LOOK WHOES BAAAAAACK!!!!

Thank you ALL for your patience and understanding as I have battled for such a long time with getting my book fixed and making them freaking POST the stories. Moving, getting sick, traveling, and having some grippy sock vacations didn't exactly help with moving things along but FINALLY, ya girl is here to stay, and feeling better than ever ;)

I was able to edit some (and add a BUTT ton more to them haha) so please enjoy this chapter and I'll update another next week! I'll try to do it every Thursday/Friday ish

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TW: slight DV near the end just FYI, nothing explicit though!

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You were beyond nervous. Having spent the better part of your reign keeping your system from being noticed by anyone other than a few stray pilots from time to time, there wasn't any protocol for what you were getting yourself into. But your system-wide cloaking procedure always kept your people safe. It was hard enough keeping your planets safe from each other, you didn't need additional neighbors to cause further problems.

However, you knew sooner or later advanced civilizations would be able to detect what low-grade technology you had. There were downsides to not having contact with other systems and realms; everything was up to you. And it was starting to cost you dearly.

Therefore, when Starfleet had made contact, you closed your eyes, took a deep breath, and allowed them a grounding party, preparing yourself to be vulnerable, for the sake of your people. Thank goodness you had a sound military and ammunition. At least you knew, should anything go awry, there would be no one to tell the tale.

Their ship was small, smaller than you thought it would be, sitting there on the landing pad nearly a quarter smaller than your own transport. But then again, that may be because their main ship would be nearly as big as your smallest planet. You closed your eyes, once more taking a deep breath, forcing yourself to not think about more than the current moment. There was no use in stressing yourself out further.

A pain in your right side rippled up your skin, stinging an area right behind your ear. Perhaps you should have taken an extra dose of your medication before seeing such strangers.

"Your Highness." Your butler of sorts, a humanoid droid RF-56, motioned to the landing pod, the doors slowly opening and your heart hammering in anticipation of seeing who they were. 

"The Starfleet ambassadors have arrived and await your welcome."

You nodded to him, keeping your eyes on the figures coming out of the small ship, four in total it seemed. 

"Thank you, Raff. Prepare the garden conservatory and alert the security to keep a watchful eye on their mothership."

"On my honor, your majesty."

Without hesitating a moment longer, you put your shoulders back and placed your blue-lined silver veil over your face as your advisors and madam guards followed closely behind you. These ambassadors seemed docile enough, but you were not taking any risks with your first visitors.

They met you just a few kilometers from their landing pod, stopping a respectful distance from you and your welcoming party. They all had on different colored shirts. A blond man with striking blue eyes in yellow, a smaller bright-eyed, curious man in red and two of them matching in blue, a man with pointed ears and eyebrows, the other with dark hair and a scowl. However, his eyes seemed to soften as they landed on you.

You smiled, opening your arms as if to welcome them in an embrace.

"Welcome to Savarion 12, the self-sustaining system of solitude." You nearly cringed, not at all expecting your greeting to sound so...elementary. Perhaps you should have practiced it out loud seeing as you had never greeted anyone with it before.

The blond man stepped forward, bowing his head slightly as he placed his hand over his heart. Your brows raised, utterly surprised he knew of that custom. Perhaps he had met other civilizations with a similar greeting. You would be delusional to think your people were the only ones to have such a practice.

"Empress (Y/N) of Savarion, I am Captain James T. Kirk of the Enterprise, an explorer for Starfleet of the United Federation of Planets. We thank you humbly for allowing us to enter your well-protected home."

You nodded in reverence, but not before glancing at the others behind him who had also bowed similarly as their blond leader.

"I see you have been made aware of our customs. That is quite a feat given we have not shared our system with anyone since before I succeeded the throne."

The pointy-eared man in blue stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. "There was a time when we had contact with your system. Though the information we gathered was few, Starfleet has always been keen on staying up to date with that which is rendered respectful to such species and civilizations."

Once again you were caught off guard, given that his speech sounded much like the ones who had threatened your people so long ago. Your father had made a point to educate her on those who must never come so close as to touch this system again. But you were proud of yourself for not reacting. Or so you thought.

That pain from your side to behind your ear returned for just a moment, but long enough that you had to hold in a breath for a beat to keep from gasping. It was getting worse and this meeting wasn't helping.

"We come with intentions of peace and communication," their Captain said, his arms raised ever so slightly as if he had felt your apprehension, "Should anyone of my party concern you by all means we can send them away. The last thing we need is to cause contention."

You gave him a soft smile. "You are the first outsiders I have met in all my life. I feel I would be faint-hearted no matter who it was I had welcomed."

Captain Kirk smiled, his eyes brightening. "Then I must praise you for how brave you have been." He turned to his other two crewmen, both taking a few steps forward. "Might I introduce Montgomery Scott, my head engineer? He's Scottish so don't feel bad if you can't understand him half the time."

The shorter man in red gave his captain a glare, his brows raised. "More than half the time it's you who we have a hard time understanding." Then he turned to you giving a half smile, waving kindly as if he didn't just half insult his superior. That must be a common thing between them.

"Next is Spock, my second in command. And someone I both trust with my life and can't stand at times."

This Spock blinked slowly while taking in a breath, reminding you of yourself from earlier before he gave his Captain a pointed look. "Perhaps it is because I tend to be right in the majority of my observations, suggestions, and conclusions."

Captain Kirk shook his head good naturedly before gesturing to his right. "And lastly my Chief medical officer Leonard McCoy, commonly referred to as Bones."

"Just by you, might I add?" His voice was deep and had a sort of accent different from the others. It nearly matched his scowl, though you could tell he most definitely found the nickname endearing.

So perhaps they all jest with their Captain. You couldn't help but find that amusing and almost refreshing. As if they all treated each other like family.

Another rush of pain.

You will need to rest for a long while after this.

You locked eyes with the doctor and couldn't help the smile that pulled at your lips, your gaze not missing the softening of his facial features, his eyes searching your face slowly. You were glad for your veil, though thin, you hoped it hid the warmth you felt growing on your cheeks.

He is going to be trouble.

You looked at all of them and smiled once more.

"Well, it is nice to know you seem to be kind people. Human, I presume?" You couldn't help but eye the sharp blue shirt.

Captain Kirk nodded then gestured to the very one she was looking at. "Yes, all of us save Spock, he is Vulcan."

You nearly fell weak with relief. So he wasn't a Romulan. You wished you knew the difference between the races but it was hard receiving intelligence about many races at all here. Perhaps it was a step in the right direction to let Starfleet make contact.

"We welcome you all. Would you care for some refreshments as well as a place to sit? I have a garden room I find pleasant enough to conduct business."

The four of them looked at each other with something you could not place. Surprise? Or perhaps their own relief.

However, the captain looked at you and smiled warmly. "That would be an honor. Though, we don't want to rush things if you have more pressing matters."

You waved a hand. "This is far more pressing. We have not had visitors in nearly two hundred years. The last time was an invasion. So pardon me if we take some precautions."

"Not at all, M'Lady." They all bowed respectfully.

You turned and they followed, your entourage stepping back a moment but your lead maid keeping close enough should you need anything.

Unable to hide the wince of pain that shot through you, you pretended to smile.

You gestured to her with a slight nod. "This is Bastet, my lady in waiting. She will be present with me at all times. Should you need to get in contact with me during your stay she will be more than happy to aid you."

The four of them nodded to Bastet, but she did not look at them, taking her role very seriously.

Once arriving at the gardens, you took a deep breath, filling your lungs with the organic, fresh air.

