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spacedancer1701 · 5 years ago

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On Borrowed Time - a Star Trek fic (Chapters 41 - 50)

Fandoms: Star Trek, Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), Star Trek: Alternate Original Series (AOS) Pairing: McCoy x Original Female Character (Dr. Jennifer Hope) Characters: The Crew of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) Rating/Warnings: None Tags: Friendship, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Warm and Fuzzy Feelings, Mild H/C, Caring/Protective/Tender/Comforting/Happy/Grumpy McCoy Word Count: This is a long one 😄 (61 chapters - 120k)

Read it on AO3: On Borrowed Time

Chapter 41

When Jenny woke up the next morning, feeling wonderfully rested and perfectly well again, the doctor was in the shower. It felt strangely intimate to lie in his bed and hear him clean his teeth and get ready next door. She loved it.

Stepping out of the bathroom, fully dressed and ready for duty, a bright smile spread across his face at seeing her awake.

“Good morning, sunshine!” he said and came to stand beside the bed. “How are you feeling today?”

“Much better,” she smiled, sitting up, “really great, actually! Is there a sedative incorporated in your sheets? I haven’t slept this well since, well, forever!”

The doctor chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots, and she thought that she could easily get used to such a morning routine.

“That’s the load off your mind, my dear,” he said affectionately. “Nothing like getting a secret off your chest to make you sleep like a baby.”

Jenny smiled at him, then remembered that she’d robbed him of his bed.

“Thank you for giving up your bed, Doctor! Where did you sleep? Or did you sleep at all?”

She felt really guilty now, but the doctor just smiled at her.

“I had a ton of research to do last night. Don’t worry, Hope, I don’t need much sleep.”

He got up and headed towards the door, turning around again before it opened.

“I took you off shift for today. Make yourself at home, stay as long as you want. Then have something to eat and come to see me in sickbay for a quick check-up.”

“Yes, Sir!” she grinned, saluting.

“I mean it,” he laughed. “Enjoy a day off-duty, meet up with friends, chat with them. And tell them as little or as much as you want to. It’s completely up to you. Jim, Spock and I will not discuss it with anyone else aboard. It’s your decision alone. And in your own time, too. Just know that I informed Starfleet about the situation and that you’re free to talk about anything to anyone.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” she said quietly, hoping he could tell how deeply grateful she was, and after he’d left, fell back on his bed, basking in the feeling of his blanket wrapped tightly around her.

*********************

McCoy went to meet Kirk and Spock in the briefing room. Wanting to discuss last night’s revelations as soon as possible, the captain had arranged for them to have breakfast there.

When he entered, Kirk looked up and asked, “How is she?”

“And a good morning to you, too, Jim!” the doctor grinned, secretly pleased to see his friend so concerned for Hope. “She’s going to be all right. Feeling great this morning. At least that’s what she said. Although she did have second thoughts last night.”

Sitting down, grabbing some much-needed coffee, he asked, “So, what are we going to do?”

“I already took the liberty of doing some research,” Spock offered.

McCoy raised an eyebrow. So Spock hadn’t been sleeping much, either. He’d always known that the Vulcan had a soft spot for Hope, too.

“Jennifer Hope appears to have been a rather common name at the time. I found 17 bearers of that name who were born in the year 1971, old Earth Calendar. Only three of them, however, went to university.”

“And?” McCoy urged, getting impatient.

“And, interestingly, they all lived to be mothers, two of them even grandmothers, well past the age of 20.”

“What about the others?” Kirk wanted to know. “The ones that didn’t go to university?”

“I have investigated those, too, of course, but apart from one sudden infant death and one girl getting killed in a traffic accident at age 9, all of them also lived well into the 21st century.”

“Curious,” the captain said thoughtfully. “What do you make of it?”

“Unless Dr. Hope has been lying about her name, I have no logical explanation, Captain.”

McCoy threw him an outraged glance. “Why should she be lying about her name? I’m telling you, there’s something shady going on that Starfleet’s trying to cover up.”

“Easy, Bones,” Kirk said placatingly, “let’s stick to the facts. I’m waiting to hear back from a contact of mine. If there’s something strange going on with Hope’s files at Headquarters, she’ll let me know.”

At that moment, Uhura announced an incoming subspace call for the captain, which Kirk had her put through to the briefing room, and the smiling face of Lt. Areel Shaw appeared on the screen. 1)

“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said pleasantly, “I got your message, Jim.”

“Good to see you again, Areel,” the captain smiled. “Got any news for me?”

“Actually, yes, I have,” she went on. “After Starfleet received Dr. McCoy’s report, they scheduled a meeting right away. They are really sorry for Dr. Hope’s inconvenience and are going to issue an official apology later today. As for her story, they��ve confirmed everything she’s told you. The awkward position Dr. Hope has found herself in, really seems to be the product of Starfleet officials’ poor judgment and people skills rather than some conspiracy or whatever you were suspecting.”

“Thank you, Areel,” Kirk smiled, watching McCoy out of the corner of his eye. “Sorry to have bothered you.”

“Don’t mention it, Jim,” she beamed at the captain. “I have to go now, gentlemen, I’ve got another meeting scheduled in five. Be safe!”

And before the captain could say good bye, her face had disappeared from the screen again.

“Well, what do you make of that?” Kirk asked no one in particular.

“Inconvenience? Did you hear that?” McCoy was beside himself. “This is absurd. I don’t believe a word they’re saying. Starfleet are lying through their teeth.”

“I tend to agree with the doctor,” came Spock’s unexpected response, “but I don’t see anything we can do about it at the moment. At this point, we can hardly call Starfleet’s word into question.”

“I wouldn’t mind taking it up with all of Starfleet, if they hurt Hope any more,” the doctor grumbled. “This whole apology business came about far too quickly not to be suspicious.”

“I see where you’re coming from, Bones,” Kirk assured him, “but Spock’s right. We have to accept Starfleet’s word for now. Especially, since I don’t see how making a big fuss about it would help Hope. Don’t you think?”

McCoy grudgingly agreed. He’d drop it, for now. Hope was feeling great, that was all that really mattered. Jim was right. Since Hope seemed to believe her story, had even come to terms with it, he’d better not let on that he thought there was more to it. Putting doubt in her mind would serve no one. Things were hard enough for her as they were.

Before they concluded the meeting, Spock turned to McCoy.

“From what I see, you have begun to research 20th century illnesses and medical procedures, Doctor. If there is anything I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Thank you, Spock, I might even take you up on that,” the doctor smiled at him, a rare occasion, the Vulcan noted with a certain degree of satisfaction.

Having been up all night, working his way through various computer files, Spock had seen that McCoy had drawn all available information on diseases of the late 20th century from the data bank and requested even more data from the Terran Ministry of Health.

Although he’d never say it out loud, this was one of the things he secretly admired about the doctor. To meticulously prepare for every eventuality. It gave Spock a pleasant sense of security to know that, just like he was now trying to read up on everything regarding Dr. Hope’s background, he always kept up-to-date on Vulcan medical standards.

For reasons that continued to elude him, Dr. McCoy enjoyed affecting stubborn and annoying thick-headedness. But if one had ever worked with him scientifically, one knew better. For a human, he had an exceptionally brilliant mind and was an outstanding expert in all matters medical.

After Spock had excused himself from the briefing room, Kirk asked McCoy to stay on for another minute.

“What can we do to help her, Bones?” he came straight to the point.

“We’ve already helped her a lot, Jim,” the doctor replied, touched that the captain cared so much about Hope. “Telling us, sharing her secret and talking about it was a great relief. That was the first step. Now we need to keep reminding her that she’s not alone in this anymore. That she can ask us anything, come for advice anytime. She needs to know that we care for her. We can give her a sense of belonging, even if we can’t get her family back for her. And we can show interest in her past. She can’t take a stroll down memory lane with someone who was actually there, but telling us all about her former life will be the next best thing.”

He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath.

“Can you imagine what she’s gone through? What it must have been like for her? To be all alone? Really alone? All her family gone, all her friends, even her acquaintances? No one to turn to? A 20-year old girl stranded among strangers in a world, where nothing is familiar and everything is different?”

His voice grew ever softer.

“Not even Spock with his unique heritage is that alone,” he murmured, seeing the compassion in Jim’s eyes.

“She’s a really remarkable woman, Bones. Anyone else might have been crushed by the circumstances, but she bravely coped with it all. And even with a smile on her face. She’s truly admirable.”

“She certainly is,” McCoy agreed. “All she needs now, is a little affection and TLC, and she’ll be all right.”

“Duly noted,” Kirk smirked, “although I think I’ll leave the physical side of things to you, Bones.”

“You just can’t help it, Jim, can you?” the doctor groaned. “And just when I was getting impressed with your compassion and sensitivity.”

********************

Not feeling like talking to anyone just yet, Jenny stayed in McCoy’s quarters until almost lunchtime, enjoying being surrounded by his things, sensing his comforting presence, even though he wasn’t there. She studied the holo of Joanna as a little girl next to a more recent one on his desk, thinking how she had her father’s beautiful eyes and kind smile. She’d really like to meet her in person one day.

Snuggling back into the doctor’s bed, she tried to imagine what life would be like, with everybody knowing where she came from. Would she really want everybody to know? Would they treat her differently? Would they think her to be inferior? Would the relief of not having to lie and pretend outweigh the fear of being snubbed?

Weary of her thoughts going round in circles in her head without finding any answers, Jenny decided to go to sickbay for the check-up she’d promised McCoy. Much as she’d love to, she couldn’t hide in his quarters forever.

********************

McCoy was relieved to see Hope coming through the doors to sickbay. He’d been a bit worried already. She wasn’t usually one to hole up somewhere rather than be around people.

“How are you doing, my dear?” he asked, guiding her towards the nearest biobed for a brief examination.

“Great, Doctor,” she smiled, but her eyes, that followed every move of his hand running the scanner over her body, lacked the happy gleam of this morning.

McCoy finished the check-up, satisfied with the readings, and put the scanner away. Then he perched on the edge of another biobed and gazed at her contemplatively.

“We’re done here. Temperature’s back to normal, your readings are perfect. Why do I still get the impression that you’re not feeling well?”

“But I am, Doctor!” she exclaimed. “Honestly. Just maybe still a little dazed from last night, still getting used to people knowing the truth about me.”

“Is that a bad thing?” McCoy wanted to know, seeing the uncertainty in her face.

“No, not at all, it’s just,” she hesitated a moment, “I’m afraid I must seem like a cave woman to you now.”

The sigh that followed her words went straight to his heart.

“Why would you think that?” he leaned a little forward, holding her gaze. “It’s not at all like you to be so insecure. You’re still you, you still have all the same qualifications, the same qualities, the same abilities. If anything, you’re even more admirable now that we know you had to catch up on 20 years, no, make that 300 years’ worth of knowledge on top of everything else you had to study for at the Academy. To me, you’re still the strongest, most beautiful, most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”

McCoy stopped short, embarrassed by letting himself go like that, and Jenny blushed, smiling up at him bashfully.

“Sweet of you to say this, Doctor, even though you’re quite obviously biased. You’re my friend.”

“That I am,” he replied, regarding her fondly. “And please remember that you can talk to me about everything. You don’t have to pretend anymore, you can just be yourself. Whatever you need or need to know, I’ll be there for you.”

“And I’m so grateful for that, Doctor. For everything. You’re simply the best.”

She hopped off the biobed, pressed a smacking kiss on his cheek and ran rather than walked out of sickbay.

McCoy just stood there, waiting for the beating of his heart to subside. What had he been thinking? Letting himself be carried away like this. He was lucky she’d taken his words as the friendly attempt to make her feel better.

Yes, they were friends, no more, no less. He’d have to let go, now that he’d reached his goal. Getting close to her to gain her trust was no longer an excuse. He had her trust. They were close. As friends. And she’d confided in him. Just as he’d hoped she would. Now it was time to back off again, to let her get on with her life. He’d always be there for her, of course, but he needed to try to keep his distance now, for both their sakes.

*********************

Hearing him say those things had filled her stomach with butterflies. She knew, of course, that he’d said it as her friend, her doctor, even, because he wanted her to feel good. But still.

She’d really have to stop this silly infatuation. The doctor had simply wanted to help her. He was kind and caring like that. As a doctor, and as a man. And he certainly cared for her. A lot. But he was this famous, high-ranking Starfleet physician, and she was just a nobody. There was no way, he would consider her as anything else. His friendship was certainly more than she could ever have hoped for. She would relish it and not ruin it with some misled romantic fantasies.

******************** 1) Reference to the TOS episode “Court Martial”

Chapter 42

Even two nights later, McCoy could still get a whiff of Hope in his bed. Enough to keep him awake, tenderly burying his face in the blanket, his thoughts circling around the lovely young woman.

She’d spent the last two days mostly answering questions, and the doctor had been relieved to see how much she’d seemed to enjoy it. He knew she’d been afraid that people might lose their respect for her, but learning that quite the contrary was true, she’d soon found her confidence again. It was wonderful to see her truly happy once more. And it was great to watch the role reversal, since now it was mainly Hope doing the talking and the others listening attentively.

While McCoy wanted to know all about her personal life, Scotty couldn’t get enough of her first-hand stories about engines and how they were fuelled. He was disgusted at the waste of energy and resources, in addition to the pollution they caused, and dismayed, when Hope didn’t know how everything worked to the last detail, his brogue clearly audible throughout the rec room.

