![[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 because of one scene of non-explicit sexuality
Content Advisory: dub-con that edges on non-con due to mental tampering, emotional manipulation, and mind control
Total Words: 67,474, each part approximately 8,000
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: See the end of the chapter for notes. Again, don't let the advisory scare you.
Spock tilted his head to one side as he stood in the engineering wing, contemplating what sat before him. “When I approached you concerning the doctor’s abilities, I must confess I did not anticipate this.” He turned to look at Scotty and Chekov, who stood a little off to the side in red and gold coveralls stained with grease.
Scotty shrugged. “You said you wanted to check his brain. This is what we came up with.”
In front of them sat a gleaming metal helmet with several tubes plugged into a nearby computer console. A chair sat underneath the helmet, meant for whoever was to wear it.
“Well,” Scotty said as he admired his and Chekov’s handiwork, “I think it’s as good as it’s going to get.”
Spock examined it for a second. “You’re certain it works?”
Chekov shrugged and looked at Scotty. “As certain as we can be without testing it, which is where you come in, Commander.”
“I see.” Spock sat in the chair with a raised eyebrow. He placed the helmet over his head. “If your calculations are correct…”
“Which they always are,” Scotty interjected.
“…Then my brain waves will be strengthened, and my abilities will be significantly increased to where physical contact will not be necessary in order to initiate telepathic communication with others.”
“We can do better than that,” Scotty said with a shrug. “We boost the signal enough, and you’ll be on a par with the doctor.” He pat the console with a fond expression. “Thinking of calling it Cerebro.”
“It is Russian for silver,” Chekov added proudly. “It was my idea.”
“It is also the Spanish word for brain,” Spock said as he adjusted the helmet. “A fitting and appropriate name. Mister Scott, if you are ready…?”
“Aye,” Scotty said as he stepped behind the console, Chekov joining him. The ensign pulled up a display on one of the touchscreens, making a note of the figure before him. He nodded once.
“Conditions nominal,” Chekov said. “We are ready to begin.”
Scotty nodded. “We’ll be monitoring you on these screens over here. They’ll give us readings on how much energy your mind’s outputting, how and what you’re seeing, even if there are safeguards set up in your mind to keep you from shorting yourself out.” He adjusted some of the levels. “We’ll start you out at two percent power, increasing gradually until we’re at ten percent. That should be plenty to begin with; since you’re not used to it, we don’t want to go too much higher than that, or else you might…well, er, that’s…not important. Or likely,” he said. He and Chekov both gave Spock awkward smiles.
If he were prone to such displays, Spock would have sighed. “I understand. Let us begin.”
Scotty powered up the machine, and Spock felt the hum of energy through the helmet. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but then he heard them.
//…increasing…steady…Pavel…//
Fascinating.
//… Опрятный… Это работает4 …//
It was not consistent, as Spock could only hear every third word. Sometimes he caught two-word phrases; he could in fact hear their thoughts.
Scotty increased the power. “Going up to four percent now.”
Spock nodded, even though he wasn’t certain he could be seen. More words came through over the link; he received entire thoughts and sentences.
// Вы являетесь настолько блестящими, это получает меня горячий5. //
//I wonder what kind of sandwiches they have in the mess today for lunch; I feel like roast beef…//
“Increasing to six percent.”
He heard Scotty and Chekov as he could hear his own thoughts. The power increased, and he heard little bits from other people with them in the wing.
//All of the logarithms were perfectly calculated. This is performing even better than Pavel and I hoped!//
// Интересно, что он сказал бы, спросил ли я его на обед.6 //
//I wish I was Mister Scott, he always gets the fun projects.//
//Man, I’m tired. Stupid roommate kept me up all damn night with her girlfriend.//
The thoughts continued to come through to Spock’s mind; they almost drowned his own out. It was quite uncomfortable because Spock wasn’t used to hearing so many people at once. It was off-putting, but he persevered.
He also had to admit getting more of a respect for the Doctor. If this is what he lived with day in and day out, it had to be grating at best, and outright infuriating at worst.
“Increasing to eight percent.”
Spock’s senses further increased, and he closed his eyes as more and more thoughts intruded upon him, like a shouting crowd at a sports match. He wasn’t certain, but it felt as though he heard some thoughts from outside of the engineering wing; perhaps he even received thoughts from the above decks. He grew fatigued; sweat formed on his brow. Cerebro wasn’t causing an immense strain, but it was noticeable.
More and more thoughts entered Spock’s mind, and something occurred to him.
//Mister Scott? Mister Chekov?//
Chekov and Scotty both looked up with startled expressions.
