12 hours later

U.S.S. Montgomery

"…Captain's Log meant to be transmitted to Starfleet immediately," Spock's voice echoed through the air as he sat in the privacy of his Ready Room, anxiously wondering what the Montgomery would do now that they were in a standoff with a Romulan ship that contained two very dangerous crews. "Upon our approach to the Neutral Zone, we came into contact with a Romulan warbird that has identified itself as the Lasva via audio communication only. The Montgomery is currently on Red Alert status and wondering what the warbird's next move is. Everyone is currently at battle stations and although this ship's crew is mostly comprised of cadets and younger officers, I cannot help but have pride…"

The ship suddenly rocked violently, "Keptin to ze Bridge!" Chekov's voice yelled over the comms.

"Save log and transmit to Starfleet Command on Earth," Spock spoke urgently as he rose and hurried from the Ready Room, nearly falling as the ship was hit with another weapons volley. "Report!"

Pavel swore in Russian as he stood and let Spock sit, "Ze sheep eez tryeeng to kepture us, I seenk," he said in an anxious voice as another round of weapons fire hit, this time striking the Bridge. "Nyet!"

"We have lost warp power!" Zachary, who had been scheduled to run the Helm that day while Johnny ran Navigation, said in an anxious voice as he fanned away smoke that was escaping his console.

Swallowing hard, Spock looked at Johnny, "We are within range of one M-class," Johnny reported.

"Set and engage a course towards that planet," Spock replied tonelessly. "We cannot win here."

Zachary swore and the Montgomery shook violently as it tore away from the battle and shot into the Neutral Zone towards safety, "We are being pursued," Hendorff commented anxiously.

"The warbird is attempting to hail us," Kathy spoke anxiously, sharing a worried look with Valeris, who was at Science, and Saavik, who was at Ops, as the ship shook again. "Injury reports are coming in…"

Spock exchanged a look with Pavel, "When we are in orbit of the M-class planet, Helm, prepare to land," he ordered tonelessly. "I will not risk your lives with escape pods, as those can be destroyed easily."

Another blast rocked the Bridge, prompting the viewscreen to crack, "The planet's in range!" Zachary shouted as a blast rocketed across the Bridge and sent several personnel to the floor.

"Brace yourselves!" Spock commanded, gripping the armrests of his chair as everyone struggled to find a place to sit and endure the rough landing that was coming. "This is going to be a rough landing."

As the Montgomery began to descend towards the planet, it was again hit by several torpedoes and almost immediately, it began to veer speedily towards the surface as if it was headed for a crash.

San Francisco, Earth

Starfleet Communications

"…As of 2200 hours, a Romulan warbird was detected as being within communications range of the Montgomery and it is unusual that they are not cloaked, as we are very close to the Neutral Zone," Spock's toneless voice filtered out of the comm system, causing Nyota to frown as she listened. "I am in command all night, so I will order the night crew to monitor the situation for any developments…"

Daanan, who was working nearby, frowned, "Was that the Montgomery's last communication, Commander?" she asked in a concerned voice as she looked at Nyota. "I…I don't understand…"

Nyota was silent for several moments and then frowned when she suddenly saw Incoming Transmission flash across the screen, "Just a moment, Daanan," she spoke anxiously, working the controls.

Swallowing hard, Nyota accessed the transmission and saw that it was from Spock, "Captain's Log meant to be transmitted to Starfleet immediately," Spock's voice echoed through the air. "Upon our approach to the Neutral Zone, we came into contact with a Romulan warbird that has identified itself as the Lasva via audio communication only. The Montgomery is currently on Red Alert status and wondering what the warbird's next move is. Everyone is currently at battle stations and although this ship's crew is mostly comprised of cadets and younger officers, I cannot help but have pride…"

The transmission suddenly ended and Nyota began to tremble, "Spock, Pavel, and all of those young officers and cadets," Daanan spoke in an anxious voice, her face ashen. "Monty's son..."

"I'm forwarding this to Command," Nyota breathed anxiously as her fingers worked the controls.

Starfleet Command

"I'm sorry, John," Admiral Pike, who had been summoned once Command had received the distressing transmission and had spent the time since then with his friend, said in a concerned voice as he watched President Harriman stand at the window of the office reserved for President of Starfleet. "I know that this is something you didn't want to hear."

