November

Starfleet Hockey Academy

Stabs of pain filled Jim's abdomen as he lay in bed, trying to get some rest before he had to get up and get the bus to Atlanta for Sam's wedding. The Academy had offered to buy him a plane ticket, but Jim had declined, as he didn't want to be more of a burden to anyone.

In the last few days, however, Jim had suddenly gotten abdominal pains and hadn't been able to keep food down and he wondered if it was from anxiety or the flu. He had managed to get through classes simply by keeping quiet and keeping his head down in assignments.

As Jim opened his eyes and tried to sit up, intense pain caused him to curl into a ball with his hands over his abdomen and let out a whimper, "Jim?" he suddenly heard Leonard say.

"Go away, Bones, I'm sick," Jim mumbled crossly, wanting to be left alone to sleep.

Leonard, who had been up for a while and was getting ready for class, frowned as he walked over to the bed, "I'm a doctor," he spoke calmly, touching Jim's forehead. "You've got a fever."

"Help me get up," Jim spoke shakily, making no effort to move. "I have to catch the bus."

Trembling anxiously, Jim pulled himself into a sitting position with a hand on his abdomen, "I'm calling for a medical van," Leonard said in a firm voice. "You're in no condition to go anywhere."

Feeling the urge to vomit because of the pain, Jim slid back into bed and remained curled up, "It might be your appendix," Leonard said in an anxious voice as he went over to the phone.

Devastated that he would probably miss Sam's wedding and damage their newly repaired relationship, Jim whimpered and kept quiet while Leonard called for a medical van, "Is there anything you want to take to the infirmary with you?" Leonard asked, returning to the bed.

"Call Sam and tell him I'm sorry," Jim spoke shakily, tears coming to his tired eyes. "I…"

The sound of sirens filled the quiet morning air as the medical van neared Pike Hall, drowning out the rest of Jim's feeble words, "It's okay," Leonard soothed, rubbing Jim's back gently.

Infirmary - Starfleet Hockey Academy

"Oh, Dean Archer, you honestly didn't have to get me an office," Mark said in an awed voice as he followed Dean Archer into a nicely decorated office that doubled as an exam room.

Dean Archer smiled, "It's good you decided to come back," he replied encouragingly.

"Yes, well, I need something to fill the time when I'm not on call at San Francisco General," Mark replied in a calm voice. "Since I'm also a counselor, I think I can be a big help here."

Dean Archer nodded and frowned as the sound of sirens filled the hallway, "It's a bit early for a medical van to be out," he said in a concerned voice. "Do you want a patient this early?"

Nodding, Mark silently trudged down the hallway and into the exam room, deeply shocked when he saw Jim curled up in a ball on the gurney while Leonard lingered beside him.

"He went rigid in the medical van and wouldn't let anyone touch him," Leonard explained.

Mark nodded and gazed at Jim kindly, "Hi there, Jim," he spoke gently. "Not feeling well?"

"My stomach," Jim spoke quietly, not moving. "I can't eat because I keep puking."

Mark sighed and responded by moving over to the gown closet and extracting a clean hospital gown before returning to the bed, "You don't look so good, my friend," he spoke calmly. "Your pajamas look soaked through and I can't imagine that's very comfortable for you, now is it?"

"No," Jim spoke quietly, wondering when he was going to be stripped and restrained.

Again, Mark nodded, "I'm sure you would feel better if perhaps Doctor McCoy were to help you out of those sweaty clothes and into this gown?" he suggested gently. "I'll get you a blanket."

Swallowing hard, Jim nodded, slowly sat up, and allowed Leonard to carefully change him from sweaty pajamas into a hospital gown, "You will probably need your appendix out," Mark said as he quickly got a blanket for Jim. "I haven't had a chance to look at your records yet, but is…?"

"I can't be knocked out," Jim spoke weakly. "I've had too much before and almost died."

Mark frowned, but nodded, "Why can't Jim have an epidural?" Leonard asked worriedly.

There was a heavy silence and Leonard swallowed hard, worried that he might have overstepped his bounds because he was technically a student, "That should work, McCoy, but there aren't nurses awake yet," Mark spoke calmly. "I can administer it if you hold him."

Unknown to anyone, Dean Archer had followed Mark and was now silently watching the whole interaction, "Can you sit up for me, Jim?" Leonard asked quietly. "You're gonna get a little shot in your back so you can remain awake for the surgery and I'm going to hold you, okay?"

