A huge thank you to tierranranfar, Pen-Name-Kitsune-chan, passionfornight, Basia Orci, MusicEstVita, Anonymouse, (), Gypso, Kittendragon and Heather Valentine-Highwind for reviewing! Also a big thank you to Peachly for all her beta work and ideas. I'm going to do a bit of a rewrite on the remaining chapters of this story so I can do more with the sequel. Depending on how it goes, I estimate we have five to six chapters left in this part.

Chapter 07: Decisions

When Jim's condition was stable, McCoy pulled Spock to a private room. "Okay, you green blooded hobgoblin, I better have a good explanation for this and you better tell me you're going to agree to cooperate with legal intervention!"

Spock explained all that transpired. "You are correct that I should have sought legal intervention. I allowed my emotional compromise toward him to cloud my logic. I will now cooperate with all you have in mind."

"Damn right you will!" McCoy practically shouted. "What did you do with that bastard, anyway?"

There was no question as to who he was referring to. "I nerve pinched Frank and left him on the floor. I was too intent on Jim to give much thought to him," Spock stated.

Without another word, McCoy hurriedly ran out of the room, presumably to take care of the Frank situation and legal arrangements.

Which left Spock to check on Jim.

He stood by Jim's beside, his arms behind his back, as nurses monitored him and did their work. As soon as Jim awoke, he would apologize for his appalling lapse in logic that had led to this situation. He could only hope Jim would forgive him, as his Jim had always done in the past, even when, perhaps, it had not been deserved.

Hours later, he was finally left alone with Jim and was informed he would wake at any time, although there was no telling exactly when. Spock sat down in a chair close to the bed to continue his vigil. He lightly meditated to pass the time.

Jim floated in a haze of partial consciousness. Beeping reached his ears, which confused him. Beeping? The only thing in his room that beeped was his comm, and he had it on silent. It didn't sound like his alarm either. It sounded more like... a hospital? Gradually the last thing he remembered came back to him - the car falling off the cliff, Spock's rescue, then getting beat up by Frank. So he must be in a hospital then. Kind of surprising that Frank had taken him, though. It was always Winona that did, and she wasn't back from her Starfleet assignment. Jim slowly cracked his eyes open and glanced around. Spock was sitting there with his eyes closed.

Spock! Spock must have come back and seen what happened. Jim flushed in shame. What must Spock think of him, always needing to be rescued? He'd gone to an awful lot of trouble for him lately. What could he possibly be getting from it? It didn't make any sense. Surely Spock would decide that Jim was too much trouble, not really his problem and simply not worth it? He felt a surge of frustration. Why couldn't he handle this HIMSELF? Why couldn't he have been stronger, maybe tried a little harder? Somehow found a way to please Frank so things like this didn't happen, and Spock wouldn't be so burdened by his problems? Jim shifted tensely and glanced at Spock, who, despite Jim's fears, looked relaxed and untroubled. He would prefer to put off talking to Spock about what happened, but it didn't look like he had any choice. Spock could open his eyes at any moment, and he preferred it get it over with.

"Spock?" he whispered, nervous about interrupting Spock's meditation.

"Jim, I am glad to see you are awake," stated Spock, slowly opening his eyes.

"What happened?" Jim asked, wanting Spock's point of view.

"You were accosted violently by Frank. I heard it on my way from your house. I neutralized the threat to you, then transported you here."

Jim shrank into himself, wondering what was coming next.

"Jim, I must ask your forgiveness. Ever since I met you, I have been severely emotionally compromised, and my decisions regarding your welfare have not been made as logically as they should have been. It is my fault that it has come to this. If you can find it in you to forgive me, I would find that most preferable."

"Spock, it's not your fault," said Jim, stunned. Of all the things he expected Spock to say, this had simply not occurred to him. What was all this "emotional compromise" about anyway? Surely he was no different than any other human (except perhaps more pathetic) so why would he affect Spock like that? He had to be making it up. But why? It just didn't make sense.

