Two Days Later

"I'm NOT lying in the shuttle's sickbed!" Leonard heard Charlie snap in an unusually upset tone that he hadn't heard since Charlie was a boy. "I want to look at things other than the ceiling!"

Not wanting Dr. M'Benga to have to deal with Charlie, Leonard strode into the patient bay and found Charlie sitting on the edge of the biobed in civilian clothes, glaring at Dr. M'Benga, "Dad, I want to sit up and see space and the Earth from the shuttle," Charlie said in an anxious voice.

"You just had surgery for appendicitis two days ago and you're also recovering from blood poisoning," Leonard replied firmly, pointing to the needle in Charlie's left hand that was covered by white netting. "You'll feel more comfortable if you lie down in the shuttle."

Charlie sighed as he looked around the empty Sickbay, "Why can't I beam down like Lorian and George did last night with Uncle Jim?" he asked softly. "I really wanna get back to Earth."

"Admiral Kirk had to discuss his reports with President Pike and the rest of Starfleet Command," Leonard replied as he helped Charlie off the bed. "He wanted the rest of the crew to stay on board until he did and Scotty just got word that everyone can start travelling down to Earth."

Charlie nodded and cringed as he walked over to the wheelchair, "Where's Mom, Kathryn, and Zachary?" he asked, sitting down in the chair. "I know Joanna went down with Pavel earlier."

"Pavel's at Starfleet Medical," Leonard replied, having been contacted by Dr. Piper earlier.

Charlie sighed, "Your mom, Kathryn, and Zachary are going to ride down to Earth with us," Leonard explained gently as he rolled Charlie out of Sickbay. "Sulu's going to take us down."

"I'll see you down there," Dr. M'Benga called out as Leonard and Charlie got further away.

Golden Gate Apartments - San Francisco, California

"Thanks for coming by, President Pike," Jim said in a tired voice, sitting behind the desk in his office as he watched George sit next to Lorian on the living room couch to watch a holo-vid. "It would have been hard on the boys to sit around while you and I talked in your office."

President Pike nodded as he stretched in his chair, "Kathryn and Michael were planning to meet the shuttles anyway," he replied calmly. "I've been reading all of the reports sent to me."

Jim nodded, but didn't say anything because his mind had suddenly become filled with everything that had happened since the attack on Starfleet Medical, "I've also taken the liberty of arranging your wife's funeral service, Jim," President Pike spoke in a softer tone, noticing the faraway look in Jim's eyes. "I don't think we need to do an official debriefing today, do you?"

"Nobody's in the mood for one, I'm sure, but it needs to happen," Jim replied in a tired voice.

President Pike nodded grimly, "I'll have a gathering at my place this evening and I'll pull people aside one at a time for little chats in my office to see who's ready for a debriefing and who needs a few days," he replied in a calmer voice. "I'll begin with the senior staff and go from..."

"Spock ended up having a seizure on the way back to Earth and it was caused by Ambassador Sarek blocking their parent-child bond," Jim spoke shakily. "I kept it out of my reports, I know."

President Pike frowned, but stayed silent, "Spock gave us a reason as to what happened, but I shouldn't share it without his consent," Jim continued softly. "Amanda took Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok down to their dwelling last night, but Spock and Uhura stayed in their quarters..."

"I'll meet with Spock privately," President Pike commented, concerned over Spock's condition.

Jim nodded and sighed as he watched Lorian close his eyes and relax into a sleep, "Lorian and Amanda have agreed to remain friends and spend time getting to know one another for the time being," he commented softly, knowing Pike knew of that bond. "They have both agreed that when they are older and in more secure places in their lives, they'll revisit the situation."

"Sounds reasonable," President Pike replied calmly. "Any updates on Lieutenant Chekov?"

Jim sighed, "He was shuttled off to Starfleet Medical last night and Joanna went with him, but I haven't heard anything since even though Sam does volunteering there," he replied worriedly.

"Pavel's tough," President Pike replied softly. "How is everyone else involved holding up?"