President Harriman, however, said nothing and kept his back turned so that Admiral Pike wouldn't see the tears he was shedding over Johnny being in trouble and possibly missing. It had been a mere two hours since the transmission had been received and all of Starfleet was grieving as if they had died.

There was suddenly a chime at the door, "Come," President Harriman said, fully expecting reporters.

The door slid open and Admiral Kirk entered the room, "I heard the transmission," he said quietly.

"There are no ships available to take on a search and rescue mission at the moment," President Harriman said in a subdued tone. "I know why you've come, but we've got no ship to lend you."

Jim frowned, "I thought the Enterprise-A was ready?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"I was going to grant it to Lieutenant Sulu along with a promotion, but I've also had multiple messages from people refusing to serve under him because of his past," President Harriman replied as he turned to face Jim, revealing a tear-stained face. "Currently, the Enterprise-A doesn't have a Captain or crew."

Jim frowned, annoyed that people still distrusted Hikaru, "And there is not enough information to justify sending a newly completed vessel near the Neutral Zone with the threat of Khan Noonien Singh looming over everything," President Harriman continued in a stern voice. "I will order off-planet transmissions to be monitored for the next 12 hours and if we hear nothing further from the Montgomery, a search and rescue mission will be organized. I will also contact New Vulcan to see if they have had any contact."

"I believe something has happened to them, sir," Jim replied angrily. "With all due respect, I..."

President Harriman sighed, "With all due respect, Kirk, get out of my office," he replied, unable to deal with this meeting any longer because of his mood. "I've explained what we're going to do about this."

Swallowing hard, Jim silently left the office and President Harriman sank into his chair, "I'm sure you're aware that Kirk won't listen to you?" Admiral Pike asked quietly. "He doesn't take orders very well."

"Oh, I'm aware of that," President Harriman replied shakily, unable to think of anything but Johnny.

Unknown Planet - Neutral Zone

"…I know eet hurts, but just lie steel," Spock heard Pavel's gentle voice say as he slowly regained consciousness and found that he had fallen from the command chair during the crash.

Spock exhaled sharply as he pulled himself into a sitting position and immediately found that he was unable to move his left foot or breathe without triggering pain. The Bridge was in ruins, crew were scattered everywhere, and Pavel, Joanna, and Charlie were walking around and attempting to assess injuries in the immediate area. The top of the ship was gone and blue sky was above all of them.

"Captain, you're bleeding," Spock suddenly heard Zachary say from above. "Charlie, over here!"

Spock frowned as Charlie approached with a med-kit in hand, "Status of the crew?" he asked.

"Captain, I think Commander Chekov's working on that," Charlie replied in a concerned voice as he knelt down beside Spock. "For the moment, I am a Medical cadet, so I need to assess your injuries."

Spock flinched as Charlie began to feel his body, "Your abdomen's a bit tender, is it?" Charlie asked in a concerned voice as he continued down to the feet. "I can tell right away your left ankle's broken."

"That vessel is looking for us," Spock heard Valeris say quietly. "We need to gather the crew…"

Spock inched himself towards the command chair and sat up straight enough so he could see the entire Bridge and was relieved to see that Lorian, Saavik, and Valeris were all well and helping Kathy, Johnny, and Michael salvage what they could from the Bridge. A quick look around told him that the damage to the rest of the ship was just as severe, if not more so, and they were stranded here.

"Doctor Piper, Hendorff, Joachim, Rebecca, and Mister Scott are exploring the rest of the damaged ship for injuries, Captain," Zachary explained, aware that Spock was only vaguely listening to him.

Spock nodded, frowning as he felt his forehead being sutured and bandaged, "Don't try to move until I can get a better assessment of your injuries," he heard Charlie say calmly. "I'll stabilize you for now."

It was then that Spock spotted Amanda on the floor and being given pain medication for what appeared to be an internal injury, "Relax, Captain, Amanda's got bruised ribs," Zachary commented softly.

"Commander Chekov, how many injuries and fatalities do we have?" Spock called out tonelessly.

Pavel paused, "I do not yet know," he replied in a concerned voice. "Are you badly eenjured?"

"I am capable of retaining command," Spock replied tonelessly. "What is the status of the enemy…?"

Suddenly, there were small explosions nearby as weapons fire rained down from orbit, "We cannot remain here or else we will be destroyed," Spock spoke tonelessly. "Zachary, help me to my feet."

