thesconesyard

[thesconesyard]

its important to write fanfiction no one cares about 👍

[thesconesyard]

In Our Favor

Part 551

McCoy

They had driven to campus from the hospital. McCoy and Scotty had walked over that morning, but with Father and the security team it was easier to drive. McCoy had to point out the best way for their driver. Sudden nerves had tightened his stomach. What would Father think of the campus?

Compared to when he and Scotty and their friends had started the school year, McCoy was confident in knowing his way around. He had the drivers leave them near the dining hall. It was a natural middle point between classes and dorms. He could take Father on a loop through campus, and maybe end with the botanical gardens. He pulled his coat closer. Maybe they could skip those.

“What would you like to see?” he asked the king as they stood on the sidewalk.

“Anything you want to show me,” David smiled. “Your classes, where you like to go, your room if that isn’t too invading of your privacy.” He lowered his voice. “I think actually seeing where you live will help me be calmer about you being away.” David smiled again, tightly.

McCoy nodded and swallowed. This would be a good idea. Father would see for himself how safe campus was and maybe he’d stop always wanting to send palace security when anything small happened.

“Well this is the dining hall,” McCoy said, leading the way into the building.

Many looks and glances were thrown their way as they walked into and between the buildings that housed classrooms and labs. McCoy had actually been excited to show his father where he was taking his first steps to being a doctor.

They were leaving the labs and walking towards the simulator hall when a voice stopped them. Father and son both turned and the group of security around them tensed.

“Admiral Winston,” David exclaimed politely. “A pleasure to meet you in person.”

“Your highness,” the admiral nodded her head. “It made its way to me that you were on campus and I couldn’t not check in to make sure everything was going well.”

“Everything is fine. Leonard is showing me around. It’s been good to see; peace of mind and all.”

“Very reasonable,” Winston agreed. “If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate.”

“Of course. Thank you Admiral.” David stuck out his hand and Admiral Winston hesitated only a second before shaking it.

They continued on towards the simulator hall after the admiral had left them.

“How are you doing with flying?” David asked quietly.

McCoy sighed. “Better. I still have bad days though.”

“I’m proud of you for what you have accomplished.” The king squeezed McCoy’s shoulder. “Even if there are bad days you are still trying and that is admirable.”

McCoy’s face warmed under the praise.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

Before they turned to his simulator classroom, McCoy had an idea.

“Hang on. This way first,” he said and turned down a cross hallway. It was the weekend, so he knew it was a long shot, but they wouldn’t know until they tried.

In a minute, McCoy stopped outside a closed door and knocked. To his delight a voice answered and told him to come in. Waving a hand at the king to tell him to wait, McCoy cracked the door open and stuck his head in.

“Leonard!” Lt. Flores said, looking up from his desk. “What are you doing here? Do you need something?”

“What are you doing here? It’s the weekend,” McCoy laughed.

Lt. Flores sat back and laughed. “There’s always something when you teach. I thought you’d be over at the hospital.”

“I was,” McCoy said mysteriously. “But then I had reason to come here. Would you like to meet someone?”

Flores shrugged. “Sure. Who?”

McCoy struggled to hold back a grin. “My father.” He opened the door fully and gestured for David to come in behind him.

Flores’ eyes got big and he jumped up from his chair. “Leonard!” he hissed out in a surprised whisper.

Part 552

Scotty

Shortly after Dr. Boyce had left the room, there was another knock at the door. Scotty expected it to be Granddad, however, he was wrong.

A familiar face peered into the room, filled with a broad smile.

"Hello there, everyone. May I come in to see my good old friend Robert Scott?"

Indeed, a genuine smile crept onto Robbie's lips when he saw the visitor.

"Jim."

The blond grinned and entered. He bowed briefly.

"The one and only."

His way led him over to the bed and he patted Robbie firmly, but not too firmly, on the shoulder. Then he looked from one to the other. It was still obvious that both Robbie and Francine had cried not too long ago. Jim's look became a little more worried, but his smile didn't vanish completely. His second hand moved to Francine's shoulder.

"And it looks like I've come at just the right time to cheer up my favorite Scottish family, huh?"

Francine nodded and put her hand on Jim's.

"Aye, lad. We could really use yer good humor."

