![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Series: Star Trek AOS crossover with characters from Marvel Comics' X-Men
Rating: Hard R for one scene of not in depth sexuality
Beta:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
cryogeniaWord Count: 67,475
Content Advisory: dub-con that borders on non-con due to mental tampering, mind control, and emotional manipulation (Again, nothing explicit)
Summary: It's been three months since the events with the M'Kraan Crystal, and Jim and his crew find themselves approaching a planet that has long hidden itself from Starfleet. This is the least of their worries when Bones starts changing thanks to his relationship with the Phoenix Force. Can Jim help Bones retain his humanity? Or is he already too late?
Notes: Please do not be scared by the warning on this fic! I promise you nothing graphic happens!
So...hello! As promised, here is Book Two of Phoenix Invictus. I hope you're all excited!
I'll be posting one chapter a week every Wednesday for the next eight weeks. I'll try to post around lunch time, like I did today, but we'll see.
Notes will go at the end of each chapter due to the footnotes.
There is some dub/non con in this one, due to a person manipulating another person's emotions and dreams. Nothing explicit happens, but still. Be advised of it.
The gorgeous artwork for this fic is by
spanambula. There is also a mix by ivycross.
Chandilar
Imperial Sage Araki stood before the royal chamber with his brow furrowed.
One week ago, the Shi’ar Imperial Council completed their debate as to whether or not Lilandra Neramani would be permitted to sit on the throne as Majestrix of the Shi’ar Empire. The argument went on for months, with several council members threatening to walk out if Lilandra was not found guilty of high treason.
Through it all, Araki himself remained silent. On that day the week prior, he finally spoke.
“Lilandra went against D’Ken’s orders and stole from the Empire, and had she been wrong, her life would have been forfeit, it’s true,” he said, “however…part of being a ruler is knowing when to sacrifice personal gain for that of your people. The House of Neramani has held the throne for centuries; to deny the last rightful heir her place would only bring strife and eventual civil war to the Imperium. The longer the throne sits empty, the more our enemies prepare to attack, and the more we become weakened from within. While the circumstances are less than ideal, the fact remains that D’Ken had no heirs. Lilandra must be permitted to take the throne to preserve both peace and the Empire.”
The dissenters continued to voice their concerns, but in the end they agreed. Lilandra would be permitted to sit on the throne as Majestrix and Empress of the Shi’ar.
While there were some who were unhappy, the bulk of the citizens on the throne world exalted. D’Ken’s rule while not long had been oppressive, and Lilandra proved herself both noble and worthy of the title. Joyous festivals and celebrations began all over Chandilar, culminating in the coronation ceremony.
Araki pushed the entry bell on the chamber.
The door slid open, and Lilandra stood before him. She was resplendent in her new royal garments: a long, flowing black gown that shone like leather and a mauve cape. There was a look of apprehension on her face, and her steps were unsure.
“Are you all right, Majestrix?”
“I am not Majestrix,” Lilandra said in a quiet voice. “Not yet.”
Araki shook his head. “If I may, the coronation is simply formality, your Highness. In my eyes, and the eyes of the Imperium, you have been Majestrix since the High Council’s ruling.”
“All of this revelry has me tired, Araki. I’m bored with it, and it is getting in the way of more important tasks such as undoing the damage my brother has done to the Empire.”
Araki allowed himself a rare smile. “I understand, Majesty, but it would disappoint your people if they could not celebrate your ascension.”
“I know the reason behind it,” she said with a sigh. “I suppose it is not very proper for me to complain.”
“Perhaps not in public, but I am the Imperial Sage. My ear is yours, as well as my counsel.” They walked down the hall, Araki several steps behind her as was customary.
“A fact for which I am grateful,” Lilandra said as they made their way throughout the imperial palace to the throne room. It was a decent walk and would take them some time.
“Have the emissaries arrived?”
“They have, Highness. As far as the Captain is aware, he is simply getting new personnel transferred to the Enterprise. Although…in the spirit of disclosure, should he not have been notified? I fear the Federation will not be happy if they find out that one of their soldiers has been spied on; I would imagine the Captain himself to be most displeased with the revelation.”
“Perhaps you are right, but we cannot afford for them to know the truth,” she said as she stopped short. She turned to face Araki in front of a large picture window that showed the crowds below. “I doubt they would understand our concerns after everything Leonard McCoy has done for both the Shi’ar and the Federation.”
Araki nodded.
Lilandra turned again to the window. She placed her hand up against it, looking down at her people. “In a few moments I will be Empress Lilandra Neramani. My duty is always to the empire above all else. I consider Jim Kirk and his crew my cherished friends, but I must be prepared for all eventualities. I must also be prepared to face him as an adversary should the worst come to pass.”
Araki nodded a second time. It was unfortunate, but it was the wisest course. Most likely it wouldn’t come to that, but just in case…they needed to have insurance.
They reached the throne room. Lilandra paused before the polished doors, almost as if she needed to gather her thoughts.
It was time.
She opened the doors, and the people in the room turned their heads towards her.
“All kneel,” Gladiator called from where he stood by the throne. Everyone in the room did so as Lilandra walked up the aisle. They all stayed silent, and Lilandra tried not to show her nerves.
Such public weakness was unbefitting the Imperial Majestrix.
She stood before the room, before her subjects who on this day pledged loyalty to her as long as she would live.
“Presenting Empress Lilandra, Lux Gloriana of the Shi’ar Imperium! Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!”