Even though he was reluctant to do so, Zachary helped Spock stand and allowed the older man to lean on him for support, "…We know you are down there, U.S.S. Montgomery, and we will find you," a cold Romulan voice echoed down from orbit. "You will help our people or you will all die painful deaths…"

Spock's eyes narrowed as he looked around the wreckage and noticed that they were in an open grove that had trees and a small body of water nearby, "Joanna?" he heard Pavel suddenly say worriedly.

Charlie turned just in time to see Pavel help Joanna sit down, "I just got a little lightheaded," Joanna apologized in a distressed voice just as Dr. Piper, Joachim, Rebecca, and Charlie Scott returned with a large group of bruised or uninjured crewmen who were carrying things salvaged from other areas.

"There's not much left to the ship, I'm afraid, and many have died," Dr. Piper reported grimly.

Spock sighed heavily, "We need to construct a shelter from what is left of the ship and do our best to keep out of the reach of our enemy," he replied tonelessly. "Zachary, help me sit in the chair."

Zachary nodded and helped Spock sit down, "Use whatever you can find to construct a shelter using the Bridge," Spock spoke tonelessly, realizing that they were better off where they were. "Please."

"Try and rest, Keptin Spock," Pavel spoke calmly. "I vill get a team togezzer to get some vater."

Just then, there was a loud boom and the warbird came into view and landed across a small field from the Montgomery. The vessel quickly opened and the entire surviving crew went deathly silent.

Spacedock

U.S.S. Enterprise – NCC-1701-A

"This tour of the new Enterprise was an interesting idea for the children," Hikaru commented as he came on to the Bridge and saw Jim sitting in the command chair, silently reading over a PADD while Scotty, Daanan, Giotto, Carol, Stiles, and Leonard worked at various stations simply for effect.

Jim nodded, "I'm glad Gillian was able to bring the crew's children aboard to keep their minds off of the missing U.S.S. Montgomery," he replied as he looked at Hikaru. "I'm glad Arianne is able to help her."

"Since school was cancelled because of the news, it's the best thing for them," Hikaru replied calmly.

Jim sighed, "Can you still pilot as well as you used to, Sulu?" he asked in a concerned voice.

Hikaru frowned, "Don't tell me we're going somewhere?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"We're going to look for the Montgomery and I'm about to announce it," Jim replied grimly.

Hikaru's eyes widened, "If Starfleet is going to arrest you for being here, I'll beam you and Demora back to the station right away," Jim spoke quietly. "That's why I wanted to talk to you up here."

"I'm not sure what they'll do," Hikaru replied in a quiet voice. "I'm assuming this is against orders."

Jim nodded, "President Harriman wants to wait 12 hours to see if any more transmissions come through, but I feel like the Montgomery's in trouble," he replied quietly. "I'm aware I could get charged with a number of regulation violations, but I feel like we need to go help the Montgomery."

Hikaru was quiet for a moment and then silently made his way to the Helm, exchanging a look with Stiles as he sat down, "Attention, this is Admiral James T. Kirk speaking," Jim said in a grave voice as he activated the conn. "I have all the crew on board with their children and grandchildren not for a tour of the ship, but because we are going to go search for the U.S.S. Montgomery against the orders of Starfleet. If anyone has any objections to this course of action, please let me know and I will note it in my official log during the course of our mission. I hope we find the missing crew alive and well."

Just then, the turbolift door slid open and George hobbled on to the Bridge and stood by the command chair, "Are we going to find Lorian, Amanda, and Rebecca?" George asked softly. "I miss them."

"Are Gillian and Arianne getting everyone settled?" Jim asked kindly. "We'll be leaving soon."

George nodded and immediately sat on the floor, setting his crutches in his lap, "Aunt Nyota's talking with Jaron," he spoke quietly. "He got really upset when he heard about everyone being missing."

"Admiral, we are receiving a hail from Starfleet Command," Daanan spoke in an anxious voice.

Jim sighed, "Put it on," he replied in an annoyed voice. "Keep preparing for departure."

"Admiral, I see you decided to ignore my orders," President Harriman said in a stern voice as he appeared on the screen with Admiral Pike in the background. "I asked you to wait 12 hours."

Jim sighed, "With all due respect, I feel like a delay would cost lives," he replied earnestly.

