Several Days Later

Romulus

"Khan is dead, you say?" Jeris asked in an intrigued voice, gazing up at the sentry who stood before him. "You had better not be lying, as I know that the Praetor will not take kindly..."

The sentry sighed, "I do not lie, sir," he replied formally. "I heard it on the subspace chatter that came from the direction of Earth. The hidden relay Khan left in Earth's orbit has some benefit."

"Yes, I suppose it does," Jeris replied in an amused voice. "I must ask how Khan died."

For a moment, the sentry was silent and cringed, "At the hand of a young Earth teenager named Zachary McCoy," he finally replied tonelessly. "During a confrontation on Marris Three."

"That is extraordinary," Jeris breathed. "The one who experimented on Khan ended up killing him. I do not doubt that Zachary McCoy will do great things because he carries a part of Khan."

Just then, the door slid open and a female Romulan wearing a deep red pantsuit came into the room, "Senator Jeris, my apologies for disturbing you," she spoke in a toneless voice.

"Valdore, you are no bother," Jeris replied in a reassuring voice. "What can I do for you?"

Valdore sighed softly, "Jaron has been asking about his father again," she replied in a tone that made the sentry depart the room in a hurry. "I am unsure how to explain about it..."

"Vulcans do not care about outsiders," Jeris replied coldly. "That is why I wore a disguise and that is why those hybrids ended up killed by Klingons when they could have lived safely on Vulcan. I doubt even Spock himself finds himself welcome among them and your own sister..."

Valdore scoffed, "My sister became dead to me when she had those girls and did not bring them to the Romulan Empire to be raised," she replied coldly. "My concern is only for Jaron."

"I'm sure Spock has told Starfleet of the existence of his son by now and I am sure he will seek Jaron out when he is ready," Jeris replied calmly. "You must focus and not worry about it."

San Francisco, California, Earth

Even though Pavel had been ordered to take it easy, he found himself on the Intensive Care floor and lingering outside the room where his best friend was currently recovering. He had heard of the incident through Security announcements and refused to let him suffer alone.

Upon entering the room, Pavel was surprised to see Kathryn sitting at Hikaru's bedside with Michael and Demora. Hikaru was asleep in bed and was sporting hospital pajamas as well as bandages on his chest that were covering chest tubes; a bandage on his neck, and bandages on his abdomen that were covering his healing injuries. His left shoulder was also in a shoulder sling and his right hand was covered in driplines. The biomonitor's readings fluctuated and slowl but steady breathing could be heard coming from the mask that was covering Hikaru's face.

"I...I heard zat Heekaru had been shot," Pavel spoke shakily. "I came to check on heem."

Kathryn nodded, "How are you feeling, Pavel?" she asked in a kind voice. "You look better."

"I have new keedneys and I am here unteel I gain more strength," Pavel replied as he sat down in an empty chair at Hikaru's bedside. "Deed Admeeral Barnett really shoot Heekaru?"

Michael nodded and sighed as Demora climbed on to the bed and silently snuggled up next to her father's still form, "Demora hasn't spoken since the attack," Kathryn spoke softly.

The door suddenly slid open and Nyota wheeled Spock, who was wearing civilian clothes and slippers, into the room and over to the bed. Spock had a bandage around his head and a dripline in one arm, but otherwise, he looked very rested and as if he could go home soon.

"Doctor Piper permitted me to pay a visit to Lieutenant Sulu prior to my radiation treatment," Spock spoke tonelessly. "Admiral Kirk is currently at Admiral Barnett's trial, as are many members of Starfleet, so they are unable to be here today. I, however, am still on leave."

Kathryn nodded and frowned as she heard sharp inhaling followed by muffled speaking from Hikaru, who had opened his eyes, "At ease, Lieutenant Sulu," she spoke in a gentle voice.

"It...hurts...to talk," Hikaru managed weakly as he moved the mask away from his mouth.

