Four Days Later

Oval Office - Starfleet Presidential Mansion

The Starfleet Oval Office was heavily decorated and several members of Starfleet sat in chairs in front of a podium where President Harriman stood dressed in full military dress. Behind him sat several Admirals and a nervous looking Johnny, all of whom were in dress uniforms. Reporters took in the entire scene.

"Members of Starfleet, respected alliances, and civilians, I am Admiral John Harriman, President of Starfleet," President Harriman said in a calm voice. "I come here to address a problem that has been growing within our ranks for many years now despite my predecessor's attempts to lessen it. That problem is indifference and the lack of acceptance we find among each other as a fleet. Several years ago, my son and I were prisoners on Rura Penthe and there was much unity to be found among prisoners there simply because we all shared the common goal of surviving to see another day. I am saddened to see that we as Starfleet do not seem to share the common goal of making ourselves better and doing all we can do find a better tomorrow. Let me now get into specifics of what I mean…"

Starfleet Medical

"…Heekaru, Preseedent Harreman eez talking about you," Hikaru heard Pavel speak gently.

Yawning, Hikaru opened his eyes and turned his head towards the screen, "…Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu worked very hard to build a respectable Starfleet career and simply because he chose to take responsibility for a choice he made, the majority of Starfleet has shunned him for several years," President Harriman said in a concerned voice. "Perhaps Starfleet should have also shunned me when I made the choice with the assistance of Captain Spock to beam my dying son back to Earth so he could have a chance, but they chose not to. People make choices every day and as we all know, choices have consequences that we can either run from or take responsibility for. Lieutenant Sulu had a relationship with a Starfleet terrorist, yes, but he took the responsibility that came along and also chose to become a father when he found out he was one. No matter how difficult a choice may seem to make, we as Starfleet cannot turn our backs on one of our own when they are in need of help. Now, on to…"

Hikaru sighed as he looked down at Demora, who had come with Pavel, Joanna, David, and Lenny to visit and watch the speech, but had fallen asleep after lunch. David and Lenny were asleep on the visiting couch and Joanna was silently sitting there, watching her two little ones have an afternoon nap.

"It's not going to make a difference, Pavel," Hikaru spoke softly. "Pike tried talking about it once."

Pavel, who was sitting at Hikaru's bedside, sighed and gently patted his friend's IV-laden hand, "You must not lose hope zat ze vords vill make an eempact," he spoke softly. "How are you feeling?"

"I am back to having tubes in my intestines and restricted in walking until I'm stronger, but I need to be positive for Demora," Hikaru replied in a tired voice, his eyes on the screen. "Thank you for coming."

Pavel nodded, "Charlie got home from ze hospeetal yesterday and eweryone eez fussing ower him, so eet is better for Joanna and I to be here veeth you today," he replied. "Zachary ees also doeeing better."

"…What will it take before Starfleet realizes the need for unity within itself is the only way to guarantee that it has a future in our constantly growing universe?" President Harriman's voice rang out in a passionate tone. "Will we realize the need for unity soon or pay the price for continued ignorance?"

Thunderous applause filled the Oval Office and Hikaru sighed, "Did you get a new assignment yet, Pavel?" he asked quietly. "Surely you will be given one that you and your family will enjoy."

"Zere hawe been offers, but eet vould mean leafing my family on Earth," Pavel replied quietly. "I am not veeling to do zat, so Admeeral Pike is going to hawe me teach some Secureety classes at ze Academy for ze year. Zey are ze basic classes zat all ze new cadets vill need to know and he trusts me to teach zem."

Hikaru nodded, "The city college invited me back to work in the fall as a professor of computer courses and I may take it," he replied quietly. "Pike said I can do tutoring for Starfleet Academy, but it doesn't pay very much. It's not likely anyone will want me to serve on a ship with my past and a daughter."

"You look wery tired," Pavel said calmly. "Vy don't you rest and I vill get you some lunch?"

Swallowing hard, Hikaru nodded and drifted off as Pavel shut off the TV and left the room.

Starfleet Presidential Mansion

"Dad, here's some water," Johnny said in an anxious voice as he walked over to the chair where his father was sitting and handed him a glass of water. "That was a very well-done speech, by the way."

President Harriman smiled and took the glass, "I only hope people will take it to heart," he replied in a calm voice as Jim, Lorian, and George, who had attended the speech simply to give George a better look into Starfleet politics, approached, "Well, Admiral Kirk, how are you and your young men today?"

"I was curious about the political workings of Starfleet, so I asked my dad if we could come watch your speech in person, sir," George spoke up in a tone that was riddled with emotion. "It was interesting."

