The Thread (Kirk/Spock, ST AOS), Hours 11, 12, 13
*HOUR 11*
They stop under a rock overhang, far enough from the open that aerial means of recognition should miss them.
“Commander, should we check our communicators again?” Ensign Tamura asks after a tense lull. "Try the Enterprise, now that we’re away from the city?“
It takes some control for Spock not to gape at the obvious suggestion which had not occurred to him. Their frantic escape and his anxiety about Jim have taken their toll.
“Good thinking, Ensign,” Jim says faintly. He holds out a hand for one of the communicators, and despite his worsening dexterity, manages to attempt a hail.
*HOUR 12*
The static that answers their efforts at communication is unsurprising, but the failure is a blow nonetheless.
Tamura breathes in and out, obviously attempting to maintain her composure.
Spock wordlessly scans the horizon, both looking for a better hiding place and watching out for their trackers.
“What next,” Jim mutters to himself. Sweat beads his brow. Spock refrains from blotting the moisture; he does not think the captain would welcome the solicitude.
“Ready to move at your word, Commander Spock,” Tamura says quietly.
They follow her gaze to where, in the distance below them, a search party moves steadily forward.
*HOUR 13*
“Those loudspeakers,” Jim blurts.
“The ones we spotted in the trees?” Tamura asks.
Jim struggles to sit up, his face alight with his idea. "They’re probably communicating to us from the city. Maybe they’ve got tech we can use to amp up our signal, help us connect to the Enterprise.“
"I shall retrieve one,” Spock replies.
“Let me go, Commander. You stay with the Captain.” Tamura does not wait for an answer, but begins her stealthy descent back to the woods.
Jim closes his eyes and grins. "That one, top marks for initiative, totally crap at following chain of command.“
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