Transported

The Enterprise is surveying sector 2 of a solar system, where the ship is orbiting an unknown planet cartographing it. Then something strange happens....

Spock's station:

At his science station, First Officer Spock is collecting data from the planet below, cataloging his information into the computer banks. As he looked in his hooded scanner he gathered data on life forms. Then, the computer beeps as the ship's outer sensors are activated. As Spock sits down in his chair and starts to adjust his controls for long-range scanning, he notices something peculiar. The computer beeps again. As he records the sound and the disturbance, Spock turns to the captain:

"Captain, we are being scanned..."

Then silence

At the same time;

Uhura's station:

Communication Officer Uhura was completing her normal communications to Starfleet while collecting data from her console when the frequency on the channel almost pierced her ear. Uhura adjusted the volume and ran a diagnostic on the sound as she recorded it. As she set her scanner on long-range and noticed her computer console jump, Uhura took out her earpiece and turned to the captain:

"Captain, we are being scanned..."

Silence

At the same time

Engineering station:

Chief Engineer Scott and Lieutenant Charlene Masters were monitoring engine performance while in orbit. During discussion of fuel consumption and progress of the ship's levels. When Masters notices something:

"Mr. Scott, did you see that? There is an influx of energy in all nominal levels."

"Aye lass, I did!"

Scotty starts touching the knobs and buttons to find the source of the disruption as Masters runs a diagnostic. They both observe the levels energy influx again:

"What the devil?"

"I see it too Mr. Scott!" Masters adjusted her console, while Scotty turned to the captain:

"Captain Kirk according to our instruments readings we are being scanned"

Silence

Also at the same time;

The Helm station:

Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu-Helmsman along with Ensign Thomas Doyle of navigation,are maintaining orbit around the planet. While contributing to the cartographic mapping of the planet below, the automatic sensors start beeping on his console. Sulu quickly adjusts his instruments to locate the source and turns to the captain:

"Captain, the automatic sensors indicate that we are being scanned..."

Silence

Also at the same time

The Captain's Command Chair:

Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise is sitting in his command chair with Yeoman Lola Sanchez to his right and Dr. Leonard McCoy on his left. Kirk is signing the daily reports from Sanchez's padd, while McCoy is updating his department to Kirk.

"Thank you, Yeoman, continue with your duties." As he hands Sanchez back her padd, she turns to leave.

Then, all at once, each station reported to Kirk at the same time. He swiveled his chair so fast he almost hit McCoy. All Kirk heard was that they were being scanned and then...

Silence

The bridge was quiet except for the sounds of the computers beeping and lights flashing. A moment later, the turbo door opened to Ensign Chekov who stopped in his tracks and scanned the bridge in shock.

"Vhere is everyone?"

He walked to the communication station and paged the next commanding officer.

"Mr. DeSalle, I'm on the bridge. dhere's no one here, sir!"

"What in the devil are you talking about, there's no one there Ensign!"

"Just like I said sir, everyone is GONE!"

"I'm on my way, I hope this is not some kind of joke Chekov!"

"SIR! I'm telling the truth, everyone is-Gone!"

"Go, man, the helm until I get there!"

The next moment the klaxon sounded throughout the ship. Chekov jumped over the railing and manned the helm. He quickly did a survey of the controls, and the ship was maintaining an orbit. One minute later, a stern-looking DeSalle exited the turbo with three security guards. He quickly scanned the bridge, then pointed to the guards to search the bridge. They drew their weapons and walked around the bridge. DeSalle was shocked and angered at the same time, he saw Chekov at the helm and the rest of the bridge empty. DeSalle walked to the command chair and punched the intercom.

"I need an emergency bridge crew up here on the double."

Lts. Radah, Brent, Kyle, Palmer, and Leslie up here on the bridge. Continue with the red alert."

Ensign Chekov, take over the science station, I'll take the helm."

"Yes, sir."

"Find out what happened to the bridge crew!"

Pavel ran to Spock's station and adjusted the computer bank records to replay.

"Mr. DeSalle, I have the last log entry from Mr. Spock. I will put it on the main monitor."

As Pavel transferred the log, the relief crew poured out of the turbo:

"Radah and Leslie take the helm, Palmer communication, Kyle and Brent engineering and environmental. Find out what happened!"

Each person took their station and started working. DeSalle sat in the command chair. Everyone on the ship did a check into their stations and reported in.

"Mr. DeSalle all stations reporting manned and ready," said Palmer.

"Thanks."

" Mr. Spock's log entry, on main viewer Mr. DeSalle!" said Chekov.

DeSalle watched the last moments of the bridge crew. Things appeared normal, then everyone turned to the captain, before they all disappeared at the same time. Like they vanished in thin air.

"Where did they go Mr. DeSalle?" asked Lt. Kyle.

"Did someone take them?" asked Palmer.

"Who would do this?" asked Brent

"I don't know, but we are going to find out! Mr. Chekov, did you find anything else in Mr. Spock's report?"

"Aye, sir. He had recorded some form of a beam from the next galaxy." reported Chekov. He placed a visual map on the main monitor.

Lt. Palmer reported, " Mr. DeSalle, Lt. Uhura also recorded disturbances from the same galaxy."

"Mr. Sulu also reported a disruption) while cartographing the planet." said Lt. Radha.

DeSalle stared at the planet and heard the reports.

"First Chekov, let's make sure no one is on the planet below. Start scanning. Lt. Radha and Leslie, coordinate with Chekov and search the planet! The sooner we get this done the sooner we can leave to chase that beam!"

"Aye, Sir"

DeSalle leaned in the command chair and waited for the report from each station. The Enterprise completed four orbits. Frustration started to fill his mind, but first thing first, he didn't want to go on a wild goose chase into space.

Chekov reported: "No sign of life on the planet sir!"

"Plot a course and let's follow that beam!" commanded DeSalle. "Take us out of orbit Radah. Warp 8."

DeSalle stood up and stepped in front of the main viewer.

"We don't know what kind of danger the bridge crew is in, they might need our help. I bet my credits to Navy Beans we will find them!"[1]

Desperate Times

Captain's logs [star date 2171.3] Lt. Commander Micheal DeSalle in temporary command;

Captain Kirk

Commander Spock

Dr. McCoy

Lt. Uhura

Lt. Commander Scott

Lt. Masters

Ensign Miles Garrison

Lt. Sulu

Ensign Thomas Doyle

and Yeoman Sanchez

All disappeared mysteriously from the bridge. We are following the only lead to a neighboring galaxy to find them. Our speed is warp eight, with the hope we can arrive to head off danger."

He closed the recording log and headed towards the science station for more information from Chekov.

DeSalle and Chekov are reviewing the entry log of Mr. Spock's data on the nearby galaxy. Pavel is looking into the hooded sensor; plugging in data and information from the main computer.

"Mr. DeSalle, I have calculated that the keptin is approximately 9.25 light-years away."

DeSalle was thinking of all options: "Do you think the Romulans are in the area, Chekov?

"No sir, I scanned the whole system, we are the only starship in this area of space."

"Are you sure about this beam that's recorded?"

"Yes sir, I was able to get more readings. That beam definitely came from that galaxy. It transported the keptin and the crew. It was a direct beam that was meant to hit or scan the ship."

"Good report Ensign."

Chekov continued.

"Mr. DeSalle, there is also a barrier there. It might give the Enterprise a hard time passing through."

"Note it in the report and continue with your work, Ensign Chekov."

Micheal sat in the command chair and hit the shipwide intercom.

"Attention ship. We are searching for the Captain and the rest of the bridge crew. We must leave the galaxy to find them, and we will have to go through a barrier that will affect the ship. Be prepared for shock waves. DeSalle out."

Michael turned in his chair to Chekov, "What else do we know about this galaxy Ensign?"

"Very little. I've located a system where the beam originated. There are five planets; three are gaseous and the other two could hold life. As we get closer, I can give you more data, sir."

"What about this barrier can the ship handle it?"

"The barrier does have an electrical field, and it probably causes minimal damage."

Then, Micheal addressed the engineering station.

"Mr. Kyle based on the information from Chekov, make sure we can repair and maintain the engine's performance."

"The engines are performing at 100%. We will have to watch our deflectors and shields, impacting with the barrier could drain them. We have a team ready to rectify the loss of energy." Reported Lt. Kyle.

"Will it affect the transporter?"

"It shouldn't sir"

"We will need the transporter ready to beam them up. I have a feeling that they are in grave danger."

"I'll send Lt. Brent to monitor and prepare the transporter."

Kyle went back to work on his calculations and monitoring.

Michael sat in the command chair logging in his progress for the captain and hoping to find the crew. He had always respected Captain Kirk, he modeled all his tactics for a situation like this. Serving on the best ship in the fleet with the most decorated commander was an honor for him.

Meanwhile below deck in sickbay:

Geoffrey is holding a shaken head nurse with tears falling down her cheeks, speaking in a broken voice:

"Please, please, please I hope we can find them!"

Geoff pulled back and looked into her deep blue eyes.

"Christine we will find them all, I need for you to hold it together. We have a job to do."

"Geoff they are clear across the galaxy, almost the universe!"

"How do you think he would feel if saw you looking like this?"

Christine took a deep sigh. "You're right, he needs us to be strong."

"Good girl. Now, is everything ready if the captain and the missing crew need medical attention?"

"Yes, Dr. M'Benga, the whole team is ready."

"Now let's make Dr. McCoy proud of us for doing our jobs and being ready for a crisis." He patted her lightly on her back and steered her into the recovery room.

Christine headed into the other room to prepare it for the recovery of the missing crew. Len would definitely reprimand their performance. She just hopes that the love of her life is okay. Along with the rest of the crew.

Somewhere in space and time:

Nyota felt her body being lifted from her seat, traveling through open space in a light beam. She can see the stars zip past her. She couldn't speak, she couldn't hear as fear gripped her heart. She wanted to call out to Spock, but her mind wouldn't focus:

"What is happening?"

"Where am I going?"

Fear grips her again. The last time she felt like this was when she was kidnapped by the Triskelion's.[1]. She remembers that horrid place where she was almost raped.

"Please no, please not again! I don't think I can take another one!"

She wanted to cry in fear, she didn't know if Spock knew where she was. She was alone. Nyota didn't even know how long she had traveled or where she was going.

"The beam that scanned us?"

"Yes, yes can they find me?"

She saw planets and stars zip past her, as the beam that encased her kept her from moving. She was trapped. Nyota closed her eyes, trying not to let fear run its course.

"Kidnapped again. OH God, help me!"

Turbulent

Ring One

Nyota hit something hard and found herself laying on her stomach wincing in pain, then something else landed on her back with a thump, causing her to wince in pain again. A few seconds later something else landed on her legs and someone screamed.

"OUCH!"

When someone started to slowly move off her, Nyota gingerly turned over on her back. As she tried to focus on her surroundings, she heard loud cheering and roaring in the background. Slowly turning around, she was faced with two confused and dazed women.

"Sorry Ny, I didn't mean to land on you," Charlene stretched out her hand to pull Nyota up from the ground.

Lola twirled around in confusion and said trembling, "Where.... are we, how did we get here?"

Nyota was relieved that she wasn't alone, but wondered what was going on. She dusted off the dirt on her red uniform and thighs. Then noticed that there was a crowd of people around them in the stands. The three women looked around at the roaring crowd, fists punching the air. They noticed the red ring surrounding them, and across the distance, about 50ft away, saw the rest of the bridge crew confused look on their faces. Masters saw Sulu, her husband, and wanted to go to him.

"Karu!"

She started to leave the circle, waving her hands to get his attention. Nyota tried to stop her but it was too late. Charlene was met with an electrical charge and flew across the ring, landing on her back. Lola and Nyota ran to her and knelt.

"Girl, you alright?"

