A/N: I’ve used some pretty weird made-up names for the characters on the planet of FomalhautB. So weird I can’t keep straight who is who. As a handy guide, here are the characters from the planet and who they are. I guess from now on I should name all my characters Bob. Bob1 Bob2 Bob3. Or in the best of Southern traditions, SomethingBob – JoeBob, BillyBob, AlanBob. Yeah, next time. FomalhautBans our friends encounter:

UmEEg’Y - Protector
Liaison - BAn'A'At - cultural interpreter and liaison
YArAch'I - First Counsel
Minister An'EnA - head of the parliament
IngErt'E – UmEEg’Y’s first wife
Em'EkdU - aide to UmEEg’Y
WrUA’En – aide to BAn'A'At

-----------------

When they arrived at FomalhautB, Spock asked Jim which crewmembers he would recommend be included in the landing party, Jim advising him to take Chekov and Uhura, as well as Lt. Ayers, the cultural anthropologist. She could help determine the real reasons the residents had so far refused to join. Jim suggested that Spock also take Lt. Matherson because he was good in delicate diplomatic situations even if it weren’t his actual assignment. Spock couldn’t risk overwhelming them, and at the same time needed to take enough to show the Federation’s real interest their membership.

Jim went with the landing party to the transporter room, seeing them off as they would probably be gone for three or four days and nights, depending on how long the FomalhautBans would allow them to stay.

//Good luck,// Jim said, Spock repeating it out loud when they were all on the transporter pad. The crewmembers nodded, looking very much like they wanted Jim to be with them but knew there was nothing they could do about him remaining on board. When they were gone, Jim sighed before turning to Scotty who looked at him sympathetically.

“Do you want to come with me to Engineering, sir? We’re goin’ to replace the lines to the aft replicators.”

“Will I be in your way?” Jim wrote.

“Not at all, sir. I’d appreciate your help,” Scotty assured him, leading him out of the transporter room.

“Would you tell Bones where I am, please?”

Scotty stopped by the closest wall intercom, informing the Doctor and also informing Sulu just in case he needed to contact the Captain for any reason. When they arrived in Engineering, Scotty gave him a pair of overalls to keep his uniform clean, and a wrench, requesting he dismantle the lines that were underneath one of the units. Scotty assigned one of his ensigns to help the Captain, although the ensign was so nervous being around Jim, he was more in the way than useful but Jim didn’t really mind.

Jim had been working on the lines for about 45 minutes, laying on his back and looking up at the mechanism, when he felt Spock return to the ship. //What’s wrong?//

//We are fine, t’hy’la. I will come explain,// Spock assured him, making his way to Engineering.

Jim scooted out from under the replicator mechanism, writing the ensign a note to explain his actions and requesting a cup of coffee, the ensign nodding and walking away when he heard Spock enter.

//Hi,// Jim said, looking up at Spock and seeing no lines of tension on his face. He looked slightly amused or possibly annoyed. Maybe some of each.

“It turns out that the FomalhautBans allowed the Enterprise to come negotiate because they wanted the chance to meet Captain James T. Kirk about whom they have heard so many wonderful stories,” Spock said as he sat down next to the infamous Captain.

//Oh,// Jim responded with a silent laugh. //I’m sorry.//

“There is no need. They are pleased to meet your First Officer but will not negotiate with me.”

//Do they know I can’t talk?// Jim asked.

“I explained the reasons you were not in the landing party. They are concerned about your injuries and if you are too incapacitated to visit with them, we will need to leave orbit immediately.”

//I guess the Federation didn’t get that memo, huh?//

“It would appear that the FomalhautBans did not make their preference clear,” Spock agreed. “It complicates matters that their society prohibits same gender unions.”

//Oh. That is a problem. Will they wait while I write down my responses?//

“They too are touch telepaths,” Spock said.

//That’s another problem. They’re bound to know about us when they touch me,// Jim said in concern.

“Your shielding techniques are flawless, love. I do not believe they will attempt to go where they are not invited.”

//If they know about the Famous Captain Kirk, don’t they know I’m bonded to my Fabulous First Officer?//

“I believe they do know and are wiling to overlook the fact that we violate one of their taboos. I would recommend that I not return to the surface with you. It will only complicate matters in their minds if I am there.”

//Okay. I’d rather have you come but you’re right about staying here. We need to talk to Chris,// Jim said.

“Indeed. However, it is 2:30 in San Francisco,” Spock said.

