2280

New Vulcan

"Jeris, how are you feeling this evening?" Locarno asked as he walked along the path towards his dwelling and saw that Jeris was outdoors, silently attempting to meditate in his private garden.

Jeris sighed as he rose from the ground, "I am slowly dying here," he replied coldly, crossing his arms over the chest of his robes. "My son is gone and I fight to have the will to live every single day."

"Healer Stonn would not be pleased to hear that you are having such thoughts," Locarno replied.

Jeris sighed, "And what of you, young Aaron Locarno?" he asked calmly. "How are you faring?"

"I am actually considering returning to Earth," Locarno replied quietly. "It is a difficult life here for Humans and I have a pen-pal who said I could join him at the local university. The Academy will not accept him either simply because he is a refugee from Romulus. It is all right to be different…"

The mention of a refugee from Romulus caused Jeris's eyes to widen, "Your refugee friend, what is his name just out of curiosity?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I too am a refugee from Romulus."

"My friend's name is David Kirk, but he doesn't like his last name," Locarno replied quietly. "He was adopted by Starfleet's Admiral Kirk shortly after he got to Earth severely wounded because he had this Romulan slug in his brain that made him violent. He's almost got a degree at the local university."

Shock filled Jeris, "David is my son I thought dead," he replied shakily. "I must find him."

"I'm sure Healer Stonn could arrange a transport to Earth," Locarno replied in a worried voice.

Jeris sighed anxiously, "I would be killed if I went to Earth," he replied softly, his expression sad.

"Allow me to go," Locarno replied calmly. "I can transport to David's home and talk to him."

Jeris looked hopeful, but said nothing, "Allow me to use the transporter in your home and I will bring your son back to you," Locarno said in a cunning voice, smiling as Jeris nodded and bid him follow.

Klingon Vessel Jaltran

"Commander Worf, what are you watching on that viewscreen?" Captain Targa, who had just been given a new ship and crew by the High Council. "You are supposed to be scanning the area."

Worf raised an eyebrow, but moved aside as Captain Targa approached, "…Lieutenant Sulu had a relationship with a Starfleet terrorist, yes, but he took the responsibility that came along and also chose to become a father when he found out he was one. No matter how difficult a choice may seem to make, we as Starfleet cannot turn our backs on one of our own when they are in need of help…" President Harriman's voice spoke calmly, prompting Captain Targa's eyes to widen in obvious surprise.

"So, Sulu made it back to Earth and Starfleet has a new President," Captain Targa grunted. "Interesting."

Worf nodded, "Are we close enough to send a message to Lieutenant Sulu and his Russian friend?" Captain Targa asked as he turned and faced the rest of his crew. "I must commend them personally."

"We are, sir," a rugged looking Klingon named Duras replied haughtily. "I will open a channel.

Starfleet Academy, San Francisco.

"At my mark, the simulation will begin," Spock spoke tonelessly as he stood near the entrance doors to the Bridge simulation room, watching as Charlie sat in the command chair clad in uniform, trying very hard to ignore the looks he was getting from other command cadets. "Computer, begin simulation."

Congestion built up in Charlie's chest, but he ignored it and frowned as the image of a damaged vessel appeared on the screen, "We are receiving a distress signal from the Southerland, Captain," Amanda, who was hoping to help her friend become comfortable in command, spoke in a toneless voice.

"Try and raise them," Charlie replied in as steady a voice he could without revealing his cough.

Amanda nodded and did as she was asked, "…To anyone who is out there, this is the Southerland," a simulated voice spoke in a way that was meant to simulate an emergency. "We are in need of…"

The comms suddenly went dead and the ship rocked, "We're being hit!" Zachary, who was at Tactical, said in a concerned voice. "Captain, a Klingon warbird has just appeared and is firing on us!"

"Shields," Charlie replied, his voice raspy from holding back the cough so long. "Helm, bring us…"

Without warning, Charlie broke into a coughing fit so violent that he doubled over, "Computer, pause simulation," Spock spoke tonelessly as he strode over to the command chair. "Cadet McCoy."