Jim smiled, but his smile faded as George cringed, "Is it your leg?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"My growth seems to be affecting how well my artificial limb is able to fulfill its purpose," George spoke apologetically, bowing to President Harriman before limping away with Lorian at his young heels.

President Harriman frowned, "The artificial leg needs to be replaced in the next few years, but Starfleet doesn't have the materials New Vulcan does for that," Jim replied sadly. "I am afraid to approach them, as I know they are less than satisfied with Lorian and Amanda's engagement because of her temper."

"I have noticed that Amanda does take after her mother quite a bit," President Harriman observed.

Jim smirked, "Captain Spock, Uhura, and their kids are at the hospital with Jaron so everyone can get to know one another," he explained, the smirk fading. "David's still in the medicated coma that he was put in after they found a Romulan slug in his brain. I'm not sure why he was subjected to that kind of…"

"Who knows with the Romulans, Admiral," President Harriman spoke calmly. "Have a seat, please."

Nodding, Jim sat down, "Dad, may I go to the McCoy's house and visit?" Johnny asked quietly.

"Be back before suppertime," President Harriman replied, sighing as Johnny nodded and left.

President Harriman sighed, "Admiral, I was wondering what your career plans are?" he asked in a kind voice. "I know you've been helping Admiral Pike prepare applicants for the Academy, but I wonder if you've given any thought to returning to space exploration? Perhaps taking on another ship?"

"George is only 17 and he wants to go to college, so I'm not sure how I'd feel about taking on command of another vessel, sir," Jim replied reluctantly. "Besides, I'm not sure how David's recovery is going to pan out and I'm the only family he has available to him here. I simply couldn't leave him behind."

President Harriman nodded, "It's not a decision you have to make right away, but you should know that the NCC-1701 will be decommissioned in the next few years and new vessels will be built," he replied in a calm voice. "With all these new opportunities to explore, Starfleet needs stronger ships."

"I agree, sir," Jim replied in a calm voice even though he was sad about losing his first vessel.

President Harriman smiled, "I know what it's like to lose a ship, as I lost the Sea of Tranquility, Admiral," he replied in a kind voice. "Anyway, the new ships will need good Captains to head them and I can't help but wonder what plans Lieutenant Sulu has for his future? He has the potential to be a great Captain."

"Admiral Pike arranged for Lieutenant Sulu to tutor Academy students once he's well enough," Jim replied in a quiet voice. "Right now, though, Sulu is under strict orders because of his relapse."

President Harriman frowned, "Had I been aware earlier that Admiral Pike's arrangements were ignored, I would have intervened faster," he replied calmly. "I'll be ordering all members of the shuttle service to sensitivity training and I'll court martial anyone who cares to let indifference stand in the way of unity."

"Sir, may I ask a personal question?" Jim asked quietly. "Was it hard to reflect on Rura Penthe today?"

President Harriman smiled, "Life in general is hard, but you push on," he replied calmly, rising as Admiral Pike and several other members of the Admiralty approached. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Admiral Kirk."

Nodding, Jim rose and made his way over to where Lorian and George were sitting together, silently sampling a dairy-free dish with their hands. Jim silently sat beside them and joined in the activity.

Starfleet Housing

"That speech was excellent," Kathryn said in a calm voice as she sat down on the couch next to Charlie, who was silently looking over his cadet stylus with a worried expression. "Why are you so worried?"

Arianne, who was sitting on the loveseat next to Leonard, smiled as Kathy and Zachary came out of the kitchen, "I believe today is the day that letters get sent out," she commented softly. "Isn't it?"

Charlie nodded and suddenly paused as a message showed up, "Attention Charlie Tucker McCoy, you are hereby invited to take a place in the Command and Medical tracks within the Starfleet Academy class of 2282 beginning this September," he spoke, his voice shaking. "To accept, please respond…"

"I also got in," Zachary spoke quietly. "I received my letter of acceptance to Command earlier."

Leonard smiled, "And of course my namesake got in," Kathryn said, smiling at Kathy.

"Zachary, Charlie, there will be plenty of time for celebration later, but you two and Kathy should have a nap since you were up til 0100 last night playing poker," Leonard spoke up calmly. "I hear everything."

Arianne chuckled as Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary all trudged upstairs, "Arianne, there's something I should probably talk to you about," Leonard said in a quiet voice. "Doctor Piper and I have been talking quite a bit since Admiral Harriman was made President of Starfleet and some changes are coming."

"Changes?" Arianne asked in a concerned voice. "They're not shipping you off world, are they?"

Leonard shook his head, "I wouldn't do that to you or our children," he replied reassuringly.

