2387 had came and went. The year was 2388. Our scene made way into the nursing home from above in space. Through the atmosphere, into a city that had tall light gray buildings some that were not gray but different shades, dodging flying cars that flew side ways,then our perspective flew down to the surface. There were several residents of Aura visiting the zoo that was rather more improved than the ones from the 21st century. They were holoprograms, technically, using holoemitters to make them appear real and seem utterly realistic to the viewers. The perspective goes through the forest past the unusual animals of the planet, the light blue flowers, the cats hunting in the water with their paws using it in a way that only insects would to draw the fish attention, then up a hill and into a rather cozy and comfy building that had friendly colors. There were parked air cars in the parking lot.
Our scene went into Sweet Hill Nursing Home.
Everyone was clearing the room heading to the large turbo lift except for McCoy and Jim. Spock was among the crowd still using the cane. Trelane was right beside Evans babbling about a theory why the poor man was going through hell. First, he had been unable to walk properly for three days. Second, he developed torrets syndrome. Third, he could not move his fingers without being in pain. Forth,his vision needed to be cleared again after two weeks. And fifth, he was starting to walk slower. He has been starting to get terrible vision that effected his eyesight for the distance.
"Jim." McCoy went over to the resting captain who was set alongside the chair. "Are you comin' for lunch or not?" He came to the man's side his eyes resting on the man's face noticing they were closed. McCoy, puzzled, checked for a pulse. "Damn it, man, don't scare like that." He heard a mew. "Hello, Grimm, I am busy right now can you see that-" He turned his head in the direction of Jim's lap to see the black cat curled up. McCoy was horrified. "GRIMM!"
McCoy snatched the cat off Jim's lap then placed the cat on the couch then he wheeled Jim out of the room directly down the hall past the group toward Sick Bay. McCoy ran like his life depended on it. He didn't feel pain in his legs. What he felt was adrenaline running through his body. JIM. JIM. JIIM. JIM. JIM. JIM. JIM. JIM. JIM. JIM! That was the only thought racing in his head. Not now, it can be happening. NOT NOW! He came in to see Koloth being treated for a forearm injury. The doors closed behind McCoy.
"Doctor Cameron!"
Cameron shifted toward McCoy's direction.
"McCoy, what is wrong?" Cameron asked.
"Jim's dyin'." McCoy said, his voice cracking.
"Nurse Young," Cameron said. "Please tend to McCoy."
Young looked up from her padd, her brown eyes aimed in the direction of the doctor, staring through the soul of the doctor. At least that is how it felt for McCoy. He was not a doctor but a resident. McCoy pushed forward the levitating chair over to the woman. She took out a tricorder then scanned Jim. Her hands were trembling when she finished it. McCoy's eyes were steadied on Young. Young was staring at the screen then she looked up toward McCoy with her mouth in a complete 'o'. McCoy had one hand on the back rest of the chair. That look on her face said it all.
"Bones," Young said. "Please go to lunch. We need to do some tests."
"He is never goin' to wake up," McCoy said. "Isn't he?"
"He will," Young said. "It will be fine," She had one hand on the side of his shoulder. "It is only a minor problem. We can fix it."
"Grimm was on his lap." The words fell out of his mouth.
"Please, go." Young said.
McCoy briefly closed his eyes feeling anger. Anger at life in general. Time was so short. Life was unfair. Jim had been lucid for five months and now he is going to be snatched away? Just like that? It was not fair? His baby blue eyes opened back toward the dark woman. She had a nice but short hair style. Her hair complimented her personality and character. Young had a trusting appeal to her. She let go of McCoy's shoulder. McCoy let go of the arm rest. He was trembling. He was engulfed in what felt a sea heading down his head toward his heart. It was like he was sinking in the water into the darkness free falling unable to move and save himself. McCoy slowly walked out of the room.
"Nurse, what is wrong with Captain Kirk?" Koloth asked, sounding concerned.
"Mister Koloth, go to lunch." Cameron said,putting down the dermal regenerator. McCoy had exited the room. "It is none of your concern."
"Yes, it is." Koloth said. "Check his medical file."
"Mister Koloth." Cameron said.
"I will go." Koloth exited Sick Bay with his arm good as new.
It was odd to see McCoy being the last to get his plate. Spock raised an eyebrow seeing the lag his way to the table. Uhura was speaking in fluently in a foreign language that Scotty was familiar with and they were both speaking in it fluently. It was in German. They were discussing about a group of kids who had come by an hour earlier and listened to their tales of how the day was when they were younger. The discussion was quite private. McCoy slowly sat down where he usually sat except Jim wasn't with him.
"Where is Jim?" Sulu asked.
McCoy looked up toward Sulu.
"Don't tell us it's happened." Chekov said.
"Grimm jumped onto Jim's lap." McCoy
The table went silent at the mention of the cat's name.