As Lilandra took her throne for the first time, a Terran expression came to Araki’s mind.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
-----
It was a clear day at dusk, and he lay on a patch of grass outside of his family’s home in Iowa. His hands were folded on his stomach across the worn flannel of his shirt, and his jeans rested low on his hips. It was a perfect lazy summer day; the smell of the wheat filled his senses, and he smiled with his eyes closed.
He was content.
Familiar steps padded towards him. A feeling of warmth filled his mind like soft music, and his smile grew into a large grin.
//Knew you’d find me,// he sent.
Bones knelt down on the ground next to him. //You’ve slept the day away again.//
//Well, if a certain someone didn’t keep me up all night, I wouldn’t have to.//
Bones’ laughter echoed through his mind, and he felt a caress across his thoughts. //You’re just as guilty of that as I am, don’t give me that crap.//
“Mmm,” Jim said out loud as he opened his eyes, the dream fading and reality taking its place. He lay in Bones’ bed with the sheets pulled up under his arms. Bones sat next to him with affection dancing in his eyes.
//One day someone’s going to come looking for you.// Bones sent. //And this will all be over.//
//Not all of this.// Jim answered back with a smile. //Besides, you know I gave orders to not be disturbed on my days off. Even Spock obeys them.//
Bones frowned. “You know,” he said, actually speaking, which made Jim sit up with a curious expression. “If we did something radical and told people about us, you wouldn’t have to order them not to find you.”
Jim sighed; not this again. “I told you, I’m…”
“Not there yet,” Bones said with a note of irritation. “It’s been three months, Jim.”
“Look, it’s not because I’m embarrassed by this or ashamed or something,” Jim said with a shake of his head. “I just…it’s so good right now. It’s so good the way it is, I want to hold onto it for a while longer.”
Bones didn’t look convinced. “Not being honest about our relationship ensures that we’re going to fail.”
“I know,” Jim said with another sigh. “I do, really. I want to tell people, but I just want to keep this between us a little longer. It’s like we have our own little world here, and I’m protective of it, not reluctant to share it. Just another week, okay?”
Bones continued to frown before getting a resigned look on his face. “Next week, and not a day later.”
“It’s a date.” Jim shifted under the covers with a sultry smile. //Now, are you gonna come here or what?// With a snort, Bones climbed across the bed to Jim. He took his face in his hands and kissed him. Jim sighed into it as he brought his hands up to rest in Bones’ hair.
//That’s much better.// He thought.
Once more, warmth flooded his mind, warmth, love, and a…hunger, a lust that was dark and inky-black.
That was new.
Right as he went to question it, Bones deepened the kiss. He pressed Jim back into the mattress as he used his telekinesis to pull the sheets off, leaving him exposed underneath him. Bones grabbed Jim’s wrists and pulled them away from his hair. He pushed them down on either side of Jim’s head, holding them in place. His grip tightened on them on the edge of pain.
//Bones?// Jim furrowed his brows. This was different from how Bones was usually; he had to ask Bones for more and harder. Not that it wasn’t nice, and hey, maybe Bones had gotten the point.
//Kind of busy.// Bones replied. //Mine.// Bones didn’t stop as he began to mark his throat, his teeth sharp against his skin. He bit him almost too hard, and Jim reveled in it before sighing. He felt something on the edge of Bones’ thoughts...it was dark, lurking beyond the surface. Jim concentrated, trying to get a better read on it.
Just as he began to reach the edge of it, something pushed it back.
Or someone.
//Bones?//
//You’re really determined to talk your way through this, aren’t you?// Bones groused. “What’s up, Jim?”
“What was that I felt?” Jim asked.
Bones looked confused. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“Just now, when you were biting me, which was hot by the way,” Jim explained. “There was something in your thoughts...at least, it felt like it was in your thoughts, but it was...dark is the only way to describe it. You’re not usually dark.”
Now Bones looked guilty. “Dark,” he repeated in a flat voice. “I don’t...”
Jim looked at him with a considering expression. It was possible Bones wasn’t even aware of what he had thought. “Hey,” he said as he reached out a hand to touch his shoulder. “It’s all right. You just caught me off guard. I mean, that was different from how you normally are. I mean, yeah sure, your natural crotchetiness feels a bit like bees in the back of my skull sometimes, but this was weird. Quiet. Lurky.”
Now Bones wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I...I just...there are some things that I want sometimes, and I’m not sure how you’d feel about them. So I try to push them back, I guess.”
“Oh, Bones,” Jim whispered. “It’s okay. I mean, all you had to do was ask.”
Bones did look at him then with an alarmed expression.
Jim smiled at him. “You think I’ve never had rough before?”
“No I just…” Bones shook his head. “I don’t think you understand…”
“I get it fine. We’re normally pretty vanilla, which is awesome, but you want to experiment. There’s nothing for you be ashamed of, but if we’re going to do it we need to do it right, with the safe words and everything.” Jim rubbed his neck; it felt pretty raw where Bones had latched onto it. “And maybe no biting. You’re a Phoenix, not a vampire, and I can’t exactly show up to the Bridge with all the hickeys in the history of ever.”
“I can fix that,” Bones said in a quiet voice.