Jim shrugged, "I'll find out when I meet with my senior staff, I guess," he replied softly. "It's been so chaotic just getting home that we didn't have time for a final meeting on the ship."

"Just focus on getting some rest for now," President Pike replied as he stood up. "Okay?"

Jim nodded and retreated to the living room as President Pike silently left the apartment.

Starfleet Medical

Pavel looked so thin and pale as he laid in his hospital bed asleep, Joanna thought sadly as she checked the drip-lines and tubes in Pavel's body. Checking on him, however, kept her going.

Nobody had questioned her presence or asked her to leave and for that, Joanna was grateful, as she was going to stay until she knew more about her husband's health. She had eaten and was dressing in Starfleet medical tunics and pants, as her own clothes were shrinking.

"Joanna?"

Joanna turned and was surprised to see Carol standing in the room looking concerned, "Doctor Piper mentioned you were here," Carol explained calmly. "Did you need a break or food?"

"I had a bit of fruit from a replicator this morning," Joanna replied softly. "I'm fine."

Carol nodded, but didn't move, "I'll go and give myself a respite once I know what Pavel's test results are," Joanna replied in a gentle, but firmer voice. "I'm just tired, but that all. I promise."

"Why don't you have a nap while you wait?" Carol suggested gently. "It will help you."

Nodding, Joanna climbed on the large bed and huddled close to Pavel so he could feel her as he slept, but she remained awake, "I slept very poorly last night," she confessed in a tired voice.

"Just have a rest and I'm sure Doctor Piper will wake you when he comes with the results of your husband's tests," Carol spoke soothingly. "You need to think of more than just you."

Letting out a tired sigh, Joanna closed her eyes and laid back to give herself a needed rest.

Starfleet Shuttle Bay

Deeply exhausted, Hikaru leaned back and sighed as the landed shuttle powered down, which allowed his passengers to prepare to leave. He waited until he heard the ramp door open before getting up and walking back to the seat where he had secured Demora for the flight.

"We're home now, my girl," Hikaru whispered softly, catching sight of Leonard helping Charlie walk out of the bay while Arianne walked with Kathy, Zachary, and Michael. "I hope you'll..."

Hikaru smiled as he watched Demora reach for his hand, "We'll go," he said as he quickly unbuckled her and helped her out of her seat. "I hope you'll like living here with me."

As Hikaru led Demora out of the shuttle, however, he was surprised to see Kathryn standing there wearing very smart looking civilian clothes. Terrified that Demora would be taken away from him, Hikaru clung to Demora's hand and automatically took a step back from Kathryn.

"Lieutenant Sulu, it's all right," Kathryn said softly as if reading his mind. "I'm not here to take Demora away from you and neither will Admiral Pike. I came to help you access resources that you'll need to make sure Demora has a good upbringing. Did she bring anything with her?"

Hikaru shook his head and sighed, gazing at the Starfleet dress that Demora was wearing, "I replicated this because what she was wearing on Marris Three had worn out," he explained in a nervous voice. "I'll do whatever I can to raise her even if I have to walk away from Starfleet."

"Oh, I don't think that will be necessary," Kathryn replied reassuringly as she led Hikaru outside towards a hovercar that Chris had sent her in. "We're going to go shopping for you and her."

Speechless, Hikaru and Demora climbed into the car with Kathryn and as they took off, Arianne couldn't help but smile at the fact that her parents were willing to be of so much help to Hikaru.

"Mom, Charlie's sleeping on the bench," Kathryn spoke softly. "He really tried to stay awake."

Arianne looked down to see Leonard sitting on the bench with an arm around Charlie, who was sound asleep against his shoulder. Zachary and Michael were lingering near the station wagon.

Leonard sighed and lifted Charlie into his arms as he stood up, "No sense in waking him again," he said in a tired voice. "Arianne, would you mind driving us all home today, please?"

"Let's get in the car, everyone," Arianne said in a calm voice. "It's time for us to relax for a bit."

"Spock?"