"Who is Grimm?" Spock asked.
"Sweet Hill's cat," McCoy said. "One of many."
"There is more than one cat?" Spock asked.
"Yes." They said.
Spock had a look of disbelief on his face. How could it not become apparent that there were more than one cat in the nursing home? It was highly improbably for cats not to be in the same room for six months for someone who had just made themselves home. Unless there is a probability in which it is possible. There was always room for the slightest of all. Spock found it odd that everyone was sad over a cat landing on Jim's lap.
"Why does a cat matter when it lands on someones lap?" Spock said.
"These cats hate being on old people's laps." McCoy said. "They avoid the healthy like the plague. Every time they sit on someones lap in here, they are goin' to be dead within the week. It is a well known bad omen."
"Bad omens are illogical, doctor." Spock said.
"Oh shut up." McCoy snapped back.
"If he isn't here for dinner then he vill be in the death ward." Chekov said, sadly.
"Cats cannot determine death." Spock said.
"The cats predicted Khan's death." Sulu said, with a straight face.
"When I first came here I tried tae pet one and they kept runnin' away from me." Scotty said. "I only got scratches when I tried pettin' them. They would only sit on the restin' residents. Until they started dyin'."
"Cats are defensive when it comes to being chased." Spock said.
"They also predicted the earthquake Aura was about to undergo two months ago." Uhura added. "They can see things we can't see. They can hear things we cannot hear."
"Are you not the one who wants to believe in the impossible?" McCoy reminded Spock. "Like the story of kid I told you about becomin' part of the sky." He twirled a finger in the air aimed at the cieling. "Now don't tell me you could feasibly believe it because of the wizard part."
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"It was logical the way you set it up." Spock said.
"Ah," Chekov said. "You told Spock one of many myths about the Aura lights? The ones historians are fiercely against?"
"Yes." McCoy said. "And I did play Aura's anthem."
"I do not remember hearing Aura's anthem." Spock said.
"Which version?" Sulu asked. "The cat one? The bird one?"
"Or is it the cloud one?" Chekov asked.
"I told him the sky one." McCoy said.
Uhura smiled.
"That one." Uhura said. "The one that involves Gaunti's son and Hauzi's son."
"Yes, that one." McCoy said.
"Not a bad choice introducing the ambassador into Aura's mythology." Uhura said.
"I was unaware it has its own mythology." Spock said.
"Oh, you never heard of the lost city?" Chekov asked. "The City of Gallous?"
"Negative." Spock said.
"It is the equiwalent of losing Florida on a smaller scale." Chekov explained. "It used to be sprawling with life. To this day they are still excawating it on the east coast. In fact the mostly russian starship Pitrov discowered this planet after the original Enterprise." Chekov leaned his arm on the table picking up the sandwich in one hand with a dreamy look about his face. "It had seweral adwentures along the neutrual zone. Ve found a habitable asteroid while on patrol."
"Didn't it get lost?" Spock inquired.
"She is still on patrol." Chekov said.
"Like the fifty submarines lost in world war 2." Sulu said.
"The thin' is Spock . . ." McCoy said. "We are going to lose the core of our submarine that isn't on patrol."
"I refuse to believe that Jim is dying," Spock said. "When I mind meld with him, his katra did not show any signs of decaying and becoming smaller." McCoy raised an eyebrow. "It was like I was staring at a perfectly healthy katra to a young man in his youth."
"And what about mine?" McCoy asked.
"I did not venture toward your katra, doctor." Spock said. "It was a emotional transference."
"You mind melded with Jim and you saw his soul." McCoy said.
"You requested I not look into your past and I respected that." Spock said, as Chekov was eating his sandwich. Now it was Spock's turn to raise the eyebrow. "Would you like to experience a mind meld after lunch?"
McCoy took another bite from his sandwich.
"Let me think about it." McCoy said.
"As you wish." Spock said.
Not much had changed the startling kiss with Spock five days ago. The conversation they had shared was more or so rather confirming what their relationship had been earlier and nothing more than that. McCoy was beginning to wonder if there was something more to explore with Spock, relationship wise. Though McCoy felt like the Vulcan was keeping back a question that was bugging him. The silence between them indicated that there was. At least in the dreams he picked up on that before asking dream Spock what was on his mind. The Vulcan would open his mouth and McCo would wake up. It was getting annoying having these dreams.
"So when are you going to visit the death ward?" Sulu asked.
"Jim is not dying." Spock said, adamantly.
"But when it comes, are you going to make your goodbye?" Sulu asked. "Before it is too late."
