Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Jim rolled over and groaned. That had hurt but at least it didn’t feel like he was too high up. Ferengi were pretty short. He heard crunching on the ground as it came towards him.

“T’hy’la are you alright?”

“Fine, just unwrap me. Getting pretty stuffy.”

Soon there was fresh air washing over his face as the cover was removed. Of course they would one of the blankets from their bed, talk about being too cheap to bring something of your own.

“Come, T’hy’la. Let us have Doctor McCoy look you over.”

“Fine.” He looked over and saw the two Ferengi still standing with their hands in the air. “There is another one in the shuttle. They said his name was Abas.” The two Ferengi visibly jumped when they heard him repeat what was said.

“He was awake, Belogg.” The smaller one complained.

“Pip im gren tovat!”

“Yop im too, yoba, Yop sko ta yop ma,” He said cringing.

One of the Sentinels spoke up, “Sir, we have sent one of my men to arrest the other Ferengi. We must take them back to Stratos. We will keep them contained once we are back in the city.”

“Indeed, once we have reached the city, we will contact Starfleet and have them come and retrieve them. They will be tried for kidnapping as it was a member of the Starfleet they took.”

“Understood sir. If you will both come aboard.” Jim, with Spock's help, stepped onto the flitter and they and their prisoners went back to the city. When the flitter landed and they all disembarked from it, Plasus and his daughter were waiting for them. Behind them was Doctor McCoy, Scotty and Spock’s family. McCoy ran forward and started running his tricorder over Jim.

“Other than some bruising, he is fine.” He put the tricorder away and gave Jim a supplement hypo just to be on the safe side. Jim winced lightly from the pinch of the hypo.

“Thanks, Bones.”

“Captain, we are so sorry that this had happened to you. We can’t believe that these people were able to get into you. We will take care of them and see that they do not do this again.”

“We will be contacting Starfleet and have someone come and take them. We will try them for their crimes against an officer of the Federation. But we thank you for your concern.” Spock told him. “At this time, I wish to take my husband back to our rooms to rest.”

“Of course,” Plasus said and bowed to them. “We have cleaned your rooms and they are ready for you. Take care and we will see you in the morning at the talks.”

“Indeed,” Spock said as he lead Jim away.

“Something feels off, Spock.”

“I sense it too, T’hy’la. But right now, we are going to have you lay down. Then we will speak with the others.” Jim looked back to see that everyone was following him. The only ones missing was the Andorian Ambassador and her aides, as well as Omal’s aides.

“They are watching my rooms as well as the other rooms to make sure no one else enters them.” Omal told him when he saw the questioning look. “For Ambassador Zh’raothor, I do not know.”

“I think we should contact New Vulcan, they mentioned getting the others.”

“We will JIm, once we are in our rooms.”

Jim sighed when they entered their rooms and saw it was clean. Spock lead him over to the coach and he sat down. Spock moved him so he was reclining with his feet on the coach as well.

“Now, I believe we can call and check on the others on New Vulcan.” 

Jim smiled at Spock. “Thank you.”

Spock kissed his forehead.

**********

They put a call into New Vulcan and Sam picked up. “Hey guys. How’s it going on Ardana?”

“As well as can be expected. The High Advisor wants Spock and I get kidnapped and rescued by my wonderful mate.”

Sam rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Let me guess, Ferengi.”

“Yup, so they tried there too?”

“Yes, but they got caught when Merrok walked back into their rooms and saw them trying to take Korath. We are currently treating the patient for many broken bones. It seems your dominates are very hands on.”

“Indeed,” Spock said, his voice full of dark satisfaction.

“No, Spock. You can’t go and hurt them.”

Spock just growled at the declaration from his mate. He knew that mentally, but his instincts were screaming to rend them apart with his bare hands.

“Pike is on his way to collect them. You want me to call him and let him know to grab yours also?”

“No, it would be better if I do it. If he finds out through you, he’ll still call and yell at me.”