Charlene sat up and rubbed her shoulders and said achingly, "Didn't see that coming! I just found out there is an electrical field surrounding us."

All three stood and looked around again. Lola's fears peaked, "Ms. Uhura, how did we get here?"

"From what I know and experienced we were transported from the bridge."

Charlene added, "More importantly, how are we getting out of here!?"

All they could do was stand and look at the other crewmen in the distance.

Ring Two: at the same time

Kirk was encased in a beam traveling at the speed of light through space. He too observed the stars and planets zip by him, feeling defenseless and wondering where he was going. Kirk wondered if his crew noticed his absence. Knowing Spock he would go to great lengths to find him. He remembered his bridge crew stated that they were being scanned from the next galaxy. Then he was transported. This was not the first time this happened to him, as a matter of fact, it happens often.

"Who wants us this time!" Kirk thought.

One thing Kirk fears is dying, he remembered when he was lost with the Defiant.[1] Fading in and out, the journey rattled his brain. He didn't know how long he traveled, didn't have the concept of space and time. Suddenly, he hit something hard and landed on his side in pain. Then, something landed hard next to him, and something else landed on his hips. There was cursing and swearing from each person, as they slowly unpiled from the collision and stood. When Kirk tried to get his bearings, he heard the loud roaring, like a crowd excited piercing his ears. He stretched his arms from the fall. Kirk saw Scotty and Doyle with their dazed looks, also trying to figure out what was going on.

"Where are the blazes are we Captain?," asked Scotty.

"I...I don't know?" replied Kirk as he continued looking around.

Scotty couldn't believe where he was, it happened so fast.

"That transporter beam affected our instruments and it originated from a nearby galaxy. That I know sir. I was reporting to ye when we...well we are here now Captain!"

Doyle piped in, "What do we do now?" as he approached the ring and attempted to walk out, he met with an electrical shock. Doyle landed a couple of feet from the shield on his back in pain.

"OUCH!"

Kirk reached out his hand to lift Doyle from the ground. "I take it that we are surrounded by a force field of some kind."

Scotty pointed towards the women: "Captain the women are over there about 50 feet from us!"

Kirk looked across to another ring and saw the three women, looking as confused and dazed as they were. The women were alive and stuck in their ring as well.

"Well gentlemen, it looks like we are stuck and I have no idea who the host is. To look around us at the crowd, it seems like we are the guests of honor."

Doyle added and pointed: "Captain! Mr. Spock and the rest are over there!"

Kirk and Scotty turned to see the rest of the crew in a similar situation. His whole bridge crew was here. Kirk instinctively placed his hands on his hips and realized they had no phasers, communicators, or tricorders. They were defenseless. He wondered if the Enterprise was aware of their situation.

"Gentlemen, I think we are in trouble. Be prepared for hand-to-hand combat."

Ring Three, at the same time:

Spock was lifted out of his seat. He had just informed the Captain about the ship being scanned from the next galaxy. As the transporter beam encased him, he took note of the stars and planets whizzing past. Spock logged any information that might be necessary once they reach their, at this time unknown destination.

His second thought was his wife was aware of his disappearance? Was he the only one? He reached out through their bond to seek her, but the transporter beam was interfering. To his relief, they were still connected.

Spock suddenly landed on his on a hard surface. Something collided with his feet with a loud thump. Then, another thump in the near distance. Another object landed on his feet, followed by the reaction of someone saying 'Ouch". Another person, or persons, was with him. He was not alone.

Spock stood up and quickly inventoried his surroundings, noticing a large crowd cheering and staring at him with their fists pumping the air. Like they had won a grand prize. He noticed McCoy stumble up as well as Sulu and Garrison. They too looked around to see a crowd of people cheering at them. Sulu broke the group's silence.

"Mr. Spock, I know this is silly but, where are we?"

"I do not know . I just arrived as you had."

McCoy observed and stated sternly. "That was as rough a landing I ever felt. What in the blue blazes is this place?"

Garrison chimed in: "Mr. Spock, who are those people? Are they cheering at us?"

Sulu answered. "It looks like some form of gathering or coliseum? And they are cheering at us!"

McCoy sees Jim at the next ring: "Spock, there's Jim!" and starts to leave the ring.

Spock tried to stop McCoy: "No Doctor, there is a..."

McCoy flew back and hit the ground. Rubbing his shoulder and stomach he asked, "Let me guess, a force field of some kind?"

"Yes. I can hear a low humming projecting from this installed ring." Spock pointed to the grounded ring.

"You mean a cage," injected Sulu.

From their ring, Kirk was able to wave at Spock and his party and tried to communicate above the loud cheering. It was no use.

Spock decided to reach out to his wife and check on her,

"Nyota are you well?"

"Spock, oh Spock I'm.... scared...I've been in a situation like this before on Triskelion. I don't like it. How can we get out?"

"At the moment we all are in a force field cage. We are without weapons, tricorders or the means to determine our location for the Enterprise to find us."

"Nyota, based on the observation of our surroundings, we all will partake in some form of combative entertainment."

"I figured as much since we are surrounded by cheering people."

"Then be prepared for hand-to-hand combat, use your tactical skills that I have taught you. Once I figure out how to disengage the force field, then we can escape."

"I don't... I don't...I can't oh Spock!"

"My wife, you must concentrate... breathe.. my thoughts to your thoughts. Remember your meditation skills and apply them. There is no fear."

about a minute later;

"Thanks, Adun... I have calmed down and focused."

"I will try to find a way out if possible... At the moment we have limited resources."

"Tell Sulu Charlene is ok."

"I will inform Mr. Sulu of her status."

After Spock's conversation with his wife he turned to Mr. Sulu,

"Your wife is quote 'Okay'."

Sulu had a shocked look on his face. But it turned to relief knowing that she was well, and he could see Charlene in the distance.

Then the announcement was broadcast and the crowd was silenced. In their language:

"People of Franaca, today's entertainment are humanoids from a far galaxy! It gives us pleasure to see the challenge of the week! Let us cheer!"

The crowd raised their fists, banners and all cheered in unison of their new entertainment. Three large doors opened that surrounded the area, and large troll-like creatures poured out.

We have to Survive!

The Women's Ring:

The bridge crew looked around to observe the cheering crowd in front of them. Then an image of a robot projected in each ring.

"Welcome, you are receiving this image based on our scans of your origins. You have been invited to celebrate in our weekly entertainment. You have been chosen to show your skills. Fight and die with honor!"

The image faded.

Lola said nervously: "Invited?"

"We were kidnapped!" Charlene said, stomping her foot.

Nyota chimed in: "What's worse, we have no weapons."

"What are we going to do?" asked Lola.

Nyota closed her eyes to dampen the noise around them and concentrated on her inner thoughts. A calmness came to her, she focused on the central point to regulate her racing mind and heart. Meditation is the key.

Lola and Charlene both looked at each other, then back at Nyota with her closed eyes.

Lola whispered: "What is she doing?"

Charlene whispered back: "Meditation, be quiet."

After a moment, Nyota felt a surge of confidence as she turned to the others.

"Listen, this has happened to me before when I was with Chekov and the Captain. We had these beings gambling against us to fight. If we showed fighting skills then we would be paired off for mating for their next generation of fighters. I wasn't too thrilled about that, the Captain stood first for me, then he stood for the whole ship. Kirk made a wager and they counted us out because they thought we were weak. But Kirk showed them and won not just the ship but all those who were taken from their homes."[1]

"Wow Nyota, is that what this place is? A gladiator-type arena and we fight to survive?" asked Charlene.

"We need to stick together and use all our training. Concentrate on what we learned at the academy, and maybe... just maybe we all get out of here..alive."

Lola asked, "Is there any way to communicate with someone?"

"Now that would be a good idea, but who? Just look at that crowd, they are not interested in communicating with us!" stated Charlene.

"You're right, maybe if we could talk to someone.... back on Transkilion everything was a wager... if we could talk to some..."

The three women looked at each other and the realization kicked in. It's fight or flight. Then a door opened in the area and three big looking trolls came rushing at them armed with a hammer throw, javelin, and sword.

Lola saw them and pointed. "OH SH$T, what in the world..?"

Then, they noticed their shield had dropped and the crowd roared.

Nyota took the initiative and tried to communicate with the creatures and spoke as they approached.

"Hey, hello, we mean you no harm."

Then she thought about using sign language. She signed 'stop' with her arms and hand. They only grunted, she did it again, sharply bringing her open right hand down on her open left palm.

They stopped for a moment, then they just growled, swinging their weapons at them. Nyota tried another language, she had never seen this species before. But they became agitated and charged the three women.

"Well, that didn't work. Okay ladies stay close no matter what!" shouted Nyota.

They took a karate stance in a semicircle, their only defense. The first troll with gnarly teeth charged towards Charlene. She did a side-kick to his midsection, the thing stumbled back and growled. Nyota lunged on its back and did a chokehold, the troll drop its weapon. Charlene charged like she was going to ram it, she slid and kicked the thing in its knee and it popped. The troll fell forward.

One down. When they stood up, another troll had Lola by the neck dangling her, while she tried to kick him. Both women bum-rushed them, again Nyota lunged on its back. She jammed her elbow in the troll's shoulder and nerve pinched. It released Lola falling to the ground while still holding her neck. Charlene again kicked behind the knees, resulting in another popping sound. Troll 2 fell forward in pain. Nyota jumped off the troll before it hit the ground.

Nyota shouted: "Lola get the weapons!"

Lola, with a scared look on her face, scrambled to retrieve the hammer. It was too heavy, so she grabbed the javelin and dragged the sword. Nyota looked at the 3rd troll. He was observing them and what they did to the other two. It smiled with jagged teeth. The women gathered what weapons they could carry, and formed a semi-circle again. They were breathing heavily, their ripped uniforms, their tights shredded and their hair disarrayed.

Lola looked and spoke: "There's only one left? Is he going to charge us?"

Nyota and Charlene looked at him, sizing him up: "He's the smart one, wondering how to take us." said Charlene.

Charlene looked around and saw the cheering crowd chanting for more: "If we take him, will they send more?"

Nyota looked at Charlene and wondered. "Now that's a good question. You two stay here and I'll take this one."

Charlene looked at Ny: "What!? Are you sure? We should work as a team!"

Nyota remembered when she held a staff, she was fighting for love, the love of Spock. [2] She remembered how she took down her opponent. Nyota made up her mind, she found the strength to take an enemy down who was trying to kill them in a game. She picked up the javelin and felt the weight, rubbed the length, felt the density of the air, and judged the length of the target.

Troll 3 waved his sword and gave a battle cry to dare them to make the next move. Nyota lifted the javelin with all her strength, and threw the slender weapon. It lingered, wobbled in the air, and landed one foot in front of the troll. It laughed heartily, thinking that she had missed her target. He waved her to him to accept her fate and was laughing at the same time. Nyota charged the troll looking at it straight in its eyes. The troll took his stand and slightly bent his knees and snarled.

Nyota looked straight ahead and charged full throttle towards the troll. He had his sword ready to strike first. When she was just about to meet her death, she lept in the air. She held the embedded javelin for support, her body angle just right to smash both feet into the troll's face. Caught off guard, he stumbled back, and dropped his sword. She quickly grabbed the sword and, holding the blunt end, crashed the pommel against the troll's skull knocking him out. The crowd roared with excitement.

Nyota quickly turned around to the women who ran up next to her and looked at the unconscious troll.

Nyota looked around to the other rings and fell into shock and anguish. The bridge men were in trouble.

We have to Survive-part 2

Kirk's ring:

Kirk, Scotty, and Doyle also saw the projected image robot give its salutation to the games. They looked out in the distance and saw the roaring crowd, filled with races of people they had never seen before.