Spock considered his last conversation with Shawk that was face to face. His last conversation with Admiral Strong. He felt regret at not wishing Strong a long and prosperous life. At the time that Strong and Spock had last met, it was for a Endeavor reunion anniversary. Four hundred thirty people were still around. Strong and Spock had often crossed paths so it seemed unnatural for months afterwards that the man wasn't walking around with a easy going smile on his face and a pair of shy first officers by his side. Rest of the thirty had died off under various circumstances. Spock did not reply for a few minutes reflecting in the past. He recalled the fond farewell with Doctor Leland. Years after they had reconciled.
"John." Spock said.
"Yes?" The admiral turned around facing the Vulcan. His eyes widened at recognition. His mouth slightly fell and there was a look of "AM I THAT OLD?" gawking at the Vulcan. The Russian was shorter than Spock had last seen him. His hair white unlike Spocks that was still a jet black. Bags were under the man's eyes. The Russian's face turned from horror into envy and possible half a pout.
"You look well today." Spock said.
"You look not a day over thirty." Leland said. "Why is it that?"
"I am a Vulcan." Spock said.
"Right, right, right, Spooky." Leland said, with a dismissive wave.
"That is not my name." Spock said.
"Oh," Leland said, leaning forward on his cane with a 'oh really?' expression on his face. "Then vhat about the time you responded to it after ve had that transporter malfunction and ve had been dispersed?"
"Your voice was the only familiar one in the vacility," Spock said. "I did not respond to the name but merely to your voice."
Leland laughed.
"And I still get under your skin." Leland said.
"That is impossible." Spock said.
"Figure of speech, Ambassador." Leland said.
"How are your grandchildren?" Spock inquired.
"They are doing vell." Leland said. I am assume yours are logically sound."
"In matter of fact,they are." Spock said.
"I am going to a medical conference. You are not here for a loud old lecture regarding Wulcanian history?" Leland raised an eyebrow. Spock raised the eyebrow back at him. "Spock,stoph, staph raising your brow after I do!"
"Who is stoph?" Spock asked, lowering his eyebrow.
"It's. . . ." Leland started to laugh, shaking his hand, hand leaned on a cane. His bright emerald eyes full of joy. "It's a saying, Ambassador."
"As you say, stoph." Spock said.
". . . About time you get yourself versed into the nickname street. You're terrible at picking one up." Leland said.
Spock nodded his head.
"I will endeavor to do so, Admiral." Spock said. Then he lowered his voice, "John, I have noticed on your essays that you are starting to write incoherent sentences and your paragraphs show that reason is being lost. You bring up facts that are not related to the paper unlike you did in the previous hundred fifty essays written. I advise you seek a doctor and take the test for the beginnings of irumodic syndrome. I have informed Admiral Strong of the changes and brought the recent stories of your acting out of character from recent years. He is willing to accept your resignation. As your colleagues, you must sit down and relax."
"Vell, is it not a surprise that I got a Wulcan admirer?" Leland said, with a small smile. Then it faded into a wrinkled mess of fury. "You rotten bastard you made me lose on a bet that you had emotions for twenty years!" He shook his fist. "It is not fair!"
"Your pool was made untimely," Spock said. "Nothing is fair, John."
Leland lowered his hand.
"You are calling me by my first name." Leland said, his face smooth than it had been in years and he looked a century younger. He had realization on his face. "You are terrified I am going to die. You have real concerns that I am going to die. Real, genuine emotions." His hand on the cane was trembling. He never did poke at Spock's lack of emotions back in the day but he always suspect that the Vulcan had them, apaprently. "Admiral Strong, you, Admiral Kane, Admiral Blair, and I are the last people from the USS Endeavor."
"Affirmative, that you are." Spock said.
"So all these years pretending you didn't kare . . . when in fact you did care?" Leland said.
"We do not express emotions verbally." Spock said.
"So mentally. . ." Leland coughed into his elbow with a shallow, ragged cough. "I am fine. . . Maybe I cannot say the same for you." He looked up toward Spock. "A healthy dose of releasing emotions will surely help you,Ambassador."
"My health is not of your concern." Spock said.
"Bottling up emotions is never good especially when you have a human half." Leland said. "I use to be your doctor. Remember that!"
"You are obviously speaking to the wrong person." Spock said. "Am I talking to the right admiral?"
Leland had a chuckle.
"So, I take it that you believe this is going to be our last conversation." Leland said.
"I-" Spock was cut off before he could finish.
"I don't need to hear the validation from you." Leland finished.
"I was about to say," Spock said. "From one Vulcan to a human: death is just the beginning."
"You are just full of it." There was a woman calling out for the admiral. Leland turned in the other direction shouting back, "I am coming, Martha!" He turned back toward Spock making the distinctive comment, "Stubborn Romulan daughter who insists on following me." He shook his head. Leland looked toward Spock. "Ambassador, kaptain, kommander, science officer." He admired the Vulcan. "There is a saying from the Romulans that I really like. Because it means exactly the same thing as your salute." He held his hand up then twisted his two fingers alongside his thumb lowering the three other fingers to the middle of his palm. "Jolan tru."