Swallowing hard, Jim slowly sat up and Mark quickly prepared the supplies, "Dean…Archer?" Jim asked in a groggy voice, spotting the dean as he clung to Leonard. "What are you doing…?"

"Don't worry about anything but getting well," Dean Archer replied, deeply disturbed that Kirk had all but admitted to being nearly murdered by anesthetic overdoses courtesy of Frank. "If it's all right with you, I'm going to contact Captain Pike and let him know what's happening."

Jim nodded, wincing as he felt the shot go into his back and his body being eased back down.

"Surgery?" Captain Pike asked in a worried voice as he sat down in the dean's visitors chairs.

Dean Archer nodded, "You know I wouldn't summon you to the dean's office this early if it weren't important," he replied in a concerned voice. "Kirk's got appendicitis and it's doubtful that he'll be well enough to play until after the term break. He was also scheduled to…"

"I'll call Sam Kirk personally," Captain Pike interrupted softly. "I hope he understands."

Raising an eyebrow, Dean Archer nodded, "I'm not looking to let Uhura back on the team anytime soon because her attitude's gotten worse," Captain Pike commented, scowling. "She exposed Professor Marcus's whole reason for being here and that complicates things…"

"Less students go into town now that they know that Romulans might be around," Dean Archer replied calmly. "They don't want any part of the problems that the Romulans are causing; they just want to study and have fun playing hockey. If there are less problems between now and the hockey exhibition in April, that's better for us. The Romulans are insisting on involving us."

Before Captain Pike could reply, there was a knock at the door, "Come," Dean Archer said.

The door opened and a nervous looking Gaila came into the room accompanied by a stern looking Spock, "I was wondering if you knew where Uhura was?" Gaila asked worriedly. "She and Sulu went out last night and haven't come back yet. They wanted to talk about her parents, I think, and they were going to go to dinner and to the park. I'm worried, so I woke Spock."

Captain Pike frowned, but Dean Archer looked angry, "I'm assuming at least one of them has a cell-phone, correct?" he asked sternly. "Phone them and find out where exactly they are."

Downtown San Francisco

"We should have gone back hours ago, Uhura," Hikaru said in an anxious voice as he followed Nyota into a small, dingy looking diner that was near the Bridge. "We broke curfew because of what happened. We need to go back."

Nyota sighed, "I'm already on suspension from the team and everyone shuns me," she replied in a frosty voice as she sat on a stool at the counter. "They think I helped Finney."

"I don't believe you did, but your attitude's kind of alarming," Hikaru replied worriedly.

Nyota nodded and sighed, "I know we shouldn't have walked around the city all night, but I've just been sad since my parents died and I heard a few days ago that Khan Noonien Singh was given amnesty by Romulus," she explained sadly. "He got away with killing my parents and nobody is trying to get that overturned. I thought that the Vulcans would at least try..."

"My parents emailed me and told me that the Romulans are pushing for a hockey meet at the Vulcan Embassy that involves all the teams in their alliances," Hikaru spoke nervously.

Nyota frowned, but said nothing, "My parents wanted me to stop focusing on hockey and study at a university closer to home," she finally said sadly. "I wanted to stay where I was."

Hikaru nodded, "I contemplated suicide after my parents were killed, but I decided not to do it," Nyota confessed softly. "I've been a bit of a jerk to everyone and I'm really sorry."

"I attempted it," Hikaru replied softly. "I'm nervous because we might have to play…"

Suddenly, both Hikaru's cell-phone began to ring and he quickly answered, sensing that they were both in a lot of trouble for breaking curfew and staying out all night without calling.

"Hello?" Hikaru asked quietly, sighing when he heard Captain Pike's angry voice on the other end of the line. "Yes, sir, I apologize for worrying you. Uhura and I will come back right away."

Sighing, Hikaru ended the call and put the phone back in his pocket, "We should get the bus back," he said in a worried voice. "Pike sounded angry on the phone, so I expect trouble."

"So do I," Nyota agreed, reflecting on what had happened to them as she got up and followed Hikaru from the deserted diner.

Infirmary - Starfleet Hockey Academy

Soft beeping greeted Phlox as he strolled into the surgical area and saw Jim awake and lying on an operating table while Mark, Leonard, and several nurses worked around him, "What's going on here?" Phlox asked suspiciously. "I don't recall there being any surgeries scheduled."

"Emergency appendectomy, Doctor Phlox," Mark replied calmly. "It was unplanned."

