Ship's Night, Starship Enterprise - TOS Hypertext Round Robin C Narrative IN PROGRESS

- Updated: September 6, 2003 Three parts available, ~~please check back later~~ (if you would like more information to write the continuation, please contact Karmen Ghia about it, referring to the number than begins with "1c", and thanks.)

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Writers: Each unfinished, open narrative has a "ref 1c*" at the end. If you would like to pick up where this narrative left off, please email me at karmen_ghia@yahoo.com or click here to email me and indicate the "ref" number you want. I will email you the complete narrative or let you know that it's not available. Please don't start writing until you have the whole narrative in front of you. This sounds more complicated than it is, but, believe me, as you can see from the A and B narratives, this system works pretty well.

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Readers: These narratives are NOT completed and it might be frustrating if you cannot finish a story in one go. However, if you'd like to try writing part of this story, please read the preceding paragraphs and wade right in.

Best,

Karmen Ghia

"Ensign."

Chekov jumped; he hadn't known Spock was in sickbay. "Sir!"

"Why are you here?"

"I heard the Doctor was injured. I came to see--"

"To satisfy a puerile curiosity, no doubt." Spock stepped out of the shadows by the diagnostic bed, his hands folded before his chest. Chekov raised his chin.

"No, sir. I was worried."

Spock moved close, close enough that Chekov could feel his body heat, and dropped his hands. Chekov's heart jumped in his chest, and he felt his palms begin to sweat. "I see," Spock said, his face unreadable. "I assure you that he will recover." He leaned in slightly, and something about the set of his shoulders made Chekov want to take a step backwards. "Now, go," Spock whispered.

Chekov gave a snappy cadet's salute and marched out of sickbay, straight-backed. As soon as the door hissed closed behind him, he let out a long breath and leaned on the wall.

~end of Laura JV part~

Jane Skazki

Chekov was frightened.

Chekov was frightened. He had never seen the Vulcan First Officer so ... distraught. Such a display of emotion was completely out of character for him. The fact that the doctor was the 'focal point' of his distress was also telling. Obviously, there was more to their relationship than simply 'sparring partners' in a war of words.

And if that were the case, there was no doubt in Chekov's mind why Spock reacted so strongly to his appearance in sickbay. After all, his short-lived, but very emotionally intense relationship with the doctor may have been kept from the rest of the crew, but Spock would know. Leonard's emotions were always on the surface ... it took very little for them to show. Therefore, the pain that *he* had caused would surely be clear for Spock to see, every time he looked into Leonard's eyes.

It's a wonder that Spock didn't throttle him ... then again, Vulcans are 'nonviolent'. Besides, there were more effective ways of punishing him for what he had done. As First Officer, Spock was in charge of assignments, Chekov *could* soon find himself relegated to the deepest, darkest corner of the maintenance bay, assigned to scrubbing toilets for the rest of his days.

And if Spock wanted to blame him for Leonard's injury -- not that he was *directly* to blame, but he *did* distract the doctor -- there are any number of ways available to him to get revenge ... including assigning him to a landing party detail, where the odds of survival are slim. The thought made him shiver.

The sound of a door opening brought him back to the here-and-now. Hastily, he stood (not realizing until that moment that he had slid down the wall, to sit on the floor). "Why are you still here?" he heard Spock say. The anger evident in Spock's voice was mirrored in his eyes, and Chekov realized that he was in far more danger than he originally thought.

~end of T'Lin part~

Chekov stammered, but was unable to speak ... fear overcame him as Spock closed in on him.

MizzMarcee

Chekov stammered, but was unable to speak ... fear overcame him as Spock closed in on him. There was something about the Vulcan that Chekov had never seen before. Something in his eyes. Chekov shuddered when he saw the look in those penetrating eyes.

When the iron grip closed on his upper arm, he had no choice but to go where the Vulcan wanted ... it was either walk, or be dragged.

He walked.

There were no words exchanged as they entered the turbolift, and Spock called out for deck five. Oddly enough, Spock's hand remained on Chekov's arm, as if he were afraid the young Ensign would run off, if released. The thought had crossed his mind, but there was nowhere to go that Spock would not be able to find him.