Jim reached out his hands, lacing his fingers with Bones’ slightly longer ones. //It’s really okay, Bones. Although, I thought we agreed that with the rapport there’d be no hiding from each other.//
Bones sighed. //You’re right, and I didn’t mean to hide anything from you, honest. I just get these feelings sometimes, and I’m not sure what to do with them. So I’ve...I guess I’ve been repressing them.//
//Well, I think you should know better than to do that since you’ve got a PhD in clinical psych. Repression and sublimation are never the way to go, babe.// Jim let go of one of his hands to brush the hair off Bones’ face. //You’re always so uptight about things, even when we swap thoughts you never seem to fully let go. If this helps you relax, then I’m happy to participate.//
//You’re really sure about this?// There was a lot of worry in Bones’ mind, worry and for some reason a little shame. They receded a bit, but they were still the dominant emotions Jim could feel. Jim nodded once. //I don’t deserve you.//
//No one does.// Jim said with a smirk. //I’m amazing…but so are you, and I’m here for you, Bones. Always.//
The shame was gone, although some of the doubt remained. A lot of the weight came off Bones at his words, and he seemed more like his normal self. “I love you, Jim.”
“Back at you,” Jim said with a grin. He leaned in and kissed him. “Now, what’s the best word for what we’re about to do?”
“Jocelyn would work.”
Jim stared at him. “I am not calling out your ex-wife’s name while we have sex.”
“It would get the point across.”
“…While that may be true, I think I’ll still use my veto powers. That’s like…eight different types of wrong that I think even Uhura wouldn’t be able to articulate.” Jim scrunched up his face for a second before brightening. “Spock. Let’s use Spock.”
Bones frowned. //That’s disgusting, Jim.//
“Exactly!” Jim preened. “It’s perfect, and if I’m calling out his name, then you know I want to stop. It’s genius.”
Sighing a little, Bones shook his head. //Fine, we’ll use Spock, but this stays between us.//
//Duh.// Jim moved so he straddled Bones’ hips. //Try again?// Bones looked up at him, lifting his chin to inspect his neck.
//Wait, let me…//
//Don’t worry about it, we’ll fix it with a regen when we’re done.//
It was too late though. The tips of his fingers glowing with energy and mystic flame, Bones caressed each mark. They faded with his touch, and he brought his hands down to grab Jim’s wrists; the red marks faded from when Bones had gripped him as well.
//You’re going to put your own sick bay out of business.// Jim held one hand up to his face in wonder. //I didn’t know you could do that.//
//If I think it, I can do it.// Bones smiled up at him. //Manipulation of matter at the molecular level, remember? I just…sped up the process of the hemoglobin being broken down and cleared out by your cells. That’s all.//
Jim smiled back down at him. //I stand by what I said earlier, about you being amazing.//
//Thanks, darlin’.// Bones laid him on his back. His eyes glowed white as he used his powers to turn the bed sheets into ropes. //Let go of me.//
Jim did, and Bones tied him to the headboard. The ropes were tight, but not to the point of cutting off his circulation. He couldn’t move, which was apparently what Bones wanted.
//Now what?//
Jim looked up at him with a wicked grin. //You tell me. It’s your show, Bones, I’m just the audience volunteer. You run it.//
Bones smiled, and a brief flash of flame lit up his eyes, and an answering flash of love and warmth cascaded across Jim’s mind.
There was nothing after that but for them to soar together, body and soul.
-----
“This seat taken?” Hikaru Sulu asked as he stood across from her. She paid him no mind as she continued her reading. “Nyota?”
“Hm,” Nyota said.
“Nyota?” He waved his hand in front of her face, and she looked up into his eyes with a startled expression.
“Oh, Hikaru,” Nyota said with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, I was so caught up in my reading…I didn’t even hear you approach.”
“It’s fine.” With a gesture, Nyota signaled that he should take a seat. Hikaru did so, and he grabbed his chicken sandwich. “What’s got you so invested?”
“The information we’ve been given about the Shi’ar and their culture. Their history is longer than the Vulcans and even more varied. Their empire encompasses thousands of worlds and cultures. I’m reading about the Shi’ar culture proper, but there’s just so much to learn.” As if the sight of Hikaru eating reminded her, Nyota took a bite of her salad. “The language is easy, but the protocols, the rituals…that’s a different story.”
Curious, he took a sip of his water. “Oh yeah? How so?”
“This is a culture older than the Romulans, just for starters. They worship elder gods, Sharra and K’ythri; they are two gods who were forced into an arranged marriage. It’s said that through this marriage they found strength, and through this strength they found love.1 ”
“Huh,” Sulu said as he tried to read her PADD upside-down. “That’s unusual isn’t it? For gods to have been forced into a shotgun wedding, I mean. They’re gods, right, so shouldn’t they have been allowed to marry who they chose?”
“Right, but that’s what makes it so fascinating,” Nyota continued. “It’s a beautiful tale of triumphing over adversity and finding what’s right.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Nyota rolled her eyes. “Then there are all the legends about the M’Kraan crystal, and its guardian, the Phoenix.”
Now that was interesting. He tried not to look too intrigued or fearful. “Oh yeah? What’s it say about the Phoenix?”
“The Phoenix is not only the guardian of the crystal, but it’s believed to be the embodiment of the very passion of Creation. They say it’s the spark that gave life to the Universe, and the flame that will ultimately consume it.”
That did absolutely nothing to abate Hikaru’s fears. Dread washed over him in waves.
“It also says that the Phoenix has a second purpose, which is referenced here where it says “The Judgment of the Phoenix.” It’s a type of…” Nyota thought for a moment, searching for the right words. “Like a built-in obsolescence. It burns away what doesn’t work.2 ”
“What doesn’t work,” Hikaru echoed. “So the Phoenix judges what it sees, and burns it if it doesn’t like it.” He swallowed.
Nyota raised both of her eyebrows before pointing at him with her fork. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?’
