Three Days Later

U.S.S. Enterprise-A

"Lorian had Pon Farr?" Nyota asked in a shocked voice as she watched a heavily bruised Amanda change into a clean cadet uniform so she could go work on the Bridge. "I thought that was impossible."

Amanda sighed patiently, "I suppose Khan's strange chemicals had an effect on him," she replied tonelessly. "He was on that terrible ship for a long time and I have no idea what was done to him."

"How come he's off duty if he's all right?" Nyota asked in a concerned voice. "Was he…?"

Amanda offered a loose smile, "Lorian is one of many who are providing dispositions to Starfleet Command about the experience today," she replied tonelessly. "I am well enough to be on duty."

"What if you become pregnant as a result of this?" Nyota spoke anxiously. "It will be difficult."

Amanda gave her mother a look, "The chances of a hybrid pregnancy are low," she replied softly.

"Just don't give up on it," Nyota replied softly. "If we had, we wouldn't have had you."

Nodding, Amanda straightened her uniform and followed her mother from the quarters, "Will you be attending Commander Sulu's wedding?" she asked tonelessly. "I understand that is quite soon."

"Your father and I will both be attending," Nyota replied calmly. "Will you take it easy today?"

Amanda smirked as they reached the turbolift, "Of course," she replied calmly. "I love you, Mother."

Nyota sighed as Amanda disappeared into the turbolift and then made her way to the Mess Hall.


Bridge – Ready Room

"This is a very noble gesture, Kirk, but I'll only give you a demotion," President Harriman said on the computer screen, smiling as Jim let out a sigh. "The demotion was going to happen anyway, as you did disobey my orders to stay put. I believe you're not really fit for the rigorous lifestyle of an Admiral anyway, as it is a very burdensome and lonely life. I know you only took promotion in the first place because you felt you needed to be grounded for your sons. Your heart is with the Enterprise-A."

Jim frowned, "Sulu getting married on the ship will definitely help, but I can't override the entire sentence because the breaking of an Academy contract is a fairly serious affair," President Harriman continued calmly. "I'll talk to Academy Command about Sulu, but consider yourself demoted to the rank of Captain as of now. There's not really a need to have a formal hearing; I will inform Starfleet myself."

Nodding, Jim silently removed one of the pips from his collar and threw it in the wastebasket, "I'll also see what I can do to keep the Enterprise-A busy since it now has a permanent Captain," President Harriman said in a kind voice. "Are you going to be presiding over Commander Sulu's wedding?"

"He and Lieutenant Scott asked me to, sir," Jim replied in a quiet voice. "Is there a problem?"

President Harriman shook his head, "No problem, as that is a right that Captains have," he replied calmly, sighing as he looked at Jim. "We'll talk more when the Enterprise gets back to Earth."

The call ended and sighing, Jim got to his feet and strode out on to the Bridge where Michael, Amanda, Charlie Scott, Carol, M'Benga, Hendorff, Martine, Stiles, and Riley were working, "I've just been demoted to Captain and I am officially in command of the Enterprise-A," Jim spoke calmly.

Gasps filled the Bridge as Jim walked over to the chair where Michael was sitting, "I thought you would be going to the wedding with Rebecca, Cadet?" Jim asked quietly. "She told me that you were."

"Someone has to do a duty shift, sir," Michael replied quietly. "Rebecca might come join me."

Jim nodded and Michael sighed heavily, "Something on your mind, cadet?" he asked quietly.

"I just worry how hard this little trip will be on my mother, sir," Michael replied in a quiet voice.

Before Jim could reply, the turbolift door opened and Rebecca did indeed come on to the Bridge in a fresh cadet uniform, "Michael, come on," Rebecca said calmly. "M'Benga said he'd take command."

"Yes, I did," M'Benga replied calmly as he walked over to the chair. "I relieve you, Cadet Pike."

Swallowing hard, Michael stood, "Thank you, Doctor M'Benga," he spoke calmly. "I guess I can go."

Rebecca smiled and led Michael off of the Bridge with her and Jim, leaving it once more quiet.


Mess Hall

"Mrs. Pike, you did a lovely job of decorating the Mess," Hikaru said in a kind voice, fiddling with the collar of his dress uniform as he walked over to where Kathryn was sitting beside Admiral Pike.

Kathryn smiled, "My dear Hikaru, please call me Kathryn," she replied gently. "And thank you."

"I should be really excited, but I just can't be knowing that I'll be in prison within the next week," Hikaru replied quietly, a tired expression on his face. "I just hope my family won't suffer for my decision."