Phlox nodded, "Why is Mister Kirk awake?" he asked in a softer voice. "He should be…"

"I was almost killed by being forcibly overdosed on anesthesia," Jim spoke softly, as he was feeling tired from the epidural and wanted to rest. "Bones said I could have an…"

Leonard sighed, "An epidural, sir," he finished quietly. "I thought it would be a good idea."

"How is the surgery proceeding?" Phlox asked, seeing that it was well under way.

Jim frowned and looked to Leonard worriedly, unable to speak because an oxygen mask had been placed over his face to keep him relaxed during the surgery, "Um," Leonard said.

Anxiety filled Jim and he tried to move his arms, "Your appendix burst, but it's okay," Leonard said quickly, seeing Jim's anxiety. "I'm an experienced surgeon and I have good backup."

Feeling unsure, Jim sighed heavily and looked back up at the ceiling, determined to be brave.

"Did someone bother calling Jim's brother?" Leonard asked as he continued to work.

Phlox sighed, "I will check with Captain Pike," he replied calmly as he left the room.

Starfleet Hockey Academy

"…Is Doctor Kirk there?" Captain Pike, who had retreated to his office to phone Jim's brother and let him know about Jim's illness, asked as he faced a pretty young woman on the special video phone in his office. "My name is Christopher Pike and I'm with the Starfleet…"

There was a silence as a man's face came into view, "Hi there, Mister Pike," Sam said warmly.

"Doctor Kirk, it's nice to meet you," Captain Pike replied. "You look much like your father."

Sam raised an eyebrow, but nodded, "Anyway, I was calling to tell you that James came down with a case of appendicitis and is currently having surgery for it," Captain Pike spoke in a concerned voice, noting Sam's immediate frown. "He won't be able to come to Atlanta…"

There was a heavy silence, "When will he wake from the anesthesia?" Sam finally asked.

Captain Pike frowned, "The Academy doctors weren't able to put James under because James mentioned that he had almost been killed by an overdose of anesthetic in the past and was fearful of what more would do," he replied in a quiet voice. "He was given an epidural."

Sam turned away from the phone and swore, suddenly realizing that Frank had done more than he thought mortally possible to Jim, "Um, I'm speechless," Sam finally said, turning around.

Captain Pike didn't reply, "I hope Jim's all right, honestly," Sam continued quietly. "I'm getting married in a couple of days and I had no idea when to expect him. I wish I could do more."

"If you would like me to, I can phone you back when I have an update," Captain Pike offered.

Sam nodded, "Yeah," he replied shakily. "Thanks for calling me….I appreciate it."

The screen went black and Captain Pike sighed just as there was a knock at the door, "Come in," he replied in a tired voice, already wanting to go back to bed. "It had better be important."

There was a sigh and the door opened, revealing Hikaru and Nyota standing there in street clothes that were unnaturally dirty and rumpled, "Sulu, Uhura, where have you two been?" Captain Pike asked in a stern voice.

"I needed to get away from campus and I asked Sulu to come with me because I needed someone to talk to who wasn't going to judge me," Nyota spoke softly, her tone neutral.

Captain Pike raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, "I've been very depressed and unhappy since my parents were killed and my behavior's been out of anger over the fact that it happened," Nyota explained softly. "What made me leave campus was that I heard through the news that Khan Noonien Singh was given amnesty by Romulus and allowed to leave prison."

"I had heard that," Captain Pike replied in a quiet voice. "Did your little sojourn help?"

Nyota nodded and Captain Pike suddenly noticed that Hikaru looked ashen, "I'm the son of diplomats and I got major anxiety last time I played against Romulans," Hikaru whispered.

"That's not til April and we don't even know if the entire Academy will be required to participate," Captain Pike replied firmly. "Now, you both are very aware that breaking Academy curfew is a violation of policy and so I'm putting you on campus restriction for this weekend."

Hikaru sighed and nodded, "That's fair, sir," Nyota replied softly. "We worried you."

"Did either of you happen to see the Romulans while you were out?" Captain Pike asked.

Nyota swallowed hard, "We saw them living in a darker section of the park," she replied softly.

"They tried to get us to go with them," Hikaru spoke up nervously. "There…was a fight."

Captain Pike frowned, "Hikaru took a lot of shots," Nyota spoke anxiously. "I thought…"

"Sulu, why don't you go back to your dorm?" Captain Pike said softly. "Miss Uhura, stay."