“Don’t start with your freaking out about Leonard.”
Hikaru felt defensive, mostly because she was right. “I’m not freaking out.”
“You are, and you have been. You did on the Starjammer, and you still are, you twitch anytime someone mentions that he’s the Phoenix.”
“Someone needs to,” Hikaru said as he picked at the bun of his sandwich. “I don’t understand why I am the only person who’s seen him wielding all this power and been wary of it. What do we even know of this Phoenix force? Has anyone even talked to it?”
“Jim has,” Nyota said. “It assured him it was benevolent, and I think it’s fairly safe to assume that whenever you hear Doctor McCoy refer to himself in the Royal We that Phoenix is talking.”
“So all we have is its word,” Hikaru countered. “Its word, and the captain’s, which if you’ll forgive me, doesn’t count for much where McCoy’s concerned.”
Both of Nyota’s eyebrows rose again. This time she didn’t speak; she sat and let Hikaru’s words wash over her.
“Okay, you’re to the point where you’re not rational about this,” she finally said. “We all know that Jim loves Leonard, but would you listen to yourself? You’re all but accusing him of playing favorites and being blind. “
“You telling me he’s not?” He picked up his sandwich and proceeded to take a bite without really tasting it.
“I’ve known them since the shuttle ride to the Academy. Jim has never had any illusions about Leonard, nor Leonard about Jim.”
Hikaru shrugged. “Leonard never died on him before, either.”
“While that is true,” Nyota began, “I think perhaps Leonard deserves a little more credit than you’re giving him. He is compassionate to a fault and down to Earth besides. He gave his life a second time in the M’Kraan crystal to stop D’Ken and then almost sacrificed his very existence to ensure that no one else can ever try to harness the power of the Negative galaxy. Leonard McCoy is a good man, and there is no safer person for the Phoenix to have as a host.”
To his credit, Hikaru looked abashed. “I know McCoy’s a good man, I wasn’t trying to imply otherwise. I guess I just don’t understand how a human…or even any mortal being really…can be expected to cope with power and awareness on that scale without getting changed by it. He just…he sees more of everything than we do, and there’s nothing in the history books for us to use as a basis for comparison.”
Nyota sighed. “He appears to be coping with his abilities just fine. You can think what you like, but after everything he’s done, I’d rather give him the benefit of the doubt.” She took a sip of her tea, making a face at the way it tasted, as it was both cold and bitter from over-steeping.
Hikaru sighed and nodded. “Fine. Benefit of the doubt it is.” Although, part of him wondered if maybe they shouldn’t err on the side of caution.
“Now, let me tell you all about their duels,” Nyota began. “They have several challenges they use to settle disputes; the most serious of these is the Arin’nn Haelar…it can’t be refused, and while it’s not specifically a duel to the death…”
As Hikaru listened to her explain about the Arin’nn Haelar, he thought again about McCoy and his powers. Nyota thought with her heart on the subject; perhaps if he voiced his concerns to someone who thought only using logic…although it made him feel kind of like an asshole to go behind her back to her lover like that.
But still…Spock might see that there was merit to his concern, and if he said there wasn’t any, well then he would stop worrying and learn to love the Phoenix.
At the very least, maybe Spock could put Hikaru’s fears to rest.
-----
After receiving the distress call, a landing party consisting of Kirk, McCoy, and Spock beamed down to the planet below. They materialized in a corridor filled with polished columns and stone floors. There were marble statues in the corners, and urns that looked Grecian in origin were present as well.
“Are you from the spaceship Enterprise?” a voice called from down the hall. The three Starfleet officers turned towards it, and they saw a large shadow of a person looming against a wall.
“That’s right,” Jim said as he walked toward the silhouette. Bones and Spock followed him after a second.
The silhouette came towards them, and it grew smaller. A little man dressed in the style of the ancient Greeks stood before them with a smile. “Alexander at your service,” he said with a small bow. “I sing, I dance, I play all variety of games, and I’m a good loser, a very good loser. Please, sir, try to bear that in mind. Now, would you please accompany me…” Alexander gestured for them to follow, and he led them towards a large door in the hallway.
They walked behind him, exchanging looks with each other as they did so.
Jim frowned a little. “Who are the inhabitants of this planet?”
“Platonians, I’m sure you’ve never heard of us,” Alexander said. “Our native star is Sahndara. Millennia ago, just before it went nova, we managed to escape. Our leader liked Plato’s ideas…Plato, Platonians, see?” They nodded. “In fact, our present philosopher king, Parmen, sometimes calls us Plato’s children…although, we sometimes think of ourselves more as Plato’s stepchildren.”
“Nngh,” Bones said. He furrowed his brows as he placed his hands on his temples. Jim looked at him in alarm as Alexander gave them a puzzled frown.
“What is it, Bones?”
Bones shook his head, and he switched to telepathic communication between him and the others.
//It’s a large wave of psionic energy, but it’s unrefined. Almost like it’s hemorrhaging off someone. I feel…// He stopped to gather his thoughts. //The others have psi-gifts too, but one in particular, the strongest, is lashing out uncontrollably from pain. There’s a great deal of concern and worry for him. They’re…they can’t be telepaths; they’d be shielding their emotions better. Telekinetics, though, and fairly powerful ones at that.//
Spock raised an eyebrow. //Is their level equal to your own?//
//Nah, I’d say seven or eight on the Richter scale, while I’m a twelve.// Bones continued to rub his head, as if he had a headache. “Just the beginnings of a migraine, I’ll be okay,” he said for Alexander’s benefit. //I also sense a great hatred in our Alexander. They don’t treat him very well.//
//Maybe you should keep your powers quiet,// Jim thought. //Let’s see what these Platonians can do, or more importantly, what they’re willing to do, before you light up the sky.//
//A sound strategy,// Spock agreed. //There is no need to demonstrate your abilities until it is absolutely necessary. It would be more beneficent to, as the colloquialism goes, play it close to the vest.//
//Agreed.// Bones thought. “It seems to be receding a bit, I’ll be fine.”
