To explore. When 'Nova' made contact with you that day, she knew exactly what she was getting into. When we make contact with a physical species such as yours, we take on their appearance. We become like them. Then, we mutate into something greater than them. In that first moment of contact, we examine their memories, focusing on the beings they have encountered. Some can begin to develop abilities based on what kind of entities have been contacted by the host.

Our essence holds limitless power. It is not meant to be contained. It is why we do not have a physical form. We cannot hold a physical form. Not for long. Whenever one of our kind decides to 'make contact' with a species, they obtain a physical form. But that form deteriorates rapidly. And they do not survive very long."

"Is your presence inside Nova's body harming her right now?" asked Kirk.

"Oh, yes," the orb said calmly, "I am destroying her from the inside. One of us inside a physical form is a strain itself, so to have two of us in a single form is quite taxing. Of course, this was the only way I could communicate with you, as she cannot even understand our language any longer."

"Communication isn't worth her life!" shouted McCoy.

"But she is already dying," the orb stated, "Do you not realize that, yet? 'Nova' chose to make contact, chose to have physical form, knowing that she would not live long enough to accomplish anything of value. I could not possess you without damaging your bodies. I possess her body now because it is already damaged and dying. And there is nothing that you can do to stop it from happening."

McCoy fell to his knees in shock. Kirk gripped McCoy's shoulder, kneeling next to him.

"There is no way to prevent her destruction?" asked Spock.

"Perhaps if she was a few thousand years younger. But one who has lived for millennia cannot expect to be contained physically for long. Imagine the ocean, and trying to put it in a small, but pliable container. It might hold for a second or two. But ultimately, it will burst. Her years will catch up to her, and she will die. She chose to make contact and die, rather than exist forever."

McCoy shook his head, "There is a way to save her. There has to be."

"I have witnessed this foolishness only twice before now. Both times, the mutations were brought back to our planet. Naturally, none of our kind would interact with them again, for should they make contact, we would change form and die with them. They lived alone. Both died of loneliness, an emotion that only preys on the weak of our kind, for we are all connected to each other. One stopped eating, curled up, and died cowering at the silence that this planet can hold. The other went mad, talking to the air and gesticulating wildly. He threw himself from a cliff. By all means, leave her here. She seemed to be ready to be left."

"We were ordered to leave her here, and she was complying for our benefit," Kirk said coldly.

"Leave her, take her; it does not matter to us at any rate," the orb looked at them all, "But she will die."

"What if you take her back?" McCoy asked desperately.

Spock raised an eyebrow, and Kirk asked, "Bones?"

"I do not understand. Explain," said the orb.

"Take her back. You said she has an essence. You brag about your long life and experience. Put it to use! Remove the essence from the body and keep her here," McCoy got to his feet, "Save her life. Just make her how she was before we came into the picture. Change her back. Just…don't let her die, please."

The orb laughed again, "I cannot. Perhaps, had we interfered right away, we may attempt it. But she is not of our kind anymore. She is mutated; she is her own entity, now. I do not have the power to change her back. It is impossible. And even if I did, I would not. She chose this path, despite my warnings to her before making contact. I had told her that if she did this, she could never come back. She would have no home here, and she would be something distorted and misshapen. She chose to die, despite my warnings. She is far too mutated for any being to help her. There are consequences in the physical realm for actions such as this. And she decided that that lesson was more important than living."

Kirk grit his teeth, and Spock's eyes were flashing.

"Then," McCoy said through clenched teeth, "If you aren't going to help her, get the hell out of her body."

"A warning: if you plan on taking her with you, just know that I cannot guarantee that, when she finally does die, she does not take others with her."

There was a bright blue light, and the orb flew from her body into the air. All of the other orbs vanished suddenly, and Nova crumpled to the ground, gasping for air and shaking.

McCoy rushed to her side, Spock and Kirk close behind him, and he knelt down beside her.