Admiral Pike sighed, "Daanan will be working at Starfleet Communications under Commander Uhura and Peter and Demora will be in the educational center's summer program," he replied calmly. "I've arranged Daanan's shifts so she can be working only while the children are in school. Visiting regulations at Starfleet Security are quite relaxed, so your family and anyone else who wants can visit you a lot."

"Does anyone know what the duration of my sentence will be yet?" Hikaru asked in a nervous voice.

Admiral Pike sighed, "A maximum of 90 days," he replied calmly. "I can't be more specific than that."

Before Hikaru could reply, groups of officers and cadets who had been invited to the wedding filed into the Mess Hall and began taking seats, "I'd better get to the front," he said anxiously. "Excuse me."

Chattering filled the Mess as Jim came into the room and stood at the front with Hikaru under a white arch that Kathryn had replicated, "You're missing a pip, sir," Hikaru observed, eyeing Jim's collar.

"I was demoted to Captain," Jim replied quietly. "Don't worry about it, though. It's your day."

Hikaru nodded and smiled as Arianne came into the room with a tired looking Charlie at her side, but his eyes went wide when Dr. Piper came into the room with Zachary, who was wearing civvies and seated in a wheelchair. Kathy and Johnny followed after them with their hands interlocked and Saavik, Valeris, Tuvok, Lorian, and Jaron came after them. Whoever wasn't on duty at the moment seemed to be there.

Pavel suddenly rushed in with Lenny and David and hurried up to the front, "I am sorree, but I vas een Seeckbay vith ze boys," he whispered anxiously. "Zey are going to try and reduce ze medeecation so Joanna can be avake for more zen a few moments at a time. She eez takeeng ze news wery brawely."

Hikaru and Jim responded by giving Pavel gentle hugs, "Go seet down some vere," Pavel spoke gently, smiling at Lenny and David. "I veel come get you after ze vedding and ve vill go back and wisit Mama."

"Was yours negative?" Hikaru whispered anxiously as Lenny and David sat in chairs near the front.

Pavel sighed, "Eet vas inconclusiwe," he replied shakily. "I vill be taking ze same medeecine as Joanna as a prewentitiwe measure, but my dose vill be lower. I am also takeeng medeecine right now zat Joanna cannot take because she eez recowering from major surgery. I am doing ze best I can for all of us."

Jim paled, but he was prevented from speaking as music turned on and Peter and Demora entered the room and quickly took seats with Lenny and David. After a moment, Scotty entered the room with Daanan, who was dressed in a simple lace dress and veil, on his arm and escorted her to the front.

"The ceremony's being broadcast through the ship, sir," Scotty spoke to Jim as he released Daanan.

Jim nodded as Hikaru and Daanan joined hands and faced him. The ceremony itself was overly simple and when it was over, the newly married Sulus first kissed each other and then Daanan and Peter.

Almost immediately, people packed up the chairs and everyone set things up for the reception, but Pavel sat with his boys while the happy couple took their place at the front table. The medicine was making him tired and he needed to rest and get the boys down for a nap, but it was Hikaru's day.

"Papa, you look tired," Lenny spoke quietly, gazing up at Pavel. "Do you want to have a nap?"

Pavel sighed softly and gently stroked Lenny's hair, "Your Uncle Heekaru eez getting married and ve need to stay because I am hees best man," he spoke gently. "Are you and Dawid getting tired?"

"Papa, you need to sleep," Lenny spoke firmly as Admiral Pike came over to them. "Hi."

Admiral Pike smiled as he sat down near Pavel, "Kathryn is spoiling Demora and Peter so the happy couple can enjoy their day," he explained calmly. "You're the best man, shouldn't you be up front?"

"Papa is tired from his medicine," Lenny spoke up quietly. "He does not think he needs a nap."

Admiral Pike sighed and smiled as Dr. Piper wheeled Zachary up to where Hikaru and Daanan were sitting to offer congratulations, "I would guess that Doctor McCoy is taking care of Joanna," he commented quietly. "You know, Pavel, Joanna would be mad if she knew you were neglecting yourself."

"I vould lowe a nap, but I cannot leawe ze boys," Pavel spoke shakily. "Zey vant to enjoy zemselwes."

Admiral Pike smiled, "I can look after Lenny and David," he replied calmly. "Go to your quarters."

"Senk you," Pavel spoke quietly as he kissed both David and Lenny. "Behawe for Admeeral Pike."