//2:30 a.m.?//

“Yes. Do you wish to wake a different Admiral?” Spock suggested.

//No. Chris won’t hold it against us. And then he can wake up the other Admirals.//

“Very well,” Spock agreed, standing and holding down a hand to help Jim up. “Do you wish to go to our quarters?”

//Yeah. So we’ll have a secure channel. I guess it doesn’t matter so much but it will make things less complicated.//

“I agree,” Spock said, telling Scotty what was happening when he had wandered over.

//Ask him if I can be dismissed,// Jim said, accepting the coffee from the eager ensign, Spock thanking him.

“Certainly you may leave,” Scotty agreed with a laugh when Spock repeated Jim’s request. “You are welcome to use the computer in my office, sirs.”

//Tell him thanks but if Pike says I can go, I’ll need to shower and change anyway,// Jim said. Spock repeated it to Scotty who agreed and watched them leave. //You’ll need to tell Bones too. He’ll probably insist on going.//

“Undoubtedly,” Spock said as they went down the corridor.

//Will the FomalhautBans mind if he’s there?//

“I do not believe they will object,” Spock said, stopping by a wall intercom when Dr. McCoy paged him. “Spock here.”

“Everything okay?” Bones asked.

Spock explained, Bones laughing at the insistence of the residents.

“Serves the Federation right,” McCoy said.

“You will accompany Jim if Admiral Pike agrees?”

“Sure. Let me know. Do I need to put on my dress uniform?”

“That would be advisable, as they had already planned a formal dinner in honor of the Captain’s visit,” Spock said. “I will contact you when we have spoken to the Admiral.”

“Fine.”

Spock and Jim continued to their quarters, sitting behind Jim’s desk so that Spock could ask Akia to contact Admiral Pike. “Yes, Lieutenant, I am aware that it is 0240 in San Francisco,” Spock assured her.

//Don’t yell at her,// Jim requested with a laugh.

//It hardly qualifies as yelling, sir,// Spock returned, waiting as Akia contacted the Admiral.

//Sir?// Jim laughed. Spock just ignored him, turning his attention to the screen when it solidified to reveal a very sleepy Admiral Pike.

“This better be good, Spock,” the Admiral said with a frown.

Spock explained the reason for the contact, Chris nodding in understanding. “Go ahead, Jim. I’ll take care of reinstating you tomorrow. Establishing diplomatic relationships with FomalhautB is more important than Command’s insistence you be relieved,” Chris said.

“Thank you, sir. He will send a full report back once he’s met with the representatives.”

“Good. I wish you could go with him Spock but I understand the reasons you need to stay on board. Include McCoy in the landing party.”

“We have already alerted him, sir. He will be beaming down with the Captain,” Spock said.

“Good, good. Try not to give away too many Federation secrets,” Chris said to Jim with a laugh.

//Tell him the only secret I’ll give away is his personal communication code so they can contact him tomorrow night.//

Spock repeated it as seriously as he could, rewarded with Chris’s laugh.

“Why did I think it was a good idea to rescue you?” Chris asked, the laughter lighting his eyes.

Jim just shrugged innocently, waiting as Spock signed off before going into their bathroom to strip and shower. He smiled when Spock joined him, enjoying the warmer hands on his body. //I can do it myself.//

“I am aware. However you may be gone for three to four days. I must remain separate from you.”

//I’m going to miss you too. But I told you that before you beamed down.//

“You did,” Spock agreed, washing Jim’s hair for him.

//When I get back, my jaw should be healed enough for us to make love,// Jim suggested, looking up at Spock from under his eyelashes.

Spock shook his head, silently amused by Jim’s words. “An occasion I look forward to with much anticipation.”

//Me too,// Jim said as Spock helped him out in order to gently dry him. When Jim had on his dreaded dress uniform, Spock notified McCoy to meet them in the transporter room, McCoy telling them he would be there momentarily.

“How are you feeling?” Bones asked Jim when he arrived in the transporter room.

“He is feeling better than he has,” Spock responded for him.

“Good. I know you wish you could come too,” McCoy said sympathetically.

“Personal preference often must be set aside in order to fulfill our duties,” Spock said.

“Yeah, that’s for sure. I’ll take good care of him,” McCoy promised.

//Tell him thanks and that I am still right here.//

//I will not,// Spock refused. “Return to us safely.”

“We will,” McCoy promised, stepping on the pad with Jim, Scotty sending them down.