"Nova?" he reached out and placed a hand on hers, but she jerked it out of his grasp. Raising her head, she glared up at the now dark canopy of the trees. McCoy could feel her anger and her exhaustion. There was a light sweat on her brow, and she was panting. Her eyes, churning with rage, were back to their swirl of ever-changing colors. He could see her hand move unconsciously to her abdomen, wincing slightly.

"Nova, are you alright?" asked McCoy, cursing himself for not bringing his scanner.

"Yes," she said, her voice very much her own again. She was avoiding looking at them. Quivering, she got to her feet gingerly, "You should beam back to the ship."

"Nova," the disbelief in McCoy's voice was obvious, "You can't seriously think that we're gonna leave you here after that?"

"He was right," Nova said, "I am a threat to you."

"Was he right about you dying?" asked McCoy, a little harsher than he meant to.

Nova flinched, and guilt flickered across her face. She turned her back to them, and walked away.

"I will be alright," she said, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Nova…We aren't going to leave you," said Kirk, "Spock has said that there is a stipulation in which we can't leave you behind if you are threatened to be harmed in any way. The mental damage that being isolated can do is reason enough for us to take you back aboard the Enterprise."

Spock nodded, "That is true. Because of the events that just took place, we are unable to leave you on the planet. Starfleet will have no choice but to accept that."

Nova shook her head, her back still to them, "It is safer if I stay. There is no telling what other abilities may manifest. I could be a time bomb that can go off at any moment. I must remain here."

"Damnit, Nova, we aren't leavin you behind," McCoy growled, spinning her around to face him, "Why did you lie to us? You knew all this time; you knew every word he spoke. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I could not," she said, "Release me."

"You could have mentioned it!"

"Release me, Leonard," she repeated, trying to jerk her shoulder out of his grasp, but McCoy held her fast.

"Bones…" Kirk took a step forward.

"How were you planning on getting away from us, seeing how you weren't gonna mention that you were dying?! Were you hoping to slink off, and leave your body for someone on board the Enterprise to find?!" his voice rose slightly, "Or is this sudden need to stay because you got caught in a lie and now you're embarrassed?!"

Nova glared, and slapped him hard across the face. It echoed in the quiet forest. McCoy staggered backward, letting go of her. Her eyes were flashing menacingly, but the hurt that McCoy could feel emanating from her did not match the anger in her eyes.

"I did what I thought was necessary to protect people," she spat, "And if you cannot understand that, then perhaps I do not know you as I thought I did, Doctor."

With that, she turned on her heel, and walked through the forest toward the beach. McCoy went to follow her, but Kirk held him back.

"Bones! Calm down," said Kirk.

"Calm down?! Jim, she lied to us!"

Spock spoke quietly, "Perhaps you are more frustrated with the idea that she will die, and there may not be anything that you can do to prevent it, Doctor."

McCoy rounded on the Vulcan, "Listen here, you emotionless computer, she isn't dying! You understand me? What the hell do you know about things like this?"

"You're out of line, Doctor," said Kirk, "Return to the ship. Spock and I will see to Nova."

"Jim, you-"

"That's an order, Doctor," Kirk's voice had a finality to it. McCoy glared and flipped open his communicator angrily.

"McCoy to Enterprise. One to beam up."

McCoy faded away before their eyes. Kirk let out a sigh of frustration. He looked in the direction that Nova had stormed off. She was nowhere to be seen. But Kirk had a feeling she wouldn't wander too far.

Nova had reached the shoreline. She stared out at the ocean, the sea air invading her lungs. Had she not been so emotionally compromised, she could have enjoyed it. She sat above the tide line, and stared out over the water, into the two setting suns. The last rays of warmth were washing over her, and she attempted to calm herself.

McCoy did not understand. She had spent hundreds of years alone, being told that she would never see more than this planet's surface. Of course, there was an exuberant amount of knowledge that she could have been content with, learning from the other entities on her world. But that was not her way. She always found herself, as an orb, floating as high as she could, wanting nothing more than to be among the stars above her. And to discover that the only way to do that was to resign herself to a short time in the physical world…that was enough to keep her from doing anything too rash.

