Over the Rainbow
By
Donna Reed
The planet Hexton was a pleasure planet indeed. White tipped mountains, lingering inside puffy white clouds. Sunshine burst through
the blue background, bringing forth a breathtaking view as the sun’s rays flowed down from the heavens along side the mountains, to
the fields of green grass and trees. Wild flowers swayed to an almost musical breeze on the planet below. Rolling hills, narrow crystal
like streams of water moved along leisurely as if time were an unknown word in this part of the galaxy.
In another part of the galaxy, light years away, a different kind of beauty sailed through the stars. For her very purpose of existing is to
carry her crew of men and women to unexplored galaxies, where no man has been before. To learn and to teach others. To seek
pleasure in discovering the little things that dreams are made of.
In Transporter Room One, Mr. Scott patiently awaited the arrival of Ensign Chekov, Yoeman Parks, Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy. Kirk
arrived first. Mr. Scott glanced up from his board long enough to great his Captain. “Ah, there ye are, Captain. It a be a minute or two
more: just finishing up a systems check.”
Kirk sat his duffel bag down beside the transporter platform. “Take your time, Scotty, I’ve waited a long time for this shore leave. What’s
another few minutes?” Noticing the lace on his left hiking boot was untied, he bent to tie it. He grunted once while bending to tie the
shoelace, then again while straightening up.
“What’s the matter, Jim boy, the clothing store give you the wrong size pants?”
A startled Kirk whirled around and nearly lost his balance when his heels bumped into his duffel bag. “Damn it, Bones, you practically
gave me a heart attack!”
McCoy arched his eyebrows, then slid his own duffel bag off his shoulder. “Is that so? You keep cheating on your diet and you’ll be
eating your own words.”
Kirk crossed his arms, resulting in his upper torso swaying slightly. “Dr. McCoy, I’ll have you know that I’ve eaten every raw vegetable
you added to my diet card.”
McCoy rolled his eyes. “And every coffee cake and donut I didn’t add. I’ve been watching you, Jim.”
Kirk brought his hands to his hips and had just thought of a great comeback for McCoy when the automatic doors swooshed open. In
walked Yoeman Parks and Ensign Chekov, each carrying a duffel bag of their own. Kirk quickly picked up his duffel bag, slung it over his
shoulder, then took his place on a transporter pad. “Later, Bones: let’s go camping.”
With a heavy sigh, McCoy joined his Captain on the platform. Chekov and Parks exchanged glances, aware of the bickering session
they walked in on, and they too took a spot on the pad.
Mr. Scott pressed a few buttons on his console. “Captain, don’t ye worry about a thing up here: the great lady’s in capable hands.”
“I never doubted that for a minute, Scotty.”
McCoy scuffed his foot impatiently. “For crying out loud, Scotty, it’s just shore leave. We’ll be back in five days. You keep talking like
that and the great Captain here will have poor Chekov calling in every day just to make sure everything is alright.”
Kirk slapped McCoy on the back jokingly, then with a hearty laugh, winked at Scotty. “Energize, Scotty!”
And energize he did. The four Officers dematerialized, then materialized in an open meadow on the planet Hexton.
Chekov dropped his duffel bag on the ground, pulled open the drawstring, and pulled out a tricorder. He turned it on and that familiar
whine sounded.
McCoy scowled at Chekov. “Of all the…what the devil are you doing, Chekov?”
Chekov abruptly stopped what he was doing, stunned by the tone in McCoy’s voice, but not surprised. “I’m sorry, Doctor. If it bothers
you, I’ll wait until I set up camp.”
Kirk sat down his duffel bag. “Bones…ah…Mr. Chekov, we’re all on shore leave now, you included. There’s no need to take readings or
analyze anything here.”
Slightly embarrassed, Chekov ran his fingers through his hair. He looked down at the reading on the tricorder screen, and then up
where his were his gaze met Kirk’s. “Yes, Sir, but…I promised Mr. Spock…”
“Oh …for the love of…” McCoy threw his hands up and looked at the sky.
Kirk was getting annoyed; he held a hand up to stop McCoy’s sputtering. “Chekov, Spock asked you to take readings for him?”
Chekov’s nerves were about to swallow him up. His face broke out in a sweat, and his cheeks felt warm. “Not exactly, Sir.” He prayed his
symptoms weren’t as noticeable on the outside as they felt on the inside. “Mr. Spock was concerned about the initial scanner readings.
And since he is staying aboard…well…I thought since I would be right here, I could gather the information he requires for further
analyzing.”
McCoy plopped himself down on his duffel bag. “Chekov, you’re on shore leave for pete’s sakes. Can’t this wait until you get back to the
ship?” McCoy shook his head and let out an impatient sigh. “Jim, reason with him, will ya? Spock is out of his Vulcan mind: he can’t
make this boy work on his vacation!”
Kirk chewed his lip as he studied Chekov’s face. For the moment, Chekov seemed content staring at something at Kirk’s feet. Then
Chekov looked up then: dark expressive eyes met Kirk’s. Kirk thought for a moment he detected a bit of rebellion in Chekov, then
decided it was just tough determination.
Kirk was the first to brake eye contact, then walked a half circle around the group as he took in the beauty around him. ‘Such loveliness,’
Kirk thought to himself. ‘Such perfection.’ Kirk didn’t like the idea of Chekov spending his hard earned shore leave working, but then,
who was he to tell him what he could and couldn’t do on his own time? Kirk walked over and picked up his duffel bag, slinging it over his
shoulder, he motioned for McCoy to do the same. “Come on Bones, let’s go find a nice quiet spot to pitch our tents.” Kirk cast a smile
towards his young navigator. “Chekov, don’t spend all your time working. Have a little fun once in a while.”
McCoy grinned at Chekov and waved him farewell. “I’m right behind you, Jim.” Then McCoy spotted a clearing in some trees off to their
left. “Jim, that looks like a good spot.” McCoy pointed in that direction. “And it’s not too far from the beam down site.”
Kirk changed direction slightly to his left. His eyes spotting the clearing McCoy was talking about, he shouted over his shoulder at
Chekov. “Chekov, if you need us, you can see where we’re heading. And don’t use that communicator unless it’s an emergency.”
Chekov looked up just long enough to respond. “Yes, sir.” He was concentrating on the little numbers on the tricorder screen,
comparing them to others taken just moments earlier. The numbers had fluctuated a bit. Mr. Spock had said they probably would, so he
decided not to worry about it for now. He let go of the tricorder, letting it rest on his hip. He picked up his duffel bag and made a ninety-
degree turn to go find his own perfect spot for camping. But he didn’t get very far because as soon as he turned around he found
himself face to face with Yeoman Parks.
Yeoman Sandra Parks - biochemist. Intelligent, young, and rather plain as far as looks were concerned. Twenty-five years of age, four
years with Starfleet, two of those four years served aboard the Enterprise. She had a shy and inward personality. With light brown hair
pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck, it made her thin build look that much thinner.
Parks carried an air about her that said she lacked confidence. All she really lacked was a touch of social skills. Parks wasn’t one for
cracking jokes or leading a conversation. Her position in the bio-lab was perfect for her because she didn’t have to interact with a lot of
other people all day. She did her job and at the end of her shift she usually retreated to the ship’s library for supper and some light
reading.
She knew she was missing out on a lot. Many times other female crewmembers invited her for gatherings, to watch vids, or to just hang
out. But Parks always declined; saying she had to do research or just didn’t feel up to it. Eventually the invitations stopped. Parks felt
grateful and disappointed at the same time. “Excuse me…I guess I wasn’t paying attention.” She nodded her head towards the wooded
area past Chekov’s shoulder. “I think my party is that direction: Cindy and Nyota invited me to join them.”
Chekov looked behind him. “They must be a ways off because I don’t see any sign of them.” Chekov sensed she was unsure. “Miss
Parks, would you like me to walk you there?”
Parks bit her bottom lip. “No, uh, no: I’ll be fine. I’m sure they’re out there somewhere.”