As Pavel got up and left, Dr. Piper wheeled Zachary over to a table where Charlie was sitting with Johnny and Kathy, "Sit tight and I'll get you something to eat," Dr. Piper said warmly as he walked away.

"Ugh, do not mention food," Charlie spoke anxiously. "I haven't been able to eat much at all."

Zachary frowned, but said nothing, "I'm sorry, but Khan Noonien Singh deserved to die," Johnny spoke.

"Khan's dead for real?" Zachary asked in a shocked voice. "I don't understand…how did he die?"

Deeply confused, Kathy gave Zachary a look, "I heard he was dead, but I figured people were just saying that," Zachary explained in a cautious voice. "Papa's been trying to keep all the bad news away."

"Ask Charlie," Johnny replied in a quiet voice, eyeing Charlie calmly. "Charlie's the one who did it."

Zachary frowned as he looked at Charlie, "You killed Khan?" he asked in a shocked voice. "For real?"

"Yes," Charlie replied quietly, suddenly feeling pain throughout his arm and hand. "I had no choice."

Zachary nodded and Charlie sighed heavily, "Thank you," Zachary spoke softly. "Thank you."

Fortunately, the discussion ended there because all focus switched to Hikaru and Daanan coming to the middle of the floor for their first dance as a married couple. For that, Charlie was very grateful.


Sickbay

"I thank you, Doctor McCoy, for taking the time to examine me post-Pon Farr," Lorian spoke tonelessly as he laid down on an empty biobed. "It has taken quite a bit out of me on a physical level. I do not wish to disrupt George's rest and recovery and Gillian is looking after him and Gabriel in our quarters."

Leonard nodded and quietly initiated a scan, "I thought you said you would die if you had it?" he asked.

"I suppose medication was administered to me during my time on the Romulan vessel that prevented that," Lorian spoke tonelessly. "I do not know how frequently I will have it or if I will ever have it again."

Leonard sighed, "Strangely enough, you don't have any broken bones or internal trauma," he replied, eyeing the scan's results. "Your blood pressure is low and you've got a lot of heavy bruising."

"And I am quite fatigued by the experience," Lorian added quietly. "May I rest here for a bit?"

Leonard nodded, "I'm guessing it took all your strength just to get here," he replied calmly.

Lorian nodded and sighed heavily, "I believe my experience on the Romulan vessel in addition to the unexpected Pon Farr has sufficiently damaged my health and I need time to recover," he replied.

"I'll give you some fluids," Leonard said calmly. "Just rest here for as long as you like, all right?"

It didn't take long for Lorian to fall asleep and Leonard quickly got to work making him comfortable with blankets and drip-boxes. As Leonard finished, he heard footsteps come into Sickbay rather slowly.

"Pavel," Leonard heard Joanna's weak voice say gently. "You look absolutely exhausted, darling."

Leonard silently turned and watched as Pavel, who had seated himself beside Joanna's bed, gently took Joanna's hand in his own, "I vent to Heekaru's vedding veeth ze boys and I should be in bed, but I vanted to come see you," Pavel spoke shakily. "I could not stop seenking about our own vedding day."

"Pavel, I love you very much, but I am not going to die from this simply because I refuse to die," Joanna replied in a gentle, but firm voice. "You look like crap and you need to go to bed and have some food."

Pavel sighed, "You aren't going to do Lenny and David any good if you end up sick worrying about me," Joanna continued in a firm voice. "I know the results on your test were inconclusive, but you need to take care of yourself and visit me when you're well. I want you to go find someplace to rest right now."

Leonard frowned as Joanna sighed heavily, "Besides, I'm tired," Joanna spoke gently. "I love you."

"I lowe you too," Pavel spoke gently, sighing as Joanna fell back asleep. "Let me try and stand…"

Leonard frowned as Pavel slowly stood up and leaned on a chair for support, "Do you need a hand to your quarters, Pavel?" he asked calmly, coming forward. "I can get a chair and an orderly."

"Nyet, I will just take eet slow," Pavel replied quietly. "Eet eez not a wery far valk at all."

Leonard nodded and watched as Pavel slowly made his way out of Sickbay with slow steps. Once Pavel was out of sight, Leonard went into his office and sent a message to Admiral Pike about Pavel's health.


Nearly half an hour later, Pavel reached the quarters where he was staying and frowned when he saw Admiral Pike and Dr. M'Benga seated on his couch while Lenny and David sat at the table with small plates of food pilfered from the reception, "Commander Chekov, hello," Dr. M'Benga said kindly.