So was Chekov’s distinct accent, as he was equally fascinated and appalled by her tales of the USSR and the Cold War. Spock, of course, was less noisy in his reactions, but nevertheless totally involved, if the light green hue to his cheeks was anything to go by. Vulcans had already been observing Earth from afar at the time of Hope’s ‘first life’, as she’d taken to calling it. And Spock seemed to take immense pleasure in finding discrepancies between the official recordings at the Vulcan Science Academy and the memories of a contemporary witness.

As it turned out, Hope’s actual mother tongue was German, and Kirk had wanted to know why she’d had to pretend it was English. Apparently, she had a very specific German accent that wasn’t spoken any longer, and, since her dad had been born and raised near London, and they’d often spoken English at home, it had just been easier to stick to English, which seemed to have morphed more or less unchanged into Standard.

Uhura had made them all listen to Hope talk in various old Earth tongues, cracking up at the obviously funny accents. But what the communications officer had found hilarious, McCoy had found doing strange things to his groin.

Don’t even go there, Leonard! he groaned, deciding to give sleep another shot instead.

********************

When Hope asked him to let her return to duty, McCoy was against it at first, thinking she needed a little more time to herself. But he quickly changed his mind, when he realised that a normal routine was actually exactly what she needed.

It had been the right decision, he thought, when he and Jim watched her talk to Uhura over lunch a few tables away. The two women were giggling and laughing all through their meal, not a care in the world, and McCoy’s heart filled with happiness at seeing Hope having such a good time.

“It’s good to see her like this again, isn’t it, Bones?” Kirk smiled, when his friend couldn’t tear his eyes away from Hope for the longest time. “She’s such a positive person. It’s only been two days since she’s told us. And now, looking at her, you’d think nothing could upset her.”

“Yes, she’s incredibly strong,” the doctor agreed, his eyes still on Hope. “It’s in her nature, just like being positive and kind. It probably helps that she usually doesn’t take the time to dwell on her problems, always more concerned about the others' well-being than her own. Just think about what she did when she broke her ankle! She was so concerned about you reaching the ship, that she somehow managed to block out the pain.”

Kirk had to smile at that, because it was exactly what his friend was like, too. Always more concerned about everybody else than about himself. The two of them were really made for each other.

When Hope and Uhura went to get some coffee, the captain asked them to join him and the doctor at their table, enjoying the cheerfulness and easy banter that came with them.

“What is it, Captain?” Hope asked after a while, looking enquiringly at him, and Kirk realised that he’d been staring.

“I’m sorry, Hope,” he said, “I was just wondering how you do it.”

“Do what?” she laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Enjoy life, no matter what. You seem to see only the good things in life.”

Hope turned serious, and Kirk was almost afraid he’d said something wrong.

“I've not always been like this,” she finally said. “I used to be irritated by little things. I wanted everything exactly as I’d planned it, taking myself much too seriously. But then I woke up here, and they told me about my illness and what had happened to me. That was quite a shock, believe me. Can you imagine what it’s like to learn that your life as you know it is over, and nothing can be done about it?”

Kirk shook his head. So far, he’d always managed to find a way out of everything. But he saw McCoy nod and briefly rest a reassuring hand on top of Hope’s.

“You realise how unimportant you really are,” she continued. “Life will go on without you just the same. And then you start to take every day as a gift, you want to enjoy every single moment. And you begin to focus on all the good things life has to offer.”

She smiled at them, her eyes coming to rest on McCoy.

“I was lucky, I was given another life, a second chance. And I’m ever so grateful for that. This time, I won't waste a moment on trivialities. I want to make as much out of it as I can. Learn as much as I can. I believe that everything happens for a reason. If not for my illness, I'd never have met you, I'd never have known how wonderful the future would be.”

There were a few moments of silence, as they all considered her words. Then Uhura jumped up, stepped around the table and impulsively hugged her.

“I know it’s not been easy for you, but I, for my part, am so happy you’re here,” she gushed. “In fact, I can hardly remember a time when you were not part of our crew.”

Kirk looked at McCoy, who was watching the two women with a fond smile on his face, and realised how much happier Bones seemed since Hope had come aboard. He wouldn’t say that she’d wiped the habitual frown off the doctor’s face completely. That would be taking it too far. But he definitely seemed to smile more than frown these days.

She was really a remarkable woman, and he felt a sudden urge to do something nice for her. Remembering what Bones had said about her needing closeness, the emotional just as much as the physical kind, he thought that a combat training session might be something she’d enjoy.

McCoy had this theory that even in stasis, humans needed physical contact, touch. He always made a point of holding unconscious or comatose patients’ hands or stroking their faces, instructing the nurses and orderlies to do the same. 300 years in stasis would definitely leave you touch-starved.

“How’s your combat training with Sulu coming along?” he asked casually.

“He says I’m making progress,” she smiled, “but I have a feeling, he’s just being kind.”

“How about you give me a chance to form my own opinion?” he suggested. “Are you still free for a little training session tonight?”

Hope was obviously surprised, but quickly agreed, and the captain found that he was actually looking forward to it.

********************

When Kirk arrived at the gym that evening, Hope was already there, looking gorgeous in her combat trousers, as usual.

She was a bit shy at first, attacking the captain clearly required a little getting used to. But with time, she grew more confident, and he was rather impressed by her skill. She was certainly fast and strong for her size, although, at the end of the day, no match for him. Therefore, they'd always end up with Hope lying on the mat, him holding her down, and her ensuing struggle to break free again.

She was ambitious, fighting tooth and nail, and yet, he felt that she didn’t really mind admitting defeat. She just seemed to enjoy the closeness of their struggle, safe in the knowledge that he'd never hurt her. The joy in her eyes, although definitely not helpful against a real attacker who’d most probably be immune to her charms, was just what Bones had been talking about.

Except that Kirk was enjoying himself quite a lot, too. Maybe even a little too much. He had to be careful there. It would be so easy to fall in love with her. But she was the one woman he couldn't have. Because his best friend was already in love with her. Even though McCoy didn't know – or admit it – yet.

He'd never seen his friend in love before. Really in love. Not like this, anyway. Sure, McCoy had been attracted to the odd girl on shore leave. They'd spent good times together. But it had always been very superficial and mainly with the purpose to meet any physical needs. But this was different. Even though McCoy hadn't changed, was still as focused on and dedicated to his work as ever, still making plenty of time for chats and drinks with him, the captain could see that Hope was becoming the centre of his universe.

There was a gentleness in the way the doctor talked to and about her. A tenderness in his eyes, when she was around or even when only her name came up. Kirk saw all the signs, even if McCoy didn't see them himself. He regarded Hope almost as a daughter, much too young for him to have a romantic interest in. At least that's what he'd told him when Kirk had tried to open his eyes to what was going on. And maybe he was right. Maybe he was too old for her.

Only that Kirk could see the same signs in Hope where the doctor was concerned. Maybe they'd find out by themselves sooner or later. They certainly both deserved all the love and devotion they could find in their lives. And it would make him very happy to finally see Bones in a stable and fulfilling relationship with a loving and loyal partner. Maybe he really wasn't aware of it, or maybe he'd just given up hope, but Kirk knew that, deep down, that was exactly what his friend craved. Unlike himself, who was certainly capable of very deep and loving feelings, but could never commit in the long term, always putting the Enterprise first, if he had to choose.

********************

Their training session, was cut short, when Kirk was called to the bridge to respond to an urgent call from a nearby science vessel.

“Maybe we can do this again some time,” he said, as he swung a towel around his neck and made for the exit.

“I’d like that!” Hope called after him, her eyes beaming, making the captain smile all the way to the bridge.

The emergency was a probe gone missing, or, more accurately, stuck in a place it wasn’t supposed to be. The science vessel had been collecting data from a planet whose population was still a long way from space travel, and therefore strictly protected from any alien contact by the Prime Directive.

The probe in question had crashed and stopped transmitting close to one of the bigger settlements, and had to be retrieved quickly, before the natives discovered it. Since the crew of the science vessel had not been trained for delicate military operations, they asked for help, which Kirk was only too happy to offer. Any excuse for a little excitement planetside.

Promising to take care of the matter, the captain had the scientists transmit all data on the probe and their mission to Spock’s computer, and called an emergency meeting with Scotty, Chekov, and McCoy, to devise a plan of action.

Less than an hour later, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Chekov, and an excited Hope materialised at a safe distance from the settlement.

Chapter 43

Equipped with nothing but their communicators and the smallest of medikits, to avoid bringing even more advanced technology to this planet, the landing party moved carefully and quietly along a little creek towards the last known location of the probe.

Since the scientists had found out that the natives never ventured farther than three hours walking distance from their settlements, they’d beamed down to a remote area almost four hours away, and were now approaching the settlement from the side where they hoped to find what they’d come for.

Kirk had great confidence in Spock’s sense of direction, as well as Chekov’s navigational and McCoy’s medical skills, even without their tricorders. What really bothered him though, was how vulnerable he felt without a phaser.

“Why am I here again?” he heard Hope whisper to the doctor, who was, predictably, walking so close behind her, he had to be careful not to step on her heels.

“Haven’t you heard yet?” McCoy grumbled in a low voice. “Jim has his mind set on making you the Fleet’s best officer before you’re even grown up. I sure as hell wanted to leave you safe with Scotty.”

Hearing Hope chuckling softly, the captain cut in, “Thanks for explaining my intentions so clearly, Bones. But apart from that, and since we couldn’t bring the universal translator, I actually thought it was a clever idea to bring someone who’s good at communication and picking up new languages.”

Hope chuckled again, and Spock turned around abruptly, shooting them a warning glance and holding a silencing finger to his mouth. Apparently, his Vulcan ears had picked up something.

They stopped immediately and stayed motionless, hardly daring to breathe. Kirk heard nothing, but he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, and, seeing the others tumble and fall, too, sank to the ground. Then everything around him went black.

********************

When he came to, Kirk was sitting with his back propped up against a stone wall. Realising that he wasn’t shackled or bound, he quickly reached for his communicator. But that, of course, was gone.

Looking around, he saw that McCoy, Hope and Chekov were still out cold, all of them sitting in a similar position. Only Spock was already up and about, thoroughly checking the solid metal bars, that divided what looked like a huge barn into several ‘cages’, for any weakness. He got up to join his first officer and saw a bowl of water in a corner, feeling extremely thirsty, yet not daring to drink from it.

Spock acknowledged his presence with a curt nod, but kept focused on his task.

“You were out 28 minutes longer than I was, Captain,” he stated calmly. “Unfortunately, I don’t have enough data to calculate how much longer it will take for the others to wake up.”

“Found out anything yet?” Kirk asked, hoping to get some clues as to where they were, and why they were here.

“We seem to have been sedated by some kind of tranquilizer dart. But I haven’t seen any of our captors yet.”

Almost as if on cue, a door on the far side of the barn opened, and two humanoids came in, carrying trays of what was probably food. Looking at Kirk and Spock with scowls that could mean anything from fear to anger to curiosity, they set the trays down on the floor and pushed them through a little hatch into their cage, then turned to leave again.

The captain called after them, trying to establish some sort of communication, but they didn’t show any reaction to his words at all, and simply left again. Hitting the bars hard in frustration, he heard movement behind him, and saw that McCoy had already woken up, too. The doctor was busy examining Hope and Chekov, asking over his shoulder, if he and Spock were all right.

Kirk eyed the ‘food’ suspiciously. Looking like some kind of fruit, it seemed harmless enough, but without a tricorder to verify its edibility, there was, of course, no way he’d try it. As soon as Hope and Chekov had come around, too, the door opened again to reveal the same guards as before, this time accompanied by a taller humanoid. Pointing what looked like a small harpoon at them, he walked along the side of their cage, eyeing them up and down and completely ignoring Kirk’s demands to be heard.

The tall one’s eyes finally fell on Hope, and he unlocked a latch near where she stood, pulling her out of the cage in one swift move and roughly shoving McCoy and Chekov aside, who’d tried to throw themselves between Hope and her attacker. Kirk and the others could only watch in dismay, as the latch was being safely locked again, and a struggling and kicking Hope was being dragged towards the door and outside.

“Do something, Jim!” McCoy cried, panicking, as he felt his heart stop, trapped in a nightmare.

Why her? Why not me? was all he could think, his brain refusing to come up with a single coherent thought.

He saw Spock hurrying to the latch, pulling and rattling rather than checking now, but there was no way out. Even with his Vulcan strength Spock couldn’t get it to give.

McCoy started to pace, desperately trying to calm down. He couldn’t fall to pieces now. He had to keep it together for her sake. She’d need him, when she came back. And she would come back. She had to.

The wait was agonising. Kirk and Spock were alternately discussing weird ideas and examining the bars with ever growing force, and Chekov was lost in guilt and self-reproach at not having been able to protect Hope.

Almost half an hour passed, before the door opened again, and the three natives were back, approaching the latch, seemingly to choose who to take next.

Hope was not with them. They’d returned without her. And the doctor just lost it.

“What did you do to her, you bastards?” he yelled at them, rattling at the bars like a deranged man, not even noticing how, behind him, Kirk and Spock were kept in check by the harpoon-like weapon while Chekov was being dragged away.

Almost as soon as the door had closed behind Chekov, it opened again, and a pale-faced Hope was brought in and pushed into the cage next to theirs. Her uniform looked crumpled, but apart from that she seemed unharmed. McCoy was at her side in a flash, or at least as close as he could get with the bars between them, trying to determine her condition, as she sagged against the metal.

