Three Days Later

Sickbay - U.S.S. Enterprise

"...I appreciate you coming and providing company to me, Amanda..."

A heavy coldness filled Spock as he slowly came back to awareness and as he opened his eyes, he was confused to find that he was staring at the ceiling, "Take it easy, Commander Spock," he suddenly heard a gentle voice say. "I'll raise the bed for you so you don't have to try moving."

Within seconds, the bed had been raised and Spock found himself looking at Dr. M'Benga, who was lingering beside the bed with a stylus in his hand, "You had a pretty severe seizure three days ago and you've been mostly unconscious since then," Dr. M'Benga explained quietly.

"I understand," Spock replied quietly, the reason for the seizure very clear to him.

Dr. M'Benga frowned as Amanda suddenly walked over to Spock, "Father, I am so sorry," she spoke in a very un-Vulcan tone as she gently hugged him. "It's my fault what happened."

"It was my choice," Spock spoke softly, gazing at Amanda. "I did not intend to upset you."

Amanda nodded and Spock felt himself growing drowsy, "Father, you should rest," she spoke softly just as Nyota came into the patient bay. "Mother, Father has communicated with me."

Nyota nodded and smiled at Spock, "How are you feeling, Spock?" she asked in a gentle voice.

Spock blinked and sighed tiredly, "I am tired," he replied in a faint voice. "I wish to rest."

"Okay," Nyota replied softly, gently kissing Spock's cheek. "I can stay with you for a while."

Spock nodded and closed his eyes, "Lieutenant, may I have a word?" Dr. M'Benga asked softly.

Nyota nodded and moved away from the bed, "Doctor McCoy and I have talked to Admiral Kirk and we all agree that Commander Spock should be removed from active duty for the remainder of this mission," Dr. M'Benga explained softly. "Once Spock is stable, he'll be released."

"Will there be any permanent damage from this?" Nyota asked in a concerned voice.

Dr. M'Benga cringed, "We'll have to wait and see," he replied softly. "Keep him company."

Nyota sighed and planted herself on a chair at Spock's bedside, smiling sadly as Amanda walked over to join her, "Mother, how can I be of assistance?" Amanda asked in a toneless voice.

"Just never be afraid to be who you want to be," Nyota whispered, tears coming to her eyes.

Bridge

"Lieutenant Sulu, I appreciate you coming," Jim said as Hikaru slowly entered the Bridge.

Swallowing hard, Hikaru nodded as Hawkins, Carol, Leonard, DiFalco, Giotto, and the other Bridge staff all turned to look at him, "Of course, Admiral," he replied in a nervous voice.

Taking great care not to strain his healing ribs, Hikaru slowly made his way to the Helm station and sat down, "How is your daughter doing, Lieutenant Sulu?" Carol asked in a kind voice.

"Demora's with the other kids today," Hikaru replied, unable to turn and look at Carol directly.

Carol nodded and inputted a few commands into the Science station before turning around to face the viewscreen, "We'll be at Earth in a couple of days," Jim said in an exhausted voice.

Just then, the turbolift door opened and Charlie and Saavik came on to the Bridge, keeping quiet as they walked over to Leonard's station, "Papa, you said I could come up to the Bridge and learn stuff," Charlie spoke quietly, unaware that Jim was listening. "I brought Saavik."

"I, uh, haven't cleared it with Admiral Kirk yet," Leonard replied in a nervous voice. "He..."

Jim sighed, "Doctor McCoy, we're en route to Earth, so I can't think of any better time for the young ones to learn how things work around here," he commented kindly. "I don't mind."

Charlie looked eager as Leonard nodded, but Saavik merely looked intrigued about everything.

"Where's Zachary and Kathryn?" Leonard asked quietly, gazing at Charlie. "Keeping busy?"

Charlie nodded, "Mom's with them," he replied softly. "They're all on the Rec Deck."

"All right," Leonard replied, satisfied by that explanation. "Let's see what I can teach you."

Rec Deck

"...This looks like it will be a lovely service, Lieutenant Stiles," Arianne commented softly as she sat at a table with Stiles and Joachim, silently reading the outline for Marla's funeral service.