When the turbolift stopped, and the doors opened, Chekov had a glimmer of hope ... the captain was just leaving his quarters, and heading their way. Spock's hand fell to his side, as the captain said, "Spock; Mister Chekov," acknowledging each in turn, then directing his attention back to Spock, continued, "How is McCoy doing? I was told you were with him in sickbay."

"He is resting, and according to M'Benga, will recover fully." Spock assured his captain.

Kirk then looked over to Chekov, saying, "I expect a full report on the incident, Mister Chekov. Perhaps once all accounts are in, we can determine exactly what happened to cause the doctors injuries."

"Yes, sair," Chekov said, as he snapped to attention, adding, "I vill get on it right avay, sair."

Spock hastily stepped in, saying, "Captain, I am afraid that Mister Chekov's report will have to wait, as I have a project for him that must take precedent ..." He stopped mid thought, knowing that to say any more could further delay things.

Kirk looked from one to the other, and nodded, "Very well, Mister Spock ... but I do need that report. See to it that your other project is over quickly, so that he can get to it."

"Understood, captain." Spock took a step toward his quarters, then looked back to Chekov, saying, "Mister Chekov, attend me."

Chekov looked once more to his captain, hoping for rescue, but the captain had already stepped into the turbolift, and was gone. He had no choice but to follow the Vulcan.

***

Kirk arrived in sickbay, and was told that McCoy was awake. Stepping into the private room, he asked, "How you feeling, Bones?"

"I've been better." He smiled weakly, as he tried to sit up. Jim was instantly at his side, slipping another pillow behind him. "M'Benga tells me I'll live, though, so I guess I can't complain too loudly."

"So Spock informed me." Kirk said with a smile, then added, "I was actually surprised to see him away from your side. From the moment we heard you had been injured, until we were safely back aboard ship, he never left you ... even insisted on carrying you from the transporter room to sickbay instead of letting a technician put you on an antigrav sled."

"Yeah, I know," McCoy hesitated slightly, uncertain about what to say next. He wanted to tell all, but Spock was much to private to want their relationship spoken of openly. McCoy settled on a partial truth, saying, "Spock was keeping me alive. He ... connected with me ... helping my body to function despite my injuries." There was another hesitation, then McCoy added, "I think the effort took quite a toll on him."

"I see," Kirk said, although he really didn't ... he couldn't help but think that Bones was leaving something out ... something vital. "I suppose that would explain why he didn't seem to be quite himself when I saw him a short while ago." Kirk thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any idea what kind of project he would be doing, that would require Mister Chekov's assistance?"

McCoy went pale, which Kirk would have thought was impossible when he first entered the room. "He had Chekov with him?" he asked, a note of panic in his voice, as he tried to get out of bed. Kirk held him down, threatening to call M'Benga if he didn't calm down. McCoy calmed himself, gripping Kirk's arms and looking into his eyes, saying, "Jim, you've got to get that boy out of there ... he's in danger."

"From Spock? That's absurd." Kirk tried to laugh at the absurdity of it, but there was something in McCoy's eyes that told him there was some truth to his fear for the Ensign. "What makes you think Chekov's in danger?"

"Because Spock's 'assistance' triggered something in him, and he's ... not quite ... himself." There was a slight pause, then he continued, "and he thinks Chekov is responsible for my injuries. Trust me, there's nothing more dangerous than an overprotective Vulcan."

"But if he felt Chekov was responsible for your injuries, why didn't he just report his actions?" Kirk was visibly confused, adding, "I don't understand why you think he'd take matters into his own hands."

McCoy sighed, there was no escaping the truth. "Because he is protecting his mate."

~end of T'Lin part~

ref 1c2a

McCoy watched as the words literally hung in the air.

McCoy watched as the words literally hung in the air. He'd been dreading this ever since Spock had insisted they keep their relationship discreet--someday they would have to tell Jim, and Spock's need for secrecy had never made sense.

