"Stop!" The man who was clearly the leader walked over and looked down at where one of the men had his foot on Spock's throat as he lay on the ground. He then walked to the door of the craft and looked in, saw the two of them and all the boxes then walked back over to look down at Spock. "Say it is illogical and reckless."

"It is illogical and reckless."

"Release him. He is the one who tried to stop the madness." The leader held out his hand and McCoy watched as Spock allowed the man to help him up. The three men genuinely apologised and Spock simply said it was an understandable action and no harm had been done.

Slowly Spock walked to the door to the craft and with a nod of his head motioned for them to come out, "I have the privilege of introducing both Lieutenant Uhura, a great singer and the best communications officer in the Federation and Doctor McCoy, not only the finest and best doctor in the Federation but also the most insightful as to a patient's emotional as well as physical needs. Unfortunately the Captain of the Enterprise, Captain James T. Kirk, had to stay at StarBase Eight to clarify what took place and is to arrange for the additional supplies we advise him are in immediate need once we have assessed the true extent of your needs. How can we serve you best?"

The leader took them around and showed them the extensive damage that the torpedoes had done then Uhura got to work on the communications system, McCoy started treating the cases of Gainine as well as inoculating others and distributing the vaccine, and Spock looked at the antiquated computer system and started updating it with some of the equipment they had brought.

It was not long before Spock became aware some of the younger adults were watching him and finally a young woman moved up to him, "I'm Janet Wallen. It is not that you are a Vulcan but we have never seen such work. We have just been making do with what we have. Can you show us what we should do?"

Only for a moment did Spock hesitate. Part of him wanted to tell these young people to leave but he was fascinated to see their obviously real and keen interest in learning. It seemed an odd thing to do, to spend slightly more valuable time teaching beings so young such complex things yet it also seemed logical. On the tour they had been told how the Gainine had decimated the population. He moved and let two at a time sit facing the maze of cables and small plugs. System by system he thoroughly went over each one with the two clearly principle boys but included the other six boys and the two girls who were more interested in the reasoning behind the various parts and connections. Perhaps he would have to notify Starbase that they may be two days later returning but he was, as he watched the young people working, certain that Bannet Base would have well-trained technicians. He watched as one of the girls quickly and expertly repaired a main relay board using the pieces he had put aside as discards.

"If there is still use for this part in a different non-essential place why not use a new piece in the main frame and this in the back-up unit till the supplies arrive and it can be replaced?" she had looked at him, "The main frame is of more importance."

"Good, you see how every piece, no matter how small, plays an important part. You pay attention to the individual part with the whole set aside for a moment. The sign of a good technical and logical mind." Spock had seen the girl give him a private smile that said more than thank you. He nodded and went on with the next stage.

Uhura was finding the same, the younger people keen to learn and she had no hesitation in getting them to help and showing them how things went together and why. She found that occasionally one or two would cry as their parents had died during the epidemic and had never seen their child learn to be a contributing member of the base. She would hug them and said that their parents would be so proud of what they were doing for the others on the Base and how intelligent they were. As they worked she not only showed them how the equipment worked but also instructed them on basic terms in some of the off-base languages that they might find handy. Several showed true linguistic skills and others were very technically inclined.

Only McCoy found it less crowded, not many were alive at the hospital and those that were had gone without sleep for too long. He immediately gave all staff booster shots, set up a roster, sent them all to have a thirty minute sleep, and made a list of the things they would need from Starbase Eight. He realized the medicines and equipment they had brought would really benefit the Base and that they would have enough vaccine to inoculate the whole base. While they could have dealt with the havoc caused by a photon torpedo the gainine had taken its toll. From the reaction of the staff to the new equipment he knew he was going to be busy for a few days showing them how to use some of it, bringing them up-to-date on the latest methods, and giving some basic training to others. The hospital could also do with a damned good clean, the linen all needed replacing, and there was a dire need for a change around in layout. He noticed what would pass in an emergency as an isolation room needed more advanced equipment. What they had brought would help them cope with a minor emergency but if another Commodore played god and sent another photon torpedo down they would be stretched.

The three were shown the quarters prepared for them in a wing of the hospital then sat discussing what needed to be done and what would be needed. They also worked out a revised time chart, both McCoy and Uhura not too sure how Spock would react to their suggestions of an additional two days there. Spock had looked at their figures and at them and nodded, "I had arrived at needing an additional thirty-five point six one hours but your forty-eight grants us time for any random factors. I think it wise we get some sleep as tomorrow will be busier than today as we know now what we confront. I will see you both in the morning."

As he walked away Uhura noticed how he had seemed stiff when he first stood and realized that McCoy had noticed it as well, "I think it was when those two tackled him and knocked him down, he got a few bruises. Plus the way he stayed at the controls all the way here. Know if I asked he would say it is nothing."

"And would you believe him?"