Arianne nodded, but said nothing, "Command wants to make me the Dean of Medical Studies at Starfleet Academy beginning in September," Leonard said slowly. "I suspect it's because Charlie will be entering that track and Doctor Piper wants to give him the best chance at succeeding as a cadet."

"I think that'll be a good place for you," Arianne replied softly. "Doctor Piper would like me to be Chief Counselor at Starfleet Medical and teach Psychology classes at the Academy from time to time."

Kathryn smiled as she stood up, "If you two lovebirds will excuse me, I think I am going to head home and be there when Michael and Christopher come back," she said calmly. "Chris is at the speech and Michael is out on a walk with young Rebecca Taylor. Today is her 18th birthday, you know."

"Oh, Mom, please stay for supper and we'll invite Dad, Michael, and Rebecca over too," Arianne spoke in a concerned voice as she stood up, wanting to spend as much time with her mother as possible.

Kathryn hesitated a moment and nodded, returning to the couch, "Thank you," she replied softly.

Starfleet Medical

"Papa, Mama, what is that shiny object in the sky?" Jaron asked, his voice shaky and lifeless as he sat upon Spock and Nyota's laps near the atrium window and eyed the sun since he could not point at it.

Spock sighed patiently, "That is the sun, Jaron," he spoke tonelessly. "It is vital to all living things."

"It looks very small," Jaron observed quietly, leaning against his parents. "I am really sleepy."

Nyota gently stroked Jaron's hair as he laid down across their laps, "Our daily lesson will conclude here," Spock spoke tonelessly, knowing Jaron had a very long recovery ahead. "You require rest now, my son."

"Mother, Father, I was accepted into the Academy," Amanda, who was seated on a couch with Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok, spoke tonelessly. "I am quite relieved. I was not sure if I was going to get in."

Saavik dared a small smile, "I was also accepted," she spoke tonelessly. "It is very pleasing to me."

"What about you, Valeris?" Nyota asked kindly, noting that Valeris was being strangely quiet.

Valeris sighed, "I was accepted, but my performance will be monitored for my first year," she replied tonelessly, her mood stable and Vulcan-like only for Jaron's sake. "I am pleased for the opportunity."

"Valeris, why are you sad?" Jaron asked sleepily, eyeing her. "You are a really good sister."

Spock raised an eyebrow, but sighed as he stood with Jaron in his arms, "Let us go put Jaron in his bed for a rest and then we will talk," he spoke tonelessly, eyeing Valeris. "We shall go as a family."

Silence filled the corridor as Jaron was returned to his bed, "Can you read me a story later?" Jaron asked sleepily as he fell asleep with his arms around his stuffed animal and his body in a safe position.

"My position overseeing Academy Bridge training sessions and exams will be a good use of my time and allow me to assist in Jaron's rehabilitation," Spock spoke tonelessly. "Your mother's new position as Chief of Starfleet Communications will undoubtedly keep her busy, so I will be needed by you all."

Nyota blushed, "Scotty's got a tougher job," she replied. "He's in charge of designing ships."

At that moment, Nyota found herself being hugged by Spock and couldn't help but smile.

Starfleet Shuttle Bay

"I cannae believe it, Daanan," Scotty breathed anxiously. "Me, in charge of designing starships."

Daanan smiled as she watched her brother quietly open a bottle of root beer before handing it to Keenser, "Uncle Monty, are you gonna make starships?" Peter asked in an excited voice as he sat beside his mother, uncle, and Keenser at the table where Scotty would soon draft designs. "Can I fly them?"

"Maybe when yer a little older, lad," Scotty replied, smiling. "Yes, I will be drawing the starships."

Peter nodded, "Can I have a root beer too, please?" he asked eagerly. "Can I draw a picture too?"

"You can have a root beer with supper, Peter," Daanan spoke kindly. "But, yes, you can draw."

Scotty smiled as he got paper and crayons for Peter to draw with, "I'm gonna make a card for Mommy's boyfriend since he's sick in the hospital," Peter said eagerly as he began to draw pictures.

"Mommy and Mister Sulu are just friends," Daanan spoke gently as Scotty gave her a look. "What?"

Scotty grinned, "I think Sulu and ye would be perfect for each other, but ye both are not ready for a serious relationship just yet," he replied gently. "Ye both have been through so much already."

"Oh, Monty, I know," Daanan replied softly. "I just intend to be Lieutenant Sulu's friend for now."

Scotty sighed, "I'm hoping that I can find permanent work soon so I don't keep have to mooching off you," Daanan replied softly, sighing as Peter continued to draw. "It's not fair to you, Monty."

