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Pike gradually came back to consciousness to the sound of a persistent, blaring alarm. He groaned as he slowly peeled his eyelids open. Something warm and sticky was running down his face. Sparks flew from the mangled console that was coming into focus and smoke was thick in the air. Red emergency sensors lit the interior of the crashed shuttle transport. Pike sat still, struggling to determine where he was and what had happened.
After several sluggish moments it slowly began to come back to him. He had been leaving an M-Class planet, transferring some goods back to the ship after a meeting with the locals. Something had gone wrong with navigation upon takeoff and he had crashed back to the planet’s surface. The landing had been…rough.
Then something else snapped into his memory so sharply it almost hurt.
He had not been alone.
With a painful start Pike jolted upright and looked to his right, searching. There was no one there; in fact, there was no seat at all. Just mangled metal and wires, and through the smoke a gaping hole where the ship’s hull had once been. Flames licked at the edges of the ship, though they seemed to be smoldering out on their own. With a groan Pike shifted, craning his neck to look around. That's when he saw Spock, unconscious in the copilot seat, though it appeared to be shoved back several feet from where it had begun. And Pike could see the reason.
The entire right side of the craft had been crushed on impact. Several large shards of metal, including what looked like a considerable amount of the dashboard had broken free and been pushed into the interior of the cabin. The wreckage had pressed up against Spock's chair, forcing it backwards, a trail gouged across the floor tracking the violent path. The debris was pressing against one of his legs, though it didn’t appear to be pinning him.
That was the good news. The bad news was that a not overly small piece of metal was protruding out of Spock's abdomen, just below his rib cage on the left side. If it had been the right side, where Vulcan hearts were located, he’d be dead, so thank heavens for small mercies. But that didn’t mean things were looking up. Pike could see a considerable amount of green blood was seeping out around the obstruction, spreading slowly but already soaking Spock's shirt.
Pike scrabbled for his communicator, flipping it open and praying it was in better shape than the ship.
“Enterprise, come in. We need immediate evac. Lieutenant Spock has been injured.”
“Negative, Captain Pike, energizing capability is down. There’s some kind of disconnect between our ship and your launch shuttle. I believe it is electrical on your end.”
“Well, that makes sense seeing as how every single part of our ship is broken, Enterprise. We’re dead in the water down here. Not to mention on fire. But that doesn’t negate the fact that I have a severely injured officer down here and we need immediate medical evac.”
“I’m sorry sir. Until we can manually bypass the issue from up here, you’re not going anywhere.”
“Number One—“
“We’ll work as fast as we can Chris. I promise.”
“…Alright...Have medical standing by…it’s bad. Pike out.”
He undid his lap belt and stood slowly, testing out his limbs to make sure he wasn’t severely injured. Everything seemed to be in good working order, other than some painful bruising and the head wound which felt superficial upon brief inspection. Pike wiped the blood from his face and picked through the smoking debris of the ship to get to Spock. Reaching his science officer, he pressed slightly trembling fingers against the Vulcan’s throat, searching for a pulse. Just as he felt a steady throbbing Spock awoke with a start and a ragged cough.
“Easy, Spock, easy. Try not to move. We’re in…a bit of a predicament.”
Spock’s eyelids fluttered for a moment before his gaze focused on Pike. He stared at the man in that almost unnervingly steady way of his. Pike was never sure if that came from his Vulcan side or his human side.
“May I assume Captain, that you are utilizing understatement to keep me calm?” He looked down, grimacing when he saw his injury. Pike gingerly reached around and unbuckled Spock's lap belt.
“We crashed Spock, and the shuttle, and you, sustained…fairly serious damage.”
“Yes, I noted that Captain. And I see that we are also on fire.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Pike noted the wry humor in Spock's tired voice and suppressed a chuckle at his blunt assessment.
“It’s almost out. I’m more concerned about you. How do you feel? Are you in much pain?”
Spock stared levelly at him.
“I am Captain. I believe in addition to the obvious injury, that my leg may be broken. But I am more concerned with the blood loss. I am feeling a bit lightheaded—though that may just be shock.”
There did seem to be even more blood now. Pike had to assess the situation. With a grunt, he shoved the debris away from Spock as best he could. The Vulcan grunted with pain as his leg was released. Now that Pike could see better, the leg did look like it was bent in a way it should probably not be, but he couldn't see bone so he decided it was best to leave it alone. He turned his attention back to the more pressing issue of Spock's bloodstained torso.