“Excuse me,” Alexander spoke, and the officers turned to face him. “Someone is waiting for you…” With that, he stopped speaking and turned so that his back was to the door. He walked stiffly backwards, as if he was not in control of his own movements.
//This bodes well.// Bones deadpanned as they followed him through the door into a large chamber. A man lay before them on a dais, and he moaned. Several people attended him, including a woman in a green gown who seemed more concerned than the others. She left the man; it didn’t take long for her to stride over to the Starfleet officers.
“Welcome to our republic,” she said with an air of authority. “Who among you is the physician?”
“I am,” Bones said. “What’s the problem?”
“My spouse…his leg. Come this way,” she replied as she led Bones to the man. He stood to one side and gave a cursory examination. There was an obvious wound on the man’s left leg, and it was badly infected. It was angry, inflamed, and weeping, and the leg was red all the way up to his thigh.
“Wow, what happened to that leg?”
“I suppose I scratched it,” the man said, and his voice was weak.
Bones frowned, and Jim could sense the concern through their rapport. “I don’t understand, this should have been attended to immediately.” The woman took a seat in a chair at the back of the room, and Alexander stood next to her with a worried expression.
The man’s face was tired, and his voice was resigned. “Sheer ignorance. Is there anything you can do?”
“Well, we’re certainly gonna try,” Bones said. He got down on one knee next to the man’s leg. He hovered his hand above it, but didn’t touch the skin. Heat radiated off of the wound. “The infection is massive. Let me give you a hypo to ease the pain…” He opened his med kit, but before he could pull the hypospray out with his hand, it flew out seemingly of its own accord and hovered before him in the air.
Bones raised an eyebrow and looked at Spock and Jim. //Mundane utility, apparently.//
“Where?” the man asked.
“In the arm,” Bones supplied. The man levitated the hypospray, pressed it against his skin, and injected himself with the painkillers. He then floated the hypo back to Bones, who placed it back in his kit.
Jim and Spock exchanged a glance. //So far, so good.// Bones pulled out his tricorder and took readings; it didn’t take long for him to frown. //I don’t know how I’m supposed to help him when we have no information about common strains of bacteria the Platonians would encounter. I have no idea what’s causing this, all I can do is treat him for a known bacterial strain and hope it works.//
“What is it? What is your prognosis, doctor?”
“I’ll let you know when I have the results, and from now on it would be better if I handled the instruments without your help,” Bones answered in a gruff voice.
Jim gave Bones a curious expression. //Bones, I can’t understand how a simple cut like that could become so serious.//
//Neither do I, but it has,// Bones thought. //He’s growing weaker by the minute, though. If I don’t do something quickly, he’ll die.// A faraway look crossed his features. //Oh, to hell with it; I don’t have time for guessing games, and more importantly, Parmen doesn’t either.//
//Parmen?// Spock sounded somewhat confused.
//That’s his name.// Once more, Bones hovered his hands above Parmen’s leg. His eyes turned white, his hair stirred in a wind that didn’t exist, and flames formed around his hands, manifesting in a small raptor display. He concentrated and willed the infection to leave Parmen’s body.
Philana and Alexander watched in shock as Bones used his power to cure the infection. The redness and heat left the wound, the weeping stopped, and the leg was whole as if it was never injured. There wasn’t even a scar left.
It only took seconds, but Bones did it.
Parmen would live.
Just as suddenly as they appeared, the flames and raptor died, fading away. Parmen’s eyes opened, and he sat up. Philana rushed to his side. “My love, are you…”
“Cured? I believe I am,” Parmen said in wonder. “I feel just as strong as ever.” He gave Bones a grateful look. “I did not feel a thing, and yet you used no instruments to heal me.”
Bones hesitated. “No, I…have a rare healing gift. A medical cure might have taken too long to make, so I used that instead.”
Spock pulled Jim to the side. “I was not aware that Doctor McCoy possesses such abilities.”
The captain gave him a crooked grin. “He just tried it for the first time yesterday. Besides, why shouldn’t he? He can do anything.”
Spock nodded once before turning his attention back to Parmen and Doctor McCoy. //Does that tire you?//
//Not at all, it feels pretty damn good.// Bones shrugged. //Like I said before, every time I use my powers I grow stronger. This was a drop in the bucket.//
Spock nodded a second time before turning to Jim. “It would appear that our work here is complete.”
Jim looked thoughtful. “In a minute.” Philana approached the two of them with a look of relief. “Philana, this psychokinetic power of yours…how long have you had it?”
“Two and a half…well.” She stopped talking with an inward look. “Ever since our arrival here on Platonius.”
Spock also engaged his curiosity. “How is the power transmitted?”
“Brain waves.”
Satisfied with his patient’s condition, Bones joined the conversation. “What about medicine? Why no doctors?”