Chekov had a hunch that Parks didn’t really have any such plans. He really hadn’t planned to spend his shore leave with anyone either.
He’d decided that he wanted to be alone this time around. That’s why he offered to help Spock with this project. It was the perfect
excuse to be left alone. “Miss Parks…”
“Sandra,” Parks offered in a low tone.
“Pardon me?”
“You can call me Sandra: that’s my first name.” She smiled shyly, her eyes darting around nervously.
Chekov wondered if she felt as awkward as he did right now. “Oh, yes, Sandra…that’s a very nice name.” He held out his left hand to
offer a proper greeting. “I’m Pavel: Pavel Chekov.”
Parks nodded. “Yes, I know: everyone knows who the bridge officers are.”
Chekov felt a sudden sense of pride sneak up. “Well, thank you, but I’m still an Ensign yet.”
Parks giggled like a schoolgirl. “I know that, silly. I’ve seen you around the ship plenty of times. Bet you don’t remember seeing me, do
you?”
Chekov thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think I have. I’m sorry.”
Parks looked down at her foot where she had been rubbing a flat spot in the grass with the toe of her shoe. “That’s okay, I tend to keep
to myself a lot. I’m not real big on crowds.” Not knowing what else to say, she adjusted the strap on her shoulder and turned to go. “Well,
maybe I’ll see you around sometime. Better go find my friends: they’ll be getting worried.”
“Wait a minute, Sandra,” Chekov was sure now that his hunch was right. “In case you can’t find your friends, I’ll be about twenty meters
west of the beam down site. It’s not a large area, but there’s room enough for two tents.”
“Alright…and thanks, Pavel.” Then she turned and walked away.
Chekov watched her walk away. He wondered how long she would walk around out there. He knew she’d made up that story about Cindy
and Nyota inviting her along. Nyota had told him on the bridge the day before that she and Sulu planned to stay in the city for most of
their shore leave. Nyota loved to shop and Tandron, Hexton’s largest city, had many shopping centers. A virtual paradise for Nyota.
Chekov decided he was probably worrying about nothing. Chances were that Parks probably preferred solitude right now just like him.
He sighed, adjusted his duffel bag strap again, and began his walk towards the great pines of the forest. Chekov had already chosen
the clearing where his campsite would be. The day before, on the bridge, he and Spock were running sensor sweeps of Hexton. When
Spock left the bridge for his supper break, Chekov used the sensors to narrow down the choice spots and he settled on this one. He
chose this particular spot because it had a trail from the clearing down to the creek.
Chekov knew when he’d reached the place where he wanted to spend the next five days. Not only did his tricorder tell him that he was
approaching twenty meters, but he felt a sense of contentment suddenly. He decided to listen to his gut feeling and stay put. He slid his
heavy duffel bag off his aching shoulder and let it drop to the ground. Then he stretched and inhaled deeply, taking in as much of the
pine sent as he could in one breath. ‘Ah, just like home,’ he thought to himself as he squatted down to tie his shoe.
He hadn’t really looked at his hiking shoes until now. The design of the shoes and the two- tone hunter green and gray colors brought
back some special memories for Chekov. As a child, his grandfather was his favorite person to be with. Chekov and his Grandfather
spent a lot of time together. They went ice fishing, took long walks, ice skating, and camping among other things. Grandfather owned a
big cabin in the woods. Sometimes they would spend most of the day hiking. Grandfather knew all the trails and Chekov learned a lot
about nature and survival outdoors.
He shook himself free of his thoughts and began putting his tent together. When he was satisfied his tent was secure and wouldn’t cave
in on him; he started gathering twigs and branches for firewood. Then he found some big rocks and placed them in a circle around the
small pile of firewood. Having completed this task, he decided to take his canteen down to the creek for some fresh water. When he
reached the edge of the water, he noticed a set of footprints in the sandy strip along the side of the creek. He glanced down stream, the
footprints were endless.
He knelt down and filled his canteen with water, noting how crystal clear it was. He took a drink of it and felt its smoothness all the way
down. “Hmm, that’s good stuff,” he said to himself and he was sure he felt a tinkling in his chest and tummy.
He moved to stand up, then his eyes caught a glimpse of a single footprint. He compared it to the other prints around it. The prints didn’t
look like a bare foot, nor did they look like a regular shoe, such as what he was wearing. Examining the print closer, he noticed the heel
marking was different. It was much smaller than the average heel on a shoe or boot, and it was deeper. The flat part of the print was
petite and narrow. Chekov remembered seeing the same type of print in a patch of snow almost a year ago.
“Nah, couldn’t be,” he said out loud to no one in particular. Laughing at himself for being silly, he turned to go back to his campsite.
Walking up the trail, he couldn’t shake the sensation flowing through his veins, and the warm ache in his chest. His curiosity got the best
of him, he turned and went back down the trail. He had to prove to himself that she couldn’t possibly be here.
He let his memories take him away. Away to another place, on a lovely planet, where the most beautiful girl he’d ever set eyes on lay
next to him. Where for only the second time in his life, nothing else mattered. Time stood still for him then: he was happy, content,
comfortable, and he was…in love. He knew that now.
Chekov walked up-stream, following the set of prints, his mind still floating like the dust particles in the air. Before he knew it, he’d come
to two boulders where the prints suddenly stopped. To the right was a beautiful waterfall. He walked around the boulders to see if the
prints picked up again, but there was nothing, just smooth, untouched sand.
Very curious now, he jumped up onto the boulder nearest him, then over to the second boulder nearest the roaring waterfall. He peeked
around the rocky wall he was hanging on to. The air inside was thick and humid, and felt warm on his face. He thought he saw a faint
silhouette a ways in, almost behind where the water cascaded down the ledge above.
“Hello, is anybody in there?” No one answered back, but he was sure now that someone was in there, because the silhouette made a
startled move when he called out. “Hello, please. I know someone is in here: just tell me your alright and I’ll leave.”
Still no one answered, so Chekov stepped into the warm mist, hanging on to the wall for guidance. The ledge he was on took him
around in a half circle, where he was positive he could see a person through all the mist. “Hello, are you alright?”
Just then, he heard a startled yelp, then a splash. Chekov leaped toward the voice, deciding that whoever he’d seen was now in trouble.
He reached down and grabbed the struggling figure under the arms. The pool of water appeared to be a hot spring, judging by the
warmth of the body in his arms. “Be still: let me help you. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to….” His voice stopped so suddenly that his lips were
still formed in the shape of his last word.
His insides jumped when a soft, warm hand touched his right cheek, just above his jawbone. The hand slid down his cheek, tracing his
well-defined features, then resting on the lower portion of his still parted lips. Chekov knelt on the rock surface, then slowly pulled the
body towards him. He slid his hands around the petite waist before him, then in a whisper, he said: “Mandy…tell me I’m not
dreaming…please.”
The body in his arms trembled as she continued to explore his body with her eager fingertips. “Oh, God… Pavel…yes…it’s me. I can’t
believe you’re here…we’re here…together.”
Then their eyes met and a whirl of memories and emotions were all that was between them now. Once again, time stood still for Pavel
and Mandy. They could hear nothing other than each other’s breathing. They could see only each other. And they knew nothing else,
for the beating of their hearts had become one again.
Their lips touched. Eager hands slid over his chest, caressing the body beneath the flannel material. Her fingers found the snaps
holding the shirt in place. Slowly, she unsnapped his shirt while planting soft kisses down his neck. His hands moved slowly down her
back, tangling slightly in her long hair, around a petite waist, then over shapely hips.
Pulling his shirt over his shoulders then down his arms, her excitement grew stronger. “Pavel, when I close my eyes, I see you just as
you look now, sexy, vulnerable and oh so delicious.” As she said this, she let her fingers follow the dark line of hair that ran from his
chest, down his stomach, then disappearing into his jeans. He had every intention of returning the compliment with one of his own but
she didn’t give him the chance. She kissed him deeply, hungrily, pushing him down onto the wet surface.