Kirk has been in trouble before, but this was different. He remembers the Triskelions [1] and how they wagered on their chances of survival. Trelane's childish bet, and how it almost cost them their lives. Kirk was prepared for a fight, but what about his crew? He looked around at the other two rings and saw his crew. He couldn't help them. No weapon, no communicators, and no Enterprise. "Where is the Enterprise? Do they know we are gone?" Kirk started pacing the ring, he was trying to find a way to get out of this place. He didn't know who his host was, he couldn't ask about negotiations.

Scotty pointed and the crowd roared, "Look, Captain!"

The three men saw three big ugly looking things that looked like trolls charging towards the women.

"Their shield is down!" shouted Doyle, as he moved too close to their shield and felt the energy flex at his chest.

"What are we going to do?"

As they looked in shock the creatures bore down on the women. Kirk felt helpless and anxious for them. The only thing they could do was watch. It was hard to do. The women had no weapons while the creatures did. They watched in amazement as the women turned the tables.

Scotty shouted, "Look Captain,.. look what Masters is doing! Get'em lass-knock his block off!""Yeah, look at Uhura climbing that thing like a monkey. Amazing, they are working as a team!"

Kirk watched the women use their feet versus their hands and arms. A good tactic he thought, using their fists would be useless against their size. The women were using their training. That would work, but for how long.

"OH MY GOD! That thing has Sanchez by the neck!" shouted Doyle. They watch the poor woman dangling in the air. "We've got to do something, Captain! That thing is going to kill her!"

Kirk was frustrated, he knew that he wiped his face in disgust, "If you have a plan Doyle, I'll hear it."

Then they observed Masters and Uhura save Sanchez from the creature, and it fell over like a ton of bricks.

"Whoa, that was close. They saved Sanchez just in time!" reported Scotty.

Kirk turned to his engineer, trying to think of anything to get out of this cell. "Scotty, is there any way to deactivate the shield?"

Scotty responded desperately after watching the women, "If I had a tricorder, communicator, or even a wrench, I could make something for ya, sir!"

Kirk watched as the last creature stood in defiance against the women. Suddenly, he noticed the hum of their shield was gone. He quickly turned around to see three of the same creatures running towards them.

"Gentlemen, we have company! Hand-to-hand and try to get a weapon from them!"

The three of them took a combat stance to fight and defend themselves.

"Scotty take the one on your left, Doyle the one in the middle. Disarm them and bee-line to support the women."

They both said, "Yes Sir."

The crowd roared as they made contact with creatures. Kirk was first with a fist to the face that bounced off. The creature hit with a hammer to Kirk's chest that sent him flying almost 15 feet in the air. He landed with a thug, the wind knocked out of him. Kirk rubbed his chest in pain, but got up and charged the same creature using his shoulder strength to knock it back. He rammed both fists to the creature's stomach, trying to make a dent. The creature stumbled back, and then it tried to swing at Kirk again with the hammer, which he dodged. Kirk jumped on its back and again using both fists pounded on the creature's head, then slammed a hand on each ear. The troll gasped, then fell to its knees and passed out. Kirk quickly grabbed the hammer.

Scotty was able to maneuver with his creature, he did a karate kick to one of its knees and it winced in pain. The creature was able to make contact with Scotty. Its sword ripping his shirt, cutting him and causing bleeding to his midsection. Scotty snarled, hissing in pain as he looked at the wound, it was superficial. Scotty snarled again and attacked the creature, where he was able to kick in the creature's nuts, an uppercut punch at the same time making the creature drop its sword. He quickly grabbed and sliced into the mid-section of the creature, it crumbled to the ground where it died. The crowd roared with the excitement of the kill.

At the same time, Doyle was tackling his creature. He too was wounded. He was able to flip his creature to the ground, but the creature regained his balance and had Doyle up in the air squeezing his midsection where he almost couldn't breathe. Using his hands, Doyle slapped the creature's ears with all his strength, the creature released him with a scream. Doyle was able to take his spear weapon and went to help the Captain, whose creature was up again fighting. Both men worked together and took down the last troll and the crowd roared.

Doyle looked across the way and saw the women still engaged with their troll and started running. Kirk and Scotty called out to him to stop, but he couldn't hear because of the roaring crowd. He was 25 feet from the women when his back arched, and he felt an object embed, his hand trying to reach towards his back. Doyle dropped his weapon and fell to his knees in pain, his eyes rolled back, and he fell sideways to the ground. The crowd roared louder at the site.

The troll Doyle had knocked out, had thrown a blade, that had made contact with his back while he was running.

Kirk and Scotty knocked the creature out again and ran to Doyle who was lying motionless on the ground. Kirk slid and grabbed Doyle's limp body, blood trickled out his mouth.

"I'..m sorry... Captain."

Doyle slumped in his arms and Kirk gently laid Doyle on the ground. The one thing Kirk always struggled with was a dead crewman. Scotty gently took the weapon out of the man's back and helped Kirk lay him down. Kirk and Scotty felt the loss. "I wish we weren't here, I don't understand why we are here?" said Scotty somberly.

They heard footsteps approaching them, they quickly turned to see the women coming.

Stopping in front of the men, Lola asked with a broken voice: "Is...is.. is he dead?"

Both men looked up and shook their heads to confirm, the women had streaks of tears down their faces.

Then they heard a scream, and they all turned to observe the rest of the bridge crew in battle.

We have to Survive - part 3

Spock's Ring:

The four men watched the women fight valiantly against the three trolls. They tackled them as best they could while Sulu, Garrison, and McCoy looked on with trepidation, fearing for the women. Sulu kept pumping his fist, he felt useless. Helpless, and afraid, for his wife and the others. His mind was racing, and as he watched the women attack the first troll, fear crept in. He didn't want to look, but he didn't know what to do. Sulu felt like running through the field, regardless of the electrical charge. He watched Charlene take on the troll and kick it in the stomach while the creature barely moved.

"Whoa! Okay, honey kick it's a$$!" Sulu yelled as he hit his fist in his other hand.

"Go ladies, go ladies, GO!" shouted McCoy as he wiped his brow.

Garrison pointed at Uhura, "Wow, did Lt. Uhura just climb up that thing's back?"

"I wish we were out here, we could all help each other," said Sulu.

McCoy added, "They look like they are doing a good job so far!"

"It looks like my wife and Uhura are coordinating together." commented Sulu.

Spock responded: Indeed, they are using a technique well suited to someone of their size and strength."

Spock didn't like the odds on the women based on their weight and size, the variable was their training skills. If the women used tactical force versus brute force, the rate of their survival would increase. He watched his wife tackle one of the creatures, he had never seen anything like them before. A new species, unknown to his records, but they were physically built for fighting, and apparently, for killing other species. At the moment, attacking a group of women half their size. Nyota used the Vulcan tactics he has shown her over the years of their marriage, he didn't expect her to be using them.. now. He could only observe, unable to help at the moment. No weapons, tricorder, or communicator that could disrupt the shield. He could only watch, meditate, and trust that she and the other women would survive.

"Oh NO, that thing has Sanchez by her neck, this doesn't look good, not at all!" shouted Garrison.

McCoy pointed into the distance, "Looks like Uhura and Charlene are going to help her!"

"Wow, that was close, they saved Sanchez - that was some fighting!"

Spock noticed that their groups were being released in intervals; he calculated that they would be engaged soon.

McCoy pointed again, "They let Jim go and more of those things are after them now!"

McCoy is wiping the sweat from his brow, just watching his fellow crewmen fighting.

"Spock, can we do ANYTHING?"

"At the moment doctor, we are unable to assist any of our crew members from the Enterprise."

"Aren't you worried about your wife? She's fighting for her life!"

"Doctor, worrying would not change the fact that my wife and others are in peril."

Of course Spock was worried. If anything should happen to Nyota, he would likely go mad, she is the lifeline to who he is.

Sulu shouted and pointed, "The captain's been hurt!"

"Did you see him fly after that thing hit him?" asked Garrison.

"OH no! Scotty has been hit, he's bleeding!" said Sulu. "This is so wrong!"

"Doyle got his guy, man this is so bad, we need to get out of here!" said Garrison.

Spock looked into the distance and saw a bolted door open for the troll-like creatures to charge towards them.

"Gentlemen, you shall get your wish of being set free. I recommend that we take a defensive stance against our attackers."

The other three men turn to see the creatures charging towards them, and at that moment, their shields dropped. They were weaponless and unaware that Doyle had just fallen from his attack.

Spock positioned himself near McCoy, knowing that he was more in the business of saving lives versus killing. His creature approached him with a battle cry, waving an ax. Spock stood still and waited until the last moment and stepped past the running creature. He swiftly turned so that he was behind it, and with his Vulcan strength hand-chopped two quick taps at the base of its neck, causing the creature to fall face-first into the dirt. The crowd roared with excitement.

Spock observed McCoy's creature as it attacked him, poking him in his stomach.

McCoy's shirt started to stain with his own blood, and he continued to dodge the creature as best he could to avoid the sharp sword that was lunging at him. McCoy tripped and fell to the ground, the sword bearing down towards him. He rolled to his left to avoid the strike. He couldn't get up, the troll had him at a disadvantage, he rolled again to hear the blade crash not too far from his waist. He attempted to kick the troll, aiming for the weapon and missed. The troll growled and snarled at McCoy, knowing it had the advantage. Spock jogged up to the unwitting creature from behind and nerve-pinched it, it collapsed heavily at his feet.

McCoy sat up and looked at the fallen creature, reaching for the sword in its hand. Then McCoy looked at his long-time friend and was grateful to Spock for saving him.

"Thanks Spock. I really hate repeating myself, I wish you would teach me that trick."

Spock reached down and pulled the doctor up.

"I have tried Doctor."

It was that instant that Spock knelt to touch the creature's thoughts and logged the information.

During this time Sulu was tangling with his troll, he too was doing the dodging game. The troll creature was slow to respond to Sulu's quick movements, he did a roundhouse and his foot landed squarely in the trolls' face. Which only made the creature so much angrier, that it growled at him. Again, he dodged until he dropped to the ground and swung his legs, unbalancing the creature and making it land on his behind, losing the sword. Sulu jumped on the troll's arm to grab the blade and they both wrestled with it. Sulu elbowed the creature in the face until its grip on the sword was loosened and jabbed into the troll's chest. It let out a deep sigh. With the troll down, the only thing he could think about was his wife. "Charlene please be okay!"

He turned to see Spock and McCoy running towards him.

At the same time; Garrison was fighting with his troll with a long spear/javelin which it kept trying to use to poke him in the stomach. Garrison attempted to flip the troll, which was a bad idea. The troll picked him up by the waist and threw him, landing him on his face, he winced in pain. Garrison attempted to move, grabbing a handful of dirt while he did. When he turned to see the troll approaching him, Garrison threw the dirt in its face and got the opportunity to attack the creature. Garrison wrestled the spear out of its hand and circled around, jabbing the spear into the troll's back, it fell over in pain.

He looked bewildered as he saw a group of people running towards him.

We Have to Survive part 4

Kirk was kneeling beside the dead Thomas Doyle, the women gathered around and staring in shock. As Spock and the rest joined them, McCoy knelt down and examined Doyle.

"He's dead Jim." said McCoy, shaking his head.

Kirk looked up at the rest of his crew. Sulu was hugging his wife Charlene, Spock was standing close by Nyota and examining her, Scotty and Garrison asked Lola if she was okay.

It was tragic to lose anyone, under any circumstances, but for something as senseless as this...

"Is anyone else hurt or injured?" asked Kirk.

Garrison responded, "Just bruises and cuts Sir"

Lola confirmed, covering her shoulder under her torn uniform, "Yes. Just cuts, bruises, and ripped uniforms."

"How are we going to get out of here?" asked Charlene, giving her husband a worried look.

Kirk stood up and looked at the roaring crowd screaming for more, then he looked at his crew.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the odds don't look good. We only have the weapons we confiscated from our first attack. I don't see a way out of here. I am open to suggestions."