Several servants were already prepared with a table full of refreshments and chairs pulled out for your guests. Bastet brought you to your spot and a servant pulled out your chair but not before you bowed to your entourage and they left you with a few guards, Bastet, and the Starfleet officers. You glanced at them as they all took their seats, pleased that they seemed to be relaxing already. However, you made sure not to let go of the slight reserve you have for the situation as a whole.

Sweeping your arm to the presented food you gave them a soft smile.

"Please, partake at your leisure."

Kirk lifted his glass slightly and nodded to you, his eyes kind as he spoke a few words. "You have a beautiful home."

You smiled with your eyes as you raised your glass to your lips, but did not reply, not yet sure what to say to settle the sense of hostility you could not shake. A desperate hope fills you that come dinner time, it would be like you were eating with old friends, not people pretending to be nice for the sake of your policies.

However, a first contact under your reign was not something that came with a handbook. It was time to step into the role of Empress your father made very clear he doubted you could do.

"I am curious," you placed your hands in your lap, "how is it that you have found us? I hope I do not have to worry about the safety of my kingdom."

The caption shook his head, swallowing a bit of refreshment.

"As Spock said earlier, we have some data on your planet when Starfleet had just begun their warp explorations. I take it that Emperor Sazphan DeCaspan is no longer in rule.

You shook your head. "No, my father has not been Emperor for some time." A rush of pain behind your neck nearly made you gasp, the mention of your father surely having sparked the small flare-up. "We are a monarchy that follows the maternity heritage, so he was only Emperor for a short while until I was old enough to fill the role properly."

Just then, a gong sounded in the distance and the hairs on the back of your neck raised, a chill rippling off your skin. Closing your eyes, you focused on the sounds of the windchimes and babbling river behind you, reminding you of where you were and that you were somewhere safe.

Bastet stood and bowed to the visitors.

"Now is the time that we say our evening devotions. Excuse us."

The Starfleet men nodded, the Science officer Spock looking much intrigued. The man they called Bones had caught your eye though his face gave away nothing. You swallowed and gently looked away from them.

Bastet turned to you and you shook your head slightly. You were only allowed five pardons from the daily devotions in your entire life and now was the time to use one. You knew there was no way for you to focus on leading the prayer.

She nodded, making sure to tap her wrist where a small screen appeared on her skin, a small dot blinking red, the mark of the one other time you missed the prayer when you were a young child and your cat had passed suddenly. With a swipe of her finger, a second dot appeared and the screen vanished. You did not feel the need to dismiss Bastet and the others, you needed to make the second red dot count.

Once they had all left for their prayer halls, you made sure to look around one more time, making sure to avoid making eye contact with your guests, before gently taking off your veil. It was easier to breathe this way and you wished to be diplomatic without anything getting in the way.

You slowly lifted your eyes, meeting Bones first. He glanced away as if he wasn't supposed to see you like this. Technically, he wasn't, but there was no one there to uphold that rule, at least not for the next fifteen minutes.

Letting out a small breath you looked to the captain, his striking blue eyes full of questions. "As you can see my people have many rules. I hope I am in good company to break one of them, I feel more myself seeing you plainly."

Kirk nodded, the barest of smiles creasing his cheek. "Of course, your highness. We know our presence must be quite a shock to you."

You couldn't help but nervously chuckle. "That would be one way to put it."

"Do you think, perhaps, it is because of the protocol of your civilization, your sudden placement at the head of your people, and the self-doubt that accompanies such changes?"

It took all your willpower not to gape at Spock, the pointy-eared man looking as if he calls people out so specifically on a daily basis.

"Can it Spock, there is no way you can know any of that for sure. We know as little about them presently as they know about us. Let the poor woman be."

Your gaze quickly shifted to the other man in blue, his eyes kind as he afforded you a small upturned corner of his mouth. You could feel the pain of your hereditary illness ebb and flow across your skin but focusing on the sounds of your garden and looking into Doctor McCoy's eyes helped it not hurt as much.

Kirk cleared his throat and your cheeks grew warm hoping you weren't caught staring too long. You looked down at your hands as he spoke.

"I don't want us to be a threat to your people let alone you yourself. But should there be an issue we would be more than willing to help where we can."

Spock quickly turned to look at Kirk with much concern.

"But Captain, we do not yet know of their technological advancements. We can, in no way, interfere should it breach the Prime Directive."

"Yes, Spock, hence our meeting today." Kirk took a sip of his drink and nodded to the man in red who hadn't said a word since they greeted you. "Scotty here can help with that."

"Sir?" Scotty nearly looked terrified.

You cocked your head to the side and furrowed your brows. "Help in what way? You may speak freely of your distress, Mr Scott."

The man with the funny accent glanced at you as he cleared his throat, but before he could say anything Bastet had returned and his eyes told you enough of what he was feeling. Even you could feel the tension that filled the room.

Bones then coughed only for you to nearly gasp.

Your veil.

With a fluid motion, you had practiced in your room for such situations, the gardens and your guests were once more slightly obscured.

She came into view, giving you the barest of nods, but before she could take her place beside you you realized you were in no position to trust her at this moment. A plan was forming in your mind and you needed to be alone with these men for a little while longer.

"Bastet, I require a favor." You stood suddenly, a glass nearly falling over but Spock caught it just in time.

Your lady-in-waiting cocked her head to the side, her gaze questioning.

"Yes, M'lady?"

"For the dinner tonight, we must take out all things related to mushrooms," you gestured to the men broadly, "I do not desire our guests to experience an allergic reaction or anything of the sort while they are here." You were clearly bluffing but it came out as smoothly as you hoped it would.

Bastet furrowed her brows this time. "But could you not have someone else do that?"

Your eyes widened slightly at her response. She had never NOT done something you had asked of her. Even the most mundane thing.

Not dwelling on it, you countered, "I would but that would take far too much time. I am afraid the cook would have already started on dishes that could in no way be presented. I do not wish to make the kitchens twice prepare dishes if it can be helped."

Whether Bastet realized she was wrong to question you or she had caught on to your plan, she did not give it away as she nodded once more and backed out of the room.

"On my honor, your majesty."

You didn't know you were holding your breath until you sat down with a huff the moment she was out of earshot. You all but ripped your veil off entirely, feeling as though you were about to suffocate.

You turned to Spock and let your emotions flow through your voice.

"Perhaps you were right about your quite pinpointed observation earlier."

"It would be most logical to begin our delegations should you like to maximize your time with us at present."

"Agreed," you hummed under your breath as you sat up straight and looked right at Scotty. "What were you about to say before?"

Scotty's attention was still focused on where Bastet had left the room, even as he spoke.

"Your lady's maid has a digital display implant in her arm."

You nodded, not sure why that would be such a surprise. "All members of the working class here in the palace have one. I do not for I am the Empress and have no use for such things."

Scotty nodded in the direction of the empty hall, his eyes still trained there. "And do you know all of the functions of her implant?"

You thought for a moment, then slowly shook your head as you realized you knew nearly nothing of your technology, just that the progression was nearly non-existent.

"I am afraid I do not." It pained you to say it but it was the truth.

Finally, the engineer's eyes trained on you and suddenly your skin turned to gooseflesh as he spoke. "I have seen many in my days as an engineer but one thing we've always known is that combining it with the anatomy and biology of a human is near impossible." He shook his head, his eyes growing wide. "What you have there is no person but a cyborg at least, if not a full automaton."

You reeled back. "Excuse me?"