"Joanna said I looked bad and should rest," Pavel spoke shakily as he walked over to a chair near the bedroom and slowly sat down, cringing as he bent over to remove his boots. "I feel really bad."

Dr. M'Benga nodded, got up, and carefully pulled Pavel's boots and socks off, revealing slightly swollen feet, "You need to go to bed right now and stay there," he said firmly. "I'll examine you there."

Nodding, Pavel slowly rose and shakily staggered into the room where he and Joanna had been given a bed with their boys. It took all of Pavel's strength to sit, let alone put himself into a resting position. Dr. M'Benga silently scanned Pavel and pulled several things from his heavily stocked medkit.

"First off, this scanner says you're dehydrated," Dr. M'Benga said calmly. "So…dripboxes."

Pavel nodded and sighed heavily, not moving as Dr. M'Benga silently hooked them up and set the boxes on the bedside table, "You're officially on rest until we get to Earth and that is a medical directive from Doctor McCoy," Dr. M'Benga said as Admiral Pike came in with Lenny and David. "Do you got that?"

It didn't take long for M'Benga to finish, "Papa, do you want your jamas?" David asked quietly.

"Papa eez too tired to mowe," Pavel spoke softly, grateful he had worn simple civilian clothing to the wedding because he had been off duty. "I am going to hawe a wery long nap. You two can…"

Pavel paused, as he had no idea how he was going to deal with his sons and sleep, "Great Grandpa Chris will watch you guys finish your supper and then we'll do a puzzle," Admiral Pike spoke up. "Okay?"

Lenny and David covered Pavel's face in kisses and then left the room, "You hawe debriefings to do," Pavel spoke shakily as he fought to stay awake. "I can get up and vatch ze boys from ze couch."

"I can do debriefings when Kathryn comes back from the wedding," Admiral Pike replied. "Sleep."

As Pavel fell asleep, Dr. M'Benga followed Admiral Pike from the room, "When Chekov wakes, have him eat something," M'Benga instructed in a gentle firm voice. "Maybe also get him into some counseling."

Admiral Pike nodded and settled Lenny and David back at the table while M'Benga left the quarters.


Mess Hall

"We'll be at Earth tomorrow," Hikaru spoke calmly, smiling at Demora and Peter as he and Daanan sat with them at the head table while everyone around them celebrated. "Daddy's going to be spending some time in custody, but I don't want you two to get upset. You'll be able to visit me a lot."

Demora and Peter, who had been told of what was happening, both nodded, "You'll be expected to go to the summer program at school and listen to your mother while you are at home," Hikaru explained.

"When are we gonna get to come visit you, Papa Hikaru?" Peter asked quietly, looking worried.

Hikaru sighed, "Your mother will work that out with Starfleet, Peter," he replied in a gentle voice.

"Could we give Starfleet money from our banks to save you?" Demora asked quietly.

Hikaru chuckled, "No, honey, it doesn't work like that," he replied gently. "I was supposed to stay at the Academy and behave myself instead of coming on the Enterprise to help find Uncle Pavel and everyone else," he replied calmly. "I chose to come help find everyone and now I have to be punished for it."

"Is Uncle Charlie gonna be punished for killing that bad man?" Demora asked. "I hear people talk…"

Hikaru frowned and Daanan quickly spotted Charlie sitting with Zachary, staring at a small pile of trinkets on the table that had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, "…Thank you so much for doing what you did," he heard as a crewman placed a small trinket on the table. "I'll actually sleep at night…"

"Uncle Charlie looks upset," Peter spoke quietly. "I thought getting presents was a fun thing?"

Shrugging, Hikaru got up and walked over to where Charlie and Zachary were sitting, "…Dude, I don't want all this stuff cluttering up my room," he heard Charlie say anxiously. "Or all the messages."

"Hi there, Uncle Hikaru," Zachary spoke up calmly. "I'm glad I was able to come to your wedding."

Hikaru smiled, "How are you feeling?" he asked kindly, including both young men in his question.

Charlie said nothing and picked through the items on the table, "I might not be able to continue in Command," Zachary spoke quietly. "I might be paraplegic and it would be too physically tough."

"That doesn't mean you have to quit Starfleet," Hikaru spoke gently. "You're very talented."

Zachary sighed, "I know," he replied quietly. "Charlie, you should probably rest while you can."

"Don't worry about it," Charlie mumbled in a tired voice. "People keep bothering me…"

Hikaru frowned, "Cadet, you should go to bed," he spoke calmly. "You look like you need rest."