Pike scrambled to the back of the shuttle and found the med pack, thankfully still safe in its compartment. He pulled out some gauze, disappointed to find nothing more high tech. With no other options, he returned to the front of the shuttle and packed it around the shrapnel as best he could, trying to ignore Spock’s stifled moans of pain.
“Maybe I should pull it out. Do you think I should pull it out?”
"If you pulled it out the bleeding would become catastrophic. It must stay in. Even if it is excruciatingly uncomfortable."
Pike almost rolled his eyes at that. "Spock I never understood the masculine need, or the Vulcan need, to not demonstrate pain."
"Captain, I fear that if I give in to the pain and allow it to present itself, I will be unable to stop screaming."
Pike stiffened at that. Spock held his gaze, eyes clouded with the pain he was trying to conceal. The older man reached out again, checking Spock’s pulse. It felt weaker, threadier. His breathing seemed a bit shallower as well. Pike glanced down at the green-soaked gauze. He sifted hastily through the med pack but there wasn’t much else of use. He pulled out a sedative.
“This might help with pain relief?”
“It might also slow my heart rate and send me into cardiac arrest Captain. Let’s save that as a last resort,” Spock said dryly.
“Duly noted Spock.”
****
“I need you to relay a message to my mother Captain, if you would.”
“Don’t talk like that Spock.”
“Captain I must insist. We need to be practical. Please humor me.”
Spock’s speech, always measured, was slowing down, becoming more halting, more labored. He was incredibly pale and a thin sheen of sweat had appeared across his face.
“Spock, you're going to be fine."
"It is statistically improbable that Enterprise will be able to repair the teleportation device before my body succumbs to its injuries. Simply put, I am dying. I see no reason to act in any way counter to that conclusion, or to presume otherwise.”
"Spock, stop."
"Furthermore, it is illogical to—“
"Spock, stop it!"
"I am sorry Captain. I do not wish to make you uncomfortable. I am simply trying to prepare you for the unfortunate truth that you will fail. You will fail to save me. I wish to absolve you of any guilt now by stating the facts as they are."
"Spock...."
“It is alright. It is not your fault. Now please—the message.”
Pike sighed and nodded, trying his best to smile reassuredly. “Of course Spock. I’m ready.”
****
“Spock, I need you to stay awake for me. That’s an order.”
Spock was mumbling under his breath, eyes fluttering. Pike leaned in close.
“Tell…Michael…” Spock murmured. “Michael…”
Pike put a reassuring arm on Spock’s shoulder. “It’s alright Spock. I’m here. I've got you.”
Spock looked up at Pike, eyes dull and glazed over with pain.
“Captain…”
“Don’t talk Spock. Save your strength. We’ll be out of here soon.”
Spock laid his head back wearily against the seat, his eyes sliding shut. He exhaled shakily. Pike squeezed his arm briefly before walking to the back of the transport and flipping open his communicator. "Enterprise, we really need you to hurry up with that fix."
“We’re close Captain.”
“He’s losing blood and losing consciousness. Una, I don’t know how much more time we have.”
Pike turned back to Spock, propped up in the co-pilot seat of the mangled shuttle. “You need to hang on Spock. Just hang on.”
****
“Captain! We’re ready for you!”
“Copy, Enterprise, stand by.” Pike rose from where he had been sitting on the floor beside the injured Vulcan.
“Time to go Spock, wake up.” Pike reached out and tapped Spock’s cheek gently. Spock’s head lolled against his shoulder but he otherwise didn’t move. “Spock!”
Pike dragged Spock’s arm around his shoulder and hauled him bodily to his feet, fully supporting his weight. The Vulcan hung off of him limply.
“Enterprise, energize, NOW!”
As soon as they rematerialized back on the ship, Pike put an arm under Spock’s knees, lifting him into his arms, mindful of the metal shard in his chest but with no time left to be delicate. He rushed off the platform, depositing the unconscious Vulcan onto the waiting gurney.
“Hurry, I think he stopped breathing!”
Dr. M’Benga and Nurse Chapel rushed down the hall with the gurney, a frantic Pike close on their heels.