//Fascinating. With slight concentration, I am capable of broadcasting my thoughts to others simply by using the strengthening powers of your device.//
Scotty furrowed his brow. //Sure would be convenient for away missions, we wouldn’t have to worry when the communicators go on the fritz.//
//Perhaps a portable version of this device would assist in that regard?//
Chekov became flustered. // О Бог, он может услышать меня7 ! Uh…how are you feeling, Mister Spock?//
//Fine, if a bit tired. It is not easy to screen past everyone else’s thoughts.// The sweating became more pronounced. //It is a feeling rather akin to being in a large crowd on a humid day.//
“Makes sense,” Scotty mumbled as he made an adjustment on his screen. “Ten percent now, and holding it there.”
Now Spock was certain he heard thoughts from around the other decks, although they were scattered. He tried something still different; he reached out to one mind in particular.
//Nyota.//
He concentrated, and with a significant amount of focus he could see through her eyes. She sat at her console on the bridge, working diligently as always. A flood of affection filled him, and he brushed his thoughts against hers.
// Siwezi kusubiri mpaka mimi nina mbali wajibu ... nilikuwa katikati ya kujifunza kuhusu mila Shi'ar harusi.8 //
//Nyota.// He called a second time. He sensed her tense as she looked up towards the turbo lift. She became confused before she turned back to her console.
// Mimi lazima kufikiria mambo...9 //
//You are not imagining things. I am testing a device invented by Mister Scott and Mister Chekov. I have linked us telepathically from the engineering deck.//
A rush of warmth flooded back to him. //Spock, you startled me.//
//I apologize.// He felt her smile through their rapport. //I am merely testing the capabilities of the Cerebro machine. I shall let you get back to your work.//
//Will I see you for dinner?//
//Of course. Good day, Nyota.//
//Until tonight, Spock.//
With that, he broke contact and returned his focus to the engineering room. Scotty burst with excitement and pride. Chekov was also proud, but there was an undercurrent of nervousness resulting from his realization that Spock heard his thoughts.
The strain was more noticeable; it taxed him more to reach out to one person in that manner. Whether it was from the proximity, as the bridge was quite a distance from the engineering wing, or from the amount of focus it took to maintain the link would require further experimentation.
Scotty made some notes on a PADD before turning back to Spock. “I think we’ve collected enough data for now, Commander. You want I should unplug you?”
Spock tried to focus back on his own thoughts. He did not think it would be wise to be in contact with the mind of another when the connection was severed. “I am ready.”
Gradually, Scotty lessened Cerebro’s power until it was shut down. Spock felt the connection wane until it was gone, and once it faded completely, he removed the helmet. His hands shook a little as he stood.
“How do you feel?” Scotty said, and as if he sensed the need, handed Spock a glass of water.
“It is taxing, but not unbearable,” Spock admitted as he took a sip. “The more I focus on one person, the greater the strain I feel. Perhaps at a higher power input this would not be the case.”
Scotty nodded. “That’s possible, but it’s better safe than sorry to start with. We don’t want you giving yourself a stroke.” He grimaced. “Or...you know...something less bad than that happening.”
Chekov pulled up the data on a PADD. He looked at it for a long time before passing it to Scotty.
“Hm,” Scotty said. “This accurate?”
“99.2 percent,” Chekov said with a nod.
“This is really interesting,” Scotty said with a bright grin. “Here, see for yourself.” He passed the PADD to Spock, who began to look it over curiously. “The green line represents the amount of psychic energy released before we turned Cerebro on, the red ones represent the output as Cerebro was functioning. These blue dashes here---“ he said as he pointed. “---And all along here are like...well, best I can figure anyway, that they’re circuit breakers in your mind, essentially.”
“Fascinating,” Spock said. “They must have been erected when my telepathy began to extend outwards, as a measure of protection from the power. They must keep me from more sensitivity than I can safely handle.” He passed the PADD back to Scotty. “Will a report like this be run when we test this device on Doctor McCoy?”
“Sure, we can be even more detailed if you want. Though, I feel I should tell you that any more detailed will make it take longer to get the results.”
“That is acceptable and justified, given the sensitivity of the task.” Spock finished the water. “I would appreciate the more detailed results when we use Cerebro on Doctor McCoy.”
“Of course.” Scotty nodded. “Though...you still haven’t told us why you want to test him.”
Chekov rubbed the back of his left hand across his forehead, smudging some grease across his skin. “Yes, we are assuming there is a reason for this.”
Spock paused. “I simply wish to assess how well he is coping with his psychic abilities. There is no record of any living being having bonded with an entity such as the Phoenix. It is only logical to make certain the relationship is not harming him.”
