Hey all, sorry this is late. Had to take a trip out to Missouri to visit my ailing grandfather and then got caught in all the tornadoes that swept across Kansas this week. I now know what the inside of a Love's Truck Stop cooler looks like and my parent's brand new truck now has hail damage. For any of my readers in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Ohio I pray you and your families are safe.

Chapter Eleven: Complications

"What the hell do you mean you went berserk?!" McCoy's voiced echoed through the townhouse after Charlie and Jim made it back from their tracking excursion. "When did this start?! I told you to tell me if you felt homicidal!"

Jim just shrugged, his eyes hallowed. The minute they got back, Kate had let them know that she may have found where the van went, and was waiting to get in the surveillance footage before she was sure. After they convened, the crew scattered, Jim and Charlie finally pulling Bones into the kitchen to let him know what happened. "I thought you meant it as a joke."

"I did until you actually started doing it," McCoy angrily responded, running a frustrated hand through his dark hair in annoyance, his hands landing on his hips. "God damn dark ages. Brings out the worst in humanity."

"OK, you do know the dark ages was actually from the fall of the Roman Empire until the Renaissance, right?" Charlie rolled her eyes, her arms crossed as she leaned against the counter in the small kitchen next to Jim who sat in the chair near the folded table while McCoy paced around in agitation.

"Dammit I'm a doctor not an archaeologist, what does it matter?"

"Because I am an archaeologist! You've got to be specific!"

"May I be of some assistance?" Spock stood in the doorway, looking odd in his grey zip up hoodie and denim jeans with his arms clasped behind his back, surveying the three with one brow raised.

"It's nothing, Spock," Jim tried to assuage.

"No, it's not nothing," Charlie snapped, sending a glare his way. "Jim went crazy today. Like Khan crazy."

Genuine surprise flickered across the Vulcan's brow. "Captain?"

Jim signed, pulling a hand down his pale face. "We were attacked after we lost the trail. Pretty sure it was the Black Sun. They tried to take me and kill Charlie. Something about her has them freaked out. When I saw what they were about to do to her, I don't know – I went ballistic. It was like someone else took control of my body and all I could do was sit back and watch. I killed them, Spock. With my bare hands. Internally I was screaming to stop, but thinking about losing Charlie, it's like I saw red."

"Has this happened before?" Spock asked, his attention jumping between the three humans.

"When we were in the base you did something similar," Bones pointed out, trying to regain some semblance of control. "Right when that solider tried to grab the Spitfire."

Jim pondered that thought, his brows low with his chin in his hand.

"You think I have something to do with it?" Charlie asked, her eyes wide.

"Don't know," McCoy shrugged. "But he goes all caveman when you're in trouble."

"There appears to be a correlation," Spock agreed, stepping into the kitchen and turning to McCoy. "Could the augmented blood be causing this, Doctor?"

"It's possible," McCoy agreed slowly. "There wasn't enough time to do a full diagnostic before this knucklehead decided to go straight for the administration stage."

"Love you too, Bones," Jim derided.

"Hey, I'm grateful that we didn't crash into the Earth like a damn meteor, but you still made me have to wing it to save your hide. Again."

Jim grinned. "At least I know you'll always have my back."

A few more expletives were mumbled his way, McCoy crossing his arms and echoing Charlie's posture.

"I am concerned that we do not know all the information in regard to Khan," Spock continued as if the last exchange hadn't happened.

"Same here," Charlie concurred. "We knew him for what? 48 hours? Tops? And his biology even less than that. Who knows what's lurking."

"It is unfortunate you are not from our universe," Spock said surprising Charlie. "Our universe Charlotte Noland may have had a stronger understanding of augmentation."

"Of all the cotton-pickin' things to say," McCoy grounded out before Charlie cut him off.

"No, he's right." She sighed, trying to release the tension building in her shoulders and neck. "We don't have augments here, so I haven't come in contact with them. Khan knew I existed because he had dealt with your universe's version of my dad, but I'm not that girl he threatened me with."

"You know, was it just me or did Khan seemed to get the most explosive when his crew was involved," Jim suggested.

"Another correlation," Spock acknowledged.

"Except he didn't go berserk the way you did, Jim," Charlie said. "He threatened us. You tore limbs off. He got pissed, but you went nuclear."

Spock nodded in agreement. "There could be evidence of a more instinctual response."