Murmurs broke out that Charlie, who was well known for having panic attacks during simulations, was having another issue being in the chair, "Sir, I promise I just need a glass of water," Charlie pleaded.

"The simulation will resume tomorrow," Spock announced tonelessly. "The class is dismissed."

Deeply frustrated that his body was petering out under pressure he had put himself under for the last two years, Charlie sighed as everyone filed out of the sim room, "You are unwell," Spock observed.

"I'm just tired," Charlie replied in a grumpy voice. "I've been doing all night study sessions."

Spock raised an eyebrow, but Charlie fled from the room before he could speak further.

Starfleet Command

"Artificial limbs?" Gillian asked quietly as she lingered behind Jim's desk and saw that Jim was skimming through a stylus catalogue featuring artificial legs. "I'm guessing George's leg has finally worn out?"

Jim sighed and nodded, "He's not even using one right now," he replied worriedly. "Just crutches."

"Any luck in trying to convince New Vulcan to make George another one?" Gillian asked softly.

Jim shook his head, "Lorian and Amanda will be getting married fairly soon and the Vulcan High Command is constantly trying to convince them to call the wedding off until Amanda starts behaving less human," he replied quietly. "They don't approve of hybrid weddings anyway, however…."

"Are we still on for dinner tonight?" Gillian asked quietly. "I got Mrs. Pike to babysit Gabriel."

Jim smiled as he set the stylus aside and stood up, "You take very good care of me, my dear," he replied, his smile growing as he came around the desk and embraced Gillian. "I'm glad we kept each other."

"Are you sure you'll be happy wearing a ring for the rest of our days?" Gillian asked softly, smiling.

Jim nodded and drew in for a kiss before pulling away, "Are you sure Rebecca and Gabriel will be happy having me as a stepfather?" he asked as they left the office and the building. "I'm nervous about it."

Gillian nodded and paused when she noticed Spock sitting under a tree nearby with one arm around Jaron while his other hand held a stylus, "Spock's class must have gotten out early today," Jim commented quietly as he and Gillian walked down the path. "Where did you want to go?"

As Jim and Gillian walked off, Jaron looked up at Spock, "Father, when are Uncle Jim and Miss Gillian going to get married?" he asked quietly. "They have been talking about it forever, haven't they?"

"I believe it will be after Amanda and Lorian have wed, Jaron," Spock replied patiently. "Since Amanda and Lorian are planning to marry very soon, Admiral Kirk and Commander Taylor are waiting."

Jaron nodded, "Do you think I will get married someday?" he asked softly. "I hope I can."

Pride filled Spock's heart that even with such severe developmental delays, Jaron desired to live as normal a life as he could, "I believe anything is possible, Jaron," he replied tonelessly.

"Can I go into Starfleet?" Jaron asked quietly, his focus gone. "I want to be just like you."

Spock sighed, "When you are older, perhaps," he replied tonelessly. "Now focus on your studies."

Nodding, Jaron returned his attention to the PADD and Spock continued their study session.

Lara Harriman Hall

"Are you dying or just trying to sing, Charlie?" Zachary asked as he came out of the bathroom just in time to see Charlie stagger into their dorm coughing violently. "You should go to Medical for that."

Charlie scoffed and dropped like a stone on to his bed, "I haven't needed to visit Medical in the last two years and I sure don't need to now," he replied in a faint voice. "Do you have the heater going?"

Zachary frowned, "You've got a fever and even I can see that," he replied in a concerned voice.

Swearing, Charlie tore off his cadet jacket and threw it on the floor, "I just need some rest," he snapped in a frustrated voice. "I've been in the library as much as I can be trying to keep up my good grades."

"If you wanted to quit Command, you definitely could," Zachary replied quietly. "It would be okay."

Charlie scoffed, "Then Starfleet would cut you loose and I'm not going to let them, little brother," he replied in a frustrated voice, whimpering as he felt achy. "I don't care that you're a little different."