Nyota hesitated, "I'd rather go back to my dorm and take a shower," she replied stiffly.

For a moment, Captain Pike was silent and then he silently pressed a button on his multi-purpose intercom, "Security to my office now," he said, realizing the worst had happened.

Infirmary

"McCoy, do you have a moment?" Phlox asked as he walked over to Leonard and saw that the younger physician was watching as Mark talked to Jim, who was resting in a bed within the Recovery unit of the small hospital. "I wanted to talk to you about this surgery."

Swallowing hard, Leonard nodded, "I know I should have called you and let you make the call about it, but I had no idea of knowing how long I had before things turned serious," he replied.

"I'm not overly concerned about you not following Academy procedures, but I wanted to ask you if you would consider serving as an official team physician for the remainder of the semester," Phlox replied kindly. "Dean Archer said you would be a natural fit for it and if you accept, the games and practices you work would count towards your practical hours."

Leonard sighed, "Did Dean Archer tell you I don't even like hockey?" he asked quietly.

"For someone who doesn't like hockey, you are very good at it," Phlox commented wryly.

Nodding, Leonard crossed his arms, "It keeps me in shape," he replied gruffly. "Anyway, I guess I'll accept the offer with gratitude. I'm honestly flattered that I would be recommended, sir."

"Excellent," Phlox replied brightly. "I'll go tell the dean and prepare the paperwork."

As Phlox walked off, Leonard silently entered the room, "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Tired," Jim replied quietly as he tried to sit up. "Do you want me to sit up or anything?"

Leonard shook his head and Jim sighed as he relaxed, "I really want to sleep," Jim confessed softly. "I haven't been able to sleep properly cause I've been up sick the last few days."

"Go ahead and sleep," Leonard replied kindly. "I've got studying and paperwork to do."

Jim nodded and quickly closed his eyes, "I've also got paperwork," Mark confessed.

The two doctors silently left the room to let Jim sleep in quiet and as they approached the foyer, they were surprised to see a nervous looking Nyota sitting in the waiting area with Professor Sanchez and Captain Pike, "Piper, McCoy," Captain Pike spoke tonelessly.

"I need a medical exam," Nyota spoke shakily. "I'll take any doctor who's professional."

Mark sighed, "McCoy, I can handle this," he spoke gently. "My name is Mark Piper…"

"You work at San Francisco General, right?" Professor Sanchez asked. "I've heard of you."

Nodding, Mark looked at Nyota, "Would you allow me to help you?" he asked kindly.

Swallowing hard, Nyota rose and Professor Sanchez followed her and Mark to an exam room just down the hallway, "Captain Pike, could you contact Spock?" Nyota asked nervously.

"Yes," Captain Pike replied softly. "Sanchez, I expect a full report of the findings."

Nodding, Professor Sanchez and Mark led Nyota into the exam room and closed the door.

Christopher Pike Hall

"Heekaru, vhere vere you all night?" Pavel asked, looking up from his computer desk as Hikaru came into the dormitory that he and Pavel shared. "Nobody seemed to know vhere you vere."

Hikaru sighed and quickly settled on his bed, "Uhura wanted to talk and so we went out for a walk around the city," he replied quietly, wincing as he bent over to take his boots off.

"Are you all right, Heekaru?" Pavel asked in a worried voice. "You look like you are een pain."

Hikaru grimaced as he removed his boots, "Uhura and I ran into trouble," he confessed.

"Trouble?" Pavel asked, searching Pavel's face for answers. "Trouble wiz ze Romulans?"

Nodding, Hikaru silently removed his civilian shirt and jacket, revealing colorful bruises on his chest, "Heekaru, zat is serious!" Pavel exclaimed anxiously. "Deed you talk to Secureety?"

"Yes," Hikaru replied softly as he grabbed his pajama shirt off his bed. "I filed a report."

Pavel nodded, "Do you vant some ice or someseeing?" he asked quietly. "I don't have…"

"You'll be late for class," Hikaru replied as he lay down. "I just need to rest for a while."

Pavel sighed, "I cannot leave you here by yourself," he replied worriedly. "Zat eez wrong."

Sighing, Hikaru closed his eyes, unaware that Spock had been on his way to Jim's room and had overheard them talking. He was now concerned that Nyota had also suffered injuries.

Instead of rushing over to the infirmary, however, Spock silently knocked on the door to Pavel and Hikaru's dorm, but Hikaru remained asleep in bed, "I am going to class," Pavel said softly.