********************

Jenny had never been happier to see anyone. She hadn’t been harmed, and she knew she needed to let the captain and the doctor know right away, but her body was failing her. All she could do was cower on the floor, shaking like a leaf. Facing danger with the others by her side was one thing. Being taken by aliens to who knows where on her own was something else entirely. Maybe McCoy had been right, maybe she really wasn’t grown up yet. But that experience had definitely taken her a step closer to adulthood.

The doctor’s quavering voice calling her name over and over again finally registering, she wrapped her hands around his fingers, which were clamped around the bars separating them, and lifted her face, almost drowning in the emotions she could see in his eyes.

“It’s okay, I’m all right,” she croaked, trying to smile reassuringly, when she saw a tear of relief trickling down the doctor’s face.

“Did they hurt you?” he asked softly.

Jenny just shook her head. Then she saw the captain squatting beside McCoy.

“What did they want from you?”

“I think they chose me because they thought I was the easiest target,” she said, her voice clearer and stronger again. “They have the probe, Captain. But they have no idea what it is or what to do with it. I don’t think they want to harm us. They’re just afraid of us and – correctly – assume that there is a connection between us and the probe.”

“Could you communicate with them?” Kirk asked.

“Not with words, no. But it was pretty clear what they wanted. That was for me to show them how to open or activate the probe.”

“And did you?” the captain wanted to know.

“Of course not!” she said indignantly, then added. “I probably couldn’t have, even if I’d wanted to, anyway. I think I could successfully convince them that I had no idea what that thing was.”

Before Kirk could respond, the door to the barn opened again, and the guards returned with Chekov slung limply over the taller one’s shoulder. Jenny gasped as they more or less just dropped him in her cage, and McCoy was all but squeezing through the bars, desperately needing to get to the Russian.

She hurried to Pavel’s side, relieved to see him still breathing, checking his pulse, temperature and reflexes just as McCoy had taught her to, and answering all the doctor’s questions, grateful that he was at least close enough to tell her what to do.

Pavel’s face was turned away from McCoy, but when Jenny told him about his sallow complexion, McCoy cursed under his breath. Without his medikit this was going to be difficult. Just then, the door opened again, and a smaller native, maybe a child or a female, slid inside, timidly looking around before quietly darting over and pushing McCoy’s medikit through the hatch into Jenny’s cage, making a silencing gesture.

“Thank you,” Jenny mouthed, hoping that the little alien understood her meaning, before it was gone as quickly and quietly as it had come.

“Right,” McCoy said, all business now, “we all got shot somewhere around the shoulders. You need to check there for any signs of infection.”

Jenny did as she was told, trying to be as gentle as she could, when Chekov started to moan and wince at her touch. She carefully peeled off all layers of shirts, revealing an ugly, festering wound.

“This is bad,” the doctor said, “I guess the tip of whatever dart they shot at us is still in there. You’ll have to cut it out with the scalpel from my medikit, Hope, do a little field surgery here. And fast.”

Jenny looked at him aghast, trying hard not to panic at the mere sight of the wound, almost feeling the pain it must cause.

“I can’t!” she whispered, shuddering at the thought.

“Don’t go all squeamish on me now, Hope,” McCoy said sternly, his tone allowing no argument. “You can do it, and you will.”

Jenny just froze. Through the haze of agitation, she heard Kirk shout something at her, but couldn’t make out the words. She clearly heard the doctor, though.

“Shut up, Jim, you’re not helping. I’ve got this covered.”

And then, directed at her, “Come here, Hope, look at me.”

Like in a trance, she went to where McCoy stood, grabbing the fingers held out to her through the bars.

“That’s good,” he said, as calmly and soothingly as she’d ever heard him, “deep breaths. I’m right here with you, you can do this. I’ll talk you through, you’ll just be my hands.”

“I can’t! Please don’t make me do this! I can’t just cut into him, I’ll kill him!”

“No, you won’t. But he might die, if you don’t do it. Sepsis is serious. You don’t want to let him die. I’ve got complete confidence in you. It’s easy, like fixing one of Scotty’s precious engines.”

“But this is a living being!” she wailed. “This is Pavel, for heaven’s sake!”

When McCoy saw her getting hysterical again, he changes tactics.

“Exactly. That’s why you need to go over there and do it. Now!”

Hearing the authority in his voice, she somehow managed to switch to autopilot, just following his orders as he talked her through every single movement from injecting Chekov with a sedative and sterilising her hands and instruments to getting the offending piece of needle out to dressing the wound and dosing the painkiller.

When she was done, her whole body started to shake, and she had to sit down, slumped against the bars.

McCoy exhaled audibly, exhausted from having to voice every little detail that his own hands would normally do without any conscious effort. And only now allowing himself to feel angry for not having discovered Chekov’s wound sooner. But Pavel was out of danger now, they just needed to get him back to the Enterprise, where the infection could be treated properly, as soon as possible.

Seeing Hope leaning against the bars, her nerves at breaking point after all she’d been through these past couple of hours, he felt immensely proud of her. Much as she liked working in sickbay, he knew that she wasn’t really cut out for the more gruesome parts of medicine. And yet, she’d gone and done it.

His heart going out to her, he wanted nothing more than to gather her in his arms and hold her forever. But all he could do right now was sit down next to her and squeeze his fingers through the bars to touch her, to comfort her. She smiled at him, bleary-eyed, leaning her head against the bars, and he stroked her cheek and her hair with all the affection and admiration he felt for her. Until Chekov started to move, and Hope hurried back to his side, as he sat up and looked around confusedly.

Kirk and Spock, in the meantime, had come up with a plan, now that they had the tools from McCoy’s medikit at their disposal, and with Chekov back among the living, shared their idea with the others.

So now, with the plan internalised and prepared, they all waited eagerly for the guards to return.

Charter 44

Pavel was feeling better, although his mind was still a little fuzzy, and his legs wouldn’t carry his weight. He’d had to lean hard on Jenny, just walking the few steps over to where Kirk, Spock and McCoy were standing behind the bars, whispering.

The captain had decided that, once they made it out of here, he and Spock would go to retrieve the probe and their communicators, while the doctor was to take him and Hope straight back to the beam-up location. Chekov would have liked to help with the mission, of course, but had had to accept that he was currently in no fit state to do so. As it was, walking without needing too much support would be helpful enough.

McCoy had been really angry with him for not having mentioned the pain in his shoulder sooner. Although, knowing the doctor, he was mainly angry with himself for not having spotted it, and, of course, with them both for having put Jenny in the terrible position of having to perform field surgery on him. He’d felt a little throb in his shoulder, yes, but how could he have known it was this serious? And with Jenny being abducted and everything, he’d had more important things to worry about. Nevertheless, he felt really bad for having caused so much trouble.

The only thing cheering him up, however, was the captain’s plan. Because it revolved around him kissing Jenny. Well, at least the way he saw it. He’d noticed one of the smaller two guards practically leering at her, whenever he was around, and while he might, admittedly, have been a little oversensitive on the subject, Kirk, McCoy and even Spock had apparently had the same impression. Therefore, convinced that the natives would soon return to take another one of them to the probe, the captain had told Jenny and Pavel to divert the guard’s attention, thus giving the other three men a better chance at overpowering the remaining two guards.

They didn’t have to wait long, McCoy with a hypo hidden behind his back, Kirk with a scalpel literally up his sleeve, and Spock relying on the Vulcan nerve pinch. Soon enough, the door opened again, and in came the three guards heading straight to the captain’s cage. When they passed Jenny, said guard rudely ogling her, Pavel was more than ready to pull his surprised friend in for a kiss.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the tall guard sinking to his knees at McCoy’s feet after a well-placed hypo, while Kirk and Spock brought the other one down in a struggle, the nerve pinch obviously not having had the expected effect. Jenny’s ‘admirer’, seemingly oblivious to his colleagues’ predicament, had meanwhile opened the latch to their cage and came charging in, aiming straight for Jenny, thankfully being downed by another of the doctor’s hypos, before they found out if Jenny’s kick to where she suspected his private parts would have been effective at all.

********************

Wishing there was time for a grateful and relieved hug, Jenny let McCoy pull her to her feet, and then helped him support Chekov’s weight, as they hurried after Kirk and Spock to the exit. Before they could reach it, however, the door burst open and five more guards came barging in, obviously responding to whatever alarm the others had triggered before being knocked out.

Kirk and Spock charged straight at the tallest guards, the captain finally making good use of the scalpel, while McCoy let go of Chekov to tackle a smaller one. This time minus the hypo, but with a rage, releasing all his pent up fears and worries, that more than made up for it. Jenny let Chekov slide to the floor as gently as she could, then joined in the fight, desperation giving her strength she’d not known she possessed. Sulu would definitely be proud of his disciple.

After what seemed like an eternity, all of the guards were down, a heavily breathing landing party standing over them, as McCoy pulled his hypo back out to make sure they stayed under for long enough. Looking at the doctor’s determined face, Jenny was impressed with how fearlessly and fiercely McCoy had just fought.

“I never knew you were such a skilled fighter, Doctor!” she said admiringly.

“Well, I certainly don't like to fight, but I do know how to defend myself, if I have to,” he grumbled as he went back to the cages to inject the guards there with a stronger dose, too.

“And most of all defend those you care for,” Jenny muttered so low that only Spock heard her.

Yes, he thought, she's right. The doctor can fight surprisingly hard, if someone threatens his friends or patients.

No one but Jenny saw the almost tender look he cast McCoy.

“And I do have a certain advantage knowing the most vulnerable spots in most species' anatomies,” McCoy went on, oblivious to the affectionate thoughts coming his way.

“Make no mistake, Hope,” the captain chimed in with a sly grin on his face. “The doctor has a myriad of hidden qualities. You'd be surprised!”

“I'm sure I would be,” Jenny smiled, adoring the way McCoy blushed at Kirk's words. The doctor was truly the humblest hero.

********************

Once they’d made their way safely out into the fading daylight and found a place to hide in a dark corner close to the edge of the settlement, Kirk had Jenny describe the way to where the probe was hidden, and Spock and the captain set off to retrieve the probe as well as their communicators.

“Take Hope and Chekov straight back to the beam-up location, Bones, and make sure you’re on time. We’ll see you there!” were his parting words, before McCoy took command of his little party.

The doctor, Jenny thought, had been her superior even before. And working in his department, he’d always been an authority to her. But seeing him like this, in full command mode, was still strange. It just wasn’t him. And yet he’d slipped into that role with the ease of years of experience. He was certainly an extraordinary physician, but with his habitual ‘I’m just an old country doctor’ act, you could easily forget what a brilliant and multi-talented man he really was.

That was probably his intention in the first place, she mused. He was modest like that, he didn’t like to be the centre of attention. But he was awesome. No doubt about that. And as always, he made her feel safe. Even in this situation. Even without Kirk or Spock to guide them.

They walked as far as they could with Chekov leaning on them, McCoy granting them short breaks, but determined not to set up camp for the night before reaching the ‘outside of three hours walking distance” safety zone. The hike was getting increasingly difficult, with Pavel’s infection worsening, his temperature rising with every hour, and Jenny was incredibly relieved when the doctor finally found a suitable place for them to rest for the night.

********************

He opened out a thin insulation blanket from his medikit, made Chekov lie down on it, and began to examine him closely, checking and redressing his wound and administering several hypos for good measure.

When he was done, Chekov had already fallen asleep, and the doctor made Hope lie down and nestle closely against the shivering navigator on one side, while he did the same on the other side, explaining they needed to keep him warm, as his temperature kept rising.

“You’re a hell of a Starfleet officer, Hope,” McCoy smiled, lying down and feeling ridiculously proud of her. “You’ve certainly more than earned your stripes today. I’ll make sure to mention that in my report.”

Then, seeing exhaustion and fear eating away at her forced display of confidence, he reached for her hand on Chekov’s chest and gently covered it with his own.

“Don’t worry, my dear, we’ll make it back safely. We always do.”

She smiled weakly at him, putting on a brave face, but still holding on tightly to his hand.

“Go to sleep now, quickly. You need to rest. I’ll watch over the two of you.”

It sounded cheesy even as he said it, but it seemed to reassure her nevertheless.

“Wake me up for my shift in a couple of hours, Doctor, she murmured sleepily, snuggling even closer to Chekov, then gave him a genuine smile and chuckled. “And maybe don’t mention holding my hand for me to go to sleep in your report.”

“Not a word,” he promised, eyes twinkling, “but we don’t want to break with tradition, do we?”

“Never,” she breathed, closing her eyes and starting to drift off.

Feeling the warmest wave of tenderness washing over him, McCoy couldn’t stop himself from reaching over to touch her face and gently caress her cheek with his thumb until she was fast asleep.

Then he felt Chekov’s pulse again, listened to his breathing, and prepared to watch out for any sign of danger while the other two rested up for the new day. The night was warm and not as dark as nights on earth usually were, the two moons giving off much more light. He looked from Chekov’s pale face to Hope’s dirt-streaked one. She’d really impressed him today. First going beyond her limits with that stunt at field surgery, then fighting like a tigress, and finally pulling her weight supporting Chekov.

And even though her curt “Yes, Sir!” and “No, Sir!” had sounded strange to his ears compared to the cordial “Right on it, Doctor!” he’d got used to, he’d been very grateful for her switching to professional military mode in the blink of an eye, when the captain had sent the three of them on their way, thus making command really easy for him. They’d never been in a situation like this before. There’d always been Jim or Spock or Sulu in charge.

