Prompt: Spock, McCoy - Extortion

Valuable

Leonard had to lean heavily into the supporting arm that Spock offered as he was led down the long corridor towards the shuttle bay and into a waiting shuttle. Much as he might deny it in the future, the sight of familiar Starfleet bulkheads was a welcome relief from the vomit-green walls of the enemy ship's brig.

Spock got him settled into the copilot's seat – Leonard stubbornly refused to be left in the back where a row of seats could be converted into a bed for injured crew and Spock silently acknowledged his need to not be alone right then – and strapped him in, gentle hands moving swiftly over Leonard's torso, deftly avoiding the worst of his bruises.

They said nothing as Spock expertly guided the shuttle into the air and out of the bay, and Leonard breathed a large sigh of relief, ignoring the pain in his ribs as he did so, when they had cleared the enemy ship and Spock sent the shuttle to warp.

″Do you know the definition of 'extortion,' Spock?″

″Yes, Doctor. It is a crime wherein the perpetrator obtains money or some other thing of value by the abuse of his or her office or authority.″ Spock cocked his head to the side for a moment before returning his attention to the viewscreen and pressing a few controls on the display in front of him. ″It is an accurate description of what I have done to attain your release from the enemy prison ship. I will confess my actions to Captain Kirk upon our return to the Enterprise and submit to any disciplinary actions he sees fit.″

Leonard snorted. ″Right. I'm sure Jim'll be harsh in his sentencing. He might even give you an actual slap on the wrist.″ Leonard leaned back into the seat and closed his eyes for a full minute before another thought occurred to him and he whipped his head around to look at Spock. ″You consider me 'something of value?'″

Though he was only seeing Spock in profile and couldn't get the full impact of what little expression, if any, he permitted to cross his face, Leonard could see the small quirk that flashed across Spock's lips before he responded. ″Yes, Doctor. As I said, the definition is accurate.″