"Say no more. How about I tell you about the time I secretly got Spock drunk by mixing some cocoa powder into his tea?"

Francine rolled her eyes and Scotty just shook his head with a smile, while Robbie laughed softly.

"Sounds like a good story, mate," he replied and leaned back into his pillow.

Jim laughed too, before letting his eyes wander once more.

"Seriously though, is there anything I can do for you? Do you want to tell me what's going on?"

"Nay, not yet. Please. Tell us the story." Robbie gave his blond friend a hopeful look and Jim nodded.

"Alrighty then... let's go. It was just yesterday evening, when we had finished our homework and were getting ready to relax."

And so Jim told them what had happened.

After a while – and after several of Jim's stories – Robbie eventually fell asleep. Francine said she would stay until Leah came back, but Scotty and Jim quietly left the room to get something to drink.

"Thanks, Jimbo. The lad really needed that," Scotty said with a gentle smile and Jim nodded to him.

"I take it he's not coping with the whole thing quite as well as everyone had hoped?" he concluded and Scotty sighed.

"It's not easy for him. But... We'll manage somehow."

"We'll manage everything together," Jim confirmed and pressed the button on the coffee machine.

"Did ye come alone?" Scotty asked him, but his friend shook his head.

"No. Chris and Jaylah wanted to check on Leah and Aporal and Spock are in the office. They wanted to check on the latest status of investigation because they knew that not everyone is allowed to be in the rooms at the same time anyway. Keenser also wanted to come by later and check on Robbie. Where's Bones?"

Scotty told Jim about Leonard showing his father around the academy and Jim seemed surprised.

"Oh, and you're not there with them?" he asked.

"Nay, they both need some father-son time alone. And I'm glad for every minute I can spend here at the hospital with Robbie."

"Well, everything's fine then, I guess."

[thesconesyard]

Underneath the Western Sky

18. Don’t Fence Me In

“Ye found what?”

Scotty stared at McCoy in surprise as they watched Jim ride back out from the barn with Spock.

“Traces of a camp. Well, a campfire and tracks,” McCoy corrected himself.

“And they’re just going back?” Scotty cried.

He watched as McCoy sighed heavily. “Spock is our best tracker.”

“And if they find someone?”

“I said the same thing Monty. Jim’s got a one track mind when it comes to protecting us. Spock will keep him level, and make him come back before they find danger.”

“Maybe one of us should ride to town for the sheriff,” Scotty said, making a move towards the rest of the saddles were stored.

McCoy rubbed a hand over his face.

“I think we should let everyone else know first. Decide what to do after Jim and Spock get back.”

“I don’t like this,” Scotty said, moving close to McCoy. “Walking about feeling like there’s a target on our backs.”

“I don’t either.” McCoy put an arm out and pulled Scotty close. “But we can’t let him win.”

Together, they went to the house and found everyone else either inside or working in the garden. On the porch, McCoy told everyone what he and Jim had found.

Scotty saw Uhura’s hand move to her hip, just on top of the big apron she was wearing to protect her dress. He knew the gun she had bought was hanging under there. Jaylah moved closer to Chekov, and Keenser disappeared into the house, returning a moment later with his rifle at his side.

“Do we have a plan?” Christine asked in a brisk voice, but her eyes showed her worry. As Scotty watched, he wondered if she was thinking back to holding Jim’s shoulder together.

“Not yet. Not until they come back and tell us what they found,” McCoy answered.

“We should make one,” Chekov quickly.

“We shouldn’t expect just because the tracks are to the north, that whoever it is will come from that way,” Sulu added. “They may be trying to throw us off.”

“Or scare us,” Scotty nodded.

It seemed as if time had slowed to a crawl before anyone finally heard the sound of hoofbeats.

“North,” Keenser said. He stood up and moved around the porch to watch. “S’alright,” he said after a few tense moments.

No one had wanted to do much after McCoy had reported, and had mostly stayed nearby on the porch. It was a surprise to Scotty when Jim and Spock rose up to the front of the house. He expected to have to wait for them to take care of their horses first.

“Well,” Jim said as he looked around all their faces. “At least we don’t have to go searching for everyone.”

“What did you find?” Uhura asked quickly.

Jim sighed before he answered. “The tracks we followed led back north towards the hills. And we came across a larger campsite that had been abandoned.”