"But why now? I haven't felt like this until we got here."

"We have been placed in the most precarious position yet, Captain. We have no way of knowing how we came to be in this century, and we do not have a clear course that will return us to our appropriate timeline."

"Dammit, its more than just stress," McCoy spat.

"I did not imply just stress, Doctor." If Vulcans rolled their eyes, Spock would have done it. "I believe Cadet Noland may play a part as well. The augmented blood could have unlocked the animalistic instinct to protect one's mate. You said so yourself."

Jim stood, pulling Charlie against his side, needing her warmth and comfort since she seemed to be the one to calm him down and flare him up at the same time. Charlie could feel the tension radiate through his body. She was scared for him, for whatever could be possessing him, and although he would never say it aloud, she knew he was scared too.

"So how do I control it?" Jim was vulnerable, searching for answered from his first officer and CMO.

"If I had my kit, I might be able to run some tests," McCoy sighed. "As it is, unless I get access to a lab, and I'm not holdin' much hope for that, I can't figure out what the hell is going on."

"I agree we are at a disadvantage in this century," Spock acknowledged. "However, this does not mean we cannot protect the captain. If Cadet Noland is the catalyst for these attacks, I might suggest that the two of you not be alone when you leave the confines of our residence."

Both Jim and Charlie stared at Spock as if he had lost his head.

"Good God man!" McCoy exploded. "You can't be suggesting we have to chaperone them like some damn Jane Austin novel."

"That is exactly was I propose."

"Spock, I know you're looking out for me," Jim interrupted, rubbing his hand behind his neck to relieve the headache he was beginning to get. "But Charlie and I are adults. I don't think having someone else around is going to stop whatever it is that's happening."

"But it could provide enough protection to stop your response. If Cadet Noland is not in danger, those feelings may not surface."

Charlie chewed her lip, lost in thought as they continued to argue. Jim did seem to go all Hulk-like when it seemed as if she was in danger. Granted, they were always with each other, so maybe that was the connection, but he didn't have the same response with the others. Then there was the ability for Charlie to calm him down, almost instantly. She thought of the base attack, and then earlier that day. Nothing was going to stop him. Nothing could stop Jim from wreaking whatever chaos was released.

But the minute she touched him, the second their skin connected it was like a light switch was turned off. She thought it was the intensity of the moment, but Charlie knew she had seen something pass between them. Some tangible light that moved from herself to Jim. But how was that possible? What possible fantasy was she living in? There was no denying the pull she had on the Starfleet captain, however that didn't explain the phenomenon.

She thought about telling Spock and McCoy, but couldn't find the words. It was too spiritual, too illogical. These were men that held science and technology as their god, how could she explain what happened and have them believe her. Jim knew she helped him, but he didn't see the veins of gold in her hand pass into him. He felt it, but he couldn't see it. Otherwise, wouldn't he have said something?

This was something else, something new that she couldn't pinpoint. Maybe she'd talk to her sister, when their mother actually let them have more than two words between them. There was something there, something her parents were hiding. They kept mentioning a vigil, and then the Black Sun came into the picture. They pointed her out as different, as one of them whoever "they" are. What could it all mean? What more could they be hiding from her?

"Listen, I get it but we'll be careful."

Charlie snapped back into the conversation, pushing her concerns for another day. Right now, they needed to get Jim under control, then she'd worry about the secrets of her parents and how they connect to the Black Sun.

"Jim, it doesn't hurt to have more people with us," Charlie finally argued, silencing all the men. "I get it. It seems dumb that we can't be alone, but this is for yours, ours, and other people's protection until we can figure out what the hell is happening. Besides, we were already attacked once. They wanted you, remember? They're going to come looking for us again. And I don't know if whatever has them freaked out about me will prevent a larger attack.

"So from now on, we go in teams of four and no one goes alone. Got it?"

Three pairs of eyes blinked at her for a moment before two grins broke out.

"Got it, Captain," McCoy winked.

"Whatever you say," Jim grinned.

"It is the most logical course," Spock agreed. "We should inform the others."

"We'll let them know we were attacked but I want what's going on with me to stay between us," Jim ordered, his eyes hardening.

"What do you mean, keep it between us?" McCoy growled. "The others should know, so they can keep an eye on you too."

"I agree with Doctor McCoy," Spock added. "By keeping this from the rest of the crew, you risk another attack where they are unprepared to help you."