"Let me take off your boots at least, if you're gonna be stubborn," Zachary replied calmly.

Charlie grunted and Zachary gently removed his brother's boots, revealing filthy socks, "Are you still doing night watch even though Admiral Kirk told you not to do it anymore?" Zachary asked quietly.

"The upperclassmen don't care what Kirk said," Charlie mumbled. "I think I've got pneumonia."

Zachary frowned and walked over to the communications terminal in their room, "I'm calling Medical," he replied, frowning when Charlie didn't protest and simply rolled on his side. "You know that Uncle Spock's not gonna let you go on the training cruise in a couple of weeks if you're sick as a dog."

Starfleet Academy Canteen

"Are you sure you and Daddy don't mind taking them while Pavel and I go on the Montgomery with the cadets?" Joanna asked gently as she sat across the table from Arianne, both of them eating lunch. "He's going to be serving as Executive Officer and Doctor Piper wants me along because of my experience."

Arianne smiled, "Your father and I will be very happy to babysit David and Lenny during the training cruise, Joanna," she replied gently. "Having little grandsons to chase after makes your father happy."

"I was hoping we could take them, but Captain Spock wants no children on this training cruise simply because it will be to the Neutral Zone and back and there's potential for danger," Joanna replied in a concerned voice. "Also, I think they wanted me along to keep an eye on Charlie and Zachary."

Arianne sighed, "Zachary's doing very well, but I'm very concerned about Charlie because he basically lives at the library when he's not in classes," she replied quietly. "He's only doing Command because Starfleet thinks they need eyes on Zachary. I think their whole suspicion of Zachary is ridiculous."

"I thought President Harriman's speech had improved things?" Joanna asked in a worried voice.

Arianne shook her head, "Lieutenant Sulu may be doing a fast track course through Command, but he's steering clear of certain people because he knows how he's thought of by many," she replied in a concerned voice. "Zachary has few friends, so he fills his time by focusing on his studies."

Joanna sighed, "At least he'll have Charlie and Kathryn on the ship with him," she replied softly. "Not to mention Amanda, Saavik, and Valeris. I believe Michael and Johnny Harriman are also going…"

"Michael didn't want to go, but Mom and Dad insisted," Arianne replied softly. "It certainly won't hurt that Rebecca will be on the cruise. I hope nothing goes wrong in the few days that you are all gone."

Arianne smiled just as Pavel and Hikaru came into the canteen, "Hikaru, Pavel!" Joanna called out.

Hikaru and Pavel wandered over to the table and sat down, "You need to eat lunch, Heekaru," Pavel said in a kind voice, smiling at his friend. "You are turneeing into a vorkaholeec student, my friend."

Before Hikaru could reply, Pavel took off to the counter, "I wish I could come with you on the training cruise, but I've got constant inspections of the Excelsior and I've also got a child underfoot," Hikaru spoke in a calm voice. "Plus, I don't think Daanan would like it if I took off into space without her."

"Are you and Daanan getting serious, then?" Arianne asked in a kind voice. "It's really okay, Hikaru."

Hikaru smiled, blushed, but didn't say anything as he waited for Pavel to return with their food.

Lara Harriman Hall

"…Charlie, can you open your eyes for me?" Charlie heard a concerned, familiar voice ask.

Groaning softly, Charlie opened his eyes and was unsurprised to see his father kneeling beside his bed holding a medical tricorder, "Zachary said you were sick," Leonard explained in a worried voice.

"Yeah," Charlie replied weakly, not moving from the bed. "My breakneck speed kinda broke me."

Leonard nodded and placed a small patch on Charlie's arm, "Just lie there and we should be at Medical in a few minutes, all right?" he asked kindly. "Scotty's got people testing transporter patches and…"

There was a whir and Charlie immediately closed his eyes, "Ugh, that's so bright," he groaned, aggravated that the lights and white walls aggravated his eyes. "Just turn all the lights off."