Spock waited until they disappeared before returning to the Bridge, making sure his mental barriers were firmly in place, feeling the distance that rarely existed between them.

When Jim and McCoy arrived on the planet, the other members of the landing party were gathered in the courtyard of the governmental complex.

“Captain,” Uhura said, a tone of relief in her quiet voice at his arrival. “They are a strange lot.” This was quite a remark for Uhura to make as she was one of the most open-minded of his crew, except where he was concerned. He looked at her quizzically, silently requesting illumination.

“They are…well, I know you read the briefings,” she said with a shrug.

“What I think she’s trying to say, sir, is that they are extremely curious about us and don’t have the kind of societal barriers we take for granted,” Lt Ayers explained. She was almost as beautiful as Uhura, her skin and hair much the same color, her eyes sparkling with delight at almost everything she encountered. At the moment, they were clouded with confusion and concern.

“They ask a lot of…personal questions, sir,” Lt. Matherson agreed with a resigned shrug. He was tall and lean, brown hair in strict regulation style, his dress uniform impeccable. He could be the poster boy for Starfleet decorum. And for all his propriety, there was still an easy manner about him, warm and welcoming, one reason he was often included in away missions even though not many ships’ quartermasters were generally included.

“Are you feeling all right, Captain?” Chekov asked, concern on his face as he studied the Captain.

Jim nodded at him, laying a light hand on his arm in reassurance, making Chekov smile in understanding.

“Where are they?” McCoy asked, looking around at the beautiful miniature garden where they were all standing.

“Preparing the banquet,” Uhura said. “I hope you aren’t too hungry.”

“The Captain still can’t eat anything solid,” McCoy reminded them.

They all nodded, turning to the glass doors when they swept open so that the planet representatives could enter the garden. Jim and McCoy tried unsuccessfully not to stare at the six FomalhautBans. Even reading the mission briefing did not fully prepare them for the sight of the three men and three women who were no taller than three feet, looking almost exactly like humans except for their diminutive size and unusual colorings. Jim really wished that “Lollipop Guild” would stop repeating in his head and knew he had to contain that song before he made physical contact with any of the residents.

“Ah, Captain Kirk,” the leader said - if his elaborate clothes were an adequate indication of his rank. He wore bright blue robes over white pants that looked to be made of something like silk, as was his shirt. His hair was also blue, the color almost a perfect match for McCoy’s dress uniform top. All of the speaker’s short (by human standards at least) fingers were bedecked with elaborate rings, each one encrusted with shining jewels. Those accompanying him were also dressed in much finery, blues and whites in every combination, the blue of the other dignitaries not as regal.

Captain Kirk nodded in acknowledgement of the greeting, the others in his away team automatically standing just a little closer, for his protection or theirs he was not certain. He extended his right hand, the leader clasping it with his left. Jim was momentarily disoriented by the contact, the thoughts of the other flooding him until he was able to reinforce his barrier. //Greetings from the Federation.//

“Thank you, Captain,” he said, smiling up at the Captain, his row of perfect tiny teeth showing between purplish lips. “I am UmEEg'Y, Protector of FomalhautB. Welcome.”

//Thank you, Protector. This is Dr. Leonard McCoy, our Chief Medical Officer. I trust you do not object to his arrival.//

“Not in the least, Captain,” UmEEg’Y assured him. “Your First Officer explained about your accident. Quite regrettable. You are feeling more healed and in less pain than you had been?”

//I am,// Kirk agreed, glancing over at the other residents who were waiting patiently to be introduced. Even though their faces were much smaller than those he was accustom to seeing, their expressions were the all-too familiar mixture of awe and excitement.

“Yes, of course, Captain. Allow me to introduce you to the rest of our party.”

Jim realized from that statement that his barriers were not as solid as he had thought and concentrated on firming them as he approached the other five FomalhautBans.

“This is An'EnA, head of our parliament, YArAch'I who is First Counsel, BAn'A'At our cultural interpreter and liaison, Em'EkdU my aide, and IngErt'E, she who is my first wife,” UmEEg’Y said, indicating each person as he introduced them.

//I am pleased to make your acquaintance,// the Captain said as they all touched him. He was relieved that their thoughts seemed mostly contained, not threatening to overwhelm his mental defenses. //I apologize for my inability to speak to you.//

“You needn’t concern yourself, Captain. We have no objection to communicating with you telepathetically,” Minister An’EnA assured him. She was the same height as UmEEg’Y but appeared taller with her green hair piled in an intricate arrangement on top of her head.