Typical Jim, thought Spock, always making excuses for him, whether it be spores, pon farr, time traveling alterations, or some rare space sickness, he always found something to blame other than him, when he hurt him. "Jim, I have a responsibility to you, to keep you safe. I put my desire for a relationship with you before your safety."

"It's - fine," Jim responded, still bewildered. He could not seem to get his voice to work beyond that.

"It is not fine. You almost died."

Jim floundered for a way to respond, settling on, "Does this mean there's going to be an investigation?"

"Yes, there will be, as I should have agreed to the moment I suspected what was truly going on," confirmed Spock.

Jim, still clueless at how to respond to Spock blaming himself, decided to side step the issue in hopes that it would be dropped. "Does that mean you're removing me from my parent's house?"

"That is the preferred end result."

"Where will I go, then?"

"That is not something for you to be worrying about right now. If it is possible, and agreeable to you, I will try to gain parental rights to you. However, that may be challenging, given my - past, and age, and lack of a woman partner. I have found that your courts prefer younger married couples with a known, clean background to take on relocated children. But if you wish it, I will fight for you."

"I do want you to," said Jim shyly. It really seemed too good to be true. He wanted it too badly, though, to even think about it not happening.

Spock's gaze warmed for a moment. "Then, I will discuss my options with Dr. McCoy, and a lawyer of my choosing," Spock informed him, already thinking of one he'd like, if he could find him in this altered universe. Samuel T. Cogley had done an admirable job saving Jim's captaincy. He had no doubt that if anyone could secure him the parental rights he craved, it would be him. It was somewhat ironic that Jim was also now friends with the person who almost cost him his captaincy. Perhaps with some nudges in the right direction, he could help Ben Finney find a more productive path. After all, someone who had named their daughter after Jim could not be all bad.

And clearly, he was still very emotionally compromised.

McCoy entered the room just then, looking stressed. "Ok, Mr. - Oh Jim, glad to see you're awake. How are you feeling?"

"Like I got run over by a speeder. Or maybe a starship," said Jim.

"Well, kid, I'll try to fix that for you, but right now I have to talk to Mr. Spock. Will you be okay for little while?"

"Yeah," said Jim.

Spock followed McCoy out to a private room. McCoy sighed and made some agitated gestures that were all too familiar. "Okay, so you've agreed to be a witness to the trial for Frank, and the hopeful revoking of parental rights for Frank and Winona. I'm under the impression you want the parental rights to Jim, right?"

"That is correct. That is also what Jim says he wants. He told me he does not wish to be with anyone else."

"Well, that might be a problem. You see - "

"I'm aware of the traditional preferences of the court, doctor. I know they would not see me as a suitable candidate to be his - father," said Spock, startled by how much emotion that word garnered in him.

"Well, I could help turn the tables in your favor, Spock. I know how much you love him, and don't deny it. I know he would be happy with you. Personally, I'd sign him over to you right now if it was in my power. But professionally, there's things I have to check out about you before I can offer my support before a judge and make it credible. For starters, have you ever been married or had any children?"

Spock considered, just for a moment, to inform him that he'd been married to Jim, just to see what his reaction would be. "The answer to that is...complicated, doctor, and I would prefer to keep it quiet."

"But you can't keep it quiet if you want Jim for your son! I have to know your past, and take a psychological evaluation at the very least. I can keep most of it confidential between us, and the bare facts can be confidential between us and the judge."

Spock considered his options. There was only one way to make McCoy believe him. As reluctant as he was to inflict it upon McCoy, he could see no logical alternative. "Then, if you are agreeable doctor, I will perform a mind-meld with you."

McCoy knew enough about Vulcans to understand all that was involved. He also knew how unusual it was. "You don't have to share EVERYTHING, Spock, just some pertinent details - "

"No, doctor. You will understand why I insisted on the meld when you see what is there. I also must insist that you keep everything you learn confidential, unless I say otherwise. Everything, doctor."

