Chapter 5
As the pair made their way into the Shuttle Bay, McCoy was growling orders to the Ensigns in the room. He growled even more loudly when the Ensigns loading the precious cargo slipped and almost dropped one of the crates to the Shuttle Bay floor.
"REYNOLDS! Damn it! Watch it will you?! That case costs more than your wages for a year!" McCoy's normally semi-pleasant face was contorted into a disdainful frown.
"Yes sir, sorry sir. I will be more careful, sir." The young man was frozen in fear of the Senior Officer.
Seeing the look of sheer terror on the young man's face caused the cranky man to soften slightly. Sighing, he ran his hand over his face. "I'm not going to hurt you, kid. Just be a little more careful okay?"
"Yes sir. We're almost done. We're ahead of schedule slightly. Just have these last three cases to load and secure." Ensign Reynolds was moving efficiently.
As the Loading Crew finished, the two Doctors got onto the Medical Transport Shuttle and triple checked everything. The AntiGrav Lift was laying on it's side, secured to it's place on the Shuttle wall. The first case of Medical Equipment and Supplies held the Emergency Surgical Kit and Cardio Stimulator. Case two held the Vascular Regenerator, Dermal Regenerator, and Exoscalpels. The third held various other tools including Sterile Trays and Dressings, as well as Towels, Purified Water, and a small pillow.
McCoy's personal Medical Bag contained 3 Hyposprays and at least a dozen Hypo Vials of medication. Medicine to treat everything from Alcohol Poisoning to Burns, most Poisons and Toxins. As he stored his Antique Medical Bag, he looked to the second doctor on board.
"Jabilo, you packed up? I think we've got everything we might need. If we can get her to the Shuttle, we can do Emergency Surgery and save her, or treat anything that might be wrong." Leonard spoke softly, not wanting to deafen himself in the small area.
The older Kenyan looked up from the bag he was packing for himself. His soft brown skin was covered with spots in some places and his eyes were bright and understanding. His voice was soft and comforting when he spoke.
"I am, Leonard. I have several Herbal Compounds and Compresses prepared, as well as a mixture of Cholla, Ches'lintak, and Kylin'the. Plus more traditional medicines. In combination with both of our schools of Medicine, I believe we are suitably prepared for the worst."
Leonard stepped down from the Shuttle, and made his way to the Comm. Station in the Shuttle Bay. Pressing the button to begin a transmission, he stepped back and cleared his throat. "McCoy to Captain Kirk. The Medical Team and Shuttle are ready for touchdown. McCoy out."
He turned and walked back to the Medical Shuttle. He entered the Shuttle and claimed the seat closest to the door. His special seat, reserved for the Chief Medical Officer.
He pulled out his smaller, pocket sized PADD, and loaded up a very special Folder he kept saved on it. Activating the first file, he stared down at the picture. Looking back at him was a happy young couple enamoured with each other. Bones sighed quietly and touched the face of the girl in the photo.
In the picture, Lilly was wearing a beautiful dark cerulean blue and silver dress. Her hair was down in loose flowing waves. Leonard stood close to her, his arms wrapped protectively around her. Running down the left side of was a silver script reading 'Midwinter Night's Dream - Prom 2245'. The pair were standing beneath a beautiful arch of balloons in blues and silver. Crystalline trees and snowflakes adorned the rest of the photo area.
He flipped through to next picture. Graduation Day. He was standing next to Lilly again. She was wearing a pair of blue jeans that flared out slightly over her favorite pair of boots. Her shirt was a hooded white knit cotton, with the Vulcan IDIC Symbol emblazoned in the back. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun. Leonard was wearing his Cap and Gown still. He was smiling back at her, completely enthralled.
Hearing movement and voices outside the Shuttle, he shut the PADD off and tucked it back into his pocket. He stood exited the Shuttle yet again. He found himself staring at a crowd of red-shirts and his friends.
Jim moved to the front of the crowd and moved towards Bones. He patted his older friend on the shoulder. Turning back towards the crowd he started calling out orders.
"The following list of people are the Science Colony Team - Ensign Bol, Ensign Hanai, Ensign Robinson, Lieutenant Taft, Lieutenant Tasat, Lieutenant Warwick. If your name has been called, please make your way to Shuttle 02. The following people will be accompanying the Primary Landing Party. Lieutenant Denna and Lieutenant Fallon. The Primary Landing Party includes Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, Commander Scott, Lieutenant Commander McCoy, Lieutenant Sulu, Doctor M'Benga, and Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan. Lieutenant Sulu will pilot the Medical Shuttle. I will pilot Shuttle 01. Any questions?" He took a deep breath and looked out to the crowd again.
Seeing that no one was going to question him, Jim walked to Shuttle 01 and boarded. The rest of the Primary Landing Party joined him shortly. Jim spotted the cases of Desert Gear Spock had packed and quickly opened it to find his assigned clothing. Pulling out his small suitcase, he set it aside and began tossing out the rest of the luggage to their owners. Emptying the first case, he opened the second and continued giving out the bundles of protective clothing.
