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McCoy had been searching for Spock for almost twenty minutes when Saavik suggested looking in the main recreation area on deck twenty. Saavik had been correct. He found Spock seated before one of the computer terminals, oblivious to anyone or anything nearby.
The doctor walked slowly through the large, sparsely populated rec room and stopped in front of the computer console occupied by Spock.
McCoy wondered if Spock was even aware of his presence until the Vulcan looked up. "Did you wish to speak to me, Doctor?"
The chief surgeon tried to put on his best 'official doctor's business' face, but his deep concern for Kirk showed through in spite of the effort, "I've come to give you an update on Jim's condition."
Spock said nothing but indicated a chair to the doctor.
"Thanks, I think I will sit down." McCoy hit the chair a little harder than he had planned, an indication of just how tired and preoccupied he really was. "Spock, I'm afraid it's not going well for Jim."
Spock's interest picked up noticeably. He closed down the terminal to give McCoy his full attention. "In what way, Doctor?"
McCoy leaned forward in his chair and let out a sigh. "Practically every way, Spock. His vitals are stable, but at low levels. He should be gaining strength by now, but he's not progressing as well as he should be. Most disturbing, though, are the nightmares. He's under a lot of stress, even when he's asleep. Unusual REM patterns and his brain wave readings are way off. Literally, he's not his old self."
Spock nodded in agreement. "I do remember reading that the Admiral was experiencing many difficulties with sleep."
"Yes, that was my assessment. You read my preliminary report of what happened on Romulus?"
Spock nodded again and shut his eyes momentarily as if the specifics from the report would be easier to remember. "Yes, Doctor, it would seem the Romulans were... less than kind to him."
"Less than kind?" McCoy began to get agitated. "You call repeated torture, executing his fellow captives and being subjected to that mental scanning thing, less than kind?"
The Ambassador let McCoy vent his emotions. It was not only good diplomatic practice, but he knew it was the Doctor's way of releasing the anger and frustration built up while treating Kirk and Rameriz. There was no doubt that handling the Doctor's frequent outbursts over the years had done much to prepare in becoming an ambassador. "Is Commander Rameriz experiencing similar problems?"
"No, Spock. It seems the Romulans did very little with or to Miguel other than use him as a lever against Jim. They threatened to kill all of the captives if Jim continued resisting their inquiries. In the end, he did cooperate, in his own way. That may also be contributing to the problems he's having, guilt; maybe even survivor's guilt."
The Vulcan looked at his old friend and posed a difficult question. "Do you have any specific treatments in mind, Doctor?"
McCoy's anger died a bit and he sat back in the chair, throwing his arms in the air. "Frankly, no, Spock. Chapel, Tavar and I have exhausted all the possibilities, given our present situation.
"I'm hoping that maybe we can find a psychologist or specialist that can get a better handle on this, but I'm not overly optimistic. I think the best cure is going to be time and rest. Being around a few friendly faces wouldn't hurt either. That brings me to the other reason I wanted to see you. What are your plans after we get back to Earth?"
Spock spoke softly and slowly, "I had postponed a prior assignment to undertake this mission. Since my recent advancement to the position of Vulcan's Ambassador-at-Large, my presence has been requested. We are commencing shipments of much needed relief and aid to the Klingons. The after effects of the Praxis incident is far worse than originally thought and getting progressively more so. I will be leading a team to assist with that and more, including arrangements for further trade and cultural exchanges with the Klingons."
McCoy looked genuinely impressed. "You're going to the Klingon home world?"
"Yes, Doctor, the process has been aided considerably by General Koord. Our conversations, while aboard Enterprise, have been most productive. He has arranged transportation and lodgings, as well as key persons to contact, therefore cutting the usual red tape associated with such endeavors. Why do you ask?"
Recovering from Spock's revelation, McCoy responded as if he had been hurt personally. "I was hoping that you might be able to remain on Earth for a while, to help with Jim's recovery."
"I see; unfortunately the mission to the Klingon Empire cannot be postponed again. However, would it help if I returned after my tasks are concluded? I could even expedite my work to ensure a faster return."
The doctor had planned to jump on Spock for not being able to delay the Klingon trip but smiled instead at the alternative. "Okay, Spock, but Jim and I may travel a bit. If so, I'll leave word on how to get in touch with us at the Vulcan Embassy." McCoy rose slowly and turned to leave.
"Doctor, I am positive he will be just fine, especially with you looking after his welfare."
McCoy smiled at the compliment but said nothing. After all, compliments from Spock were now becoming commonplace. Instead, he made his way back out of the rec area and to his quarters for a much needed rest.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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