Scotty and Chekov looked at each other. “Fair enough.” They turned back to their work. “Just let us know when you want him to come down, and we’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you, gentlemen. Your work is sincerely appreciated.”
Spock took his leave.
-----
//What have I told you about eating on our bed?//
Jim looked up, sandwich hanging out of his mouth in mid-bite, to Bones who stood in the doorway. “Mmph...” he swallowed. “You’re home early.”
//No I’m not, I’m actually thirty minutes late. Lost track of time with the inventory.//
Blinking, Jim checked the chronometer. “Oh.” He smiled. //Looks like you’re not the only one who lost track of time.//
Bones smiled as he levitated a couple of PADDs, a book, and a stylus over to the bed. They hovered in the air above it as he sat down to take off his boots. //What’re you working on?// He lounged across from Jim, one of the PADDs moving to hover in front of his face. The book and the second PADD stayed floating by his head.
//Reviewing my personal logs and being floored by how many of our assignments turn into unmitigated disasters.//
///So, light reading then.// Bones deadpanned. Long strings of medical data bled through the rapport into Jim’s head. //I’m going to go on a limb and assume you skipped eating a proper dinner to do this.//
//Eh, I wasn’t really all that hungry. Besides, I didn’t feel like being around the crowd in the mess; I can get more done in here where it’s quiet.//
Bones nodded without looking up from what he was doing. //I can understand that.//
//What are you working on?//
//Reviewing the charts from that last outbreak of Bajoran measles.//
Jim sent thoughts of affection and amusement through their mental bond. //Boy, both of us sure know how to party during our downtime.//
Bones chuckled out loud. //True.//
Jim shifted his position so that he lay next to Bones on his stomach. He reached out and ran a foot up Bones’ calf.
//Are you trying to be sneaky?//
“Hmmm?” Jim looked at Bones from the corner of his eye. “How’s that?”
Bones shook his head as he switched out the PADDs and opened the book, which was an old-fashioned paper journal. A pen appeared and made notes in the book. //Thought you were trying to seduce me.//
“Oh.” Jim smirked. “Maybe later.” He didn’t stop rubbing his foot against Bones’ calf, however. He looked up and noticed how Bones did three things at once. “That isn’t hard for you?”
//What’s hard?//
“That. You’re...you’re reading two things and writing all using your telekinesis. That’s not hard?” Jim was both perplexed and impressed.
//I’ll probably get a low headache in a couple of hours. It takes more concentration to do something gentle like write than it does to blow down a wall. The actual act is easy, but maintaining it for too long can strain a little.// Irritation flooded through the rapport at the mention of it causing a strain.
“Yeah, sure, that makes sense.” Jim went back to his reading. Warmth and love came through their bond from each of them, but they stopped exchanging words. Indeed, they didn’t need to speak to each other at all; they were comfortable enough that silence was all they needed.
Jim continued to read about the M5 mission, when he reached the paragraph about Ensign Thenhausen11 . His eyes darkened, and he frowned.
//Jim?//
“Yeah?”
Bones had moved the PADDs out of his way and looked at Jim with concern. //Your mood just took a nosedive. What’s wrong?//
Jim sighed. //Ensign Thenhausen.//
Bones frowned. //There was nothing you could have done for him.//
//Doesn’t make it right. Doesn’t make it hurt less.// Jim pushed the PADD away and sat up, crossing his arms over his chest. //In some ways every death is needless, but I’ve lost too many people, and it never gets any easier.//
//I’d be worried about you if it did; that would mean you were growing callous.//
//I know.// Jim sighed. //A good leader needs to care about his or her crew, but I wish I could avoid it all together.//
A flash came through the rapport, as if Bones had an idea. He kept his thoughts to himself for a second, as he got the look in his eyes that said he was hashing out the details of whatever it was. Jim was about to ask him what was going on when he spoke.
//Who says you can’t?//
Jim was confused. //Who says I can’t what?//
//Who says you can’t avoid the death of a crewmember?// Bones looked curious. //I mean...why can’t you? With my help, of course.//
There was a long pause.
“You can’t go on every away mission, or be everywhere on the ship,” Jim said. “Besides, that’s too much to ask of you.”
//You’re not asking, I’m offering, but that’s not where I was going with this anyway.// Bones smiled. //What I’m offering is less complicated. Let’s say for the sake of argument that the next time a crew member gets killed, we bring the body back like we always do, and I just fix them.//
That couldn’t possibly mean what it sounded like.
“Define ‘fix them’.”
// What I’m proposing is that I simply undo those mistakes.// Bones’ smile broadened. //I can bring them back.//
Jim was flabbergasted. “...That’s crazy. You can’t do that.”