"You've definitely got a fever and a bit of photophobia," Leonard replied in a concerned voice, frowning as he scanned Charlie. "You've also got fluid in your lungs, indicating some sort of pneumonia."

Charlie mumbled, but didn't move, "I just want to rest," he mumbled. "Don't make me get up."

"I'll have Zachary bring your pajamas later, but I need you to sit up and get out of those sweaty cadet clothes if you can," Leonard replied in a concerned voice. "Can you sit up by yourself or no?"

Charlie whimpered, "No," he replied weakly, not opening his eyes. "Stupid upperclassmen crap…"

Leonard frowned at the mention of 'upperclassmen crap', "Antibiotics," Charlie breathed weakly.

"And fluids," Leonard replied gently, smiling that Charlie seemed to know the medicine he needed.

"Father, when you go off on a ship, how long will you be gone?" Jaron asked softly as he walked alongside Spock into the crowded canteen for a snack. "Why can't Mother and I go with you?"

Spock sighed as he and Jaron sat at a table, "Because children will not be allowed on this training cruise and you have school to attend," he replied tonelessly. "Amanda, Saavik, Valeris, and I will only be gone from Earth for a few days and you will have your mother and Tuvok to take care of your needs."

"I know it's not Vulcan to say this, Father, but I will miss all of you," Jaron spoke in a quiet voice.

Spock sighed tonelessly, "There is nothing wrong with saying how you feel," he replied tonelessly.

Jaron nodded, "Is Grandpa Sarek going to visit us while you are away?" he asked curiously.

"Your grandfather is very busy trying to initiate communications with ambassadors of species who have not yet joined the Federation," Spock replied tonelessly. "It is his assignment from President Harriman."

Jaron went very quiet, "Would apples be preferable?" Spock asked tonelessly. "They are healthy."

Instead of replying, Jaron looked around at the tables of cadets and Starfleet officers, "Do you think I will ever be as smart as you or as any of them?" he asked quietly. "There is much I do not understand well."

Spock was quiet for several moments, as he didn't know if Jaron's developmental delays would ever fully disappear even with intense learning therapy, "You are smart in your own special way, Jaron," he finally replied, determined to love Jaron even if he was never perfect. "Take pride in your unique existence."

"I would like some sliced apples, please," Jaron spoke quietly, satisfied with his father's answer.

Spock nodded and stood up, "Remain here and watch as I go to the counter," he replied tonelessly.

Jaron quietly watched his father go to the food counter, collect the food, and return as was promised.

"Thank you, Father," Jaron replied, taking great care as he reached into the bowl and picked up a slice.

Starfleet Communications

"It is a beautiful invitation, Amanda," Nyota spoke softly, tears coming to her eyes as she studied the photo that Amanda and Lorian had gotten done for their invitations that now held all of the information about the wedding for invited guests. "I can't believe you'll be getting married after the training cruise."

Amanda nodded, "Lorian is in need of me, so I will finish the remainder of my time at the Academy in a married dormitory," she replied tonelessly. "He will be on the assignment with me, but we have promised Starfleet Academy that our behavior will remain professional when we are on duty."

"I don't doubt that it will," Nyota replied softly. "Amanda, you have always been very special to me."

Amanda raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, "I love all of you children equally, of course, but I was never able to successfully bear a child after you were born and having Saavik, Valeris, Tuvok, and Jaron come into the family as they did was a blessing," Nyota spoke quietly. "I thought you would be an only child and I am hoping that I have been the kind of mother that you love even though I am Human."

"You have and always will be the perfect mother to me," Amanda spoke gently. "I am grateful."

Nyota smiled and she was still smiling as Lorian entered the main area and saw Nyota and Amanda looking at the wedding invitation, "It turned out very well," Lorian commented, eyeing the invitation.

"Amanda, I received a communique from New Vulcan," Lorian spoke tonelessly. "With our consent, the Vulcan High Command wishes to send a Vulcan delegation to witness the wedding ceremony."