Spock sighed softly as he opened his eyes and saw Nyota standing beside the large bed that they shared holding a cup of something in her hands. He was relieved that his lie that he would be remaining on the ship to oversee departures had been believed, allowing him and Nyota to sneak down to Earth via shuttlecraft early that morning. He had immediately retreated to bed.

"How are you feeling, Spock?" Nyota asked softly as she sat on the bed. "I made you tea."

Spock slowly sat up and took the cup, sighing softly as he drank it, "I am feeling stronger, but I do not yet have an appetite or desire to leave this house," he spoke as he finished off the tea.

"It's okay," Nyota spoke softly, watching as Spock set the cup on the bedside table.

Spock sighed, "I should report in for a debriefing, but I find that I do not feel comfortable going out in public right now," he explained tonelessly. "Eventually, my deception will be discovered."

"Let's not worry about that now, Spock," Nyota spoke softly. "You should just take it easy."

Spock nodded and slowly sat up, revealing one sock foot and one foot that was in a plaster cast that had been signed by Arianne and his family. He silently grabbed his crutches from beside the bed and slowly pulled himself into a standing position, quickly moving into the sitting room.

Nyota quickly followed and watched as Spock settled himself into a comfortable chair by the window and propped his foot up on a padded stool. He set his crutches nearby and sighed.

"I received a message while you were asleep," Nyota explained softly. "President Pike's throwing a gathering at his house tonight for the crew. He wants to see how people are."

Spock blinked, "I hope you and our children enjoy yourselves, Nyota," he spoke tonelessly.

"I might send Amanda with Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok, but I would rather stay with you than go to a party while you stay here alone," Nyota replied softly. "I want to take care of you like you took care of me after Amanda was born and I almost died. You endured the worst with me."

Spock nodded, "I remember," he spoke softly, exhaling as he felt Nyota's hand stroke his cheek.

Just then, Tuvok came into the sitting room and looked up at Spock, "Father, are you feeling better?" he asked in a soft, very un-Vulcan voice. "Mother said that you were very sick."

"I am in a state of recovery, Tuvok," Spock replied quietly. "I appreciate your concern."

Tuvok nodded and slowly climbed into Spock's lap, prompting Spock to slowly wrap his arms around him and gently hold him, "You are very tired and pale," Tuvok observed quietly.

"I have not been able to consume nourishment since we left the ship," Spock explained quietly.

Tuvok sighed, "It's because of what Grandfather Sarek did, isn't it?" he asked softly. "I felt it."

"Yes," Spock spoke softly. "The loss of the parent-child bond will make me susceptible to emotional outbursts and illnesses not normally found in Vulcans. Is that acceptable to you?"

Tuvok nodded, "You are the only father I will ever know," he replied softly. "It is acceptable."

Nyota smiled as Spock nodded, "I asked Doctor M'Benga to come check on you after he got settled at home," she spoke softly, knowing that Spock was feeling worse than he was showing.

Just then, the door chime went off and Tuvok remained on Spock's lap as Nyota went to answer the door. A moment later, Dr. M'Benga came into the living room with a worried looking Nyota.

"It is as you suspected it would be," Spock spoke softly. "I have no appetite for any food."

Dr. M'Benga nodded and held up a large kit that he had brought with him, "I've never heard of this type of thing developing from a broken bond, but as you told me on the ship, your mother was half-human and had a different type of the disease," he replied calmly. "Vulcans aren't susceptible to this, but you are half Human and it can happen. Are you sure about this? I told you on the ship that it would be a hard treatment because your unique physiology and blood chemistry would react badly to traditional chemotherapy. We can always go to Medical..."

"It is preferable over surgery," Spock spoke tightly. "Nyota, did you inform our children?"

Nyota nodded and Dr. M'Benga opened the kit, revealing a drip-box and mask that had small syringes in it that was attached to a tube. Dr. M'Benga quickly arranged the item so that the needles were up Spock's nose and the mask was over his face while the box sat on the table.

"Can I sit with you, Father?" Tuvok asked softly as Spock closed his eyes. "I will not bother you."