Bones felt sure through the rapport, sure and not a little thrilled at the prospect. //I’m pretty sure I can. I haven’t tried it yet, but as I’ve been saying if I think it, I can do it. We can go down to engineering, and I can pull him back together from the vapors he became.//
“No, we’re not doing that,” Jim said, halfway in disbelief.
//Okay, fine, we’ll go to the morgue. There are a couple of bodies that we haven’t been able to drop off yet.// Bones shrugged. //That might be easier to start with, anyhow. I’ve got all the medical knowledge to string back together a body from pieces and particles, but I think I should start with something a little less involved.//
“I can’t believe this,” Jim said.
//Believe what? That I can bring people back? I don’t see why after everything else I’ve done. It’s not really any different from me healing someone...//
“That you’re talking about resurrecting people like it’s a game,” Jim snapped.
The smile left Bones’ face. //I’m not treating it like a game, I’m serious.//
“Okay, can you stop with the telepathy, and just...talk to me like a normal person?” Jim stood up off the bed and paced around the room. “You’re actually proposing that you start bringing people back from the dead whenever someone on my ship dies, and you seriously don’t see what’s wrong with that?”
“I don’t see anything wrong with it because it’s just the next logical step of what I can already do. I fight death every day as a doctor, and yeah, sometimes I lose but with my powers...” Bones sat up to face Jim as best as he could. “I don’t have to lose anymore. None of us do.”
“You can’t just...do that, Bones! You can’t play God like that!” Jim shook his head. “You start bringing people back on this ship, and then what? You bring people back who die of natural causes? You bring back people everywhere? People are supposed to die, Bones, it’s part of the natural order of things. You can’t just stop it from happening.”
Bones frowned. “I’ve died twice and come back both times. You telling me that’s wrong?”
That stopped Jim in his tracks. “That’s...different.”
“How?” He looked genuinely curious.
Jim had to think to formulate a response. “That wasn’t you doing it, it’s part of your bond with the Phoenix.”
“Right, and I would be using my bond with the Phoenix to do this,” Bones explained. “So how’s it okay for me to come back every time, but it’s not okay for me to pay it forward with other people?”
“Because...” Jim paced again. “Because this is you consciously making this choice. You’re actively taking a role in it, and where do you go from there? Are you going to start judging if people are worthy or not of receiving your help? Bones, that’s not for you, or for anyone else, to decide.”
Bones narrowed his eyes. “No, I wouldn’t pick and choose, I’d use my gifts to help everyone indiscriminately like I treat patients. You know me better than that.”
Jim frowned. “I know that this shouldn’t have even occurred to you, let alone you actually entertaining it like it’s a viable solution.”
“I just don’t see what the big deal with this is,” Bones admitted. “I keep pointing out that I’ve been using my powers to heal, and you’ve had no problem with me doing that. I’ve pointed out that I’ve died and been resurrected twice, but for some reason me offering to resurrect other people is out of bounds.” Bones looked thoughtful. “I wonder...” He held out a hand, and an image of a person began to form in flame. A bit of sadness came through the rapport, but it was directed inward. It threw Jim off a little, and he forgot his anger.
“What’s that?”
“It’s because I was insensitive, wasn’t it?” Bones stared down at the flame, which became more detailed. It was a man wearing an out-of-date Starfleet uniform. “I’m an asshole for not offering this first...”
A cold fear began to form in the pit of Jim’s stomach; it was completely alien to how he normally felt around Bones. It made him feel unsafe.
The flame finished forming, and Jim stared down at the image of his father.
“If there’s anyone I should bring back for you,” Bones whispered, “it’s him.”
Jim gaped at the miniature George Kirk that hovered above Bones’ palm.
His father.
He could meet his father, talk to him; he could show him the man he’d become. The figure solidified as it became more and more real. He reached out a trembling hand to touch it. Bones smiled up at him.
Shaking himself out of it, Jim pulled his hand back at the last second. He closed his eyes, before turning and grabbing his boots from by the bed.
“Jim...” Bones said, stopping as Jim brought a hand up to silence him.
“I’m going out for a walk,” Jim said as he fastened his right boot. “Just...stay out of my head, please, and let me go.”
He felt a wave of concern and pain come through their bond, but Bones answered him with his voice. “I don’t...okay,” he said, and he sounded lost. “Take your time. I’ll...I’ll be here.”
Jim nodded and left Bones’ quarters. He stalked down the hall to the turbolift, pushing the button for the observation deck. He arrived in seconds, and he was grateful to see that it was empty. After walking up to stand directly in front of the large picture window, Jim placed his hand on the rail to watch the streaks of the stars go by.