"I think," Kirk placed a hand on Scotty's shoulder, "what he means to say is that you may be far more technologically advanced than you may think."

Scotty shook his head, looking to his captain.

"You may not have seen it when we arrived, Sir, but they have the military fortitude to take down a sizable fraction of Starfleet."

You didn't understand. You knew you had a well-formed military and ammunition but you didn't think it was enough to scare someone who came from a ship in the sky.

Spock spoke up. "I do not think it is wise to divulge such findings to the empress of said military when she herself seems to have not been privy to such information."

You looked at him and nearly scowled. "I would appreciate it if you would at least speak TO me instead of around me as if I was not present." You looked at the other three, your blood beginning to boil.

"I do, in fact, know how robust our security is. What I don't understand is your silly little rule about helping people who know this "warp" technology you speak of. Instead of getting to the point of your asking to come into my domain, you accuse my people of not being, well, real people!" You looked between Scotty and Kirk, "If it is any consolation, we have not been technologically advanced since before I was instated as Acting Empress at the beginning of my father's decline in health."

Bones perked up. "I take it your father is still sick?"

You nodded, your frustration still warm. "He has been since I was young. My mother passed away from our illness shortly after my twelfth birthday. I took on the Acting role at seventeen only to be instated as full Empress a year later." You paused, not sure why you were telling them this but it felt right, almost like you were finally coming to terms with your situation. "And yet here I am still under my father's thumb of command. I have very few in this palace I can trust, let alone call a friend."

They all reacted appropriately, their gazes full of kind pity, though Spock looked more confused. And he had no problem voicing it as such.

"What do you mean by being under your father's command? If you were instated as Empress shouldn't his leadership become nothing more than honorary?"

You couldn't help but let out a spiteful laugh. "You would think so."

Here you found yourself at a crossroads. Do you tell them your entire history the theories you have about what is happening with your people and the suspicions you have about your father? Or do you keep to the plea of aid in technology and knowledge to help your people thrive, only to force the history of this interaction off the face of every known record to spare the threat of more encounters?

You suddenly found yourself blinking back frustrated tears, your throat growing tight and your hands feeling clammy. This may be the only chance you could ever have in your lifetime to not only save your people from an unknown roadblock but also to have allies outside of your securely sanctioned home. Only then you would be putting yourself in danger you couldn't possibly understand fully, however, you could feel it. Keeping your eyes fixed on a green sweet on the tray in front of you, you spoke just above a whisper.

"I need help and I am afraid to ask for it so please, I do not wish to beg but I must." You looked at them, your eyes meeting each man but locked with the doctor as you continued. "I believe my father is behind the reason we have not left this planet."

~~~~

Leonard McCoy was having a hard time focusing on everything the Empress of this beautiful place was saying as he watched (Y/n) tense up and her eyes filled with pain then relaxed just as quickly. He had watched this happen since they had arrived, too many times to keep track. Something was wrong and he needed to see if there were more people with the same symptoms.

Spock's voice brought the concerned doctor back to the conversation at hand.

"You say your father is the reason you have not achieved warp capabilities?"

Instead of the Empress replying, Scotty beat her to the punch.

"Not exactly "not achieved" just not, well you know, fully executed. These people could already have a ship with warp capabilities. They absolutely have the technology for it."

(Y/n) shook her head. "Perhaps but not as of now. What technology you see has been the same since I could remember. Nothing new has been discovered."

(Y/n) rubbed the back of her neck, the first sign of her absentmindedly tending to the pain that had been flaring up far more frequently over the past hour. Bones narrowed his eyes, mentally kicking himself for not bringing some sort of medical scanner with him.

Kirk leaned back in his chair and nodded. "What makes you think it's all thanks to your father?"

The Empress let out a breath and closed her eyes for a few seconds before answering. This had to be extremely difficult for her. Judging by how tight the security was when they arrived and the rules upon rules she had demonstrated she was bound to, Leonard couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like to cast all that he knew away for mere suspicion.

She opened her eyes and there he saw a fire that made his gut flip.

By the looks of it, she was much stronger than she let herself believe.

"I have undeniable proof of my father having taken what I would declare in terms of delegation, ruling, judgments, and economic change and used it against me or cause those around me to push back so heavily and without relent that all I can do is sit back and let his conspirators take over my leadership. Very little I say or command actually comes to fruition." (Y/n) closed her eyes again, her hands in fists as she spoke. "I had a command of loyal guards that had known my mother. Two well-trained and strong men from each of the 5 planets in our realm. Just as to my mother before me, they pleaded their lives to me, not my father," her voice broke not in sorrow but in anger as she locked eyes with the captain, "they were "killed" in a raid led by extremists in a town where I had sent them to look after the sick. My father did not know I was there in the hall where the order was given. I could not reach the village in time to warn them."

Leonard never really attributed himself to being the type to offer physical comfort but at that moment he found his legs moving to reach her, to...he wasn't sure what he would do once he was at the Highness's side but he had to physically place his hand on his leg to stop it from happening. (Y/n)'s face was masked in political calm but he knew that look in her eyes all too well. The words escaped his lips before he could stop himself like he could his legs.

"That bastard killed your men."

Bones swallowed as she locked eyes with him, giving him the full effect of what she felt.

"That as well as more." Pulling out a small square from beneath the waist of her bodice, she pushed a button where it blinked to life. (Y/n) showed them, by way of hologram, a badly wounded man, slouched against a fallen wall, his face covered in blood as his free hand suppressed a wound to his side. She took turns looking at all of the Starfleet men in the eyes as she continued.

"This was the last message I received from my captain."

Reaching out, Bones didn't mean to place his hand directly over hers but the slight tingle it sent down his skin gave him pause. "Don't feel like you have to play it for our sake. We believe anything you say. The last thing we need is for you to be putting yourself in harm's way for the sake of us strangers."

The young Empress gave him a soft reassuring smile that kept that tingle in his hand alive.

"I appreciate your concern, Doctor, but many things died alongside my men, including the knowledge that this garden, and specifically this part of it, is emitting an auditory inhibitor. Not a single word of our conversation will, or should, leave this garden."

The hint was noted and he took his hand back. Without hesitation, she placed the square on the table with a soft thud and started the recording.

The environment was quiet, all Bones could hear was the sound of groaning men and weeping women and children in the far-off distance. The man in the hologram grunted as he tried to sit up, wincing while blood seeped through his fingers that pressed on his side.

"(Y/N), they know. They know we are onto them. You were right. There is something wrong with the engineers. The science students. All of them. The elderly are not strong enough to fight the illness but most of the children have. And those who have overcome it are in no state to keep learning. There was nothing we could do for those who were already affected. We sent out a warning on all our secured channels," he groaned, blinking back pain, "to prevent any more students from joining the science schools and engineering courses. This is the only way we can preserve the next generations, even if it costs us the ability to leave and find aid. Perhaps," he let out a shallow breath, his voice growing quiet, "perhaps someone will come to us. Don't be afraid m'lady, help will surely come."

The hologram closed but not before the captain of the guard's arm fell, showing his lifeless eyes staring up at the stars. Bones let out a breath and rubbed his forehead. This was turning out to be much worse than they could imagine.

Looking at her, Leonard watched as (Y/n) reverently took the square off the table and placed it back under her bodice.

"As you can see," she let out a soft humorless chuckle, "I am in need of more than developing warp technology. I need to save my people. I have five planets to care for but there is only one of me."

He could see she was hurting. (Y/n) probably didn't know she was letting her emotions show but Bones made a mental note to not let that be an oversight.

"Captain, if you don't mind me being as bold as to speak first on the matter," Spock looked to Kirk then to the brave royalty before them, his brow raised, "I do not see there being any reason we can not aid you on both accounts."

(Y/n)'s eyes brightened and she looked to the captain, Leonard doing the same.

Kirk nodded, his mind clearly working out the details that would undoubtedly involve some sort of heroic means to impress her.

"When is the next time you will get an audience with your father?" Kirk asked her, though he continued to stare at something across from him and not at her.

"Tonight. There is a dinner we will be attending," her voice was so quiet Bones nearly didn't hear her.

"Well that might ruffle some feathers," he muttered under his breath.

The Empress looked at him and Bones froze, worried he had offended her.

"I fear you will be correct. He knew of your arrival but it was not his decision to invite you to dinner. It was mine."

Spock tilted his head. "We will be sure to perform to the best of our ability. You need not fear we will give anything away."

"Does he know how many of us have landed?" Soctty blurted, his eyes no longer full of concern but curiosity

She nodded. "Bastet tells him everything. And sometimes not always the truth," she turned to Spock in earnest, "when we arrive at the dinner we will need to make it known to him you are Vulcan, not Romulan. I have a feeling she would tell him the incorrect information purposefully."

Spock nodded but surprised everyone by not asking any questions.

Bones grit his teeth. No wonder she was so hesitant to do or say anything while her people were around. (Y/n) truly was alone in a palace full of people.

He was really starting to hate this place.

Scotty pulled out a small triquarter and everyone gasped.

"Mr. Scott, did I not explicitly tell you not to bring anything?" If Bones wasn't looking at Kirk he would have thought the captain was reprimanding his head engineer. But the sly smile he gave Scott said otherwise.

"Well, as you can see, I have terrible hearing," Scotty didn't hide the grin that pulled at his lips, "I think while you all are stuffing your face with goodies and pretending to not fully understand the situation at hand, I'll be, what Spock would call "collecting data" on your current level of technology and see where your father is hiding all your advancements."

The surprised Empress's eyes widened. "You think he has all those warp things you keep talking about?"

Scotty nodded, his eyes gentle. "I picked up such readings the moment we stepped foot here. I promise I won't make a ruckus of things. I'll pretend I'm ill or something."

"You can be the unlucky one who hates mushrooms," Bones couldn't help but smirk.

"Bastet would find it quite the inconvenience to have told the cooks to take out the mushrooms only for the culprit for that very accommodation to not attend." Spock also joined in on the jest.

(Y/n) hid a small laugh behind her hand. "I can assure you she can afford to be inconvenienced from time to time."

At that, the entire table let out soft laughter and Bones could tell she was finally starting to relax around them. And he hoped it continued to stay that way.