"Live long and prosper." Spock said, his hands locked behind his back.
Leland shared a small, but weak smile back at the vulcan.
Spock's thoughts went over toward his son. Shawk, his skin and blood. He could recall their last encounter in 2387. Spock had made sure to arrive at Starbase 1 to congratulate his sons first assignment. The USS Enterprise A. Four years Shawk spent in the academy. Only Surak would know how it was like for the young man. His son had failed the kobyashi maru. His son likely made acquaintances in the academy. Unusually, and surprisingly, Shawk met his betrothed there in the four years. And they reportedly could not keep their hands off the other which was odd for a Vulcan pairing. Spock's patrol vessel was in space dock awaiting for his return in the last day he saw his son face to face. Shawk had shaved a mohawk on his head which was illogical. His son was in the red and black uniform, both arms holding the duffle bag, and he was still unsurprisingly the emotional Vulcan who left home four years ago. Shawk was twenty years old, young by most standards, and prepared for what the future held. It would only be years later that Shawk would no longer be in his life.
"Greetings,Shawk." Spock said.
"Greetings, father." Shawk said.
"I have heard of your assignment," Spock said. "This will be your finest hours."
"It is finest days." Shawk corrected Spock.
Spock nodded.
"I used to serve on the Enterprise . . . so I thought you should take this advice and I believe you will take it with all things considered." Spock paused, watching his sons eyebrow go up. "Everything you have learned will not be useful in the field."
"I do not understand," Shawk said. "I was taught that the information learned would be useful."
"That is what I thought." Spock said.
"But something changed." Shawk registered, tilting his head.
"The Enterprise is a starship that is a magnet for illogical abnormalities," Spock said. "But knowing you. . . . I am assured you will find yourself at home than anywhere else you have been."
"Is this your version of seeing me off?" Shawk asked, straightening his head.
Spock sighed, briefly closing his eyes then reopened them.
"Your grandfather, Sarek, did not. . ." Spock said. "See me off."
"You are making up for what never happened to you." Shawk said.
"Negative," Spock said. "I am making up for nothing. I do not expect it to become a tradition." Spock took a moment to reconsider. "And likely never will." It was the cold hard truth. Most Vulcan parents viewed it as illogical to see their kin go when they could simply wish them the 'good road ahead' by simply saying 'live long and prosper' bidding them farewell before they went to the academy. Times were changing. "I have been fortunate to be your father."
There was a short pause between them.
"At least one of us will be in Star Fleet." Shawk said.
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"Ii do not understand your logic." Spock said.
"My bethrothed and I. . ." Shawk was squirming right before his eyes. "We had an accident."
Spock's eyebrows rose further.
"That is illogical." Spock asked. "You are biologically engineered to have fertility every seven years."
"Father," Shawk said. "I am half human."
Spock stared at Shawk. His once calm, collective mind swirling with questions. How could he not know? How could this have happened? It made sense why his son was illogical, everything made sense, but the big question was how could he not have known for so long. How could he and T'pring not have been aware. It was illogical. He had not mated with a half human Vulcan but he had in fact mated with a pure Vulcan. Shawk stared back at Spock, waiting for the answer. It became apparent, that unlike Shawk, Spock was the one engineered to have the natural fertility cycle. His human half played a more major role internally within Shawk. What, he did not know. Shawk and Erin were both twenty, twins, who looked nothing alike.
Spock briefly closed his eyes, controlling the unexpected emotions keeping them at bay, then he reopened them.
"I am pleased." Spock said. "But you do not need to leave a mission set into deep space merely because your betrothed has unexpected complications. It is illogical that you divert from what is most likely your second best destiny. "
Shawk raised both eyebrows, stunned, from what Spock had to say.
"But you did the same." Shawk said.
"Under entirely different circumstances,Shawk." Spock said. Shawk lowered his eyebrows "It was very convenient. I ask of you . . . do what feels right." Their eyes met. "I didn't take that advice to heart as I should have, from a old acquaintance of mine. But what I do not regret is being part of your youth."
"I would like to believe that." Shawk said. "But I cannot."
Words could not be used to describe what Spock felt then.
"Before you go. . ." Spock said. "I want you know how I feel about your accomplishment. A mind meld would do."
Shawk placed his luggage down beside his leg.
"Father," Shawk said. "This is a first from you." He raised an eyebrow. "This is unexpected."
"But there is not always going to be a moment like this between us." Spock said.
Shawk nodded.
"You made your point." Shawk said.
Shawk placed a hand on the side of his father face. Spock let the emotions for his so come out full throttle in the mind meld. Specifically, Spock showed Shawk every moment in his life that he was proud of. Which was his entire life squished into minutes. Spock let Shawk see how he viewed his son standing before him complete in Star Fleet attire. A prized memory that would undoubtedly want to keep. Shawk ended the mind meld with his father stepping back appearing to be overwhelmed.