Dr. McCoy stared at him, realizing he was about to get into something big. He hoped it wasn't political intrigue, or something, he'd never liked that stuff. "Well, if that's the only way... then go ahead. I must warn you, I've never had a mind meld done on me before."

"No worries, doctor. I have performed a meld on you before." And with those strange words, Spock gestured McCoy to sit down next to him on the couch. When they were comfortable, Spock gently placed his hands on McCoy's face.

Spock and McCoy sat on the couch for nearly an hour, lost in the meld and all of what McCoy was learning about Spock and his very unique situation. When Spock finally let McCoy go, tears were streaming down the doctor's face.

"GOOD GOD, man!" he gasped. He seemed to be at a loss for words. "I knew you were under stress, but I never expected THIS! I thought you'd been booted off Vulcan for some reason or another, like laughing in public or something. And your relationship with Jim..." McCoy trailed off, staring into space and attempting to process all he'd learned.

Spock had showed him a bit of every part of his life up through the time he went through the black hole, so McCoy had a clear understanding of him. He mainly focused on his time with Jim. He had blocked much of his romantic encounters with Jim from McCoy, feeling it was not relevant in this particular case, and it was not something he wished to share, regardless. But he knew McCoy had probably picked up on it anyway. He could not block his feelings for Jim from him.

"Well, now, at least, I understand why you sought me out," commented McCoy. "In fact, a lot of things about you make a lot more sense. I assume Jim knows nothing of this?"

"Jim knows nothing, and it will stay that way, doctor," Spock said firmly.

"I understand why you don't want to tell him, and at this point, I agree. But you're going to have to tell him SOMETHING, especially if you're living together. He'll cotton on to the fact that you're hiding something big, if he hasn't already. While he might have patience with that at first, it will be a source of contention between you two sooner or later."

"I understand, doctor."

McCoy rubbed his head, overwhelmed. "Good god, man," he repeated, more to himself this time. "When I signed up for this job, the part about time traveling Vulcans trying to gain parental rights for their former captains must have been in the small print I didn't read." Then he turned to Spock. "And for God's sake, man, there should be a warning label on your head! For all the calmness and logic you spout about, there's a damn lot of 'emotional compromise' overloading those logical synapses of yours. I should stick you in a padded room and keep you there. But seeing what I've seen, you would find a way to make that dangerous too. Well, let me sleep on this, Spock. Lord knows I can use it. Why don't you stay in the hospitality house. I'll write up papers for you, that way you won't have to be far from him."

"Thank you, doctor."

"I know how badly you want him, and like I said, I personally would sign him over in a heartbeat. I know there isn't a person in the universe, or in YOUR case, ANY universe that loves him more. But there's still some things I need to discuss with you, before I can give my full professional support. But like I said I'm going to do that tomorrow."

He got up, and started to walk out the door. "Wait a minute...does this mean there are TWO of you in this universe?"

Spock opened his mouth to reply in the affirmative.

"Wait, I don't want to know. One of you is enough! Good night, Spock. And don't blame yourself for what happened to his father. It was entirely that bastard Nero's fault." With that, McCoy left, before Spock could argue with him.

Despite the comforts of the room provided for him, Spock found he could not sleep that night, opting to meditate instead. Jim was having similar problems sleeping. He learned a hospital saying, you went there to get well, and not to sleep, and it certainly seemed to fit. Even if they hadn't been poking and prodding him with medical instruments at regular intervals, he would not have been able to sleep with everything that was on his mind.

What was going to happen to him? What if he didn't get taken away from his parents? What if he did? What if Spock didn't get rights to him? Jim did not like contemplating that, but the thought haunted him. He could be taken far away from Spock, and never see him again. He gasped with the pain that thought brought. No, he would fight, he'd do everything he could to stay with Spock. His opinion must carry SOME weight, right? He thought about the idea of being Spock's son, officially. He wondered if Spock would let him call him dad, or if that was too human for the Vulcan to tolerate. At the same time, he felt guilty about asking Spock to go through all this trouble for him, and for the burden of having to take care of him. He couldn't bring himself to refuse Spock's help, though. He wanted it too badly.