But when she saw the landing party, she couldn't help but be intrigued by them. And she wanted nothing more than to make contact. But then, the blue orb, the Leader, had tried to stop her, and she had hesitated. He had warned her that making contact meant being an outcast. It meant she could never return to the way she had been. And it meant that she would most certainly die. And, for a moment, she had been cowed. Then, she had felt the vibrations of McCoy's voice. She had seen his light grow brighter in her defense. At the time, she had not understood his language, but his light had been one of compassion and protection. McCoy had made her feel safe, and, in that moment, she truly believed that she would not die. She believed she would live and leave the planet, and it would all be alright. All because of the doctor's willingness to speak up on her behalf, and his willingness to step between her and potential danger.

When she began to develop powers, she knew immediately what was happening. McCoy and Spock must have encountered telepaths, those with telekinetic abilities, and who knows what else. And the development of powers was always the first sign that the body would begin to unravel soon. The manifestation of new abilities was the body's way of coping with the years of living and the amount she absorbed based on the host. For a moment, she wondered if she had encountered a child instead, perhaps she would live longer. She felt tears sting her eyes, and she rested her head on her knees, a very real fear consuming her. She did not want to stay on the planet. She did not want to endanger the Enterprise.

And she did not want to die.

There was the sound of footsteps, and she knew it was Captain Kirk.

"Nova…We are going to give you some time. I'm leaving this communicator here, in case you decide that you do want to beam up. We still have 15 hours before we have to leave orbit," Kirk said.

Nova heard Kirk put the communicator beside her. She felt herself nod, her hands shaking. Kirk walked back into the dense forest, presumably to beam back to the Enterprise. Once his footsteps faded, all she could hear was the sound of the rushing wind, and the waves crashing against the shore. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to imagine life on the planet alone. There would be no more songs, no more music. She would have no one to converse with. And she would not have McCoy. For a moment, she allowed herself to be carried away in memory of their moments together, remembering all the times she listened to his heart beat strongly beneath his chest. There was such a comfort in the beating of his heart and the rhythm of his breathing. It had become almost a part of her very soul. Could she bear to live without it? A part of her felt sure that she could not. But the logical part of her argued that McCoy was better off safe and away from her, than with her for her mere comfort. She could live with the loneliness as long as she knew he lived. Opening her eyes, she stared out at the fading suns. The two orbs were reflected like silver plates in the water, which sparkled in the sunlight. The sky was tinged with beautiful shades of pink, purple, and orange. A few clouds hung in the sky, completing the aesthetically romantic setting for the sunset. She couldn't help wondering how many more views like this she had left. A decision needed to be made: would she stay on the planet's surface, or would she board the Enterprise?

Two hours had passed, and Nova still had not returned to the ship. McCoy had had time to calm down, and he was pacing his quarters. Kirk and Uhura had joined the doctor. Kirk was the doctor's closest friend, and Uhura had gotten to know Nova quite well.

"She still has 13 hours to decide, Bones," Kirk pointed out.

McCoy nodded absentmindedly. Uhura piped up, "Doctor McCoy, she has a lot to think about. I mean, try to look at it from her perspective. Imagine thinking you may die, and then having a being possess you and confirm that you are dying. Then, the guilt that you would feel at knowing that the people you had tried to spare that information were the very people who heard the same being sign your death warrant. Then to have those people be hurt and angry that you lied, and attack you. And to see that they have no compassion for your emotions."

"I have compassion for her," McCoy sighed, much calmer than two hours ago, "I just…"

"You were scared, and hurt. Did it cross your mind that she may feel the same, sugar?" asked Uhura.

McCoy thought about Nova, and, without really thinking about it, he reached for her with his mind and reported, "She's scared."

There was silence.

"How can you know that, Bones?" asked Kirk slowly.