“I could not easily track from there,” Spock added. “The prints were old and crossed over and back until they were confused.”

“So it’s Khan!” Jaylah cried out, standing up from where she had been sitting.

Jim and Spock glanced at each other.

“We could not say for sure,” Spock answered.

“Of course it has to be him!” McCoy argued. “Who else would come that close where we could find them? Who would taunt us like that?”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Jim conceded.

“Then we go for the sheriff,” Christine said with a nod.

“Yes, which is why we left the horses out.” Jim turned to face Jaylah and Chekov. “I would appreciate it if you two went. You’re our fastest riders.”

Jaylah began to nod.

“Sure,” Chekov said, and got to his feet.

Next to Scotty, McCoy tensed.

“What?” Scotty asked in a whisper. McCoy gave his head a small shake. The two youngest members of the ranch headed out from the porch to the waiting horses. Jim clapped Chekov on the shoulder as he passed.

“Now we make a plan?” Sulu asked.

Jim nodded. “We prepare and stay alert.”

[thesconesyard]

[thesconesyard]

I’m sunburnt 😩

Mostly my right shoulder, but a little of my face too

Little had a playdate and we couldn’t sit under the shade from the shelter because a birthday was in there

Then after little and I went to the block party downtown to wander for a bit and stood in the face painting line for a ridiculous amount of time so she could be a fox

I could feel my shoulder getting hotter. I also didn’t have my hat cause I had my hair up Leia style and it didn’t fit, so the normally protected pale part of my face got sun it isn’t used to

As soon as we got home I slathered on some good lotion we got at the spa in Harrison and I’ve since slathered on another layer, but my shoulder is still warm

[thesconesyard]

this dumb website is in need of some love, so reblog this if you like the person you reblogged it from!!!

[thesconesyard]

Rb if you want your mutuals to alert you if you accidentally reblog AI generated images

[thesconesyard]

In Our Favor

Part 549

McCoy

McCoy left Andre’s room with a smile. Averie and Anthony were in their regular places visiting with their chief. McCoy was aware of his difference between the three security officers, but they always welcomed him easily.

Andre was recovering well, Averie was happy to report. McCoy wondered though what Andre’s deeper feelings about the accident were. Knowing he had been targeted, what went on in the man’s mind when he was alone?

McCoy drew a deep breath and headed for the office. If the others were still occupied with visiting, McCoy could study for a bit. Both he and Scotty had brought their PADDs knowing they couldn’t monopolize visiting hours. Or if the king was ready to see Starfleet, McCoy could be ready too.

The king looked up as McCoy entered the office and waved him over.

“Good morning Leonard.”

“Good morning Father.” McCoy sat in the chair next to the king.

“I didn’t know you boys were here already.”

“We got up early,” McCoy shrugged. “We can work on our homework here just as easy as at home.”

The king’s brow lifted a tiny bit. “Home,” he repeated in an odd voice.

“Well, our, uhh, dorm room,” McCoy corrected quickly.

“I suppose that is your home here,” David mused. “I hadn’t thought of it like that before.”

“Georgiares will always be home,” McCoy said in a quiet voice. “No matter where else I may go.”

“I know Leonard,” David smiled reassuringly. “Just the first time hearing your child refer to somewhere else as home…”

McCoy nodded in understanding. “When did you want to go see campus?” The prince looked up as the door opened and Scotty came in. He smiled over at his husband. Scotty smiled back, but his eyes were serious and he walked straight over to Dr. Boyce.

“Whatever time you think is best,” David replied. “I’ve cleared my schedule for the weekend. Family is most important as I keep being reminded.” The king’s smile held sadness in it. McCoy reached over and set his hand on his father’s arm.

“I get it. You work when you don’t know how else to help.”

“Perhaps,” David agreed. “Or it’s to bury down my feelings to keep a strong front.”

“Being royal has its disadvantages unfortunately,” McCoy agreed.

“But my weekend is clear for you and Leah and Robbie. And Andre,” David added. “Phil is seeing to that.” Both McCoy’s looked over at the doctor who was speaking with Scotty. The discussion looked serious and McCoy frowned again, wondering what they were talking about.