"Do what you will, Kirk, but you will have to take responsibility for your actions when you return," President Harriman replied in a stern voice. "My son may be missing, but I have to follow rules and regulations and I have to hold officers accountable when they decide to go ahead and break them."

Jim nodded, "Understood, sir," he replied calmly. "I'm going to do what needs to be done. Kirk out."

The viewscreen went blank, "Are we ready to go?" Jim asked in a concerned voice. "Let's get going."

"The bay doors are open, sir," Sulu replied anxiously. "It looks like they're going to let us go."

Swallowing hard, "Detract all moorings and use thrusters until we're out of Spacedock and then set a course to the Neutral Zone," Jim spoke in a shaky voice. "Let's go find our missing family members."

Unknown Planet – Neutral Zone

The Romulan guards stood around the battered Bridge and two of them immediately grabbed Zachary, having been told by Khan that the mixed blood might be useful to cure the plague. Charlie immediately started forward, but Zachary shook his head and gestured towards Spock, as Spock needed protection.

"Which one is Kathy McCoy?" another guard grunted. "She was requested by Mister Aaron Locarno."

Johnny swore and grabbed Kathy, but he was immediately knocked out by the swing of a Romulan weapon. As he fell to the floor, the guard grabbed Kathy and forcefully hustled her off the ship.

"How much damage did we do to your vessel?" Valeris asked sharply. "Why did you need to land?"

Another guard grabbed Valeris and most the guards hustled her and Zachary away, "Listen well, Starfleet, nobody has to die as long as nobody is foolish enough to attack us," the remaining guard grunted in a cold voice. "You can do what you need to survive, but do not try to rise against us."

With that the guard was gone and Joanna immediately threw up while Lorian tried to check the unconscious Johnny for injuries, "Cadet McCoy, please help me to my feet and I must see to collecting water for the crew," Spock spoke tonelessly, deeply shaken that some of the crew had been taken.

"Locarno's a traitor," Charlie growled. "Sir, with all due respect, you need to stay where you are."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "A mutinous attitude is not wise," he replied in a toneless voice.

"You have an injured ankle and some sort of internal injury, so I'm not going to let you get up and hurt yourself further just to get water for us," Charlie replied firmly. "I'll go get the water myself."

Joanna sighed shakily, "Pavel, Michael, go with Charlie," she spoke softly. "Always go in groups."

"You are very much like your father, Cadet McCoy," Spock replied. "Stubborn and determined."

Charlie smiled, "So I'm told," he replied calmly as he gathered several canteens from the floor.

As Charlie, Pavel, and Michael left the ship, Dr. Piper looked at Joanna, who was already getting to her feet, "Captain, let's have a look at you," he said in a concerned voice. "You do not look well at all."

"If you would please immobilize my ankle, I can function as Captain of this damaged vessel," Spock replied tonelessly, wondering if they would all eventually be killed. "There is too much to be done."

Dr. Piper, however, took out a medical tricorder and scanned Spock, "You've got a fractured kidney," he explained in a concerned voice. "With the damage we have, I'm not sure if surgery is a viable option."

"If it remains inside of me, my chances of dying increase," Spock replied tonelessly. "Do what you must."

Just then, Amanda shakily rose and made her way over to Spock, "We'll keep an eye on it for a little while and if your condition worsens, I'll operate," Dr. Piper spoke calmly. "For now, I'll splint your foot."

"Doctor Piper, I have found the reason for Joanna's illness," Lorian spoke in a toneless voice as he held a medical tricorder out towards the trembling Joanna. "According to this, Joanna is expecting a child."

Joanna's eyes went wide, but was prevented from speaking when a few Romulan guards returned, "Healer Stonn is in need of medics to assist with the crew," one of the guards announced.

"Stonn is here?" Spock asked tonelessly as he watched the guard come. "We have only one doctor."

The guard eyed Lorian, "Doctor Kirk, correct?" he asked roughly. "Do you have more medical skill?"

"I have sufficiently developed my medical skills since the last time I was forced to use them," Lorian replied tonelessly, knowing it was better for him to go than anyone else. "I will accompany you."

The guard nodded and escorted Lorian away, "Lorian is very brave," Rebecca commented softly.

"We've got water," Charlie said in a shaky voice as he, Michael, and Pavel returned with full canteens.

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Allocate it among the others," he replied tonelessly. "I dare not consume any water because it will worsen my medical condition. There are others who require water more than I."