He looked at his two sleeping crew mates again, lying so close together, huddled against him. Both so young and yet so successful already. The memory of their passionate kiss to distract the guards flashed up before his eyes, unbidden, again. They’d been very convincing, indeed. It had looked pretty real, and he was ashamed to admit that it hadn’t been easy for him to watch. But it had done the trick. And now it was up to him to get them back to safety. The kid and the girl, as he secretly thought of them. And he would.

He really didn’t want to wake her up, but he knew he needed at least two hours of sleep if he were to function properly the next day. So he gently stroked Hope’s face, softly calling her name, until she sat up groggily. Then he quickly checked on Chekov one more time. They really needed to get him back, he was starting to burn up.

Finally, after telling Hope to wake him up at the first sign of dawn, or sooner, if Chekov got worse, he nestled down against the kid again, shut his eyes and was out cold in mere seconds.

********************

Certain that the doctor was fast asleep, his arm lying protectively across Chekov’s chest, Jenny hesitantly rested her arm alongside his. Looking at his handsome face, relaxed and less worried now in sleep, she felt weirdly protective of the man she usually felt protected by.

Apart from the night of her nightmare, when she’d found him asleep in a chair next to her bed in the morning, she’d never actually seen him sleep before. It felt very intimate, and she enjoyed it immensely. Being able to study the face she was so fond of closely, was exciting. There were little wrinkles around his eyes, from laughing and frowning and life, and lines all over his face that gave away his age. Although he wasn’t really that old. But old enough to have seen a lot.

She wondered what he’d already been through, what had made him the wonderful man she so deeply respected and admired. He was lying so close to her, and yet, he was so out of reach. The temptation to touch his face or run her fingers through his hair was almost too hard to resist. She traced his face with her eyes. Wondering about all the things those deep blue eyes had seen, whom those soft lips had kissed, if he was a good kisser.

Jesus! Get a grip, Jenny! He’s way out of your league. He’s your boss, and your commanding officer.

But he cared for her, treated her with nothing but respect and kindness, even made her feel special. He was always there for her, the best friend one could wish for. She should really be grateful for that. It was more than she could ever have hoped for.

The doctor slept soundly until morning, and Jenny felt strangely proud that he obviously trusted her to watch over him as he’d put it earlier. At the break of dawn, she wondered how best to wake him. She briefly thought about gently stroking his face like he’d done to her, but even though she always enjoyed him touching her like that immensely, it felt somehow inappropriate for her to do the same. She needn’t have worried though, because he was wide awake with her first gentle touch to his shoulder.

Of course, she thought, as a doctor he’s been trained to be fully alert, even in sleep.

McCoy sat up at once, rubbing a quick hand over his face and, greeting her with a soft ‘hey’, went straight to check on Chekov.

Chapter 45

Kirk and Spock had followed Hope’s directions and were now hiding in the bushes across the road from a large building, not far from where they’d been held prisoners. A kind of City Hall? Or a museum? Maybe the equivalent of a university even? Spock didn’t know, but he was convinced that it was a public place, judging from the constant stream of people entering and leaving.

His legs were beginning to go numb, his position getting more and more uncomfortable, but moving was too risky. He’d gone through seven different meditative exercises already, and had great admiration for the captain, who endured the wait without complaining, a very common human tendency.

They’d been sitting here for hours, watching the entrance and waiting for night to fall. But so far, there was no end of visitors in sight. According to his calculations, it would take another half hour until sunset, and the logical consequence would be for a public building to close down for the night.

Exactly 26 minutes later, he was proven right, as darkness set and the doors to the building were closed and locked. That was also the moment he heard Kirk exhale deeply next to him, obviously more than ready to get going.

Noticing that, due to the two moons, visibility during night time was still quite high, he put a restraining hand on the captain’s arm.

“I suggest that we don’t go yet, Captain,” he whispered. “There are still too many people around.”

Kirk exhaled again. This time it had an impatient note to it, Spock thought, having come to recognise the captain’s emotional noises quite well over the years.

“All right then,” Kirk whispered back. “In the meantime, let’s decide on where best to sneak in. A scalpel doesn’t seem like the right tool to open the lock on this heavy door.”

“Very well, Captain,” Spock replied, his mind already mapping out possible other points of entry.

“Do you think they’ll be all right?” Kirk interrupted his calculations.

And even though the captain, as per usual, was very vague in his choice of words, he’d learned to fill in the blanks with Vulcan precision, and knew immediately that he was talking about the doctor and his party.

Kirk, of course, had to be quite aware that Spock didn’t have any more information about the others’ circumstances than the captain himself did, but he’d only recently learned from Hope that illogical questions of the kind mainly served the human need to voice their fears. Meaning that the captain didn’t actually expect an answer, but just needed to talk about his worries concerning McCoy, Hope and Chekov.

“You know I don’t have an answer to that, Jim,” he murmured softly. “But if you’re asking if I think the doctor and the others capable of looking after themselves and finding their way back, I’m positive.”

Kirk nodded and grinned at him, and Spock deducted that he had managed to give an acceptable answer.

Only twelve minutes later, the streets were almost clear of people, and after exchanging a quick glance, the two men carefully crawled out of the bushes. Spock, who’d already determined the best place of entry, lead the way, with the captain following closely behind.

They reached a small backdoor a few steps up from the road, but picking the lock turned out more difficult than anticipated. Fully focused on the task at hand, they noticed the small native appearing at their side, seemingly out of nowhere, too late. Kirk was just about to throw a punch, but the alien lifted its arms in defence and put a silencing finger to its mouth. Spock was quite sure it was the same alien who had returned the doctor’s medikit earlier.

The captain let his raised hand drop to his side and nodded at the native, who had already unlocked the door with a series of movements of its hand, some kind of code, apparently, and was beckoning them to follow it inside. Glancing quickly at Kirk for confirmation, Spock held the door open for him, and they both slipped inside.

They followed a long corridor to a small room, and Spock spotted the probe displayed in a transparent case on a low podium, presumably for protection. Although whether to protect the probe or from it, he couldn’t be sure. Kirk went up to the case immediately, but Spock signalled for him not to rush. He was convinced, the alien hadn’t just brought them here to let them take the probe and leave with it.

As if to prove him right, the native unrolled what reminded Spock of a star chart hanging from the ceiling, and pointed at it, questioningly.

“Is it asking us where we came from?” Kirk whispered.

“It would seem so, Captain,” Spock answered, “although it might just want to know if we came from the stars in the first place.”

Spock took a step closer to the chart.

“It is, however, quite an accurate chart, if I’m not mistaken. Maybe they are more advanced than we were led to believe.”

“Be that as it may, Spock, we’re still bound by the Prime Directive.”

“Of course, we are, Captain,” Spock replied, definitely not annoyed by the insinuation that he might think otherwise.

Kirk approached the case holding the probe, but the alien blocked his way, pointing vigorously at the star chart.

“I’m sorry, we can’t tell you anything,” the captain addressed the native directly, who tilted its head and looked at him with the approximation of a frown.

“Captain,” Spock interjected, “I sense strong curiosity and fascination, but no hostility or aggression whatsoever. Would you agree to the attempt at a mind meld?”

Kirk hesitated, and Spock appreciated his concern, knowing that the captain was always wary of him opening his mind to an unknown entity.

“I think it would speed things up, if we had the chance to communicate more efficiently,” he pointed out.

“All right then, go ahead,” Kirk gave permission, then added, “but be careful, Spock!”

The Vulcan nodded, then slowly approached the alien with outstretched arms, pointing a hand first to his own mouth, then to the other one’s, raising an enquiring brow, and finally touching his own forehead then pointing towards the alien’s.

The native seemed to understand, because it stepped directly in front of Spock, nodded curtly and reached for his hand, guiding it towards its forehead. Spock searched for pressure points, and was surprised how easily the alien welcomed him into its mind, curiosity obviously far outweighing any fears.

Probing a little deeper, he found the alien to be a female scientist. More accurately, the head of the university’s department of astronomy. Apparently, she’d long suspected life outside of her planet, but had only been ridiculed for this idea. She’d discovered the probe by chance weeks before, and admitted to having interfered with it, thus causing its crash. She’d seen it as the ultimate proof of alien life and had hoped for Spock and his team to teach her and her people about the mysteries of the skies.

Spock, in return, explained about several worlds having united in a federation, highly valuing the freedom of each member as well as that of all other worlds, including the freedom to evolve unfettered by any outside influence. He could sense the scientist’s fascination and delight at the existence of sentient life outside her world, as well as her eagerness to start exploring the vastness of the universe.

But he saw that she also understood the reasons for the Federation’s no interference rule, and that they had to take the probe away again, leaving her people to develop their own spacefaring technology, when they were ready to reach out to other worlds.

“Will you let us take the probe?” he asked in his mind. “And our communication devices, too?”

“Yes, although it makes me sad,” she answered.

“We will have to put you to sleep for a while, and I will have to see to it that you won’t remember us when you wake up.”

“But I want to remember, that there is a wonderful world out there,” she pleaded, and he could sense her dismay at being deprived of that knowledge again so soon after having gained it. “Everybody thinks I am crazy to want to explore the stars. But I have always felt there was more to the universe than just our world. I need to keep believing, so I can continue my scientific work. Please don’t take that away from me.”

Spock hesitated, considering her wish and understanding her need to believe in the significance of her research.

“I might be able to let you keep a vague memory, like a dream,” he offered, and she gratefully agreed, comprehending that this was the most she could hope for.

“Thank you,” she smiled in her mind, filling Spock with a most agreeable warmth. “Your species is very kind. It was an honour to meet you. I hope our paths will cross again, some time, and that I will be allowed to remember you then.”

“So do I,” he replied, “and I will certainly keep track of your world’s progress. Live long and prosper!”

When Spock pulled his hands off her face, the sudden cold after the comfortable warmth of her mind made him shudder. He saw Kirk’s concerned look, but quickly assured the captain that he was all right.

The scientist went to open the case for them to take out the probe, then took the lid off a little box and handed them their communicators. With a smile she stepped first towards Kirk, and then towards Spock, briefly rubbing her forehead against their chests, obviously her way of saying good bye, then sat down on the floor, nodding at Spock to do whatever he had to.

“Can I have the sedative you borrowed from Dr. McCoy’s medikit, Captain?” Spock turned towards Kirk, holding out his hand.

He then proceeded to administer the hypo, gently easing the fainting scientist to the ground, and finding her pressure spots once more to finish what he’d promised to do.

********************

While Kirk and Spock, in possession of their communicators again, had decided to have Scotty beam them up straight from inside the university building, McCoy, Hope and Chekov had had to cover the remaining distance to the beam-up location on foot, and the doctor had rarely been so happy to feel a transporter beam scattering his atoms across the universe.

Back on the Enterprise, he’d sent Hope straight to her quarters to clean up and rest, while he’d taken a delirious Chekov to sickbay, getting him settled and finally able to treat him with the appropriate medication. And when he’d briefed the nurses on everything Chekov might need, he’d made a beeline for his own quarters, where he barely managed to take off his boots before collapsing onto his bed.

But despite being totally exhausted, his brain wouldn’t let him rest, still feeling the terror of Hope being taken away by the guards in his bones. He’d come this close to losing her. Again. He’d failed to protect her. Again. And what was worst, his obsession with Hope had also caused him to neglect his duties as a healer. He should have seen Chekov’s symptoms sooner, he’d failed him, too.

Between that and the memory of how he’d felt watching her kiss Chekov, he knew with absolute certainty that it was time to put some emotional distance between them. Even though it had been staged, and it had only been Chekov, who he genuinely liked, the sight of them kissing had almost physically hurt. What it would feel like to see her kiss someone out of love, he was afraid to find out.

Maybe the whole plan had been Jim’s misguided idea of pointing out his feelings for Hope, to provoke him into action, in the first place. He wouldn’t put it past him, the captain had been making silly remarks on the subject for some time now. Although the kiss hadn’t actually been part of Jim’s original plan. That had just been Chekov’s interpretation. Unlike him, Pavel definitely had no qualms about showing his feelings for Hope. And why should he? They were a perfect match.

Anyway, whatever Jim’s intentions, it had worked. Although probably not the way he’d had in mind. The doctor was getting too attached and he knew exactly what he had to do. That was to cut down on his private time with Hope. Although he’d certainly always be there, when she needed him, still try to protect her, and help her when she asked him to, things like their cosy coffee evenings had to stop. She needed to be free to get on with her life, and so did he.

Luckily, a new research project that was to start the next day, would take up all of his time for the next two weeks, anyway. That would hopefully help alleviate any withdrawal symptoms.

Chapter 46

Dr. Irene Sloane had been aboard the Enterprise for less than a week, and already Jenny disliked her. Which was unusual in itself, since Jenny hardly ever actively disliked anyone, let alone so quickly.

But this woman, beautiful and brilliant as she was, somehow rubbed her up the wrong way. She had this arrogant, condescending way with everybody in sickbay and the medical labs, and - what was worst - McCoy just didn’t see it. On the contrary, he was visibly impressed by Irene, as he was allowed to call her, and kept looking at her like a love-struck teenager.

The only saving grace was that she’d only have to put up with this atrocious woman for another week or so, since she’d come aboard to help with a very specific project, and would be gone right after it was finished. Off to regale some other crew or lab with her questionably delightful presence.