Sometime later they lay next to each other, their hunger satisfied, heartbeats slowing down. He stroked her face, brushing a lock of hair
out of the way. “Mandy, I love you. I’m sure of it. I can’t stop thinking about you. I go to sleep at night thinking of you. I even dream of
us…together.”
Mandy traced his full lips with her index finger. She sighed, letting her hand rest on his chest. “What took you so long, Pavel? I knew I
loved you that first night we met in the loft: the night you saved my life.”
Chekov stroked her still damp hair. “Mandy, I was infatuated with you that first night. I think I was still in shock over everything that
happened. I felt something for you then, but I really didn’t understand it. Then after we were separated for awhile, I discovered I couldn’t
get you off my mind. When we got caught in that snowstorm and I had to carry you the rest of the way home because you…”
His voice choked, he took a deep breath and let it out. “I knew then that if a person’s heart could ache that much…it had to be love. But I
was afraid of what I felt. One minute I’d tell myself that I don’t need it, I don’t need anyone or anything. The next minute I knew I needed
something, and that something… was you, Mandy. It’s just a little difficult for me: showing what I feel, I mean. Sometimes I try to convince
myself that I don’t feel anything. It’s just easier that way for me.”
He studied Mandy’s intense face. “Am I making any sense?”
Mandy leaned over and brushed his lips with hers. “Yes, I think I understand, Pavel. There’s still so much I don’t know about you,
especially about your past.”
Suddenly, Chekov’s eyes grew large. “Oh, my God! We’ve been so involved, I forgot to ask what you’re doing here. Not that I’m
complaining, because you certainly made my day.”
Mandy laughed. “Gee, its been a long time since I got so carried away with what I was doing that I totally spaced out. I just decided I
needed some time away and a friend of mine at work had a brochure of this lovely vacation spot. I checked it out…and here I am.
“What’s your story? Are you on assignment here? Uh oh, I hope no one is looking for you. This could be hard to explain.”
Chekov reached for his clothes. “No, I’m on shore leave for five days. In fact, a lot of the crew are down here for shore leave.”
Mandy stepped over to a ledge and grabbed her own clothes. “Wow, are Uhura, Sulu and Landon here too?”
Chekov stood to pull up his jeans. “Well, Uhura and Sulu are. They’re in the city. Landon took shore leave a couple of months ago, so
she’s filling in for Uhura this week.”
Mandy slid her sundress over her shoulders, then down over her shapely body. She looked up to find Chekov staring at her. “What a
shame.”
Chekov busied himself snapping his shirt up. “Yeah, I guess, but they don’t care as much for the big outdoors as I do.”
Mandy put her hands on her hips and walked over to stand in front of Chekov. Looking him up and down, she said: “No, silly: I mean
what a shame to have to cover up such a sexy body.”
Chekov blushed and a shy grin creased the corners of his mouth. “I’d say the same about you but it would be a lie, cause I don’t really
want anyone else to see the perfection under your clothes.” He cleared his throat and bent to tie his shoes.
Mandy giggled and slipped into her sandals. “Pavel, you’re so male…and I think I like it.”
Chekov began to straighten up and noticed the heel on her shoes. They were the same design he saw in the sand. He finished standing
up and attempted to straighten his pant legs. “They don’t fit right when they’re wet.”
Mandy eyed him up and down again, a devilish grin making her dimples more noticeable. “But they look so good. I mean you look so
good in them.” Then she wrapped her arms around his lower back, giving him a squeeze.
They held each other for a while, just enjoying the few extra moments. Chekov whispered in her ear: “Where are you staying?”
“Nowhere yet. The brochure said there were cabins in this area somewhere, but I hadn’t found them yet.”
Chekov cupped her face with his hands. “Good: you can stay with me.” Then he kissed her. “I have a tent up the trail from the creek. It’s
fairly secluded, so it’ll be just us.”
Chekov slapped the side of his head and closed his eyes. “Oh, no!”
Mandy looked almost frightened. “ ‘Oh, no’ what? What’s the matter, Pavel?”
“I’m sorry, Mandy…I sort of promised Mr. Spock that I’d do some research for him while I’m here. I didn’t plan on being with anyone at the
time. Hope you don’t mind, I promise it won’t take up too much of my time.”
Mandy smiled and pushed her long hair behind her shoulders. “That’s all right, I’ll finally get to see what you do when you’re away from
me.” Then she took his hand and led him around the ledge, and out into the sunshine. “Come on, let’s go find that tent of yours, I’m
getting hungry. I left my bags up there by those trees.”
A sudden burst of wind nearly knocked them off balance. They struggled to stay upright. The sun was quickly being replaced by dark
storm clouds. Chekov had an overwhelming feeling that he was forgetting something. He looked down to make sure he had all his
clothing on. He patted his pockets; he wasn’t sure why he did this, habit he guessed. He couldn’t shake the feeling, but it seemed he
had everything with him. He started walking toward the trees ahead to get Mandy’s bags when it finally dawned on him what he was
missing.
“Oh, Mandy, I left my canteen in there. Wait here, I’ll only be a minute.”
Chekov went back the exact place where they were, but he didn’t see the canteen. He gave up looking after a few minutes, deciding it
was best to just get back to the campsite. As he was leaving, he walked past the small pool were Mandy had fallen earlier. There it was,
floating on top the water. The plug to the opening was still connected and hanging loose. He retrieved the canteen and discovered it felt
full, so he pushed the plug into place and left with it.
When he reached the opening, he didn’t see Mandy waiting for him. For a split second, he wondered if it had all been a dream. Then he
heard a loud crack of thunder and a bright flash of lightening. Up ahead, at the edge of the trees, he saw Mandy walking toward him with
a bag in each hand. It wasn’t a dream; she really was here with him. But what he saw next threatened to take it all away from him.
A lightening bolt had struck the tree nearest Mandy. She was walking away from it and didn’t notice that the tree was falling. Chekov’s
world slowed to a crawl, everything was happening in slow motion. Would he get to her in time? He had to try.
Chekov leaped off the boulder he was standing on with his canteen slung over his neck and around one shoulder. It seemed like an
eternity before he’d reached her. He meant to grab her and pull her towards himself to get her out of the path of the falling tree. But that
didn’t happen. Mandy must have had the same idea because when Chekov pulled her towards him, it was like she was fighting against
him.
He decided in a split second to go her way. Either way they could clear the path. But she had dropped her bags to grab him and he
stubbed his foot on one of them. His body twisted and he fell on his back, hitting the ground with a thud. Stunned and the wind knocked
out of him, he couldn’t move fast enough to avoid being hit by the tree.
He’d barely pulled his knees up when the trunk of the tree plunged onto his midsection. He gave a blood-curdling yell and at the same
time heard Mandy’s scream. Mandy had fallen to the ground as well, but was unharmed. She crawled over to Chekov and immediately
began trying to push on the tree trunk.
“Oh, God…Pavel…I can’t…push it!” She was half screaming and half talking. “Pavel…help me…push!” She looked down when she felt a
warm liquid on her foot. “Oh, my God!” She dropped to her knees and he reached for her hand. She took it and he squeezed her hand
tight. She stroked his face and saw blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. She tried not to, but she couldn’t help the tears from
coming.
Chekov swallowed hard, forcing himself not to panic so as not to choke on the thick, salty liquid he knew was his own blood. He spoke in
a hoarse voice. “Mandy…listen to me.” It was hard for him to breathe, so he had to talk slowly, sometimes cutting his own words short.
“Follow the…creek…down a…ways…” He motioned with his hand witch direction for her to go. “A trail…follow it…take you to…my tent.
Find my…communicator. Just open it…the ship… will get the…signal. Maybe they…talk to…you. If not…push red button. Keep it
open…don’t close it…then bring it…back here…ok?”