//Thank you, Minister,// the Captain said with a nod. When the introductions were complete, UmEEg’Y indicated that should adjourn inside, the Humans stooping down to fit through the door that came only to their chests. Once inside, they found themselves in an elaborate banquet hall, decorative candles everywhere, the tables forming a U, places set for 100 or more guests. UmEEg’Y lead them to the head table, everyone who had previously been standing around watching the new arrivals going toward the tables.

//This is beautiful,// the Captain said to UmEEg’Y when he was touching the Protector’s shoulder. //We are honored.//

“It is you who honor us with your presence, Captain. I trust the telepathy of our residents is not upsetting to you,” UmEEg’Y said, smiling up at Jim.

//I am aware of their thoughts but able to filter them,// Kirk assured him.

“Is touch telepathy common in Humans?” Minister An’EnA asked, also touching him so she would be aware of his answer.

//Humans are not telepathic, Minister. Vulcans are. I have become receptive to the thoughts of others from sharing his,// he explained.

“Ah. Your First Officer instructed you in the shielding,” An’EnA said. Liaison BAn'A'At was arranging members of the away team, indicating where each of them should sit, a member of the planet delegation in between. Jim was situated between UmEEg’Y and Minister An’EnA, Bones on her left.

//Yes Minister,// Jim agreed, before turning his attention to UmEEg’Y who seemed ready to make an announcement.

“Honored guests,” UmEEg’Y said, all eyes on him. “We are proud to have with us Captain James Kirk and his people. He represents the finest of Starfleet and will be with us several days while we discuss their request that we join their organization. Captain Kirk suffered a terrible accident and broke his jaw. He cannot speak with us but does not object to communicating with us through touch. Don’t everyone try to talk with him at once. He’s only a Human and will be overwhelmed by too much contact.” UmEEg’Y smiled and soft laughter filtered through the hall. UmEEg’Y turned to the Captain, looking up at him. “Do you wish to respond, Captain? I will be glad to speak for you.”

Jim had no choice but to nod, approaching the podium that only came to his knees which in other circumstances he would have found hysterical but he very carefully contained those thoughts. //We are honored to be guests on your beautiful world,// Jim said, waiting as UmEEg’Y repeated it aloud. //I look forward to becoming acquainted with you and your way of life.// He paused again, his words receiving favorable nods from those assembled. //Thank you for honoring us with this lovely banquet.//

UmEEg’Y was pleased by the sentiments, his approval transmitting to Jim through their contact before he removed his hand, indicating that they should all take a seat. Jim looked down at the chair, hoping it wouldn’t break apart under his weight. When he sat on it, it felt sturdy but his knees were beneath his chin, making it awkward to get close enough to the table. Stretching his legs out in front of him was more comfortable but he was concerned about tripping one of the many servers seeing to their meals. He thought it in his best interest not to look at the other members of the away team, certain they were similarly perplexed. The idea of Uhura and Ayers trying to sit in their short dress-uniform dresses without mortifying themselves almost made him laugh but he stopped himself before he made any sound at all.

The servers were very generous with the portions for the visitors, giving them twice the food that the residents received. Jim, of course, was only able to drink the liquid that seemed to be simple water.

“Apologies, Captain,” UmEEg’Y said when he noticed Jim was not eating. “You can’t eat any of our delicacies.”

//It’s not a concern, Protector. I am not hungry at present,// Jim assured him.

“Have you been eating soup? We have some we can give to you,” UmEEg’Y offered.

//I don’t care for any right now. Thank you.//

UmEEg’Y looked worried about his refusal, afraid he had insulted his famous visitor.

//The fact is, Protector, I haven’t quite mastered eating without half of it ending up on me,// Jim confessed, wanting to put the Protector at ease concerning his perceived breech.

//Ah,// the Protector laughed silently. //I can see how this would be a concern. When you are in your chamber, I will have soup sent. Will that be acceptable to you?//

//That’s very thoughtful of you, Protector. Thank you.//

“Are the crew members with you married?” the Protector asked, looking down at the table as the Humans chatted with the natives. The abrupt change of subject left Jim behind for a second before he caught up with the other man’s words.

//Lt. Ayers is, sir. She is married to an engineer aboard the Enterprise. None of the others are.//

“Is this usual for Humans, Captain? By their age, we would all be married with many off-spring. Except your Chekov. He would be married soon.”