Kathryn gently got the oxygen tubes from the wall and gently put it in Hikaru's nose, "Your throat is healing, so try to write if you have something to say," she explained gently, handing him a stylus that she had brought from home. "You've been in and out of it for several days."

Nodding, Hikaru took the stylus and sighed tiredly, promptly setting it on the table before he gently stroked Demora's hair, "You appear to be in need of more rest," Spock observed.

"Can Demora stay a while?" Hikaru managed to whisper as he closed his eyes. "Please."

Kathryn nodded, "We can stay a while, yes," she replied softly. "Just rest, Mister Sulu."

Hikaru gently stroked Demora's hair and sighed sleepily, "I am stayeening," Pavel declared in a firm voice as he crossed his arms. "I told Joanna ven she weesited zat I vould be here."

"We should get to your treatment, Spock," Nyota spoke softly, touching Spock's shoulder.

Once Spock and Nyota had gone, Pavel gave Kathryn a concerned look and sighed heavily.

Starfleet JAG Headquarters - Courtroom

"All rise for the honorable Judge Advocate General, Andrew Riker," a voice commanded.

Jim sighed as he stood along with everyone else who had crowded into the courtroom that day to observe Admiral Barnett's trial. The news of a Starfleet Admiral nearly killing a lower-ranking Starfleet officer over a previously resolved issue had caused such media mayhem that the trial was also being broadcasted to Starfleet bases all over the world and all the way to New Vulcan.

The media hype had become so severe that a guard had been posted outside of Sulu's hospital room to keep reporters away. Even though Sulu was still in the hospital, Jim had visited him the other day and got a statement as to what had happened. Kathryn had also given a statement, but had chosen not to come because she and Michael needed to help Sulu with Demora.

Judge Advocate Riker glared at Admiral Barnett, who was dressed in prison blues and heavily shackled as he sat in a prisoner's box close to the stand, "This court is in session," he finally said as he looked forward, banged his gavel, and sat down. "Approximately three days ago, Richard Barnett, a former Starfleet Admiral, attempted to murder Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu of Starfleet over a matter that was already resolved by Admiral Christopher Pike, President of the United Federation Starfleet. How do you plead to this incident, Mister Barnett?"

"Obviously guilty, your Honor," Admiral Barnett snapped. "Sulu made love to a terrorist, got her pregnant, and is now raising the brat! I wanted to kill the girl, but Sulu wouldn't let me."

Shocked gasps and whispers filled the courtroom, "Starfleet has lost what it was," Admiral Barnett continued angrily. "They advocate for terrorist lovers and allow experiments to..."

"That is ENOUGH," Judge Advocate Riker shouted. "You will keep yourself SILENT unless you are asked a question or I will order you removed from this courtroom for the duration of the trial."

Admiral Barnett scoffed, but said nothing more, "Now, Admiral Kirk, I believe you visited Lieutenant Sulu and got a statement from him because he was physically unable to be present today?" Judge Advocate Riker asked calmly, gazing at Jim. "Why did Security not do this?"

"Forgive me, your Honor, but Lieutenant Sulu asked that I collect his statement because he has a higher level of trust for me than for others," Jim replied calmly. "Can you blame him, sir?"

Judge Advocate Riker shook his head and sighed, "I reviewed Sulu's statement and it appears to match the ones that were given to me by First Lady Kathryn Pike and her son, Michael," he spoke in a somber voice. "This is truly a terrible thing and I wish Lieutenant Sulu had been able to be here so that I could apologize for this incident, but he is in actuality, lucky to be alive."

"Your honor, on behalf of Lieutenant Sulu, I am authorized to submit a request that Admiral Barnett serve his time off-planet due to the high risk of reoffending that is present," President Pike spoke as he suddenly rose with a stylus in hand. "This document explains the request."

Judge Advocate Riker nodded to a Security officer, who walked over to President Pike, collected the stylus, and brought it to the stand, "Once arrangements can be made to ship former Admiral Barnett off planet, I will render a sentence," he said calmly after skimming the document. "Until then, Richard Barnett is to be placed in a high-security cell. Court adjourned."