Amanda was quiet for several moments, "We will discuss that later," she replied tonelessly.

"How were your classes today?" Lorian asked, recognizing Amanda's dislike of the current subject.

Amanda offered a half-smile, "I believe Charlie McCoy is ill and that is why we were released from simulation class ahead of schedule," she replied tonelessly. "I hope he is seeking medical help."

Nyota frowned as she suddenly received a strange communication that was meant for both Sulu and Chekov, "I'll be right back with you," she said in a distracted voice. "I just have to relay a message."

Starfleet Medical

"…Why is Charlie draped over his bed as if he's going to fall?" Arianne asked in a concerned voice as she entered the hospital room with a pair of pajamas over one arm and Leonard at her heels. "Len?"

Charlie groaned, "The floor's cool," he mumbled, irritated by all the talking. "I wanna lay on the floor."

Without saying a word, Leonard walked over to the bed and gently repositioned Charlie so he was on the bed, "The bio-monitor can't do its job if you're on the floor," he replied gently. "Zachary told your mother you were sick and she brought you some pajamas. You need to wake up and sit up for a bit."

Charlie grumbled, but he woke and slowly sat up. He did, however, remain quiet as his parents helped him change from his uniform into the pajamas. Once he was in the pajamas, Charlie sighed softly and slumped back down on to the bed, not jarring the IV's that were in his hand and arm at all.

Leonard sighed and covered Charlie with the blanket from the end of the bed, "It's bacterial pneumonia, which leads me to believe that he's been doing things that he was specifically told not to do," he explained in a concerned voice, gazing at Arianne. "I think he's still doing those night watch things."

Arianne quietly cursed, "I'll have a word with Spock about putting a stop to that idiotic hazing," she replied in an irritated voice. "Get Charlie well for the cruise in two weeks. It means so much to him."

There was a silence and Leonard and Arianne suddenly saw Kathy and Johnny Harriman, both of whom were wearing civilian clothes, come into the room holding hands, "We've come to sit with Charlie for a bit, Mom and Dad," Kathy spoke quietly. "Don't you have some sort of important supper tonight?"

"It's something we can miss," Arianne replied quietly, knowing that Jim would certainly be disappointed if she and Leonard didn't attend his special dinner that evening. "You and Johnny have a date…"

Kathy smiled, "Go to the supper and give Uncle Jim my regards," she replied gently. "I love you both."

Quickly hugging Kathy and Johnny, Leonard and Arianne joined hands and left the room.

Starfleet Oval Office

"You had Klingons contact you and Chekov and commend you for surviving at the hands of the Romulans, Sulu?" President Harriman asked as he reviewed the written translation of the message Pavel and Hikaru had brought to him after receiving it from Nyota. "Why did you bring this to me?"

Hikaru frowned, "I did not want to be accused of keeping secrets from Starfleet, sir," he replied softly.

Before Pavel or President Harriman could reply, the door opened and Admiral Pike, Ambassador Sarek, and Spock entered the room with Jaron clinging to Spock's hand nervously, "Ah, I'm glad you gentlemen could be on time for our meeting," President Harriman said kindly. "Hello young Jaron, how are you?"

Jaron looked quizzically at Spock and Spock nodded, "I am well, sir," Jaron replied nervously.

President Harriman smiled as everyone sat down, "It seems that Lieutenant Sulu and Commander Chekov made friends of the Klingons during their little experience with the Romulans two years ago," he spoke in a pleasant voice. "Ambassador Sarek, Admiral Pike, have you opened dialogues with them?"

"You are aware that Klingons and Vulcans do not yet get along," Sarek replied tonelessly.

Admiral Pike sighed, "Starfleet has never openly allowed contact with the Klingons and that comes from the edicts Jonathan Archer set in when he was President, but I am open to peace," he replied calmly.

"Jonathan Archer always did have trouble getting along with off-worlders," President Harriman replied in a kind voice. "Admiral Pike, you'll be the official Starfleet Ambassador to open up a possible friendship with the Klingons. Since Sulu has been seen by them as brave, have him help you."