“We haven’t had any pressing need for the medical arts. You see, while still on Sahndara, we instituted a mass eugenics program. We are the result. Pared down to a population of thirty-eight, we're perfect for our utopia. We're bred for contemplation and self-reliance... and longevity.” Philana preened for a moment. “How old would you say I am?” Jim and Spock gave each other hesitant looks. “Don't be afraid. I'm not vain.”
“Thirty-five,” Spock said. Jim looked at him askance and elbowed him in the side.
Philana looked insulted. “That old? I stopped aging at thirty.” She rubbed the skin of her throat with a delicate hand. “Well, anyway, you're off by two thousand years. I'm 2,300 years old. We were married very young. I was only 117, and he was 128. So you see, we scarcely have to move anymore, let alone work.”
Realization dawned on Jim. “That’s why you have no resistance?”
“That’s right. A break in the skin can be fatal.” She turned to Bones with a warm smile. “I don’t know how I can ever thank you. Not only for Plantonius, but for myself.”
“No thanks is necessary,” Bones said.
“Alexander,” she called, and he came to her at once. “Show our guests to the south wing.”
“Oh,” Jim began, “Thank you, but we must return to the ship.” He pulled out his communicator. “Kirk to Enterprise, Scotty come in.”
Scott here, sir.
“Prepare to beam us up.”
There was a pause. I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir. Everything’s frozen.
A dark wave of suspicion waved over his mind through the rapport he shared with Bones, although Jim couldn’t say if it originated with him or his lover. “What’s causing it?”
I don’t know, sir, and those are the facts.
“Can you get up into space?”
There was another pause. No, sir. The orbit’s locked tight, and subspace communication with Starfleet…it’s completely severed.
Jim sighed. “All right, Scotty, I’ll handle it down here. Stand by.”
//Jim…//
//Leave it.// He turned his attention to Parmen. “Your excellency…”
“Parmen will do. Philosopher kings have no need of titles,” the man said from where he sat, now serene on his dais. Philana came to his side, and she placed a hand upon his shoulder.
“I’d like to know why my ship’s instrumentation and weaponry is frozen…and why the Enterprise is locked in orbit.”
“Captain, please,” Parmen said, and indeed he did sound sorry, “You are mistaken, I assure you.”
//Don’t listen to him, Jim.// Bones had narrowed his eyes. //He’s doing it; I can read his thoughts like a neon sign. They’re trying to coerce me into staying.//
//So what, they decided they need a doctor after all, and it’s got to be you?//
Bones’ disgust was palpable. //Yeah. Something like that.//
Jim frowned, showing all of his displeasure. “Parmen, I’ve talked to the engineer aboard the ship. We’ve showed our good faith, now you show yours. I want my ship released immediately.”
Parmen made a small tsking sound with his tongue. “The amenities, Captain. Allow me to remind you that I am the head of this principality. Guests do not come barging in here, making demands and issuing orders.”
Bones’ eyes glowed white. //Jim, I can…//
//Not yet.// Jim glared at the so-called philosopher king. “Guests? You don't know the meaning of the word. Guests aren't treated like common prisoners.”
Parmen straightened where he sat with an angry cast to his features. “Do not take that tone with me.”
Parmen’s eyes focused on Jim; he concentrated. Jim’s hand came up, unbidden, to his face. He struggled to lower it back to his waist level, but to no avail. There was a pause as Parmen narrowed his eyes, focusing on what he was doing.
Without warning, Jim slapped himself hard.
The mystical wind stirred Bones’ hair again. //That’s it!//
Jim’s hand dropped back down. He gave it a relieved glance before giving Bones a wary smile. //Thanks, Bones.//
Parmen looked confused, before he noticed the flames licking at Bones’ hair. “You! You dare…”
//No, you dare,// Bones snapped telepathically, broadcasting his thoughts to everyone in the room. //I’m sure you fancy yourself some kind of great mental talent, Parmen. Well, “your highness,” let’s see how good you really are.//
With that, Bones’ outfit transformed from his regulation Starfleet uniform to the green, black, and gold Phoenix costume he wore during the struggle in the M’Kraan Crystal. He floated off the ground before being enveloped in a large Phoenix raptor. It took up almost the entire room, and Philana and Alexander shielded their eyes from its formidable light and flame.
Jim smirked. //Go get ‘em, tiger.//
The battle progressed slowly at first. Parmen used telekinetic force against Bones, and it seemed as if they were evenly matched. He began by throwing objects at him that Bones would deflect. When that strategy failed, Parmen assaulted him using the force of his mental powers directly. Waves of energy pounded at Bones, who pushed back with his fire.
At least, it seemed they were matched until it became clear that Phoenix took Parmen’s measure. It didn’t take long for him to assess his foe’s strengths and weaknesses, and once he had, he attacked in earnest. The force of the flames tightened, the light grew brighter, and he managed to turn Parmen’s own energy back on him. The philosopher king cried out and settled for defending himself with a telekinetic shield. It didn’t take long for the power of the Phoenix to destroy the shield, Parmen frantically erecting another in its place.
Jim watched him with pride surging through the rapport. //Just like that, Bones. You got him!//
Having destroyed his second shield, Bones’ raptor grabbed Parmen within one of its talons; the battle was all but won. Parmen was only a telekinetic, not a telepath, and Bones used his advantage to counter every thought before Parmen could act. Bones’ eyes widened, and without hesitating or breaking a sweat, he erected shields around not only Jim and Spock, but Philana and Alexander. Just in time, too, as Parmen struck at him with all of his remaining psychic energy.
The force of impact was so strong, it shattered the walls and leveled the building on top of them. Jim and Spock covered their heads to protect themselves, although it was not necessary, and a flash of pain hit Jim through his psychic rapport with Bones.