"Secrecy ruined my marriage, Spock. I don't like it. I had a lot invested in my wife and daughter." McCoy had allowed the steady, even annoyance temper his words without letting the emotions run rampant; he was fully in control of his personal situation, but he hadn't a clue as to why Spock was acting like some kind of skulking barn cat.

Spock barely blinked at the observation, but McCoy had been heard. "You are a man of intense privacy," he barely whispered. "Permit me this, if only for a time."

Spock being as vague as "for a time," instead of "56.7835 minutes" was enough to begin an alarmed feeling in the doctor. Then, watching the Vulcan so outwardly calm in his meditative stance, he realized Spock was suffering from a bad case of nerves. It was ridiculous when you thought of it--Spock was his superior in strength and scientific agility, but his emotional growth was still quite new. McCoy suddenly felt overly paternal--like any relationship with Spock was on the same level as cradle robbing.

"Have it your way, Spock," he risked resting his hand on the taut shoulder--injected his own emotional warmth into the touch. Spock relaxed, just a bit. "But Jim will need to know. And Spock, he'll want to know why we delayed telling him. There's never been much in the way of secrets between you." He heard the sadness echo in his voice at that, and mentally chastised himself for letting his shields slip.

Spock's hand returned the touch, returned the heat and the dark eyes were warm with gratitude...and understanding. "I am not "settling for second best," Leonard."

McCoy flinched slightly. "Where'd you pick that up?" He tried to laugh.

"I am not so remote from humans as you would pretend to believe," Spock answered softly. "You know this. I am aware of the concept, but I have never been...exposed to it personally. You fear I am replacing affections meant for Jim upon you."

"The two of you are...a team." Leonard pointed out, knowing he couldn't explain it any other way. Ever since joining the ship, Spock had eclipsed Jim's attention upon him, a new friend replacing the older. But at the same time, Spock demanded less out of Jim than McCoy, whose job forced difficult questions, criticism, and when it called for it, disdain. Jim would never know the sleepless nights Leonard had spent, hating himself for what his duty required him to do.

And Spock had been aware of it all along. The quiet admiration in their first meld was, and still remained, a surprise. The genuine desire was more so.

And here was Jim, standing numbstruck, amazed and feeling betrayed that he hadn't known this before.

"I'm sorry, Jim." He said quietly. "Spock didn't want to tell you until he felt...more sure of things. And like a fool, I let him have his way. It's my fault as much as anyone else's."

Jim was a moment collecting his voice. Ever the master strategist, Jim wasn't going to let anything throw him when there was a serious situation. "I know what Vulcans can be like, Bones." Jim's lips quirked ironically. "You forget, I've had the bad notion to tackle Spock in the past."

"And you're lucky to be alive," Bones pointed out, relieved that Jim was accepting this, but still worried. "Jim, Chekov believes he's responsible for what happened. He's not; he just distracted me and it was one of those moments of bad timing. But Spock might not see things that way."

"No... no you could be right," Jim was already moving for the comm. "Vulcans aren't used to being attacked by their emotions; they're helpless under them under the moment passes..." He snapped his thumb on the comm. "Attention, Mr. Spock and Ensign Chekov please report to Sickbay." McCoy cringed slightly at the pressure of the comm's volume against his ears. "Mr. Spock and Ensign Chekov, please report to Sickbay immediately."

"What in the world?" McCoy wondered.

"Keeping them guessing." Jim answered confidently. "They'd never expect me to call both of them at the same time, so they'll be wondering. That should save both of them until I get the situation diffused." Jim's tired gaze settled on the doctor. "Bones, I want you to get some rest, so I promise you, the three of us will sit down and discuss this, if it looks like we need to. But right now I'm more worried about what M'Benga will do to me if your stress level goes up. He's made it clear he doesn't want your job."

McCoy made a grunt of annoyance. "Jim, you are a real bastard."

"I am?"

"You never listen to me worth a damn, but my AMO whines and complains to you, and the first thing you do is go belly up."

They were both laughing when a rather pale Chekov and a bronze Spock walked in. McCoy secretly thanked god for it; the surprise was enough to keep Spock unsettled. And that ensured Jim would be in control.