Charlie gave Hikaru a look and nodded before resting his head on the table, "Dad's with Joanna and Mom's helping on the Bridge," he spoke tiredly. "I'll just rest here and stay out of the way since everyone's busy. I can sleep just about anywhere after that time on that weird planet…"

"You've been injured and you need rest," Hikaru replied firmly. "Is there some place else…?"

A loud snore cut Hikaru off as Charlie drifted off to sleep, "He snores like Papa," Zachary commented.

Hikaru frowned and walked over to where Dr. Piper was sitting alone with a drink and a plate of food, "Doctor Piper, I was wondering if I could bother you?" he asked quietly. "Or are you on medical leave?"

"What do you need, Commander?" Dr. Piper asked kindly. "Do some cadets need to go to bed?"

Hikaru nodded and Dr. Piper sighed, "I've been watching them and even offered to escort Charlie back to his quarters, but he won't go," the older man explained quietly. "I'm tempted to sedate him."

"Perhaps if Zachary were to go with him?" Hikaru asked in a worried voice. "It may help."

Dr. Piper nodded and, getting up, he followed Hikaru back over to the table where Zachary was watching Charlie sleep, "Cadets, I think it's time for a nap," he said firmly. "I'll take you to your quarters."

"Honestly, I really am tired of Sickbay," Zachary spoke softly. "I just want to sleep comfortably."

Dr. Piper smiled, "I think it wouldn't hurt you to rest in your family quarters for a little while," he replied calmly, smiling as Charlie woke. "Cadets, I'm authorized to take you back to your family quarters."

Swallowing hard, Charlie nodded and shakily began to gather the trinkets into his shoulder bag before standing and slowly moving over to Zachary, "Let's go," Dr. Piper said calmly. "The party's done…"

As Dr. Piper left with Charlie and Zachary, Hikaru silently returned to where his family was sitting.


Nearly half an hour later, Charlie was back in bed and dead to the world while Zachary sat at the table in his wheelchair, silently playing a simple board game with Admiral Pike, Lenny, and David while enjoying a small amount of ice cream and juice. Admiral Pike had let Leonard know where Zachary was and Leonard had surprisingly allowed it, as his attention was needed elsewhere until they got home.

"Uncle Zachary, can we go for rides in your chair sometime?" Lenny asked in an eager voice.

Zachary found himself amused at Lenny's question, "Maybe," he replied kindly. "I might also try special crutches so I can at least get around in nice weather, but I'll have to see what the doctors say."

"I'm glad Doctor McCoy gave you options," Admiral Pike replied calmly. "Any idea what you'll do?"

Zachary shrugged, "You may not know this, but you are also considered a hero for enduring such intense torture," Admiral Pike spoke calmly. "Starfleet's been demanding I help you find a new career path."

"Is Uncle Hikaru still going to jail?" Zachary asked in a cold voice that startled Admiral Pike.

Admiral Pike frowned, but said nothing, "Why would I want to be of help to an organization that jails people for wanting to help others?" Zachary spoke coldly. "I spent a lot of time gleaning information while lying in bed and Uncle Hikaru didn't have to come help find us, but he chose to do that. I have a non-Starfleet degree and if I'm such a hero, I'm sure people outside of Starfleet can use my talents."

At this point, tears were running down Zachary's face and he silently rolled himself away from the table over to the window, "Lenny, David, go check on your papa," Admiral Pike spoke in a gentle voice.

Once Lenny and David had gone, Admiral Pike got up and walked over to the window, keeping silent as Zachary sobbed, "I remember doing the very same thing when I was still in a wheelchair and unsure if I would ever walk again," he said thoughtfully, rubbing Zachary's upper back. "It's okay to be upset."

"Could…could I have my medicine?" Zachary spoke softly. "It's in the wheelchair's back pocket."

Admiral Pike nodded and reached into the back pocket, pulling out a small syringe that was loaded with a clear looking liquid and labelled as a neurological medicine, "Papa said the part of my brain that deals with emotions isn't stable and I might be prone to emotional outbursts," Zachary explained, sighing as he was handed the medicine. "Nobody knows if it's permanent, but this medicine helps a little bit."

Swallowing hard, Admiral Pike watched as Zachary gave himself the injection, "Medicines are changing all the time and evolving medicine may not make this a permanent situation," he explained gently.

"I'm not sure," Zachary spoke softly as the door opened and Kathryn came into the room. "Grandma?"

Kathryn smiled, "Your father should be here any moment," she explained gently. "On my way back here from the reception, I got a communication from Doctor Piper that he was relieving him from Sickbay."