As the gavel was banged, Jim rose and turned to face Joanna, Leonard, and all of the other members of the Enterprise crew who had come in support of Hikaru. Because of the serious nature of the trial, Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary had remained home and had been allowed to have Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok over for company. Lorian and George were already there, as the Kirks had been staying with the Pike family and Amanda often spent time with Lorian.

"I know you are all very anxious to visit Sulu, but give him a few days to recover and deal with the emotional trauma of everything," Jim spoke gently, seeing the anxiety in their faces.

Murmurs filled the small crowd and Jim sighed softly, "Dismissed," he replied in a tired voice, smiling as the small crowd went silent. "I will let you all know when Sulu can have visitors."

As the courtroom emptied, Jim began to think about how lucky he was to have such a family.

Presidential Mansion

A holomovie played in the background and Charlie, Kathy, Tuvok, George, and Zachary were all watching it while Lorian and Amanda sat together on a separate couch. Saavik and Valeris were in the library, as they preferred reading over watching movies, even if it was with their friends. Arianne had slept in that morning because she hadn't been feeling well for the last few days.

"Amanda, I have decided to apply to Starfleet Academy for the fall semester," Lorian spoke tonelessly as he gazed at his intended. "I know you wish to attend a civilian university and I wish you to follow your dreams. Just because we are bonded does not mean we must marry now."

Amanda nodded, "I wish to attend the University of San Francisco and study Computer Science and Communications," she replied tonelessly. "I am waiting on a response to my application."

"I think that is commendable," Lorian replied softly. "I believe Charlie, Kathryn, and Zachary will also be attending the university for various studies, so you will not be alone there."

Charlie suddenly frowned, "The nursing program at the University of San Francisco is very competitive and I wasn't able to make it in, but I have the option of going into a less competitive career that's in the medical field if I want," he explained in a nervous voice.

"Are you still going to attend the university for something else?" Saavik asked curiously.

Charlie shrugged, "I might just take a job working as an orderly at a hospital or medical clinic in San Francisco until I can figure things out," he spoke softly. "Maybe I'll just work until I'm old enough to join Starfleet since nobody expects much of me. Academics are just really tough..."

"I believe Mrs. Pike offers college and university studies through her school," Lorian observed.

As a door opened and closed, Charlie scoffed, "Grandmother's school has been closed since Khan bombed it and I doubt it will ever re-open," he replied in skeptical voice. "I feel so worthless."

"You're not worthless, Charlie," Kathy spoke softly. "You helped care for Daddy when he was sick with cancer and that's why you wanted to become a nurse. Just go to another school."

Charlie shrugged, "Go to the city college," Kathryn said as she reached under the coffee table and pulled out a small package. "I ordered this for you because I felt like you might need it. It's an application to the Registered Nursing program at the City College of San Francisco."

"I can certainly take you to check it out if you want," a gentle voice suddenly said.

Charlie turned and saw Arianne standing there looking tired, but as pleasant as ever, "Mom, I thought you had gone to Admiral Barnett's trial?" he asked in a worried voice. "Are you okay?"

"The mission was a hard one and I've had lots to do since then, kiddo," Arianne replied softly.

Nodding, Charlie got up and walked over to his mother, "Kathy got this for me," he explained.

"I think we can deal with this today if you want, Charlie," Arianne spoke softly, smiling.

It was then that Charlie noticed how pale his mother looked, "You look really pale, Mom," he spoke in a worried voice, causing Kathy, Zachary, Lorian, Amanda, Saavik, Tuvok, George, and Lorian to gaze at her in concern. "You're not feeling well, are you? Have you told Dad yet?"

Arianne shook her head silently and Charlie promptly tossed the application on the floor, "Let's go get you checked, Mom," he said in a gentle, but firm voice. "I wanna make sure you're okay."

"We all do, Aunt Arianne," Lorian spoke up tonelessly. "You are important to many people."

At a loss for words over the love and concern, Arianne nodded and allowed the kids to help her.