McCoy blinked, "I…I'm not sure. I just know that she's scared. I can feel it."

"But…you aren't telepathic. And she is down the surface. There's no way you can feel her," said Uhura softly.

"I can't explain it," McCoy shook his head, "I can't hear her thoughts. I can't feel everything she is feeling. I am aware that she is scared and she is alive."

"We'll have to have Spock examine you, Bones. Maybe being in close contact with her, as you are, left a lingering connection," Kirk said.

"Great. Just what I need is Spock poking around in my head." McCoy sank into a chair in front of them, running a hand through his short hair, turning the conversation back to Nova, "How do I fix this? How can I make her come back aboard the Enterprise?"

"I left her a communicator," said Kirk, "But, if I know Nova, she'll put the ship's safety above her own."

Uhura nodded, "I agree with the captain. She'll have to be convinced that she isn't a threat."

"There is no proof that she is a real threat," McCoy said firmly.

"Then, convince her of that," Uhura urged him.

McCoy distractedly scrubbed his chin, "I don't think I'm the one she needs right now. Maybe you should, Uhura-"

But Uhura shook her head adamantly, "She may be upset with you, Leonard, but your words have the most value. If anyone can convince her to return to the ship, it's you."

McCoy stood up and began to pace again. Kirk could see the anxiety in his friends eyes.

"What do Ah say to her? What if she doesn't want to come back?"

"I think you'll know what to say to her when you see her, Bones," said Kirk, rising and placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, "As for her wanting to come back, there's nothing you can do except hope she does. If we take her by force, she would never forgive us."

McCoy sighed again, rubbing his hands together, "Ah won't leave her behind, Jim. Ah can't."

"Then you'd better have a damn good argument ready," said Kirk with a supportive smirk. McCoy nodded, and Kirk handed him a communicator, "Go bring her back, Bones."

McCoy grabbed the communicator, "I'll be back soon."

Uhura stood, and gave McCoy an encouraging hug. McCoy returned it briefly, took a deep breath, and left his quarters determinedly.

"Captain…If he doesn't bring her back, I don't know what it'll do to him. Or her."

Kirk's mouth was set firmly, "Then, it's a good thing he's going to bring her back."

Uhura smiled at her captain, "Yes, sir."

"Let's get back to the Bridge, Lieutenant, and await the Doctor McCoy's signal."

They strode out of the room together, heading for the bridge.

Nova's eyes were closed again. Her mind was fully open. It had gotten darker. The pair of suns had just reached the water's edge, and she was beginning to feel the chill of the breeze more now that the intensity of the light was fading. She shivered slightly, and felt her emotions wavering again. The turmoil within her heart could not be abated, no matter what disciplines she tried. She felt her breathing hitch, and could feel the beginnings of hyperventilation gripping her chest, the sand around her swirling softly. She cursed herself for her lack of control. Forcing herself to inhale deeply, she tried to pull back her telekinetic abilities. The sand settled, and she let out a shuddering breath. Was this to be her life? Forcing her powers inward, stifling her loneliness with meager control? She felt herself drowning in her own feelings, aware the emotional weight of all those centuries on her heart. Tears stung her eyes for the third time that day.

She heard soft footsteps over the rush of crashing waves, but did not turn around. Instead, she placed her head onto her drawn-up knees again.

"Captain, I request to be left alone, please," she said, her voice coming out stronger than she thought it would.

She felt something being draped around her shoulders. It was a blanket. She still did not move.

He sat down beside her, his legs sprawled out in front of him, "I'll be sure to let the Captain know."

Her head snapped up and she turned to look at the figure beside her. It was McCoy. Her eyes widened.

McCoy saw that her eyes were shining with unshed tears again. He felt a pang in his chest, and wanted to reach out and wipe away the tears. She looked surprised to see him for a moment, then her face became impassive. She hugged her knees, and stared straight ahead at the setting suns.

"Doctor," she greeted, forcing her face into a neutral mask.