Hikaru mumbled something, but didn't wake and Pavel silently left the room with Spock.

Romulan Embassy – Romulus

"Ambassador Nero, a call from you from San Francisco," Finnegan said as he entered the meeting chamber with a phone in hand and saw Nero was meeting with a physician.

Nero raised his eyebrows and turned on the video phone in his office, revealing an anxious looking Ayel with a dingy looking alleyway in the background, "Ayel," he spoke coldly.

"I'm in real trouble," Ayel replied anxiously. "Me and my men were going around San Francisco last night and we ran into this pair downtown. They had Academy badges on their clothes."

Nero scoffed, "Ayel, I told you to stop hanging around the bars," he growled stiffly.

"We asked the two for money so we could go to the bar and they said no," Ayel replied gruffly, his anger obvious. "There was a fight and I ended up violating the girl and beating the guy."

Nero's eyes widened angrily as his second video phone began to ring and the number came up as belonging to the Sulu family, "AYEL!" he roared. "Was the man you beat a Sulu?!"

"Yes," Ayel replied nervously, suddenly frowning. "I recognize the girl as Spock's…"

Swearing angrily, Nero glared at Ayel, "Do NOT come back to Romulus and if you want to live, I suggest you turn yourself in," he hissed. "It will look as if Romulus cares for peace if you do…"

Without waiting for a reply, Nero shut the phone off and answered the other one, revealing a very angry looking Takari Sulu, "Ambassador Sulu," Nero said in a falsely composed voice.

Infirmary - Starfleet Hockey Academy – San Francisco

Swallowing hard, Hikaru silently tapped one of the appointment kiosks in the lobby, anxiously deciding whether or not he should request an appointment. He had slept for nearly an hour before waking in pain and had ultimately decided to come see about pain medication.

"Mister Sulu?"

Slowly turning around, Hikaru was surprised to see Dr. Puri, one of the Medical instructors, saunter into the lobby wearing khakis, boots, a t-shirt, and a white coat, "What can I do for you, Mister Sulu?" Dr. Puri asked kindly, giving Hikaru a smile. "I saw you at the appointment kiosk."

"Um," Hikaru replied nervously, not wanting to tell Dr. Puri about the previous night's events.

Dr. Puri looked concerned, "Is it something to do with the slow way you were moving?" he asked in an amused voice. "I came out to check the kiosks for appointment bookings and I watched you stagger in with a hand on your ribs. Why don't you follow me?"

Nodding, Hikaru reluctantly followed Dr. Puri into an exam room and once the door was closed, he removed his shirt, "Hmm," Dr. Puri said, eyeing the bruises. "How did that happen?"

"Um, the Romulans," Hikaru mumbled softly. "I was in town and they kinda beat me up."

Even though he had already heard about the attack on Uhura and Sulu from Security, Dr. Puri nodded, "Your ribs might be broken," he replied quietly. "I'll order an x-ray to make sure."

Hikaru nodded and sighed, "You're the son of diplomat Takari Sulu, right?" Dr. Puri asked.

"I called my parents already," Hikaru replied quietly. "They might come to visit me."

Dr. Puri nodded and Hikaru suddenly noticed a doctor walk out of a nearby room with Security Officer Sanchez, "Who's that?" Hikaru asked in a confused voice. "He looks new."

"That's the new doctor, Mark Piper," Dr. Puri replied calmly. "He just started working here."

Hikaru nodded and sat on the exam bed, unable to stand up any longer because it hurt.

Out in the hallway, Security Officer Sanchez eyed Hikaru for a moment before looking at Dr. Piper, "Thank you for helping Miss Uhura," she said calmly. "You made things easier."

Dr. Piper nodded and sighed, "It's not a part of the job I enjoy doing, but I try to make it easier on everyone involved when I have to do it," he replied quietly. "She's clear to be released…"

Just then, the door opened again and Nyota, who was now wearing scrubs and a pullover sweater because her clothes had been taken as evidence, came out. She silently gazed around and frowned as she suddenly spotted Jim asleep in bed while Leonard sat at his bedside.

"What happened to Kirk?" Nyota asked quietly, frowning. "He doesn't look well."

Before anyone could reply, Nyota silently walked down the hallway and peered at the information that was in the computer next to the door. As she read, Leonard got up and silently came out, wondering why she looked so worn down and also wondering why she was there.

"What happened to Kirk?" Nyota asked in a quiet voice. "He really doesn't look well."

