Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning found McCoy fussing over Jim in sickbay. “I feel fine, Bones.”

“I know kid. Just want to make sure, especially after that scare yesterday.” Jim nodded. He hoped to not have to go through that again. “So light duty, nothing strenuous. That means no sex, at least until I clear you. Don’t want to chance it.”

Jim blushed cherry red. He could not believe he was blushing over this conversation like some virgin. He could see Bones grinning over him blushing. “Shut it.” He huffed.

Spock who was standing to the side of the biobed Jim was on, raised an eyebrow in amusement over his mates embarrassment. “Come, my mate. Time for us to beam down to the planet. We are to be present when everyone signs the agreement.” Jim slid off the bed and straightened his uniform shirt. It was getting a little tight, soon he would need to get a bigger one. Not much longer now he thought as he rubbed his expanding waistline. He slid his arm in the cruck of Spock’s and they left sickbay. They walked slowly down the hall to the left and headed to transporter room 6. They walked up onto the pad and had the ensign on duty beam them down to their rooms. When they arrived, it was all clean and there were packages on the tables. Jim walked over to one of the tables and lifted the note from the package pile.

Dear Captain;

We have taken it upon ourselves to have everything that we purchased the other day replaced. You will also find gifts from each of the crew. Since we have not had time for a baby shower and you will due soon, please accept these gifts. I would suggest however, that once you have opened them that you have them sent aboard ship. Glad you are better.

Uhura

Bones

Scotty

Jim sniffed at the thoughtfulness of his crew. He set the note aside and started opening the packages. There were baby clothes, diapers, towels, washcloths, socks, little tiny shoes, bottles, hats, coats, mittens and other baby items. There was so much stuff and no two were alike. He wiped his eyes and smiled. “Oh, look how tiny they are Spock. The crew even got some for when they are older.”

“Indeed, perhaps we should do as they suggested and have these sent to the ship?”

“Go ahead, Spock.” Jim sat down holding one of the stuff toys. “This one stays,” he said with a laugh. Spock was surprised to see that it was a stuffed Sehlat.

“Spock to Enterprise.”

“Go ahead, Commander Spock.”

“Beam up items from the following coordinates directly to mine and the Captain's quarters.”

“Affirmative, Commander.”

“Energize when ready.” The pile presents soon disappeared from where they sat. Spock walked over and sat next to his mate. He stroked a finger over the toy, “I did not know that they made stuff sehlats.”

“Me either. We’ll have to get another.”

“Indeed,” they sat and cuddled until it was time to leave for the signing.

**********

The crew of the Enterprise stood behind the Ambassador’s as the agreement with Ardana was being signed. Jim looked at everyone and could feel the relief coming off them in waves. High Advisor Plasus looked like he had aged ten years and his shoulders that once stood proudly, were now slumped. It seems that what his daughter had done, had hit him hard. He had no hard feelings towards the man and had told him so when they got together for the signing. He had simply nodded and gone to his seat. He was pleased that this was almost over and they could leave. He had not seen much of the Andorian Ambassador, but as she was abrupt and standoffish, that was fine by him. He could tell that Uhura and Omal were getting closer and he had talked to Bones and Scotty about getting together to discuss the plans for their wedding. He couldn’t wait until they tied the knot.

Everyone nodded to each other after they had finished signing the agreement. There was a general air of relief that it had happened and hadn’t took too long. Suddenly the Andorian Ambassador collapsed. Bones ran over with his ever present tricorder to render aide. He scanned her and shook his head. “She’s dead.”

“How?” Jim could not believe this. Dammit, now they had to stay until this had been resolved. “Poison. Fast acting as well.”

Jim rubbed his hand over his face. “I will contact the Chancellor of Andoria and Starfleet as well. See what you can find out Bones.”

“Yes, Captain.” He reached for his communicator and had the Enterprise beam him up with the body.

Jim swore and today had started out so well.