"There you go making me uncomfortable again, Spock."

The Vulcan shot the doctor a glare.

"I understand," Jim said. "But this is my problem, and I want this crew focused on finding that child and getting home. Let me worry about this."

"And me," Charlie interjected, shooting her own glare up at Jim. "You're not martyring yourself again, Buddy. Not this time."

"The four of us will work together," Spock said. "You will not suffer alone, Jim."

The captain frowned, but knew there was no arguing with his first officer. And even if he only admitted it to himself, knowing that they're there to help him made the icepick-like fear in his chest ease just a little. He didn't have to do it alone again.

"I had another reason for finding you, Captain," Spock added. "And you, Cadet Noland."

"Glad to see I'm chopped liver," McCoy rolled his eyes.

"Your expertise does not include Terran historical occurrences the way Cadet Noland does, Doctor," Spock replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I would not go to Commander Scott for a medical exam."

"Why you—"

"—Just what have you got for us, Spock," Jim cut in as McCoy started to puff himself up.

Spock eyed the doctor a moment before he began. "Once Dr. Noland provided the name of the Black Sun as the group that attacked us at the ceremony, I have spent much of my time investigating what little information is available on this faction, if any. I considered their apparent guerilla style techniques, and their lack of individual identifying factors. Specifically their use of cloaks and masks to hide their identities."

"What did you find?" Charlie asked.

"I believe we are dealing with an enemy who may know us better than we know ourselves."

Jim blinked, his brows drawn low. "Wait, what? Explain."

"I have found evidence of their involvement in major battles, skirmishes, and raids throughout Earth's history. Long before even the Romans where in power."

"What?" Charlie breathed, her heart dropping.

"How?" Jim asked.

"Through the historical and archaeological record. Miss Aldridge provided contacts at several prominent institutions including the British museum who've allowed me access to their archives. I have found there is direct evidence that link the Black Sun to battles such as Agincourt in the fifteenth century, the Punic Wars in the third and second century BCE, as well as conflicts in predynastic Egypt, among others. Their symbol, what I've identified as twelve radial mirrored sig runes, is found in various signets throughout several of the texts I was reading, as well as a few lesser archaeological sites throughout what is now Europe and what you call the Middle East."

"Radial sig runes? You mean like this?" Charlie withdrew the gold pendant from her pocket, forgetting about the ornament in her haste to take care of Jim. She stretched her hand out to Spock, who took the piece of jewelry and examined it thoroughly.

"That would be the correct symbol, yes. Where did you get this?"

"From our friends who attacked us," Jim said.

"The woman was wearing it," Charlie added as Spock passed it to McCoy. "It broke off during our fight."

"Interesting jewelry," McCoy said, handing the piece back to Charlie. She slipped it back into her pocket, her fist holding on to it a little longer than necessary.

"So you've seen this symbol in the texts?" Charlie asked, her brain switching gears into a place she hadn't been in in a few years.

"Affirmative," Spock answered. "Never direct quotes, but they left their mark in margins and corners. I tried to decipher their meanings but I'm afraid I cannot find the correlation at this present time. Only that they were involved in the conflict."

"What about the archaeological record? Which sites?"

"Most were in what you call Germany, specifically graffiti type pictographs. The government there during the early twentieth century seemed to use the symbol the most."

"Oh, Nazis, great," Charlie derided. "We're dealing with Nazis. Why does it always have to be Nazis? Indiana Jones should have done a better job."

"Indiana Jones?" Both Bones and Jim asked at the same time.

"I'll have Kate put on Raider of the Lost Arc tonight. Anyway, continue, Commander."

Spock eyed the humans curiously, anticipating more interruptions before he added, "I found evidence of their symbol and what appeared to be news of their exploits carved into the walls in many religious establishments in Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan. There were several hieroglyphs in Egypt as well, especially in some temples of their more bloodied rulers."

"So they were soldiers?" Jim questioned.

"Negative, Captain," Spock countered. "They don't seem to be involved with the conflict directly. I would describe it more as instigating the action rather than taking part."

"Covert ops rather than ground troops," Charlie considered. "That makes sense, actually. My mother mentioned something about them wanting to create chaos. If their main goal is stealth, they wouldn't be soldiers in the middle of the battle. Best way to do that would be in the shadows."

"Maybe that's why they had that eclipse tattoo?" Jim turned to Charlie. "Remember? They had them on their hands."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. And their masks, right here on their forehead." She pointed to her own.