McCoy glared at Spock. "PLEASE Spock, don't give us the odds or tell me this is fascinating!"

Spock arched his brows. "On the contrary Doctor, the situation at hand has multiple variables based on the creatures we have encountered."

Kirk looked at Spock: "Explain Mr. Spock?"

"Based on the time that has passed, the Enterprise has probably done an extensive search for the planet. They would have found information that I, or others, have dated or recorded. Since we all traveled in some sort of transport beam, I believe it left a signature that is trackable."

Nyota leaned into Spock's shoulder, feeling a sort of peace that the Enterprise is looking for them, at least. The rest of the team gave signs of hope.

"How long would it take to get here?" asked Scotty.

"You believe that the Enterprise is on its way?" asked Sulu, holding his wife tighter.

Kirk looked at his crew. "Time, everyone, time is the key. Will the Enterprise get here in time? Let's strategize our next plan of action. I believe our host or hosts are not done with us. Let's stay in formation, use the weapons that you gained, fighting in pairs is the best option. But most importantly, stick together!"

Kirk looked at Spock for some form of an answer, "Spock, do you have anything else for this situation?"

"It appears that these simple creatures are programmed to attack any other species that enter this arena."

"How do you know that Mr. Spock?" asked Scotty.

"I mind- linked with one of the creatures. They have a device in their cerebellum making them attack without cause, they are being controlled."

"So reasoning with them is out of the question then?" asked Kirk.

"Correct, they have no self-control. Whatever higher being that is in charge of this planet is using them to destroy other species as entertainment."

"I tried to communicate using sign language since I don't have their language to communicate. Now you're saying that they are being controlled, it makes sense that there was no response," added Uhura.

Scotty added, "They have a strange form of entertainment. The odds are always death."

It was a grave situation, and they all knew it. The crew looked around and the crowd continued to cheer like they were saying more. Then the gates opened again and more trolls like creatures poured out, they were outnumbered this time. The view looked dim, but the crowd stood on their feet and waited for them to engage.

Nyota grabbed Lola's arm and said firmly, "Lola stay with me."

"Uhura I'm scared!"

"So am I. Here, kneel down with this javelin, jab anything that comes near us."

"Okay."

"I've-I-ve. Never -"

"We don't have a choice in the matter, aim for the middle of those creatures."

Lola said shakingly: "Okay. I'll-do-it."

Spock placed his mind in a meditative state. He knew he would have to take a life to defend his wife. He held her hand a little tighter, and looked into her eyes. He wanted a future with her, but the odds were not in their favor, his ancestry would be pivotal, he will protect her with his life. He assessed the oncoming troll-like creatures. Having no choice, they charged at the bridge crew with a battle cry, their weapons held high.

Sulu/Masters:

Sulu gave his wife a grave look, squeezing her hand and holding a sword with the other. "You ready?"

Shaking her head, she watched the first three trolls descend upon them. "No- I love you, Hikaru."

He looked at her and squeezed her arm, maybe for the last time. "I love you too Char, thank you for making me a happy man."

They both refocused and prepared. The creatures attacked the couple, Charlene deflected her sword against the creature's side, striking it, causing orange blood to ooze out. It attacked her again and sliced her uniform at the torso, drawing blood. She attacked again, knowing that the troll was bigger and stronger, she figured her hits had to be precise. She used her speed, dodging around the troll and striking it in the back. It collapsed to the ground.

Sulu held off two creatures with the twirling movements of his sword, jabbing, stabbing, and swishing. Practice and collecting swords had been his passion for years, never would have thought the lives of himself and his wife would rely on it. He remembered samurai tactics and used them, glad he taught some of these skills to his wife. His swiftness took out both trolls, he turned to see Charlene finishing her attacker, and moved to stand closer to her with a brief sigh of relief.

Kirk/McCoy

Jim looked around the arena, trying to find a way out of this place. He considered one of the gates as an exit. But where to go from there? Would it lead to outdoors or another place of engagement? Kirk was near Bones, guarding him, he didn't like to fight unless he had to. He didn't get the chance to look at anyone else's wounds. Jim had a javelin in his hands, holding it up lengthwise to counter-attack and shield against sword strikes. He glanced at Bones and saw him wielding a sword, delivering counter strikes against a troll. The trolls were larger and heavier, slow at striking, but their bulk made the impact of their strikes taxing to block directly.

"You okay there Bones?"

McCoy struck the creature in the arm making it bleed orange gooey blood.

"Just fine Jim, just fine!"

Kirk looked around to see how the others are doing, hoping they were looking for a way of escape. "How long Enterprise? If we ever needed a cavalry it is now!" thought Kirk.

Jim focused on his next target, and attacked a troll trying to pass McCoy's flank. He quickly moved and struck his sword in its neck, gurgling it fell to the ground. Kirk took a deep breath, his chest heaving in and out. Shirt ripped and stained with troll blood, he looked up and saw more trolls coming through the gates. "This is not good."

Scotty/Garrison

Fighting side by side, thrusting, jabbing, and slicing the unending trolls with their snarling teeth and drooling mouths. They came and kept coming towards the landing party, Scotty kept swinging his sword with his own battle cry.

"Yah ugly looking piece of trash!"

His sword crashed against the troll-looking creature. Leaning into his sword for leverage, Scotty thrust into its stomach and orange blood flowed. Then something struck him on the side and pierced him, he turned to strike at his assailant's hand, taking it off. As Scotty tried to staunch the flow of blood seeping from his shirt, he turned to see Garrison in trouble.

Miles was working hard to keep the trolls at bay. He had easily struck down two with his sword, but more came as soon as he finished. One troll lunged at him, missing his head. Miles dropped to the ground, rolled to his left and struck the troll's knee, causing it to buckle to the ground and growl in pain. Then he struck it again in the torso, killing it. He was in a bad position. As Miles got up, a shadow was cast over him and he swung his blade back, hitting another troll in the mid-section. That's when he realized he was too far from Mr. Scott. Looking from side to side, he slowly began to stand and back up, trying to regain his position with Mr. Scott. He engaged another troll with a spear, getting hit in the shoulder, piercing his flesh. Miles gasped in pain and lost his sword. As he was kneeling down to retrieve it, a fatal blow came from his right. His eyes rolled back and he slumped on the ground.

Scotty ran to him and began to drag his body back to the group.

Miles looked up at Scotty, "It's been an honor Sir." and closed his eyes.

"Ya poor lad, you just started livin."

Scotty wiped the sweat from his face, he didn't have time to mourn, he hastily looked around and stood again to fight more trolls.

The Barriers to Bare

"Mr. DeSalle, galaxy barrier in two minutes," reported Chekov as he continued to look in the hooded scanner.

DeSalle's demeanor was serious, wondering if he's doing the right thing. Had he waited too long? He hit the ship-wide intercom.

"Attention crew, be prepared for impact. We will be passing through a barrier that will affect the ship's instruments. All damage control crew, on stand-by."

"One minute until barrier," reported Rahda, as she watched the stars pass on the main monitor.

Chekov reported again with an update of the nearby galaxy.

"Scanning the solar system where the signal originated. I've found one planet suitable for life. Sensors indicate massive life forms on the fifth planet. Their technology is industrial level D sir, highly active."

DeSalle thought about the information. "Do they have the technology to transport beams across the galaxy?"

"Yes sir, it's a combination of barbaric and high-level civilization. It's different, but not unheard of. I've seen civilizations that combine low society behaviors with highly technological features. This planet has those qualities."

"What about space ships or other technology that we should be aware of?"

"Unknown at this time Sir"

"15 seconds until barrier," reported Rahda

The Enterprise lurched and shook. The lights on the bridge blinked, flickering as she was pushed through the barrier. People were tossed from their chairs, the command chair swiveling due to the impact.

"Hold her steady Rahda!"

Small beads of sweat formed on Radah's forehead as she maneuvered the ship through the galactic barrier.

"Engines holding sir, but shields are weakening. Down 15% due to the barrier!" reported Kyle.

"Compensate that Mister!"

"Aye Sir!" Kyle input figures into the main engineering computer.

Even though the engines whined under the stress, it maintained its progress through the barrier. Brent and the Technicians scrambled around with their padds, monitoring any change in the engine's anti-matter flow.

Chekov continued to scan with the science hood, forwarding data on the outer barrier to the main computer to chart their next destination.

After two minutes of bumping and jumping, the Enterprise burst through the barrier into smooth space.

"Feeding the coordinates to the helm for the fifth planet Mr. DeSalle, ETA ten minutes."

"Good job Mister. Rahda, and Leslie get us there fast, we don't know if the Captain's in trouble."

Palmer reported, "Mr. DeSalle all decks report minor damage and injuries."

"Good job crew!"

Five minutes later:

"Mr. DeSalle, long-range scanner indicates space crafts leaving the planet on an intercept course for the Enterprise."

"You sure?"

"Yes Sir, they have standard weapons, armed and ready, heading straight for us."

"Palmer, go to red alert. Battle Stations, repeat, Battle Stations. This is-not a drill."

The klaxon blared throughout the ship, sending crewmen running to their positions.

"Lt. Palmer, make contact with those ships and explain our presence. Inform them that we are on a search and rescue mission."

"Aye Sir."

"Their weapons are armed and ready, sir. They will be intercepting us in two minutes."

"Shields at maximum, don't fire until they make the first move Mr. Leslie."

"Phaser banks are fully charged, and torpedoes are armed and ready," stated Leslie.

"No response to our request on any frequency Mr. DeSalle."

"Keep trying and log it, Lieutenant."

The ship shook with an impact. "What the devil?!" stated Micheal, he couldn't believe what he was seeing or what he had felt.

"They fired on us Sir!" reported Chekov as he turned to DeSalle.

Micheal pounded his fist on the armrest, "I guess they want an introduction, let's give it to them. Return fire Leslie and then go to 004 mark 7."

Enterprise returned fire and evaded the incoming attack.

"Fire phasers and then maneuver to 34 mark 10!"

Enterprise glided across space and fired on the ships that were smaller than her, but more maneuverable.

Chekov reported, "Direct hit! The shields are buckling on the lead ship Sir."

"Fire Leslie, then turn 73 mark 15 give us some distance."

"Still no response to our hails Mr. DeSalle"

"They answered Lt. Palmer by firing at us and we are returning the favor."

The ship rumbled from another hit on their starboard side. DeSalle maneuvered the ship and fired from the port side destroying the ship.

"I found them Mr. DeSalle, they are the only humanoids on the planet. They are located in some type of arena. They are surrounded by a mass of creatures! If we were to get closer, we could beam them up." reported Chekov.

"Let's take care of our friends here first, and try to rescue them when things are more secure."

"They're coming around for another attack Mr. DeSalle," stated Radha.

"Get ready to fire on my command."

They watched the two ships approach them, then DeSalle gave the order, "Hard to port and fire at will!"

As the Enterprise moved and fired at the same time, the two ships became disabled. Dead in space.

"Commander, I am getting a signal from the planet, on visual now!"

A fuzzy image of a creature was displayed on the main monitor.

" We commend you on your journey this far, Enterprise. Your people were enjoyable to watch, we had our doubts about your abilities."

Micheal wasn't interested in this fanfare. "Where are our people, you have no right to kidnap them and you fired on us without cause."

"Your people are our slaves for entertainment, this is what we do, this is how we maintain order for our race."

"It is not where we come from, so I am asking you to return them."

"We wish to keep them for breeding but mostly for our deadly entertainment."

"I see where this conversation is going; it is against our policy to let others hold others against their will. Therefore, I will retrieve our people, with or without your permission. Cut communications."

Micheal slammed his fist against the armchair, and turned around to observe the crew. He might be about to break Starfleet regulations.

"Let's get our Captain! Full speed ahead and all weapons to bear."

The Enterprise raced towards the planet as Chekov stepped down to the command chair.