“I suppose we could go now,” McCoy said slowly. “Campus might be emptier between meal times.”

“Give me a few minutes to let Sarek organize a team and we can go.” David turned to speak with the Vulcan head of security who was standing near a corner behind the king.

“I’ll be a second,” McCoy said. He got to his feet and headed over to Scotty. “Hey,” he said as he reached him.

“Oh, Len,” Scotty said looking up.

“Hello Leonard,” Dr. Boyce greeted him. McCoy nodded his hello to the doctor.

“You ok?” McCoy asked Scotty. His husband nodded slowly.

“I’ll tell ye later.”

“Ok. Umm, Father and I are going to campus soon—”

“I can—”

“Actually, I’d like to go by myself,” McCoy said before Scotty could finish. “We never get time, just the two of us,” he continued quietly.

“Of course love,” Scotty said quickly. “I ken that’s important to ye.”

“You can get more time with Robbie,” McCoy said, his voice trying to sound apologetic.

Scotty stood up and hugged McCoy.

“It’s ok mo ghràdh, I understand.”

Part 550

Scotty

He wasn’t too sure what to think of Leonard’s decision to go alone, but something told him that it was what the prince needed at the moment. And the king too.

David had spent so much time working that he really deserved to take some time off. And who better to spend his free time with than his son.

It was quite obvious that Leonard wanted to talk in private with his father, so Scotty would give him the space he wished for. And it wasn’t like he didn’t have his own worries on his mind.

The Scotsman had told Dr. Boyce all about Robbie‘s current situation and the doctor had looked very stern about it. He had said that he’d pay the young lad a visit as soon as he finished his current work and Scotty had returned to his brother‘s room.

Granddad was still with Robbie and Francine too had returned from her walk. The look on her face told Scotty that his mother hadn’t been informed yet about what had happened during her absence.

“I, uhm, talked to Dr. Boyce. He‘ll come around to see ye,“ Scotty told Robbie and the younger brother nodded.

“I see. Thanks, a bhràthair.“

Francine gave both her boys a confused look.

“Dr. Boyce? Why does he want to pay ye a visit, Robbie?“

Robbie’s gaze wandered to his blanket, but Alasdair gave him a reassuring nod.

“Talk to her, lad,“ he said and when his grandson looked back up, the tears were back in his eyes.

And then he told her. He told Francine about the way he was feeling and about his mental health. He told her about the thoughts and memories haunting him. And, of course, his mother started to cry too, but at the same time, she was glad that Robbie had talked about it.

It didn’t take too long until a knock at the door showed that Dr. Boyce was there. Granddad chose to leave the room, however, not without giving Robbie’s shoulder another strong squeeze.

“Hello Robbie,“ Dr. Boyce greeted the young man as he sat down in the free chair. “Scotty told me about everything. Well… everything he knew.“

Robbie gave the man a weak nod. He was crying again after seeing his mother cry.

“So, you know that I’m not a therapist, but of course I want to help you with what you’re going through. I could talk with your doctor, discuss what pills to prescribe you best. Would you like me to do that?“

Robbie thought for a moment, then gave another brief nod. He didn’t seem up for talking again just yet. It was just a lot to take in. But Dr. Boyce didn’t expect him to talk. He just smiled warmly at the young man.

“Do you want me to find a good therapist on Georgiares too? I know a few very good people.“

Scotty knew that no one would ever be as good as Dr. Hudson, but he still had faith in other therapists too. Especially if Dr. Boyce recommended them.

“Aye. I-I‘d like that. Thank ye.“

“No need to thank me, boy. I’m just doing my job.“

And Scotty was damn grateful for that.

[thesconesyard]

Underneath the Western Sky

17. Making Camp

Jim stood on the front porch looking out at his ranch. Everything seemed to be fine, but he was uneasy. Ever since Pike had come and told them about Khan’s escape, Jim couldn’t help but worry. He rubbed a hand across his shoulder as it ached.

Nothing had happened so far. He had insisted no one go alone around the ranch and everyone had taken it to heart. Bones and Scotty, Sulu and Keenser had even moved into the house temporarily. It was much louder in the mornings as everyone got up to begin working, but they all knew it was safer for the time being.

Jim was beginning to feel restless. If something was going to happen he wished it would get on with it.

“What are you doing out here alone kid?”