Spock nodded without opening his eyes while Dr. M'Benga and Nyota left the room so Spock could rest, "I would honestly rather put Spock through radiation treatments and surgery for the tumor that was created by the chemical imbalance, but he doesn't want anyone to know," Dr. M'Benga spoke in an anxious voice. "It's a good thing I had a chance to hide the logs containing Spock's true condition. I won't reveal Spock's condition to anyone unless he gives consent."

"I just can't believe what's happening," Nyota whispered anxiously. "To Spock, of all people."

Dr. M'Benga sighed, "The New Vulcan High Command has no true understanding of how hybrid citizens react to anything because they distance themselves as quickly as possible," he explained in an anxious voice. "I spent time on New Vulcan and they barely tolerated my Human presence, but they are very set in keeping purity among Vulcans. I'm sure that they tolerated you and Amanda because Sarek wished it. Now that Sarek has closed himself off to Spock, however, you'll find it a very unwelcoming environment for you and your children."

"I have no plan to visit New Vulcan anytime soon," Nyota replied softly. "Neither do our kids."

Dr. M'Benga nodded and returned to the sitting room, sighing as he saw that the powerful, but quick treatment was almost over. Once the drip-box had run completely dry, Dr. M'Benga reached around Tuvok and gently removed the device from Spock's face. Once the device was cleaned and back in the kit, Dr. M'Benga checked Spock's nose for sign of bleeding or injury.

"Is..is it completed?" Spock spoke in a toneless, but trembling voice as he opened his eyes.

Dr. M'Benga sighed, "Yes, but it's clear that this isn't going to work for you," he replied softly, noting that Spock's face was filled with pain. "It's too much for you physically, Spock."

Spock nodded and sighed heavily, "Are there alternate options?" he asked tonelessly.

"Surgery to remove the tumor and radiation treatment to stabilize your brain chemistry," Dr. M'Benga replied softly. "I do, however, have to inform the rest of Starfleet Medical about it."

Swallowing hard, Spock closed his eyes and nodded as he drifted off to sleep, "Tuvok, go visit with your sisters," Nyota spoke softly. "Doctor M'Benga, thank you for handling this situation."

"I'll get back to you when I've talked to Medical," Dr. M'Benga replied softly. "See you later."

As Dr. M'Benga left with his equipment and Tuvok went off to find his sisters, Nyota pulled a blanket from the top of the couch and draped it over Spock so he could rest comfortably.

Downtown San Francisco

"I think these would be appropriate for Demora," Kathryn said in a kind voice as she held up several small shirts that were various colors. "Hikaru, what do you think of them?"

When Hikaru didn't answer, Kathryn turned and saw that Hikaru was watching Demora play with a simple set of toys that was out for small children of customers to enjoy while their parents shopped, "I don't think Demora's really ever had anything," Hikaru observed softly.

Kathryn's heart softened and Hikaru held out his hand to Demora, "We should go back to looking at clothes, Demora," Hikaru spoke softly. "I'll buy you some toys later, though."

Demora nodded, dropped the toys, and returned to clothes shopping with her father, but as Kathryn moved to join them, she saw Joanna outside out of the corner of her aging eyes.

Kathryn watched with concern as Joanna wiped her eyes and promptly sat on a bench that was within view of the storefront. She looked tired, sad, and as if she was completely overwhelmed.

Deeply concerned, Kathryn walked outside, "Joanna?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"Oh, Grandmother Pike, I didn't realize you were nearby," Joanna spoke anxiously.

Kathryn nodded, "I'm helping Hikaru find suitable things for Demora," she explained in a concerned voice. "I thought you were at Starfleet Medical with your husband, Joanna?"

"Doctor Piper came and after we talked, he told me to give myself a respite," Joanna explained softly. "Pavel was given a kidney pill and then once he's strong enough, he'll have surgery to remove his bad kidney. After he gains more strength, he'll get a second kidney pill. He'll be in the hospital for a couple of weeks to regain strength and make sure his new kidneys work properly, but he can't work in Security ever again. His body isn't up to the job anymore."