"Great, we know their history, but what good will that do us?" McCoy growled.

Spock just slightly narrowed his eyes, but Charlie didn't hold back. "Everything. If we know how they operate, what their goals are based off of their prior actions we can predict what they're going to do next."

"The only question left unanswered is why they want the captain?" Spock added.

No one answered, all lost in thought.

"I don't know," Charlie finally said, glancing up to Jim as she squeezed his hand. "I don't know why they want you, and why they want me dead."

Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling to tuck her under his chin as he caught both his CMO and First Officer. "I don't know either, but we'll figure it out."

The rest of the house was asleep in the floors above, the night silence except for the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock. The only one awake was Spock, the soft blue glow of the iPad in his hand the only light in the dark room. Their hostess had provided the science officer with as much technology as the 21st century could offer the Vulcan. He was grateful for her help, and the contacts she provided at several of the museums in London had proven incredibly useful. Already Spock had learned enough about the Black Sun, that if they encounter them again, he felt confident he could discover their true intentions toward his captain and Cadet Noland.

It was their reaction to her that mystified Spock the most. What about her caused the Black Sun to want her death? After Jim and McCoy left the kitchen, Charlie had stopped Spock, filling him in on the rest of the fight and their interactions, knowing that Spock could see past the emotion. Spock saw the fear shine clear as she described what was said, how they attacked, and Kirk's reaction at the end. Although he tried to add comfort, something that humans reacted well too, it did little to quiet the emotions swirling under the surface. They both agreed, the faster they could get back to the 23rd century, the safer they would be.

An email pinged, Spock's eyes instinctually drawn down to the title. He had made contact with a scientist in the United States a few weeks ago; the Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The scientist was well known for this era, his theories and calculations while rudimentary had the basis for growth in astrophysics. Spock reached out using an alias, pretending to be a graduate student with an interest in temporal theories and anomalies. It took a few back and forth conversations before the man believed Spock to be who he said, agreeing to provide some insight into the current conversation surrounding the concepts.

Like the scientists of Copernicus's time, most of it was laughed at, seen as folly and science fiction. However, the Director agreed that if he came across any legitimate papers on the subject he would send them Spock's way. Well now, apparently he had.

Spock opened the attachment, a recently published paper on temporal anomalies leading to alternative universes. Spock frowned, surprised that the title and preceding abstract, describing in detail how one traveling through time does not travel within their own universe, but through to different ones. That temporal anomalies were not gateways to the past, but bridges to dimensions.

Spock spent the rest of the night reading the article, noting the advanced calculations used, and the eerily familiar writing style. By the time the sun began to rise, the house stirring in activity, Spock noticed a symbol that had he been fully human, would have made his blood run cold.

The triangles were arranged like an earth angel spreading its wings with the hieroglyphs of a Vulcan age long past embedded in each. To the 21st century human eye, they just looked like another unlearned language of a society dead for centuries – but Spock knew what they were, and who they belonged to.

Spock quickly looked up the pseudonym of the author for the paper, knowing he wasn't using his real name. The man in question had left a difficult trail to follow if someone wanted to come looking, but through patience, diligence, and a little bit of cunning, Spock was able to hack the system of the university he used as a cover to track the address of the person.

Spock was surprised to note the man was on the very same island, although in the northern part of the nation. Using what Cadet Noland called the 'google maps' program, Spock isolated the location of the coordinates, and the tiny cottage on the western loch shore. Not his usual accommodation, but if he was trying to hide in plain sight, as Spock thought, it was the perfect cover. But how did he get there? And how can Spock convince the crew to travel to the northern part of the country? It was illogical, even to his own ears. But the Captain and Cadet Noland had been helping Spock understand the human side of him. With his mother dead, Cadet Noland had taken upon herself to be the human familiar connection, to teach him how to embrace the more illogical, emotional sides exactly as his mother had done.

The crew began making their way down the stairs, their hair disheveled with sleep still in their bleary eyes. Coffee had already been set the night before, and while Spock wasn't a fan of the substance, it offered at least a pleasing aroma in the morning.

The women took longer in the morning than their male counterparts. Spock was fascinated by their routines, Uhura always patiently explaining the human female propensity toward appearances. Although to him, the extra energy to make oneself up besides a basic cleanliness was an unreasoned pursuit, but when Spock asked the captain, he just shrugged.