Mandy nodded, her eyes still stinging. She kissed his forehead, then took off to find the trail. Finding it, she ran as fast as she could up
the incline. Legs still shaking and out of breath she followed the trail. Just when she was sure her legs would give out, she spotted the
tent. She unzipped the flap and crawled inside. She wasn’t sure what this communicator looked like, but she knew it had to be small
enough to hold in her hand. She remembered Pavel had told her before that it was carried on the hip when they were with a landing
party. Now she was grateful she’d asked him in the past so many questions about his job.
She fumbled around, patting her hands on the rolled out sleeping bag. Then she turned her attention to the half- full duffel bag in one
corner. Not wanting to take the time to rummage through it, she dumped out the contents. The sky was getting darker and so was the
inside of the tent. Her fingers found a small square device. With her fingernails she managed to open it. She heard a few chirps and
then nothing. She crawled out of the tent so she could see the red button Pavel had told her about. She decided to push it to get the
ship’s attention sooner, but she soon discovered she didn’t need to.
“This is Enterprise, please identify yourself.”
Mandy felt a tightening in her throat; she almost didn’t get the words out. “Enterprise, we need help…” Then she began to cry. She
scolded herself and took a deep breath to try again. But the voice on the other end resumed contact before she could speak.
“Please identify yourself: who needs help?” Landon was sure the voice on the other end had a familiar ring to it: she just couldn’t place
it.
“My name is Mandy. Pavel Chekov is hurt. He needs help…fast!” Silence fell, then the voice from the Enterprise returned.
“Mandy, stay calm: help is on the way. Keep the line open, don’t close the communicator. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Mandy, this is Martha, Martha Landon. Can you tell me what happened? Mandy, are you there? Talk to me honey, it’s alright.”
Mandy was working hard trying to keep herself calm. “I have to get back to him, Martha. He said to bring the communicator back to him.”
“No, Mandy, don’t move. It’s very important that you stay where you are so the landing party can locate your signal. If you move it’ll be
that much longer before they find you. It won’t be long, I promise. Tell me what happened. How bad is he?”
Mandy decided that Landon knew what she was doing, and decided to stay put as told. “A tree: lightening hit it, I guess. It fell on Pavel. I
couldn’t move it. He’s hurt real bad, blood is coming from his mouth.”
She stood up and looked all around her, but she didn’t see anyone yet. “Where are they? I have to get back to him!”
“Stay put Mandy, they’ll be there.” ‘Easier said than done’ Landon thought to herself as she raised her hand to her earpiece with
trembling fingers. Landon let her mind wonder only for a split second. She thought about the last time she’d seen Chekov. It had been at
least a couple of weeks ago.
He was working out in the gym. He was going at it hot and heavy on the treadmill. Suddenly, he just stopped and threw himself over the
handlebars. Landon had walked in a few minutes before and was going to swim a few laps before dinner. She walked over to where
Chekov was still leaning over and panting hard. “You shouldn’t workout so hard Chekov, you can hurt yourself that way.”
Chekov never looked up. “I’ll be all right in a few minutes.”
Landon placed a hand on his sweaty back. “Man, your heart is still racing. Want to relax in the pool for awhile? I was just heading there
myself. Come on, we haven’t spent any time together for awhile.”
Chekov straightened up then stepped down from the treadmill. Grabbing his towel and wrapping it around his shoulders, he said:
“No…thanks anyway, Martha.” Then he politely walked away.
Landon was disappointed, but not surprised by his answer. She knew his lack of interest in her was her own fault. She wished many
times since their break-up that she could turn back the hands of time and try it again.
Landon’s thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Scott tapped her on the shoulder. “Lass, snap out of it, you’re being hailed.” Startled,
Landon struggled to bring herself back to the present. “Mandy, are you still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I think I see someone coming. Martha, the storm is getting worse. It’s starting to rain and the wind is blowing hard.”
“I’m going to let you go, Mandy. Mr. Spock just called in; he’s approaching your site now. There’s a medical crew with him. They’ll take
good care of Pavel, don’t you worry.”
“I see them Martha, and thanks.”
“Sure kid, anytime: see ya later.”
Mandy closed the communicator and put it away in her dress pocket. Her eyes grew wide at the site of Mr. Spock. She knew it was him
by his ears. Pavel had told her that he was Vulcan, but she’d never actually seen one before. She hoped her surprise wasn’t too
obvious to anyone.
“Mr. Spock?”
“Yes, where is Mr. Chekov?”
“I’ll take you there, it’s down this trail and to the left by the waterfall.”
The medical team ran ahead, followed by Spock and Mandy.
When the rescue team arrived, they found Yeoman Sandra Parks throwing a rope over a branch on a nearby tree. The other end of the
rope was securely tied to the end of the fallen tree nearest to her. Chekov looked up at her with pain stricken eyes. Then he saw nurse
Chapel; she was coming around the tree. She dropped to her knees next to Chekov’s head.
Chapel ran the medi-scanner over Chekov’s upper chest. “Chekov, I swear, you must have a Guardian Angel connected to your
shadow. How in the world you manage to get knocked around so much and still be able to run like the wind, is beyond me.”
Chekov managed a week smile for his favorite nurse. “I’m a…survivor…remember?”
Chapel placed a wet cloth on Chekov’s forehead, then with another cloth wiped the blood from his face and neck. She looked up when
she heard a crackling noise. “Looks like you’re about to get rescued. Here we were in such a hurry to get down here and save your
butt.” She pointed to the young woman pulling with all her might on the end of a rope. “Looks like someone beat us to the punch.”
Chekov cringed and squeezed his eyes shut when the weight of the tree was partially lifted from his body. He inhaled as deep as his
lungs would allow then exhaled slowly. “Yeah…she’s been…wonderful…she stayed…calm and…acted fast…she’s a…smart lady. She
deserves…a commendation…for this. Ow! Oh, God! It hurts!”
Chapel reached in her bag and pulled out a hypo. “This won’t take care of all the pain Pavel, but it’ll take the edge off. I can’t give you
too much till we get you to sickbay.”
He vaguely heard Spock yell: “Again. Once more should take care of it.”
Chekov’s brain was feeling a bit cloudy from the hypo. Then Mandy’s face came into view. She held his hand and stroked his face then
bent to kiss him. “You’ll be fine now, love.”
Mandy looked at Chapel, worry creasing her brow. “Will he be able to come back before your ship has to leave?”
Chapel looked down at Chekov; he never took his eyes off Mandy’s face. “I’m not sure Mandy, he may require surgery. But just in case,
why don’t you come back with us and keep him company in sickbay. I’m sure the Captain wouldn’t object and I’ll set you up in the guest
quarters.”
Mandy half chuckled and half-cried. “Yes, I would love that.” She bent and whispered in Chekov’s ear: “Did you hear that love? We can
still be together.”
Chekov reached up with trembling fingers and touched her face. “Looks like…fate is…on our…side…again.”
Chekov let out a stifled scream as the enormous weight was completely lifted from his mid-section. He heard Spock’s voice say: “Good,
now bring it over this way. Now let it down slowly. Excellent: let’s get him loaded up.”
Chekov cried out when he was lifted and lowered down onto something much softer than the ground he’d left behind. Once he was
secured and Chapel gave the okay, Spock began organizing the beam up.
Chapel waved her hand to get Spock’s attention. “Spock, we have one more person to beam up with us.” She motioned towards Mandy.
“It’s important that this young lady go aboard with us.”
Spock didn’t argue, he wasn’t about to call judgement on the Medical personnel. “As you wish Nurse Chapel.” Then Spock opened his
communicator again. “Enterprise, this is Spock. Inform the transporter room that there will be one additional person to beam up. Please
relay these coordinates.”
Landon’s voice came over the tiny speaker. “Yes, sir, one more; relaying now, Sir.”
“Confirmed, Yeoman: Spock out.”
Chekov squeezed Mandy’s hand tightly, pulling her closer to him. “Mandy…look…over there.” He pointed where he wanted her to look.
“Do you…see it?”
Mandy looked but saw nothing. Then it dawned on her that the sun was coming out and the storm clouds were moving away. “Yes,
Pavel: I see it. It’s pretty isn’t it?”