McCoy noted the formal greeting, but acted as if he hadn't heard it, "Nova, it's getting cold."

"Yes. Thank you for the blanket," she said, not bothering to draw it closer despite her shivering frame.

Damn, she was good. She had been hanging out with the damned Vulcan too much. Her face was just as unreadable as Spock's when emotions were running high. But McCoy did not let it phase him. Instead, he cast around for something to say.

He looked out at the sunset, "You ever see a sunset before?"

"Not with my physical eyes, no," she said.

"It's been a long time since I've seen one, myself. A starship doesn't offer many opportunities to watch the sun set."

Nova said nothing. McCoy glanced at her. She was still not looking at him. He let the silence stretch on, watching the sunset beside her. He could feel her emotions bleeding through her mental shields. For a long time, they listened to the waves. The suns had dipped about halfway down, the sky turning dark blue behind them.

"Are you alright, Nova?" he asked her softly, facing her again.

"I have suffered no ill effects from the Leader's possession," she said without turning.

"Well, I know that's a load of bull," said McCoy bluntly, "I saw you grab your abdomen earlier. I know there was some damage. But that's not what I mean. Are you alright?"

"I am…" she cast around for a word, "…adequate."

"Oh, that's good," McCoy nodded, looking back at the pair of suns speaking in a matter-of-fact tone, "I know that if I had just been told that I was going to die, I would be pretty shaken up."

There was another hitch in Nova's breath, and she bit her lip.

He asked again, "Nova. Are you alright?"

Nova still refused to look at him, but he noticed that her features had softened considerably, "No. I am not."

"Tell me."

Nova pursed her lips, "Do you know what it is like to want something more than anything, and be told that you can have it, only if you are willing to forfeit your life for it? To know that, should you give in, you will have a moment to enjoy it before it is taken from you by death's icy hands? Can you comprehend those emotions?"

McCoy shook his head, "I can't say that I can. I imagine that it must be scary. And it must be sad."

She nodded, pulling the blanket around her tightly, "It is the most fearfully bittersweet emotion I have experienced. It is devastating."

"Then, on top of it, those who you turn to for comfort respond harshly and with anger instead of compassion and understanding. That must be very ostracizing."

She tensed noticeably, tilting her head to the sky, trying to fight the tears back.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't more comforting, Nova," he spoke slowly, deliberately, all while looking at her. He did not reach out for her. He would not reach out for her until he had an indication to do so. "I just…" he shook his head with a sigh, "Ah was hurt that you hadn't tohld me about all of this, and Ah was scared that it might be true. And ah reacted more emotionally than ah should have. Ah'm sorry for that, darlin'."

His southern drawl was so comforting to her, and she let herself get wrapped up in it. At the use of his term of endearment for her, she looked at him, and her heart was full to the brim. The tears spilled over, and they fell down her face softly. She held out her hand, hesitant to take his, and overwhelm him completely. But that small concession was all McCoy needed. He grasped her hand, and pulled her against him, folding his arms around her so that she was locked in a tight embrace. She gasped softly, and let her emotions loose. She felt him shudder against the waves of guilt and fear. But he rubbed her back soothingly, and she pulled back to look into his face. She was met with a comforting gaze that shone bright blue.