Kathryn sighed and Joanna wiped her eyes, "Pavel said we'll figure it out together," Joanna explained shakily. "He was awake for a little bit before they gave him the first kidney pill."

"Are you shopping for baby things, then?" Kathryn asked softly. "Or just walking around?"

Joanna shrugged, "I'm just walking around and I didn't want to go to your house because everyone's resting and planning for this evening," she replied. "I got Grandfather's message."

"I hope you'll be there tonight," Kathryn replied gently. "There will be plenty of food."

Joanna nodded, "I might get something to eat and go home," she replied softly, sighing as she folded her arms. "I'll probably have a nap and then go to the party a little earlier than others."

"Did you want to join us?" Kathryn asked gently, noting that Joanna was wearing Medical clothes with pants and boots as if she had nothing else to wear. "Maybe get some clothes?"

Joanna sighed, "I suppose I should get clothes and other things that the apartment needs," she replied in a tired voice. "I want the apartment to be comfortable when Pavel comes home."

Starfleet Medical

Jim sighed as he collected Edith's things from the office she had used during her time as a nurse at Starfleet Medical. He was her next of kin since her father had died, so it was his right. Lorian was at the apartment resting and George had remained home, promising to look after him.

After five years of marriage, all that remained of Edith's life was her things and a lifeless body that lay in the hospital morgue. A life taken because Khan had chosen to pay a visit to his son.

Fortunately, Jim thought, Khan was now dead because Zachary had chosen to fight back and take Khan's life in defense of Charlie's. The lives that had been lost in Khan's attack, those of Edith and Marla Stiles, could not be brought back, but nobody else would die at Khan's hand.

"...Mark, I need to speak with you about Commander Spock," Jim suddenly heard Dr. M'Benga say in an anxious, but quiet voice as footsteps passed Edith's old office. "About his condition..."

Frowning, Jim set the box of Edith's things on the desk and huddled up against the wall to eavesdrop through the vents, as Dr. Piper's office was next to Edith''s, "...I ran these tests while still on the Enterprise and I made sure that it didn't get to any other Medical staff, but the treatment I tried didn't work," Dr. M'Benga spoke anxiously. "It caused Commander Spock too much pain and discomfort, so I got him to consent to surgery and stabilization radiation..."

"You're telling me that this broken parent-child bond caused such a chemical imbalance in Commander Spock that he's now got a cancerous brain tumor?" Dr. Piper asked worriedly.

Jim's eyes widened in horror, but he continued to listen, "...McCoy's the best surgeon in Starfleet Medical, so he'll need to be informed," Dr. Piper said in a shaken voice. "I trust that Commander Spock wants this kept quiet, so I won't inform anyone about it for the moment."

"I'd prefer that Spock come to the hospital so we can keep an eye on him at all times, but it was hard enough to get him to agree to any treatment," Dr. M'Benga said in a concerned voice.

Swallowing hard, Jim moved away from the wall and found himself crying into the box that held Edith's few possessions; his friend, his First Officer, his brother suddenly had a brain tumor.

Knowing that he needed to let Arianne know and also come clean to both Spock and Uhura that he knew, Jim quickly finished packing up the office and then silently left with the box.

Starfleet Presidential Mansion

Feeling rested, Charlie opened his eyes and found that he was in the bedroom that he and Zachary shared at his grandparents house. Zachary was sitting quietly on the other bed.

"Hey Zach," Charlie spoke groggily as he slowly sat up. "How are you doing?"

Zachary sighed as he picked up a PADD from the bed, "Grandpa Pike wants to talk to me before the party tonight and I guess it's about what I did," he replied softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Charlie replied softly. "I haven't eaten since we got home and I'm really hungry."

Zachary nodded and watched Charlie get out of bed, "I'm sure nobody would mind if I got something from the kitchen," Charlie said in an impish voice. "Are you coming, Zach?"

Tossing the PADD on his bed, Zachary got up and followed Charlie into the kitchen, their eyes gleaming as they saw the various dishes of food that were being prepared for that evening's party: everything from main course dishes to appetizers and drinks. Snickering, Charlie and Zachary helped themselves to things and knew that they would only get a small lecture for it.