Hikaru looked surprised and Pavel grinned, but Sarek said nothing, "Ambassador Sarek, if you wish, please try and foster a friendship between Vulcans and Klingons even though I am very well aware that you and the High Command do not currently see eye to eye," President Harriman said calmly.

Ambassador Sarek gave a nod, but remained quiet, "Unless there is any other business, this meeting is adjourned," President Harriman replied calmly. "I'll see you tonight at Admiral Kirk's dinner party."

Ambassador Sarek, Pavel, and Admiral Pike left the room, but Hikaru remained behind, "Thank you for believing in me that much, sir," Hikaru spoke quietly. "I…I hope I can actually do things right…"

Without waiting for a reply, Hikaru silently left the room, leaving President Harriman alone.

Starfleet Auditorium

Soon enough, evening came and while all cadets and children were safely in their dorms or homes, many others were in their Starfleet finery and celebrating a happy occasion. At the start of the evening, Admiral Kirk had spoken and had announced that this evening would serve as an 'adults-only' engagement party for himself and Gillian, as they had recently decided to take that next step.

The party was also an unofficial celebration of the finishing of the U.S.S. Montgomery, as it was completely built, but still had a few things to be finished before the cruise. Scotty spent most of the evening sitting at a table, silently going over lists of things he needed to refine before deadline.

"Scotty, can we have a serious conversation?" Scotty suddenly heard a nervous voice ask.

Scotty looked up and saw Hikaru standing there looking rather nervous, "Aye lad, what can I do for ye?" he asked in a kind voice, frowning when he noticed sweat on Hikaru's brow. "What is it, lad?"

Swallowing hard, Hikaru quickly took a seat, "Daanan and I have been seeing each other for two years now and we've developed some pretty strong feelings for each other," he spoke shakily. "We love each other, we love how our kids get along, and we think we can make a pretty successful family together."

Scotty grinned, "If ye want to marry Daanan, lad, ye have to ask her first," he replied in a sly voice.

Up at the front of the room at the tables, Jim smiled as he watched Hikaru shake Scotty's hand and speedwalk across the room to where Daanan was sitting with Admiral Pike, Kathryn, Pavel, Leonard, and Arianne. Spock and Nyota sat at a table nearby by themselves, relieved that Tuvok was home with Jaron. Joanna had also stayed home to look after Demora, Gabriel, David, and Lenny, as she was tired.

"I think Scotty just gave Sulu his blessing," Jim whispered quietly, leaning into Gillian's side.

Gillian looked amused and broke into a smile as he watched Hikaru approach Daanan and quickly got down on one knee, "Sulu's brave," Jim commented in an amused voice. "I wonder what she'll…"

A mixture of a chuckle and sob broke out as Daanan threw her arms around Hikaru and began kissing him for all he was worth, both of them ignoring the applause that was slowly breaking out. Gillian smiled and leaned against Jim, letting out a sigh of contentment as he gently put an arm around her.

Golden Gate Apartments

"Mama, we are not sleepy," David whined as he, Demora, and Lenny sat nestled on a couch in the building's library, watching as Joanna returned books to the shelves that they had read that evening after supper. "Why couldn't we go to the party with Papa and everyone else tonight?"

Joanna smiled, noticing that Demora and Lenny were drifting off, "The party is not for children or cadets, that's why," she replied gently, continuing to smile as David, who lived in an apartment on the first floor that Jim had paid for, wandered into the library and began browsing. "Good evening, David."

"Oh, Mrs. Chekov, hello," David said in a calm voice. "I…I was just getting a little late night reading."

Joanna nodded and as David resumed his browsing, Locarno entered the library, "David?" he asked in a quiet voice. "I'm Aaron Locarno, your pen-pal from New Vulcan. I transported here to visit you."