Starfleet Medical

"Are you comfortable, Commander Spock?" Dr. M'Benga, who had been put in charge of Spock's treatment because of his knowledge and experience with Vulcan medicine, asked in a calm voice as he watched Spock lay on a table with his head covered by a metallic helmet that would deliver the radiation through Spock's brain to stabilize it. "I'm ready to begin."

Spock sighed softly as his gaze travelled to the console where Dr. M'Benga and Nyota stood, "I am prepared, Doctor," he spoke tonelessly. "I will most likely sleep during the treatment."

As Dr. M'Benga started the radiation treatment, Nyota noticed a concerned looking Amanda lingering at the window. Taking care to be quiet, Nyota went out into the hallway.

"Mom, we brought Aunt Arianne here," Amanda spoke softly. "She was very pale and admitted to Charlie that she was bleeding. That's why she didn't go to the trial this morning..."

Nyota frowned, "Where is Arianne now?" she asked in a concerned voice. "I want to help."

Amanda silently led Nyota down the corridor and into an exam room that was in the emergency section of the hospital. Arianne was curled up in bed with her eyes closed, breathing anxiously as Charlie sat on the bed, gently stroking her hair. Kathryn and Zachary were lingering near the bed while Saavik, Valeris, Lorian, Tuvok, and George watched Christine try to help her.

"Len...where's Len?" Arianne mumbled, pressing a fist against her chest. "My thy'la..."

Christine frowned as the biomonitor readings fluctuated dangerously, "My abdomen hurts, I'm bleeding, and I feel pain in my chest," Arianne whimpered anxiously. "It's really hard to..."

"Mom?" Charlie asked in a shocked voice as Arianne suddenly began to cough violently.

Christine frowned just as Leonard burst into the room, "I was on my way home with Joanna and I got a call from Kathy," he said in a gruff voice as he hurried over to the bed. "Arianne?"

Too weak to respond, Arianne nodded and wheezed anxiously, "It's just like at the Academy," she finally spoke in a weak voice, gazing at Leonard. "I had cancer then and I think I have it..."

"Arianne, that's impossible," Christine pleaded anxiously. "You had breast cancer a long..."

Leonard, however, gently removed Charlie from the bed and got a medical kit from a shelf, keeping silent as he scanned Arianne's body with a medical tricorder, "This says you have cancerous tumors in your ovaries and your lungs, darlin," he whispered in a scared voice.

"Nyota, please take all the kids," Arianne breathed anxiously as tears welled up in her eyes.

Nodding, Nyota quickly ushered Charlie, Kathy, Zachary, Amanda, Lorian, George, Saavil, Valeris, and Tuvok out of the room and nobody dared to protest because they all knew it could delay treatment, "I need to notify my father of this," Lorian spoke. "He and Arianne are close."

"We can go to the waiting room and call him," Nyota replied tearfully, knowing that she also had to let Spock know, as he and Arianne were extremely close friends. "Come on."

Starfleet Command

Jim sighed heavily as he sank down into the chair that was behind his desk and silently picked up the photo that he, Edith, Lorian, and George had taken in Paris just the year before; those were good times that were all but impossible to have now. Maybe he needed a vacation.

The trial had gone quicker and better than Jim had expected and now he found himself deciding how to spend the rest of his day since it hadn't taken long to file the paperwork on it. As Jim was preparing to leave, there was a knock on his door and he sighed, "Come," he said calmly.

A moment passed and the door slid open, revealing Antonia Parker, who had come to San Francisco when she hadn't heard back from Jim concerning the adoption papers, "Miss Parker, what can I do for you?" Jim asked kindly. "What brings you all the way to San Francisco?"

"I hadn't heard from you concerning the adoption application and I got concerned," Antonia replied in a concerned voice as she sat down. "I decided to come talk to you in person."

Jim nodded, "I apologize for my procrastination, but I've been dealing with post-mission things and one of my crew was almost murdered by a former Starfleet Admiral," he replied softly.