A few more minutes passed and he remembered that he hadn't told his friends what had happened to him. After gaining permission from a nurse, he turned on his comm to send them a message. He found several messages waiting for him.

BenFin: Hey, I had no problem with you going without me. You didn't have to give up your spot for me. Everyone was asking about you! You're famous now. But I had a blast. Thanks so much, Jim.

GMitch: Why didn't you talk to me before you decided to give your spot to Ben? You can make your own decisions, but I could have told you it was fine. You wrote the best essay. You deserved the most to go. Was it Frank who couldn't see that? It's okay, you can tell me.

He got a few more messages from them, wondering if he was okay, since he was usually so prompt. He even got a message from a Commander Christopher Pike.

CPike: Hey Jim, you don't know me, but I'm Commander Christopher Pike from the USS Republic. I read your essay and conducted the tour today. I was disappointed not to see you there, but I was impressed that you gave your spot to your friend, who did not win. You have real character. I hope you consider joining Starfleet someday. It would be an honor to serve beside you.

Jim decided to just bite the bullet and write back to his friends. He was sure they would find out the whole story, anyway. It was better that they hear it from him.

JKirk: I'm glad you guys had a good time! It's a long story, but right now I'm in a hospital in Georgia. I don't know how long I'll be here. Mr. Spock is here with me, staying at the hospitality house. I was beat up pretty bad, but I'll recover. Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy are going to press charges and petition to take me away from my parents. Spock is going to try to gain parental rights to me, but he doesn't know if he'll be successful. Something about not being a suitable candidate in the judge's eyes. Which is bullshit if you ask me. Don't worry about me, I'll be all right. Talk to you soon.

Jim also decided to write back to Christopher Pike while he was at it.

JKirk: Hey Commander Pike, thanks for your message and your kind words. I must admit I am surprised by how much attention my essay is getting. All I did was write down what was 'logical' to me, as my Vulcan friend would say. As for Starfleet, I'll think about it someday. Thanks again.

Jim did not want to think about Starfleet, and possible captaincies at the moment. He was far too overwhelmed with his current situation. Even so, he was very gratified to hear from Pike. As he drifted off to sleep, he could not help but think of the captain's chair, and a certain Vulcan sitting at the science station as his second in command.

The next morning, McCoy summoned Spock to his office. "Ok, Mr. Spock, I still don't think I'm ready for this conversation, but time is precious right now. We've got to move fast if we're going to succeed. Where to begin," he said, sounding tired.

"What information does the judge need to know?" asked Spock.

"He'll need to know if you've ever committed any crimes, either here or anywhere in the UFP territories. Which I know you haven't, and any crimes you have committed have been forgiven, but we can't prove that."

"Being from over a hundred years in the future, and having highly advanced computer skills even for my time, I hacked into the UFP database and created a false alias for myself. I am confident they will not detect the fabrication. This is how I have been getting my employment with Information Security at various places."

McCoy hoped Spock would never desire to plant a virus anywhere. The computers wouldn't stand a chance. That had been some seriously professional hacking he had done. He thought it was impossible. "All right, so the record they have on file states that your record is clean. Not unusual for a Vulcan, I guess," said McCoy. "That won't seem suspicious. What else does it say?"

"It states that since I am only half Vulcan, I never experienced certain Vulcan traditions, therefore I have been unmarried my entire life, having never desired it." Which they would find out was untrue once this universe's Spock went into pon farr, but that would not be for at least twenty-five years, and it was likely he would be dead by then anyway.

"Okay, the supposedly not having a wife and no experience with children is going to count against you, Spock. Not to mention your considerable age. Anything else on your record?"

"I wrote that I was raised in an orphanage, having been abandoned by my parents, and it is unknown who they are. No one came to claim me or adopt me, so I left the orphanage when I came of age. I have also altered the orphanage's records to show my presence there. I did a thorough job. All the caretakers at that time are now dead of natural causes, so would not be able to confirm that I was never there. From that time, I lived as a hermit, taking on freelance jobs in Information Security. I moved to Iowa for a change of scenery."