"How are we going to get them Mr. DeSalle?"

"Any way we can Chekov. What that creature said to us, their odds in the arena weren't good, as a matter of fact it's damn right scary."

Michael hit the ship-wide intercom. "I want all available medical teams and security teams to go to the transporter room and prepare medical shuttle crafts right away."

They watched the yellow planet zoom closer on the monitor, and hoped that they reached the bridge crew in time. That they were all still alive.

Until we Meet Again

Spock/Nyota/Lola

Lola did the best she could, engulfed in fear, as she watched troll after troll fall to orange blood-streaked sand. Fearing for her life, tears streaked her face as she attempted to fight them off, she knew they were outnumbered and surrounded. Jabbing in fear at anything that came near her, as she stood guard behind Nyota.

Lola watched the way she fought off the trolls; a spear-like javelin in her hands, her uniform torn and ragged. Lola looked at her hands shaking with the trolls' orange blood covering them. She wanted to scream at the sight. She looked up just in time to see a creature leaning over her. Thrusting up, pierced its throat with her spear and it toppled on her. Screaming, Lola tried to scramble away before it crushed her, collapsing on her legs.

Her thoughts on getting to Nyota, she pushed enough to free one leg and kick the heavy thing off the rest of her. Breathing heavily, she retrieved the spear and the sword, dragging both of them to Nyota who was now fighting hand to hand. Lola dropped the spear. Taking the sword she swung blindly, striking the troll in the knee and making it partially. Lola threw the sword to Nyota who finished the job. Nyota grabbed Lola and held her, both of them breathing hard, scared, and helpless.

Nyota grabbed her hand and they raced towards Spock who had three trolls on him. With his above human strength, Spock was causing more damage. He used his skills in Suus Manah to his advantage. Nyota quickly engaged in the fight next to him. Nyota had been scared of the unknown at the beginning. Now, it's a fight to the death at the hands of an unknown alien race. They want to see the bridge crew die in an arena to the cheering of a crowd out for blood!

She couldn't let herself be overcome by fear. How could 'til death do us part' with the man she loves arrive like this? Nyota wiped the sweat and blood from her face, growing weary from the fight. She heard Kirk say fall back. Spock started walking backward, still thrashing his sword, his green blood mixing with orange. Nyota and Spock walked backward with Lola close behind, protecting their flank with her spear and dragging the extra sword.

There they met for the last time. Their uniforms were ripped and bloodied, they were all exhausted. Nyota saw Garrison and Doyle's bodies in the middle of the group, lifeless, and Lola kneeling between them crying. Kirk looked at his gallant men and women, and knew they couldn't go on much longer. They were here against their will, kidnapped for the entertainment of some unknown host. He was proud of his crew, his friends, and best friend. They were tired from the fight, Kirk looked in the distance and saw the roaring crowd and the pending doom looming over them. Jim turned in time to see Spock collapse on the ground and Nyota scrambling to hold him, resting him on her lap.

Spock didn't know what to think. Was he a scientist or a Vulcan warrior protecting his mate? He was split between two roles. His instincts and heart tell him to protect his wife. He tried to spare the troll-like creatures, having analyzed that they were simple creatures guided by instructions. Instructions to kill, they had a right to survive too. He would often nerve-pinch as many as possible, but many came too close to Nyota. That drove him to react instinctively, violently, to protect what's his.

"Nyota."

Spock whispered.

He felt her tears fall on his face, and he reached up to wipe them off her. Then he looked at his long-time friends that had become a part of his life, Kirk and McCoy. They'd been on many missions where they had been on the brink of death. With his marriage to Nyota his friendship circle had expanded, a result that had never occurred to him. Spock had no more calculations to give, no probability to project, or estimation of their survival. But Spock looked at his long-time friends as a goodbye.

Kirk threw his weapons on the ground and nodded to Scotty, Sulu, Masters, and McCoy. They followed suit with their weapons.

"We will fight no more," said Kirk. The trolls stopped in their tracks and the crowd went silent.

Nyota held Spock as he lay on the ground with his wounds bleeding, and they heard silence for the first time since their arrival. She held his hand and sought his thoughts, "I will never leave you or forsake you, I will always love you," was her last declaration to the man she loved.

Spock in return felt failure to protect his property, a vow he had given, but that their katras will be together in the afterlife gave him satisfaction. His mind projected his thoughts to her in an everlasting bond of love. He had made peace with himself and Nyota. Lifting his eyes, Spock glanced at his wife whom he cherished, who gave him life, a reason to live. His two fingers grazed her cheeks for the last time.

Nyota rested her forehead next to his and cried, "I love you Spock"

Then a low growl surrounded them. With the clanging of swords and spears the troll-like creatures closed in, demanding they continue the fight. Kirk looked at them like they were a disappointment. Standing next to Bones and Scotty, he wondered what he could have accomplished with the rest of his life.

Scotty looked at his two long-time friends.

"It's been an honor gentlemen."

Sulu and Masters were behind them holding each other. Charlene had buried her face in his chest, breathing hard and tightly holding Karu's torn shirt, waiting for the inevitable.

Then a flash, a bright blue flash, permeated the whole area. Then quietness, darkness was the last thing Nyota saw.

"Daughter."

"Awake my daughter."

Nyota opened her eyes into space, surrounded by the light of the stars, and slowly sat up to find the voice. Standing before her was her father-in-law, Sarek, wearing a long bright green robe that glowed and he was looking at her.

"You have recovered, this is good."

"Sarek? Where am I?"

"We are sharing consciousness together. The family bond was opened and, through it, your distress and pain resonated down the bond."

Nyota started crying, "Am I dead?"

"No, my daughter, you are recovering from your injuries. Physically you are still unconscious."

"Where's Spock!?" Nyota jumped up from her bed looking around.

"He is over here, my daughter, follow me."

Sarek led her to another table that supported a body. She gazed down at her husband, he was so pale looking. Green lacerations and gouges were spread over his body, criss-crossing his torso, she touched his face and whispered:

"Oh Spock, my love."

"He is in a healing trance. There was significant damage to his mental capacity, his sense of morality is testing his logic. If he had been killed, the strain would have affected his katra's continued existence."

"Do you mean he wants to die?"

"Our laws are informed by our logic Nyota, we teach what logic says about certain things."

Nyota pleaded, "But Sarek, he killed to protect me. To protect all of us."

"His mind needs rest, and his logic must rationalize his actions."

Sarek stared at his son, and slowly moved to him and touched his psy points. He saw Spock's confusion and reminded him that logic prevails. He removed his hand and turned to his daughter:

"He is aware of your presence and his responsibilities."

"Thank you, father, for coming. I will try to help him"

"Your healing is almost complete, it is time to return to the physical world. Peace and long life my daughter, I will return to the family with updates on your progress."

Sarek vanished.

Nyota sniffled, lowering her head to Spock's ear, and whispered,

"Parted from me, yet never parted my love. Come back to me," and kissed his lips.

Code: Rescue 911

About two dozen armed security guards beamed down to secure the area, followed by two shuttlecraft landing. Chief of Security, Jose Nieves, scanned with his tricorder after noticing the scattered bodies laying around the grounds. He signaled his men to spread out and search, they stepped over the dead and stunned bodies looking for the captain.

"What in the world happened here?" Jose asked as he stepped over the troll bodies, he had never seen creatures like them before. His communicator beeped and he flipped it open.

"Report Nieves."

"We are still searching among the bodies Mr. DeSalle."

"Notify me at once, when you find them."

"Aye Sir."

The arena was huge, with bodies in the stands and main fairground. "Everyone, pair up and spread out. Stun any of those creatures." Commanded Nieves.

Within five minutes they found the bridge party, unconscious and surrounded by the trolls. Nieves flipped open his communicator and reported to DeSalle that they had found them. DeSalle ordered the medical team down to assess their condition. Chapel and M'Benga materialized first and sprinted towards the bodies followed by other medical teams. The medical team assessed each crew member and began triage. Giving them shots, bandaging their wounds, taking vitals, and determining who was most injured.

M'Benga reported to DeSalle, "The captain and most of the bridge crew are alive. There are two dead."

" Can they be moved? We need to get them out of there."

Christine assessed Leonard, wiping away the orange blood on his face. Relieved and sad about the condition everyone had been found in, she gave him a stimulant to help regulate his body, and then left to help the others. She saw Nyota slumped over Spock's body while Geoffrey was working on Spock.

Geoffrey noticed Spock's bio-signs were registering differently, and realized he was in distress. His body temperature was abnormally low and the tricorder registered internal hemorrhaging. He needed to work fast.

Everyone felt remorse when they found Doyle and Garrison dead among the bodies. They were carefully removed to the shuttlecraft, to be transferred to the morgue.

DeSalle urged Nieves, "Hurry up, we don't know how long the stun will last! You have five minutes max!" DeSalle had stunned the entire arena. Those without a communicator registered as human life forms. However, their condition couldn't be confirmed until Medical arrived. They would have been sitting ducks without Security. There were a lot of boots on the ground. More people were at risk and more people needed to be moved. Desalle was relieved that everyone had been found so close together, but it had come at a price. There were casualties, Micheal wondered if they could have been there faster.

"Yes sir. Get everyone moving now!" Jose responded, and kept post as the teams worked.

Nieves began hurrying the landing party knowing the true extent of everyone's condition, the rush made the medical team nervous. The seriously injured were beamed aboard while the others were carried to the shuttlecraft to be flown to the ship.

As soon as everyone was on board, DeSalle ordered the Enterprise out of the galaxy. He didn't know how long the stun was going to last and with how the people attacked the ship and how the crew were taken, he didn't want to find out. So he prioritized getting his captain and crew back to safety, where he would give him the full report on the whole situation.

Meanwhile, in Sickbay recovery room, with the sound of the biobeds beeping and clicking, a whole team of doctors and nurses worked feverishly taking care of their recovered crewmated. Regenerating their open wounds, scanning their bodies and performing minor operations on internal injuries. Hyposprayed and bandaged, the bridge crew lay unconscious. They were stripped of their bloody clothes, washed down, and redressed in clean gowns. The doctors' work finished, they settled in and wrote their reports, preparing them for the review of the acting Commander DeSalle.

Michael came into sickbay breathing a little better now that the Enterprise was back in their own quadrant, heading for the nearest starbase. He surveyed the bridge crew and saw swollen limbs and faces lying on biobeds. Michael approached Dr. M'Benga,

"Well Doctor, what do we have?"

Both men walked to Captain Kirk's bed and looked at the pale skinned commander sleeping. M'Benga looked up at his vitals.

"Besides being stunned, which was sort of a good thing, the captain has sword and stab wounds to his lower abdomen, several broken ribs, and a mild concussion. They are healing as we speak, he will recover. His body is physically exhausted."

Michael looked at M'Benga with a stern face. "What did you see down there, doctor?"

"We saw some form of an arena, like an old colosseum type, bodies everywhere near and around the crew. Plus those in the stands, it appears they were interested in observing how the landing party were defending themselves."

DeSalle sighed, " Against those creatures."

"Correct, they must have been at it for a while. The rest of the crew show exhaustion and fatigue. Stunning them gave their bodies some form of rest."

Michael walked around each biobed, stopping to look at the sleeping and bruised faces of each crewmember.

"But other than that they are alive and recovering?"

Geoffrey breathed deeply and folded his arms,

"Yes, all except Mr. Spock and Nyota."

Both men walked over to the far side of Sickbay, to where Nyota and Spock lay.

"Mr. Spock's wounds are healing, but his brain wave patterns are off. His heart rate shows fluctuations which the team and I can't figure out."

"What does that have to do with 's wife?" asked Michael.

"You see they are both connected, it's a Vulcan thing which I don't expect you to understand. But they feel and know each other's thoughts Mr. DeSalle, I suspect whatever is going on in their deep consciousness is affecting each other."