"I did see news of the trial," Antonia replied in an Australian accent. "I am so very sorry..."

Jim sighed, "It's all right, Miss Parker," he replied calmly. "As far as the application goes..."

Suddenly, the communicator terminal went off and giving Antonia an apologetic look, Jim answered the call and frowned at seeing Nyota, "Jim," she spoke softly. "I think you had better come to Starfleet Medical immediately. Arianne came in very sick and she has a recurrence..."

"Of the cancer she had in the Academy?!" Jim asked in a shocked voice, his eyes widening.

Nyota nodded, "She has tumors in her ovaries and her lungs," she replied in a worried voice.

"I'm coming over there right now," Jim replied anxiously. "You need to tell President Pike."

Without waiting for a reply, Jim ended the call and stood up, "I'm sorry, Miss Parker, we'll need to meet another day," he explained in a distressed voice. "I just received news that a very close friend of mine is now a patient at Starfleet Medical. Here's my card to contact me later."

Taking Jim's card, Antonia watched in silence as Jim silently hurried from the office.

Starfleet Medical

"Zank you for telling me," Pavel spoke in a concerned voice as the screen went black.

Fighting the urge to throw up, Pavel moved back to Hikaru's bedside and sat, now alone to look after Hikaru because Kathryn and Michael had gone to the surgical area to await news on Arianne. He had decided to stay with Hikaru and not only keep an eye on the sleeping Demora, but to also tell his friend the news about Arianne himself. Hikaru deserved to know.

As Pavel sat down, Hikaru stirred and gazed around the room in confusion before grabbing the stylus that Kathryn had left him. He silently, but quickly typed a message and held it out.

First Lady Pike and Michael were here. Where did they go and where is Demora?

"Deemora is right on ze bed, but Mrs. Pike and Michael went to ze surgery area," Pavel replied in an anxious voice as tears filled his eyes unexpectedly. "Arianne...has cancer in her body..."

Hikaru frowned and quickly covered his face so Pavel wouldn't see him cry, "Zey said zey vill come back ven zey know somesseing and I decided to stay here," Pavel spoke gently.

Deep in shock about Arianne being sick, all Hikaru could do was cry without using his voice.

Deeply exhausted from the fast surgery that he and Dr. Piper had had to perform on Arianne to remove her ovaries and the tumors from her lungs, Leonard sighed warily and gently stroked Arianne's hair. Because of the stasis field Arianne's body was in, Leonard could only sit by the bed and hold her hand. Besides having her lungs operated on and her ovaries removed, Arianne had a tube down her throat and tubes in her chest to protect her breathing and her lungs.

"Len, go rest," Dr. Piper said gently as he walked over to Arianne's bed. "She'll be fine."

Leonard scoffed, ignoring the fact that he was still in his surgical clothes and was emotionally drained from the surgery and the cancer, "Not happening," he replied in a tired voice. "Arianne needs me here and will be very confused when she wakes. I need to be with my wife."

Dr. Piper nodded, "Let people relieve you or at least eat whatever they bring you," he acquiesced, knowing how stubborn Leonard was. "I'll come back in a little while, all right?"

Nodding, Leonard's gaze remained on Arianne and he felt tears coming to his eyes, "Doctor," he suddenly heard Spock say in a weak, but clear voice. "Nyota informed me of the situation."

"Despite the admonition I gave Commander Spock to rest, he insisted on coming here," Dr. M'Benga explained calmly as Leonard turned to face them and saw Spock on his feet.

Leonard frowned, but allowed Spock room at Arianne's bedside, "When Nyota explained what happened, I had my suspicions as to the cause," Spock explained tonelessly. "I request permission to perform a meld with Arianne so that I may confirm if my suspicion is correct."

"Arianne trusts you, so I guess it's all right," Leonard replied softly. "Just...be careful."

Spock nodded and silently placed his hands on Arianne's face, closing his eyes as he did so because it would help his focus. For several moments, Spock was silent and then he let out a distressed sigh as he opened his eyes, which to Leonard's shock, were filled with tears.