"Captain, I'll be getting you a drip-box so you don't dehydrate," Dr. Piper spoke calmly. "Lie still."

Spock sighed and flinched as he felt pain, forcing himself to watch Charlie, Pavel, and Michael hand out water to distract himself from the pain, "Amanda, if you are able, I require something from you," he spoke quietly, knowing Amanda was nearby. "I wish you and Saavik to explore the ruins of the Montgomery and see if there are any PADDs or technology we can use to send a distress signal."

"Father, we must focus on taking care of each other for the moment," Amanda spoke wisely.

Saavik, who was nearby, gazed towards the Romulan vessel where some of their crew had gone and only looked away when Charlie gently pressed a canteen into her hand, "You need to keep hydrated," he spoke gently as their eyes met. "We need to keep ourselves healthy as much as possible."

Concern filled Saavik's eyes as she turned to look towards the vessel where her sister now was, unaware that Joachim was doing the same thing and wondering how he could spare others from Khan's evil.

Warbird Lasva

"What do you want with me now?" Zachary snapped, struggling against the bindings that held him to the lab table that Khan was hovering over with a syringe. "I already lost three years of my life to you!"

Khan smirked and silently hooked an IV to Zachary's arm before attaching electrodes to every part of his thin body that was only covered by his cadet pants and a t-shirt while his uniform jacket, socks, and boots had been removed and thrown in the corner, "There are those on my crew suffering from a virus that has affected their genetic structure," he explained calmly. "Your mixed blood will cure them."

Before Zachary could reply, Khan pressed a button and Zachary suddenly felt intense electricity shoot through his body and send ripples of pain through his head, "You are too cold and frequent electroshocks will warm you up enough to donate a sufficient amount of blood," Khan explained in a cold voice. "Of course, such treatment may also cause internal injuries, fractures, and brain damage."

"Where did you take my sister?" Zachary snapped, gasping as he felt another intense shock hit him.

Khan smirked, "Your sister was requested as company by a Mister Aaron Locarno because he found her appealing before he was dismissed from the Academy Training Program," he replied smoothly. "She resembles your mother greatly and is being prepared as a form of pleasure for Mister Locarno."

"Locarno's lived on Earth forever," Zachary hissed. "Why would he help you or Romulans?!"

Khan smirked, "Because Starfleet let him suffer in his illness," he snarled. "Save your energy."

Zachary screamed as another burst of electricity hit him and Khan smirked as he left the lab and found himself amused when he saw Talla come out of the quarters where Kathy had been secluded, redressed, and prepared for presentation to Locarno, "Is it done?" Khan asked gruffly.

"When the girl quits crying, I will present her to Mister Locarno," Talla replied smugly. "I left the hybrid girl in there with her to try and calm her, but the hybrid is refusing to cooperate with any demands."

Scowling, Khan marched into the quarters and saw that Kathy, who had been stripped of her uniform and forcibly dressed in a red Klingon gown, was huddled in the corner crying while Valeris, who had been slapped, lingered nearby, "If you two do not behave, I will murder Zachary," Khan hissed.

Kathy said nothing, but refused to move, "Hybrid girl, I believe you would serve as a fitting present for Jeris's son, David," Khan said, giving Valeris a look. "Jeris wishes to be given some posterity."

"I will not abandon my friend so a Romulan man can have pleasure," Valeris snapped tonelessly.

Khan smirked, "David is Human," he spoke coldly. "I can kill you both and Zachary right now."

Valeris spat at Khan and Khan swore before marching over to the corner and forcibly grabbing hold of Kathy. Kathy's sobbing filled the corridors as Khan dragged her from the room and down the corridor.

Khan swore as he shoved Kathy in Locarno's room and sealed it, prompting Aaron to wake from the rest he was taking, "Kathy McCoy?" Aaron asked as he slowly sat up and eyed her. "You're dressed…"

"You requested me to be your entertainment," Kathy snapped through her tears. "You know full well I've been seeing Johnny Harriman and that one day we hope to get married. Why did you ask for me?!"

Aaron smirked as he slowly got to his feet and walked over to her, "I'm dying, Kathy, and you are the most attractive cadet," he spoke seductively as he pinned her against the wall and stroked her hair.

Deeply repulsed, Kathy punched him in the face and shoved him away, "Get off me!" she yelled, her eyes filled with fury. "After what you and your buddies did to Charlie, do you really think I would…?"