"How can you tell if they are healing?" asked DeSalle.

"It's tricky for us to understand, but to a Vulcan it's normal. They might come out of this together, it all depends on how deep the psychological trauma is."

Geoffrey turned to DeSalle, "Vulcans are logical people, everything has a purpose and they accept that. Things are more black and white. It works for them."

"But this is different doctor, Ms. Uhura isn't Vulcan."

"Correct, that is why I will monitor them closely and speak to them."

"Speak to them? How?"

"Vulcanian are still in touch with their surroundings when in this state. Mr. Spock is processing information as we speak."

"Wow."

Geoffrey and DeSalle continued walking out of the recovery room towards the waiting area.

"Vulcanian bodies heal much faster when certain systems are shut down, just like when we induce a coma in a patient so the body can repair itself faster."

"How long?"

"That depends on Mr. Spock."

"Then the rest of the crew is basically fine?"

"Not really. When they wake up, they all will need psych evaluations before returning to duty. I put that in my report Mr. DeSalle. What I witnessed down there was not healthy for any one of them. I have already informed Dr. Robinson and the medical division of Starfleet. I'm sorry Michael, but you and I are COs until further notice, Starfleet should be informing us soon."

Micheal sat in the nearest chair, it didn't occur to him that all the senior officers were out, except M'Benga and himself. The ship was already heading to the nearest starbase for support. He thought for a moment and stood.

"Thank you, doctor, for your report. Keep me informed of any change in the captain."

"I will Commander DeSalle, any changes."

DeSalle left to return to the bridge and wait for the captain to awaken, as well as orders from Starfleet.

Coming Back to Reality

In the two days since the bridge crew's rescue, Dr. M'Benga had turned sickbay into a round the clock trauma unit. All nurses and doctors were ordered to report any changes in status to DeSalle and himself.

Lola Sanchez was the first to regain consciousness. Nurse Running Deer was alerted when her biobed reported elevated vitals signs. She had just alerted the other nurses and Dr. M'Benga, when Lola broke out in a sweat and began flaring her arms, tossing back and forth in her sleep.

"She is definitely coming around, Running Deer inform Commander DeSalle. Christine prepare a sedative."

"Yes, Dr. M'Benga."

Nurse Chapel hurried off to prepare the drug. That moment, Lola sat up in bed with her fists balled and started screaming:

"BLOOD!"

"BLOOD!"

"BLOOD!"

"BLOOD!"

"BLOOD EVERYWHERE!"

"BLOOD!"

"BLOOD!"

"I SEE BLOOD EVERYWHERE!"

Geoff grabbed Lola's thrashing body,

"Lola it's okay, wake up, Lola."

She kept screaming about the orange blood, tears running down her face. Christine ran back with the hypo tray for Geoff,

"Give her the shot!"

Christine quickly angled the hypo against Lola's upper arm and administered the sedative. Her body quickly relaxed and Geoff carefully laid her down. He looked up at the monitor and watched her vitals relax, Lola looked at M'Benga with tears rolling down her face.

"You're safe Lola, you're here in sickbay, you're back on the Enterprise."

She reached and touched his arm to see if he was real, and then said in between crying and sniffing,

"I thought I was dead, they were all around us, we had nowhere to go." Lola's lips trembled, she grabbed Geoff's arm tighter.

"All I see is orange blood."

Geoff continued to reassure her. "You're on the Enterprise now and you're safe. Nurse Chapel is going to get you something to drink and I want you to rest."

She shook her head. "What about the others?"

"They are all here with you, resting."

Moments later a moan was heard coming from another patient. Running Deer turned to see it was Dr. McCoy, he was rubbing his head and coming to consciousness. As Leonard tried to sit up he spoke in a dry, garbled voice, "What is all that noise, can't a man get some sleep?"

Running Deer smiled down at him and attempted to give him a sip of water. "Dr. McCoy, welcome back to the land of the living, sir."

"I felt like I was dead, how long have I been out?"

"About 2 days. Let me get your lady, she's been beside herself."

Running Deer went to page Christine.

McCoy sat up and continued to sip his water, when Geoff spoke to him.

"Welcome back to reality Leonard."

"Well, if this is the best you got as a welcoming committee, put me back to sleep. I feel awful." Leonard set the cup down and rubbed his head and looked at Sanchez.

"She's okay?"

"Traumatized from that planet. Once we get everyone's report, we can get a better idea of how to treat everyone."

Leonard fell back against his pillow, remembering everything that happened on the planet. He was so close to death, he'd met and shook hands with the grim reaper. He's been on many missions where death was a familiar thing, but this was different. He couldn't save anyone, there was no time.

"Did we... all make it?"

"Yes, except Doyle and Garrison, we found them with you. Care to talk about it?"

"Yeah, but not now. Is the Captain okay?"

"Yes, all the others are recovering at their own pace."

At that moment, a worried woman rushed in and looked at her tired weary man laying on a biobed.

"Lennie! You're awake!" Christine caressed his cheek, her eyes filled with tears.

"Hey darlin, I'm alive."

She gently kissed his cheek and whispered, "I know, I've missed you."

"Don't you worry, I would have found my way back to you."

A voice moaned. "OH GOD, get a room."

All the heads turned to Jim Kirk slowly waking up from his coma. Geoff, and Running Deer went to the captain's bed and looked at his bio monitor.

"Captain, I won't ask how you're feeling, but it will help me do my job if you tell me."

"Head hurts, shoulder sore, mouth dry and... who's in command?"

"The ship is in the good hands of Lt. Commander DeSalle."

Geoff got Kirk a drink of water, which he sipped slowly to regain his strength.

"Captain, before DeSalle gets here, you do have two fractured ribs. It looks as if you were thrown."

"Yes. I was tossed, flipped, thrown, kicked, you name it it happened. What about survivors?"

"Most of the bridge crew, except Garrison and Doyle. Sorry Sir."

Kirk laid back and remembered how the two men died in the arena. Starfleet would need to be informed and next of kin would need to be notified.

"Captain, I should warn you that StarFleet is aware of our situation. As the next Senior Medical Officer, I am authorized to inform you that a valid report from a licensed clinician can clear you for duty."

Kirk lay there thinking for a moment, and gave a deep sigh.

"With the ordeal we went through, we'll keep things as they are for now. Give me an update on the landing party."

"I am concerned about Sanchez, she was the first to regain consciousness and woke up screaming about blood. We managed to calm her, then McCoy came to, followed by you sir."

Geoff leaned over and gave a sedative to Kirk, he looked up and asked, "What's that for?"

"Sumatriptan for your headache. After you speak with DeSalle, Captain, you will need more rest for a day. Barring anything unforeseen, tomorrow you can continue to rest in your quarters."

Kirk leaned over and watched McCoy mushing over Christine, and his eyes rolled.

"You okay Bones?"

"Nope, still traumatized from our event, but happy to see my girl."

He responded while looking into her face with a big smile, caressing her cheek.

"Did you hear what M'Benga said? No duty for you."

"That's fine with me, Geoff is doing a bang up job."

DeSalle entered sickbay with a big smile on his face.

"Captain, I see you are well. Thank God you're back on the Enterprise."

"I see you found us in the nick of time, DeSalle, thank you. How did you find us?"

"Chekov reported for duty and found the bridge empty and called me. We first searched the planet after Chekov and the replacement crew got your clue."

Kirk looked puzzled. "Clue?"

"Yes, Sir, each department recorded a beam scanning the ship from the next galaxy. That led us to the planet you were on. We had to engage in a battle of sorts, they attacked without warning after we attempted to communicate our intentions. It's all in the report, but after a brief conflict we were able to find you and stunned the whole area to retrieve you and the rest of the bridge crew. Security Nieves recorded the area where you were found, it was not a pretty sight, sir. We retrieved Doyle and Garrison's bodies, we left no one behind, sir."

Kirk looked at DeSalle, the man was good and took to leadership well. Kirk's heart was heavy, he would never know who abducted them, or why they were taken to the arena battle. He figured Starfleet would review all the reports and ban the planet.

"Thanks for rescuing us in time. What is our heading?"

"I was instructed by Starfleet Command to bring the Enterprise to Starbase 9, since most of the senior officers were off-line. We have been ordered to use their medical facilities until you and the others are recovered."

Kirk looked at DeSalle, he was a good, by the book, officer. The man had saved the bridge crew from certain death, and death had been right in front of him..again.

"Thank you, Desalle, for saving us. A commendation is in order."

"NO sir, I am relieved that you are back on the Enterprise. Now that you are awake.. it's enough."

"Good man, give me updates when you can."

"Yes Sir-speedy recovery Captain."

DeSalle bowed and returned to his duty station.

Kirk sat up and looked around the room. He saw Sulu and his wife Charlene still unconscious next to each other. He looked at their monitors as they both slept, then Scotty with his bruised face. Off in the distance of the recovery room, he saw Spock and Nyota. He could hear everyone's biobed monitors beeping their vitals. Kirk laid back and thought about how everything had turned out.

"The Calvary does come in the nick of time."

War Within

Spock has been here before, this place where his mind debates about his decision or decisions in life. He recalls that Nyota was holding him as he watched Jim surrender to the troll-like controlled creatures. He saw death around him. He was preparing to pass on his katra to her, but where would it have gone if she passed too. He was ready to surrender it to the universe, lost in space and time, to wander without her. There was a blackness in his mind, it had come out of nowhere and settled here in his consciousness. He is alive, alive and filled with confusion. Something had happened to him, and perhaps, to the crew?

Then he heard his father. He had spoken to him in his state of recovery, confirming that he was alive as was Nyota. Spock thought about the things he had done and experienced. The troll-like creatures, while simple in thought, still possessed the basic animal instinct to survive. Their minds were being controlled by an unknown force that was not revealed during their confrontation. Spock spoke in Vulcan as he contemplated his inner thoughts, analyzing the meaning of Surak.

Logic is eternal, and the reason is long enduring.

Why do they last forever?

They do not live for themselves; thus they are present for all beings.

The wise Vulcan puts himself last, and finds himself in the place of authority.

He detaches himself from all things; therefore he is united with all things.

He gives no thought to self.

He is perfectly fulfilled.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.

Did I achieve this? Did I maintain no thought for myself? I contemplated this when I was attacking the humanoid trolls. My wife beside me, defending herself and me. Was the prime directive at play? I do not know. The opportunity missed during the transport to the planet to fully analyze the situation. Even during my stay there, my survival instincts proceeded me. Mostly for my wife.

As far as you are able, do not kill.

Can you return life to what you kill?

Then be slow to take life.

The supreme good is like water, which benefits all of creation without trying to compete with it.

It gathers in hidden places.

Thus it is like logic.

The location makes the dwelling good.

Depth of understanding makes the mind good.

A logical mind makes life good.

Accomplishments make your work good.

Proper timing makes a decision good.

Only when there is no competition will we all live in peace.

The spear in the other's heart is the spear in your own.

I have failed at this, I did take lives. Did I have a choice? Did my logic fail here? The humanoid trolls had no choice, did they desire to take our lives to save their own? I will not know. I was placed in a predicament not of my own creation. I had no control of the variables that were played out in the arena.

"SPOCK!"

"Yes? Nyota? Where are thee?

"Spock open your thoughts so I can join you."

Spock sat up from the platform he was laying on and looked for his wife in the haze that was in front of him. She appeared before him and reached for Spock's hands, then she reached out and stroked his hair.

"Beloved, what is wrong? I sense your confusion."

"My logic is faulty, I've been reciting the laws of Surak to find...balance."

"Is this why we can't reach consciousness?"

"Yes, my wife, we are bonded together."

"Do you want to wake up, with me?"

"I am trying to rationalize the situation that we were in."

"My Beloved, we are both wounded from the arena, both healing, we must balance this together."