~~~~

Your smile faded as Bastet arrived, this time you did not replace your veil. Instead, you stood, ignoring the look she gave you as she approached.

"Your Highness, your veil-" you didn't let her finish.

"I'm glad you are back Bastet. Please show our fine guests to their rooms where they can freshen up before the banquet tonight."

However, your lady-in-waiting did not move. You raised a brow and she blinked.

"I cannot let you continue to disrespect the ways of your ancestors, M'Lady. This is not the way your father would want you to behave."

Her words hurt nearly as much as the pain that shot through your body at the same moment. Your vision nearly blurred, it was getting worse.

And yet, you didn't miss Captain Kirk reaching his arm out to stop the doctor from stepping forward. The clear display of wanting to come to your aid bolstered your self-confidence to not let a servant to your father, let alone a servant younger than you, get away with speaking to you as such.

Gently, you picked up your thin veil off the table and strode over to Basted, holding it out in front of you where she reached out to take it, you placing it in her hands.

"This is the part where you learn the difference between our stations. You serve me, not my father. I am the Empress, not a puppet." You gave her a knowing smile as you gestured to the Starfleet men, "These are our guests who have left the safety of their ship and people to meet us on our planet and had taken the time to learn what little they could find about our customs. I think it is only fair I match the atmosphere they created by meeting them with one of their customs; being seen as an equal."

You could feel your legs shaking as you stepped around her, nodding to the hall that would lead them to their rooms. "Now, if you please, once you have shown them to their rooms you may place my veil in my room. Meet me at the Healers once you are done."

Bastet blanched. "Healers?"

You raised your brows and gave her a hollow smirk.

"Yes."

You were not sure where this defiant energy came from but you were feeling it slip away, therefore, before you found yourself falling all over yourself on Bastet's dress groveling, you left the gardens without looking back.

~~~~

The dinner banquet was going far smoother than you could have ever anticipated. Well, smooth in your father's terms of not causing such a big scene; people sent to prison or spontaneously executed right there in front of everyone and their salads.

You kept your conversations with the Starfleet men to simple civil topics that would not raise suspicion to anyone about anything that had been discussed earlier. Though you had faith in the technology of your garden, you still couldn't help but let a bubble of caution in your gut fester.

"You can breathe you know, if anything were to happen we have a big ol' ship that can do quite a number on your old man."

You nearly jumped at the sound of Bones' voice muffled in his glass to your left, surprised to see he had switched places with Spock. You gave him a side glance as you dabbed at the clean corners of your lips, your words masked by your lapcloth.

"You sound too eager for my liking, Doctor. Don't those in the medical field have a rule not to inflict any sort of pain or injury themselves?" You couldn't help but give him a raised brow as you set your cloth down.

He scoffed but not at you. "You would be surprised how gray that can be."

Filling your spoon with the blue soup in front of you, you tilted your head slightly. "And yet I don't think I would be."

You brought your spoon to your mouth as your eyes flickered to Spock speaking with your father, glad the initial exchange had gone well. The look on the former Emperor's face when Spock entered the dining hall nearly made you pass out right then and there. But as if the Vulcan had spoken with magic in his voice your father took to him nearly immediately. They were speaking as if they had been old friends for years.

"What do you suppose they are talking about? Ways to out stubborn each other?"

You couldn't help but snort just as Kirk had returned to his seat on your right.

"Best case scenario, yes."

Looking down, you placed your spoon down, the soup suddenly tasting unpleasant. "Has Mr. Scott found anything?"

The captain nodded as he took a bite of bread, not at all minding his full mouth as he spoke. "More than he anticipated actually. Your father has enough power and supplies to take over all your planets," he took a drink and shook his head, "From Scotty's findings, he has been massing this army since before you were born."

Suddenly the room became blurry and wobbled. You heard Bones call your name as you gripped the table cloths in your fists, his voice distant as if he were in a tunnel. A flash of pain stronger than any you had felt throughout the day thus far rippled behind your ear causing tears to well in your eyes.

A hand on your arm grounded you as you closed your eyes, a single tear falling without a trace. You heard your name again but this time it was clear and dripping with concern.

Since before you were born? How could he? How could he deprive his people of resources and the chance to grow and perhaps reach for the stars and join Starfleet's unity of planets? How could he keep this a secret from you? And why?

You shook your head lightly hoping to keep the headache of stress at bay.

"Good god woman, you are whiter than an albino snow leopard. Will you breathe before I have to do something about it?"

Nodding you looked to the doctor, making a show of taking a deep breath.

"Forgive me, I believe I am unequipped in both taking notice of my father's subterfuge and processing such information gracefully." The room began to spin again and you felt warm strong hands grasp your shoulders securely but gently.

"Damn it Jim I should have taken a page out of Scotty's book and brought my medical gear. The last thing we need is for the Empress of an entire civilization to expire like cotton candy in water, and at our first contact at that."

You tried to say something but you had to focus on not drawing attention to yourself.

"Bones there is no way any of us would have known about this situation. All we can do now is work with the information we have and find a way to transfer all his political and military power to the Empress. And with as little casualty as possible."

You could hear the doctor scoff. "Yeah right. Let me know when you win the lottery next."

The communicator in Kirk's pocket went off and he cleared his throat, speaking loud enough that the others dining around them could hear him.

"Excuse me, I seem to have drunk a bit more than my body could hold."

You would have laughed if you weren't on the verge of tears. Slowly you turned your head to Bones, his hands leaving your shoulders yet his right hand slid down to hold your lower back, a shiver of warmth and something else you couldn't place racing up your back as his thumb moved comfortingly up and down.

"I apologize for my reaction, I don't- I didn't think- I," curse your weak constitution.

"Don't speak Your Grace, take deep breaths and take a drink. The moment this is over I am going to give you a proper looking over. And I won't take no for an answer."

All you could do was nod, your eyes flickering to Spock and your father bowing their heads to each other in farewell, your ears thudding with the sound of your heart screaming to be released from this reality worse than hell.

