> Ignorance is the parent of fear [Bones | Sickbay | Open]

[hippocraticly]

[McCoy was in Northern Sickbay, where he had been for the duration of this epidemic, but the vast crowd of patients seemed to be thinning out. With this many white coats you think someone would have stopped them leaving, he thinks in mild annoyance as he looks over another PADD

Comments

[logic_driven]

[Once he had been able to stand and walk, Spock had sought a place as far from the main sickbay area as he could. The light was less bright. There were less people to observe, and disturb his rest. Sleep, though, was not coming easily. He shifted onto his right side, pulling the blanket over his lean frame even though he was not in need of more physical warmth.]

[logic_driven]

I know the way, doctor.

[hippocraticly]

You want to lie back down on the Goddamn bed?

[logic_driven]

[Spock came to the conclusion that McCoy had a rather expressive face. Understanding him did not seem as difficult as he'd expected.]

I do not.

[He also did not like how unsteady he still felt on his feet. Still, the compulsion to leave the sickbay was stronger than his desire to seek further rest.]

[hippocraticly]

Then suck it up, you thick-headed Vulcan.

[logic_driven]

[Spock ignored what was likely to be another insult and headed out into the corridor. A small tensed breath was expelled when he finally was a good distance from it. He paused at a junction, turning to regard McCoy.]

Do you think, doctor, that we are going to be stranded here indefinitely?

[hippocraticly]

... What?

[logic_driven]

[He was certain that his speech was not affected, and yet Bones' reaction was one of confusion.]

Should I repeat the question, or are you just needing a moment to process it?

[hippocraticly]

Where the hell did that come from?

[McCoy inspects him. The Vulcan seemed more relieved to be out of the Sickbay now, but something was still troubling him.]

[logic_driven]

A simple nod for yes, or shake for no would have sufficed, doctor.

[The effort of trying to make out the exact intent of Bones' words was exhausting, but he was not in the mood for finding a PADD for them to communicate with.]

[hippocraticly]

[McCoy grumbles something before nodding.]

[logic_driven]

[Perhaps some part of Spock had hoped that Bones' response would be to the negative. It would have given him some hope that their situation might be endurable for the near future. But as it was...his shoulders sagged slightly, and he put one hand against the nearby wall to brace himself.]

I have come to a similar conclusion.

[hippocraticly]

[McCoy found himself going over the situation in his head on a daily basis. His mindset swirled about selfish wants; to remain here on Shtel Nor with Emony, for Jim to be happy with his family and for everyone else who had forged new relationships. But then came the rationality which brought him back down and made him rife with distress.

Eventually, a discovery would be made that would allow them to leave and they would all have to part. All of them. And if fate had one last twist of the knife, they would forget everything that transpired on this nexus lost in time.

McCoy tugs on the Vulcan intent on guiding him back to Sickbay after he grabs at the wall.]

You're in no fit condition to be talking about this right now.

[logic_driven]

[He abruptly shrugged off the hand, and continued walking in the direction he had chosen.]

I have no intention of going back in there in the near future. I will rest in my quarters.

[hippocraticly]

Hell no.

[He grabs his arm.]

[logic_driven]

Do not--!

[Touch me. Spock spun around and glared at Bones, his eyes narrowed at him with cold fury. His entire body was coiled like a wound spring.

But then, something inside of him broke and he slumped back against the wall again, his gaze becoming more vulnerable, almost desperate.]

Do not make me go back. Not now. Not while they are there together. Please, McCoy...