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Spock was deep in meditation when the door chime sounded. In a brief moment, he had cleared his thoughts and moved across his quarters to the door and called, "Come!"
The door slid open to reveal Doctor McCoy. He entered the darkened room tentatively, "Spock, I didn't get a chance to speak to you at the briefing, and our encounter in the corridor was... shall we say, abbreviated at best; and more business-like than... friendly. It's good to see you again." McCoy was grinning from ear to ear. The soft, southern drawl was almost twice as thick as Spock remembered, but it was unmistakably McCoy. "Hope I wasn't interrupting your nightly meditation or anything else."
Spock avoided the need to lie. "Your visit is most welcome, Doctor."
The surgeon was genuinely and visibly surprised by the Vulcan's statement. "Why, Spock, don't tell me you've managed to mellow since I saw you last."
Spock's eyebrow inched up slightly, "'Mellow,' Doctor?"
McCoy's broad smile dimmed slightly, "Never mind, Spock, never mind."
Ignoring the comment, Spock remained silent.
Looking as if he were searching for a way to start a conversation, he began with the question on everyone's mind. "Do you think we'll actually be able to rescue Jim?" McCoy's voice and facial expression reflected hope, but also genuine concern.
"Presuming he is still alive, or at least in stasis, and that his transponder is still functioning, I would say his chances are better than 70-30. However, the ever-changing political situation on Romulus could alter those odds dramatically. At this point, I am more concerned with the complex Romulan politics than with the Admiral's well-being."
Bristling at what he perceived as an 'insensitive' statement, McCoy was about to speak, when Spock continued.
"The Admiral is a very strong individual, with excellent prospects of survivability. However, if certain groups on Romulus gain strength, I fear he may be in great danger. Even if we are able to rescue him and the others, their long term exposure to stasis could prove quite detrimental. That is why I am quite pleased to have you aboard to look after the Admiral's health. I know he will be in good hands."
Now McCoy was really surprised. Three compliments from Spock in one day! "Why, thank you, Spock. You really think I can make a difference? I suppose I do know him better than anyone else."
"Indeed, Doctor, your presence is one of the reasons I agreed to this mission in the first place."
Another compliment, McCoy wasn't sure if Spock was slipping mentally. Maybe the Vulcan didn't get all of his marbles back during the fal-tor-pan ritual. "Spock, are you being serious?"
"Quite serious, Doctor. I had three reasons for getting this mission approved and participating in it."
McCoy stood speechless and somewhat dumbfounded, trying to absorb the barrage of compliments while Spock continued.
"First, I have a genuine interest in resolving the issue of Admiral Kirk's ultimate fate. As you well know, his interest, and yours, in my welfare years ago, resulted in the restoration of my life and afforded me a 'second chance'. I owe the Admiral, and you, much more than I can ever hope of repaying. In any event, I thought that my assistance would be appropriate and helpful.
"Second, the opportunity to visit the Romulan home world, especially during a time of political upheaval, was too great to ignore. In my current position, as a diplomat, it seemed to me that I could learn much and perhaps even begin a new chapter in Federation/Romulan history.
"Lastly, as I have stated, there was you, Doctor. The opportunity to work with you again intrigued me. Knowing your long term association and special relationship with the Admiral, I believe his survivability prospects would be greatly increased. In fact, I insisted on your inclusion on this mission when I spoke with Admiral Walking Bear."
Now the good doctor was in shock. He had just received more compliments from Spock in one day than in over thirty years of association with the Vulcan. He was touched and it showed.
Spock cocked his head to one side, "Doctor, I believe I have embarrassed you. I am quite sorry if I have --"
"No, no, Spock... it's perfectly fine." Rubbing his eyes with the back of his sleeves, McCoy avoided looking at Spock until he had composed himself. When the doctor looked up again, Spock was watching serenely. The Vulcan's face was absent of any obvious emotion, but the doctor was certain he saw a look of concern. "Don't worry, Spock, I won't drop dead. Not yet anyway, but if you keep up those compliments and pained looks, I might not be able to help with Jim's rescue." He finished on a weak smile.
Spock remained silent; McCoy was just being his old self. He estimated the human probably had only another decade or so left in his life. Spock was not about to do anything to upset the elderly man at this point, in fact... quite the opposite.
Looking back on their long association, maybe he had been too hard on the doctor. More importantly, Spock knew that bearing the katra was particularly tough on the human. The surgeon's thought processes, memory, psychology and even his medical reputation had been severely taxed during the whole affair. Although Spock had not actually been conscious during most of what transpired during the 'transfer' process, some of what happened and most of what Doctor McCoy had suffered was passed on through the subconscious to Spock's memory. Over time, Spock experienced those impressions of what the doctor had felt. Spock had also filled in some of the missing pieces through conversations with Starfleet personnel, friends and Admiral Kirk's observations.
Starfleet had almost dismissed McCoy at that particular low point. He had even been confined to the mental ward of Starfleet's Security Section. Both Spock and Sarek had personally intervened on his behalf and explained to Starfleet the special circumstances for the doctor's unusual behavior. Now years later, the doctor was soon to be promoted to the Surgeon General's post. The promotion was well deserved and his inclusion on this mission was not only a nice gesture, it was eminently practical.
Ambassador Spock looked closer at his friend. Maybe he wasn't so tired looking after all. This mission was probably injecting a lot of energy into him and just a bit of hope for the future.
"Spock, you okay?" McCoy had edged just a bit closer to the Vulcan to check for visible signs of illness.
"Just thinking, Doctor. How long before you accept the Surgeon General's position?"
"What the devil are you talking about?" McCoy was only mildly agitated, but definitely curious.
"Actually, Doctor, it's quite well known throughout Starfleet."
McCoy scowled, "But you're not in Starfleet. How would you know what the latest scuttlebutt was?"
Spock sighed and then explained. "You must be aware that before the appointment is made, all prospects are screened and extensive interviews are conducted. Your name was considered very early on. When Walking Bear approached me regarding your promotion, I gave my highest possible recommendation. Therefore, it is only logical to assume that you would be offered the position --"
"You did what?" The elderly human was now completely flustered... born mostly from embarrassment, but also emotion. "That does it. One too many compliments for a day, I just can't take the shock!" The doctor headed for the door, "If I can't get a decent insult from you, then this is going to be a boring trip!"
Spock was at a loss for words and remained quiet as he watched his old friend leave.
"I'll see you later, Spock, I need to get back to sickbay, but... thanks for the recommendation." The elderly human turned and left the room quickly.
Alone in the empty corridor, McCoy spoke softly to no one. "Thank you for everything, Spock." Then wiping away a bit of moisture from his eyes, he made his way back to his office. "Must have got some of Spock's incense or candle smoke in my eyes," he said quietly.
Inside his quarters, Spock thought of his friend then returned to his meditation. Maybe someday he would understand his friend. Maybe, but he doubted it. He was, however, satisfied.
He had accomplished his goal, making his old friend feel good. If the rescue mission failed, perhaps that feeling would soften the blow. The surgeon would still have something positive to remember, five compliments in one day.
His impressions from the doctor still lingered and he now knew how important their friendship had meant and how much the doctor had longed for words of encouragement and a real friendship. With Kirk gone and his inability to connect with his daughter, the human needed something to hold on to. Sadly, he had outlived many of his peers as well. Spock could not give the human emotional support as such, but the compliments would not violate the Vulcan traditions and it would help his friend.
Spock, satisfied, returned to his meditation.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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