Demons by J.M. Dillard

Author:J.M. Dillard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Books/Star Trek

Chapter Eight

McCOY STEPPED OUT into the Vulcan night. Above him the sky dazzled with an alien configuration of stars, brighter for the absence of clouds and moons. He tried to orient himself, but the myriad stars made it impossible. A dry, chilling breeze swept the sand, and McCoy shivered and rubbed his upper arms briskly. The nearest large body of water lay more than a thousand kilometers to the south; without the insulating properties of water or clouds, the desert surrendered its heat quickly. He took a step forward and half stumbled; in spite of the brilliance of the stars, his eyes were unaccustomed to the darkness.

“Roughly five-point-six hours before dawn.” Spock emerged from the shuttlecraft behind him. “We should be able to reach the capital before that, if we maintain a good pace."

“Why the urgency?” McCoy asked. “You aren’t expecting anyone to be looking for us, are you?"

“Doubtful,” Spock said. “With communications on the Enterprise sabotaged, there is no way for anyone on Vulcan to know we’re here. But I do not believe you would enjoy crossing the desert during the day."

“I won’t argue that with you, but I still don’t see why we have to hike five hours through the desert."

Spock sighed. “As I explained to you before, Doctor, secrecy is essential. The closer we land to a civilized area, the greater the risk of detection."

Anitra poked her head out the door and wrinkled her nose. “Chilly out here,” she said. “Any chance this craft is equipped with some thermal suits?"

“Check the storage area in the back,” McCoy suggested. “Of course, I don’t know how recently the ship was stocked. No one was expecting to be taking it anywhere."

She came out a moment later carrying two thermal blankets and handed them to Spock. “This is all I could find."

“Not the most elegant means of dealing with the cold,” Spock said, eyeing them, “but suitable.” He handed one each to McCoy and Anitra.

“Just a minute,” Anitra said, “what about you?"

“I am better equipped—"

“You’re forgetting something … sir,” she interrupted, tacking on the “sir” as if the protocol of rank were an extreme irritation best forgotten. “Females are far better equipped than males to handle cold."

“You’re forgetting one important thing,” Spock said stiffly. “I am a Vulcan. And more importantly, I am the ranking officer here; therefore, I make the decisions."

Anitra blushed and closed her mouth; without a word, she pulled the silver blanket tightly about her shoulders. It was all McCoy could do not to express delight at her success in insulting Spock, but he said nothing and put the blanket around his shoulders.

“I’ll go first,” Spock continued, “as my night vision is better and I am most familiar with the hazards of the desert.” He and McCoy both watched Anitra to see if she would also take issue with that statement; McCoy felt almost disappointed when she remained silent.

The sand was soft and yielding, and the wind whispered it across the tops of their boots. McCoy could not see where his feet were falling, and found it a struggle just to keep pace behind Spock and Anitra.

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