"Your grandfather and I have been talking. . ." Spock said. "Regarding becoming a Ambassador of Vulcan."
"Father?" Shawk said. "Is there something going on regarding you that I should know?"
"Negative," Spock said. "I am most certain you will follow your own path and not mine." Shawk picked his luggage up with his right hand then straightened up. "Your mother shares the same belief as I do for you."
"Grandmother told me you refused to follow my forefather's path in your youth," Shawk said. "Something has changed for you."
"I am considering it." Spock said. "My current thoughts on it are not definite."
Shawk looked at his father.
"Live long and prosper." Shawk said, doing the Vulcan salute.
"I believe the proper saying, as most humans say,is see you later." Spock said.
Shawk let out a small smile at his fathers attempt to sound human to show he approved of his decision to be more human than his sister Erin. Erin acted more Vulcan than Shawk did. Unlike how twins were reported to be, they were never that close and any attempts at making them dress alike went down the hellhole. Mostly because Shawk, as a child, would take his attire off and run around the house naked horrifying T'pring and Spock (Whenever Shore leave was granted, that is) potentially embarrassing his sister. I-chinchin would run around following the young boy with its tongue hanging out like a dog. Erin working on a logic puzzle in the middle of the living room.
Shawk nodded then went past Spock headed in the direction of the transporter room.
"Ambassador." Spock's eyes opened to a familiar cool blue themed scenery. Where was Sulu,Chekov,Uhura,Scotty, and McCoy? He turned his head toward the right. Alongside him was Doctor Cameron and Nurse Brockley. Apparently Spock was on a Biobed. "Good afternoon. Did your nap help?"
"I do not nap." Spock said. "I most certainly did not fall asleep while eating."
"Ambassador," Cameron said. "A few hours ago you were acting strangely." Spock was baffled, he didn't recall any unusual activity from himself. "You were . . ." She briefly pressed her lips together. "Acting as though you were a science officer aboard the USS Enterprise."
"I did not have any episode most certainly." Spock said. "I was thinking of the one time I made my farewell to those who were still alive around me."
"And how real was it?" Cameron asked.
"It was a flashback. Brief." Spock said,watching their faces falter.
"It wasn't brief." Brockley said.
"Of course it was." Spock said.
"You kept insistin' Bones not call you Spooky when he was not." Brockley said.
"And you called several of the nurses by different names and you kept asking where Captain Pike was." Cameron said. "You were . . . emotionally. . . unstable after we told you the answer you wanted."
Spock was silent.
"We took a scan of your brain and the dementia has returned to its previous progression that you had when you arrived." Brockley said.
Spock looked at the three professionals.
"What do you mean by returned?" Spock asked. "My dementia cannot change on its own."
"Apparently, in the last brain scan. . . " Cameron said. "Various parts of your brain were returning to life. But the part that controls your emotions is somewhat dead. And your memories on the other hand are. . . I can't say for certain. But the part that controls your short term memories is dying."
"Long term is okay." Brockley said.
"What day is it, Ambassador?" Cameron asked.
"January 5th,Friday,2388." Spock said.
The color on their faces drained.
"It is. . . the seventh." Brockley said.
Cameron took Brockley to the side then made a request. Brockley slowly nodded then glanced over toward the Vulcan with a long but sad expression on his face. It had been two days since the conversation in the mess hall. What happened between then and now? Spock must have said he would visit Jim in the death ward. Something happened between that time period. Because the last time his memories were going it was when Spock was in his most saddest state. He could feel what was equivalent to sadness pouring down his head right toward the heart. He had degraded to his most youthful self after the nexus point between happy and sad.
"When did I start acting unlike myself?" Spock asked.
"Yesterday." Brockley said.
Brockley came over opening a small orange capsule then slid the pill onto the counter beside the biobed.
"Ambassador," Cameron said. "This pill will help you with the short term memory loss."
"What is Captain Kirk's condition?" Spock asked
"He is dying." Cameron said.
Spock picked up the pill off the counter and then a nearby cup of water. He swallowed the pill then took a sip of water. Spock could hear his stomach grumble. Obviously he must have collapsed late that afternoon yesterday after possibly attempting to escape and to see for himself that the captain was dead. Or someone late that afternoon had nerve pinched Spock. He was being illogical then. He could have checked the files unless he believed he was on an alien planet that had brainwashed him into thinking he is old but really not.
"If I made any choice words toward you, Mrs Cameron and Mr Brockley, regarding this facility then know that I was not being sincere." Spock said. He looked over to see a small green block. It was something entirely new. "When did Star Fleet incorporate these?"
"That's a fruit block." Cameron said. "Been in the system for a century."
