Chapter 4
In the 'Lifts Jim reached his hand towards Spock's. Finding it resting at his side, he lightly grasped it and pressed a Vulcan Kiss to his palm. Smiling, he sent a wave of love through the bond.
Two minutes later, the Lift deposited them on the Bridge. Spock stepped out first, now fully in First Officer Mode. Jim's life could be at stake any moment while they were on the Bridge. It was his job to protect him. Bones had often joked that Spock took the job requirements of First Officer entirely too seriously when he learned that Jim and Spock were marrying.
Jim smiled radiantly at the Gamma Shift Bridge Officer that was seated on the edge of the Captain's Chair. The young Asian was glancing around the room periodically. She held a PADD in her left hand. She had long Raven colored hair pulled expertly into a plait.
"Captain on the Bridge." Spock called out. He walked to his Science Station and relieved the Lieutenant Junior Grade that held command of his console.
As Jim was walking around the Bridge checking on everything and everyone, the Lift on the Starboard side of the Bridge opened and deposited the rest of the Alpha Crew on deck. Chekov, Sulu, and Uhura all walked to their respective Stations. Sulu was carrying a coffee cup that had a tea bag still in it. His eyes were marred by a lack of sleep.
Jim turned to the young Ensign sitting in his chair and greeted her warmly. "Good morning, Ensign Monistere. Anything to report?" His smile was so bright it lit the entire room up.
Lian Monistere bowed slightly and fixed her bright eyes on her Captain. She returned Jim's smile, though not as large as his. She cleared her throat and began speaking with a melodious voice. "Nothing to report, sir. Everything is quiet as can be. Commander Scott has been doing some maintenance and requested that the ship float on impulse power." Her eyes flashed with the excitement that relayed how thrilled she was to be sitting at The Chair.
Jim finally noticed what had first seemed different about the young girl. Her eyes were different colors. Her left was a brilliant dark emerald and the right was a light blue. Jim held his breath for a moment and nodded once.
"You are relieved Ensign. Rest well." Jim stepped back to allow the girl to leave. Once she had slipped past him, he turned and plopped down in the chair. He pressed the button on the left arm and began another ship-wide announcement.
"This is Captain Kirk. We are in route to New Vulcan. Attention all Alpha Bridge Crew - and yes, that includes you Bones - Report to the Briefing Room. Chekov take over and do the morning announcements please." Jim rose from his chair and made his way to the Briefing Room.
As Chekov recited through the morning announcements, Jim slid into his chair in the Bridge Crew Briefing Room. Spock entered a few moments afterwards and made his way to the Computer Terminal with his PADD in hand. Expertly pulling up the research he had completed and files that were sent to him by the Kal'ta Desert Science Colony, he arranged the files on the massive Computer Monitor in the large room. There was a picture of a young Half-Human, Half-Vulcan girl. She didn't look a day over 18, but her Starfleet Personnel File had her Date of Birth listed as 2230.90. March 31st of 2230. The file listed everything Starfleet was willing to divulge about the missing Colonist.
The doors whooshed open and Bones came charging into the room. His chocolate brown eyes were ablaze. "Jimmy, just what in the name of God Almighty is this load of shit? First you wake me up early. Then you call me to the Briefing Room. Damn it Jimmy, I haven't even had my coffee yet." He sank down into the chair across from Jim's.
It was then, out of the corner of his eyes, he recognized someone. Someone he had long ago known. Someone he thought he'd never get to see again in this life. He turned, tears welling up in his eyes, and looked at Jim. Not as a Captain, but as a brother and best friend. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
Seeing his friend's reaction Jim stood and walked to his side. He placed a reassuring hand on Bones' shoulder. Leaning in close to Bones they began speaking in whispers.
"Yes Bonesy. It's Cal. I just found out when Spock pulled her picture up. We'd just been told it was someone named Lilly. I've only now put the two together. She never did like Calla… Reminded her too much of her Mom, I suppose. I know you two were close. She was as close to you as close can get, Bones. We're gonna find her. I need you here for this - She needs you. She could be hurt bad, or maybe not even hurt at all, but just trapped. Are you good? Can you do this for her?" Jim was crushed by the amount of pain radiating from Leonard's normally calm face. He looked like he'd just had what was left of his heart torn out and thrown in the Incinerator.
Jim handed his best friend his handkerchief and received a nod of both thanks and commitment to help. He walked back to his chair and shook his head when Spock looked at him questioningly. The doors whooshed open again, this time permitting the rest of the Bridge Crew to enter and take their seats. When the crew was finally assembled Spock cleared his throat and began the presentation.