"Ok, that kind of childhood may or may not count against you, considering how very long ago it was."

Spock raised an eyebrow at McCoy's jab at his age.

"The second part I must do, is a psychological examination to determine your mental and emotional soundness for such a responsibility as Jim." Hell if he'd ever had to do one on a Vulcan, much less one from an alternate universe. This one was not going to be an easy one to write up. "Now of course we can't tell them the whole truth about this, either. And damn if it isn't the most complicated thing ever. So we're going to have to word this carefully."

"I understand, doctor."

He rubbed his face in agitation, feeling a headache coming on. "Now, I know you're perfectly capable of helping him with his education, and more than capable of protecting him. Hell, you could take out an entire solar system with that Jellyfish of yours, and I don't want to dwell on that, what if some idiot tried to bomb you? Earth would explode in a matter of minutes! Anyway, I also know you are capable of supporting him monetarily. You have countless skills in various subjects and could probably succeed in most careers, so money will never be a problem for you. It is also obvious that you love him. Hell, I bet even if the entire court room walked around in blindfolds, they'd be able to see it. But there's one area that concerns me, Spock, and as you know, it's already caused problems between you two, and I have to see some improvement in this before I can give my full seal of approval." He paused, gathering himself and his thoughts.

Spock patiently waited for him to continue.

"I know he was your commanding officer for thirty years, maybe longer. And damn if I can wrap my mind around that. It's deeply ingrained in you to follow his orders and indulge his desires. So ingrained, that even if you can look at Jim, and logically know you are the adult, and must take charge, but subconsciously you do not. Oh, you might recommend, ask, argue, suggest, and inform, but in the end, you always give him the final say and decision, and it's been no different with our Jim here. Unless his life is threatened, you do not take command. You let him have his way, because you have so much faith in him, that he'll make the right decision, even if it isn't logical. It's already caused a problem, as you know. And maybe early on in your parenting, it won't be much of a problem. Hell if that kid doesn't worship the ground you walk on. He won't argue with you, for a long while, I'm guessing. But then he's going to hit his teenage years, Spock. Sooner or later, he's going to rebel. When you met Jim in your time, he was old enough, experienced enough, to make wise decisions. But Jim the teenager will not be. I need to know that you can put your foot down with him, Spock, that you can be firm about your decisions about what's good for him, until he is experienced enough to know for himself. From what I've seen, I'm not sure you have that in you. I need to see that in you, Spock, to give my full stamp of approval."

Spock contemplated the doctor's words, unable to deny the truth in them. He did not know if he could take command over Jim Kirk. He had never desired it, and, despite his desire to become Jim's parent, he did not desire it now. It was more of a desire to protect and care for him than to be in charge. "I cannot deny the truth of your words, doctor," he said quietly. "I will meditate on it."

"You do that, but don't take to long. We've got to move fast. I want to see Jim go to you, and hell, his safety may be at stake here if Nero ever finds out about the situation with you, and with you he'd be safer, but others might come to petition for him too. Son of a hero and all of that. If you get there before they do, you might stand a better chance. Now do you have a lawyer in mind, or would you like me to find you one?"

"I have one in mind, doctor. In my time, he saved Jim's captaincy. His name is Samuel T. Cogley."

"Oh, is he that cracked one who insists on using paper? Genius though, I've heard. All right, I'll put him down for you. Now I've got to go catch up on some of my appointments. You let me know when you're done meditating."

Spock agreed, and left.

McCoy stared after him for a minute, still reeling from everything he'd learned in the past 24 hours. He sure hoped Spock could solve his problem with taking command. Had it been any other person, Spock would not have had a problem. But, from the moment McCoy had first seen those two, he had thought there was something very strange about their relationship. Knowing what he knew now, it all made sense. After everything Spock said to Jim, there was an unspoken "Yes, Captain. As you wish, Captain. What is your command, Captain?" His entire stance betrayed his unconscious deference to Jim. Yet how was he going to explain this to a judge? He could say that, Spock, being a hermit all this life and never having been in charge of another, might struggle with taking command. It would be the best he could do, under the circumstances. The truth, unfortunately, was out of the question, and he wouldn't wish that mind-meld on anyone else. Good god, man, but that Vulan had a head full of nightmares.