~~~

Leonard was two broken camel backs deep in anger because of the former Emperor and the pain he has caused his people and most of all his precious daughter. (Y/N) was nothing but reverent, obedient, and graceful to her people and her duty only to be treated like the squeaky wheel of a shopping cart. If only it wouldn't cause an outright war between their worlds if he could just slip a hypo of something that would incapacitate the man...

The banquet had adjourned and Leonard was glad he didn't have to speak with her father, even more so that she didn't either. That is until he spotted the vile man stop the Empress on her way out of the hall, her stance already guarded.

Leonard was about to march up to them but Spock stepped in front of him.

"Doctor, I believe there are more pressing things you can do than endangering the Empress with your sudden proclivity for heroics. I can, with high probability, assure you that should you return to the away shuttle and grab your medical supplies you would be able to aid with more effectiveness."

Glancing up at Spock, Leonard did his best to not scowl too harshly.

"You can have this one Spock, but next time don't stand in my face like some know-it-all all freak."

Spock bowed his head and stepped aside, his brow raised in jest.

"Next time I shall stand less "freakishly"."

Without waiting to see if he was going to be followed, Leonard made quick work of getting to the shuttle and grabbing his supplies. On the way back to where he had last seen you, his communicator went off.

It was Scotty.

"Uh doctor, please say I'm not the only one who has seen the way these people are acting. I swear it's like they are all under some sort of brainworm. Not a single thought behind their eyes!"

Leonard slowed his steps and spoke in a low tone as he scanned the halls for the Empress.

"You mean that illness that the one guard was talking about? Yeah, I've noticed it but only in the servants and young men that weren't playing with a full deck of cards." He peaked down another hallway that led back to the gardens, following a hunch that the Empress had wandered back there. "I take it, you think there is more to it?"

"Aye, and it's not a pretty thought either."

"Well spit it out already. What do you think I can do about it?"

"I think they are infected with the materials that these ships and machines are made out of. Like it got into their skin from touching it so much. Maybe even breathing it into their lungs. I've needed to steal an EV suit just to walk around these places."

Leonard stopped, his thoughts stuck on the first thing his friend said.

"Please tell me you didn't just say ships, Mr. Scott."

"Aye, and a whole fleet of them at that. Every type you can think of, even some I can't quite place their class or function. I already told the Captain and they want me out of here ASAP. I just figured it would be a good idea to let you know that there's a wee bit more to the problem. Maybe try to get a few samples and see if there is at least a cure we can administer if we can't help the miss overthrow her beast of a father. I heard he's been quite the pleasure to meet."

"Thankfully not mine. I'll do what I can and relay it to Enterprise. Maybe we can use it as some sort of bargaining chip to help the Empress get a leg up or two on her old man. Just get out of three and I'll check on you back in our rooms before we go to sleep."

"Copy that, sir, Scotty out!"

If it weren't a matter of life and death Leonard would have half a mind to pack up and leave, not at all liking the idea of dealing with a tyrannical inviled man while the other half of his mind wanted to make sure his stalwart daughter had a chance at leading her people for once. So that's why he had a full mind to do just that.

Arriving at the gardens, Leonard took a long look at the outside of it, quite impressed with the magnitude of it, and it being indoors and all. Thankfully he wouldn't be going in there blind. Taking out his triquarter, he made his way through the brush listening for the beep of our presence while taking in the view.

It didn't take long for Leonard to find (Y/n). He stopped just a few paces behind her as she bent down to smell a bush of flowers he had never seen before, he guessed they were native to her planet and perhaps her favorite given that this opening of tall brush was surrounded in various colors of them.

She wore a different dress than what she wore to the banquet, though he knew she would look stunning in anything.

Stunning.

He didn't mean to think of her like that but he couldn't help it. Her mind was stunning, her resolve was stunning, her drive was stunning...it was what she was entirely. It just so happened to be a plus that the Empress had that physical blessing as well.

There was a gasp and Leonard jumped, his glazed eyes focusing on (Y/n)'s face as she turned, clearly startled at being followed.

He raised his hands slightly and took a small step back.

"My apologies, Your Grace, I was just hoping to uh..."

(Y/n) gave him a small smile and nodded him in.

"I haven't forgotten your stern request to give me a "proper look over". Though request is a generous way to put it. I also recall I cannot refuse it either."

Leonard winced, forgetting how he can come off when in stressful situations.

"It seems I owe you a few more apologies."

With a slight shake of her head, the Empress materialized two chairs out of the stone floor, motioning him to join her.

"I expect nothing less of a doctor who cares deeply for the well-being of all those around him, not just his own species and crew."

Warmed by her understanding and charitable praise, Leonard joined her on the other chair. He found he liked this little spot and the smell of the flowers around them was indeed pleasant, but seeing (Y/n) up close again was distracting him.

He wasn't aware he was staring until she cleared her throat, facing him a bit more as she looked at the small pouch on his hip.

"I take it that is what will help you make sure I am healthy?"

Binking, Leonard took a moment to remember why he was there.

Ah yes, being a doctor.

Letting out a slight cough, he unbuckled his medical scanner and showed it to her so she wouldn't be too frightened by it.

"It can read every vital sign and send it to my medical PADD. It makes a little bit of sound but it's completely painless. It can't heal anything but a few scratches and bruises but it hasn't failed me yet in finding ailments in the body."

He wondered if she would catch what he was implying.

And she did.

With wide eyes she looked up at him, her face suddenly twitching in pain like it had been the entire day.

"So what you are saying is, is that you can check for more than whatever overcame me at the banquet?"

He could feel her excitement and anticipation for his answer. He wondered how long she had been going through this pain and if anything at the Healers was helping with any of it.

Leonard straightened and pulled his chair closer to her, but not too close to broach propriety.

"Yes ma'am. And with that information find remedies, cures, or whatever steps that need to be taken to heal someone."

"Cures," her voice was soft and her eyes looked as if she would cry. She looked back up at him as she continued, "Doctor McCoy, I...I have this pain. It-"

Leonard didn't stop himself from placing a hand on her arm, saving her the trouble of explaining something that was clearly uncomfortable for the Empress to admit.

"I know, I've seen it. I'm kind of trained to see when the body isn't working as it should. Lucky for you, you have the best doctor in all of Starfleet to look after you." Lifting his scanner he started at her head and slowly made his way down to her neck. "And lucky for me you are human so this will take nearly no time at all."