In all the time she had known him, McCoy had always introduced new ways of indicating emotion through action. A hand on the cheek, a kiss to the back of her fingers, a warm embrace. But this time, she acted on impulse. She took both of her hands, and gently gripped McCoy's face, her fingertips brushing the back of his hair, her thumb half an inch below each of his eyes, She watched his eyes widen as she drew him to her. Then, she placed her forehead against his, their noses barely brushing against one another. Her hair danced wildly around her, billowing in the wind. She released many of her mind shields, and enveloped his mind with her own. McCoy would know what his words meant to her. His eyes were locked onto hers, and she noticed that he was slightly breathless. He had kept one hand on her back, but had brought the other to her face, his finger tips brushing the side of her cheek, this thumb resting near the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, she gasped softly. McCoy was feeding his emotions back to her. His desire that she return to the ship, his apology for reacting as he did. There were other things in her mind, memories that did not belong to her. There was a few flashes of late nights with Jim Kirk, bickering with Spock. A little girl, who aged before her eyes into a beautiful young woman with McCoy's eyes exactly. And then an aged man on a biobed appeared in her mind's eye, and she felt McCoy's heart constrict in agony and guilt. She fed him reassurance, wrapping his grief up and soothing him gently. She felt herself become breathless and gripped his face a little tighter, pressing her forehead to him, her breathing shallow. With a moment of realization, she acknowledged that this was a very intimate moment between them, and it was not to be discussed with anyone else. Ever. Even if she could discuss it, she wouldn't want to. This, like the evening he spent with her, like his soft lullaby, this was only for her, and she would selfishly keep it locked away in her memory forever.

McCoy could not believe what was happening. He was catching flashes of Nova's existence before she obtained a physical form. He saw flashes of stars in the sky, and the sensation of floating far above the tree tops. He took his other hand, and placed it over one of hers on his own face. All he could feel was a sense of wonder and a longing for more than just merely existing eternally. The fear of death, the exhilaration at leaving this planet. He felt all of the reasons she did not say anything at all about dying to him. She had been trying to protect him, and she did not believe that she would die. Once finding out that she would, she had believed she was in too deep. She cared too much for his emotional well-being to say anything about dying.

Suddenly, his heart was gripped with sorrow that she had before their first encounter. She had begun to fade away; to dim. She had not felt that this existence was worth existing in. What else was worth knowing if she could never experience it herself? McCoy felt his own eyes sting, a lump in his throat, but he swallowed it and forced the tears not to form. He soothed her by letting her feel that he was there and it was okay now, and she would not fade away. He stared into her galaxy-like eyes. He felt that, had the Enterprise not come when it had, Nova would have let herself dim and fade into nothing. The thought that she may have faded before he had the chance to meet her filled him with sadness, and she touched those emotions reassuringly. It was only fear that had held her back from making first contact. But she had seen something in McCoy. McCoy couldn't make it out what it meant. Something about light, but he did not understand. Fading away was no longer an option. McCoy felt a rush of adrenaline as she decided to make contact.

He could feel her internal injuries from the possession she endured a few hours ago. He felt a surge of anger toward the Leader and knew that she needed minor attention. He felt her attempt to reassure him again, as she had when the image of his recently deceased father appeared. He accepted her comfort gratefully, losing himself in all that she was.

McCoy delighted in learning about her, in truly knowing her. But he felt Nova twitching beneath his fingers, and then felt himself begin to shake.

It was too much. Nova could feel herself twitching slightly, but she felt McCoy tremble violently beneath her touch. Through their connection, she could feel his body rejecting so much contact at once. His heart rate was accelerated to roughly 140 beats per minute. His breathing was shallow, and she reassured him, nuzzling her head against his. Focusing on his heart, she began to control the rhythms of the beats, bringing the rate down gradually and steadily. Once that had gotten under control, she began to untwine her mind with his, pulling back slowly and carefully, separating their minds. Sending him a quick message telepathically telling him to relax, she worked on finding herself in McCoy's mind, and vice versa. With exceeding delicacy, she pulled back from his mind, her eyes never leaving those startlingly blue ones. Soon, her presence was as it was beforehand, just there, with slight contact. She let her hands fall away from McCoy's face, and he did the same. Both of them stared at each other, breathless.

"What made you risk everything to make contact?" he asked quietly.

"As an orb, we can see the lights of other beings. Your light was different than any others," she answered softly, "Something drew me in, like a moth to a flame." She used the human expression with more ease than she had a week ago. "I had never seen a light like yours before, in all my time in this existence. It was a light worth the risk."

He was shocked, still trying to catch his breath. He stood up, and held out a hand for Nova. She took it and he pulled her to her feet.