Spock took a bite out of the block.
The block had a neutral taste much like plomeek soup that lacked any spice. It is what made plomeek soup so curious to humans and as a source of creativity. T'pring once was part of a Vulcan Kitchen franchise when Spock was serving Star Fleet as an officer. Those old videos were something he rarely looked at when alone during his Ambassador duties after her passing. He had his bond with her repaired shortly after her passing. Spock chose not to wed again. There was chicken noodle plomeek soup, garlic plomeek soup, and potato plomeek soup. Plomeek soup was widely considered to be the most basic and perhaps the template for creative cooking for a novice within the galaxy. Spock took another bite.
"It is two thirty-three o'clock,Ambassador." Brockley handed the cane toward the Vulcan.
Spock pulled himself up taking hold of the cane held out for him then swallowed what he had eaten.
"Where is Leonard and the others?" Spock asked.
"In the death ward." Cameron said. "Take it easy on yourself."
Spock finished the rest of the green shaded block. This tided over Spock's stomach. How could he not have known about this block? Perhaps he is that forgetful. How does a dying brain come back to life? It was mind boggling at best. Spock nodded with "Affirmative." toward the doctor. Spock got himself off the biobed. He pushed forward his left leg that felt like it didn't want to move. There was slight pain that came from that. Spock walked forward using his good right leg to rely on. Old age was indeed a pain in the ass.
"Mister Spock," Brockley said. "They have been waiting for you."
Spock exited the room.
"If Mister Spock regresses down any further. . ." Cameron said. "I hate to suggest it, but we have to do the humane treatment."
"The Ambassador wouldn't accept it." Brockley said.
"Accept it? He does not have to accept it. I am his doctor. Besides, we'll only use it when . . ." Cameron paused, trembling. "There is no chance of the Ambassador we know and love coming back."
"That treatment is only for when one of the residents here are in pain that they can't continue to live with," Brockley said. "I don't know about you but Ambassador Spock appointed the Admiral as his guardian when he cannot speak for himself. How would you have to convince Bones? I am all in for easing their pain but not for someone like the Ambassador. He is not in pain."
"Right." Cameron said, coming over to a pad on the table. "That does throw a wrench with all things considered." She looked over toward Brockley. "Have you ever had to take care of a patient with Irumodic Syndrome?"
Brockley narrowed his eyes.
"You know as well as I do that most patients do not end up here." Brockley said.
"We have quite the few." Cameron said.
"Don't tell me you had to take care of a hybrid before." Brockley said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Worse." Cameron said. "A Romulan/human hybrid. He was a hundred ninety-three when we got together. . . And then he went down hill from there five months after our ceremony."
Brockley lowered his hand down from the bridge of his nose right to his side.
"Oh my. . . I am so sorry." Brockley said.
"I am only considering that option for the sake of everyone." Cameron said.
Brockley sighed.
"Who is the few we have that are the subject of Irumodic Syndrome?" Brockley said.
"Lankern Deches, Pavel Chekov, Koren Le'Dio of Bajora, Former Admiral Joseph Green, former arch nemesis of Captain Kirk Mister Vincible, and former Admiral Jason Webber," Cameron said. "Thank you for being here when the Ambassador awoke. . ." She had a look of gratitude on her face. "And convincing me to take him off . . ."
"As McCoy told me," Brockley said. "Vulcans are resilient. Now excuse me, I have a painting class to attend."
The doors to the second floor opened. Spock was leaned against the frame feeling a unusually heavy, dark atmosphere. Spock leaned away from the wall using the cane. Spock strolled out of the hall past several doors that were the quarters of some well known residents. His cane clicked against the floor almost squeaking. It had been two days. Jim had a little over thirty-three point twenty-six percent chance of waking up while he were in the death ward. As most humans say, "It would take a miracle for someone to awaken from a coma" or something along the lines of a very powerful chemical that allows the person to be awake for twenty-four hours. It was a harsh reminder to what lay ahead of Spock. And that he could easily outlive most of the older and younger people here.
Spock came to the large doorway that lead to the deathward. It became apparent that they had to install doors into the doorway per McCoy's insistence most likely. Spock had not noticed the addition for the last five to six months. Spock came toward the doors applying weight to his right side. The doors opened before the Vulcan. He strolled in to see there were visitors sitting alongside biobeds that held the slowly dying fast asleep and some who barely appeared to be asleep watching the screen hooked into the wall across from them. At the end of the wide room rested one biobed was a small group . Alongside that biobed on a individual biobed was a familiar face. That face was of Trelane's. It surprised Spock that Trelane was here instead of Charlie Evans. Evan's life was going down the hellhole. After all, he hadn't seen Trelane in seven days. Not since the new year started. Trelane's eyes were not full of life as they used to be. They were staring into nothingness apparently. Sitting alongside Trelane's bed was a resting Koloth with a book in his hands dipped forward and his shoulders slouched sitting down in the chair with his chin on his chest.