Jim woke up later in the day. He immediately looked around for Spock and was disappointed to see that he wasn't there. He hoped he would come by soon. He did not like being in this strange hospital with no one familiar around, especially since his entire life's situation was in jeopardy. He needed some security, although he'd never admit that.

Bored, he decided to check his comm for messages. It seemed that it was all he did these days. He wasn't sure he wanted to read what his friends were going to say, but he would have to face it sometime.

GMitch: Wow, I hope you're okay. I'm glad Spock is there with you, at least. I'm trying to convince my parents to let me come visit. If it turns out you'll be there a while, I think I'll be able to convince them. Talk to you later, and keep me updated.

BenFin: I'm so sorry that happened to you. I wish there was something I could do. It would be awesome if they made Spock your guardian. If Gary can convince his parents to let him visit you, my parents will. I hope to see you soon.

CPike: No problem. I'll forward you, and your school, a copy of the newsletter with your essay in it. You must be a pretty special kid, to have a Vulcan as a friend. They do not make friends easy, and when they do, it's usually some logical reason. I see great things in your future. Live long and prosper, Jim, as those Vulcans say.

Jim frowned as he read Pike's message. Vulcans did not make friends easily? That was weird. Spock had latched right onto him from the very beginning. What logical reason was there, then, for the relationship? Jim could not see it.

Spock was once again in his room at the hospitality house, sinking deep in meditation. His problem? How to take charge of James T. Kirk, when the situation demanded it. It was something he had never contemplated, always content with being second in command under him. He was simply not wired that way. Yet if he didn't, and he lived with someone else, he would not be able to protect him very well from Nero, should the unbalanced Romulan ever get wind of his existence and their situation. So really, it did all come down to protecting Jim from a life-threatening situation. Every time he had to assert himself over Jim, that is what he would have to remind himself of, that the alternative would be more undesirable than defying Jim's decisions in life. He would have to make it about protecting Jim, not about being in command. It was the best he was capable of doing. It would be a relief when Jim would come of age, and he could resume his attitude of respectful deference and advising. That would be what he would tell McCoy. It was his hope that it would be enough.

The comm beeped in his room. Spock strode over to answer it. "Spock here," he said, reverting to his habits on the Enterprise before he could correct himself.

"Hey Spock, listen, it's McCoy. I have Jim's mom, Winona, on the line. Now, by all rights, she can talk to him, but I'm concerned about Jim emotionally. I want your opinion, since you know her better than I do. Should I let her talk to him?"

Spock considered it. While he believed Winona had never physically abused Jim, and perhaps had not been as verbally harsh as Frank, she still stood by and let Frank carry on. She had shown herself to be quite insensitive. He was unsure of what her mental state would be in this situation. "While she was not as objectionable as Frank, I am unsure if her current mental state would push her into being so. Or perhaps, she might finally be regretful of what has happened. There are many possibilities that I can calculate for you."

"Dammit, Spock, if I wanted something to calculate possibilities I would ask a computer! I know you have feelings, what do you FEEL I should do?"

"Since my recommendations are based on her current mental state, and any opinion I have of that is pure conjecture at this point, I suggest you put her through to me. I will determine if she will cause Jim undue distress or not. If so, I will 'check' then tell her that Jim is sleeping, and call back later, when hopefully he will be recovered enough to handle it. If not, I will put her through. Is that acceptable?"

"It's against all protocol, but at this point, it's my opinion we should do what's best for Jim. Don't want some sort of emotional breakdown on top of everything else. I'll put her through."

"Acknowledged."