“Alright, gotta go and check on everyone. Keep us posted.”

“Will do. Talk to you later. Tell the others I said hi.”

“Right.” And he cut the call. Jim sighed, what the hell. He asked the Enterprise to put a call into Pike for him. He might as well get it out of the way. A few minutes later a very disheveled Admiral came on screen.

“Jim!”

“Er, Admiral. Are you okay?”

“Fine, kid. What can I do for you?”

“Well, once you grab the prisoners from New Vulcan, come to Ardana. We have three here for you as well. They managed to grab me, but my mate got me back.”

“Where are they now?”

“Plasus has them locked up, but I think he is a little too eager to talk to them.”

“Alright, I’m on my way now. Admiral Archer is tagging along as well. How are the talks?”

Sarek spoke up for the first time since they recovered Jim. “They are going well. We should be done in another day or so, barring any further delays.”

“Good, good. Once everything is signed and sealed. We will have ships head out to pick up some ore. A outbreak on Earth Colony II is causing shortages. This will help.”

“Indeed,” Selek said.

“Well if there is nothing else.”

“No sir, nothing else.”

“Good, glad you’re okay kid. I have to go update Archer on what is going on.”

“Good-bye, sir.”

“Bye.” Pike cut the call.

“Did he seem a little off to anyone else?” Jim asked.

“Indeed, I have never known the Admiral to appear less than impeccable,” Spock said.

“That is true. He did look like a man that was in the middle of a make out session.” Jim grinned.

“Captain, I believe I will call it a night.”

“Oh, Uhura. I am so sorry. You look beautiful, did I ruin your plans.” Jim was close to tears and felt guilty that he messed up what looked like a date.

“Captain, you didn’t. I am happy you are safe.”

Jim wiped his eyes, damn hormones. “If you say so. I really need some sleep. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

Everyone nodded their heads and left the room. Amanda gave him a quick hug before she left and kissed Spock’s check. “See you for breakfast.”

“Yes, ko’mekh.”

She left the room with Sarek who nodded to Spock. Only Selek remained. He walked over to the two men. “I am pleased you are safe, Jim.”

“Thanks, Selek.”

“Once this is cleared up, perhaps we can have some tea together.”

“That would be great.”

“Good night.”

“Night,” Jim said as he left. “I’m glad he came. I worry about him.”

“You need not worry, my mate.”

“I know, but he is family and I worry.”

Spock gave him a soft kiss and picked him up and carried him to bed. Spock changed into his sleepwear and crawled into bed with his mate. This time he was forgoing his meditation due to the kidnapping. He did not want to lose a single moment in holding him.

**********

Pike looked over at Archer once the call ended. “So you heard?”

“Yup, looks like this trip got more interesting.”

Pike rolled his eyes, “Jon, this is not interesting. Now we have to figure out what the hell the Ferengi are up to.” He ran his hands through his hair in frustration.

“I know you’re worried about our boy. He’ll be fine.” He rubbed Pike’s shoulder.

Pike slumped into his seat. “Kid can’t even catch a break on a simple mission.”

“I know. Once we reach Ardana, we can talk to the Ferengi and see what we can learn.”

“Do you think they are involved with the Excalbians?”

“Could be but we won’t know until we actually talk to one of them.” Archer moved closer to Pike. “We’ll figure this out. Now, I know what we can do to take your mind off the kid.”

Pike swallowed hard, damn the man. How did he end up being attracted to Jonathan Archer. Before she died in the battle with Narrada, he had been in a relationship with Number One. He never even looked at another man. And after he ended up in the wheelchair, he never even considered a relationship with anyone. Once he was out of it, he was too busy with his duties. Now ever since that day in his office, Archer had been chasing him so to speak. He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to be caught.

“Yeah, well that necking session was noticeable. Kid asked if I was okay. Didn’t seem too convinced.”

Archer laughed, “What can I say, I do good work.”

Pike snorted just before Archer pulled into a searing kiss. Damn the man.