The problem wasn’t that Bones had this thought, or rather, that wasn’t the entire problem. Like he said, it was kind of a logical conclusion to his healing powers. It was also part of his job as a doctor, to help others cheat death. As worrying as it was, Jim could see where the idea came from.
The problem was that Bones had the idea.
Jim remembered how Bones acted sitting in that biobed when this whole Phoenix thing began. He was disoriented, confused, and outright weak and sick. While some of that was accounted for in that he was getting used to hosting the Phoenix force, part of it was also undeniably due to the fact that there were some things a person wasn’t supposed to do. Coming back to life, particularly from something as severe as radiation poisoning, was one of those things. So that Bones would be willing to put someone else through that was unsettling.
It was also unsettling that Bones was even willing to do it.
Losing patients was a part of his job, and he knew that. And yeah, Jim knew that sometimes doctors developed God complexes, but Bones never demonstrated that problem. He was always too ethical; he was sympathetic and compassionate, but he understood that death came with the territory.
Until now.
Spock was right; Bones changed, and he hadn’t seen it. More worryingly, he changed into someone...or something...that was okay doing things that should be anathemas to him.
If Bones suggested he start bringing people back from the dead...what else could he do?
Or rather...what else would he do?
Using his powers to do things like he was back in the room, with the journal and the PADDs...that wasn’t a big deal. Bones was a powerful psychic now, why shouldn’t he use those powers to make his life easier? He only did the healing out of perceived necessity. If Jim ordered him to only heal people with conventional methods unless it was dire, he would obey.
Maybe he worried over nothing.
After all, it was just talk. It wasn’t like Bones went ahead and brought his father back or Thenhausen. He tried to understand where he came from, and he backed off once Jim said no. He even let him storm out. So far he hadn’t once read his thoughts since he left.
It was just talk. Bones wouldn’t actually do it.
Right?
//Bones?//
There was a brief silence before a flash of bright light heralded Bones’ appearance. Jim closed his eyes as a hand covered his on the railing.
//I’m sorry.// Bones wrapped his other arm around his waist, relief coming through the rapport. //It was just a thought, Jim, I won’t do it. I won’t even bring it up again.// He nuzzled behind Jim’s ear. //I’m sorry.//
//I...// Jim sighed, but he did lean back into him. //I know, thanks. Sorry I stormed out.//
//I understand.// Bones sent love to him. //It’s my fault, you have nothing to apologize for.//
Jim closed his eyes and brought his right hand up to touch Bones’ face. They stood together like that before he turned to face him. Without a word, Bones kissed him. After a moment, Jim kissed him back. When it ended and he opened his eyes, they stood in Bones’ quarters again; Jim quirked an eyebrow at him.
//I figured it was better to bring you back here than to kiss you where...someone else could see.//
Through all the relief and happiness, Jim picked up on the bitterness. He sighed. //Can you not? I don’t have the energy for another fight. I said next week, and I mean that.//
Some of the light died out of Bones’ eyes. //I wasn’t...I didn’t...everything I do is wrong.// He let go of Jim and walked over to his closet.
Jim rubbed his hand down his face. //Sorry. I guess I’m still a bit edgy.// He sat down on the bed to take off his boots. //Let’s just call it an early night, sleep it off, okay?// He stripped down to his underwear after folding his clothes and grabbed the pajamas he kept in Bones’ quarters. //I promise it’ll be better in the morning.//
Bones nodded. //Okay.// He used his powers to change his uniform into a white undershirt and a pair of green and white striped pajama pants. He climbed into bed next to Jim, who lay stiffly on his side of the mattress. Bones didn’t reach out to touch him, instead choosing to fold his arms up under his head.
Jim rolled over onto his side to look at him.
It was a simple argument, and yet it felt like something changed. He wanted to reach out to Bones, but he held back. He could feel the similar emotions that Bones felt through their rapport; love, hope, and relief, but also pain and hesitation.
Bones turned to look at him with a sad expression. //I love you, Jim.//
//I know.// Jim quirked one side of his mouth up in a smile. //Back at you.// Having tired of the distance, he moved to rest his head on Bones’ chest. The doctor shifted and brought his arms around him. //There. Much better.//
//Thanks, darlin’.// He squeezed him once. “Lights.”
The lights turned off, and they were silent. It didn’t take long for Bones to fall asleep, the pleasant peaceful hum of quiet coming through their bond.
Jim, however...he stayed awake for a while.
-----
The light of the holographic fencing simulator glowed red, then yellow, and then green.
With that, he began.