Jim turned quickly around.

“You’re the one who said not to go alone.” Bones stood behind him giving him a questioning look. Jim often wondered what the doctor would do if his eyebrow decided not to come down one day when he gave Jim those looks.

“I know,” Jim said guiltily.

“I get it,” McCoy said quietly as he moved closer. “This is a pain in the ass, ain’t it?”

Jim couldn't help but chuckle.

“You said it.”

“Why don’t we go for a ride? Say we’re checking the fences?” Bones suggested.

“We should patrol around, keep an eye out,” Jim agreed with a smile.

It was pleasant, riding under the hot sun, McCoy close by, humming a song under his breath. A breeze blew past as the horses walked along and the cattle could be heard across the east pasture.

“Hope we go back to this soon,” Jim remarked.

“Yep kid, would be nice,” Bones agreed. He patted his horse on the side of her neck. “It’s nice to be out, huh Honey?”

Soon they came to the farthest end of the north pasture.

“Huh.”

Jim looked over from down in his own thoughts.

“What?” he asked.

“That,” Bones said and he stopped Honey, before hopping off her back.

A cold feeling went through Jim as he saw what McCoy was looking at. An empty dirt circle. The kind they all made before a campfire, pulling away grass so it wouldn’t catch. Jim stopped his horse and got down as well.

He crouched down at the circle and moved some of the dirt with his hand.

“Oh no.”

“What kid?” McCoy’s voice sounded stiff as Jim looked up.

“There’s ash mixed in here, a couple pieces of coals not crushed away— someone had a fire.”

“How? We’d notice,” Bones protested.

“Are there tracks? Watch where you step!” Jim cried.

McCoy turned a circle where he stood.

“Here,” he replied in a low voice, pointing.

“We’ll go back. Get Spock. He’s the best at tracking we’ve got.”

“It could be old Jim. When’s the last time any of us were out here?”

“Better to be safe,” Jim said, stepping carefully and swinging back up into the saddle.

“And if it is him? And Spock tracks back to him? What then? You can’t confront him alone, lord knows what he might do!”

As if in response to McCoy, Jim’s shoulder ached again and he fought not to reach up and rub it.

“Spock’s the best we have for this,” Jim said again. “If it looks like trouble, we’ll come back.”

“Kid…”

“We’ll be safe, Bones. We aren’t taking any risks with this.”

“I hope we’re wrong,” McCoy muttered as he climbed back up on Honey.

[thesconesyard]

I’m the founder of the “I suck at keeping the conversation going, but I really like talking to you” club

[thesconesyard]

The google earth street view car came around my town a couple months ago, finally getting all the neighborhoods and side streets. And of course they came past the school while we were out between recesses. My coworkers saw it and started posing hoping to be in the background, I just eye rolled and shook my head fondly at them

They are in the far background being goofs

But then I checked from the other side of the building, and recess was back out and I can tell it’s 4/5 recess, because there I am standing inbetween both games lol 🤦🏻‍♀️

I’m the orange blur in the middle

[thesconesyard]

Here it is, Yeehawgust eve and I still have 15 prompts to finish from last year before I can continue the tale for this year 😬

[thesconesyard]

Sitting here, getting a bit of time to myself while hubs and little play a game in the other room, and I’m just, my thoughts are going. Today is my older brother’s birthday. It would have been a big one too. No it is a big one. He’s not gone until we’ve all forgotten. And I can’t help but sit here and wonder who we’d (my fam) all be if he was still here. Who’s that other me and what’s she doing? With another brother still around did she make the same choices? Was she influenced by different things because there was no grief to handle? What relationship do they have? Did he move back closer? Is retirement starting to loom in the background for him? Does that other me have another sister in law? More nieces and/or nephews? Does other me send them gifts and try to be the best cool aunt? Which uncle does other little like best? Is there another little? What is that other me without the grief like? Would I like her if we met? Cause as much as I want my brother back, I like who I am and have become. I would give anything to hear his laugh one more time. It hurts, but I think it’s starting to fade in the back of my memories.

Ok, ok. Gotta start pulling it back together before little’s bedtime. Sometimes I’ve gotta just let it pour out like this because it has to come out somewhere. Wouldn’t it be so interesting to be able to see all the timelines and differences and decisions and splits though. How a million million lives could be so similar and so different?