"Ye are my sister, Daanan," Scotty replied firmly. "Now, help me design a prototype starship."

Daanan sighed and waited as Scotty got out drafting tools and began to brainstorm ideas.

Starfleet Academy Grounds

"18 and accepted to Starfleet Academy, Michael," Rebecca said in an enthused voice. "I'm excited."

Michael smiled as he put an arm around Rebecca, "Mom will be back to her old self by September, so I'll be able to focus on the Academy," he replied softly. "I would have cried had you not got in."

There was a peaceful silence and Rebecca snuggled close to Michael, unaware that Admiral Pike had seen them and was walking down the path towards them. The sight of Michael and Rebecca sitting together warmed Chris's heart and he knew that those two would someday marry and have children.

"Dad, how are you?" Admiral Pike heard Michael ask calmly. "Rebecca's birthday is today and…"

Admiral Pike smiled, "And we both got into the Academy, sir," Rebecca finished nervously.

"Oh, excellent," Admiral Pike replied calmly. "Michael, why don't you bring Rebecca and we'll all go over to Leonard and Arianne's for supper tonight? There is certainly great reason for celebration."

Rebecca smiled, "My mother will wonder where I've gone, surely," she replied in a worried voice.

"Oh, your mother was at the Presidential speech with your little brother and I believe they ran into Admiral Kirk, who was there with his sons," Admiral Pike replied, smiling. "They will be just fine."

Rebecca looked surprised, but nodded and stood up with Michael, "I'll come over, I guess," she replied, secretly pleased that her mother had found comfort in Admiral Kirk. "Thank you for inviting me."

Starfleet Medical

"I'll only be a moment and then we can go out for supper in San Francisco," Jim promised as Gillian sat on the couch with Gabriel, Lorian, and George outside of the hospital room where Dr. Piper was waiting to talk to him concerning David. "George, rest your leg on the couch. I know it hurts you right now."

George nodded and did as he was told as Jim silently entered the hospital room and was surprised to see that Dr. Piper was quietly talking to David, who was conscious, but looked very weak, "Admiral Kirk, I thought I would tell you that David is awake and doing much better," Dr. Piper said in a kind voice.

"I-I'm sorry for losing my temper," David spoke weakly, having made up his mind to make the best of being on Earth until he was either dead or reunited with his people. "I cannot apologize enough."

Jim sighed, knowing that the slug had most likely caused unnatural aggression in David, "It's fine and I'll relay your apology to Commander McCoy," he replied calmly. "How are you feeling right now, David?"

"Very weak," David replied softly, his eyes full of tiredness. "Would it be all right if I wished to rest?"

Jim nodded and David immediately drifted off to sleep, "I'll drop by later," Jim spoke quietly.

Dr. Piper nodded and Jim silently left the room, feeling heartsick and shaky about his latest interaction with David, "We…we should get going to supper," Jim said in a tired voice. "I'm actually quite hungry."

Elsewhere in the hospital, Hikaru lay in bed asleep, his room empty since Pavel and Joanna had taken Demora with themselves, David, and Lenny for supper. His supper remained untouched on a tray.

Something as simple as walking his daughter from home to school had sent Hikaru's body into a physical tailspin that had set his recovery back several months. As much as Hikaru had wanted Demora to stay for dinner, he knew he would probably sleep through the supper period and wake up hungry later.

The door slid open, but Hikaru didn't wake because he figured it was yet another medical staffer come to check his vitals or lecture him about missing meals. He had very little strength available to him now.

"Your dinner's going to get cold if you don't eat," Hikaru suddenly heard a calm, familiar voice say.

Wondering why the President of Starfleet would come to visit him of all places where he could go, Hikaru opened his eyes and shakily sat up even though he knew he would be sick, "President Harriman, what can I do for you?" he asked in a tired voice. "I was extremely tired after hearing your speech."

President Harriman nodded and took a seat beside the bed, "When you're sick or injured, eating can be such a chore," he replied calmly. "I remember when I was first rescued; I couldn't physically eat anything even if Johnny asked me to. I understand that you became ill after walking Demora to school?"

"I had very little choice, sir," Hikaru replied quietly. "The transport…refused to pick us up."

President Harriman nodded, frowning as Hikaru laid back down, "Sorry, sir," Hikaru apologized.

"Quite all right, Lieutenant," President Harriman replied kindly. "What are your plans?"

Hikaru frowned, "My plans are to get better and then maybe take a job as a computer professor at the city college," he replied weakly. "Admiral Pike says I can tutor Academy students, but it's not enough…"

"Have you thought about taking an accelerated Command track?" President Harriman asked calmly.