"Hey, I love Charlie with or without makeup or her hair done, but it makes her feel good, so it's whatever. Besides, I like showing her off sometimes."

A basic human reaction, but after seeing the displays of illogical beauty standards around London, and through their advertisements on the television, Spock concluded it must be inherent in their DNA, something he was quite happy his Vulcan side negated.

While the sun inched its way up the walls, illuminating the room from the bluish tint of predawn to the golden luminescence of mid-morning, Spock struggled with how to relate his findings to the rest of the crew. Perhaps he could go up alone, confront the person singularly instead of as a group.

"I got it!" a voice shouted from above, the house shaking as several pairs of feet came flying down the stairs.

Sulu, Kirk, and McCoy came out of the kitchen while Scott flew around the corner, trying to appear innocent although there was the definite clank of screws hitting the floor around his feet.

Kate was breathless, her red hair wild around her head and still in pajamas while Otto jumped and barked around her feet, thinking it was a game.

"Otto, no! Down!" She pushed the dog away, his tongue hanging out in jubilee. Jim was able to reach down and wrestle the animal away while Kate ran into the sitting room, turning on the TV and booting up her computer.

"What's going on?" Uhura asked from the stairway, one brow rose in alarm at the woman's frantic movements while the officer regarded the rest of her crew.

"Why does everyone in this century feel the need to be shoutin' all the bloody time," Scotty grumbled, trying to discreetly push the screws into the corner.

"Because we have a flare of the dramatic," Charlie answered, following Uhura down the stairs. "You ok, Kate?"

Kate spun around, taking in the surprised and startled glances directed her way. "Oh, Good Morning, everyone."

Charlie had to bite her cheek to stop from laughing at the bewildered faces peering back the Brit. Normally Kate was so well mannered, meticulous in her dress and look. To view her so tousled was a sight to see for the crew.

Kate cleared her throat, her cheeks changing to the same color as her hair. "Yes well, I suppose I was a bit overzealous this morning. But I have good news to share."

"Which is?" Charlie smiled, leaning against the large door frame of the room.

"I finally received some of the surveillance I requested." Kate's face may have been red in embarrassment, but her she still bounced on her toes. "The van was seen passing a gas station on the M74 going north."

Spock rose from his position on the couch, observing the map with intensity.

"Ok, where's that?" asked Sulu as Scotty perked up, stepping up next to the commander.

"Hang on, I know where that is," he pointed. "That's going toward Glasgow, in Scotland," he said his eyes shining. "Those devils are in my city?"

"Didn't you grow up in Aberdeen?" Charlies questioned.

"Aye, what of it? Still me country I'll have you know."

"Hey, just checking," Charlie surrendered, her hands raised toward the ceiling before she crossed them. "Ok so the van's in Scotland. Do we know where?"

"Let me check." Kate's fingers flew across the keyboard, different pictures and images springing up before they were just as unceremoniously dismissed. "Damn. No, that's the only evidence I got."

"Well I don't think we should be going up there on one photo," Uhura reasoned.

"Actually—"

"Now may be the best—"

Both Spock and Kirk began speaking at the same time, both pausing mid-sentence.

"Sorry, Spock, you first."

"No, Captain, you may proceed."

"I insist."

Spock eyed the captain dubiously, but tucking his arms behind his back and turning to monitor the group.

"We have another reason to journey north. I have found evidence that someone from our continuum may be hiding out in that same trajectory. How they came to be here, I would very much like to learn."

"Wait someone from our time?" Scotty exclaimed. "How did the bugger get here?"

"That is precisely what I want to know," Spock patiently reiterated.

"If we can find them, maybe they can tell us how to get home," Sulu reasoned. "How did you find them, Commander?"

"I've been researching theories around temporal anomalies to see if there is a correlation between the anomaly that brought us to this continuum. Granted, this time does not possess the same resources, however, I was able to extrapolate a few theories by combining our previous knowledge with their current discoveries. In my research, I was provided with a recently published paper detailing the theoretical existence of different universes accessed through temporal travel. I recognized the writing style, their advanced use of equations not yet discovered, among other evidences indicated they were not from this century but from another. From ours."

"Who is it, Spock?" Jim questioned. "Do you know him?"

Spock paused a moment, dipping his head subtly as he came to a decision. Glancing back to the crew he said, "I believe he is my brother."