T'hy'la
They had not long returned to duty when Jamie accepted this mission. It was meant to be a peaceful mission an observation mission. It turned out to be anything but that. The chaos of the battlefield was palpable as Jamie maneuvered through the smoke and debris of the alien planet. Phaser fire whizzed past her, and the ground shook with the impact of explosions. The away team had encountered far more resistance than anticipated, and Spock knew they had to retreat.
"Fall back!" Jamie shouted, waving her team towards the transporter coordinates. "Everyone, fall back to the beam-out point!"
Jamie's eyes scanned the horizon, seeking out her first officer. Spock was in the thick of the fight, calmly coordinating their defensive efforts. Even in the heat of battle, Spock's composed demeanor was unshakeable.
Jamie was almost to the rendezvous point when a blast struck the ground nearby, sending her sprawling. Pain shot through her leg, and she cried out, clutching her thigh where a piece of shrapnel had embedded itself. Gritting her teeth, she tried to rise, but her leg buckled beneath her.
"Captain!" Spock's voice was clear and strong, cutting through the din of battle. Within seconds, the Vulcan was at her side, his usually impassive face now lined with worry.
"Spock, we need to get out of here," Kirk said through gritted teeth, trying to push himself up again.
"Your injury is severe. You are in no condition to move unaided," Spock replied, his tone uncharacteristically urgent. He crouched down, one arm sliding under Jamie's shoulders, the other under her knees, effortlessly lifting her.
Jamie winced, the pain intensifying with the movement. "I'll be fine. Just get us to the beam-out point."
They moved as quickly as Spock's careful pace allowed, the sounds of battle gradually fading behind them. As they reached the transporter coordinates, Spock's grip on Jamie tightened.
"Enterprise, two to beam up!" Spock called into his communicator, his voice tinged with an emotion that he knew Jamie couldn't quite place.
The familiar hum of the transporter enveloped them, and moments later, they materialized on the ship's transporter pad. Dr. McCoy was already waiting, his medical team rushing forward with a stretcher.
"Dammit, J, what did you get yourself into this time?" McCoy muttered, his usual gruff concern evident as he motioned for the medics to take Jamie.
Jamie looked like she was going to pass out. Spock put a hand on her shoulder, steady and reassuring.
"Captain," Spock began, his voice lower, almost hesitant. "I must tell you something—"
But McCoy interrupted, pushing Spock aside. "Not now, Spock. J needs medical attention immediately."
Spock watched helplessly as Jamie was whisked away to sickbay, the words he'd been about to say hanging heavy in the air.
Hours later, Jamie lay unconscious in the dimly lit recovery room, her leg bandaged and immobilized.
Doctor McCoy is at work, scanning Jamie's form as Spock enters. The tension is palpable.
"Fractured leg, a concussion... she'll live, but she's gonna need time to recover."
Spock approaches, his eyes never leaving Jamie. "I should have been faster."
McCoy looks up, surprised by the uncharacteristic emotion in Spock's voice.
"She'll be fine, Spock. J's tougher than she looks. Always has been."
Spock nods, but he doesn't move from Jamie's bedside. McCoy observes him for a moment, then steps back, giving them space.
"I know it must be hard what with your ... bond. But she's been in worse scraps than this."
"I find her well-being... imperative."
Jamie stirs, her eyes fluttering open. She looks up at Spock, a weak smile forming on her lips.
"Spock... you look... worried."
Spock raises an eyebrow, his usual demeanor slipping back into place.
"It is not logical to worry, Captain. However, I find myself... concerned."
Jamie chuckles softly, wincing at the pain. "Practically the same thing."
Spock's eyes soften, and he leans closer, lowering his voice. McCoy suddenly makes himself busy.
"Jamie, there is something I must confess. Recent events have made it clear to me that my feelings for you extend beyond mere friendship. Our connection has grown to mean a great deal to me, both intellectually and emotionally. I find myself drawn to you in ways that defy logic. If you are willing, I would like to formally request the privilege of courting you. Your companionship has become an integral part of my life, and I wish to explore this bond further, respecting and cherishing what we share. Please consider my proposal, as it comes from the deepest sincerity of my heart."
Jamie's eyes widen in surprise, then a warm smile spreads across her face. "Spock, I..."
Spock places a gentle hand on her arm, silencing her. "Do not speak. Focus on your recovery. We will discuss this further when you are well. T'hy'la."
Jamie nods, a look of contentment in her eyes. "I'd like that, Spock. A lot."
Spock's grip on Jamie's arm tightens slightly, a silent promise. "Rest now, Jamie. I will be here when you wake."
Jamie's eyes close, a peaceful expression on her face. Spock remains by her side, his resolve strengthening with every passing moment.
The intercom crackles.
"I've set a course to the nearest Starfleet base Commander."
"Thank you, Mr Chekov."
McCoy heads back over.
"So am I forgiven for interpreting you while you were in her ready room now?"
"There is nothing to forgive doctor -"
"I walked in on you a Jamie months ago -"
"As I was about to say, there is nothing to forgive. Given your proximity to Jamie, it is natural for you to just wander in like you have done so in the past. I have noticed in the last few months you have stopped doing so."
"Did not want to just walk in on you two so blindly again. Believe me, it was awkward. I want her happy. I don't necessarily need to see it. Having said that I'm glad you've finally told her."