//Most Humans marry, Protector. While Starfleet does not forbid married couples from serving together, their preference is that they take an Earth assignment when they do,// Jim explained.

“And why is that? They don’t want your people to be happy?”

//The inherent dangers of space exploration, sir. And the women who have children must be reassigned to Earth or leave their children with caretakers there.//

//This is how you were raised,// UmEEg’Y said in realization.

//Apologies, Protector. I didn’t intend to make you aware of that,// Jim said, regretting the infusion of emotions he thought he had contained.

//No apologies are necessary, Captain. You weren’t raised by your parents.//

//My father was killed in the line of duty while I was being born,// Jim explained. //My mother continued her career in Starfleet when I was old enough to be left on Earth.//

//And yet you joined Starfleet. I would have thought that would be your last choice.//

//A friend persuaded me to join, Protector. It wasn’t the career path I planned to follow. I have not regretted it since,// Jim assured him, sipping his water and hoping it would cool his cheeks he was sure were fire engine red.

//Though it is not our way, I understand you are in a relationship with your First Officer,// UmEEg’Y said with an implied question.

//We are married in Human terms, Protector,// Jim agreed. //Our society has no prohibitions against marriage between two consenting adults.//

//This is an interesting concept. You were not required to take an Earth assignment?//

//Neither of us will be having children, Protector,// Jim said, his laughter transmitting across to the other man.

//Indeed.//

To Jim’s relief, the Protector’s attention was diverted by a question from his aide Em'EkdU who wanted to know if it was time for dessert to be served, UmEEg’Y telling him it was an excellent time.

//Are you doing all right, love?// Spock’s comforting thoughts asked Jim.

//What are you doing with me?// Jim laughed silently.

//I felt your unease at the Protector’s questions.//

Jim mentally shrugged at that, carefully sipping more water, not surprised when some of it dripped down the front on his tunic. //How’s things on my ship?// he asked as he carefully blotted up the water.

//Very quiet. Think only of us if it helps,// Spock said.

//I will. Oh. Here comes Liaison BAn'A'At to ask me something.// Jim felt Spock ease away, missing his presence but concentrated on not thinking about it as BAn'A'At lightly touched his hand.

“Captain,” she said with a smile for him, her face lighting up.

//Liaison,// Jim returned, smiling back at her.

“I thought perhaps you would appreciate an opportunity to rest, sir. We will begin discussions at 11:00 our time,” she explained.

//11:00, Liaison?//

“We conduct all of our negotiations after the setting of the sun, Captain. Fewer distractions. Fewer interruptions,” she said patiently.

//I see,// Jim said, considering this news. //What time is it now, Liaison?//

“It is 8:30.”

//Ah. When does your sun set?//

“At 9:56 today. If you would like to rest, one of our aides can come for you at 10:45.”

//I believe a rest would be welcome,// Jim decided. //Will my crew be escorted to chambers as well?//

“Certainly,” BAn'A'At agreed. “Do you wish to retire now or wait until they have finished?”

//As I cannot partake of your lovely desserts, I don’t mind going now, Liaison. Will you explain to my crew for me?//

“Of course,” she agreed, going down the table to converse quietly with Dr. McCoy who suddenly decided the chocolate mousse cake was not to his liking.

“I will see that he rests,” McCoy said to BAn'A'At, making Jim frown. But he couldn’t tell Bones not to come without asking BAn'A'At to convey the information. Which he knew Bones knew. He was planning to slap that triumphant look off Bones’ face as soon as they were alone.

BAn'A'At nodded in agreement, turning them over to her aide whom she introduced as WrUA’En. WrUA’En looked to be a few years than BAn'A'At, his burgundy hair liberally sprinkled with pink which Jim assumed was his version of grey.

“If you will follow me, sirs,” WrUA’En said with a tiny bow, waiting as Jim stood to tower above him. Dr. McCoy stood on the other side of the aide, slowly exiting the banquet hall, all those present not able to stop from staring at their famous guest. Jim reinforced his mental barricades against all of the rampant thoughts of those surrounding them, the appreciative stares and inappropriately personal ideas the hardest to filter.

It was a relief when they left behind the hall to walk down the corridor, the ceiling only a few feet over the heads of the Humans. The corridor was decorated with paintings of the planet on their right side, windows lining the left side.

“Do these painting depict significant events in your history?” McCoy asked, the silence hanging uneasily over them.