Eventually the debris stopped, and the dust settled. The room became still.
//Bones?// Jim took a step forward, closer to where Bones had been flying. //Bones, are you all right?//
There was only silence.
Panicking, Jim crouched down. //Bones, answer me! Are you okay?// He dug in the pieces of the roof, tossing them aside as best as he could. //You can’t be dead, I’d know. Answer me, God damn it! Bones!//
At this, a light glowed beneath some of the debris. It manifested into a raptor, clearing all of the pieces away from the center of what was the room.
“Fascinating,” Spock said with some hesitation. Jim, however, smiled with relief.
The firebird faded, leaving Bones standing in the middle as he held Parmen up by the collar. The Platonian hung exhausted from his grip, and Philana cried out in relief at the sight of him.
//We’re fine, Jim, and none the worst for the wear. Thanks for the concern; it’ll take a lot more than a collapsing building to take me out. Although, it makes me feel warm that you’d worry so much.//
//Show off.// Jim said with a good-natured roll of his eyes. Spock stood back and watched.
“Platonians,” Bones said, his voice echoing just as it would when Phoenix would take over his body. “Listen to me, and listen well. The next one of you to try any trick, to even think of doing us ill, will get hurt. I do not wish to harm you, but the more that you annoy me…the more that you try my patience…the more likely it is that I will reduce you to smoking atoms screaming in pain. I possess your psychokinetic abilities, but at ten thousand times your power.”
“Not ten thousand times mine,” Parmen said meekly. “Doctor, no! Doctor…I beg of you! I’ll do anything you say! I do not wish to die!” Bones looked at him with his eyes still glowing white. “Doctor, do you hear me?”
“The fire of the Phoenix burns through lies, Parmen,” Bones said with a grim smile. “It burns down self-deception and dishonesty; it burns until it shines its light on the truth.” He let go of him, and Parmen dropped to the ground like a rock. Philana ran over to him and embraced him, turning a fearful eye onto Bones. Alexander stood back, watching everything with an awed expression. “We won’t kill you.”
“You knew,” Parmen said with a low sob, “you knew that I intended to destroy your friends and the Enterprise, and yet you spared me.”
“Yes, we are sparing you,” Bones said. “Our victory will serve as a reminder to you and your people that with power must come temperance. With strength, compassion. The judgment of the Phoenix has found you lacking, Parmen, but not without hope. You can grow from this and be a better man.” He furrowed his brow. “To humans, killing is murder, even for revenge. There will be other starships…”
Parmen shook his head. “There's no need for concern. They'll be safe. Of late, I have begun to think that we've become bizarre and unproductive. We're existing merely to nourish our own power. It's time for some fresh air. We shall welcome your interstellar visits.”
Jim frowned. “I don’t believe you,” he said to voice his own skepticism.
“That would be highly uncharacteristic,” Spock added. “We must expect, Parmen, that the moment we leave here your fear would be gone, and you would again be as sadistic and as arrogant as your 2,500 years have made you.”
“We’ll be watching,” Bones agreed. “If you so much as even think about imprisoning future visitors or using anyone as entertainment, I’ll know, and I’ll return.”
The blood drained from Parmen’s face. “Understood…Doctor.” He sighed and looked at his wife. “You’re right, none of us can be trusted.” Parmen stared up at Bones with a hint of suspicion. “Uncontrolled, power will turn even saints into savages, and we can all be counted upon to live down to our lowest impulses."
Bones regarded him for a moment as if he was a lion dealing with an errant fly. He took several steps away from Parmen, and the white glow faded from his eyes. //We should be able to beam back on board the Enterprise now. I cut his control of the ship. If not, I’ll take us back.// He turned to Alexander. “You’re safe now, Alexander. You’ve got no reason to fear or hate them any longer.”
Alexander got down on his knees. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this, Doctor.”
Bones looked to Jim, who nodded, before looking down at the man. “Living a peaceful life is the only repayment I need.”
Again, Jim opened his communicator. “You're very good at making speeches, Parmen, just make sure that this one sinks in. Kirk to Enterprise; Scotty, prepare to beam us up.”
Aye, Captain. Transporters are back online; we’ll beam you up momentarily. Scott out.
Bones placed a hand on Jim’s shoulder, and Spock moved close as well. Within seconds, the lights of the transporter whirled around them, taking them back to the ship. They were gone, leaving only a broken republic behind as they materialized in the transporter room.
Jim stepped off the pad with a grin. “I think we can chalk this up in the ‘win’ column,” he said with a look back to Bones. “Nice work, Bones.”
“Thanks,” Bones said with an answering smile of his own. “Pompous insect,” he added under his breath, and Spock gave him a curious glance. “Jim, if we’re all set I’m going to head back down to medical. I’ve got inventory looming.”
“Of course,” Jim said. //See you in your quarters tonight?//
//You know it, darlin’.// Bones sent a wave of love, warmth, and passion over the rapport, and when their hands brushed together, Spock didn’t notice. Bones made his way out the transporter room and down to medical.
“Captain…” Spock began, and Jim looked at him. “Back on Platonius when Doctor McCoy battled Parmen…”
“He was magnificent, wasn’t he?” Jim beamed. “I’m so glad he’s on our side.”
Spock gave a slight nod. “Indeed. However, there was a ferocity to him---and a grandeur---that I do not recall sensing when he used his powers prior.”
Jim raised an eyebrow. “You mean something was wrong with him?”