Stiles nodded, "I sent a copy of it to Starfleet, so maybe things will be in order when we return to Earth," he replied softly. "Joachim's been offered a spot in the Academy's Science studies, so we might have a reason to stick around Earth for a while. He'll make a good Starfleet officer."

"I still have to meet with the Academy board," Joachim replied softly. "To discuss the offer."

Arianne smiled, "I think you should take it," she replied softly. "Your mother would be proud..."

"I know," Joachim replied softly, offering a sad smile, "She's always said she's proud of me."

Nodding, Arianne returned the stylus to Stiles and looked over to where Zachary was nestled in a chair, silently reading while Kathryn and Valeris played chess nearby. George and Tuvok sat with Demora and Isabella at a game table and all three of them were engaged in a quiet game.

Feeling his mother's eyes on him, Zachary looked up questioningly and Arianne smiled at him reassuringly. Zachary put a bookmark in his book, stood up, and silently walked over to her.

"Mom, can I go to the Mess Hall?" Zachary asked softly. "I'm feeling a bit hungry right now."

Arianne nodded, "Would you like me to go with you, Zachary?" she asked in a gentle voice.

"No, thanks," Zachary replied softly. "I'm just going to get a little food and read some more."

Arianne nodded and Zachary silently moved towards the turbolift without another word.

Once Zachary had left, Stiles sighed softly, "That boy has no idea how much of a hero he is to Starfleet, does he?" he asked in a quiet voice. "No offense, Joachim, but what Zachary did..."

"It's okay, Dad," Joachim replied softly. "I hated Khan Noonien Singh in every way possible."

Sickbay

"I'm fine, Dad," Nyota, who was looking through a computer at Spock's bedside, heard Joanna say as footsteps entered Sickbay. "I've eaten good meals, I've rested, and I need to work."

Leonard sighed as he followed Joanna into the patient bay and over to where Pavel lay in a deep sleep with nutria-drips and a feeding tube in his stomach giving him nourishment because he had been barely able to eat during the last three days. Pavel suddenly opened his eyes.

"Hey there, Pavel, how are you feeling?" Joanna asked softly, smiling at her husband.

Pavel sighed softly, "I try not to seenk about eet," he replied softly. "I am wery tired."

Leonard nodded and Joanna suddenly held up a small bag, "I brought you a few things to do," she spoke softly as she set the bag on the bed. "A few books and some strength toys."

"Senk you, my lowe," Pavel spoke softly, sighing as he opened the bag and pulled out three old-fashioned books, three stress balls, and a small flexing tool. "Eet vill help me keep strength."

Leonard checked both the bio-monitor and the bedside monitor, "Your vitals look as well as they can without the help of Starfleet Medical, but you have to eat some things because you look way too tired and pale," he commented gently. "I know it will be hard, but try your best."

"I have to continue on rounds, but I'll visit later," Joanna whispered, kissing Pavel. "Love you."

Pavel whispered a reply as Joanna and Leonard moved over to the bed where Lorian was sitting upright, playing a game of chess with Amanda, who looked somewhat distracted, "How are you feeling, Lorian?" Leonard asked in a kind voice. "You're looking much better than yesterday."

"I am feeling adequate," Lorian replied tonelessly. "My father and brother visited earlier."

Leonard nodded, "You're doing well physically," he replied. "Do you need anything?"

Shaking his head, Lorian continued to focus on his game and Leonard and Joanna moved on to Spock's bed, both unsurprised that Nyota was there. Suddenly, Spock opened his eyes.

"I wish to be released," Spock spoke tonelessly, gazing at Leonard. "I am well enough."

Leonard frowned, but said nothing, "I am well enough to continue my recovery in my quarters with my family nearby," Spock said as he slowly sat up. "Please respect my wishes, Doctor."

"Spock, you should really get some rest," Leonard said in a calm voice, frowning as Spock grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him closer. "Spock, let go of me and lie back down!"

Spock's eyes narrowed, "There is nothing more that this Sickbay can do for me, Doctor McCoy," he said in a darker voice. "I must be allowed to return to my quarters and deal with everything that has happened in private. Nyota, please help me return to our quarters immediately I cannot and will not continue to lie here and reflect on what has happened in my past."

"Spock," Nyota whispered, her expression suddenly turning to one of deep concern. "Don't..."