"Yes, my wife, you are correct. I need to use logic to find my place, my balance or it will affect my performance as a Vulcan."

Spock lifted Nyota, placing her next to him, and leaned his head against hers. It was there that parts of him were healing. His life line was safe in front of him, his emotions flooded through her and she understood his situation.

"OH Spock, we didn't have a choice, we were forced and my soul would have found your katra. We pledged our love for eternity, remember?"

"Vulcan ways are embedded in me, I feel that I have failed as one."

"No, my Beloved, you saved our lives. You sacrificed all for me, for us, and the crew."

"Parted from me, never parted-those vows are ours that we said together in our bonding ceremony."

"And 'til death, do us part in our Terran Wedding."

"Being in the service of Starfleet has placed my thoughts and actions at odds, wherein I struggle with logical reason."

Nyota touched his cheeks with both hands, and looked into his eyes, seeing the conflict that was warring inside him. He couldn't explain his actions in the arena, he knew, but he was trying to find balance.

For the Supreme Intelligence is upright and merciful, and he will forgive errors on the day of tribulation.

And he is the Protector to all those who seek him in truth. Woe to the duplicitous mind, and to the wicked lips, and to the hands that do evil, and to the fool who walks the earth by two ways.

Woe to the dissolute in mind, which do not trust the Supreme Intelligence.

Woe to those who have lost endurance, and who have abandoned upright ways, and who have turned aside to depraved ways.

Spock you didn't do any evil, you used what logic dictated at that moment. Your scientific mind knew the trolls were lost, being mind controlled. You had no power over that or what happened in the arena, you didn't abandon the Way, your mind was not full of depravity. There is no wickedness in you my Love, NO."

Spock was amazed that she recited Surak, it gave him clarity to combat the confusion he was feeling.

"Nyota, you are filled with wisdom, I see the rationalization of your words. My katra was filled with despair and failure to protect you as a husband."

Nyota smiled and gently kissed her husband.

"Doesn't Logic also say:

For the sake of your katra, you should not be ashamed to speak the truth.

For there is a shame that brings error, and there is a shame that brings glory and grace. We will both achieve it together."

"Nyota, half of my heart and katra, I am grateful for your wisdom. Let's return to our lives that wait for us. I am ready. I will prepare you for consciousness."

"I'll be waiting for you. Love you Spock."

"K'hat'n'dlawa, Nyota."

Spock carefully lifted his wife back down to the ground, and held her hand as she left to prepare to wake up from the coma. He watched her disappear in the haze before he closed his eyes and focused again on meditation, completing the healing trance.

After speaking with his wife, Spock had found his balance and quoted the last part of logic.

Your thoughts wander far and wide, traveling alone, bodiless and naked, sheltering in a cave within you.

When you master your thoughts through logic, you will be freed from the chains of illusion.

A Brand New Day

Scotty was next to wake up from his deep sleep, rubbing his head and slowly opening his eyes.

"Agh, I don't remember drinking so much Scotch before, my head feels like it exploded. Where am I?"

Christine approached him and smiled down at him, doing her rendition of Scottish.

"Welcome back to the real world Laddie."

"Awe, that.. that was awful Chapel. I feel like I was beaten by a herd of trolls!"

McCoy sat up in his bed.

"You were."

"Why am I not dead, or in some heavenly place where the angels are singing to me!"

McCoy laughed and said,

"They didn't wantch'ya and they decided to throw you back!"

Kirk was shaking his head as he realized everyone that was waking up was full of jokes.

"Why is everyone sooo comical when they wake up?" he asked.

"It's the sedative that we gave you when you were recovering," said M'Benga. "It will wear off in a couple of hours."

McCoy got excited and looked at Spock's prone body.

"You mean Spock will wake up laughing and telling jokes?"

M'Benga looked at McCoy and shook his head.

"Most likely not, McCoy. Ms. Chapel, can you give Mr. Scott an analgesic for his headache."

She looked at Scotty with his disheveled hair and smiled. "Right away Doctor."

A low moan could be heard from Sulu's biobed just before his arms started flaring back and forth, like he was wielding a sword. M'Benga raced over to his side and watched his monitor as he held Sulu by his shoulders.

"Sulu-Sulu wake up! You're on the Enterprise in sickbay!"

Sulu grabbed Dr. M'Benga's arms for support and slowly opens his eyes, shocked to see him.

"I'm not dead?"

"No."

"CHARLENE!"

In an instant, Sulu was kicking the covers away. As he sat up too fast, he felt dizzy and collapsed back against the pillow.

"Oh doc, I feel...dizzy."

"That will teach you not to get out of bed without permission."

"My wife, is she okay? Is everybody okay?"

"Your wife is still unconscious, doing well, according to her vitals. Everyone else is coming around."

Sulu took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was so grateful that she was alive. Tears formed in his eyes as he remembered what happened, they were so close to death. Geoff saw Sulu's face and knew what he was going through.

" Give it time. When you are ready... We are here for you."

Sulu glanced at the bed beside him and saw his wife sleeping peacefully, it brought him comfort. But the reality living in his mind is the outcome from the ordeal they all shared, their last moments together, looking into each other's eyes as fear kept them company.

M'Benga gave him a drink of water.

"Charlene is doing fine, her body is recovering from the shock induced by injuries obtained in the arena."

"Ya doc, kill or be killed." Sulu said bitterly. "How is everyone else?"

"We're all here Sulu," shouted Kirk.

"Glad you made it lad," said Scotty.

"We're all alive, Sulu. We made it, somehow," said McCoy.

Then, silence.

"What about Sanchez?"

A very quiet voice spoke up,

"I'm here Mr. Sulu, I'm okay - I guess."

Geoff observed the reunion and determined that they seemed fine. It's only the beginning of their PTSD, the human mind compensates for such events that the crew experienced. They would eventually tell him that 'they're fine', they 'want to go back to work', 'when can they leave?' He was ready for it.

"I'm glad you are all coming around; talking, laughing. Can you talk about how you got there?"

There was silence, then Kirk spoke up.

"We were all completing routine checks and cartography of the planet. Then, like blinking your eyes, we were in the arena. Our minds couldn't process it fast enough Geoff."

The crew looked at each other and nodded, at that moment:

"There are so many of them, how can we defend ourselves.. What the f ck is going on? Karu, KARU!" Charlene sat up, breathing hard, monitors beeping and shouted,

"I LOVE YOU!"

She opened her eyes to see M'Benga in front of her, holding one of her arms. She looked around and saw the bridge crew.

"WHAT? HOW? How did we get here?"

Sulu pulled himself out of bed and stumbled to her, "Honey, I'm here!"

Her eyes widened in shock and gladness as she reached for him and started crying on his shoulder. With her broken voice and tears Charlene asked,

"Karu, I'm so relieved, we survived-I don't understand, how?"

Kirk and the others sat up to see the tender moment between them.

"This time the Calvary came in the nick of time!"

"Aye, the Enterprise saved us all, give credit to those nacelles and warp engines."

Karu and Char looked intimately at each other and touched foreheads, holding each other.

Kirk added a sly remark, "Oh great, another couple that needs a room."

"Okay people, Dr. Robinson should be here soon to fill you in on the next steps to returning to duty. Mr. Sulu, I need YOU to get back in bed." Geoffrey pointed at him, with a stern look.

Sulu started climbing the bed where Charlene laid, Geoff gave a puzzled look.

"Sulu! What are you doing?"

"I'm getting into bed,-with my wife. I'm not leaving her now."

"Kirk said get a room, NOT get in the bed in front of US!" laughed McCoy. The others laughed too at the tender moment.

Lola didn't know what to think or do, the experience in the arena had left her traumatized, and lonely. She was just a yeoman, doing her job, she was assigned as the Captain's yeoman a few weeks ago. She only left the ship briefly but not on combat missions or missions that were dangerous. This was her first one and it had scared her, scared enough to consider leaving Starfleet all together. She sat up, looking around at the rest of the crew. How they seemed to have it together, she didn't know. She was afraid she would be told 'she'll get over it'. Lola kept seeing the orange blood oozing out of the creatures and everyone fighting. Uhura and Masters had kept her going. She looked at Sulu and Charlene, snuggling on the small biobed. Then her eyes drifted to Spock and Uhura, laying there sleeping and wondered how they would handle it. Lola turned to see Captain Kirk staring at her and wondered how long he'd been staring for.

" Are...are Uhura and Mr. Spock going to be okay sir?"

"I don't know Sanchez, I believe so. Mr. Spock is a Vulcan, his body works differently from ours."

McCoy chuckled about Spock and looked at Geoff. "I want to do the honors of completing his healing. I've wondered what it would be like." [1]

Geoff said sternly. "No way Len, you're on medical leave, and don't even think about it!"

McCoy's head hit the pillow with a thump. "Party pooper."

About an hour later, Dr. Robinson walked in with Dr. Chen and Dr. Noel, each one carrying a Padd.

"Good afternoon everyone, how are you feeling today?"

Kirk took a deep breath and stared at them. "I need to get clear and return to command."

"I know you do, Captain. Once we complete our reports, we will clear you for duty."

Geoff reported, "Doctors, most are cleared to return to their quarters for convalescence until you and your team clear them. I have informed them already, that your authorization will release them for duty."

"Thank you M'Benga, I did receive your reports. Dr. Noel, Chen and I have already made arrangements for appointments starting tomorrow."

"How long do we have to see ya?" asked Scotty.

"That depends on you Mr. Scott, this incident affects people differently, if you try to hide it it may have an affect on your jobs. We are here to avoid that, we want you to go back to your jobs. You're the best in the Fleet!"

"And when can we go to our quarters?" asked Scotty

LaToya looked at Geoff, nodded, and said.

"You may leave now if you like. I will have the nurses and aides assist you to your quarters, and your meals will be prepared when you get there. Nurse Chapel will prepare everything for you to leave."

The crew were escorted back to their quarters, with Lola making a request not to be alone in hers. Geoff assigned her Running Deer as a bunk mate for the time being to help with her fears. Lola was scared of the dark and nightmares.

Dr. Richard Chen was assigned Lola and Mr. Scott, even though Scotty was reluctant at first.

Dr. LaToya Robinson was assigned McCoy and Kirk since they were senior officers and needed service as senior officers.

Dr. Helen Noel had both couples; Sulu and Charlene, Spock and Nyota. They needed specialized support due to the fact they were married and fears that stress and frustration would strain their marriages.

Before Kirk and McCoy left, they stared at Uhura and Spock laying on their biobeds. They wondered how long Spock would remain in this state, McCoy remembered Neural [1] where Spock was shot. They both were worried about his recovery then, but now it included Uhura, they were connected somehow.

"I hope they're okay Bones."

"Me too Jim, me too."

With everybody gone, Geoff looked at the remaining couple and wondered what was going on in Mr. Spock's consciousness, he was attached to Uhura. This part of Vulcan psychology, connected consciousness, was new to him. "Would it affect her as well," he asked himself. He needed to ask an expert and decided to make a call to the S'chn T'gai family Healer, Shath, on Vulcan.

Nothing Will Be the Same

Geoff spoke to Healer Shath about Spock and Nyota's healing process. Shath assured him that they would recover together, and the continued physical contact would be unnecessary for Nyota. Geoff felt glad relieved about that, he didn't know how Spock would respond to the intimacy being observed. Now he just had to wait for them to wake up.

Lola struggled with depression and nightmares of orange blood, she would wake up screaming 'blood everywhere'. Dr. Chen saw the distress on Lola and had Running Deer continue to partner with her. He let Lola know the nightmares will take some time to lessen, depending on how her mind recovered from the incident. He documented concerns about her appetite and exhaustion, giving instructions to Running Deer that she encourage Lola to eat and attempt to sleep.