“Not wrong per se,” Spock elaborated. “He is…changing, although I cannot explain it more concretely than that. I should like to run some tests on him in order to ascertain that he is still maintaining control over the Phoenix.”
The captain frowned. “You think he’s not handling it?”
“I do not have enough data to say whether he is or is not in control. That is why I wish to run the tests, Captain.”
The frown became more pronounced. “I don’t think it’s really necessary, but if you’re set on doing so…”
“I am.” Spock folded his hands behind his back. “There are no records of any human hosting an entity such as the Phoenix; indeed, Doctor McCoy’s experience is one-of-a-kind. Most likely my tests will conclude that he is fine, but in case he is not I believe it would behoove us to know sooner rather than later.”
His expression smoothing into one that was more neutral, Jim considered his First Officer’s words. “I don’t know; he didn’t act any differently than I would have in this situation.” He paused to gather more of his thoughts. “But then, the whole reason you have insurance is so that you hopefully never have to use it.” He clapped Spock on the shoulder once. “I’m sure everything is fine, but go ahead and run your tests. I doubt Bones will mind.” Jim looked up to the Vulcan with a smile. “Now if you’ll excuse me, Spock, I need to finish my log of the day’s events.”
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Spock alone.
-----
Its hull was painted obsidian, with a stylized logo on the side of the letter H. The passenger compartment of the ship was decorated with opulence uncommon to spacefaring vessels; the cushions and chairs were all upholstered in rich velvets and satins, and there were heavy curtains covering the windows. Cut crystal sat on a table with only the finest single-malt Scotch inside for its guests.
A black haired woman in a leather corset, underwear, and thigh-high boots attended to the two passengers; one was a thin, blonde man with a long, pointed face. His clothing was patterned after the time period known as the Regency with a dark burnished gold coat, orange waistcoat, and pale yellow breeches. The other man had dark brown hair and sparkling violet eyes; his features were roguish, with a beard and long ponytail tied with a satin ribbon. He, too, was dressed in the garb akin to that of King George, although he wore violets and purples.
“We are in position, sirrahs,” the woman stated. “The crew is prepared to transport you down to Platonius.”
“Thank you, Tessa,” the dark-haired man said as he stubbed out the last of his cigarette. “Hopefully, Parmen and his friends will have been…persuaded by our previous visit.”
The blond man scoffed. “The last time we spoke to them, Parmen threw you around like a child’s rag doll.”
“I do not recall you faring any better, Pierce,” his companion retorted. He smoothed the lapels of his jacket. “I’m not interested in arguing with you. We have more important things to attend to.”
“Agreed,” Pierce said. “To the transporters, then.”
Tessa opened the door, and they left the passenger hold. They entered the transporter room, stood in position upon the pad, and beamed down. They arrived in the remains of what was once the Platonians’ great hall.
“What happened here?” Pierce said as he kicked at a piece of rubble. “Parmen lose his temper?”
“Perhaps,” the other man said. It was at this moment that Alexander appeared.
“You,” he said with a shocked expression. “Parmen told you last time, he was not interested in your plots and bids or your money.”
“Wyngarde and I hoped he reconsidered,” Pierce explained. “After all, our offer is a lucrative one for Parmen, and indeed the rest of the Platonians.”
“I think his answer is the same, sir,” Alexander answered. “But you can see for yourself, since you came all this way. Come.” He led them through the destruction to where Parmen’s dais once sat.
The so-called philosopher king sat on the stairs, and he looked broken. Philana stroked his hair as she made soothing noises to calm him. “You return, gentlemen, after my previous answer?”
“We hoped you…reconsidered,” Wyngarde said. “After all, the Hellfire Club can be very persuasive.”
“Well, you can save your persuasion,” Parmen said as he stood. “I am not interested in using my powers for personal gain any longer. I refuse your offer, as will all Platonians.”
Wyngarde raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite different from how you acted the last time we were here; I believe you mentioned that the money in exchange for the kironide would do wonders for your society’s coffers.”
“We have…” Parmen looked fearful. “A change of heart has occurred.”
Pierce and Wyngarde looked at each other for a second. “A change of heart?”
“Yes.” Parmen stood. “I cannot…perhaps more importantly, I will not use my abilities to harm others, sir, and neither will any Platonian.” He walked away, Philana in tow. “If you will excuse me, I must rest. The past few hours have been trying.”
Wyngarde and Pierce regarded each other a second time before turning to Alexander. “You there, servant! What has caused this?”
“I…” Alexander hesitated. “I am not certain I should say.”
Wyngarde narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, or I will force you to experience all the levels of Hell.” He stroked one of his lapels, and the room filled with demonic visions of fire and brimstone; they burned with an unholy light, and a nasty looking demon approached Alexander.
“No…please…” Alexander said as he cowered. “I will tell you, I promise. Just please…make it stop.”
Just like that, the vision faded.
Alexander took a moment to recover before turning to Wyngarde and Pierce. “Fine,” he said. “There was a man with great power. He…he beat Parmen in a fight using psychic energy. Said he was the Phoenix, and was judging him for how he treated him.” Alexander looked off into the distance. “For how they treat me. He said they needed to use their powers for good, or else he would know and come back.”
Pierce’s expression went from astonished to intrigued. “He bested Parmen on his own terms?”
“He brought this very building down around them, yet made sure we saw no harm,” Alexander explained. “Please sir, do not give me the visions again. They are terrible, and I could not bear it!"
Wyngarde smiled. “Tell me more about this…’Phoenix’…”