********************

McCoy was sitting across from Dr. Sloane in a cosy corner of the observation deck, nursing a bourbon while she enjoyed a gin and tonic. They had discussed the results of today’s experiments over dinner, and had now moved on to other topics.

Irene had a brilliant mind. He’d admired her research and achievements for years, and had been delighted and excited to get to meet her and even work with her in person. Even more so, when he’d seen how beautiful and charming she was on top of everything else.

He knew he could be charming, too, if he set his mind to it. Attracting or even seducing women had never been difficult for him. The problem was keeping them happy and interested in the long term, as the daily grind set in and they had to live with his devotion to his profession, feeling they had to compete with it.

Relationships were not his forte. So, over the years he’d learned to enjoy what he called ‘short-term relationships’, because he’d never felt comfortable with the term ‘affair’ or ‘one-night-stand’. That had something so purely physical about it, totally lacking affection or respect for the partner. And he liked to think of himself as deeper than that.

Irene, however, was a perfect choice. He admired her, professionally as well as privately. She was interesting to talk to, delightful to look at. She was confident, not a pushover, knew what she wanted and how to get it, and would be gone again in a few days, certainly not looking for a long-term relationship.

And there was definitely attraction between them, he could feel her eyes on him, when he wasn’t looking. So, their business lunches had turned into dinners, then coffee after dinner, and now drinks on the observation deck, which he sensed she was open to move to her quarters later.

Right now, she was telling him about one of her earlier research projects gone wrong, and laughing heartily at something. Looking at her beautifully curved mouth, he absentmindedly thought that her laughter was rather loud and shrill. The sort that could get on your nerves after a while. Not soft and tinkling like Hope’s. Irene’s voice was generally more high-pitched than what he perceived as pleasant. He preferred deeper voices, soothing like Hope’s.

What are you doing? he scolded himself. Thinking of Hope when you’re sitting next to a gorgeous woman who’s clearly got the hots for you? Even comparing her to Hope? Don’t ruin this. Don’t let your feelings for a girl who thinks of you as a father get in the way of what you could have with this woman, who clearly doesn’t see anything paternal in you and is very much prepared to take drinks on the observation deck a lot further than just coy conversation and a friendly cuddle.

He tuned back into her monologue just in time to hear her suggesting a nightcap in her quarters, batting her eyelashes at him seductively. A presumptuous gesture that briefly annoyed him, before thoughts of how that sensuous mouth or those shapely legs would feel against his skin took over. He was more than ready for a little adult action, it had been far too long. He was a man after all, he had his needs.

“It would be my honour to accompany you to your quarters, Irene,” he said, getting up and politely offering his arm.

“Always the gentleman,” she chuckled, taking his arm, “I like that very much, Leonard.”

And clinging to him tightly all the way, her ample bust bouncing against his arm with every step, she had him forget all about Hope by the time they arrived at her cabin.

Inside, she poured them both a glass of wine, only to take it from him again after the first sip. Smilingly, she placed herself in his arms, initiating a deep kiss while lifting his shirt a little and running her hands slowly up his back.

Closing his eyes, he hungrily kissed her back, only to have Hope’s face appear before him. Her twinkling eyes, her smiling lips. His eyes snapped open again, and he looked straight into Irene’s beautiful face, her whole body melting into his embrace, her hands now roaming his chest, then downwards to play with the waistband of his trousers, her intentions clear.

McCoy closed his eyes again, trying to get back in the mood. Why would he think of a girl who felt like a daughter to him, when he had the most desirable woman, who clearly wanted him, in his arms. He knew he wanted it, too. But it was no use. Hope’s face kept popping up in his mind every time he closed his eyes.

Eventually, he broke away from the kiss, straightening his shirt and stepping away from Irene.

“I’m sorry,” he began awkwardly, “I...”

“You’ve got someone else on your mind?”

It was a statement rather than a question. He was mortified.

“No, Irene, I just...”

He didn’t know what to say or where to look. This was a new low for him. He knew he was a disappointment in the long run, but he’d never before let a woman down like this, on a first date.

Surprisingly, Irene put a reassuring hand on his arm, making him look at her. She was actually smiling, if a little sadly.

“She’s a very lucky woman,” Irene said, her voice kind, not reproachful at all. “And it just confirms my impression of you. You’re not an easy flirt, you’re a keeper.”

McCoy couldn’t hold back a snort at that. It was just too funny how she, brilliant scientist that she was, had him down so completely wrong. Exactly what he wasn’t - a keeper. But maybe she’d got something else right. Maybe he was getting too old for quick, superficial lays. Maybe he did crave something more committed, more long-term. Pity, that wasn’t what he could have.

Irene watched him for a few moments, giving him time to sort out his thoughts, and thinking what a shame it was that she couldn’t commit long-term, couldn’t be the one for him, for he was certainly a desirable man, interesting, brilliant, kind and attractive. She’d have liked to find out about his qualities as a lover, the combination of skilled hands and passion sending a new wave of longing to her innards.

But she had enough class not to force herself on someone who clearly had doubts about getting intimate with her. So, she put on the warmest smile she could muster.

“Maybe, Leonard,” she purred, “you should leave now, no hard feelings. I’ll see you in the lab tomorrow.”

He flashed her a grateful smile and, wishing her a good night, turned on his heel and hurried out the door.

As soon as the doors had closed behind him, he slumped against the bulkhead and put an unsteady hand to his face. He felt like an oaf, totally embarrassed and humiliated. Especially at the way Irene had handled the situation, with such class and dignity.

Certain that he wouldn’t be able to sleep anytime soon, and wanting to clear his head with coffee, he made his way to the mess, hoping to find it mostly deserted that late at night.

The first thing he saw on entering, however, was Hope’s animated face, as she was deep in conversation with Scotty and Sulu. His heart was lifted immediately at the sight of her cheerful smile, only to sag again, as he noticed Chekov sitting conspicuously close to her, his arm casually around the back of her chair. He was such a moron for letting Irene slip through his fingers, while Hope was obviously having a great time without him, enjoying the attentions of someone much closer to her in age.

Get a grip! he thought angrily. It’s not Hope’s fault that your feelings are all over the place.

But just when he turned around, hoping to slip out of the mess again unnoticed, Hope spotted him and happily waved him over, giving him no choice but to join the little group at their table. Sitting down, he noticed with amused satisfaction how Chekov straightened up and took his arm off Hope’s chair at his arrival.

“What happened, laddie? Pretty scientist throw you out of bed?” Scotty snorted, oblivious to the others’ horrified glances.

McCoy, blushing furiously and not quite sure how to react to this, was saved by Hope laughingly slapping Scotty’s arm.

“Aww Scotty, you’re such a twerp sometimes!” she grinned. “You’re not in the engine room with your lads, there’s a lady sitting at your table!”

And just like that, the awkwardness of the moment dispersed, with Scotty looking contrite, and Hope rolling her eyes in mock despair at a grateful McCoy.

She’s wonderful, McCoy thought. How could I ever have thought of staying away from her?

It suddenly occurred to him how comfortable they’d grown with each other over the months he’d known her. How easy their relationship was, leaving no room for embarrassment.

Maybe he’d missed out on an exciting experience tonight, but this was where he really wanted to be right now. With his friends and close to Hope. Even if she’d never see more than a friend, a father in him. Not being intimate with Hope was infinitely preferable to being intimate with any woman who wasn’t Hope.

And with a warm glow in his chest, he settled back in his chair and joined in the conversation.

********************

Jenny could hardly concentrate on what Scotty was saying. McCoy joining them without Dr. Sloane at his side had made her unaccountably happy. Even though she felt a little bad for the doctor, too. She didn’t begrudge him enjoying himself. Not really. But it had been strange to see him so intimate with another woman.

And while she was having a lovely evening with her other friends, her mind had repeatedly come up with unbidden images of what the doctor and Irene might be up to. And of course, Scotty’s less than subtle comments on the matter throughout the evening hadn’t been helpful, either.

Now she was just happy to have the doctor back where he belonged. At least in her opinion.

Later, in bed, she tried to figure out her feelings and emotions. She hadn’t been aware of how much the thought of McCoy being with another woman really irked her, until she’d felt ridiculously relieved, when he’d shown up in the mess alone. Somehow, she realised, she’d begun to take him for granted, his affection, him always being around. She revelled in his friendship, his company. Enjoyed his touch, his tenderness. The way he made her feel so safe and cared for.

She’d always seen him as an attractive man, of course, but knowing that his feelings for her were purely platonic and paternal, she’d tried hard not to think of him that way. He was the father she longed for, her rock, her safe haven. Watching him with Dr. Sloane had, however, opened her eyes to this other side to him again. Had made her see how attractive he really was. How charming and handsome and desirable.

She thought back to all the times he’d smiled at her, touched her, hugged her, and suddenly wondered if he’d really never felt anything more than friendly affection. Wondered what his lips would feel like, if he kissed her. Wondered what his touch would feel like on other parts of her body. Wondered how she could ever have been in his arms or have felt his hands on her face, her hair, her body, without feeling butterflies in her stomach like now, just remembering those times.

And what’s more, would she ever be able to have him hold and touch her like that again and not want more? Because she’d have to. No matter how deeply he cared for her, he didn’t think of her that way. She’d have to live with that. Just as she’d have to live with the next Irene who came along, maybe more successful at winning the doctor’s heart.

Whatever had gone wrong between Irene and McCoy tonight, she’d never know, and it was certainly none of her business. But there was no way of going back to seeing the doctor like she had before. She’d have to find a way to deal with her newly discovered feelings for him. Funny, how only days ago her life had been perfect, and just like that, it had become complicated.

Chapter 47

When McCoy had declared Pavel’s shoulder fully healed and given him permission to take up dancing again, Jenny suggested celebrating that with a proper performance, ballgown and all. Chekov, of course, readily agreed. He loved seeing Jenny in one of those gorgeous gowns she borrowed from costumes.

“Are you angry with me for kissing you?” he asked bluntly, when they were sitting together over coffee, deciding on what to include in their little show.

They’d never talked about it, but Pavel had a feeling she’d not been too happy about the kiss.

“I was a bit taken aback at first,” she admitted, looking at him over the rim of her coffee cup, “but it worked, so it was all right, I guess.”

Not exactly the answer he’d hoped for, but certainly the one he’d expected. It was official. His kiss hadn’t swept her off her feet.

Seeing his crestfallen face, Jenny took pity on him.

“Pavel, we’ve talked about this before,” she said softly. “I really, really like you. But not in that way. You’re like a brother to me. A dear friend. And that’s not going to change. If you’d rather not dance with me anymore, I’ll understand.”

“Is there someone else?” he asked, looking straight into her eyes.

If they were talking openly, he might as well know it all, get it over with.

“Please, be candid with me, Jenny!”

“I don’t know where this is coming from, Pavel,” she answered, heaving a sigh, “but, no, there is no one else. I don’t have a secret boyfriend, lover, husband, whatever you’re thinking. I’m very happy on my own, being around my friends. And I absolutely appreciate your friendship.”

Pavel looked at her for a few moments, unconvinced. But he just couldn’t bring himself to ask about the doctor specifically. Maybe there was really nothing going on between them. But if there was, he suddenly decided, he didn’t want to know after all. Perhaps what they said was true, perhaps ignorance really was bliss. And he most definitely didn’t want to give up dancing with her. As long as they were dancing together, there was still hope, wasn’t there?

“Come on, Pavel,” Jenny smiled at him, finished her coffee and pulled him to his feet. “Let’s go down to costumes, and you can choose a ballgown for me.”

Chekov’s eyes lit up at that, and following her to the turbolift, he burst out, “Thanks, Jenny, for being honest. And who knows? I might even have a little surprise for you later!”

He’d never been good at keeping secrets, which she obviously knew, too.

“Really?” she grinned. “And what would that be?”

Pavel bit his lip.

“Sorry, can’t tell you yet,” he pushed out between gritted teeth. “I’ll have to check with the captain first.”

That sounded mysterious, but she let it go, knowing fully well that Pavel would spill the beans, if she so much as raised an enquiring eyebrow at him. But she loved surprises and didn’t want to spoil this one.

********************

McCoy loved to watch Hope dance, he just couldn’t take his eyes off her moving so gracefully. The little show had just started, with Hope looking stunning in a red dress with a plunging back and a rather exciting slit up the side, when Kirk joined him. For some time, they stood side by side, watching in silence.

“She’s one of a kind, Bones, don’t you think?” the captain whispered. “Certainly knows how to attract every single male’s attention on this ship.”

“You attracted to her?” McCoy wanted to know, looking askance at his friend, finding the idea of Kirk making a move on Hope extremely unsettling.

“How could I not be? She’s all a man could ask for, and more,” he mused wistfully, and McCoy didn’t like it one bit. “Chekov, sure as hell is head over heels in love with her. Has been from the very beginning.”

“Would you like to see them together?” McCoy asked. “Or have you got intentions of your own?”

Now, where had that come from? Jim’s amorous adventures had never bothered him before. But this was Hope, they were talking about.

Kirk had to look away to hide his smile. Teasing his friend was sometimes too easy.

“Well, what do you think? Should I go for it? Do you think I’m in with a chance?”

“You’re always in with a chance, Jim,” McCoy grumbled, blissfully ignoring the fact that Hope had explicitly told him, she’d never fall for the captain. “I should know. I’ve seen them fall for you by the dozen. But Hope’s straightforward and sincere, she doesn’t play games. That makes her vulnerable. Whatever you do, Jim, please don’t hurt her!”