****
Pike sat wringing his hands and staring at his feet as a nurse sprayed disinfectant and then a dermal regenerator onto the wound on his scalp. Una sat silently beside him, a reassuring presence. It had been nearly an hour with no news of Spock. It had taken nearly that long for Pike to stop pacing and acquiesce to medical treatment. Now he waited impatiently, knee bouncing rhythmically with anxiety. He glanced up sharply as the med bay doors slid open and Dr. M’Benga exited. He looked weary but Pike couldn’t read the expression on his face. He leapt to his feet, Una rising beside him.
“Well?!"
Dr. M’Benga walked up to them and smiled. “Mr. Spock came through surgery well. We were able to remove the offending projectile and repair the damage. He did require several transfusions. We used up the entirety of our Vulcan blood supply and will need to restock at the soonest opportunity. But I’m pleased to report that he will make a full recovery.”
Pike sagged in relief, then clasped Dr. M’Benga’s arm. “Thank you Doctor. Thank you." He cleared his throat, releasing him. "Exemplary work, as usual. May I see him?”
“He is still unconscious but I would be remiss to deny my commanding officer his request,” M’Benga said with a wry smile. “Go on in.”
Pike turned to Una, suddenly unsure what to say. “I’ll be on the bridge Captain,” she said with a smile and a reassuring squeeze of his arm before walking away.
Pike turned towards the doors, pausing to straighten his soot-covered, blood-stained uniform. Then he took a breath and strode through. Spock was the only patient currently in the med bay, lying in a bed at the far end of the room. Pike walked over and pulled up a stool next to the bed and looked over his science officer. There were many wires and tubes attached to him, his torso was covered in bandages and his leg was elevated, wrapped in a contraption that would surely heal the bones in no time.
Pike sat by the Vulcan's side, watching his chest rise and fall gently for a few minutes, assuring himself that his lieutenant was alright. Gradually, Spock began to stir, eventually opening his eyes and blinking slowly as he rose back to consciousness.
"Spock. You're awake." Pike tried to hide his relief. Though he had fully believed the doctor’s assessment, he had found it hard to relax with Spock still unconscious.
After a long moment where Spock seemed to be assessing himself and his surroundings he spoke. "It appears I am Captain. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Spock." Pike exhaled, relaxing. "You're the patient. And I'm happy to say that surgery went well. You did great."
"I did nothing Captain. I was unconscious. Presumably Dr M'Benga and Nurse Chapel did all the, as humans say, heavy lifting."
Pike chuckled, shaking his head. "Touché Spock. However you'd like to say it, I was informed that you're expected to make a full recovery."
"I am pleased to hear it Captain." Spock leaned back into the pillow, shutting his eyes wearily.
Pike smiled. "As am I Spock. As am I." He laid a hand on Spock's arm, patting it once before standing. “Well, I better get back to the bridge. Get some rest Spock. I'll come back later to check on you."
Spock opened his eyes again with some struggle. "That will not be necessary Captain. I am fine. I would not want to keep you from your duties."
"Nonsense Spock. It's no trouble." Pike hesitated then sat back down. "You really scared me Lieutenant.”
Spock shifted in the bed, grimacing slightly. "Apologies, Captain. That was not my intent."
Pike shook his head ruefully. "You didn’t do anything wrong Spock. I'm trying to tell you…that you matter to me. That I value you as a friend as well as a colleague."
There was a long pause, the med bay silent save for a quiet beeping from Spock's bedside monitor. Spock shifted yet again. Pike wasn't sure if he was in pain and trying to get comfortable or if he was self-conscious from the conversation.
"Captain…your sentiment does not go...unappreciated. I...” Spock cleared his throat. “I find that working with you...it agrees with me as well."
Pike fought back a chuckle and stood again, slapping his hands against his thighs. "Well I'm glad we straightened that out Spock. I'll let you rest."
"...Thank you Captain."
Spock leaned his head back, letting his eyes drift shut again. Pike headed out, pausing at the end of the room. He glanced fondly back at the injured Vulcan. He really was indispensable, one of the finest officers he'd ever worked with. And perhaps surprisingly, one of his closest friends. With an amused shake of his head, Pike turned and left the med bay, tapping his communicator.
"Number One. I'm on my way to my quarters to get cleaned up and then I'll meet you on the bridge. Pike out."