Finishing with the task, he turned and began disrobing. Standing in the Shuttle in just his boxer-briefs, he opened his suitcase and pulled the clothing out. An off-white Short cotton T-Shirt, with a Gold Bar running across the breast, with matching pants and boots. There was a long hooded robe trimmed with Gold as well. Slipping on the cool, comfortable pants, he quickly finished dressing. He picked up the robe and slid his arms through it's billowy sleeves. He left the shuttle and began making checks on everyone. Satisfied with what he found, he resumed his spot in the Pilot's Chair.
Leonard was dressed exactly the same, with Sciences Blue coloring on his attire. He took up his seat on the Medical Shuttle. Closing his eyes briefly, he was soon greeted with Spock's voice filling the Shuttle Bay.
"The final preparations have been made. We are now in New Vulcan's orbit. We will be departing in five Standard Minutes. Please board your Shuttle if you have not." His voice echoed in the large Shuttle Bay.
Sulu hopped on board and Leonard noticed his retractable sword was strapped to his back. Knowing the young Asian's love of Fencing and his extremely proficient skill with a sword eased McCoy's mind a little. The Asian took his seat and turned the Shuttle on. He ran through all of his Pre-Flight checks and slowly eased out the now open Bay Doors.
The two Shuttles effortlessly made quick work of landing on New Vulcan. Sulu gently sat the Medical Shuttle down and parked. The crew exited the Shuttle and grouped outside. The Sun was blazingly hot and scorching everything in sight. Raising his hand to shield his eyes, he made out the arrival of a fleet of Aircars. In the front Ambassadors Sarek and Selek were parking and exiting the dark purple vehicle Sarek was driving.
"Greetings. Welcome to New Vulcan. The Embassy is prepared to offer your crew Shore Leave, if you will accept the offer, James. We are unsure of how long it make take to find the young Shade. I am pleased to see that all of you are sufficiently prepared for the harsh conditions here. We were prepared to offer you suitable clothing, but I see now that it will not be needed. We do have Respirators available in the events of a Sandstorm. Each team will be receiving a box with enough for your team members." Sarek spoke warmly.
He turned and offered his sons a Vulcan Hug. Raising both hands in the ta'al, he motioned for them to come forward. Both did, pleased at the contact with their Father. He cleared his throat and spoke once more.
"Ambassador Selek will pilot the Medical Shuttle and follow the convoy of vehicles to the Orchid Garden. The remaining parties will travel to the Science Colony by Vehicle as well. T'Maire will be guiding you to the Colony and will assist you there." He nodded to a young Vulcan girl dressed in a flowing green dress.
She looked to the crowd and the Science Colony Team Leader, Lieutenant Hanai motioned for her to join her group. T'Maire quickly joined them and they all began introductions. Doctor M'Benga followed her over and informed the group he was going with them.
Sarek motioned to the remaining crew to follow him. Leading them back to the aircars, he motioned for the first two, Sarek's personal aircar and Selek's. The crew split up and got into the designated vehicles.
McCoy slid into the backseat of Sarek's vehicle and pulled his hood down. He slid the bandanna portion of his robe up over his nose and mouth, then looped the small band around the back of his head to hold it in place. Kirk, Sulu and Scotty followed his actions silently. Looking at Kirk, McCoy growled and pulled a bottle of Jimmy's sunscreen out of his bag. He threw the small bottle at the back of his head and laughed a little when Spock caught it.
"I figured the idiot forgot his Sunscreen like he does all the damn time. It's almost like he wants to get Skin Cancer." McCoy stated firmly.
"Yeah, you're right. I really just want my gorgeous skin to get all wrinkly like your's old man! Gimme that, would ya Spock?" Jim taunted his friend playfully.
"Yeah yeah. You got the beauty and I got the brains. At least take care of yourself today, would ya?" The cranky older man taunted back.
In the front seat, Sarek was laughing internally. It pleased him to get to observe the casual settings of his kin. Beside him, James was liberally applying his sun protectant. "In the rear of this vehicle there is a small container of bottled water for our use while searching." Sarek turned the Engine on, as the Medical Shuttle took off, hovering over head.
Jim pulled his Communicator out and signaled Selek. "Hey tomasu, we're taking off, go ahead and get there ahead of us. We'll be right behind you. Stay safe!" He called out softly to his mate's Prime counterpart.
The Shuttle took off, leaving a small sand cloud in its wake. Lieutenant Fallon climbed into Selek's dark blue aircar. She pulled the hood of her robe up, covering her light blonde ponytail. Her partner, Lieutenant Denna slid into the front seat. She was busy pulling her medium length dark red tresses into a slick braid.
The Medical Shuttle cleared the Touchdown Area and started making its way through the Desert. T'Maire led her small crew to the large aircar she had driven. Her party all boarded her car and they set off for the Science Colony. She expertly maneuvered the sand dunes on the outskirts of the settlement and after a ten minute trip the Team had arrived at their destination.