Chekov’s voice was almost a whisper now. “Do you…see what…it says? It says…Pavel and Mandy…forever.”
Mandy looked at the distant sky again then to Chapel and back to Chekov. “Where love, where does it say that?”
Chekov pointed again and with a twinkle in his eyes, he said: “There…over the rainbow.”
Mandy’s eyes glazed over and she looked at the sky again. And to her amazement, she did see a rainbow. So did everyone else.
“Yes, love, I see it…I do see it.”
* * * *
“Spock to Enterprise."
“Enterprise, Landon here, Sir. Mr. Scott is ready to beam you..."
"Yeoman, inform Mr. Scott that I will be staying planet-side until further notice."
"Sir?"
"I assure you, Yeoman, everything is quite alright. I'll locate the Captain and inform him of the recent events. I will also retrieve Mr.
Chekov's belongings to be beamed aboard. At that time I'll contact you again."
"Yes, Sir"
"Spock out"
Dr. M’Benga was barking out orders, getting the sickbay ready for the incoming emergency. Moments later, a group of people entered
sickbay, pulling an anti-grav-sled along side.
The Doctor motioned for the staff to clear a path. "Bring him over here, let’s get him on this bed."
The grav-sled was positioned alongside the sickbay bed. Chapel and another nurse stood on the open side of the sickbay bed while M’
Benga and a member of the rescue team took the open side of the grav-sled. Together on the count of three, they each grabbed a
corner of the blanket underneath the injured man and lifted. Chekov's body was then lowered onto the sickbay bed. The grav-sled was
then taken away and M’Benga and Chapel worked quickly, examining the injuries. With the help of Chapel's assistant nurse, Chekov's
clothing was quickly yet carefully removed. A sheet was draped over him, from the hips down, for privacy only. Chekov was still
conscious, but not in any mood to argue. M’Benga watched the readings on the diagnostic board above the patient's head.
"Vitals are slowly improving, but not fast enough. Christine, start an IV, and I want some blood work done as soon as you can get to it."
"Yes, Sir." Chapel worked quickly preparing Chekov's arm for the IV Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mandy just a few feet away.
Mandy stood frozen with fear, her eyes fixed on Chekov's face.
M’Bemga busied himself pressing on the injured areas of Chekov's torso. Chekov's hands grabbed at the sides of the bed and he
squeezed his eyes shut at the doctor's touch.
"Sorry, I know it hurts, but it’s necessary. You must have been pinned under that tree for quite some time by the looks of these bruises.
They're already turning yellow."
Chapel shook her head. "No, Doctor, only around twenty to twenty five minutes."
M’Benga froze in position with his fingertips now on Chekov's pelvic area. "You have to be Kidding."
Chekov threw his head back and let out a strangled cry. Then he shook his head. "No. . .she's right. . .not very long."
M’Benga sighed and pulled his hands away. Placing a hand on Chekov's shoulder, and giving it an apologetic squeeze, he checked the
readings again. "We're going to take you into surgery now. You have a few broken ribs, one that may be piercing your left lung. The rest
I'll know more about once I can look a little closer."
Mandy approached the foot of the bed. "Doctor, will he be alright?"
"Oh, I think he'll pull through just fine young lady." The Doctor looking down at Chekov then. "A whole lot of your recovery will depend on
you Ensign. Plan on being in here for at least a week. Then, depending on how well you behave. . . . Well, we'll just have to see."
M’Benga pulled the sheet a few inches higher. Then gently tucked the sides under Chekov's hips. "That's so you don't bare all on your
way down the hall. After all, I think the young lady has seen enough of you for today."
Chekov kept his cool, but Mandy's mouth flew wide open. Shocked and embarrassed, Mandy decided now was as good a time as any to
get even. She stroked Chekov's thigh slowly and looked deep into his eyes. "Don't you worry love, he doesn't know.. .everything."
M’Benga's eyebrows arched so high, Mandy thought they may fly off his forehead at any time. This made her laugh.
Chekov attempted a giggle, but it was short lived. A sharp pain shot across his chest and suddenly it was hard for him to catch his
breath. He began to gasp for air. Panic took the place of his once calm eyes.
M’Benga reached for an oxygen mask which he quickly placed over Chekov' s mouth and nose. "Relax, Chekov. That's it: slow, even
breaths. That's fine. Feeling a bit better?" Chekov nodded after a moment.
The Doctor checked the readings once more. "Christine, is the surgery room ready for us?"
"Yes, Doctor, and I took the liberty of pulling up his medical-history charts. They’re on the monitor in the surgery room."
"Excellent nurse. Lets do it then."
Chapel retrieved the IV bag and placed it on the bed next to Chekov' s leg. With the Doctor's help, Chekov was then wheeled down the
hall and into the surgery unit.
Mandy leaned against the glass, watching as Chekov was transferred to the operating table. She watched while his body was prepared
for surgery, then draped with surgical sheets. Something was injected into his IV and his eyes slowly closed. Chapel nodded her head
and the Doctor went to work. Mandy closed her own eyes and prayed to her lord for his safe recovery.
She wasn't sure how much time had went by, but it seemed like forever. She paced the floor for awhile, but that seemed to make her
worry more. She sat down, thinking that if she didn't watch anymore, it would be easier. But she found herself jumping up every few
minutes to look in. A nurse brought her a cup of coffee. She finished that and went back to the window. No one had even so much as
looked up to give her a signal that he was all right.
"Mandy?"
Mandy jumped and spun around. "Martha!"
"I'm so sorry Mandy, I didn't mean to scare you like that. I saw Chapel smiling at you. Guess that means he's going to be okay."
“Oh, I must have missed it. I guess so. . .1 hope so."
"He will be. He's a tough kid you know. He's been through worse and come out of it just fine."
Mandy studied Landon for a few minutes, wondering if she still felt something for Pavel. The deep concern in Landon's eyes as she
stared at him through the window said she did. Mandy felt a pang of pity for her. She couldn't imagine Landon just giving him up like
that. Then she wondered if it was he who did the giving up. She wasn't sure because he never talked about it to her.
Mandy 's thoughts were shattered when Landon moved suddenly, clapping her hands together.
"Oh, look: I think they're finished."Landon tapped her hand on the window and got a thumbs up from Chapel. The two ladies embraced
each other, teary eyed and very much relieved. From behind them, a male voice boomed.
"Why in tarnation didn't somebody let me know that Chekov was pinned under a blasted tree? Of all the hare-brained. . .we weren't that
far from him you know!" He was directing his McCoyish anger toward Landon. "Oh I know, you didn't want to interrupt my shoreleave, but
that's beside the point now, isn't it? I had to hear it all from Spock, after the fact! I....."
"Kindly keep your voice down, Leonard." M’Benga was waving a finger in the air as he came walking down the hallway. "My patient is
trying to rest." He paused to allow McCoy to collect himself, then continued: "What's the problem, Leonard?"
McCoy lowered his eyes and made a smacking noise with his lips. "Nothing. . . .1 guess."
"What bothers you the most Leonard? Is it that you weren't notified right away? Or is it because I was here to put him back together this
time. . .and not you? Well? Which is it?"
"Now just a damned minute! What kind of fool question is that?"
M’Benga threw up his hands and shook his head. "Now look, you're not on duty again for another five days. Until then, I'm in charge
here. I'd like to think you're here because you're genuinely concerned for that young man in there. Are you genuinely concerned,
Leonard?"
McCoy rolled his eyes. "Of course I'm concerned. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't, now would I?"
"Ok, Leonard, lets go to your office and I'll fill you in."
"Yeah, okay. I'll get us some coffee first."
McCoy turned to speak to Landon, but she was already gone. Pangs of guilt and shame pierced his chest. He made a mental note to
speak with her later. He noticed Mandy, still standing nearby, staring into space in the direction of the recovery room. He was sure it was
she by the description Chapel had once given him. He knew everyone else on board and couldn't place this attractive young woman
anywhere else. He cleared his throat as he approached her and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"I'm sorry, miss: didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Dr. Leo..."