He lunged forward, narrowly avoiding the opponent’s opening parry. The computer corrected itself and made another attempt, which he blocked with his epee.
Seeing an opening, he took it and lunged, the blade swishing through the air as it cut through the hologram’s defenses to land square on its chest. A buzzer sounded, signaling that he successfully touched the opponent and scored a point.
It was too easy. Maybe he needed to up the difficulty from moderate to hard next time.
He made his way back to his starting position, the virtual opponent doing the same. This time, Hikaru decided to try a different strategy and stayed a good distance away from it.
They stood four meters from each other, and neither of them gave any ground. After several seconds of this, the computer made half-hearted attacks on Sulu. He narrowed his eyes behind his mask; it was obvious that the computer was trying to get him to move. When it attacked in earnest, it did so with far more boldness. This was just taunting to try to get him close.
Hikaru didn’t give in. He continued to tap the opponent’s sword away from him. He also made sure to not grow complacent as he knew eventually the computer would strike.
Sure enough, the computer lunged towards him. Somewhat clumsily, Hikaru dodged and countered with his own attack. Their epees clashed several times before a buzzer sounded again.
“Shit!” he said. He felt the impact of the virtual fencer’s sword, but he was unsure if he managed to score a hit as well. He lifted his mask to check the glowing scoreboard that hovered in midair.
It read Sulu 02 | Computer 01.
Yes.
Sulu managed to get two more points that way, but the computer soon caught on to his strategy. It pushed him further and further back, not quite leaving him with no maneuvering room. He was put in the position of going on the offensive or being nailed, and it gave him mixed results. His shoes squeaked against the rubber floor as he lunged back against his opponent, sending him on the run.
The buzzer rang.
Sulu 05 | Computer 01.
This time, the computer gave no quarter. It went after him, and it caught him so off-balance it scored a touch. They reset their positions and again it lunged for him. Hikaru managed to stave it off before it scored another hit.
He had become sloppy and over-confident.
All right then.
He’d try the strategy of a one-tempo counter to a two-tempo attack.
The computer lunged at him, and he dodged and countered with one flawless stroke. It worked, and the buzzer rang out.
This time, he borrowed the computer’s strategy of lunging first. The opponent hesitated too long, and he scored another touch. He managed this several more times, raising the score in his favor. The computer corrected for it and became more aggressive, but Sulu widened the gap.
The scoreboard read Sulu 14 | Computer 09.
Just one more point, and he would win.
The opponent backtracked, and Hikaru lunged forward, giving no quarter. He blocked two attacks before he managed to counter-strike, and he saw the tip of his blade touch dead center of the opponent’s vest.
The buzzer sounded once more, and the scoreboard read Sulu 15 | Computer 09.
Hikaru stood panting as he lifted up his mask to wipe the sweat off his face. At that moment, the sound of someone clapping rung out in the room. He looked into the eyes of Commander Spock.
“Impressive,” Spock said with a subtle hint of awe in his voice. “Your skills are even greater than I have been told.”
“Thanks,” Hikaru said as he grabbed his bottle of water. He also placed his epee on a side table. “I was teaching the captain, but our schedules haven’t lined up in a few weeks.”
Spock nodded. “Indeed.”
After taking a long gulp of water, Hikaru turned his attention back to Spock. “So what can I do for you? Something tells me you didn’t come here just to watch me work out.”
“Your instinct is correct,” Spock said as he folded his hands behind his back. “I came to discuss a...sensitive matter with you. It is regarding Doctor McCoy.”
Sulu paused, before smiling a crooked smile. “That’s funny, because I wanted to talk to you about that myself.”
“Nyota tells me that you are suspicious of the Phoenix force’s intentions, and that you are concerned about the Doctor’s ability to control such power.”
Hikaru nodded. “That’s the Reader’s Digest version, but yeah.”
“I, too, have these concerns,” Spock said. “So far the Doctor has been coping with his powers, but several things he has done recently make me fear that he is beginning to...slip.”
Feeling his face go pale, Hikaru took a deep breath. “Oh yeah?” he asked, trying to not sound too nervous.
“He has used his powers to heal wounds and cure illness, and there was a battle on Platonius that he seemed to enjoy. It resulted in bringing down an entire building, and the Platonian he fought was terrified of him.” Spock raised an eyebrow. “There were also some things he said about the ‘judgment of the Phoenix’ that concern me.”
The judgment of the Phoenix? That was that legend Nyota talked about.
Sulu brought a hand up to his face and rubbed at his forehead. This is exactly what he was afraid of ever since McCoy came back from that shuttle crash.