Spock heard the subtle click of the switching of the line. "Mrs. Kirk," he stated. "This is Spock. I thought it prudent to inform you of the facts, from the source, before we attempt to connect you to Jim." Somehow, he could not say, 'your son.' He found himself feeling illogically possessive of that term. She was, factually, his mother, at least biologically. However, emotionally, and in the care taking sense, he found himself claiming the position of parent. His son. He'd never desired Jim to be his son, but now, he was overwhelmed with it. "Jim entered, and won, an essay contest to gain a spot on the tour of the beginning of the construction of the new ship, the Enterprise. His essay, on what it takes to be a starship captain, was exceptional. It has gained the attention of even the Admiralty of Starfleet. This tour was very important to him, and well deserved. However, for reasons that are still a mystery to me, Frank denied him the opportunity to go, despite no discernible mitigating circumstances. This, understandably, upset him. In revenge, he took Frank's convertible for a joy ride. Mrs. Steck saw him speed by and notified me in hopes I would be able to stop him. I immediately set out in my speeder to pursue him and managed to save him, even though the car ended up flying over the cliff."

He could hear Winona gasp softly. He continued.

"I do not believe it was a suicide attempt, specifically, but rather a shortsightedness on his part. If I had not intervened, he would not have survived. The car did not."

"Then what happened?" she whispered.

"He was quite emotionally compromised by the situation. After I got him to explain, I took him back to Frank, against my better judgment. Before I left, I attempted to persuade Frank not to take retribution on Jim, offering to replace the car myself. I was not successful. As I was leaving, I heard the unmistakable sounds of an intense altercation between Frank and Jim. When I arrived, Frank was unaware of my presence. I performed the Vulcan nerve pinch on Frank, then took Jim to the hospital. He would have died without medical intervention. Winona, Jim almost died twice yesterday. He life is in turmoil. I suggest, if we do manage to put you through, that you go easy on him."

There was silence for a minute. Spock had the impression, considering all his previous encounters, that some part of her had heard everything he'd said. However, for reasons that would probably seem illogical to him even if they were made known, she seemed, even now, tempted to take Frank's side on this. Since she did not seem set on verbally attacking Jim, and if her next words confirmed that conjecture, he would try to put her through.

"I understand," she said finally.

Spock thought that would be the best he would get from her. "Then I will connect you to Jim's room," he informed her. "Unless you have any questions."

"No. Put me through."

"Acknowledged." Spock transferred her to Jim's room, having memorized the number earlier. He hoped, this time, Jim would not suffer for a potential lapse in his judgment.

Speaking of lapses in judgment, he needed to get back with McCoy about the results of his meditation. After he was put on hold for a considerable length of time, the doctor finally came on the line.

"What is it, Spock? Did you let Winona talk to Jim?"

"After giving her a lengthy explanation, and determining her reaction to it, it was in my calculations that the odds were low she would cause Jim undue stress."

"You could just say yes, Spock."

"However, that is not why I called," Spock continued on, ignoring McCoy's jab at his way of expressing himself. "I have the results of my meditation."

Damn if that Vulcan didn't make everything sound scientific! "Well? So do you have it in you to 'take command,' so to speak, when necessary?"

"It is not in my nature, when it comes to Jim," Spock admitted. "However, Nero's presence does constitute a real threat, if he should ever find out about us. The best way for me to protect him, at this point, is to take on a parental role. Since I find it easier to defy him when his life is at risk, I shall approach the situation with this in mind, that a breakdown in my parental authority would result in him potentially leaving my protection, therefore putting his life at risk, should Nero use him to exact revenge on me. It is the best I can offer. I am afraid that, as you say, I am an 'old fart' and set in my ways, especially when it comes to Jim."

McCoy wasn't sure that this would be good enough. But it would have to be. "All right, Spock. I'll support you, personally and professionally. I'll make sure your petition for custody gets to the judge. I'll keep you informed. Go visit Jim, I'm sure he's wondering where you are."

"I will do so, doctor. Spock out." He cut the connection and immediately left for Jim's room.