~end of Marcy part~

"Spock, Chekov! Good to see you both, come on in!"

ref 1c2a2

"Spock, Chekov! Good to see you both, come on in!" Kirk came toward them both with outstretched hands and his charming smile.

Both men were taken by surprise; Chekov stared at him like a scared little schoolboy whose beating by the school bully has just been interrupted by the teacher's timely arrival. Spock looked more like a hungry cat whose prey has slipped through its paws just as it was about to bite its head off.

"May I ask why you summoned us so premptorily, sir?" Spock said frostily. "I was just about to outline Mr. Chekov's task for him." He looked at Chekov in a way that made the younger man shudder.

"I just wanted you both here to straighten out this situation. I've been hearing conflicting accounts of Doctor McCoy's accident, and the doctor himself has just expressed a concern that you, Spock, might be holding a grudge against young Chekov here for causing the accident." Kirk focused on Chekov, smiling reassuringly. "Why don't you give us a complete verbal report of what happened, Chekov? I'd like to hear your side, instead of relying on heresay and rumor."

"Vulcans do not hold grudges--" Spock started to say with a touch of indignation.

"Spock," McCoy interrupted him, "let the boy have his say."

"Very well." Spock backed off with surprising ease. Kirk suspected he was humoring his injured mate. But as long as it got Chekov off the hook, he didn't care.

"Go on, Chekov," the captain urged him. "Just tell us what happened in your own words."

Chekov hesitated before asking, "Vould you please record this, sair? So I don't have to go over it again and again?"

"Of course." Kirk pushed a button on a wall panel. "Computer, record the following statement of Ensign Pavel Chekov."

"Recording," said the suedo-feminine voice of the ship's computer.

Kirk nodded at the nervous young ensign. "Go ahead, Chekov. Don't leave anything out, no matter how unimportant it may seem."

So Chekov stated, in his own words, exactly what had happened to cause Doctor McCoy's accident. He tried to be a gentleman and understate the exact nature of his previous relationship with McCoy; he didn't want the captain to think that the good doctor was a dirty old man who had taken advantage of an innocent young crewman. Nevertheless, anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear could guess that there had once been something between the two of them, which had been a contributing factor to the accident. Chekov was blushing by the end of his statement, but still managed to keep his head up and his eyes on the captain's sympathetic face. He didn't dare look at McCoy or Spock. Especially Spock.

Spock's expression remained stolid throughout Chekov's statement, but McCoy did notice that his tense posture and clenched jaw had relaxed a bit by the end. That was good; he bore the boy no ill will, and he didn't want Spock to either.

When Chekov was finished, Kirk said: "Computer, end recording. Make two copies of the preceding statement and send one of each to myself and First Officer Spock. Keep original in secure file, to be accessed only by myself."

"Working," the computer replied, gears whirling. Seconds later it said, "Done. Copies made and forwarded. Original has been filed under voice lock, to be accessed only by Captain Kirk."

Kirk nodded, then looked to Spock. "All right, Mr. Spock, you now have a full account of what happened. Are you satisfied that Mr. Chekov is not to blame?"

"I will admit that the extent of his responsibility is not as great as I thought," said Spock, reluctant to just let the matter go.

"But are you satisfied, Mr. Spock?" Kirk persisted, locking eyes with him. "Do I have your word as an officer and a gentleman that you will not attempt to carry out any sort of reprisal against Chekov?"

Spock looked at his captain, looked at Chekov, looked at his captain again, and decided that his career in Starfleet was not worth the small amount of personal satisfaction it would give him to punish Chekov suitably. "Yes, sir, you have my word that I will not attempt any sort of reprisal against Chekov for causing Leonard's injury."

Kirk noted the use of the doctor's given name, which was the closest Spock would ever get to a public declaration of his feelings for him. "Very well, gentlemen. The matter is closed. Spock, why don't you stay here and console the good doctor for a while? Chekov, you come with me." He turned to the doctor. "Good night, Bones. Don't let Spock keep you up too late." He winked at McCoy before he walked out, followed closely by a relieved Chekov.

~end of Slasherfem part~

T'Lin

ref 1c2a2a