"Who was the little girl?" she asked.

McCoy allowed himself a small smile, "That was my daughter, Joanna. My pride and joy."

"You have a daughter?"

McCoy nodded, "From my last marriage. We divorced a long time ago."

"And the older man was your father?" she asked softly, laying a hand on his arm, careful to keep her mental shields in place.

McCoy swallowed, and nodded, unable to say anything. She knew what he needed, though.

"I will not mention your father's passing to anyone on board the Enterprise. Nor will I mention the tragedy behind it. But do not feel guilt for this. You gave him release. Never doubt that your choice was correct."

He nodded gratefully, and she reached up to brush away the tears that had gathered in his eyes.

There was silence between them again, but it was comfortable.

"Why was the Leader able to possess you?" he asked, "If your kind gain physical form, why did he not gain one from contact with you?"

"I am not a pure form. I am mutated. The Leader has always been able to do that. He is the only one on the planet that can do so. That is why his light is different from all of the others. Most of us are shades of yellows, whites, crystals. He is the only blue. It has always been that way."

McCoy nodded.

The suns had long since set. It was dark, and Nova shivered, her head spinning from the effort of the mental contact with McCoy. He held her to him (though he was just as cold) and attempted to warm her up.

"Nova?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you return to the ship with me?"

She hesitated, "The Leader was correct. I will die. And I am potentially a threat to the Enterprise. I could kill someone."

McCoy rolled his eyes in a teasing manner, "Okay, well, in my line of duty I could kill someone everyday. Medicine is no picnic. And all of outer space is a potential threat to the Enterprise. And we have no proof that there will be any destruction."

"That is because those who were left here chose to end their lives," Nova said softly.

"You're right," said McCoy, "But who's to say that they couldn't survive?"

"Their powers became too much and they were driven mad. I will be dangerous."

"You would be, but I won't allow you to be," he gripped her shoulders, and peered down into the multicolored miracle that was her eyes, "And I will not let you die. You have my word."

"You cannot promise something like that," Nova said sadly.

"Watch me."

"No, you cannot," she insisted, "If you are unsuccessful, you will merely blame yourself, and I will not have that happen. Please do not promise that."

McCoy regarded her for a moment, then, "Alright. I promise to find a way to fix this. I promise to work as hard as possible to find a way for you to continue to exist. I promise that you won't have to deal with this alone ever. I promise I'll do all I can to save you. You have my word."

She considered him, "I find that to be acceptable." She glanced at the dark ocean, then turned back, her hair falling into her face with the wind.

"Good," he nodded, brushing her hair back behind her ear. She caught his hand in hers, holding it up beside her face.

"I promise to not give up," she said, her eyes boring into his, "And I promise to protect you for as long as I can."

McCoy blinked. Nova could tell he hadn't been expecting her to say anything like that. She stared up at him.

"Will you return to the Enterprise with me?" he asked again.

She took a moment, then nodded, offering him a smile. He returned it gently, and she felt her heart leap at the upward curve of his lips. McCoy picked up the communicator, and opened it.

"McCoy to Enterprise."

"Kirk here. Bones?"

"Two to beam up, Captain."

"Stand-by, Doctor," Nova could hear the excitement in Kirk's voice.

McCoy closed the communicator. Nova looked up at him.

"Leonard?"

His heart soared at the use of his name, "Yes, darlin'?"

"Thank you," she said, and the words were weighty. McCoy watched as she lay her head on his chest, and she gave a content sigh. McCoy was again brought back to the first time she beamed aboard the ship, and he smiled softly to himself. He could feel the familiar beginnings of the transporter working. He held her close, and dematerialized, rematerializing in the transporter room of the Enterprise. He met Kirk's eye, and winked. Kirk grinned. Spock looked as stoic as ever, but his presence suggested that he was pleased as well. McCoy pulled back from Nova, and she looked up with that strong glow behind her eyes. She was back on the Enterprise. She was back home.