"At 04:45 this morning, I received an Emergency Call from my Father. As we all know there are multiple Starfleet Science Colonies now stationed on the surface of New Vulcan. These colonies range from those re-establishing Medical Facilities, to Dwellings, Construction, and then the Sciences. The Second-in-Command of the Botanical Science Colony stationed in New Vulcan's northernmost desert, the Kal'ta Desert contacted Ambassador Sarek. The Commander of the Colony has gone missing. Due to the extremely dangerous indigenous nocturnal lifeforms, the Colonies not located in the security of the areas of population have an enforced Lock down at 20:00 hours. Lieutenant Commander Calla Lilly Shade missed last night's Check-in and subsequent Lock down. Following procedure, Lieutenant Serenity Jones contacted who she believed could help her the best." Spock now paused to allow the rest of the Bridge Crew a chance to catch up.
Bones raised his hand slightly and began speaking with his Doctor's voice. "Just what in the world was she working on that would require her to leave? Did she run away? Does she have family in the Settlement that maybe she's staying with? A lover? Could she have just needed some alone time? Are we sure she's even missing?" The more he spoke, the more he realized that his voice was near it's breaking point. It was killing him to know that something had possibly happened to Calla and for now, he was helpless to save her.
"Dr. McCoy, Lieutenant Commander Shade was working on the cultivation efforts of several plants and herbs that were native to Vulcan. She was cultivating new specimens from seeds that Starfleet had stored a few hundred years ago. As for the rest of your line of questioning, the answers are all no. Ms. Shade does not have any family living in the settlement. What was left of her maternal family was lost to her in the Nero Crisis. She was raised by her father, who was a widower at a young age. It is possible she had companions in the settlement, but currently unlikely as the Vulcan Embassy has been checking for her in the City and they have not had a conclusive report yet. As it stands now, the official ruling is in fact, that Lieutenant Commander Shade is missing in action." Spock's cold voice rang out through the room.
McCoy sat back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for a very long time. As Spock continued droning on, McCoy cleared his mind. He closed his eyes and a memory came flooding back to him.
Stardate 2245.63 (March 4, 2245).
Leonard sat at the gazebo in his father's magnificent garden. The cool Atlantan air was gusting around him softly. He was reading a Medical Journal on his PADD. Steam rose gently from his container of hot green tea. He was serenely unaware of his surroundings.
His focus was brought back when he heard footsteps coming down the path that led to his quiet sanctuary. He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the railing he had been perched on. Looking out into the expansive garden, his keen eyes found the source of intrusion. His father, David, was walking towards him rather swiftly.
Reaching his destination, David paused and sighed deeply. He motioned for Leonard to join him on one of the several benches in the gazebo. They both sat down and David placed his hand upon Leonard's shoulder.
"Lenny. There's been an incident with the girl next door. The Shade girl. The one you've been fancying. She's in the Sitting Room right now. She's not hurt… physically. It's her momma, sonny boy. There was an accident. The Shuttle her momma was on crashed. There were no survivors, kiddo. Her pops brought her over, because she hasn't said a single word since her pops told her the news. I don't understand Vulcans at all, but I know you've been doing tons of research. Maybe you've found somethin' in your reading that'll help the poor thing." David frowned slightly. His face was marred with concern for both his son and the poor girl.
Leonard stood and started running as fast as his lean body would carry him. Four minutes passed and he finally reached his young friend. Seeing her frail body resting on the couch, he tackled her from a distance and collapsed onto her.
As she felt his powerful arms wrap around her tiny frame, she crumbled under the despair she was feeling inside. Deep, painful, soul crushing wails poured out from her strong lungs. Tears were flowing down her pale cheeks. She nestled her head in the crook of Leonard's neck. He slipped a hand to the back of her head, pulling her even closer.
Commander Rory Shade walked into the room and seeing the tangled bodies of comforter and comfortee gave him pause. His dark blue eyes were filled with tears. As his precious daughter was rending her heart, he spoke softly to David McCoy.
"I know ya'll don't know much about Vulcans around here. That's why we came here. It was quiet for Lil and T'Luminareth. When a Vulcan baby is born, they're bonded with their momma. Not like a marriage bond, a familial bond. They're fiercely close to one another. When one passes, that bond is broken. That bond was ripped from her. I really need to convince her to get to Starfleet Medical so that a Mind Healer can look at her. Would you mind if Leonard came with us? I don't think Lil's gonna listen to me right now. I honestly don't even think she can." Rory looked hopefully at the older man.