However, before those last words left his lips the image that showed up on the PADD nearly made his heart drop.

It looked like the cancer he would read about in his medical books dated before the founding of Starfleet. And it riddled her body like snowflakes at Christmas time. Thankfully, he was always good at bluffing.

"What do you see, Doctor?"

Her voice was so curious, so innocent, and yet her scans showed nothing but misery and pain.

Leonard finished at her hips not needing to go any further, he got what information he needed. Almost.

He gave her a tight smile, knowing it didn't reach his eyes. He set the PADD down in his lap, thankful she didn't know how to read it.

"I need to ask a few questions." Looking at her scans a bit more closely then glancing around, he figured it would be best to walk and talk, to keep her occupied as he spoke.

"Walk with me?"

Leonard didn't plan on reaching his hand out to her as he stood but it was like his body knew that's what he wanted to do. The Empress looked at his hand and then up at him, her fingers slowly sliding over his. The moment she stood it took everything in him to pull away and clasp his hands behind his back, clutching the PADD tightly.

"Doctor, you are beginning to frighten me," Her voice struggled to sound light and Leonard wanted to kick himself.

This was the part he hated the most.

Taking a deep breath they began on the path, walking slowly in each other's stride. He glanced down at her, taking note of how much shorter she was to him.

"You have something that our people years ago would call "cancer". Or at least that's what it looks like. Typically, even if it would show all over one's body the pain would only show in one or two concentrated areas."

They walked in silence for a moment before the Empress spoke.

"Were all of those red dots that "cancer"?"

Leonard nodded, pulling out the PADD again, zooming in, and taking a better look at it all.

"It is more concentrated on the right side of your head and down your arm and a small fraction of your torso."

"Is it fatal?" Her voice was hardly above a whisper.

"Yes."

He glanced at her as she just stared forward. He had to remind himself he couldn't take her into his arms as much as he wished to. No one should have to go through this, let alone her.

They didn't say anything more for a few moments as their steps led them to a clearing with a fountain the size of a dining table placed in the center. The sound of the trickling fresh water helped ease his nerves a bit. He knew Starfleet already had a cure for cancer but he would have to take time to study exactly what kind she had and if it was cancer at all in the first place. It would take time, perhaps days if not weeks, but he had already made the decision he would come back to her to administer it to her the moment he figured out the cure she needed. In the meantime though he knew he could at least ease a bit of her pain.

Coming to a stop at the fountain, they both looked in the water and Leonard watched as she closed her eyes, a tear falling only to join the ripples of the falling water.

"You know," the Empress sniffed as she opened her eyes, locking gazes with Leonard in the water's reflection, "I think, deep down, I knew this is what would happen to me. It happened to my mother when I was young. It's hereditary among the women in our family. But it was only recently that it became fatal. Before it was just endless days of pain until old age took us."

Turning to her, Leonard placed a hand on her arm and gently pulled her down to sit on the edge of the fountain. Pulling out a hypo with pain inhibitors he caught her eyes and shook his head.

"It won't be like that for very much longer. I will find a cure and I will make it all go away. But in the meantime, I have something that can dull the pain for a few days. Just long enough for me to study your readings."

The Empress gave him a shy, doubtful smile and it tore his heart in half. He hoped his words would bring her joy, not take away from it.

"If only you could truly take it all away."

Risking it, Leonard scooted closer, placing a hand on her cheek, his hands nearly hot against her chilled, sick skin.

"On my Honor, Your Highness. I will make it so."

Letting out a breath she closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. Then, as if it were magic, he watched her body finally, for what could have been the first time in years, truly relax. She let out a sigh as a tear of relief fell down her cheek and into the palm of his hand. With a gentle swipe of his thumb, Leonard suddenly found himself falling for the empress of a world that knew nothing outside of their bubbled home.

~~~

Slowly you opened your eyes to see the doctor looking at you with eyes full of that same emotion that he showed at the banquet, the same look that had given you butterflies then but so much more now.

The pain was gone.

But something else was in its place.

An urgency. The spike of adrenaline to use this time to do all the things that your illness had limited you. To finally rule as you should. He said it would last a few days, that was more than enough time to enact the plans you had been unfolding with them since they had arrived earlier that morning.

Suddenly you realized what you were doing. Standing, you took a step back from Bones, your cheek missing the warmth of his hand, your heart yearning to be closer to the man who seemed too good to be true.

And yet that was the very reason you had to distance yourself. There was no use in cultivating a relationship with a man that could never happen. Heaven forbid they get caught in such a state, her life would be nothing if not forfeit.

Wiping your damp hands on your dress you walk around the fountain and reach a bridge on the other side of the clearing, your hair tickling your face in the soft breeze that came off the rushing brook beneath it.

Bones followed though and did well to keep a distance behind for which you were grateful because you didn't know if you could compose yourself should he be any closer than he was before.

"I thank you for your willingness to find a cure for me. And for that medicine just now. My healers have tried to find any sort of relief but all they could do was create an oil I would burn in my room that would send me into a dreamless and yet painless sleep." You shook your head with a spiteful smile. "I used to sleep so much," your voice trailed off again almost as if you missed it.

"It's the least I can do." You could hear the sincerity in his voice and the conviction that he would do it over again in a heartbeat.

You turned to look at him and smiled, truly smiled. You would miss him when it was time for them to leave. Which would be soon.

Looking up at the light coming through the ceiling tall windows, you realize you only had about an hour before you were needed at the evening prayers and then will be sent to bed. You looked back at the water and rubbed your arms, your mind finally able to fully think about the situation at hand rather than use it as a distraction from the pain.

"Has your engineer found anything of use during the banquet?"

"Yes, and probably more than he bargained for."

You nodded, not at all surprised. "I would usually ask to know the details but I would like to enjoy not being burdened with more pain at the moment when you have given me the ability to take everything in."

"That's understandable. It's not exactly possible to pour from an empty glass."

You raised a brow and nodded at how surprisingly true that was.

They didn't say anything for a moment until Bones took a step or two closer, his voice low as he tried not to disturb the peace around them.

"What's on your mind, M'Lady?"

You were glad your back was to him so he couldn't see the blush that warmed your cheeks at his title for you. Though you have heard it for years from hundreds of people it was vastly different coming from him. But you quickly sobered when you thought about how to answer him. Thankfully it came to you easily.

Walking to the edge of the bridge and watching the waterfall on the other side, you continued to rub your arms.

"Every time I meet with my people they plead with me to help them and make changes and find healers and," your voice hitched and it took a moment for you to regain your composure. But not before a tear fell silently down your cheek. You didn't wipe it away as you continued

"Every planet is struggling and there is nothing I can do to help them. The ones who are loyal to me either die or disappear without a trace." You closed your eyes and took a shaking breath.

Reality was hitting you, and mercilessly.

You could hear the doctor's footsteps creak on the bridge coming to a stop just behind your right shoulder. Your body buzzed with anticipation of how close he was and what he was going to do next. It wasn't as if you had never been this close to a man before, You've had many failed suitors in the last couple of years, it's just,..they never made you quite feel like this before.

His voice was low and full of warmth as he spoke.

"I can't begin to imagine even a fraction of the pain and anxiety you are going through. But what I do know is that you are stronger than you think and possibly the only one who could successfully lead your people to a better and brighter future."

You looked up at him only to regret it instantly. There right behind him was Bastet and her eyes were on fire. You stumbled back and tried to speak to warn Bones to not be so close but it was too late, You could feel yourself falling backward, your arms flying to catch onto anything to stop from hitting the ground.

Before you could stop him, Bones' strong arm wrapped around your middle, effectively stopping you from your fall. He pulled you up to him, your chests touching, his breath moving the hairs around your temples. Had you not seen Bastet earlier you would have kissed this man right then and there. But if you were to do that now you would have sentenced him to his death.

If this didn't already.

"Leonard," you breathed, your eyes locking with his.

"No need to thank me," he grinned coyly, "you know you can trust me to always save you."

Your heart leaped but it immediately dropped remembering Bastet again.

"Behind you," was all you could say before there was a roaring voice that ripped through the gardens like a blade to a bore, sharp and merciless.

"UNHAND THE EMPRESS YOU UNHOLY MAN!"

Bones spun around but didn't drop you, only letting you go when he knew you were on your two feet again. He took a step aside and raised his hands like he had when he had startled you.

"My apologies. I can assure you it was not what it looked like. Though it damn near was," he mumbled the last part under his breath and you would have laughed in different circumstances.

There stood Bastet with four of the Court Elders, no doubt there because of your servant seeing you in the doctor's arms when she was there to retrieve you for the evening devotions. But of course, she had to go get the Elders just to make things worse.

The leader, Lord Frosnic, marched over, his eyes fuming as he pointed a finger back and forth between you and Leonard.

"This, THIS, cannot transpire." He glared at you as if you weren't his governing leader because, perhaps, you weren't in his eyes. "You have disrespected your ancestors, our traditions, and the rules of the monarchy long enough. How dare you desecrate the position of Empress by throwing yourself into the arms of a stranger who is no less than the enemy. Should your father know about this-"

You stood up straight and looked him in the eyes, hardening your gaze.

"How dare you speak to me thusly. Have you no respect for our traditions and rules? I do not need to defend myself because I know we have done nothing that has threatened our civilization, our customs, or my station."

Bastet stepped forward, her smile venomous.

"If you say you are loyal to our standards and your station you would do what is expected of you in such a situation. Do you remember what that would be?" She cocked her head to the side and you bit back the urge to throw her nothing but insults.

Instead, you raised your head and spoke with what you hoped was a level, dignified, voice.

"'If any leader that is sat upon the throne of Majesty doth desecrate the holy and sacred ritual of matrimony either by physical, emotional, or verbal trespass shall be subject to the punishment of physical reprimand followed by the immediate matrimony of offending parties without cause for celebration or withdrawal."

You looked at Leonard and you hoped he could see the apology in your eyes. The last thing you needed on top of everything else was to trap him in a loveless marriage and on a planet with people who see him as the enemy. No way out of this would not end in you losing your throne.

Bones took a step forward just as a throng of guards arrived, pointing their electrically charged blade staffs at his chest, keeping him pinned against the rail of the bridge.

"Please," he said slowly, "I am sure there is something else we can work out-"

Lord Frosnic walked up to him, his hands behind his back. He stared at the doctor for a few moments before glancing at the tablet in his hands that clearly showed the red infection throughout your body.

"No."

You shook your head.

"This would be unjust of us to take one of Starfleet's men without warning and without proper cause. I am the Empress! Do my rules and words mean nothing to you?"

You regretted saying that the moment it came out of our mouth. You didn't want to truly know the answer to that question.

"I don't think you fully understand the dire situation you are in, Your Highness," Bastet said coldly as she strode forward coming to a stop just shy of touching your slippers, "your father will need to be notified of this. And you can guess how that will go. So I can imagine you would do anything to avoid that."

You didn't hold back the scowl that pulled at your face.

"I do not fear my father."

"Oh, but you should."