Hikaru shook his head, "I see a great deal of potential in you and since Starfleet will be building better ships to keep up with the times, those ships will need good Captains," President Harriman explained.

"I have a daughter, sir," Hikaru replied quietly. "I can't take a child so young on a starship…"

President Harriman smiled, "These new ships will not be ready for a few years," he replied reassuringly, gazing at Hikaru calmly. "If you're worried about how you're going to support Demora and yourself, I'm sure arrangements can be made. I brought you an outline of what an accelerated track would look like."

Extending his shaking hands, Hikaru accepted the stylus President Harriman offered and briefly skimmed it, "It's a very light load of courses," he commented quietly. "Would I be welcome on campus, though?"

"Admiral Pike is Academy Superintendent, so I don't believe there will be an issue," President Harriman replied in a kind voice. "I won't pester you all day, but I'd highly encourage you to consider the idea."

Hikaru sighed, "Thank you for visiting, sir," he replied quietly, holding the stylus close to him.

Nodding, President Harriman smiled and left the room. Setting the stylus aside, Hikaru slowly sat up in bed, uncovered the tray, and slowly started to eat. Food would help him be able to think clearly.

New Vulcan

"You requested assistance?" Jeris heard a toneless voice ask. "The Human aide said you did."

Jeris sighed and opened his eyes, "That Human does have a name and it's Aaron Locarno," he replied in a tired voice, unable to do more than lie in his hospital bed due to punctured lungs, a shattered leg, and healing internal injuries brought forth by the crash of his pod. "Who exactly are you?"

Aaron Locarno, who had taken a job as a patient aide at the hospital since coming to New Vulcan on a refugee transport to escape Zachary's wrath, sighed, "This is Stonn, sir," he replied politely.

"I am well aware that most Vulcans are uneasy about my presence here, but I am grateful that I was not left in the desert to die or be eaten by le'matayas," Jeris spoke calmly. "I wish to send a message."

Stonn raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, "I wish to warn Romulus that Khan Noonien Singh is free and roaming space in a stolen Romulan vessel," Jeris spoke in a distressed voice. "Khan killed my son."

"It is most unfortunate that I cannot be of help," Stonn replied tonelessly. "Off-world communication is restricted to worlds within the Federation per regulations given by the New Vulcan High Command."

Aaron frowned at Stonn, "Healer Stonn, please, can you not show some compassion to this individual given that he has lost his son?" he asked in a concerned voice. "It is tough to lose those we love."

Stonn was quiet for a moment as he reflected on losing T'Pring when Vulcan was destroyed, "Do not speak of this to anyone," he replied tonelessly as he moved the portable communications terminal over to where Jeris could reach it. "I will remain while you send your communication. Do it quickly."

Jeris's hands shook as he typed a message warning Romulus of Khan being in possession of a stolen Romulan vessel, his marooning on New Vulcan, and of how David and Jaron were now missing, "That is all I can manage," he finally spoke, dropping his hands to the blanket. "How do I send it off to them?"

Stonn sighed calmly as he sent the message and stepped away, "I am sorry to have troubled you," Jeris spoke in a weak voice, his anger over losing David wanting to erupt. "The loss of my son is very hard…"

"I understand," Stonn replied tonelessly. "Are you up to eating? I can have food prepared for you."

Jeris nodded and Stonn bowed as he left the hospital room, "Mister Locarno, your presence on New Vulcan intrigues me," he spoke in a tired voice. "It is not often a Human chooses to live here."

"It was recommended that I live here after I was expelled from the Academy preparation class," Aaron replied in a quiet voice. "I assisted some larger cadets in assaulting a pre-cadet with invisible disabilities named Charlie McCoy. I do not believe in Starfleet's philosophy of catering to those with disabilities."

Jeris raised an eyebrow at the mention of Charlie McCoy, as to him, it meant that Arianne McCoy's children had grown considerably and had entered Starfleet, "Charlie's brother, Zachary, threatened to kill me if I didn't get off the planet," Aaron explained anxiously. "Valeris recommended I come here."

"I see," Jeris replied quietly, intrigued that a hybrid girl was keeping Zachary from becoming like Khan.

Realizing that he had gone far off of his assigned duties, Aaron bowed, "Forgive me, Jeris, I am to help your comfort by assisting you in changing your clothes and also changing your bedclothes," he spoke in the more dignified tone the Vulcans expected of him. "Might I assist you in transitioning to a chair?"

As Jeris allowed himself to be helped into a chair so Aaron could do his duties, his mind wandered to how the information he now had could be of help. Could he someday regain the power he once had using those who took sympathy to help him as he was now?

Please read and review!

Also, should I end the story here and make a new one or continue on?