"You're right. I don't know much about Vulcans. But what you're sayin' sounds awfully painful. Go ahead. Take my boy with ya. The missus and I will be keepin' y'all in our prayers. Go on, get outta here. Get your baby girl the help she needs. Let us know how it goes." David's Georgian drawl was as thick as molasses.
Leonard unwound his body from hers and stood up. Pulling her to him, he cradled her body to his. He looped her left arm over his neck, and carried her in his arms. Looking to Rory, he nodded that he was ready to go. He kept whispering to Lilly trying to give her solace in her agony.
Rory swiftly led them to his aircar. Opening the back door, and pulling the convertible's top down, he helped the two children slide into the backseat. Once they were securely inside, he turned the car's music player on.
"Computer, play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with Rain. Repeat until the engine disengages." The Computer chimed softly, and the soothing notes of Beethoven's work began drifting out from the speakers.
"This is her favorite song. She loves it with the rain. Say's it makes it sound even more beautiful. Maybe it'll help her." Rory was crying softly. It was destroying him to see his baby so devastated.
They wove their way through the busy streets of Atlanta making their way to the Starfleet Travel Center. Rory threw the aircar into Park and ripped the keys from the Engine Control. He ran to the side of the aircar and wrenched the door open.
Leonard slid out of the backseat. He was still cradling his beloved friend to his chest. Spotting the entrance, he took off running as fast as his powerful legs would carry the both of them.
Rory was running next to him. As they entered the Travel Center, they dashed to the Travel Bookings Counter. Leonard was now out of breath, but he didn't dare let go of Lilly. She needed him and that's all that mattered.
"Three to beam to Starfleet Medical. Medical Emergency." Rory spoke effortlessly. He placed a gentle hand on Lilly's wrist and checked her pulse. The rate alarmed him. It was too low. He calculated again, and lamented that it was only 80 beats per minute. Far less than her usual 175.
The loudspeaker turned on and the young Travel Agent's voice rang through the entire Station. "Three to beam to Starfleet Medical - Medical Emergency. Shade-McCoy Party please make your way to Transporter Pad One."
The crowd parted like Moses parting the Red Sea. The group wound their way through the parted crowd to the Transporter Pad. McCoy sighed internally and tried to relax. He always hated Transporters. Hated that residual all-over tingly feeling they left. Transporter Lag they called it.
He blinked and felt the tingles start. He closed his eyes and when he opened them he was staring into the Emergency Ward at Starfleet Medical in San Francisco. The On-Call Doctor turned towards them and immediately called for a stretcher.
An Anti-Grav stretcher appeared and McCoy gently laid his friend on it. Her brow was covered in sweat and her hair was plastered to her face. Her breathing was shallow and weak. Rory filled the Medical Team in on what the situation was. As the group left, McCoy was left alone in the hallway. Tears were now streaming down his face.
"Excuse me. Is there a Chapel 'round here? Or a Priest like person I could talk with?" His voice was weak. The Nurse pointed him towards the Chapel and McCoy started his way there. Once he arrived at the small Chapel, he found a pew and knelt down. He began praying to anyone that would listen. He spent hours there, on bent knee, begging for Lilly's life to be spared.
"This is a courtesy page for a Mister Leonard McCoy. Your presence is requested in room 352. Again - Mister Leonard McCoy your presence is requested in room 352." A metallic voice rang out.
Leaving the Chapel, McCoy entered a Lift to the third floor. Stepping out, he walked down the hallway and found a locked door. The sign read 'Private Rooms - Authorized Access Only. Identification Required.' Checking his back pocket, he cursed out loud. He had left his wallet at his house.
Turning to leave, the door whooshed open and Rory was on the other side. He gestured for Leonard to come in. Without hesitating, he did.
"Don't worry about it kiddo. I told them you were with me. I watched for you on the Camera. Vouched for you myself. C'mon kiddo. Let's go see her." Rory smiled softly as he spoke.
As they made their way to Lilly's room, McCoy was preparing himself for the worst. What he found however, was something he was not prepared for. Stepping into the soft blue room, McCoy was surprised to see Lilly sitting up and talking. She lifted her hand to end the conversation she was having with the nurse, and fixated her radiant grey eyes on Leonard.
"LEN! You stayed! Oh I'm so happy you're still here! Dad thought you might have left. That would have made me very sad. Oh. Hehe. I'm giddy. Hahahaha." The young girl was uncharacteristically laughing and joyous.
Looking to her father and the nurse, McCoy just shook his head. The nurse giggled to herself. Lilly's doctor stepped into the room and greeted Leonard warmly.