"Leonard McCoy. I know, Pavel told me about you. He admires you. He says you're a very good doctor."
“Well, I'm flattered. I happen to think he's a very good navigator. too. One of the best in the fleet from what I understand."
"I'm inclined to agree with you, Doctor. He seems to be quite good at a lot of things."
“Here you go, Doctor." Landon approached from out of nowhere. "Two cups of steaming hot coffee. Mandy, can I get you some?"
"Not right now, thank you."
McCoy accepted the coffee with a sheepish grin. "Ah, Martha, about earlier. I came across a little too ruff. I. . .well. . .I'm sorry. I know
you were following regulations and did everything you were suppose to."
"All is forgiven, Doctor: say no more."
"Well, I'll leave you two ladies to talk. It seems I have another apology to make. Mandy, it's a pleasure to finally meat you. And try not to
worry so much, he's a tuff kid."
"Thank you, Doctor: I'll try not to."
McCoy gave a curt nod, then left to join M’Benga.
Mandy heard footsteps and turned to see Chapel coming down the hallway towards
them. "Christine, how is he? Can I see him?"
"He's doing just fine. He'll be asleep for awhile yet. It's best we don't disturb him. How about we go get you set up in your cabin? You can
shower and rest for awhile."
Mandy sighed heavily. She wanted to argue the point, but knew Chapel was right. "Okay, that sounds pretty good right now anyway."
The three of them left sickbay. Upon entering the corridor, Mandy stopped abruptly. Suddenly everything looked like it did in her
dreams. Pavel had told her so much about the Enterprise, that she sometimes dreamed she were there. Then the lights went dim along
the corridor and she gasped. "Oh wow, what's happening? Is the power going out?"
Landon and Chapel laughed. They'd both forgotten that Mandy had never stepped foot on a starship before.
Chapel knew quite a bit about Mandy. Several times Chekov had confided in her. Chapel gave him some advice a couple a times.
Chekov told her that she was a good listener and that she really helped him sort out his feelings.
"Mandy, would you like a tour of this big lady? Perhaps tomorrow, if everything is fairly quiet around here, Martha or I could take you."
Mandy was busy inspecting everything around her. "Oh wow! I can't believe I'm actually here. I dreamed of this for so long, now I.. .well
I'm here and I just can't believe it. Pavel talked a lot about this place, but it's not the same as seeing it." They resumed walking and
Mandy continued. "Sometimes at night, we would lay on the floor in front of the fireplace. We'd talk for hours about the Enterprise and all
the places he'd been to. He'd tell me about all the different species of beings he'd encountered and how they lived. I know he has a
mother and a father, but that's about it. It's funny; I feel that I've known him forever, yet I know very little about him. Can either of you fill
in the blanks for me? Maybe over dinner or something?"
Chapel and Landon exchanged worried glances. They both knew Chekov's childhood was a sensitive subject for him. Landon looked
straight ahead, avoiding Mandy's glare.
Chapel managed a smile. "You know Mandy, a person’s past is rather a private thing to a lot people. And some folks tend to feel
uncomfortable if an issue is brought up that they're not ready to talk about yet. I'm sure he's just had other things on his mind. Give him
time, he'll come around. And if he doesn't for awhile yet, I'm sure it doesn't mean there is anything to worry about."
"I understand what your saying, Christine: really I do. But it’s just me you'd be telling it to. You have me a little worried now. Did
something awful happen that I'm not suppose to know about?"
Landon stopped suddenly and spun to face Mandy. "Look, what she's trying to say is that if you really want to know about Chekov's
childhood or whatever, you need to ask him. I/ he really wanted you to know, he would of already told you anyway!"
"Martha that's enough!" Chapel scolded. "Mandy we've all had a rather long day; lets get you to your cabin so you can clean up and
rest a bit."
Landon blinked back the tears which threatened to spill. "Maybe I'll catch you guys later: think I'll go work out for awhile." Not waiting for
a reply, she walked briskly to the next hallway and disappeared around the corner.
"Christine, I'm sorry. It seems I always manage to say the wrong things around her."
"Martha's having some personal problems right now, Mandy. It's not just you: it's everyone. I know its hard not to take it personal when
she gets snappy like that. I've caught myself getting short tempered with her lately. Hope she works it out soon, she could use the
friends right now."
Chapel hoped she had smoothed it over good enough. In the back of her mind, she wondered how much Mandy had already figured out.
* * *
Meanwhile, in sickbay, M’Benga was in the process of briefing McCoy on Chekov’s condition when the intercom interrupted them.
"Sickbay, M’Benga here."
"Gordan here, Sir. Mr. Spock is holding to speak to you. Shall I put him through, Sir?"
The doctors exchanged concerned glances. "Yes, Gordon, by all means: put him through."
The intercom clicked and then Spock' s voice began. "Dr. M'Benga, I trust Dr. McCoy is with you?"
"Yes, Spock, I'm here. Do you need me down there?"
"No, Doctor, there have been no incidents since Chekov's. Knowing that you are both together simply means that I will not have to seek
you out and repeat myself a second time."
McCoy could already feel the all too familiar irritation creeping up the back of his neck. "Spock, I only have four days of shore leave left.
. ."
"Doctor, I assure you that your shore leave will not be directly affected by my findings."
"Oh good, because if you're having any ideas. .."
"Doctor, please. I think you will be quite pleased with these findings."
"Spock, does this have anything to do with the tricorder readings Chekov was taking for you earlier?"
"Yes, Doctor, it does. I've compared the readings from Chekov's tricorder with the ones I
took after Chekov was beamed aboard. The canteen containing water from a nearby creek was beamed aboard with Chekov. I believe if
you analyze the water, you will find it contains a very powerful healing agent."
"A healing agent, Spock? What kind of healing agent?'
"I am not yet certain, Doctor, but my readings do point in that direction. I am still running tests from the water sample I retrieved earlier. If
I find anything, I'll let you know."
"You do that, Spock. Meanwhile, we'll run a check on the water in Chekov's canteen."
"Spock out."
M’Benga turned on the monitor on the desk. He pushed a few buttons until he found the page he wanted. "Leonard, you may find this
interesting, look here."
McCoy pulled up a chair beside M’Benga and leaned towards the screen. "Well, I'll be... Spock may be onto something here. I've never
seen anything like this. Chekov's white cell count should be elevated right now, but its not. One has to wonder if this new discovery of
Spocks has anything to do with these results."
"Ah huh, and look at this. The blood work I ordered earlier came back showing an added agent in the blood that wasn't there before.
Although it doesn't appear that this added agent is toxic, he seems to be doing just fine right now." M’Benga leaned back in his chair,
rocking slightly. "Leonard, when Chekov was first brought in, the readings I got were very odd."
"Odd? How?"
"Well, for one thing, his blood pressure wasn't as low as it should have been for his condition. And in surgery, the damaged organs were
hardly bleeding at all, as if the blood flow had been pinched somehow. Pain index indicator wasn't as high as it should have been.
You've treated him for injuries before, does he just have a high tolerance for pain?"
McCoy stood up and pushed his chair in under the desk. "Not anymore than the next person. I think we better get that water tested like
Spock said."
The intercom chirped again as the two doctors were leaving the office. M’Benga went back to the desk to answer the call. "M’Benga
here."
"Doctor, this is Nurse Holmes. The patient’s temperature is rising^and he's having abdominal discomfort."
"Thank you, Nurse: I’ll be right there." M’Benga rushed out the door with McCoy on his heels. "Sounds like Spock's healing agent may
have a nasty little bug in it."
M’Benga veered off the path to the recovery room, going to a linen closet instead. He opened the bottom drawer and pulled out the
canteen belonging to his patient. He then handed it to a nearby nurse. "Don't spill a drop of this if you can help it nurse. I want it tested
for everything from germs to sugar, you understand? And I want the results as soon as they're available."
"Yes, Sir." The nurse didn't waste any time, but hurried towards the lab to begin his work.