"When the New Vulcan High Command forced my father to block the bond between him and myself, it severed the bond between himself and Arianne that only exists between a Vulcan who chooses to bestow pieces of katra to others," Spock explained softly. "Arianne is Human and the loss of that katra caused such a reaction in her that dormant cells came to life..."

Leonard frowned, "I am sure that it was unintentional to cause Arianne harm," Spock spoke tonelessly as he gripped the bedrail for support. "I apologize, but I am in need of rest now."

"Thanks for coming, Spock," Leonard replied calmly, watching as M'Benga led Spock out.

Presidential Mansion

"Thank you for bringing the children back, Lieutenant Uhura," President Pike spoke calmly.

Nyota, who had dragged the kids away from Starfleet Medical, nodded and sighed, "I'll go by the hospital when Arianne is stable and awake," President Pike explained softly. "Kathryn, Michael, and Admiral Kirk are all there right now, as is Leonard. I plan to relieve Leonard..."

Without warning, a brown envelope was tossed out of the family room and landed on the floor near the kitchen doorway, "What's this?" he asked as he bent down to pick up the envelope and eyed the address. "This is an application package for the downtown City College..."

"...Kathy, I can't do it," President Pike heard Charlie say anxiously. "Not with Mom so sick."

President Pike frowned and gazed at the application packet, "I should get home," Nyota spoke softly, nodding a goodbye as she left the house, intending to go back to her kids at home.

"I believe it's time for lunch," President Pike said calmly as he walked into the family room and saw Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary sitting on one couch, George sitting on a beanbag cushion, and Lorian sleeping on the other couch. "You can have whatever you want from the fridge."

Kathy, Zachary, and George got up and wandered into the kitchen, but Charlie remained where he was, "Were you the one who threw this?" President Pike asked, holding up the packet.

"I didn't get into university, so Kathy got that for me," Charlie explained softly. "I filled it out with Mom's help the other day and we were going to take it to the city college today, but she was tired this morning. I can't seriously go to college now that Mom's sick with cancer..."

President Pike scoffed, "Your mother also had cancer when she was in the Academy and it didn't stop her from living and I'm sure that if she were awake, she'd tell you to hand the application in," he replied firmly. "You wanted to become a nurse because of all the help you gave your father when he had cancer, didn't you? You shouldn't give up on your dream."

"They need me since Kathy and Zachary are going to university," Charlie protested softly.

President Pike sighed, "Your mother would want you to do this," he said in a firm voice.

"I..I'll take the application to the college after lunch," Charlie finally spoke tonelessly.

President Pike nodded and hugged Charlie as he stood up, "I'll go with you," he replied in a gentle, reassuring voice. "We'll go downtown and then you can help me with some work."

Spock's Family Residence

"Mother, I need to talk to you," Valeris said as Nyota entered the house. "It is important."

Nyota nodded and led Valeris into the living room, smiling as they sat down together on the couch, "I wish to learn more about my Romulan heritage and to also learn about your Human heritage, Mother," Valeris spoke softly. "I know Father is part-Vulcan, however, I cannot..."

"It's understandable that you're upset, Valeris," Nyota replied softly. "I do understand."

Valeris sighed, "I wish to study alien cultures and Communications so that I can understand how to help people of different cultures and alien races learn how to treat each other better," she explained tonelessly. "Is it possible to study those things even though I am still too young...?"

"We'll find a way so that you can, Valeris" Nyota replied softly. "If that is what you want."

Nodding, Valeris reached into her pocket and produced a PADD, "I have been doing research on Rura Penthe and those who were guards there," she explained tonelessly. "Ever since Father told us of what happened to him at the prison, I have wanted to know more about it."

"What did you find?" Nyota asked in an intrigued voice, unable to help her curiosity.

Valeris sighed, "This Valdore left her post on Rura Penthe approximately six months after giving birth to a son she named Jaron, as Father said," she explained tonelessly. "This Valdore moved back into the Romulan Empire with her son and both are now citizens of the Romulan Empire."