Kirk turned to face McCoy and looked at him intensely.

“When it comes to Hope, you don’t even get it when I’m kidding, do you?”

And when the doctor just looked at him blankly, he continued, “Bones! I’d never set my eyes on a woman who means so much to you. You should know me better than that!”

“I…” McCoy started, totally gobsmacked, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jim!”

Kirk just grinned at him, which seemed to annoy his friend even more.

“Oh come on, Bones, we both know that you have a soft spot for her. And why wouldn’t you? But anyway, what I meant to say is that in this particular case, even if I tried to make a pass at her, it wouldn’t matter, because she simply wouldn’t notice. Just as she can’t see Chekov’s infatuation, or anyone else’s for that matter. Her heart already belongs to someone else. Someone very deserving.”

McCoy stared at him, as realisation dawned.

“Oh, no, Jim, you’ve got it all wrong! She’s completely focused on her career. A relationship’s the last thing on her mind.”

“If you say so,” Kirk smirked. “You certainly know her better than anyone else does.”

“Don’t give me that look! There’s nothing going on here. And nor will there be, as far as I’m concerned. Get that stupid grin off your face! I mean it. She’s only a girl, I could easily be her father.”

“Which you are not, by the way,” Kirk interjected, his eyes glinting with mischief.

McCoy gave him a stern look.

“Even if I thought of her in that way – which I don’t – I wouldn’t act on it. What she needs from me is fatherly friendship. Nothing more.”

“Sure, Bones,” Kirk winked at him, turned on his heel and left him standing there, brooding.

“Don’t you ‘Sure, Bones’ me,” McCoy muttered under his breath, but, turning back to watch Hope and Chekov dance, found himself mulling over Kirk’s words. He was glad that Jim had no hidden agenda regarding Hope, but could the captain be right? Could she really harbour feelings other than affection and friendship for him? He’d never even considered that, it was so far-fetched.

She was such a young thing, beautiful and brilliant, with all her life and a great career ahead of her. Surely, she had higher ambitions than a life with an old country doctor. Granted, they got along well. And if he stopped to think about it, there was a certain chemistry between them. But even if it weren’t for the age difference, with his terrible track record, he still couldn’t be with her. She deserved so much better.

Sure, he'd been the one she'd shared her secret with, who she’d trusted most. Probably still did. The fact could not be denied. But that was exactly why he had to be so careful here. He didn't want her to take his affection for anything he couldn't give. And he didn't want to arouse false hopes in himself, either. He’d made his choice years ago. His skills were needed here. He was responsible for the crew - and Jim. He couldn't return to family life. He'd already failed once.

Besides, he’d never take advantage of a young girl’s crush – if Jim was right, and it even was that – no matter his own feelings. And he did have feelings for her. Of course, he did. She was lovely. She was warm, and brilliant, and funny and beautiful, generous and courageous, strong, yet vulnerable. She was perfect. And he already dreaded the day she’d leave for another assignment, robbing him of her delightful company. But he’d never dream of holding her back for selfish reasons.

And yet, the thought that her feelings for him might be stronger than he’d assumed brought a warm glow to his heart. He allowed himself a few moments of indulgence, while he watched Hope gracefully twirl around the makeshift dancefloor, and then gave himself a stern talking to. She needed him as a friend and a mentor, and he had very affectionate and protective feelings for her. Nothing more.

He was definitely not going to risk their friendship by losing himself in some foolish old man’s fantasy.

********************

“Can I talk to you for a minute, Captain?”

“Sure, Chekov, sit down!” Kirk smiled, pulling out a chair for him at their table.

“I need to get back to sickbay, anyway,” McCoy said, draining his coffee and getting up.

“No, no, Doctor, please stay!” Chekov put a hand on the doctor’s arm. “I’ll need your help, too!”

“Okay,” McCoy sat down again, “that sounds ominous. Shoot!”

Chekov turned towards Kirk.

“You know the Robinson Colony we’ll be passing soon? Well, I know this family there,” Chekov began.

“Passing stretches it a bit, Chekov, but we’ll get pretty close, I guess. Why?”

“Well, I’ve already made calculations. If we go to warp 6 for only four days, we could make the little detour, spend almost two days there, and still arrive at our next rendezvous in time.”

“What’s this about, Pavel? Have you got family there?” Kirk asked, surprised by Chekov’s urgency.

“No, Sir,” Chekov replied, blushing a little. “I was actually thinking of Jenny.”

Realisation was showing on the captain’s face, as McCoy just looked blankly from one to the other.

“Can someone please explain to me, what this is all about, and what it’s got to do with Hope?” he grumbled.

Kirk turned to his friend, smiling at seeing him get all worked up over the simple mention of Hope.

“It’s a colony, dedicated to a simple life without too much technology. They try to replicate the living conditions of the early 21st century, while attempting to avoid the mistakes that were made on Earth then. Like nuclear and environmental pollution, for example. Quite an interesting project, actually.”

“It’ll still seem a little futuristic to Jenny, compared to her childhood, but I thought she might really enjoy it,” Chekov chimed in.

McCoy was touched to see how much Chekov obviously cared about Hope. Maybe he should get over this pathetic jealousy and actually encourage her to give Pavel a chance. He was certainly good for her, always thinking about her first.

“She actually might,” the doctor agreed. “So, what would you need my help for?”

“Well, I thought,” Chekov grinned, “if I got them to ask for medical assistance, we might even have an official reason to go there. I told you, I know a family there.”

“All right, I’ll discuss this with Spock and Scotty first, and then, I think, we’ll figure something out,” the captain told a beaming Chekov, then looked at McCoy, who was nodding, obviously pleased with the idea.

********************

“Pavel!” Jenny squealed, throwing her arms around him. “This was the loveliest idea ever!”

They had just materialised in the middle of what looked like a small country town. Just as she remembered them from her childhood.

Only a few days ago, the captain had surprised the crew, with the prospect of two unexpected days of shore leave, thanks to a little ‘creative navigating” from Chekov, and McCoy offering the colonists a day of ‘free medical services’. Jenny was well aware that all of this was primarily for her benefit, and she was overwhelmed by what lengths they all went to, just to make her happy.

“Chekov had this great idea,” McCoy had told her, “and maybe this will go a little way towards making up for how Starfleet has messed up your life.”

The colonists had been more than excited to learn that someone, who’d actually lived around the time they were endeavouring to reconstruct, was coming to visit, and had already planned out the whole two days. They wanted to show her, and learn from her, as much as they could in so short a time.

********************

Hope seemed to be having the time of her life. With Chekov never leaving her side, she was answering questions, watching the colonists cook from scratch and teaching them new recipes, explaining old tools and equipment to them, which they obviously didn't use quite the way they were supposed to, and generally telling stories about whatever they wanted to know.

To McCoy’s horror, she also took a ride on an old motorbike, complaining a little about how this electric version could not compare to the sound of a petrol fuelled one, but speeding around on it without so much as a helmet for protection nevertheless. And with Kirk, Sulu and Chekov cheering her on to boot, before each of them, of course, had to take a ride, too.

Idiots! Why am I surrounded by reckless idiots?

But apart from little hiccups like that, McCoy was very happy to see her enjoying herself immensely. No therapist could do for her what these colonists did in only two days. He’d have liked to be with her all the time, of course, but he’d promised to offer his services, and thus found himself treating a constant stream of patients suffering from hangnails, insect stings or the sniffles, with the odd allergic rash thrown in. He was impressed by how healthy they all really seemed to be, realising that they were mainly coming to see him out of curiosity, enjoying the welcome change to their usual routine.

Sitting around a campfire in the evening, which reminded McCoy of outings with his dad when he was little, and listening to yet more of Hope’s stories, someone suggested she should write down all her memories, thus making them available to a much wider audience. The doctor found that a great idea, also from a therapeutic point of view, and had to smile at Spock’s almost enthusiastic reaction to the suggestion. For some reason, the Vulcan was obviously still trying to prove the VSA’s records wrong, and enjoying it, too.

The next suggestion, however, made McCoy’s heart skip a beat, as Hope was asked to stay at the colony, at least for some time. And maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea at all. He could certainly see the appeal it must have for her. She’d been in great form all day, taking to colony life like a duck to water.

With her positive attitude, it was so easy to forget how out of place she probably still sometimes felt in the 23rdcentury. The thought pained him. There were probably a million little things that he just took for granted, but which she still had to come to terms with, or was even unaware of. He made a mental note to make more of an effort to spot these things and help her get familiar and comfortable with all the little details of their time.

When almost everybody had gone to sleep, and Chekov was happily talking in Russian to one of the older colonists, Hope came to sit at McCoy’s side. After all the excitement of the day, he could see that she craved a bit of peace and quiet. A little time to take it all in. And he was, of course, happy to offer her a break from the incessant chatter, quietly smiling at her, touched that it was still him, she sought out, when she needed to calm her mind.

Silently offering her a sip from his drink, which she gratefully accepted, he felt his heart melt when she leaned her head on his shoulder, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and started to talk.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed myself this much, Doctor,” she said softly. “Thank you so much for helping to make it happen.”

“My pleasure,” he smiled, putting an arm around her shoulders and savouring the feeling of her nestled against him so closely.

“Have you thought about the offer to stay?” he asked quietly. “If you’d feel comfortable here, if it feels like the right thing to do, you should definitely consider it. No one would have the right to hold it against you. Least of all Starfleet.”

He felt his heart breaking even as he said it, the thought of having to say good bye so unexpectedly making him sick.

Hope turned her face towards him, her eyes gleaming brightly in the soft light of the fire. He could see that she was thinking hard about it, his heart hammering faster against his ribs with every minute that passed.

“No, Doctor,” she said after a while, and he had a hard time keeping from punching the air with relief. “It’s nice here, and I’ve really enjoyed today, but it’s not the real thing, it feels more like a stage play. And, frankly, I love the 23rdcentury way too much to want to miss out on anything the present has to offer. I’ve been given the chance to see and even live in the future. I really want to make the most of it. Besides, I’ve found a new home on the Enterprise. I’d never want to leave you.”

Whether she’d meant just him, or them all, didn’t matter. McCoy had to turn away to hide the emotional tears welling up in his eyes, and, grateful for the dim light, pulled her a little closer, as an unfamiliar feeling washed over him.

Because at this very moment, sitting here, gazing into the fire with Hope in his arms, her head resting so naturally on his shoulder and his face buried in her hair, Leonard McCoy, maybe for the first time in his adult life, felt completely at peace, thinking that God really was in his heaven, and all’s right with the world.

Chapter 48

The Enterprise was on her way back to Earth for an extended shore leave, while the warp engines were fitted with the latest improvements. The mood aboard was great, as everybody was enthusiastically making plans for the almost three weeks at their disposal.

McCoy hadn’t seen Hope all day, which was rather unusual, since she always made time for a little chat during her breaks. Especially, when he was holed up in his office, catching up on the bureaucratic stuff, like today. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen a lot of her at all in the past few days. And that was even more unusual, since he was used to seeing her at meals and off-duty activities almost every day.

Getting a little worried, his natural state of mind, but even more so where Hope was concerned, he went in search of her, to find out what was up. Knowing her usual hideouts, he soon found her in the arboretum, sitting on her favourite bench between the rose bushes, staring into space, completely lost to the world.

Sitting down quietly beside her, he waited for her to notice his presence.

“Doctor,” she said with a start, “what a nice surprise! I didn’t see you come in.”

“You were lightyears away,” he smiled. “Sorry for breaking into your daydreams. But I got a little worried, when I didn’t see you all day. Everything all right? Why the sad face?”

“I’m not sad at all,” she was a little too quick to assure him. “This is just the most beautiful place on the Enterprise.”

McCoy gazed at her for a long moment.

“Nice try. But I know you better than that. Won’t you tell me?” he urged gently.

“Really, it’s nothing,” she replied. “Can’t a girl just have a quiet moment to herself?”

McCoy didn’t answer, but tilted his head a little to the side and just kept looking at her.

“Oh, Doctor, don’t do that!” Hope exclaimed, laughing.

“Do what?” he asked innocently, blue eyes wide, a gentle smile playing around his lips.

“You know perfectly well what I’m talking about!” Hope smirked at him. “Just as you know that I can’t help pouring my heart out to you, when you look at me with this kindly doctor gaze of yours.”

McCoy couldn’t suppress a grin, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Works every time. But I think I can even go one better,” he said winking at her, then gently cupped her face in his hand, caressing her cheek with his thumb.

Hope closed her eyes and, trying to stifle a sigh of pleasure, leaned into his hand, just as he’d known she would.

“I hate being manipulated, Doctor,” she murmured.

“Funny, for a moment there, I could have sworn you quite liked it!”

And with a chuckle he put his other arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him.

It was just friendly banter among crewmates. Or at least that’s what McCoy tried to make Hope – and himself – believe. But in his heart, he knew it was much more than that. He told himself that he was just trying to give her the warmth and affection she needed and longed for, yet was grateful that she had no idea how much he enjoyed these moments, too. How deeply he cared for her, how much she really meant to him.

“OK, my dear, are you going to tell your kindly family doctor why you’re sad?”

“No, actually I’d rather not, Doctor,” Hope chuckled, savouring the comforting warmth of his embrace. “But I can assure you that it’s nothing to worry about. Just some harmless, private thoughts.”

The way she put a lot of emphasis on the word ‘private’ amused McCoy, but did nothing to put him off. He just kept gazing at her in his kind and caring way.