~~~~~~~

Leonard about took on the guards himself the moment he saw Emperor Sazphan DeCaspan enter the gardens. His cold eyes bore into his daughter, his stride strong, the clink of his walking stick echoing the tune of the dread that followed his presence.

"Father, I-"

The smack that stopped her words ignited a rage within Leonard that he had trained so hard to suppress. Without bothering about the pain of the electrified spears, he lunged forward.

"DON'T TOUCH HER!" He growled as he watched helplessly as the Empress's body fell to the floor in a heap from the power of her father's reprimand.

Leonard gritted his teeth, daring the old man to do it again.

Emperor Sazphan didn't look at him, his eyes never leaving his daughter.

"Get up, you useless child. Your mother would hardly flinch at the first strike. You must do better than this."

"If you must punish someone, punish me! I'm the one who started it. She is blameless!" Leonard yelled at the man, his voice seething with anger.

The Empress slowly stood, not looking at anyone, her hair falling into her face.

SLAP

"NO STOP, ENOUGH!"

"You have no power here Starfleet." The old man didn't look at Leonard as he reeled his arm back for another blow. "She must learn her place."

SLAP

That's it, Leonard had enough. Taking out his communicator he sent a message to the rest of the away party.

"The old man has lost his mind and is abusing his daughter. We have to get out of her NOW if-" That was all he could get out before a guard took it out of his hand and smashed it on the floor, stomping on it with his foot.

The Emperor stopped his onslaught and turned his attention to Leonard.

"Do you honestly think your silly little friends will help you? There is nothing that can be done to remedy this than for you to do the honorable thing and wed my daughter." He walked up to Leonard and took one of the electric staves, zapping him in the gut and then on the shoulder. "Should you not, I think your little man in red can tell you what will happen next."

"You wouldn't make it five minutes out of orbit before we litter the sky with your ships like confetti at a birthday party."

Leonard gritted his teeth against the pain as Emperor Sazphan zapped him again, this time in the thigh, and held it a bit longer. The pain was so immense he couldn't stop the scream that escaped his mouth.

"Father, please," Leonard heard (Y/n)'s voice but it was weak and would do nothing to stop what the old man was doing, "Stop, you will kill him."

"So be it," her father growled as he moved the staff tip to Leonard's neck.

But just before it touched his skin the sound of phasers filled the space, bodies of the Court Elders and guards alike fell to the ground, stunned. Leonard looked around as Jim, Spock, and Scotty came rushing in, their phasers set to stun aimed at the emperor and Bastet.

"So be it not," Jim countered, motioning with his phaser for the old man to set the staff down.

With both Spock and Jim holding him at gunpoint, he had no other option than to do just that. Bastet was then coaxed by Scotty to come to stand at the Emperor's side where all three of them could make sure they didn't do anything rash.

Jim began to speak but Leonard heard none of it as he ran to (Y/n)'s side, her head leaning against the bridge railing, her hair in her face, and her body shaking. She flinched when he reached out to take her into his arms, making him hesitate.

"Shhh, shhh, it's me, Bones. You're safe now."

Without saying a word, the Empress tucked herself into his arm where he held her close as he felt her begin to sob. Leonard glared daggers at Emperor Sazphan, rocking her back and forth, stroking her hair gently. The old man was trying to negotiate with Jim but Leonard knew there was no way the Emperor was going to get his way.

Jim shook his head.

"You are in no position to negotiate for tools and goods that you will use at a later date to attack us and therefore through your people into a needless war. All for the sake of your ego."

The Emperor scoffed. "This truly is an inconvenience."

"Sir if I may," Bastet interjected, stepping slightly closer to the old man, "perhaps now is the time to ask for-"

"Enough out of you, android," Scotty seethed as he suddenly shot her, her body falling to the ground in a stunned sleep. Scotty looked at the others and shrugged.

"What? She's a freak of nature and clearly she was doing more harm than good conscience."

Spock raised a brow and turned back to The Emperor.