Spock pursed his lips and slowly got out of bed as he released Leonard's arm, "If you attempt to restrain me as Valdore did, I will not hesitate to incapacitate you," he said in a dark voice.

Nyota gently put a hand on Spock's arm, "Spock, it's okay," Nyota spoke in an anxious voice.

"Who's Valdore?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice, frowning as Spock suddenly started to sink to the floor and get steadied by Nyota grabbing hold of him. "Spock, are you okay?"

Nyota sighed, "Just let me take Spock back to his quarters where he can rest in private," she said anxiously as if she knew something that nobody else didn't. "Please, Doctor McCoy."

Before Leonard could reply, Spock closed his eyes and promptly fell to the floor, cringing as a loud CRACK filled the room that emanated from his left foot, "Spock!" Nyota said anxiously.

"I will not allow treatment of my injury unless I am released to quarters," Spock hissed.

Leonard looked at Joanna, "Jo, go to the Bridge," he instructed calmly. "Right now."

Realizing that her father wanted her to tell the Admiral about Spock's unusual behavior. Joanna nodded and quickly left the room while Nyota and Leonard carefully helped Spock to his feet.

Mess Hall

Zachary sighed anxiously as he collected a cup of hot chocolate from the replicator and took a seat at a table near the window where he had already put a plate of food. He silently began to eat, deeply grateful for the moments of solitude he had gotten on the ship since Khan died.

It wouldn't last, Zachary knew, as Starfleet would want to treat him like a hero for killing a known terrorist when all he was trying to do was help his brother. It was so simple to him.

Just then, Dr. M'Benga and Carol came into the Mess Hall and walked over to the replicator without noticing Zachary. Once Dr. M'Benga and Carol had their food, they noticed Zachary sitting alone and walked over to him, knowing that he spent quite a bit of time by himself.

"How are you, Zachary?" Dr. M'Benga asked kindly. "Do you mind if we sit with you?"

Zachary shrugged and so, Dr. M'Benga and Carol sat at the other side of the table, "Doctor McCoy tells me you've applied to the University of San Francisco," Dr. M'Benga commented.

"Yes, I have," Zachary replied in a quiet voice. "I'm interested in diplomatic relations and in getting to know and understand different cultures, but I'm too young for the Academy."

Carol smiled, "I'm sure you'll do very well, Zachary," she replied in an encouraging voice.

Zachary nodded and continued to eat silently, pointedly ignoring several crewmen as they came into the Mess Hall and looked at him before turning their attention to getting replicated food.

Carol and Dr. M'Benga looked at each other worriedly, but neither officer decided to comment.

Bridge

Swallowing hard, Joanna silently stepped off the turbolift and after briefly watching Charlie and Saavik work on a stylus at the Medical station, she walked down to where Jim was sitting.

"Admiral Kirk, you're needed by Doctor McCoy," Joanna spoke in a calm, but quiet voice.

Jim frowned, but stood up and followed Joanna over to the turbolift, "My father sent me to get you because Commander Spock isn't well," she spoke quietly. "I don't know why, but..."

"I'll go look into it," Jim replied gently, eager to help Spock. "Thank you, Nurse Chekov."

Joanna nodded, "Sulu, you have the conn," Jim called out as he went into the turbolift.

Once Jim was gone, Joanna walked over to the Medical station and silently watched as Charlie and Saavik worked on a stylus while the console underwent a very thorough diagnostic.

"What are you two up to, Charlie and Saavik?" Joanna asked in a kind voice, smiling at them.

Charlie looked at her, "Dad went to Sickbay to do his shift, but he said we could stay here for a bit," he replied calmly. "I was thinking of going to get food, but I want to keep focused on this."

"Tell you what, little brother, why don't we all go get some food?" Joanna suggested in a gentle voice even though she wasn't overly hungry. "After we eat, if you want to come back, you can."

Charlie looked at Saavik and Saavik nodded as she stood, "That is a logical suggestion," she said.

As Joanna led Charlie and Saavik from the Bridge, Hikaru sighed heavily and took out a PADD because he needed to make notes of his time in command for Starfleet to read later on.

"Spock, I'm finished," Spock heard Leonard say in a gentle voice. "Are you still with us?"