Trelane and Jim were both in gentle red outfits that matched. He could only tell that they were in matching red admission outfits because they were both covered halfway to the chest by the non-so-complimentary color of blue. Jim, on the other hand, appeared to be ill. His skin was white. His hands were sweating even though he was not running which was impossible given his current paralyzed state. The screen behind the captain indicated that he was not doing too well. McCoy had his arms folded, leaned against the wall, and his head lowered. Scotty and Sulu were sitting alongside each other shoulder to shoulder appearing to be napping. Uhura was sitting alongside Sulu, napping, too while they were holding what was apparently a glass. They never really drank in the afternoon or slept in the afternoon. Which was off. McCoy's glass was on the neighboring table.
Spock came over to the biobed then sat down into the empty chair alongside McCoy.
Koloth's eyes opened and he straightened up in the chair.
"Hello, Ambassador." Koloth said. "Or should I call you Commander Spock?"
"Ambassador is preferable." Spock said.
"It is good to see you are in your right senses again," Koloth placed his novel on the nearby counter then slid out a drawer out. "I was starting to believe the captain would go without making his farewell."
"What do you mean?" Spock inquired.
"The captain and I made a agreement a month ago." Koloth said. "That if . . . " Koloth looked down, almost choking on his words, as though it was a difficult subject. "He could not wake up. . ."
"I understand your predicament." Spock said.
Koloth looked up toward the Vulcan.
"It was difficult to abide his request," Koloth said. "To give him the injection . . . It took me a day to finally stand up and come over to him." Koloth came to the side of the biobed. "My brother fell ill seven days ago." He rolled the devie in his hands. "Your captain had a fighting chance against this virus. To live."
"You should be explaining yourself to the doctor not me." Spock said. "He is not my captain."
"Ooh?" Koloth asked, raising a gray eyebrow. "The captain implied you served under him long ago."
"We never did." Spock said. "He was delusional with his dreams as of lately."
"I never met you back in those days." Koloth said.
"Served on the USS Endeavor during his time on the USS Enterprise." Spock said. "Lieutenant Commander,first officer, science officer."
"Have you ever met Thelin?" Koloth asked.
"Negative." Spock said.
"You and he would have much to talk about." Koloth said,applying the device to Jim's neck. "I will not stay long after my brothers passing. . . Ambassador."
Koloth stepped back then hid the hypospray. Spock's eyes turned in the direction of the well aged captain. His eyes slowly fluttered open. Those hazel eyes appeared to be lethargic but regardless there was life still glowing inside of them. A smile appeared on the human's face. His eyes directed at Spock.
"Ashayam." Jim said.
That was a word that was not in the books Spock had left in Jim's possession. It was a Vulcan word for beloved. There was no circumstance how he could know it. Unless the dreams were real under some odd pseudo science. It was possible. But it never did happen in reality except for this one in a billion chance. Spock was mentally calculating how such a event could be possible let alone happen. How could dreams allow Jim to know of a word that was never spoken of in this building? Spock was the only Vulcan lingering around this building. It was not close to being logical.
Spock moved the chair forward closer to Jim's side taking his hand.
Why don't you look at that,Spock looks more gorgeous than he did yesterday, Spock overheard the man's thoughts.
"Jim," Spock said. "Are you allright?"
"It's time." Jim said.
"For what?" Spock asked.
"For me to go," Jim said. "It's been. . . fun."
Spock slowly shook his head.
"Jim. . ." Spock said.
"Take care of Bones, will you?" Jim turned his head toward the resting man. "He is going to need you."
"Leonard will not admit that." Spock said.
"And you are going to need him." Jim said.
"Certainly." Spock said.
"You need each other." Jim said. "And you don't need me."
"We do need you." Spock said. "T'hy'la."
Jim smiled kindly back at him.
"That is what you think." Jim said.
"Nonsense," Spock said. "It is the truth."
"At least. . . I won't die alone." Jim said. "I always thought. . . I would die alone."
"You have your crew." Spock said.
"With my crew." Jim said.
"May I. . . engage in a mind meld?" Spock inquired, his hand out reached trembling.
Oh, his hand. Not still as it used to be and could be held without his emotional state being revealed. Once upon a time he could hold his hand straight and fine. There was only one occassion in his adult life when his hand trembled in emotion and that was during Pon Farr. His youth was spent punching those who killed his mother a whore, and slut, and his father a traitor. Called him a disgusting creature from hell. His Vulcan peers had long ago recanted their insults after seeing his career climb to Ambassador.
I love you, Spock, Spock could hear from the telepathic touch.
"Permission granted." Jim said.