The two doctors arrived in the recovery room to find Chekov sitting up in bed, nearly doubled over. M’Benga studied the readings on the
board above the bed. McCoy checked to make sure the I.V. was still secure and flowing properly. Chekov was taking short, quick
breaths. He'd drawn up his knees tight against his chest. Beads of perspiration covered his pale skin. M’Benga spoke calmly to Chekov,
but his words went unheard. Chekov's mind was still in a haze from the surgery. McCoy retrieved a hypo, then pressed it against
Chekov's shoulder. Understanding dawning on M’Benga, he continued talking to Chekov in an attempt to bring him around.
"Lay down. That's it: slow and easy. Pavel, you need to wake up now. Come on, open your eyes. Pavel, you need to tell me where it
hurts. Can you do that? Then I can take care of it and give you something for the pain."
Chekov slowly responded, his eyes darting around the room anxiously. His eyes rested on McCoy 's and he calmed down a bit. "Doctor
McCoy?"
"Hey there, young man. You gave me quite a scare. Don't you worry any, you're gonna’ be just fine. Now, why don't you show us where
it hurts so we can do something about it?"
Chekov's hand slid down to his stomach. "Stomach hurts: real bad."
M’Benga heard footsteps behind him. Before he could turn around to see who it was, Spock had already started talking.
"Doctor, I believe you will find a common poison is the cause of Chekov's discomfort at this time. This poison is known as delexon. It is
actually a very common poison, yet it has been outlawed within the past ten years in many areas, including the planet Hexton."
"Poison!" M’Benga shouted. "Delexon you say?"
McCoy rolled his eyes. "Oh joy, this is getting more interesting by the minute."
Spock nodded "Yes, Doctor, that is correct."
"What was it used for, Spock?" M’Benga inquired.
"Rodents!" Chekov shouted as he threw his legs over the side of the bed, straining to sit up.
McCoy grabbed Chekov's shoulders, saving him from a sure fall, then forced him back onto the bed with a bit more force than he'd
planned. "Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"The water: I drank the water in the creek. It has to be in the water. The others have to be warned before. .." his voice trailed off as
McCoy administered another hypo, this one to calm his nerves a bit.
"Pavel, you have to be still. All this moving around so soon after surgery could cause you to bleed inside."
M’Benga took a hypo the nurse had just handed him. While McCoy was busy trying to keep the patient calm, M’Benga instructed his
nurse to fill a hypo with an antibiotic treatment. "Pavel I'm going to start you on some antibiotic treatments. Just hang in there, we'll have
this licked before you know it."
Mr. Spock approached the side of the bed and spoke directly to Chekov. "The others, Mr. Chekov, have been notified. The authorities
have also become involved. You are not the only one who tasted the local creek water Ensign. Several locals and tourists have reported
similar discomfort at area clinics. Blood tests revealed the poison, just as my tricorder did."
"But, Spock," McCoy turned his attention away from the patient for a moment. "You said your tricorder showed evidence of a healing
agent being in the water. Was it just a malfunction?"
"No, Doctor, the authorities informed me that my readings were correct. A local herb grows under the water's surface. According to the
locals, this herb has been used to cure many illnesses for them. They did ask that we not disturb its growth. However, I was given
permission by the authorities to take a small sample for testing and possible regeneration here if the herb proves to be essential in our
own medical needs.'
M’Benga's nurse handed him a glass containing a yellow liquid, which he in turn, handed to Chekov. "Here, I'll sit your bed up a bit,,
there you go. Now, drink this, every bit of it. Don't waste a drop of it."
Chekov got a whiff of the yellow liquid before it reached his lips. He pulled the glass away from his face. "Auh, that smells as bad as I
feel."
"Good, then I know I have the right stuff."
"But, Doctor, isn't it enough that you gave me the antibiotic?"
"No, it's not enough. I think we should flush out your system as well, just to be on the safe side."
Chekov took a deep breath, then downed the drink. He handed the empty cup back to M’Benga with a disgusted frown, resulting in a
smile from the doctor. He then leaned back into the pillow and forced himself to relax, willing the nasty liquid to stay down. He closed his
eyes as he was beginning to feel sleepy. His mind pondered over the events of the day, taking him back to the to time to the accident.
Suddenly, his eyes flew open and he gasped. "Mandy! Oh my God! I left her there! How could I. ..." His voice trailed off as his eyes
focused on a petite feminine figure with flowing red locks of damp hair. As she came closer to his bedside, his heart fluttered. His tummy
sort of tickled and his nerves turned to jelly. Never before has anyone ever had the extreme effect on his mind and emotions as this
spitfire of a female did
"I'm here, Pavel, and I'm just fine. How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. How did you. . .? How long have you been here?"
"I beamed up with you. Don't you remember, Pavel?"
"I'm not sure." Chekov looked around the room. "Guess I thought I was dreaming most of it. Were you here before I went into surgery?"
"Yes, and I stayed during the surgery to make sure you were okay. I only left to catch a shower after you'd been taken to recovery."
"That's good, because I really thought for a minute I had dreamed it. It's a relief to see you're okay.”
"Christine made sure I was given a cabin and something to eat. She's a real charmer, that lady is."
"Oh yes." Chekov relaxed into the pillows and sighed. "You'll get no argument there out of me."
"Mr. Chekov," Spock began. "At such time when you are feeling well enough, your help in the water situation would be appreciated."
"Spock!" McCoy darted around the bed to stand in front of Spock. "I can't believe what I've just heard. Even if he gets released from
sickbay sometime this week, the only place he's going is to his cabin for additional rest." McCoy spun around and pointed a finger at
Chekov. "Just in case you're getting any ideas already, consider yourself on bed rest until I decide otherwise. You understand me young
man?"
Chekov simply nodded. McCoy decided he was satisfied with Chekov's non-verbal form of agreement and turned to Spock. "Is there any
part of my orders that you don't understand, Spock?"
"I believe, Doctor, you have made yourself quite clear in this matter. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to." Spock bowed
slightly, then left the room.
"Dr. McCoy, would it be alright if I sit with him for a few minutes, please?" Mandy's emerald eyes met McCoy's.
He felt the tension drain from his tired body. "Sure, why not? But remember he needs his rest too. You have thirty minutes: that's all, no
more."
"Thanks, Doctor. I promise I won't tire him out too much." Then she giggled as her words sank in.
McCoy's eyebrows arched. "See to it you don't." Then he too left the room with a smiling M’Benga on his heels.
Mandy sat on the bed beside Chekov, staring into his eyes with genuine concern. "How do you feel, really?"
"I'm fine. My stomach pain is down to a dull ache, and so is the pain in my head."
"You’re such a handsome liar, love."
"Really: I do feel better, Mandy."
Mandy leaned down and brushed his lips with hers. "How much better?"
"Enough."
"Really?"
"Ah-huh."
"So what do you think?" She asked as she traced his jaw line with her index finger.
"I think you're stunningly beautiful."
"And I think you're avoiding my question."
"I'm trying very hard to do just that. You're making it difficult for me to think."
"What's there to think about?"
"The alarms, for one."
"What alarms, love?"
"The alarm.. .in the office.. .sounds.. .when my temperature rises.. .ooh!"
"Oops, hadn't thought of that. Oh well, just having a little fun anyway. I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of your weakened condition.
At least not until I could get you alone somewhere."
Just then, Chapel entered the room. A smile creased her face when she realized that human emotion was solely responsible for the
blinking alarms overhead.
"Lights out, young man: you need your sleep." Chapel took a moment to check the readings above the bed. "Mandy, I thought you were
with Martha."
"Martha?"
"Yeah." Chapel injected something into the I.V., giving Chekov a reassuring smile. "Just a little something to help you rest tonight Pavel,
don't worry." She pressed a few buttons on the IV regulator, then turned her attention back to Mandy. "Landon was just here a few
minutes ago: said she saw you come in and wanted to ask you to have coffee with her."
"She never came in here, Christine," Chekov said groggily.
"Oh, well; maybe she didn't want to intrude and went on to the break room. Why don't you go see if she's there, Mandy? I'll be getting off
duty here in a few minutes, I might just join you."