“Yes, Doctor. This one, for instance,” WrUA’En said, stopping by a picture of a crowd standing below the palace steps, a lone man at the top addressing the people gathered. “This is the first Protector of FomalhautB promising representation all peoples.”

“I understood your government is a monarchy,” McCoy said, looking down at the aide.

“Yes. It is no longer an absolute monarchy, sir. We have representation and the Protector solicits their advice on all monumental decisions.”

“Like joining the Federation,” Bones suggested lightly.

“Precisely,” WrUA’En agreed with a nod. He looked up at the Captain who had been following their conversation while carefully keeping all of his thoughts to himself. He felt WrUA’En trying to make mental contact but kept him at bay.

“I see,” Bones said with a nod, turning to face the way they had been going, silently ready to proceed. He let WrUA’En walk several steps ahead before whispering quietly to Jim. “You’re worried.”

Jim gave one nod, smiling as best he could when WrUA’En looked back over his shoulder at them. Eye contact was lost momentarily when WrUA’En turned a corner, Jim and Bones following right behind until the aide stopped before an intricately carved door.

“This door leads to your guest chambers,” WrUA’En explained, swinging the doors open so they could all enter. “There are three bedrooms through that door and three more through that one.”

Jim and McCoy could only stare at the finery of the room, every surface shining, the dark wood warm and welcoming. The walls were draped with tapestries, the six bright windows partially covered in silk draperies. The room was furnished with a rectangular table large enough for 8 FomalhautBans and 4 Humans. The chairs were slightly larger than the ones in the banquet hall, still too small but not looking nearly so fragile. There was also a couch which would hold two Humans and a love seat that would hold one. The high back chairs were completely out of the question for the Humans but there were large pillows they could sit on. All the furnishings were covered in blues of every shade imaginable, beautiful and restful.

Jim lightly touched WrUA’En, receiving more information than he had intended. He remained in contact as the aide closed off his thoughts. //I apologize for the intrusion.//

//It was inadvertent, Captain. Your apology is appreciated but unnecessary,// WrUA’En assured him coolly.

//This room is beautiful. Thank you for providing us with such fine accommodations.//

“You are very welcome, Captain. This bell pull will signal the servants if you should require any assistance or nourishment.”

The Captain nodded and after McCoy added his thanks, WrUA’En left with a bow.

“What’s wrong?” Bones asked, handing Jim the pen and paper he had stuck in his pocket before beam down.

“I think the placid exterior of these people is hiding some huge secrets.”

“How so?” Bones asked.

“Being in physical contact with WrUA’En is very different from touching UmEEg’Y,” Jim wrote.

“Isn’t that natural? An aide versus the Protector?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. WrUA’En is scared. Or worried.”

“Do you know about what?” Bones asked with a frown.

“No. I don’t think Spock met him. Will you call up and see?”

“You can’t contact Spock?” Bones asked.

“He’s preoccupied. And we said we’d stay separate so he’s not expecting me,” Jim explained.

Bones nodded, requesting Spock over his communicator. “I don’t really need you. Jim does,” McCoy explained.

//What is it, t’hy’la?// Spock asked.

//Did you meet WrUA’En while you were here? Aide to BAn'A'At.//

//No I did not. Why are you concerned about him?// Spock asked.

//Something’s not quite right. And I can’t put my finger on it. I’ll figure it out,// Jim told him.

//If anyone can, it is you,// Spock agreed. //Are you going to rest?//

//For a little while. Who knew they conducted their negotiations in the middle of the night.//

//An odd turn of events,// Spock concurred.

//Well, all part of exploring strange new worlds. I’ll keep you posted.//

//Yes,// Spock agreed, leaving Jim alone with McCoy.

“What did he say?” McCoy asked Jim when he sensed Jim was mentally alone.

Jim wrote the explanation, McCoy wondering what it was that they were hiding, agreeing with Jim’s assessment that every planet had its secrets and they could only hope that those being hidden by the FomalhautBans wouldn’t end up injuring or incarcerating or endangering the crew of the Enterprise.

At McCoy’s insistence, Jim took off his dress tunic and lay on the couch to rest even though he could not stretch out completely, his knees bent up, his eyes closed. After covering Jim with two soft blankets, Bones sat on the loveseat, reviewing the briefings again on his portable padd, trying to discover anything they had previously overlooked.

It wasn’t long before Jim was fast asleep, Bones accepting the bowl of soup from another aide, assuring her he would give it to the Captain.