"Ah," Nyota spoke softly, sighing at Valeris. "At least we know that Jaron is alive and safe."

Valeris scoffed, "We cannot rescue him?" she asked angrily. "Zachary was rescued."

"No, Starfleet cannot rescue Jaron," Nyota replied softly. "Zachary was born in the Federation and was kidnapped against his will, as was your father. They escaped back to their world."

Valeris sighed sadly and Nyota patted her shoulder, "I know you care about your family and your heritage, Valeris, and I will do all I can to help you," Nyota spoke softly. "Give me a hug."

As Valeris hugged her mother, however, she silently vowed to someday contact Romulus and learn more about her brother.

Starfleet Medical

"I can't believe applying was that easy, Grandpa," Charlie spoke softly as he walked down the corridor alongside his grandfather. "Thanks for coming with me and helping me apply."

President Pike smiled, his arm around Charlie, "You've got a good chance because you worked really hard at your grandmother's school," he replied reassuringly. "Did you want to tell your mom about it after we take care of what I need to do? I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

Charlie didn't say anything, however, as he knew that his parents just wanted time to themselves for the moment. His eyes widened as they stopped just outside the atrium.

President Pike smiled as he led Charlie into the atrium and over to the sun window where Spock, who was wearing civilian clothes and slippers, sat in a padded armchair with his eyes closed and a dripline in his left hand, "Spock?" he asked in a quiet voice. "How are you?"

"I am as adequate as one can be following a radiation treatment," Spock replied tonelessly as he opened his eyes and looked up at President Pike and Charlie. "Please, sit down."

Knowing that Spock had no strength to sit up or even stand, President Pike and Charlie got chairs and sat near Spock, "I am hopeful that I will be released tomorrow and be able to do the rest of my treatments as an outpatient," Spock spoke tonelessly. "I am exhausted not only from today's treatments, however, but from giving comfort to Arianne via a personal mind meld."

"You visited my mom and gave her a mind meld?" Charlie asked softly. "Will it make her well?"

Spock sighed, "It will make her able to fight and defeat the illness, but I cannot take it away," he replied tonelessly, flexing his hands. "President Pike, is there a reason you came to visit?"

"There is, actually," President Pike replied calmly, recognizing that Spock was very tired and would probably want to return to his room soon. "You are probably aware that Admiral Barnett was stripped of rank and is currently in a high security cell until he can be shipped off planet."

Spock nodded, but didn't say anything, "Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to take on his duties once you're well enough to do so?" President Pike asked calmly. "You'd help cadets train for the Kobyashi Maru and you would also teach an Academy class from time to time."

"I will consider it," Spock replied tonelessly, cringing as he rose from his chair. "For the moment, however, I am going to return to my room and engage in a much needed rest."

Charlie immediately grabbed Spock's arm, "Let me help you," he spoke softly. "Please."

"That would be acceptable," Spock spoke tonelessly, as he was too tired and weak to argue.

In another part of the large hospital, Jim silently entered Arianne's hospital room and saw that Leonard was asleep in a chair beside the bed, his hand intertwined in Arianne's pale hand. He also saw that Kathryn and Michael were there, silently playing a game of checkers.

"I...I came to visit," Jim spoke softly. "Lorian and George are at President Pike's house."

Kathryn nodded and sighed, "Arianne still hasn't woken up, but Doctor Piper said that she probably won't for a while yet," she explained softly. "It's better for her body if she rests."

"Doctor McCoy's really stubborn," Michael piped up softly. "He won't leave my sister's side."

Jim nodded and quietly took a chair beside the checkers game, "I've been in touch with Joanna, Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary," Kathryn spoke calmly. "They'll come visit tomorrow morning."

"I'm here now," Charlie spoke as he and President Pike entered the room and President Pike silently sat near the checkers game while Charlie went close to the bed. "I want to help."

Knowing that Arianne needed as much support as possible, nobody chose to protest.

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