Standing outside the Colony was Lieutenant Serenity Jones. He soft hair was dishevelled, and her eyes were still bloodshot. Standing beside her was Lieutenant Junior Grade Chris Smith. Chris had his hand around Serenity's shoulders and was speaking softly in her ear.
Seeing T'Maire depart the vehicle, Serenity quickly broke the contact and rushed forward. Displaying the ta'al she greeted the young Vulcan. "Sochya eh dif, T'Maire of Vulcan. I am Lieutenant Serenity Jones, please call me Serenity, or Miss Jones if you would prefer. Welcome to the Kal'ta Science Colony.
T'Maire displayed the ta'al back and spoke with a clear quiet voice. "Dif-tor heh smusma Miss Jones. It is an honor to finally see this Colony in person. This is the support crew of the Enterprise. How may we be of assistance?"
Serenity turned towards the large door and keyed in her Access Code. Stepping aside, she motioned for the group to enter. Chris entered first and gathered them in the large atrium. Serenity stepped in last and locked the door down again.
"Sorry about all of this. It's procedure to keep the Colony completely locked down from the outside when a Scientist goes missing." Serenity's delicate voice floated over the crowd of people.
T'Maire nodded briefly before speaking. "It is quite logical. In case the missing Scientist is somewhere inside it would prevent their escape. It also protects against someone coming in that is unwelcome."
Serenity smiled at the Vulcan's understanding and lead the crew to the Computer Bay. The entered the bay from the south"The Station on the East Wall here, is Lilly's. Chris' is on the North, and mine is on the West. The center Computer here is our Main Computer, the one that oversees everything. We sync all of our PADDs and Tricorders to it. It also stores a backup of all of findings and documentation. All files that are Scientific, Medical, or General in origin are stored. Personal files are kept Privately, unless the author Publishes them to our Server." She spoke quickly and effectively.
Two people pushed through the crowd and each took a different computer. Ensign Hanai went to Lilly's and Lieutenant Warwick went to the Main Computer. They began talking softly and sorting through things, trying to find where Lilly had last gone.
T'Maire stepped forward and spoke again. "It is my understanding that the Head Researcher has their own Laboratory. I believe the reports stated that Lilly Shade was such person. May I please see her Lab?"
Serenity looked at the Vulcan and blinked a few times. "Yes, of course. Follow me please. Chris, you mind staying here and observing? They might need passcodes for some files."
The older man followed her command and started assisting the young crew. Serenity and T'Maire walked away and a few minutes later, Chris heard the faint sounds of the door to Lilly's Lab unlocking.
As Serenity stepped into the cold room she ordered the Computer to raise the temperature a few degrees. "My apologies. Lilly likes her Lab kept unnaturally cold for a Vulcan-hybrid. She says it reminds her of Winter back on Earth. She normally has the Holoprojectors running a Snowfall in here as well. She's a weird one. I personally loathe snow. It's cold, wet, and makes everything dark and gloomy. But Lil loves the stuff." She laughed as she recounted a favorite thing about her best friend.
The two settled into going over Lilly's recent files. T'Maire would occasionally ask a question which Serenity would answer or explain in better detail. After twenty minutes of working, T'Maire's Communicator rang. She pulled the small silver device out of her dress pocket and flipped it open.
"Greetings. How may I assist thee?" She spoke quickly.
Sarek's soft voice came through the small device. "Greetings T'Maire. I am contacting you to inform the Science Colony that we have reached the Orchid garden. We are beginning our search now. Any information you find may be sent to Spock's PADD." He quickly gave the duo the information needed to relay any of their findings to his son.
Serenity nodded and began working even faster. She was silently praying that she would find anything of use to the crew of the Enterprise. She knew in her heart that there were no better crew out there. If anyone could find Lilly, it would be Jim Kirk. She knew her best friend's life was hanging in the balance. A single missed file or document could mean life or death for Lilly.
A/N: Hello! Sorry it took me so long to get this Chapter out. I've had a really long week.
Now! Time to learn more Vulcan!
Cholla - is a type of plant lifeform that is native to the planet Vulcan. Cholla roots were known to be a suitable way to ease the pains caused by wounds on the body.
Ches'lintak - is a type of plant lifeform native to the planet Vulcan. The pulp of these plants possess anti-biotic properties and it was a noted characteristic for travelers to wrap their wounds with the pulp of these plants which can be secured by by
Kylin'the - are a type of plant that grow on the planet Vulcan. They were known to grow around the few pools of water on the desert home world of the Vulcan species. Their spiked leaves form a crown of green and amber. The sap from these plants could be used to heal blisters by relieving pain and allowed for quick healing.
Dif-tor heh smusma - Live long and prosper.
tomasu - Clansman, kin, relative, someone sharing the same cultural or ethnic background.