Spock placed a hand on the side of the man's face. Spock felt himself through into a explosive world of emotions. Positive, loving, and caring. Deep, blazing passion. More than what T'pring had in their previous mind melds. It was overwhelming and powerful. Spock reached forward toward the man's katra. Spock could see a small flickering flame. Spock chose to return into that warm, loving raw pool of emotions. He could see memories that were never made with him and Jim. Spock could register a strong bond set up between him and Jim. Spock could feel a tear trail down his cheek at some of these brief but exemplary memories that showed them into their careers in their ancient age taking care of McCoy's grandchildren and serving alongside each other in Star Fleet. He could see so many things that had not happened. The first kiss. Cuddling together on the bed. Being a couple in general on Shore Leave with McCoy close behind them. The first wedding that was officiated by McCoy between Spock and Jim. Eventually bringing McCoy into their Vulcan Polygamy marriage. And so much more.
I love you too, Jim, Spock meant this with his heart. The Jim he knew was barely there, and it was only logical to let him believe that he was his Spock. The imaginary one he dreamed up. But how did he come up with a ancient word? That was a mystery. Spock let go of the side of the man's face feeling a wet tear come down his cheek. The room was full of a heavy atmosphere, moisture, and it felt like there wouldn't be another smile for decades sitting in this room. Spock took his hand back from the man's face.
"You do not need to worry," Spock said, placing his other hand on Jim's hand. "Leonard will be taken care of."
Chekov's eyes started to open seeing Jim smile for the last time at the Vulcan.
"Jim?" Chekov said.
The light in Jim's eyes faded and his chest stopped moving. The wail from the devices indicating his health let out a sharp wail jolting awake the rest of the crew. Uhura straightened herself up and her eyes flew open to see the expression on Spock's face. Scotty and Sulu straightened up blinking, quite alarmed, really. The blue lines on the wall behind Jim reading out that he had flat lined. Spock was left in a loss. He was struck by emotions. Strong,massive emotions that were powerful than the ones he had experienced with the loss of T'pring. McCoy was at first wary, concerned understandably, if this were not the memory regressed Spock he had seen earlier. McCoy could hear a distinct noise coming from the Vulcan. Spock's trembling hands let go of the deceased man's hand slowly sliding his hand back on the biobed. McCoy placed a hand on Spock's shoulder.
"Spock?" McCoy asked.
Spock turned toward McCoy.
"Jim was happy, Leonard." Spock said.
"Come here, you pointy eared hobglobin." McCoy said, bringing forth the Vulcan into a hug that was met with little to no resistance. Spock's shoulders went up and down as the Vulcan cried into the man's shoulders.
Koloth watched the grieving little family then looked over toward Trelane. There was a look of knowing on the elder Klingon's face. He looked down into his hand where it rested a spare hypospray that had contents that were not of the same poison that he had given to the captain. It made natural causes believable. He had exactly one hundred point thirty-three seconds to administer it before the nurses came in and the doctors to handle the death. He looked over to Trelane then applied it to the man's neck. Trelane's chest stopped moving. Koloth took the item off the man's neck then pulled back his sleeve. He changed the setting on the hypospray that had one green half and the other half being red.
"I am sorry, Nurse Gilbert. . . " Koloth apologized, solemnly. He looked over toward the two very human couple behind him. The woman was on the biobed degrading into a bony mess. The husband was clutching onto the woman's hand looking at her. He turned his head away making last minute considerations. "For using you. But it must be done."
Koloth applied the hypospray onto his forearm then leaned back into the chair and thought of the last time he had a worthy battle. His band,Sto-vo-kor would have to be disbanded. Funny, death was the only way for it to be disbanded. He could hear the tears of the small group from across. He could his heart struggling to beat. He could feel a tightness in his chest. His heart fought to continue pumping. The chambers clammed shut. The last chamber was struggling to continue moving. His breathing slowed. It gave the impression that he was falling asleep, peacefully. Could he be accepted into Sto-vo-kor? Perhaps not. He had committed a different variation of his kinds form of suicide.
"Come on, brother, let's go to Sto-vo-kor!" His eyes had opened to see a hand out for him and Trelane before him, grinning, a decade younger. "Don't keep me waiting. We have so many enemies to fight against. Isn't that the best?"
Koloth took Trelane's hand with a well earned smile.
"Yes . . . Brother." Koloth said.
Together they walked into what was most definitely a odd and unique city leaving behind the setting that once housed them. Nurse Gilbert, Nurse Young, Nurse Bell, Nurse Pallet, and Doctor Cameron arrived. Nurse Gilbert stopped at the Klingon's side of the room appearing to be horrified. He used the side of the other biobed to keep himself up. Pallet looked over to see the man's reaction. Gilbert struggled to go forward then he closed Trelane's eyes.
"Time of deaths. . ." Came the usual but despaired train of thought.