"Yes," Aaron hissed as he returned and pushed her into the wall harder before forcibly kissing her.

Tears streamed down Kathy's face, but she couldn't pull away because her arms were pinned down.

U.S.S. Enterprise-A: Counseling Office

"…I do not understand why Father is missing," Jaron spoke shakily, his entire body trembling as he sat on the couch, being gently held by his mother. "Starfleet is supposed to have perfect ships…He promised…"

Nyota sighed as Jaron dissolved into sobs and cuddled against her, "Jaron, Admiral Kirk knows that somewhere, your father and the crew of the Montogmery are alive," Arianne spoke in a gentle, yet determined voice. "That is why he organized this mission and that is why we are in space right now."

Suddenly, the door chime sounded, "Jaron, why don't we go to the Rec Deck?" Nyota suggested.

Nodding, Jaron clung to his mother as they got up, "Thank you for seeing us, Arianne," Nyota said.

Arianne nodded as Nyota left with Jaron and Jim came into the office, "Hey," Jim said quietly.

"Would you like to discuss your feelings on this whole situation?" Arianne asked gently.

Jim sighed, "I'm more worried about Bones, to be honest," he replied in a concerned voice. "We just got out of the solar system and I get a message from M'Benga that Bones has gone off duty for the rest of the day and is spending time with Lenny and David in your quarters. He's handling this very badly."

"I can't force Leonard to come see me for counseling and he couldn't come to me for professional counselling even if he wanted to," Arianne replied calmly. "It's unethical for me to counsel him."

Jim scoffed, "It was unethical for me to take the ship from Spacedock and defy President Harriman's orders, but I did it," he replied in a voice of disbelief. "I'm not sure what is going on with him, but…"

"We have a mental link with our children," Arianne spoke anxiously. "I don't know how or when we developed it, but maybe it came because of our experiences. "Mental links aren't usually found…"

Jim frowned, "I have the same think with Lorian and George," he replied quietly. "It's normal."

"I know how to repress negative emotions that project from our children because I've learned so much from Spock," Arianne spoke shakily. "Not our Spock…the Ambassador taught me how to do it before…"

Arianne sighed, "What I'm feeling is minimal compared to what Leonard is feeling," she spoke quietly.

"What's happening?" Jim asked in a worried voice. "Do you have any idea where they might be at?"

A look of sorrow appeared on Arianne's face as she began to share what she could feel with Jim.

Leonard sighed as he tucked Lenny and David into bed for their naps, "Just have a good nap and when you both wake, we'll go hang out on the Rec Deck," he said in a calm voice. "I'll be on the couch."

Fortunately for Leonard, both boys quickly fell asleep and left him free to wander into the living room and sit on the couch. He could feel a great deal of pain and suffering from his kids and it was making it impossible for him to focus on his duty; hence, why he had turned Sickbay over to M'Benga that day.

The door chime suddenly sounded and Leonard scoffed, "Come in," he said in a gruff voice.

A moment of silence passed and the door slid open, revealing a very concerned looking Jim standing there with Arianne, "I'm just trying to take it easy for the rest of the day, Jim," he said gruffly.

"Bones, Arianne said you were feeling pain from your kids," Jim replied quietly. "I feel it from mine."

Leonard nodded and stepped aside to let Jim and Arianne in, relieved when Arianne immediately gave him a gentle kiss, "We'll get to New Vulcan in three days and two days after that, we'll be in the Neutral Zone," Jim explained quietly. "Scotty's doing his best to make this ship go as fast as it possibly can."

"I feel like that might be too late, but the ship can only go so fast," Leonard replied in a shaky voice.

Jim sighed, "I've explained to Jim how we're both feeling," Arianne spoke quietly. "It's hard, I know."

"The kids are grown up, but I don't want to lose them so young," Leonard breathed anxiously.

Arianne frowned, "They are not going to die today, tomorrow, or any time soon, Leonard Horatio McCoy," she replied in a firm, slightly angry voice. "When we find them, we will rescue them all."

"Spock and Chekov are in charge of all of them," Jim cut in gently. "They will protect the cadets."

Leonard nodded, but didn't look convinced, "Once the ship has better warp power, we'll speed up and try to get there as fast as we possibly can, Bones," Jim spoke quietly. "I give you my word."

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