"We know of your people being ill, no thanks to you and your poorly manufactured materials and their side effects on those who are exposed to it for an extended period of time. Should we permit the idea of creating an antidote to your toxic materials in exchange for proper negotiations, no further retaliation to our crewmember and your daughter, and the safety of these people as we are away?"

"Jim we have to take (Y/n) with us," Leonard whispered to his captain before Emperor Sazphan reapplied to Spock. But all he got in response was the barest of nods.

The old man stepped closer, placing his chest against Spock's phaser, and smirked.

"No."

(Y/n) stirred in Leonard's arms, loosening them up a bit to look up at him, his heart aching at the swelling that was already showing.

"Say you will heal him," she whispered, her voice weak.

Without hesitation, Leonard shouted at the Emperor.

"I can heal you!"

This drew his attention finally. Leonard went on.

"We have the technology and the means to heal your body of whatever it is that is causing you pain. If you will permit me to scan you I can pinpoint what needs to be done."

Jim nodded in agreement.

"In exchange for a cure to your ailments, you reinstate your daughter and be banished from the palace."

Emperor Sazphan laughed. "You have no power here to make such demands."

Suddenly, Leonard felt The Empress stand, him along with her as not to leave her side.

"But I do," her voice was stronger than it was before, her chin held high, "It is my blood that opens the doors to the temples. It is my voice that leads the devotions, and it is my word that will allow you to take a breath when I say."

She stepped forward and her father took a step back as if there was a force that prohibited him from being any closer. She didn't waver as she continued.

"You have your ships and weapons and means to take over and rule but your loyal guards, pilots, engineers, and pawns are ill and cannot do what you have dreamed of doing since before I was born."

Leonard glared at him. "You painted yourself into a corner, old man. It would be a shame to get paint on those precious feet of yours by back peddling."

"We have, what you would suppose, the proverbial ladder to help you get out." Spock said with a mocking tone that made Leonard smile inside.

Emperor Sazphan looked back and forth between them all before he locked eyes with his daughter and glared.

"You may think you have won this time but just you wait, I will take what is mine."

It happened so fast Leonard wasn't sure what he saw until (Y/n) looked up at him, her mouth filling with blood. That's when he saw the sizable throwing knife sticking out of her abdomen. Her legs buckled and she fell to his chest where he did his best to hold her up.

"JIM!"

His captain turned as Spock shot after the fleeing former emperor, Scotty yelling obscenities at him before calling up to the Enterprise to use a special code he had to get their lifesign readings through the planets' shields so they could be beamed up directly.

Leonard stroked blood-matted hair from The Empress's face, her eyes full of fear as she struggled to speak.

"Shhh, don't speak. I'm going to save you. You'll be alright. Just hang on." He struggled to keep the emotion out of his voice as he felt around for his medical scanner, using its one cauterizing feature to stunt the blood flow and hopefully keep her from bleeding out before he could get her on a bio-bed.

"Leonard," she gurgled, her eyes fluttering closed.

"No, oh god please no. (Y/n)!"

Jim's coms beeped and Leonard heard Checkov's voice on the other end.

"We are locked onto your signals, sir."

"All five of us?" Leonard urged.

"Aye, five to beam up."

"Directly to sickbay!"

~~~~~~

Your entire body ached as you opened your eyes, your mouth felt dry and you felt too hot. Looking around you found yourself in a small bedroom with the quiet beeping of computer sounds and a screen displaying what you guessed was your body only this time the red dots that littered the screen on the doctor's tablet in the garden were far fewer and glowed more orange than red.

There was a sink, cupboards, and a few chairs on the other side of the room. To the left was a wall of windows that were covered in dark maroon curtains. On the other wall to the right was a hallway that was dimly lit. You could hear voices before a door opened and then shut. You waited a moment in case the voices came back. They didn't so you figured it was safe to get up.

Grunting through the pain, you sat up and threw off the blanket only to find you were wearing a comfortable cotton night dress. You gingerly touched the bandage that wrapped around your middle, it was warm to the touch. Slowly, you swung your legs around and off the side of the bed, your bare feet touching the chilly ground. You stood with some difficulty but once you were up you felt alright. Wrapping your arms around yourself you walked across the room and down the hallway to another smaller room.

This room had two chairs, a small table between them with a small lamp on top, all up against a wall with three windows. The curtains were drawn back and the blinds were slightly tilted up letting in a warm evening glow. It took a minute for your eyes to adjust and see that the chair facing away from you was occupied.

Tentatively, you walked around it only to sigh in relief.

It was Doctor Leonard McCoy.

You took a moment to take a good look at him. His face rested on his hand that was propped up on the arm of the chair. His hair was disheveled and fell off to the side over his forehead as if he had been raking his fingers through it all night. You smiled to yourself imagining someone being that worried over you. But that thought quickly vanished as the memories of what happened in the gardens suddenly returned. Your legs grew weak so you sat in the other chair with a heavy plop.

The cancer scan.

The fountain.

Leonard caressing your cheek.

The same cheek your father later struck.

Three times.

Bastet.

The guards.

The knife.

A small sob escaped your lips as you buried your face in your hands, rubbing your eyes as if to erase the images of the events from your mind. Another quiet sob filled the room. You didn't bother to look up when you heard movement from the other chair, feeling a gentle hand softly stroke the top of your head.

"(Y/n)," his voice wrapped you up nearly as nicely as his own arms did.

You could only shake your head, not trusting your voice to reply without breaking down into a waterfall of tears. You could hear him kneel in front of you, his hands reaching up to gently take yours off your face. Through blurry vision, you could see the grumpy doctor giving you the most tender gaze you had ever seen, the corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile.

"You miss me that much?"

A small laugh bubbled up only for you to wince but with how quickly Leonard's expression went from endearing to worried you couldn't help but laugh again, then wince.

"Woman, if you don't stop hurting yourself I just might get the idea to wrap you up like a sushi roll and put you to sleep until you're completely healed."

You gave him a soft smile, reaching up to stroke back the hair that had fallen into his face.

"Then who would you busy yourself with worrying about?"

Leonard let out a deep chuckle. "Oh trust me, you give me enough to worry about for several lifetimes over," he rubbed the back of your hands with his thumbs, "and I would be one upset doctor if you didn't."

Butterflies replaced the ache of your wound and you smiled shyly. Looking away, you tried to think of something to say but you were still in shock that someone like him would care so much for someone like you. Back at home you hardly felt like you had that sort of support.

Suddenly you remembered what happened to him in the gardens with the guard's staff. Reaching up, you gently turned his head to see a small gray scar where he was struck. You placed your hand on his shoulder then his chest where he was also wounded. Then, pushing through heated cheeks, you placed a shy hand on his thigh where you were sure the scar was the worst.

"You were hurt. Because of me."

With the dexterity of a well-trained hand, you felt his fingers gingerly grasp your chin and tilt your head up so your eyes met but he didn't let go.

"And I would take on a few scars if it would earn me a bit of well-deserved respect around here."

You grinned, suddenly feeling very bold, your butterflies returning.

"You promise?" you whispered, your heart hammering in your sore chest.

Leonard's eyes searched yours for a moment before they roamed the rest of your face, coming to a stop at your lips before flicking back up to your eyes.

With a smirk, he leaned in and you let him.

"On My Honor, M'Lady," he whispered against your lips before he covered them completely and you forgot about the rest of the world.

~~~~~~~

Sorry not sorry this puppy was a long one hehehe figured I had to make it up to you guys :P

Next one will be Scotty!

See y'all next week!