A few moments later, Kathy and Michael slipped into the kitchen and helped themselves to some food, "Are you enjoying yourselves?" Arianne asked softly as she entered the kitchen, unsurprised to see her three teenage children sneaking food. "I can make you all a snack."

Just then, Leonard poked his head into the room, "Arianne, got a moment?" he asked softly.

Arianne nodded and left the kitchen, but returned several moments later, "Charlie, Kathy, Zachary, your father and I have to go out for a little bit," she said in an anxious voice.

As Leonard and Arianne left, Charlie couldn't help but feel uneasy about their departure.

"Father, your nose is bleeding," Spock heard Saavik say in a semi-toneless voice.

Spock opened his eyes and sighed as he saw Saavik gently holding a cold pack to his face, "Thank you, Saavik," he spoke softly, sighing as she moved the pack. "Has it stopped?"

"It has," Saavik replied tonelessly. "Mother said that if you need to use the facilities or return to bed, you are not to try moving throughout the house unassisted. She is working in the kitchen."

Spock nodded and frowned as the door chime suddenly went off, "I will answer the door since Amanda and Tuvok are building a puzzle and Valeris has gone for a walk," Saavik stated softly.

Saavik silently walked over to the door and opened it, raising an eyebrow as she saw President Pike standing on the porch in a casual pantsuit with his pips on his collar, "Greetings, President Pike," Saavik said in a formal voice. "My parents are both unavailable at the moment..."

"Saavik, please allow President Pike inside," Spock spoke softly, but firmly. "I am available."

Saavik silently bowed and stepped aside, "Spock?" President Pike asked in a concerned voice as he came inside and saw Spock resting on a chair in the sitting room. "Are you okay, Spock?"

Spock said nothing and promptly looked away from President Pike's intense gaze, "Security reported you and Lieutenant Uhura departed from the Enterprise early this morning without authorization," President Pike explained, holding up a PADD. "You understand that protocol..."

"If you wish to arrest me for breaking protocol, I will permit you to do so," Spock replied tonelessly, looking down at his lap because he felt nauseous from the recent treatment.

President Pike frowned as Saavik silently picked up a small bucket from near the door and brought it over to Spock, gently setting it in his lap. Spock shuddered and gripped it loosely.

"Spock, what is going on?" President Pike asked in a concerned voice, unnerved to see Spock behaving so strangely and going against Starfleet protocol without so much as an explanation.

Spock shook his head and promptly vomited into the bucket, prompting his face to flush, "Spock!" Nyota said in an alarmed voice as she hurried into the living room. "President Pike?"

"Help Spock, Lieutenant Uhura," President Pike replied softly, shocked by what he was seeing.

Spock shook his head as he quickly composed himself, "I am not in need of assistance at this time," he replied tonelessly, setting the bucket aside. "I will take responsibility for my actions."

President Pike promptly sat down in a chair across from Spock, "President Pike, I do not wish to be seen as incompetent, so I am reluctant to share my current state of health with you," Spock spoke in a tired voice. "I lost the support of my father and the New Vulcan High Council because of things that happened in the past and I do not wish to lose the support of Starfleet due to..."

Without warning, Spock suddenly went rigid and passed out, slumping backwards in his chair as he did so, "Father has not been able to eat in days," Saavik spoke softly. "His condition..."

"Saavik," Spock spoke weakly, struggling to stay conscious even though his body was very weak.

Saavik suddenly looked angry, "Your protests are illogical and the tumor in your brain is influencing your ability to ask for help when you clearly are in need of it," she snapped.

"Excuse me?" President Pike asked in a shocked voice, certain he hadn't heard Saavik right.

Blinking back tears, Nyota hurried into the kitchen to make some broth and was planning to force feed him before he ended up hospitalized, "Saavik, calm yourself," Amanda spoke tonelessly as she came into the room with Tuvok and the puzzle. "Anger is illogical."