Feeling very uneasy about the situation, Joanna set her books aside and sat on the couch to protect Demora, David, and Lenny, "Why the secrecy?" the older David asked quietly. "You are welcome…"

"I have news of your father, Jeris," Aaron spoke quietly. "He is alive and is living on New Vulcan."

David froze, "Admiral Kirk is David's father," Joanna spoke anxiously. "He legally adopted him."

"That adoption was null and void when I turned 18, Mrs. Chekov," David replied anxiously.

Joanna frowned, but said nothing, "I hate this planet," David spoke anxiously. "I've gotten a degree in Sciences from the local university, but what am I going to do with it if I am not allowed grow?"

"The Vulcans will find a place for you," Aaron spoke calmly. "They did for an outcast like me."

David sighed and silently took a PADD out of his pocket, keeping quiet as he quickly composed a note and offered it to Joanna, "Please give this to Admiral Kirk," he spoke shakily. "I need to go home."

Worried that Aaron or David might harm her or the children if she refused, Joanna took the PADD and remained quiet as David left with Aaron. Tears filled Joanna's eyes as she heard the sound of a transport being initiated outside, which was unusual. Shaking, she silently pulled her communicator out.

"Thank you for the PADD and your information, Nurse Chekov," Giotto said in a concerned voice as he rose from the couch where he had sat with Joanna for the last two hours to get her side of the incident she had reported.

Joanna nodded and sighed, cringing as she looked up at Jim, who was standing near the door with Gillian and quietly talking with another Security officer. He looked very upset about David leaving so suddenly.

Even though her parents had wanted to come over and comfort her, Jim had asked them to simply visit the next day because he knew Joanna would want time to process what happened. Out of the corner of his eye, Jim saw Pavel emerge from the bedroom and quietly join Joanna on the living room couch.

"Why don't we continue this discussion in my apartment?" Jim spoke, gazing at the Security officers.

Nodding, the Security officers left the apartment with Jim and Gillian, "Ze boys are asleep in one bed and Deemora eez asleep in ze ozzer," Pavel said in a concerned voice. "She can just sleep here."

"I'm shaken over David's decision to leave, but I understand him not being happy here and merely living here because it's all he had," Joanna spoke shakily. "When all I had was Romulus, I was forced to…"

Pavel tilted his head and gently took Joanna's hand, but didn't say anything, "They implanted that pregnancy suppression device for a reason," Joanna spoke shakily. "I was slated to be sold off…"

"Let us go to bed and seenk pleasant sots," Pavel spoke soothingly. "Anxiety eez not good for you."

Joanna nodded and allowed Pavel to help her off the couch and to their bedroom, where they quickly changed clothes and got into bed. Pavel gently put his arms around Joanna and drew her close to him.

Starfleet Housing

Tuvok sighed as the front door opened and his parents came through the door looking very tired, but as if they'd enjoyed themselves, "Jaron, why are you still awake?" Nyota asked in a concerned voice, seeing that Jaron was laying on the couch beside Tuvok, carefully tucked into a small makeshift bed.

"I am unable to sleep this evening," Jaron replied quietly. "Tuvok thought this method would help."

Spock sighed and silently wandered into the kitchen, quickly putting together Jaron's evening supplement in a cup before returning to the living room, "You did not take your evening supplement," he spoke tonelessly, handing the cup to Jaron. "It is designed keep you on a proper schedule."

Jaron silently took the supplement, "I fear you will not return from the training cruise," he spoke softly.

"Tuvok, time for bed," Nyota said in an anxious voice. "Go to bed and I'm going to clean the kitchen."

Once Nyota and Tuvok had left the living room, Spock silently sat on the couch beside Jaron, "Worrying is not logical, I know, but I worry you will not return," Jaron spoke quietly. "It is very dangerous."

"I will return from the training cruise, Jaron," Spock replied tonelessly. "I give you my word."

Jaron didn't look entirely convinced, but he nodded, "You may remain here until you fall asleep and then I shall move you to your bed," Spock spoke tonelessly, concerned that Jaron was still small for his age despite all they had done to help him recover.

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