"No, but I have learned to pick my fights with him. Think he was right, we need our sleep. The gainine seems to have run its course. Really hit this base hard but they managed to keep craft away with their warning shots. Just a massive clean up with strong antiseptics should clear the place."

"What about the quarantine status?"

"I'm leaving that in place till we have done a sweep on the base. Plan on asking to have a low dose irradiation sweep done as soon as the Enterprise is ready."

From the way Uhura was looking at the table McCoy knew something was troubling her, "What?"

"Did Spock lie when he told them he was representing the Captain? I did not know the Captain knew about this."

McCoy sighed, "Knowing Spock he will take the blame for the whole thing and, in order to protect Jim, will let the people believe he is representing Jim. They only did not attack Spock more as the leader recognised his voice as the one trying to stop that torpedo. Can you imagine if it had been Jim? They would have torn him apart." McCoy looked at her and she looked up at him, "Blasted Vulcan would protect any of us any way he could and yet look how we treat him. Jim would have found a way to have stopped him had he known what he had planned."

The next morning Kirk was ready. He knew this would be a real hearing and not just a debriefing. He knew there would be a link up with Starfleet Command and some of the higher echelon of the Federation. When he saw Fallet waiting he stilled the urge to rush up to him and demand an answer to the question that had plagued him all night. His dreams had been of being a puppet with Fallet pulling the strings, of just being used by Fallet on his last flight.

"Captain Kirk, it seems that since your people arrived at Bannet Base they have made great progress in helping the people there restore their base as well as cope with the gainine situation. You are commended for selecting and sending those three as your representatives."

Kirk was aware of the sharp accusing look Fallet gave him and did not feel the sense of disappointing the man as he had before on the ship when they first met. As he kept looking at Fallet he noticed a slight change in the man's expression, a lessoning of the confidence.

"They already have the main communications system working, are installing two backup systems, and redoing the base wide system. The hospital is lined up for a major clean up and out and all the patients were seen to and either treated and released or admitted. And finally your Science Officer has been instructing ten of the more advanced young people in complex computer systems design and maintenance. You certainly picked the right three to send. We have granted them extended leave upon their return."

"Who asked for that?"

"Doctor McCoy said they would all need it, especially your First Officer. Your First Officer had requested to see me privately on their return before they left; we have some business to attend to."

Kirk tried to remain calm as he knew what that business was and did not want to think about it, "May I ask if you spoke directly to my officers?"

"No, we spoke with the three people who are the governing body for the base. They are more than pleased with the aid you arranged."

"Did they mention how my officers were?"

"Apart from passing on your Medical Officer's request and apologising for an attack on your First Officer when they first arrived they said they were all well. Two of the populous physically vented their frustrations on your First Officer but he told them to think nothing of it. That it was,"

"Just a minor misunderstanding that happens with some first meetings." Kirk half-smiled as he said what he had heard Spock say.

"Yes, how did you know?"

Kirk smiled to himself as he mentally pictured Spock saying it yet again, "Just something Mister Spock says."

"But we are here to discuss all the events that took place on the Enterprise since Admiral Fallet boarded, and especially since you, Captain, did not immediately take control of your ship again when it was in danger."

Kirk bit his bottom lip, how could he tell them it was because, for some reason, he wanted to know what it was like work under Admiral Fallet's orders, he wanted to see what the man was like in action? While so many had told him that he was the best starship captain StarFleet had ever had Kirk found he had been totally entranced by this man's record and somehow that had seemed to take control of him.

The second full day at Barret Base was like the first only McCoy had more people in helping thoroughly clean and reorganize the hospital. There were still many areas that concerned him but he was sure he could get Starbase Eight to help with what was needed there. A few structural things he felt needed looking into and some work done to increase protection from cross contamination.

Both Spock and Uhura virtually just stood watching the young people they were training work, occasionally giving pointers and explaining things. Uhura was amazed by how quickly most of the young had understood what they were doing and how they found excitement in contacting beyond the previously limited range. Spock found it fascinating how one young girl and one young man constantly asked questions and would expand on the answers, seeming to want to know more and more as they both wanted to share the responsibility of being in charge of the information control system.

The three Enterprise officers got together for the evening meal and agreed things were progressing better than they had hoped. "Hate to ruin your timetable, Spock, but I think we can be out of here in two days." McCoy looked over his meat meal at Spock's salad and saw how the Vulcan had hardly touched it, "They have a good hydroponics setup."

"Indeed."

Uhura looked up from her soup, "I don't know about you two but I can't wait to get back to my own bed. I have slept but not all that well. Just don't feel right."

"I know what you mean, there is just something about your own bed and your usual surroundings." McCoy looked at Spock, "You sleep at all?"

"I did not sleep, Doctor, as I had to look at the building specifications and calculate what will be needed for the reconstruction work to be done to rectify the damage that was caused. I have calculated a monetary value to be compensated to those who lost business and property due to the action but I have yet to finish the details of the structures themselves. I am finding aspects of it challenging as there is no easily accessible information on the sub-structure of the structures before the incident. I am basing the figures for costing and materials needed for that on what you would call a hunch, most unreliable but by employing it I did have time to meditate."