Spock opened his eyes and was surprised to see that he was in the safety of his master bedroom on the ship with his ankle in a cast and propped up on a pillow. Nyota was sitting at the end of the bed while Leonard stood beside the bed, silently packing up his med-kit.

"I am in my quarters," Spock spoke tonelessly. "I thought you would force me to remain..."

Leonard shook his head and held up a drip box, "As long as you keep on these until we reach Earth, I see no problem with you recovering in your quarters," he replied in a calm voice.

Spock nodded, "Nyota, my thy'la, please ask Commander McCoy if I can have a counseling session at her earliest convenience," he spoke tonelessly. "Will you do that for me?"

"Yes, Spock, I'll do it right now," Nyota replied in a gentle voice. "Doctor McCoy needs to hook up dripboxes anyway, so I'll just go find Commander McCoy and bring her back here."

Spock nodded and as he closed his eyes, Leonard and Nyota left the bedroom so that he could rest undisturbed, "Doctor McCoy, Spock didn't mean to grab your arm in Sickbay, you know," Nyota spoke in a concerned, but quiet voice. "Just know he'll explain it when he's ready."

"Lieutenant Uhura, I recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder when I see it, but it's Spock's business when he wants to talk about it," Leonard replied softly. "Spock's off duty for the rest of the mission because of the seizure anyway, so it's all right that he takes his time."

Nyota nodded, "Ill be back as soon as I find Arianne," she spoke softly. "Where is she?"

"On the Rec Deck with Kathryn and Zachary," Leonard replied calmly. "We'll be fine."

Once Nyota was gone, Leonard returned to the bedroom and was deeply relieved to see that Spock had drifted into a deep sleep. Spock sleeping would certainly make helping him easier.

Rec Deck

Swallowing hard, Jim entered the Rec Deck and was relieved to see that Arianne was sitting by herself, silently watching the children that were there. He quickly joined her at the table.

"I was told by Joanna that Spock's not well and I checked Sickbay, but he's not there," Jim spoke in a concerned voice as he looked at Arianne. "Did Spock have another seizure or what?"

Arianne frowned in confusion, "All I know about is the seizure, Jim," she replied worriedly, concerned that Spock wasn't well because of it. "I intend to talk to him once he's well enough."

Nodding, Jim suddenly noticed George come over to him while Tuvok, Demora, and Isabella continued their game and Valeris and Kathy continued playing chess. Jim smiled at George.

"Dad, I have a question," George spoke softly. "Are we going to have a service for Edith?"

Jim frowned in confusion and George sighed, "I heard Aunt Arianne talking with Lieutenant Stiles and Joachim about a service for Joachim's mom," he explained. "Edith was family..."

"Yes, George, we're going to have a service for Edith," Jim replied softly, quickly pulling George into a gentle hug. "I've just been really busy since Spock is sick and I haven't had time to plan."

George nodded and sighed, "I miss Edith, Dad," he spoke softly, tears coming to his eyes.

"I do too," Jim replied softly as he gently hugged George. "Why don't you visit Lorian for a while, kiddo? I have to go with Commander McCoy to visit Commander Spock for a bit, but after that, I'll come to Sickbay and we can spend some time talking about a service for Edith, okay?"

George nodded and took off out of the Rec Deck, nearly running into Nyota as she came off the turbolift, "Admiral, Commander, if you're looking for Spock, he's in our quarters resting," she said in a quiet voice as she approached the table. "Doctor McCoy's taking care of him."

"We can come right now," Jim spoke up as Arianne got up and walked over to Zachary and Valeris, quietly talking to Zachary for a moment before returning to the table. "Commander?"

Arianne nodded and silently followed Jim and Nyota towards the Rec Deck's turbolift.

The sound of movement prompted Spock to open his eyes even though his weakened body craved sleep and he saw Jim, Leonard, Nyota, and Arianne all sitting in chairs beside his bed.

"Hey there, Spock," Jim said in a quiet voice. "Uhura said you weren't feeling too great."

Spock sighed, "That is an accurate statement," he replied softly. "I have not been completely honest as to why the New Vulcan High Command ordered my father to block the parent-child bond between us. It was not merely over Amanda's actions, but over something more serious."

"Did you want to talk to Arianne about this alone?" Jim asked softly. "She's a counselor..."