He dropped his hand to look at Spock. “How can I help?”
“I am planning on running tests on Doctor McCoy within the next few days,” Spock explained. “I would like you to be present for them in case he does not react favorably.”
Hikaru frowned. “Okay, but I don’t know what good I’ll be against him. With his powers he can freeze me with a thought.”
“I should clarify,” Spock said after a moment. “I do not wish you to engage the doctor in a physical confrontation. Indeed, I am not certain that even the Enterprise’s weapons are capable of stopping him. I merely wish for you to be present to help me explain the necessity of such tests to both he and the captain.”
The captain? “I get McCoy not wanting to be tested; he probably doesn’t see what he’s doing, but surely Kirk notices?”
At this, Spock frowned. “I am not certain he sees the same things I do given the nature of his personal feelings for the doctor.”
It was Sulu’s turn to frown. “So, he does have feelings for him.”
Spock stayed quiet for a time. “I do not even know if he is aware of this, but there is more than friendship between them. It has been apparent to me ever since the incident with the shuttle crash. I believe these feelings are not allowing the captain to view Doctor McCoy’s situation objectively.”
“Well, you know what they say. Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Hikaru ran a hand through his hair. “No, I think you’re right about this, and if you want me there, I’ll be there. Hopefully the tests come back normal, or as normal as they can, and you won’t even need me.”
“Agreed,” Spock said with a slight incline of his head. “That is the best case scenario.”
“Right.” Hikaru didn’t say what he thought, that things rarely went with the best case on the Enterprise. “Well, if that’s all you need, I’ve got to power the computer down and shower.”
“Of course,” Spock said. “I appreciate your willingness to assist me in this matter. I would also appreciate your discretion.”
“That goes without saying,” Hikaru replied as he grabbed his towel. He and Spock walked out of the gym. Together they paused at the doorway. “Don’t worry, Spock. It’ll be our secret.”
Hikaru turned and walked to his and Pavel’s quarters with a frown on his face.
He would just hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. Hopefully, for once, the captain would listen.
-----
His hand touched empty bed, and there came no answer through their rapport.
Wait.
Sunlight?
He looked around himself; he was in an over-sized four-poster bed in the middle of a room filled with windows. Sunlight streamed in from where the heavy damask curtains had been opened. The sheets were the finest brushed cotton and were soft against his skin.
It was not where he belonged.
And yet...part of him felt at home.
A black robe sat at the far end of the bed; presumably, someone had laid it out for him. Bones was grateful for it, as he realized he was naked under the sheets.
Hadn’t he slept in pajamas?
“What the hell?” he said out loud as he climbed out of the bed to grab the robe. He tied it shut, and as he did so, he caught sight of his reflection in a large mirror.
Everything looked the same, although his hair was long enough that it could be tied back into a ponytail, and he had long, thick sideburns. He was completely non-regulation. More troubling, it would take months, if not a year, for his hair to grow to that length. How in the hell had it become so long overnight?
But why wouldn’t his hair be long; after all, it was the fashionable way to wear it. Jason’s hair was a similar length, and it made him look unbearably handsome. His heart thudded a little in his chest as he thought of him, but it passed.
Who the fuck was Jason?
Bones began to panic. Where was Jim? Why wasn’t he on the Enterprise? Who was this Jason person? Where was he? Was he back on Earth? He began to feel his head, checking for any bumps or contusions. A head injury would explain hallucinations.
Although it wouldn’t explain why this felt so...real.
The room’s heavy wooden door opened, and a man appeared. He was dressed for the day in a violet coat, and a lavender shirt with cravat. His waistcoat was embroidered with different shades of purples and violets, and his breeches matched his coat. He grinned at Bones.
“So we’ve decided to join the land of the living, eh?” He drew off his gloves before throwing them onto a table. “You missed the hunt,” he said as he made his way into the room. Bones could only watch him with confusion and, with what was perhaps most unnerving, longing.
//Jim?// He tried reaching out again. //Jim, answer me! Spock! Anyone!//
“That fox nearly bested us,” the man (Jason, some part of Bones’ mind reminded him, though he had no idea how or why he knew that) continued. “But we got him in the end. Still though, it was a most excellent chase. It’s a pity you didn’t join us, but then you always have prized your sleep above all else.” Jason turned to face him, and his grin turned to concern. “Are you all right, Leonard? You’ve gone pale, as if you’d seen a ghost.” He rushed to his side. “Here, let’s get you back in bed before you faint.”
Jason took him by the arm and led him to the bed. Bones shook his arm out of his grasp. This was wrong. This was wrong, and he didn’t belong there, and he didn’t know who this Jason was but he acted way too familiar. “I feel sick,” he said out loud, and Jason frowned.