Chekov yawned and ran his free hand through his rumpled hair. "Go on, Mandy: you need to relax and I'll see you in the morning. My
eyes are getting heavy: think I'll sleep for a while."
"Okay.” She bent and kissed him goodnight. "Pleasant dreams, love."
Chapel paused at the door, dimmed the lights, then she left the room.
* * * *
As Mandy entered the break room Uhura and Sulu, who had been impatiently awaiting her arrival, approached her. Hugs and smiles
were in order. "Oh, you guys are so sweet. I've missed you so much."
Sulu pulled her toward a table in the back of the room. "Here, we saved you a seat. We were just having some coffee, can I get you
some?"
"That sounds great: cream and sugar please."
"You got it: be right back."
Uhura smiled and took Mandy's hand in hers. "Mandy, you must have ESP or something. It's so weird how you and Chekov just bumped
into each other on Hexton. How ya’ doing, honey? You okay?”
"Oh sure I'm okay. And I just saw Pavel. He should be asleep by now."
Sulu came back with the coffee. Sitting it on the table in front of Mandy, he said: "It's a relief to know you're both ok. We were pretty
worried when the Captain called everyone back to the ship. Then we discover that Chekov is in surgery and you're on board the ship."
"I'm sorry, you guys: if I'd known you were back I would have asked for you."
Landon cleared her throat. "I can't imagine why. From what I saw in there, anyone else would have been a third wheel."
Uhura and Sulu exchanged glances, each drawing their own conclusion.
Mandy decided to let this one go for now, but knew that sooner or later, she'd have to address it. "Yes, well, Christine said you were
looking for me earlier."
"Yeah. I popped in to invite you for a little talk, but I'm not really in the mood anymore, hi fact, think I'll go and find something.. .
entertaining to do." Knowing she'd just had the last word in a one way argument, Landon stood and left the room with a satisfied grin on
her face.
Sulu gave a low whistle "What was that all about?"
Mandy sipped her coffee, talking between sips. "I think her actions speak for themselves, Sulu. She hates me."
"Nonsense, Mandy..." Sulu started, but stopped when Uhura glared at him. He nodded in return, giving her the floor.
"I think you know what's going on here, Mandy. In fact, I think you've known it all along. You're doing the right thing by ignoring as much
of her behavior as you can. And it's not fair that she takes it out on you the way she does. I've tried talking to her, and I thought it was
helping for awhile there. I even set her up with this gorgeous guy in engineering who had been dying to ask her out. She went out with
him one time and told him he wasn't her type. So I don't really know what else to tell you, dear, except give it some more time."
"Hi." Chapel sat her coffee cup on the table then looked around the room before sitting down. "Where's Landon? I thought she'd be
here by now."
"Well," Uhura said. "She was here, then she had to leave. Actually, Christine, she's a little beside herself right now and I'm not sure
where she is."
"I.. .think she needs someone to talk to," Mandy said. "I wish I could help her, but I'm sure I'm the problem, so that wouldn't work at all. To
tell you all the truth, I think Pavel needs to talk to her. I really think he's the only one who could put a stop to all this madness."
Chapel downed her coffee and stood up. "From what I've heard, he has talked to her already: a couple of times. I'm at a loss; I don't
know what its going to take either. But I don't think she should be alone right now, so if you'll excuse me, I'll go see if I can find her."
As Chapel walked away from the table, Kirk and Spock were approaching. Kirk managed a smile and received one in return from all
sitting at the table. "Ladies and gentleman, if you'll pardon my intrusion." Kirk focused his attention on Mandy, leaning forward; he
extended his hand for proper greeting. "Miss Winslow, I presume. Mandy Winslow?"
"Why, yes, Captain." She accepted his hand, returning his greeting with a nod. "I'm honored to finally meet you."
"Likewise, I assure you. Actually, Miss Winslow, there is a matter of some importance which brings us to your table at this late hour. Mr.
Spock and I need a few minutes of your time, if you don't mind."
"No, I don't mind, Captain." She motioned to a couple of empty seats across the table. "Please, have a seat."
"Ah," Sulu stood up, collected the empty coffee cups, and signaled Uhura to follow him. "We were just leaving, Sir. Mandy, we'll see you
in the morning: goodnight."
"Goodnight you guys." Mandy watched them leave, then turned her attention back to Kirk. "So what can I do for you, Captain?"
"I'll be very blunt, Miss..."
"Mandy. Captain, please call me Mandy."
"Alright, Mandy. The authorities on Rexton have arrested a man in connection with the contamination of the creek water. His name is
Robert Trever and he claims he knows you."
Mandy's mouth fell open at the mention of Robert Trever's name. "Oh, my gosh. I...I don't know what to say. I'm shocked, Captain." She
paused, letting everything sink in, then she took a deep breath and continued. "Robert and I work in the same office back home. In fact,
he even suggested that I bring my own water and not to drink the local water. It's a good thing he did or I would have gotten sick, too."
Spock's eyebrows arched at this finding. "He told you to bring your own water? Did he state a reason for such instructions?"
"Yes, he did. He said that since I've never been off our home world, I should be leery of all liquids in alien worlds. He said sometimes
alien water contains enzymes our bodies aren't used to. Well, I didn't want to spend my vacation sick, so I brought water from the well in
my back yard. But I don't understand: are the authorities sure it was he who contaminated the water?"
"Miss Winslow," Spock leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands in front of him on the table. "I was present when Mr. Trever was
brought in. He seemed very agitated and stated that he did it for the sake of his relationship with Mandy Winslow. Am I correct in
assuming there is not and never was any such relationship, Miss Winslow?"
"Of course there's no relationship, Mr. Spock. There never has been and never will be either. I don't understand. I've never given him
any reason to believe that I wanted a relationship with him. This is just too much for me right now: first Martha and now this."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Nothing Mr. Spock, I'm sorry. I promise I'll try and stay a little more focused."
"Very understandable.”
"Miss..." Kirk began, than caught his mistake. "I mean Mandy. We may need you to make a statement with the authorities on Rexton.
You'll need to first identify Robert Trevor for them. You don't have to see him if you don't want to, you can identify him through a one-
way window. Mr. Spock and I will be beaming down tomorrow. Will you be joining us, or would you rather think on it awhile?"
Mandy took a moment to allow things to sink in. "Captain, will I have to press charges of any kind? Because I don't know that I could do
that."
"Well, I think that depends on how things go tomorrow. The authorities may let it go with just a statement. Actually, if anyone should
press charges, it should be Mr. Chekov, the victim of this ridiculous crime. I'll speak to him just as soon as he's able to tolerate
conversation. If he so chooses, I can and will make legal arrangements for him to do so."
"Yes,” Mandy nodded. "I couldn't agree with you more, Captain. If there is nothing else, Captain, I'm very tired."
"Certainly, may I escort you to your cabin?”
"I think I'd like that, Captain Kirk: thank you."
"Not at all. Excuse us, Mr. Spock."
"Sir, will you be retiring as well?"
"I think I will Spock, I'm a little tired myself. Did you need something?"
"No, Sir, I did not. Have a pleasant evening, Sir, and to you Miss Winslow."
Mandy nodded a goodbye to Spock, than left the room with Kirk. They walked in silence until they reached the doors to sickbay, where
Mandy stopped suddenly. "Captain, if you don't mind if I'd like to check in on Pavel before going to bed."
"Oh, well, I don't mind at all. In fact, I'll go in with you: I haven't seen him yet. That is, if the doctor of the house will allow it."
"I think he will, Captain. I've seen him twice already. I'm not sure how much of it he'll remember: he was a little groggy both times."
They entered sickbay together. No one appeared to be in the immediate area, so Mandy led Kirk to the room were Chekov was sleeping
before. As they approached the room, Mandy stopped abruptly at the sight of Landon sitting at Chekov's bedside, holding his hand and
crying into the sheet which covered him. Mandy's heart skipped a beat as she fought to hold back the tears.