“But then,” she sighed eventually, smiling wryly, “I guess you could out-stubborn even me.”

McCoy chortled. Oh how he enjoyed the gentle teasing between them. So affectionate, always respectful, never abusive. Their easy banter never failed to refresh and relax him. Hope understood and even shared his sense of humour. With her, he didn't have to double check every word he said.

Despite herself, Jenny couldn’t keep the smile off her face. However annoyingly persistent McCoy could be, she knew he meant well and just couldn’t be cross with him.

So, encouraged by the sincere concern in his eyes, and his arm still resting reassuringly around her shoulders, she looked at him and self-consciously said, “It’s nothing big, just that everybody’s going to visit their families on shore leave. Even Mr. Spock’s probably got relatives somewhere on Earth. And I don’t have anywhere to go. I don’t belong anywhere.”

Jenny fell silent, embarrassed to see the look of concern on the doctor’s face turn to compassion. And more than a little angry with herself for once again having blabbed her sorrows to him. She didn’t want his pity. And she didn’t want to trouble him with her petty griefs. Yet, she always seemed to do exactly that. He was always so kind to her, forever coaxing her into letting her vulnerability show, when she really just wanted him to see her sunny, cheerful side.

Damn, McCoy could have kicked himself. How could I not have seen this coming? Of course, she’d be upset about everyone else going home to their families.

In fact, he’d briefly thought about inviting her to join him for shore leave, but had quickly dismissed the idea again, thinking that she’d much rather spend the time with Uhura or Chapel. He really should have checked with them, and now cursed himself for being so negligent. His heart going out to her, he hugged Hope a little tighter to him.

“Not everyone has family on Earth, Jenny,” he said softly, deliberately using her first name to show that he was talking to her as a friend and not as the ship’s doctor. “I don’t. And neither do Jim or Spock. We usually stay in San Francisco. Jim, especially, likes to stay close to his ship when she’s being overhauled. But I’d love for you and me to go somewhere together, to show you around my Earth, if you’d like that.”

Hope looked into his kind face and flushed a deep red.

“I knew you’d say that,” she sighed. “That’s exactly why I didn’t want to tell you. I don’t want to impose myself on anyone. And I certainly don’t want to mess up your plans.”

“Oh my,” he chuckled, “look at us! The only reason I haven’t asked you before, is that I didn’t want you to feel obliged to spend your shore leave with an old man.”

Hope rolled her eyes at him.

“You’re right,” she laughed, “I wouldn’t want to spend it with an old man. But I’d very much enjoy your company, Doctor. Even though it’s really beneath you to be fishing for compliments.”

Looking a little abashed, McCoy replied, “I wasn’t, actually. But never mind. I’d really enjoy your company, too. Having such a lovely girl around would definitely make my shore leave. And make me feel significantly younger, too!” he added with an impish grin.

Hope snickered, rolling her eyes once more, but her face quickly turned serious again, her intent gaze unsettling him a little. The doctor was usually quite good at reading her moods. Most of the time, she was an open book to him. But right now, he couldn't read her at all. Was she happy? Sad? Angry? Had he hurt or insulted her somehow? Had he come on too strong? She looked mildly curious, he thought. But about what?

“Penny for them?” he asked softly.

That made her smile, obviously touched that he remembered the expression she’d used that time in the cave on Paradise Earth.

“I was just thinking, you know, how even though I’m really happy on my own, focusing on my career, I still sometimes long to be held and cared for. And how you’re always there.”

Her voice took on a wondering tone, her eyes shining with affection and gratitude.

“You help me, you hold me, you protect me, you catch me when I fall, in every sense of the word.”

She paused a little, then looked him straight in the eye and asked, “Why?”

The question took McCoy completely by surprise.

Because I love you, silly! was what he really wanted to say, he realised with a start, feeling the blood rushing to his cheeks and butterflies fluttering around in his stomach.

But just as he always did, he immediately pushed the thought firmly to the back of his mind. And, of course, he didn't say it out loud. Instead, he took both of her hands in his, squeezed them gently, and lost himself in her beautiful, big, dark eyes.

“Maybe every man needs a lady to fight dragons for,” he mused wistfully, then, smiling kindly at her, continued, “You’re one remarkable woman, Jennifer Hope, and I care for you deeply. You hold a very special place in my heart.”

Jenny held her breath, feeling his tender gaze and the touch of his hands keenly. Had he just told her that he felt more than friendship for her?

“You give so much,” he went on, “and take so little in return. But sometimes, just like everybody else, you need a shoulder to cry on. Or a little help. Or simply to be held.”

He gazed at her affectionately, gently stroking his thumbs over the backs of her hands, his beaming smile lighting up his whole face - and her heart.

“That's where I come in,” he explained. “Whatever you need, just ask. I want you to feel safe and cared for on the Enterprise. We're like a big family.”

Jenny didn't know whether to feel overjoyed by all the love she felt pouring from him, or disappointed, because with that last sentence, he'd gone and spoiled it all again. Were his feelings really just platonic and fatherly? Why couldn't he just pull her close and kiss her? Oh how she longed to feel those lips on hers!

Just then, he leaned closer and whispered softly in her ear, “And maybe, sometimes, I just need a hug, too.”

Taken aback, she stared at him for a moment, then put her arms around him and squeezed really tight.

“Oh, Doctor, as many as you need!” she laughed delightedly. “I'm a very good hugger!”

“And don't I know it,” he murmured, smiling at her unmatched affectionateness, as he returned the hug and nestled his cheek against her soft hair.

He hadn't actually meant to say that. But now that he had, he realised it was true, He craved this closeness, the touch, the tenderness, too. He kept telling himself that he was doing this just for her. To make her feel protected and secure, even loved. But if he was honest with himself, he needed her and her affections, too. More than he cared to admit. Sure, he had his friends, Kirk and Scotty and all the others, even Spock. But he’d always felt this distinct loneliness in his life, an emptiness that no one could fill. Until Hope came along.

Jenny was ashamed to admit that she'd never considered the doctor longing to be held, too. He seemed so content and settled in his life, with all his friends around who respected and adored him. But she'd love to give him all the affection he needed, if he let her. And more.

There was no place she’d rather be than in his arms. And right now, inhaling his familiar scent, his chin resting lightly on her head and his hands gently rubbing her back, she was in seventh heaven. And it was only the prospect of going on shore leave together, and practically having been given permission to hug him more often, that she managed to finally pull out of his embrace at all.

That night, McCoy couldn’t sleep. The thought of going on shore leave with Hope – the joy, the excitement, the challenge – was overwhelming. He’d been holding her far longer than was appropriate in the arboretum, and yet, it had felt so right. Images of her kind face, her tender eyes, her warm smile, filled his mind, and his emotions were in turmoil. His feelings for her went so deep, yet he knew he had to keep them in check. He wished he could take a leaf out of Spock’s book.

At least, after their conversation that afternoon, he was glad that she seemed happy with the way it was between them. That she didn’t take his affection for something he couldn’t give. He also found he was quite relieved to know that she was still focused on her career and not looking for a man in her life, while at the same time doing his level best to ignore how desperately he wanted to be the one to catch her, should she ever fall.

Chapter 49

“You can stop worrying about me, Doctor!” Hope smiled at McCoy, and he realised that he’d been staring.

“Oh, I’m not worried at all,” he assured her. “It’s just so good to see you like this. You seem so happy.”

He didn’t mention how his heart was beating faster with every smile she gave him, or that it seemed physically impossible for him to take his eyes off her.

“That’s because I am!” she exclaimed, her beaming smile even wider than before. “My life is perfect. I’m living a dream, adventures, excitement, and the best friends I could wish for. And now a long holiday to look forward to on top of it all.”

“Speaking of which,” he replied, grinning at her joyful exuberance, and forcing his eyes back to the screen they were sitting in front of, “let’s get on with the planning. I want you to get the most out of it, seeing as they didn’t let you travel a lot, when you first … er … arrived.”

Hope nodded eagerly, also returning her gaze to the screen.

“Would you like to go to your hometown?” he asked. “Have a look around, see what it’s like now?”

The doctor wouldn't have minded going there with her. In fact, he would have found it quite interesting. But she shook her head.

“It’s a nice idea, Doctor,” she replied, “but I’m not sure I’m ready for that. I’ve thought and talked so much about my past recently. And after all the excitement of the last few months, what I’d really like is a proper holiday, if that’s all right with you.”

“Whatever makes you happy, my dear,” he smiled, understanding that she might just want to take a break from it all. “So, tell me, what is a ‘proper holiday’?”

“Oh, you know, no schedule, no big trips, at least for the first week. Just beach and fun. Fresh air and sun. Real earth under my feet, and real food to eat. Long beach walks, cocktails at the pool, maybe a show or a concert thrown in,” her voice took on a dreamy note.

“That sounds about perfect to me,” he smiled, images of them splashing around in the water and walking hand in hand along the beach under the moon sending shivers of excitement down his spine.

He’d support whatever she felt was good for her. If she just wanted to leave the past behind, fine by him. And if she found she needed to deal with it after all, he'd be there to listen and talk to her about it. They'd have a lot of time for talking. She could visit her hometown some other time. Maybe a relaxing vacation was really the best therapy for now.

********************

When they arrived at the hotel McCoy had chosen for them, he could hardly hide his amusement at how awed Hope was by everything, not least the size and facilities of her room.

"Are you sure we can afford this?" she asked again and again, as she inspected her bedroom, her bathroom, and her balcony. "This is so luxurious!"

"Yes, my dear, I'm quite sure," he kept reassuring her, trying hard to keep a straight face. "What did you expect? Cramped quarters like on the Enterprise? Hotels are supposed to be pleasant and comfortable, aren't they?"

"Yes, of course, Doctor, but surely this kind of luxury has its price and not everyone can afford it?"

"Well, we definitely can," he answered, serious now, understanding where she came from. "Hotels like this are for everyone. The seriously rich stay in their stately homes and just beam wherever they want to go directly from their private beaming pads," he explained patiently.

It was too easy to forget how unfamiliar she still was with so many things. Between Starfleet Academy and living on the Enterprise, she hadn't had too many opportunities to adapt to 23rd century life on Earth. He'd have to keep that in mind.

"Thank you for not making fun of me, Doctor," Jenny chuckled, fondly looking up at him.

She had of course noticed the gleam of amusement in his eyes, but didn't mind at all. In fact, she quite enjoyed making him laugh and entertaining him with her ignorance of so many things that were completely common to him. Because he was always understanding, never patronising. And because she knew how much he liked to guide and teach her, for which she was very grateful.

She was so curious about everything regarding the present she now lived in, but hadn't had much spare time while still at the Academy. Besides, they hadn't liked her to socialise too much, always afraid she could give away her secret.

But now she was going to make up for lost time, ready to face ‘the unknown’ with McCoy at her side. She’d gladly taken him up on his offer to go on shore leave together, hoping he really didn’t mind missing out on his usual bar trips and outings with Kirk and Scotty. But he’d seemed sincere in his eagerness to show her around his Earth, probably also wanting to keep an eye on her, she suspected.

He was such a dear, she thought, always wanting to keep her safe, always being there for her, trying to be the family she’d lost. Just thinking about what a kind-hearted man he was sent a by now familiar tingling to her stomach. She really enjoyed being around him, liked how cared for he made her feel.

But another feeling had been growing inside her for some time now, too, and more recently she'd started to daydream about the doctor not just holding her in his fatherly and protective way, but in a more romantic manner. Imagining him gazing deeply into her eyes and kissing her tenderly, yet passionately. He had this way of making her feel beautiful just by looking at her.

Stop right there! she admonished herself. He cares for you. He wants you to feel good about yourself. That’s all.

And yet, when she thought about being in his arms that night in the cave on Paradise Earth…

All right, no more dwelling on that!

She mentally shook herself, then grabbed his hand and led him out of the hotel to find out more about 23rd century Earth.

********************

McCoy had wanted to take her somewhere to eat first, but she’d only laughed and stared at him incredulously.

“Eat? Now? When there’s so little time and so much to discover?”

Looking at her eager face, he’d had to laugh, too. And in spite of himself and his rumbling stomach he’d agreed to just getting changed and leaving for a first tour of the vicinity.

Even with her hold-all slung over her shoulder, on their way to the hotel when they’d first arrived, Hope had been running around like an overexcited puppy. But now, without so much as a handbag to weigh her down, she was positively bouncing. Like a toddler on a sugar high. McCoy couldn't keep the grin off his face, watching her having such a great time, just feeling the sun on her face and taking in every little detail of her surroundings.

Her eagerness was infectious. And quite exhausting, too. He got tired just watching her. But his heart was light and filled with gratitude at seeing her so exhilarated. She really deserved every moment of happiness. And how beautiful she looked in her sundress! Ever since they’d got changed at the hotel, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He’d thought her beautiful before, but today she looked simply gorgeous.

The dress was swinging around her legs with every move and clinging to her body in all the right places. And her hair, now worn loosely around her shoulders, made her look much softer, he thought, and also a little mischievous. Gone was the academic and Starfleet officer, leaving only this beautiful, charming, carefree girl. He couldn’t help feeling a little proud to be seen with this beauty by his side.

Discovering new things at every corner, enjoying the street life and looking at all the shop windows, McCoy could hardly keep her pace. Hope was absolutely delightful to be with. Going on shore leave together had been the best decision ever. He couldn't remember when he’d last enjoyed himself that much. Who needed bars full of beautiful women when he could be with the most charming and beautiful of all?