McCoy smiled, "Okay, as long as you are resting."

"I shall rest, Doctor, once we have more skilled personnel repairing the damage we caused. For them to be able to be able to quickly affect repairs they will need the information. Until then I have work to do as the officials have stated they do not want too much to change from how the buildings were before. If you two will excuse me. I trust you both will sleep well."

Eight point six one hours later everything changed for the three on Bannet Base. There was an explosion in the recycling system at the hospital and the accommodation block took the brunt with the roof blown off, side walls blown out, and pipes exposed if not burst all around. McCoy was stunned and partly deafened from the explosion and went through an adjoining door into Uhura's room to find her stunned and sitting on her bed. It was only when he looked around he realized they were stranded and the structure they were on was shaking and crumpling away slowly.

From the other side of what had been a wide concourse Spock stood, still in his uniform so McCoy knew he had been working. "Make no fast moves, Doctor." For him to be able to hear the Vulcan he knew that Spock had to be shouting, something he could not remember him doing too often. "Ensure Uhura does not move much but turn and have her securely tie your hands in front of you with the band from your robe."

"Spock,"

"Doctor, before we came you gave me your word to follow what I asked you to do."

"Blasted Vulcan, this is not a time,"

"Just do it, Doctor. Time is of the essence."

McCoy turned and Uhura tied his hands in front of him. As he had had his back to the Vulcan and Uhura had been concentrating on tying his hands they had not seen him slowly walk sideways across a wide cracked metal drain pipe to be standing behind McCoy.

"Move slowly three steps to your left and one step back, Doctor."

"Spock, how,"

"Now, Doctor. Uhura, I need you to stay on your bed but slowly get upright on your knees, do you understand?"

All she did was nod and the Vulcan saw she was starting to comprehend the situation they were in. "You are to close you eyes, Uhura, and just do as I tell you, understood?"

Again she nodded before closing her eyes. Spock noticed McCoy was where he wanted him.

"Doctor, I am going to stoop down and you are going to put your arms over my head so your hands are around my neck and you are going to wrap your legs around my waist then you will close your eyes. Understood?"

"Of all the times to,"

"Understood, Doctor?"

"Understood."

Once the Doctor had his arms around Spock's neck and his legs wrapped around his waist the Vulcan reached out and picked up Uhura, cradling her in his arms as though she were a child, then stood saying, "Uhura, I want you to reach up and put your arms around my neck so your hands are on Doctor McCoy's shoulders, keep your eyes closed, and relax. I will not drop either of you. Concentrate on slow and deep breathing. I want you both to just relax and trust me."

A thousand different retorts sprang to McCoy's mind but he felt the Vulcan start to move and knew it was no time to comment. Eyes closed he started to concentrate on slow deep breaths, slow deep breaths. Six times McCoy was aware that Spock seemed to loose his footing but always kept going.

Then there were other hands reaching out, grabbing him, his hands being untied, Uhura hugging him, and then he saw Spock sprawled on the littered floor, his eyes closed, breathing in heaves that seemed to shake his body, and some sort of sludge covering his feet. Uhura had gone to him and was wiping his face. McCoy looked at the pipe and saw how it had broken more and that what was in it was exposed and looked like what was covering Spook's feet.

McCoy looked at one of the women just standing clearly at a loss to know what to do, "What is in that pipe?"

Her voice was in the monotone of shock, "It drains all the toxic waste and bio impurities from the med labs."

Uhura had reached out to remove what remained of Spock's boots when McCoy gripped her hands, "Don't touch him! Put gloves on, Uhura!"

"But his feet are bloody and dirty, Doctor. We have to clean them."

Till then McCoy had not seen the blood from were he had been standing but having moved saw it starting to pool around his feet. For a moment he felt his entire body stop, go cold with the reality, then his training and years of work took over.

"Help me get him to the isolation unit. We'll clean him there. I'll need all the antiseptics and antibacterial you can find. Hurry!"

They got him to the isolation unit and McCoy shooed everybody away except Uhura who had fully recovered and was silently watching McCoy and helping when asked. Once he got Spock as settled as he could McCoy smiled when he looked over the sleeping Vulcan at Uhura, "It's a helluva time to think of it but I left the bottles he gave me in the secure locker on the craft."

"Yeah, my bag is in there too."

Slowly McCoy walked around the bed Spock was on and momentarily closed his eyes, took a deep breath, opened his eyes and reached out to take Uhura's right hand in his, gave it a squeeze, looked her in the eyes, and softly asked, "I know you got a message through to Starbase Eight and have been busy upgrading the system since then. Just how good are the communications now? Good enough for a private call to Jim?"

A/N HAPPY 2014 TO ALL.