[thesconesyard]

So the old man would rather ask Mom, who doesn’t know the answer, then, bitch and curse under his breath, rather than ask me for help with an easy problem on his phone

Success for me? I guess?

[thesconesyard]

A truck carrying a bunch of bees toppled over near my old home the other day

[thesconesyard]

Underneath the Western Sky

16. New Boot Goofin’

“Lassie, ye’re limping.”

Jaylah turned around at the sound of Montgomery Scotty’s voice.

“Are ye hurt?” he asked as he got closer. “I could call Len over—”

“No,” Jaylah responded quickly. “I am not hurt.”

“Something’s wrong though. I saw how ye were walking. Come to think of it, ye’ve been favoring a foot for a few days.”

Jaylah sighed and sat down on a piece of wood waiting to be chopped.

“It is this.” She lifted her foot and laid it across her other knee. Scotty crouched in front of her.

“Yer shoe has worn through. Why haven’t ye said something? We could go right in to town and get ye a new pair.”

Warmth rose on Jaylah’s face.

“I don’t want shoes like these again,” she said softly.

Montgomery Scotty set her foot gently on the ground and reached for the other one.

“This one is nearly done too lass,” he said looking up at her.

“Will they laugh if I want boots like you?”

Montgomery Scotty set her foot down quickly and looked up in surprise.

“Of course not! Didn’t ye win that race? No one in town would dare judge ye. And if they try…” Montgomery Scotty made a fierce face and Jaylah couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ok,” she sighed.

“Would ye like me to go with ye?” he offered.

Jaylah thought for a moment.

“You want to spend time with Leonard. You went to town two days ago and he stayed with Christine yesterday.”

“That’s true lass, but I can make time for ye—”

“I will make Pavel go with me,” Jaylah smiled.

Montgomery Scotty laughed. “Ye do have the lad wrapped around your finger.”

Jaylah’s face flushed. “I-I-I…”

“It’s alright lass,” he smiled. “I won’t tell.”

“Where are we going?” Pavel asked from in Sasha’s stall.

“Town.”

“Are you sure that’s safe?”

Jaylah heard him step out of the stall and look over at her.

“Uhura and Montgomery Scotty went,” she replied.

“Ok.” Pavel went back to saddling his horse. “Why are we going?”

“You will see.”

They tied the two horses up on the main street. Jaylah frowned as she looked around. She had not actually been to the town except to go to the train station and to ride in the races, which were near the station.

“Where is the store?” she asked, moving closer to Pavel. She was not a fan of crowds or busy places.

“What are you getting?”

“Montgomery Scotty says I need new shoes. I want boots.” Jaylah pointed down at Pavel’s feet.

Pavel nodded. “This way.” He pointed up the street.

Jaylah couldn’t help but laugh as they walked back to the horses.

“They are so noisy!”

The heels of her new boots tapped against the wooden boards of the sidewalk. Pavel laughed with her.

“You will get used to it,” he grinned.

Jaylah stopped and tapped one heel a few more times.

“We should go dancing!” Pavel chuckled.

“No!” Jaylah cried.

Pavel reached for her hand and Jaylah stepped quickly backwards away from him, heels tapping loud again.

“I am joking,” he grinned.

“There is nowhere to dance anyway,” Jaylah stated and began to walk towards the horses again.

“Yes there is. We could go to Miss Gaila’s,” Pavel called as he hurried behind her.

“You just want her drinks,” Jaylah said with an eyebrow raised.

“Maybe just a little,” Pavel admitted.

Jaylah stopped and stared at him, thinking.

“Ok. Miss Gaila’s. One drink.” She held up one finger. “But no dancing.”

“But we need to break in your boots,” Pavel protested.

“No dancing or no drinks.” She looked around the street. “Where is it?”

Pavel caught her arm. “Across the street and up a few buildings.”

“Lead the way.”

[thesconesyard]

look, look, i know that Disco and SNW and Enterprise are all part of the prime timeline. i know that but still nothing that happens in those pre-TOS shows match up for me (part of the reason i'm so sick of star trek prequels) so in my head these shows exist in their own universe similar to AOS, just bopping along and it makes it so much more fun to watch now