Spock shook his head, "It is information that could affect my future with Starfleet and you need to be aware of it, Admiral," he replied softly. "It wasn't my will, but such an event did happen."

Silence filled the room and Spock swallowed hard, "I have a son," he spoke tonelessly, paying no mind to the confused reactions of everyone but Nyota. "During my time as a prisoner on Rura Penthe, I attracted the attention of a female Romulan guard called Valdore who was there as part of the Klingon-Romulan agreement. I explained that I was married and had offspring, but Valdore was quite insistent and stated that Khan's experiment would suffer if I did not give into her affections. I first resisted, but then Valdore harmed Zachary and I could not allow Zachary to end up being killed because I knew it would destroy his family. Valdore took great delight in the torture and took advantage of when my weakened condition triggered a premature Pon Farr. I was helpless to stop her and the experience nearly ended my life."

"You...you were violated, Spock?" Jim asked softly, knowing that what he had gone through at the hands of the alternate Carol Marcus was a similar violation. "Why didn't you ever say...?"

Spock sighed heavily, "When I was well enough to discuss my experiences on Rura Penthe in detail, I only confided the full details to Nyota because she is my wife and is my one true confidant in all things," he explained quietly. "She encouraged me after a few years of recovery to let my father know of Valdore and of the child. My father was not supportive of it."

"What happened to your son, Spock?" Arianne asked softly. "What happened to Valdore?"

Spock swallowed hard as he slouched a bit, "Valdore introduced me to my son once in the years that I was imprisoned and informed me that he would be raised by her," he explained in a shaky enough voice that Leonard quickly got up and walked over to the replicator. "She left with my son soon after and I never heard from her again. She did tell me his name was Jaron."

"And this affects your career in Starfleet how?" Jim asked worriedly. "I don't understand."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Lieutenant Sulu was jailed and treated like a criminal for his relationship with Susan Ling and I fear those repercussions will continue upon our return to Earth due to the fact that the relationship produced a child," he explained shakily. "I was submitted to a Romulan guard on Rura Penthe and produced a child, so I am just as guilty of violating the rules and regulations of Starfleet. I expect to be discharged and imprisoned because know that you know this information, you must provide a report to Starfleet."

"Spock...you were violated," Jim replied quietly. "This all happened against your will."

Just then, Leonard came over to the bed and placed a smoothie in Spock's hands, "Drink this before you say anymore," he replied firmly, disturbed by Spock's very detailed revelation.

Spock obeyed and immediately closed his eyes as soon as he was finished the smoothie, "I require rest," he spoke softly. "Nyota, would you please remain with me while I sleep?"

"Yes," Nyota replied softly as she wiped tears from her eyes. "See you all later."

Understanding themselves to be dismissed, Leonard, Arianne, and Jim all moved out into the corridor before Jim sighed heavily, "I want to meet later this evening to write a report based on what Spock told us," he spoke shakily. "For now, I've got a date with my sons in Sickbay."

As Jim walked off, Arianne buried her face in Leonard's shoulder and began to cry softly for Spock and for the terrible situation he had endured. Leonard sighed and gently held her.

"I suppose you can watch me for a bit, but don't tell Dad," Lorian heard Joanna say softly.

Amanda looked up from the book she was reading at Lorian's bedside just in time to see Joanna come into Sickbay with Charlie at her heels, "I sent my application in to the university the other day, do you think I'll get in?" Charlie asked Joanna as they walked over to the computers.

"I think you'll make a good nurse, Charlie," Joanna replied calmly. "You can work on the medical computer while I do rounds and see if anyone needs anything. Brush up on medical info."

Charlie nodded and sat at the computer while Joanna walked off to do rounds, but he suddenly paused as if something was on his mind. Amanda and Lorian silently watched as Charlie suddenly turned very pale and placed a hand on his stomach before vomiting on the computer.

"Oh, Charlie!" Joanna said in an anxious voice as she hurried back over to him. "Are you okay?"

Trembling anxiously, Charlie stood up, "I've been feeling off here and there since I was nearly killed by Khan," he spoke shakily as he backed away from Joanna. "It's just nerves, I promise."

"Charlie, that was nearly six days ago," Joanna replied in an anxious voice, frowning as Charlie suddenly huddled into a ball in a corner of the room and started to shiver violently. "Charlie..."