"So is what the New Vulcan High Command forced Grandfather Sarek to do," Saavik replied coldly, her expression angry. "They caused the cancer and tumor in Father's brain, Amanda."

President Pike's eyes went wide, "I will not be attending the party this evening," Spock spoke in a faint voice as he opened his eyes. "I cannot take the risk of problems arising in such a setting."

"I trust that Starfleet Medical is aware of your condition?" President Pike asked softly.

Spock sighed irritably and massaged his forehead, "I have a headache," he spoke softly.

"Father, perhaps you should retire to bed," Saavik spoke softly. "I can assist you in walking."

Spock gritted his teeth as he grabbed his crutches and lifted himself into a standing position, "You may walk alongside me, Saavik and Tuvok," he spoke shakily. "I apologize, President Pike."

President Pike nodded understandingly and got up to help Spock, but frowned when Spock suddenly lost a grip on his crutches and collapsed, convulsing violently as he hit the plush carpet, "Mother!" Tuvok shouted anxiously. "Father's having another very bad seizure."

"I'm calling for a medical shuttle," President Pike said as Nyota rushed into the living room and knelt by Spock's side. "I know you want to keep this private, but I know you want Spock to live."

Tears streamed down Nyota's face as Spock continued to convulse violently, "Amanda, take Tuvok and Saavik over to President Pike's home," Nyota spoke anxiously. "Please go now."

As Amanda left with Saavik and Tuvok, they nearly ran into Jim, Leonard, and Arianne who were coming to see if they could help Spock in any way, "Please, Doctor McCoy, you must help my father," Saavik said in a concerned voice. "He is having another seizure and it is serious..."

Swearing loudly, Leonard rushed into the front room and Jim arrived behind him just as Spock stopped convulsing and went limp, "Spock didn't want to go to Starfleet Medical when we got back to Earth," Nyota explained through her tears as Leonard examined him. "He should have."

"And he will now," President Pike spoke firmly. "Admiral Kirk, please go call for a med-shuttle."

Deeply shaken about what he had just seen, Jim nodded and silently went into the kitchen because he would rather make the call in private just in case Spock woke and tried to stop him.

Starfleet Library

Swallowing hard, Valeris silently took a seat at one of the computer terminals and used her student identification card to log in, as students from the school were able to use Starfleet computers for research projects. Her father's health surely qualified as a research project.

It didn't take long for Valeris to find information about Vulcan familial bonds and to her, it seemed as if there were two types: the bond between spouses and the bond between parents and children. Each bond was considered sacred and could only be properly broken if all involved consented to it. If a bond was forcibly blocked or broken, the blocked one would suffer greatly.

Trembling, Valeris touched the screen just as Carol and Dr. M'Benga, who were taking a small break together before Dr. M'Benga returned to the hospital, came into the large library. Valeris turned and frowned at them, but didn't say anything as they both walked over to her.

"I am troubled," Valeris stated. "Since I was young, I have known that I am not wanted by the Vulcans or Romulans because I am a child of two worlds. My father is a half-Vulcan and my mother is Human, yet the New Vulcan High Command finds them disgraceful for who they are."

Dr. M'Benga frowned, but said nothing, "Father is suffering from a Human illness because the proprietors of his Vulcan heritage chose to abandon him," Valeris said in a dark voice. "From what I know of Vulcans, however, they are supposed to be a pacifist species and not evil."

"Valeris, your parents are good people no matter what anyone says," Carol spoke softly.

Valeris sighed and turned back to the screen, "I wish I could make the Vulcan High Command aware of that fact, Doctor Marcus," she spoke darkly. "Their actions have not demonstrated them to be a people of pacifism and diplomacy. Their behavior has been illogical and immoral. I wish I could show them that."

"Valeris, you should probably go back to your family," Dr. M'Benga spoke softly. "Okay? They probably need your help right now. I'll log you out of the terminal."

Nodding, Valeris rose and taking her ID card, she left the library, leaving Dr. M'Benga and Carol concerned about her and her anger against New Vulcan.

Please read and review!