The only challenge for him on this vacation would be to remember that he was just a fatherly friend to her. The way she made him see the world through her eyes, making him remember how beautiful Earth was, how wonderful life was, he could see how easy it would be to give in to his feelings for her.

Crossing one of the plazas, Hope hopped onto a low stonewall and ran along it like little girls do. And when she reached the end of the wall, about to jump down again, McCoy unthinkingly opened his arms to catch her and lift her down, like it was the most natural thing between them.

Hope finally stopped in front of a jeweller’s shop.

“Ah, no woman can resist jewellery. That’s certainly one thing that hasn’t changed throughout the centuries,” McCoy laughed, but fell silent when he saw the expression on her face, her gaze locked on one particular ring.

Quite a lovely gold ring in the shape of a dolphin, but nothing extraordinary as far as he could tell. And yet she looked as if she’d never seen a lovelier ring in her life.

“You like it?” he asked quietly.

Hope didn’t answer right away, but when she did, she had a faraway look on her face.

“I used to have one just like this,” she almost whispered.

“Why don’t you go in and buy it?” he suggested.

Assuming a more realistic expression, she smiled, “Aww, it’s too expensive. There are more important things. They don’t pay space recruits very well.”

“They don’t pay veterans too well, either,” McCoy chuckled, and decided that it was finally time for food.

“Nothing fancy, just a quick bite to eat. I’m starving,” he pleaded.

“All right, Doctor,” she laughed, taking pity on him. “We can’t have you starving on your first day of shore leave, now, can we?”

While they ate their salads and sandwiches, relishing the taste of non-reconstituted food on their tongues, Hope’s gaze drifted off again, and McCoy gently touched her hand across the table.

“You can’t get that ring off your mind.”

It was a statement, not a question, his voice indicating that he knew there was more to that ring than she’d let on earlier, inviting her to talk about it. And she did.

“Actually, I had two rings like that. The first was only a cheap silver one which my best friend bought for me in Delphi on a school trip to Greece. We were only 12 then. Over the years it got broken and ended up in a place I don’t remember. The second one, Tom gave me for my 20th birthday…”

Her voice failed her, and her eyes welled up. McCoy squeezed her hand and looked at her compassionately, thinking how he kept forgetting how young she really was. She looked very young, of course, but when they talked, she was so mature and sophisticated, it was really easy to forget about their age difference.

“Tom, who was going to be a doctor?” he asked quietly.

She just nodded once and looked away.

There was no room for jealousy in the face of her grief, or was there?

“You see, I associate very special people with this ring,” she concluded, blinking back her tears, her face lighting up again. “But let’s talk about something else. Can we go to the seaside, when we’re done here?”

“Of course, we can,” he smiled, glad to see the sadness disappear from her face. “Now that you’ve granted me something to eat, I’m right at your service again, Ma’am.”

On their way back to the hotel, to fetch their swimming gear, they passed a small park. Lured in by the lush greens and the brightly coloured flower beds, Hope slipped off her sandals. And relishing the feel of soft grass under her bare feet, sandals dangling from her fingers, she started to run, beckoning McCoy to follow her. He took a few steps, but quickly gave up again, realising that he couldn’t keep up with her, anyway, and just enjoyed watching her romp around.

When she finally came bounding back towards him, beaming and breathless, his arms just spread and caught her of their own accord, holding her tight and spinning her around. She laughed with glee, her eyes sparkling with delight, and he kept her in his arms for another moment, until her eyes met his, reflecting the tenderness he felt for her.

Coming to his senses, he quickly set her down again.

“Come on, Hope,” he said more gruffly than he’d intended, “time’s a-wastin’! Let’s get to the beach!”

And hardly waiting for her to put her sandals back on, he turned around and walked briskly out of the park.

Chapter 50

When they’d spent a couple of hours at the seaside and indulged in a long beach walk, enjoying the salty air and the soft breeze, Hope asked McCoy to take her out to a ‘proper’ restaurant, as she called it, in the evening. After all, with the food synthesiser waiting for them on the Enterprise, they had to enjoy non-reconstituted meals while they could. And, lovely as the sandwiches earlier had been, it would be nice to have something more elaborate for dinner, along with the sophisticated atmosphere of a first-rate restaurant.

Never one to turn down an opportunity to wine and dine on shore leave, McCoy was happy to oblige. They returned to the hotel to freshen up for their evening out, and half an hour later, McCoy took a very happy and very excited Hope out to dinner.

She had changed into another sundress, and with her freshly done hair and makeup looked breathtakingly beautiful. McCoy had never seen her in full makeup before, and, to be honest, thought she didn’t really need it. But even so, he had to admit that she looked dazzling. Walking along the pier with her by his side, he revelled in the other men’s envious looks. And he felt the warmest affection for her, when he saw how genuinely unaware she was of her own beauty and all the admiring glances she attracted.

They enjoyed a delicious meal in a fancy restaurant with a magnificent view, and he was amazed by how they never seemed to run out of topics of conversation, even after having spent all day together, talking. In fact, time seemed to just slip away as they lingered over coffee, sharing childhood memories and stories about their families.

********************

It was almost midnight, when they returned to the hotel, and McCoy would have been happy to just go to bed, or, before that, to the bar for a ‘wee nightcap’ as Scotty might have put it. But Hope was having none of it. Rather than sit in a crowded and noisy bar, she wanted to get some more fresh air in a quiet place, and persuaded him to take their drinks out to the pool. Of course, it only took one of her puppy-eyed looks to persuade him. He couldn’t refuse her anything, when she looked at him that way. And he had a feeling she knew it, too.

They went to stand on a little patio overlooking the deserted pool, and Hope leaned on the railing, looking across the pool at the sea. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the beach, she shivered slightly in the cool summer night’s breeze.

McCoy was standing close to her, and had just put an arm around her shoulders to keep her warm, enjoying the peace and quiet of the night and the feel of her skin against his arm as she snuggled closer, when two children, a boy and a girl of about four or five years, came running towards them, playing with a softball. Despite the late hour, they were giggling and enjoying themselves as if it were the most natural thing for young kids to be up and about this late. McCoy felt Hope stiffen in his embrace.

“What on earth are they doing here this late at night?” she asked. “And alone, too, so close to the pool?”

But before the doctor could answer, the inevitable happened. The ball bounced into the pool, and the little girl, trying to retrieve it, fell in after it.

Quick as a flash, Hope set down her glass, hitched up her dress and jumped over the railing. Slipping off her sandals as she ran, she shouted, “Look after the boy, Doctor!” over her shoulder and took a header into the pool.

McCoy was only a second behind her, stopping the screaming little boy from going in after the girl and trying to soothe him while watching Hope bringing the little girl back to the surface. He helped her lift the small body out of the water and, like the trained medical team they were, they smoothly swapped places. the doctor tending to the girl’s still body, while Hope took over holding and soothing the boy.

Just as McCoy had managed to get the little girl to cough up the water and breathe again, gently cradling the small child in his arms, the frantic mother came racing around the corner, giving a panicked yelp as she took in the scene.

Relieved, Jenny heard McCoy tell the mother that her little girl was all right, when the woman suddenly turned on her son, shouting at him at the top of her lungs, “How could you do this? How could you run off like that and let your sister nearly drown?”

At that, the boy, who hadn’t moved or uttered a sound since his mother arrived, started to cry, sobbing his little heart out in Jenny’s arms. She shot the mother an angry look, but McCoy was already there taking over with professional calm.

He gently placed the little girl in her mother’s arms, resting a reassuring hand on the agitated woman’s shoulder.

“You’d better get her warm and dry quickly. And please, don’t take your guilt out on your son. He’s not responsible, he’s only little. You’re the adult. But you were very lucky we were here.”

The doctor then turned towards Hope and the little boy, looking fondly at her holding the child so tenderly while murmuring soothing words to him. He crouched down next to the boy and, motioning Hope to let him take over, took the boy’s shoulders between his hands and gently turned him around.

He waited until the boy met his gaze and then, looking kindly into his eyes, told him, “You were very good to scream for help when your sister fell into the pool. You might have saved her life. But it was wrong of you to go to the pool on your own without an adult in the first place, I’m sure you know that?”

The boy nodded seriously, and McCoy had a feeling, he’d learned his lesson.

“But you did everything right when your sister fell in,” he continued. “Your mommy’s very upset, because she was so scared for you and your sister. That’s why she was shouting at you just now. But you are not responsible for your sister. And you did everything right to save her. You’re a good boy. Your mommy can be very proud of you.”

He shot the mother a pointed look, as the boy threw his arms around the doctor’s neck, starting to sob quietly again. Jenny watched McCoy gently rub the boy’s back and felt her heart overflow with affection for this wonderful man who’d just saved a little girl’s life and a little boy’s tender soul.

When the mother had thanked McCoy and Hope profusely and taken her children back inside, the doctor looked at Hope and felt his heart brimming over. As she stood there, dripping wet and dishevelled, her hair a mess, her dress rumpled and clinging to her wet body, her eyes smudged and mascara running down her cheeks in black rivulets, he thought he’d never seen a more beautiful woman in his life.

Now that the surge of adrenaline was wearing off, she was shaking with cold and shock, laughing and crying with relief all at once. McCoy tenderly gathered her in his arms and held her tight until her trembling subsided.

“You’ll get wet, with mascara stains all over your shirt,” she mumbled into his chest.

He didn’t even comment on that, but told her instead, “You were amazing, Hope. You saved this girl’s life.”

“Oh no, I just got her out of the pool. It was you who reanimated her. Thank God you’re a doctor!”

At that, she started to cry again, and he pulled her tighter, softly rocking her, and smilingly conceded, “Okay, let’s just say we’re a good team, right?”

“All right,” she snuffled, nestling deeper into his arms, “the very best.”

And after a while, she added with a half-grin, “What is it about us, anyway, that we can’t even have one day of shore leave without getting involved in some sort of crisis?”

McCoy chuckled, glad to see her cheering up again, and, releasing her from his embrace, handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.

��Well, I, for one, am glad that we were at the right place at the right time. This little girl was very lucky you persuaded me to come outside.”

“Yes,” Hope agreed, serious again, “it doesn’t bear thinking about what would have happened if we’d stayed in the bar.”

“So let’s not think about it. Everything turned out alright.”

McCoy was anxious to keep the mood light.

“And now I’d better take you to your room to have a long, hot shower. We don’t want you suffering from a cold for the rest of our shore leave, do we?”

“Definitely not,” she said. “A hot shower it is. And then let’s call it a day. I think I’m quite ready for bed now.”

“Hear, hear,” McCoy chuckled, “I never thought I’d hear you say those words. I think I’ve been ready for bed ever since we first arrived at the hotel.”

“All right. Let’s take it a little easier tomorrow,” she laughed as they walked back into the hotel, his arm still tightly around her to keep her warm. “We are on shore leave, after all. And I wouldn’t dare bring the captain a completely exhausted CMO back aboard. That could probably get me fired.”

McCoy walked her to her room and reluctantly left her there, when she assured him that she was quite all right again and promised to take a really long, hot shower before going straight to bed.

“If you need something, just holler,” he told her. “I’ll be right next door.”

“I know, Doctor,” she chuckled affectionately. “Thank you. Now go get some rest, too. Good night!”

And with a gentle kiss on his cheek, she shut the door on him.

********************

Alone in her room, Jenny made a beeline for the bathroom, peeled off her wet dress and stepped into the shower to let the warm jets of water soothe her emotional turmoil. The doctor had just wanted to make sure she was all right, and she trusted him completely, of course. But she was afraid of what she might have done, if she’d invited him into her room.

She didn’t want to make a complete fool of herself. She’d already come this close to kissing him once today, and surely would have, if he hadn’t set her back down when he had in the park.

Their first day of shore leave had been nothing short of perfect, down to them saving a little life together. He was perfect. At least to her. Grumpy, sarcastic, overprotective perfection. Kindness personified. What she felt for him, she’d definitely never felt for anyone before. All she had to do now was enjoy what they had, and not ungratefully want more.

-x-x-x-x-x-

McCoy knew, of course, that she was perfectly able to look after herself. But as he went into his room, he thought how much he would have preferred to stay with her until she was in bed, to make sure she was alright and tucked in properly. He kept listening for any sounds from her room while he took his clothes off and got ready for bed. He just couldn’t help himself, even though he was quite aware that he was overreacting. Again.

Later in bed, McCoy thought about all the things they had been through together, ever since Hope had first come aboard the Enterprise. How many times had he held her? Comforting her, warming her, trying to take away her pains or fears. But he also remembered the fun times they’d had. What good company she was. How caring and entertaining. What a good friend. Or was she more?

He stopped there. This was leading him to a place he didn’t want to go, making him long for something he couldn’t have. Wouldn’t have. But even so, before he drifted off to sleep, a tiny part of his brain – and heart – wondered, if Hope was thinking about him too. And if she did, in what way.

Well, a man could dream. And with a smile on his face, he fell into a deep and exhausted sleep, recharging for another action-packed day with the loveliest girl in the galaxy.

********************

Continue to: Chapters 51 - 61

Go back to: Chapters 1 - 10 Chapters 11 - 20 Chapters 21 - 30 Chapters 31 - 40

Or read it on AO3: On Borrowed Time

************ Disclaimer: Nothing of or associated with Star Trek is mine – it all belongs to Paramount / ViacomCBS (or whoever else is currently holding the rights). This is a work of fanfiction, no infringement intended.

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