Joanna was so busy watching Charlie that she didn't notice Lorian whisper to Amanda and Amanda help Lorian out of bed and over to the shaking teen. Lorian silently and very gently placed a hand on Charlie's face and Charlie whimpered for a moment before he relaxed.

"You are in no danger here," Lorian spoke tonelessly as footsteps echoed through Sickbay.

As Lorian pulled away, Leonard and Arianne came into Sickbay and Lorian gazed at them with a serious expression on his face, "Charlie is ill," he spoke in a tired voice. "He requires assistance."

"What's wrong, kiddo?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice as he knelt down next to Charlie.

Charlie closed his eyes, "My stomach's been hurting on and off, but I thought it was just nerves from what happened," he spoke softly. "I've also felt sick and I just threw up on a computer..."

Frowning, Leonard gently scooped Charlie up off the floor and laid him on a nearby bio-bed while Amanda helped Lorian back to bed. Leonard quickly activated a bio-scan and sighed.

"When's the last time you ate?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice, frowning at the readings.

Charlie sighed, "Joanna had a meal with Saavik and I, but I only ate a bit," he replied softly. "I've only eaten a bit here and there over the last few days. Everyone was too busy to really notice."

"That knife triggered a reaction in your body that was meant to leave some internal damage, but the damage was restricted to your appendix because it's a non-vital organ," Leonard replied calmly. "I'll remove it and you'll have to stay in bed for a few days, but you'll be just fine, okay?"

Charlie sighed, but nodded, "Khan failed to kill both my sons, which proves how ignorant he really is about the Human spirit," Leonard commented as he activated the surgical tube. "I'm going to put you to sleep now and when you wake up, everything will be better. I promise."

Joanna quickly got a hypospray from a medical cupboard and Leonard quickly administered it, "What aren't you telling me, Leonard?" Arianne asked as Charlie fell asleep. "What's wrong?"

"The knife put poison into Charlie's bloodstream and he was lucky it carried the poison to his appendix and didn't touch anything else," Leonard replied grimly. "Charlie's very lucky."

Nodding, Arianne quickly drew the curtain around Charlie's bed so that Leonard and Joanna could operate on Charlie privately. She sighed as Jim and George came in and went straight to Lorian's bedside, prompting Amanda to silently leave so that the Kirks could have some privacy.

Wanting to give Jim and his sons privacy, Arianne silently disappeared behind the curtain.

Bridge

"Lieutenant Sulu, someone wants to see you," Hikaru heard Zachary say in a gentle voice.

Hikaru smiled when Zachary gently deposited Demora on to his lap and came into view with Kathryn at his side, "Hey there, my little girl," Hikaru whispered as Demora hugged him.

Zachary and Kathryn smiled and Hikaru sighed, "I got a message from Sickbay just before you two came with Demora," he explained in a worried voice. "Charlie's in Sickbay having surgery."

"Surgery?" Zachary asked in a surprised voice. "His shoulder should have been better by now."

Hikaru shrugged, "Doctor McCoy wouldn't tell me much," he replied in an apologetic voice.

Just then, Arianne came on to the Bridge and walked over to the command chair, "Mom, Uncle Hikaru just told us that Charlie's having surgery," Kathryn said softly, forgetting all decorum.

"It's a simple operation," Arianne replied softly even though she had no idea if the poisoned knife had done more damage than to his blood and to his appendix. "Charlie will be fine."

Hikaru sighed as Demora huddled against his chest and closed her eyes, "Oh, Demora's tired," he said in a gentle voice, unable to help his smile. "I'm really grateful that she's here with me."

"It's really late and I'm tired," Zachary spoke softly. "Can I go back to our quarters, Mom?"

Arianne sighed as she put her arms around Kathryn and Zachary, "We can all go back to our quarters," she replied softly. "Hikaru, is someone coming to relieve you so you can go...?"

"Yes, Scotty told me he'll be up soon and will take the night shift," Hikaru replied softly.

As Arianne led Zachary and Kathryn towards the turbolift, the door opened and Scotty came out looking somewhat out of breath, "Sulu, you and your little lass can go," he announced.

Nodding, Hikaru carefully shifted Demora's sleeping form into his arms, rose from the command chair, and silently followed Arianne, Zachary, and Kathryn into the turbolift.

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