Free Star Trek: The Original Series: Seasons of Light and Darkness by Michael A. Martin Page A

antiscientific taboos.
    The previous week’s surprise dead-of-night coup d’état—during which Subteer Usaak’s former lieutenant, Keer, had killed and replaced his former liege—had caused numerous deaths and serious battle injuries. But neither the wounded nor their families had sought out either McCoy or Wieland for medical attention, probably out of deference to the newly installed Subteer Keer, whose tolerance for change did not match that of his late predecessor.
    So much for the allergy remedies and the hangover cures , McCoy thought. I suppose I should thank my lucky stars that Keer hasn’t ordered us banished .
    Or worse.
    Stepping out of the tent’s shadow, McCoy checked his chronometer and saw that nearly three hours remained before he was due to return for the midmorning staff meeting. Since he had little else to do at the moment—and certainly no patients to see—McCoy decided to kill at least some of that time wandering around the camp, trying to understand these enigmatic people a little better. Though the suns wouldn’t reach their zenith for another several hours, he needed both hands to shade his eyes against the glare.
    This revealed the presence of a familiar figure, seated on a nearby boulder. Deciding that his walk could wait for a while, McCoy approached.
    â€œWhy the long face, Naheer?” Though the Capellan boy was sitting, his height still surpassed that of the doctor.
    â€œMy uncle tells me I am growing swiftly,” Naheer said, blinking with incomprehension. “But I did not realize he was speaking of my face.”
    McCoy sighed quietly. “Never mind. I meant that something is obviously bothering you.”
    Naheer looked impressed. “You are very perceptive, Mak-Koy. Or perhaps I must apply myself harder to the warrior’s art of keeping his own counsel.”
    Or maybe you’re just not cut out to be a warrior , McCoy thought. It was a pity that this society afforded so few options to someone as intelligent and capable as this lad had proved himself to be over the past few months. In McCoy’s estimation, Naheer had the potential to become an outstanding physician.
    If only he lived in another place, or perhaps in another time.
    â€œWhat is it, Naheer?” McCoy said, prodding very gently. “What’s wrong?”
    Naheer took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. At length, he said, “Can you help me to understand females?”
    Unbidden images of Jocelyn, Joanna, and Nancy flashed across McCoy’s mind. “Maybe I’m not the best one to ask.”
    â€œI feel more comfortable speaking of this with you than with any of the others,” Naheer said.
    â€œDoctor Wieland has a lot more experience than I do.”
    â€œDok-Tor Wee-Land is far too old to understand. Before his arrival here, I did not even know that anyone ever got that old.”
    Ouch , McCoy thought.
    â€œThis is about Jeen of the Miir Tribe, isn’t it?” he said.
    Naheer nodded. “I thought she would wish to bond with me one day.”
    â€œThat’s funny. I could have sworn you were trying to steer her at me .”
    â€œShe wished that as well, Mak-Koy. But I knew you would not want her.”
    McCoy smiled. “ You are very perceptive, Naheer.”
    â€œAnd yet I do not understand Jeen,” Naheer said, a look of sadness clouding his wide brow.
    â€œDon’t be embarrassed about that, son. First, she’s a lot older than you.”
    â€œThat is not important,” Naheer said petulantly. “I will be fully grown in less than a season.”
    â€œThere’s another obstacle in your path. If I understand your customs correctly, the only way to Jeen is through that killer kinsman of hers, Huuk. I’d sooner pick a fight with my grandmother’s tractor than tangle with him again.”
    â€œBy next season, Huuk will no longer have the advantage of me.” Naheer’s