"Hello Mr. McCoy. I'm Doctor Bradshaw. I'm a Vulcan Medical Specialist. Lilly's experiencing what we're calling a contact buzz. It'll pass. It's a result from the treatment we had to give her. Her mind couldn't handle the sudden, forceful removal of her Maternal Bond. Unfortunately, because she's Half-Human, she didn't properly bond with her father, as most Vulcan Children do. We had a Mind Healer come and help sort it all back out. We didn't replace her Maternal Bond, we just created a Paternal Bond. We gave her some medicine to increase her heart rate as well. I'd like to keep her here overnight for observation, but barring any complications, she can go home tomorrow." His powerful voice echoed in the small room.
"Len! C'mere. Pretty please?" Lilly was speaking almost like she was a child. Whatever had happened to her was now amusing Leonard greatly.
He crossed to her bed and sat down gingerly. Afraid he was going to hurt her. He turned towards her slightly and smiled brightly at her.
"Aww Lenny. You big goof. You aren't gonna hurt me. I wanted to thank you. I couldn't concentrate, but I could hear what you were saying. I was so cold inside, but you made me feel warm. I couldn't really tell what was going on, but I knew I wasn't alone." Her voice was dropped to a quiet whisper. "I love you too, Len."
"BONESY! EARTH TO BONESY! WAKE UP BONESY!" Jim's voice pierced through McCoy's silent remembering. Opening his eyes, he realized he must have completely lost himself in the memory.
"Hey buddy! You okay? Spock's been finished for 6 minutes now. I know you find his voice boring, but jeez! Did you have a good nap?" Jim was sitting on the table laughing.
"Hey, dipshit. Just because my eyes were closed, Jimmy, doesn't mean I was asleep." Bones growled.
"Oh. Wanna talk about it? You were remembering something huh?" Jim slid closer to Bones and looked at him as a friend, not as a Captain.
"No. Not really. Maybe later. Just the memory of when I thought I almost lost Cal." Bones quietly stated.
"Oh. When her Mom died? Yeah. I remember you telling me about that a few months ago. That was brutal. I'm sorry you had to go through that without a good friend to talk to. If you ever wanna talk about it. Just come by my Quarters some time. Okay?" Jim patted his friend on the shoulder before standing.
"The Away Team is selected. You, M'Benga, Spock, Sulu, Scotty, Me, and a handful of Security Officers / Combat Specialists. We don't know what we're going to run into out there. We're taking a Medical Shuttle and Ambassador Sarek is loaning us a few large Aircars. Plan is this - You and M'Benga pack up as much Medical Equipment as you can, for an Emergency. Whatever you think you might need to stabilize her if she's hurt. We're taking the Shuttle, all the Bridge Crew anyways. The Security Teams are taking the Aircars. One Team with us, one team with the crew from the Colony. We're each taking half the Desert. We're going down at the Orchid Garden where she was last known to be." Jim recited the plan slowly for his friend.
"Alright. I'll go get packed. When are we heading out?" Bones stared at the young Captain.
"Scotty says he can get us there in an hour and a half. Is that enough time for you and Jabilo to get the Medical Supplies packed?" Jim was concerned. He knew how much Lilly meant to the cantankerous Medical Officer.
"Yeah, Jim, it's enough time. I always keep a pre-packed Emergency Preparedness Kit. I'll need to add some stuff, but I'm ready for touchdown now. Jimmy… If she's dead…" McCoy couldn't finish his sentence. Jim had slapped his hand over his friend's mouth.
"Oh hush. She'll be fine. Think positive, Bonesy. Wait. You do know how to be positive right?" Jim removed his hand and walked out of the Briefing Room.
When the door was closed, McCoy knelt to the ground and made the sign of the cross. "Hey, I know I haven't always been the best at bein' a follower of yours, but I could use some help here. If you're gonna claim her, could you wait until someone finds her? She's earned that much. Don't let her die alone. That's all I ask."
He stood and exited the Briefing Room. Taking the TurboLift to the Sickbay, he made his way to the Storage Area and began packing Medical Supplies. Christine Chapel, McCoy's favorite Nurse was assisting him. M'Benga was on the other side of the Storage Area unpacking some boxes of Herbs.
The three worked efficiently. Within twenty minutes they had everything they were bringing loaded up onto an AntiGrav Pallet. McCoy and M'Benga led the Pallet out the doors and down to the Shuttle Bay.
A/N: So sorry about how slow Chapter 3 was. I'm trying to drag this out just a wee little bit. Chapter 5 will be better! I promise!
A/N 2: In looking through this again, I realized I had a couple of glaringly BAD errors. Those have now been fixed. Sorry about that, readers!