“My apologies, then, for making fun of you, sweet heart.” Jason pulled the covers back down. “Shall I have Tessa bring you something to eat?”
“I don’t understand this,” Bones snapped. “And stop coddling me, I’m a doctor, damn it. I can take care of myself.” Contrary to his harsh words, he allowed Jason to push him into bed.
Jason regarded him with a strange look. “You must be feeling sick for you to speak so harshly. You’re normally more reserved than this, Leonard, and placid, like a stream.”
Part of him felt shamed by his words, as if he was unreasonable and lashing out; regret filled him. “I...I’m sorry. I just have the...I don’t think I should be here.” The regret receded back into nausea and doubt. “This isn’t my home, and judging by the way you’re dressed it’s not even my time. None of this makes sense.”
Jason sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t understand what you’re saying. Do you know who I am?”
“Jason Wyngarde,” Bones answered before he could stop himself. “But I was with Jim Kirk, in our bed on the starship Enterprise...”
“Starship?” Jason looked baffled. “What is a starship?”
Okay. Yeah. Definitely not his time.
“What year is it?” Bile rose in his throat. There were thoughts in the back of his mind that he was worrying over nothing, and that everything was fine, but another, stronger part of him was terrified.
“1770,” Jason answered with a worried frown. “You’re trembling, perhaps if you were to rest more...”
“I don’t want to rest,” Bones said. “I just...I need to get home!”
“Sweet heart,” Jason said, and he took his hands in his. “You are home. You’re in our bed in the manor. You slept so late you missed the foxhunt. We have an appointment at the Hellfire Club later to eat with Shaw.” He smiled. “This is where you belong, Leonard.”
“I...” He began, but Jason placing two fingers over his lips cut him off. Once more, his emotions were in turmoil; part of him wished to be comforted by him, but the other part wanted to run away.
“Rest now,” Jason said with a smile as he brushed some of the hair off Bones’ face. “You’ll feel better after you’ve slept. I will send word to Shaw that you aren’t well, and we will meet with him another time.” He reached behind him and fluffed the pillow there. Bones lay in a more comfortable position with the sheets tucked up under his arms. “There we are. I wish I could join you, but I have some business to which I must attend.”
Jason’s smile grew more heated as he leaned down and kissed Bones. Bones got swept away by feelings that were so intense they overpowered all of his fears. He kissed Jason back hungrily, as if his very life depended on it.
Bones jerked away, sitting up abruptly in a darkened room. There was no sunlight; indeed, there were no windows as he was back in his quarters on the Enterprise. He reached a hand up to the back of his neck, and sure enough, his hair was short. Breathing heavily, he tried to calm himself by looking down at the bed; Jim lay next to him where he should be, although he stirred.
“Mmmnngh...Bones?”
Bones swallowed. //Yeah, Jim?//
//What’s wrong?// He could feel Jim become more alert through the rapport. //I felt you panicking in my sleep. What happened?//
Bones hesitated; he needed to explain, but he wasn’t sure how to or where to begin. //Bad dream. It just...it felt incredibly real. Like I was awake and doing everything in it.//
Jim sat up and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. //Do you need anything?//
//I...// He tried to will the thoughts of that Jason out of his head. //Just a minute to settle down.//
Jim nodded before wrapping his arms around him. He pulled both of them back down to bed, arranging them so Bones’ head was pillowed on his shoulder. Without a word, Jim stroked his hair. Bones relaxed, and his heart filled with warmth and gratitude.
//Thanks, darlin’. I feel worlds better now.// He sent a wave of love through the rapport. //Let’s go back to sleep.//
//Mmmhmmm.// It sounded like Jim was already halfway there. “Nigh’, Bones.”
Bones closed his eyes, his breathing deepened, and he slept. He didn’t dream of Wyngarde a second time; he instead dreamt of he and Jim vacationing on Risa together.
When he woke the next morning, he was happy and relieved.
He was also disappointed.
4) Translated from the Russian: “Neat…it’s working…”
5) Translated from the Russian: “You’re so brilliant, it gets me hot.”
6) Translated from the Russian: “I wonder what he’d say if I asked him out to dinner.”
7) Translated from the Russian: “Oh God, he can hear me!”
8) Translated from the Swahili: “I can't wait until I'm off duty...I was just in the middle of learning about the Shi'ar wedding customs.”
9) Translated from the Swahili: “I must be imagining things.”
10) The M5 incident refers to the episode “The Ultimate Computer.”
11) The ensign that dies in “The Ultimate Computer” was never given a name. I’ve fixed that.