Before anyone could reply, the door slid open again and a tired looking Leonard entered the quarters looking ready for a rest, "Hey," Leonard said, gazing at Zachary. "Did you get your medicine?"

"I just took it, but it makes me tired," Zachary replied quietly. "I might have a little rest."

Leonard nodded, "I'll put you to bed and then I'm going to bed myself," he replied gently. "Okay?"

Zachary nodded and sighed tiredly as Leonard took him into the room where Charlie was dead asleep and oblivious to noise, "If you need anything, just call out," Leonard said, gently moving Zachary to bed.

Deeply exhausted, Leonard kissed Zachary's forehead and left the room, "Is there anything you two need before I turn in?" Leonard asked, gazing at the Pikes. "Arianne's helping out on the Bridge."

"Nothing that can't wait," Admiral Pike replied calmly, determined to not let Leonard know that Zachary was threatening to withdraw from Starfleet unless Sulu's jail time was retracted. "Have a rest."

Nodding, Leonard went into the master bedroom, "Chris, what aren't you telling me?" Kathryn replied, knowing that something had transpired that Chris clearly didn't want Leonard finding out about.

Admiral Pike sighed and joined Kathryn on the couch, sighing as he relayed what Zachary had said.


Bridge

Mom, can you help me look for work in San Francisco that I can do with my degree? – Zachary.

Arianne frowned as she sat in the command chair, reading over email messages that she had neglected until now. She knew that Zachary would have a harder road now, but she never expected such a query.

I'm sure Starfleet will find something else for you to do if you can't remain in Command – Mom.

There was silence and Arianne frowned as she quickly got a reply. Might not stay there – Zachary.

"Commander, do you want a break?" Arianne heard Jim ask kindly. "The reception's all done."

Arianne sighed, "Admiral, can I have a word in private?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"I'm just a Captain now and yes," Jim replied in a calm voice. "Let's go to my Ready Room."

Arianne nodded, rose, and followed Jim into the Ready Room, "What do you mean you're just a Captain now, Jim?" she asked in a concerned voice. "When we left Spacedock, your rank was Admiral."

"President Harriman warned me that I would pay for disobeying orders," Jim replied in a quiet voice.

Arianne frowned, "A demotion?" she asked in a worried voice. "Have you lost the Enterprise-A?"

"I'm actually the permanent Captain," Jim replied calmly. "I guess it'll keep me out of trouble."

Arianne sighed and showed Jim the PADD, "I'm confused by Zachary's message," she explained.

Jim frowned as he read the message, "Why would Zachary not stay in Starfleet?" he asked softly.

Frowning, Arianne silently walked around the desk and tapped the code to her quarters into the computer, sighing when Kathryn answered, "Zachary's message lists him as being in our quarters, Mom," she said in a concerned voice. "Do you know if he's awake and up to a little chat?"

"Your father already explained things to me and it seems that Zachary knows about Commander Sulu and is threatening to quit Starfleet if Sulu's jail time is not retracted," Kathryn explained worriedly.

Jim's eyes widened and Arianne frowned, "Zachary's resting right now," Kathryn spoke calmly.

"Why wouldn't Zachary tell Leonard or I his thoughts?" Arianne asked in a worried voice.

Kathryn sighed, "Leonard's asleep, for one," she replied calmly. "Zachary's very reserved."

"Rura Penthe and the experiences with Khan changed Zachary," Arianne spoke worriedly.

Kathryn nodded, "Just love Zachary as he is now and eventually, he will open up to you and Leonard," she spoke gently. "We'll be back to Earth tomorrow and maybe the familiar surroundings will help."

The screen went black and Arianne scoffed, cursing with all her might, "I don't have a reason to stop loving Zachary," she spoke in an angry voice. "I'm worried about how Starfleet will treat him now."

"You think you and Bones are the only ones who care about your family, Arianne?" Jim asked in a concerned voice, giving Arianne a look. "Everyone on this ship really loves and cares about you all."

Arianne nodded, "Go spend some time with Bones and your family," Jim spoke kindly. "I think the shift is almost over anyway and the crew will be switching out. I'm okay to take the Bridge for a while."

"Thank you, Jim," Arianne spoke in a quiet voice. "I'm sure my family could use my support right now."

Jim nodded and once Arianne had left, he silently sat at his desk and found himself staring at a photo he had taken with Gillian, Rebecca, Lorian, George and Gabriel on the day that he had adopted Gabriel and Rebecca as his own.


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