Mr. Scott made his way into engineering and listened to the purring of the Enterprise, their familiarity and comfort expedited his recovery. He was already tinkering with the antimatter pods, forgetting he was ever kidnapped as he buried himself in his engines. He successfully engaged with the technicians about the galactic barrier, discussing where the engines strained during its course through the barrier. He ended up giving lectures on how to maneuver in a space void, Chen kept him on observation until they reached the starbase to give them his report.

Dr. Leonard McCoy was a different story. He faced death on a daily basis, so the prospect wasn't new to him. But this time it was different, he had Christine. She had expanded his world, making him see the consequences in a new light. Her previous loss had been catastrophic and didn't want to be the cause of her having to go through that again. His daughter came to mind, how his loss would affect her. He had plans, he wanted to fulfill them with Christine, they made a formidable team. It was his training during his medical school years that made him capable of handling what happened to him in that arena. Blood of any color was normal for him, he had worked with death all his career. So his conversation with LaToya was almost normal, almost-there were times he could walk away from it, step back and look at life instead. He had that opportunity now with Christine. But he hated talking to LaToya, she saw right through him, yet they were friends and she wanted to help him. She had to break through the glass wall of his hurt and shame. For the first time, Leonard started coming out of the shadows of his pain. The drinking became almost non-existent, while he was facing the reality of his personal life. Christine, his Christine, could always see through his crusted exterior and she melted with him.

LaToya knew that men and women in the medical profession carried a facade to protect themselves emotionally. But this time all Lennie's personal friends were on the verge of dying all at once, this was different for him. With Christine's help, Lennie was able to confront his emotions instead of hiding behind his title.

It was the same with James Kirk. His position as captain also made him misplace his true feelings about death. Kirk was very good at hiding behind his job and the Enterprise, which he constantly asked about. Kirk had a lot of fronts, he reverted to them to hide from what really happened down on that planet. His wound would take time to recover. He was like Scotty, in that keeping busy would divert his attention from the situation, but the healing needed time. Kirk wasn't hiding, he was facing the scene every night when he slept. He finally told LaToya that he was worried about Spock and Nyota, they were like family to him. He had lost his brother, Peter, while he was living with a distant cousin and him out in space. Kirk had come to terms with that, but this incident where his crew family was almost lost too... that hit him differently. How would he survive if he was the only one left? LaToya was able to talk with Kirk and process the incident and rest at the starbase would help with the rest.

Dr. Helen Noel had interviewed Charlene Masters-Sulu and her husband separately. Knowing they would support each other and not reveal their own internal struggles. They both felt fear in and out of the arena, not knowing what they would do if either of them had passed and the other survived. Noel often found that trauma was harder on young couples. While the Spocks' were going on 2 years, the Sulus' were still testing the waters of their marriage at 6 months. She would hate to see the stress affect their marriage; it would either break them or make them.

Karu and Char would wake up sweating, squeezing each other's hands, thinking it was their last time. They would hold one another, both crying thinking that they would lose each other, until the storm would pass, and they would talk about it. Karu couldn't look at his favorite hobby, he would stare at his beloved sword collections and walk away sweating, thinking about the arena. Charlene kept rubbing her hands on her clothes as if wiping off blood, imagining the uniforms seemed like they had blood on them.

They thought about Spock and Nyota who were still in their comas, Charlene took it the hardest being her best friend. She was helpless on what to do for her, Nyota was connected to Mr. Spock, at first it seems romantic that they have their marriage bond. But now, she didn't know how it would affect them both. At night they would look into each other's eyes, holding one another, grateful to be alive. They could hardly wait to report back to full duty, Noel had given them a 3 hour shift, just to see how they managed.

Meanwhile in sickbay,

The monitor beeped loudly on Nyota's bed as her closed eyes started to flutter. Christine quickly paged Geoff and he was there in a flash.

"Her monitor started beeping Doctor, I think Nyota is trying to regain consciousness."

Geoff studied the monitors and saw increased activity, he gently opened one of her eyes and saw the pupil moving around.

"She is definitely trying to come around, but she's not out of the woods yet. Make sure someone is always here."

"I'll be here Geoff."

"Good Christine, how's Lennie?"

"Reluctant at first, he's at his hypocratical oath phase where he doesn't think he's a patient."

Geoff raised his brow and acknowledged it was like the stubborn, senior doctor.

"Oh."

"But he's getting better, you can't keep a good man down."

Kirk and McCoy walked into sickbay in casual clothes.

"Good afternoon Dr. M'Benga, is it okay if we check on Spock and Nyota?" asked Kirk.

"Sure, things are the same with them."

McCoy stationed himself next to Nyota while Kirk was at Spock's biobed.

McCoy asked, "Any change?"

"Just some elevated brain activity with Uhura, I think she is trying to come around."

Kirk ran his hand through hair as he looked at his long time friend before looking back at M'Benga.

"Why isn't he waking up? I mean I know he's a Vulcan, it just seems so long."

"I understand Captain. As you and McCoy recall, the healing trance is different depending on the severity of the injury."

McCoy turned to Geoff, "But his wounds are all healed Geoff, according to your last entry."

"I know Lennie, but you forget that his mind is injured too, as well as Nyota's."

McCoy went and stood next to Christine and asked, "That's another thing Geoff, is Uhura connected?"

"I'm not sure, I did ask Healer Shath about the marriage bond, and he did explained that it shouldn't be a problem."

McCoy arched his brow, "But you have some doubts?"

"I'm beginning to think so."

Charlene and Karu came in holding hands; both looking at the rest of the crew, all of them nodding in a silent greeting.

"Any changes Dr. M'Benga?"

Geoff now notices the large audience, all checking on their friends. He didn't have the heart to tell them to leave. They were all worried.

"No change Mrs. Sulu."

Charlene went to Nyota's biobed and touched her hand, "Oh Ny, I hope you come back, we miss you."

At that moment her vitals jumped again, making Charlene gasp and let go of her hand.

"What's happening?"

Geoff rushed over with a penlight and opened her eyes again, the beeping continued.

"I think she is waking up!"

Nyota's arms started to flare, her head tossing as she was moaning. Geoff was confused, she was acting differently, her body started to convulse. He didn't know what to do.

"Nyota wake up! Wake up!"

Her body still shaking, Christine secured the side of the biobed with her body and ushered everyone back before asking.

"What shall we do Geoff?"

It hit him instantly, he looked at Christine and said, "Slap her!"

"What? Are you crazy!?"

"Yes, Nyota is married to a Vulcan, their minds are linked. HIT HER! NOW!"

Christine leaned back and swatted Nyota's face, and started crying.

"Again, Chris, hurry! And harder!"

Christine did it again, Charlene was getting upset, Kirk was mad, McCoy was shocked and Karu was confused.

The monitors went flat, Nyota opened her eyes and said "OUCH, what the f ck!" realization hit Nyota and she tried to sit up."SPOCK!"

Charlene screamed, "NY!"

Christine wiped her eyes, "I'm sorry, so sorry it was the only way!" then grabbed her into a hug. "I'm so sorry about that!"

Geoff gave a somber smile. "Welcome back Mrs. Spock."

Kirk asked, "What happened, why did you slap her?"

McCoy got it. "Jim, Nyota is connected to Spock even in a healing trance."

Kirk looked at Spock, "So he should be waking up too then?"

Geoff looked at the crew. " I wasn't sure at first. You're correct Lennie, they are mentally connected, even during a healing trance."

Nyota started to focus and rubbed her cheeks, wincing in pain. "Is Spock okay? Is he awake? He told me he was coming."

They all looked at Nyota and Sulu said, "Coming?"

Charlene and Christine supported Nyota on each side. McCoy went and gave her water to sip while she got her voice back.

"Yes, we talked in our shared consciousness, he's coming."

Geoff went to Spock's biobed, just as the monitors started jumping, pulling the men towards his bed.

"Mr. Spock, if you can hear me, you need to open your eyes so we can start the next step."

Sulu curiously whispered, "What's the next step?"

"M'Benga gets to slap him awake,"responded Kirk.

"The devil you say?"

Kirk looked at Sulu, "It's different, but it's a Vulcan thing."

McCoy said under his breath, "Wish it was me bringing him back."

Kirk and Sulu gave McCoy a snarky look of disbelief.

Spock's eyes opened and he sat up, Geoff immediately started slapping him back to consciousness. Then something happened, instead of waking up, Spock's eyes rolled back and he collapsed back on the bed. Geoff went into action, the monitors beeped loudly,

"Christine give me a general stimulant- stat!" He looked into Spock's eyes and saw he had relapsed into his healing trance. Nyota started screaming, Christine ran off to get the hypo.

"SPOCK!

SPOCK!

DON'T YOU DARE!"

Christine handed over the hypo and Geoff injected it into Spock's arm, hoping to stabilize him. Nyota struggled to get out of bed, while Karu and Charlene tried to slow her down.

"Char, please let me go to him, he's confused and hurt. PLEASE!"

Karu and Charlene helped Nyota to Spock's bed.

While Kirk and McCoy stood in confusion, and asked questions, standing around Spock's bed.

"Geoff! What happened?" asked Kirk.

M'Benga ignored him, trying to find out why Spock had retreated back into his mind, using his scanner over his body. McCoy tried to assist him, while Christine ran to get the medical tray equipment for Vulcans.

"Lennie this is unusual, I have never seen a Vulcan return to the healing trance unless there is something internally wrong."

"Internal bleeding perhaps?"

"Scanner shows everything normal, I don't get it. I'll prepare for a full body scan in case I missed something. Nurse Chapel, prepare an examination, full body scan."

"But I don't understand, he had regular cuts and lacerations, am I correct Geoff?"

"Yeah Lennie, just like everyone else, his healing trance gave him full recovery."

"Please let me see him, I know what to do!" Nyota said, holding onto Karu and Charlene for support. They gently escorted her to Spock's bed, where she touched Spock's cheek.

"Baby, please wake- we talked about this. Surak's logic prevails by his laws. Remember?"

"Nothing but silence Uhura, what about your bond?" asked Geoff.

"It's closed, and he closed it," snapped Uhura.

She took a deep breath, and tears formed in her eyes. She leaned in closer his ear and spoke in Vulcan.

"Du ugau nash-veh." [1]

Everyone looked and waited for the monitor to change.

"Ta pa' etwel kan, tor aitlun tor ragel-tor ish-veh" [2]

Spock's monitors jumped and beeped and his eyes opened again. He sat up, and Geoff started hitting across his face several times until Spock stopped his arm. He looked around at his friends, stopping at his wife and staring at her. He looked at her with tender eyes, after what she had said he didn't care how much affection he displayed in front of his audience. Nyota had given him important news, news that changed his thoughts completely about his feelings and struggles resulting from the arena. Nyota gave him hope and life again. Geoff was the only one who understood what had been said, and he stared at Nyota in shock, while the others were oblivious to what had transpired. He ran the scanner over her and smiled when got his confirmation.

Spock tilted his head, reached for his wife and held her. She embraced her husband. Now they would face the future, and all it held, together as they promised. Reaching down, Spock touched her abdomen and said,

"Twins."

Nyota looked up at Spock in shock and smiled.

Everyone gasped when it registered.

"OH Sh t!" said McCoy.

Christine gasped again, then silence.

"I'm an Uncle!' shouted Kirk, clapping his hands together.

"We're Godparents." Karu and Charlene shouted with glee, jumping up and down.

"Well, so am I." McCoy growled, pointing his finger to himself.

Geoff looked around and started laughing, it was a joyous moment.

Charlene added, "Wait a minute, I'm an Aunt too!"

Kirk slapped Spock on his back and winked at him, Spock held Nyota closer looking in her eyes. Amid all the noise around him Spock only heard her heartbeat and gave the smallest smirk. Now he had a family to raise.

"Thank you Nyota, K'hat'n'dlawa."

Sniffling in the background, "I want a baby too!" was quietly spoken.

OH GOD?!

The End