Leonard sighed, "Burst appendix," he replied softly. "Why do you look so worried?"

Nyota swallowed hard, but said nothing, "I…I just feel really bad about being mean to him," she spoke softly, feeling nervous. "When he wakes up again, will…will you tell him that for me?"

Leonard was silent, "Did something happen when you and Sulu went out last night?" he asked.

Nyota looked surprised, "I'm a doctor and I know reactions," Leonard replied quietly.

"Some Romulans asked us for money and attacked us when we said no," Nyota whispered.

Quickly understanding what Nyota meant, Leonard nodded, "I'm sorry," he replied softly.

Nyota nodded and sighed, silently moving back down the hallway with the intention of going to her dorm for rest. As she approached the doors, however, she saw Spock come inside.

"Spock," Nyota spoke quietly, nervous about what had happened. "Sulu and I had…"

Spock nodded silently and gently embraced her, sighing as Nyota started to cry softly.

Starfleet Academy Library

KHAN NOONIEN SINGH GIVEN AMNESTY BY ROMULAN GOVERNMENT

Quickly looking up to make sure that Captain Pike, who taught general classes that were part of Pavel's degree, was still engrossed in marking papers, Pavel silently returned to reading the articles he had found. He was supposed to be preparing a paper, but he couldn't do it.

After hearing from Nyota that Khan had been released from prison and given amnesty by Romulus, Pavel had found himself unable to sleep or eat properly. He still couldn't remember everything that had happened between himself, his father, and Khan and had found himself mentally reliving what he could remember; the fact that he had killed his own father.

"Hey, Chekov, we're supposed to be writing our papers," Pavel suddenly heard M'Benga say.

Pavel froze and frowned as Captain Pike looked up from his work at him, "Pavel's reading a romance novel," someone whispered coyly as Pike got up and walked over to the desks.

"Mister Chekov," Captain Pike spoke quietly. "I trust you have a reason for not doing the…"

Pavel sighed and relinquished the IPad he had gotten for Christmas to use for class research, "Ah," Captain Pike said calmly as he saw what Pavel had been reading. "Do you want to be excused from the rest of class, Mister Chekov? If you want to go, I'll understand why."

"I should feeneesh ze paper, sir," Pavel spoke softly. "I only haz to add ze references…"

Nodding, Captain Pike returned the IPad and frowned at seeing dark circles under Pavel's eyes, "I…I stayed up all night to feeneesh ze paper," Pavel spoke shakily. "I could not sleep."

There was a silence, "Teenage hormones," M'Benga muttered. "Lovesick puppy…"

Swallowing hard, Pavel gathered his things and silently got to his feet, "I am going to go to ze library," he spoke softly, knowing that M'Benga and most of his friends looked down on him for being the youngest at the school. "I veel email ze paper to your classroom dropbox, seer."

"Geoff, really, be nice," Carol whispered, appalled at M'Benga's behavior. "So what if he's…?"

Pavel frowned and glared at M'Benga, "I am not some leetle keed who can be pushed around," he replied coldly, prompting M'Benga to get to his feet. "Vat, are you going to beat me up?"

"I'm sure a smack or two would smarten you up," M'Benga replied as he came to the front.

Captain Pike glared at M'Benga, "Sit down now, M'Benga," he spoke in a sharp voice.

"Everyone knows that Chekov gets special favors," M'Benga replied coldly. "No."

Before Captain Pike could reply, M'Benga slapped Pavel, "Get it together," he scoffed.

Pavel's eyes went wide and Captain Pike quickly grabbed M'Benga's outstretched hand, "I think you and I need to pay a visit to Security, M'Benga," Captain Pike spoke sharply. "MOVE IT!"

As Captain Pike escorted M'Benga out of the classroom, Pavel silently left the classroom and planted himself on a bench outside. He knew that Security would eventually want to talk to him, so it was best for him to wait where they could find him without much of a fuss.

Within a few moments, the classroom had emptied and Pavel found himself alone and anxious about M'Benga slapping him. Feeling tightness in his chest, Pavel moved to the browning grass and lay flat, trying to get his breathing under control so he wouldn't need his medicine.

Unfortunately, Pavel felt his chest constrict and his hands shook as he tried to get his inhaler out of his schoolbag. Pavel suddenly felt a hand take his and he heard people talking softly.

"My medeecine ees een my bag," Pavel wheezed. "Eef you hawe to steal, let me hawe…"

Almost immediately, Pavel felt his inhaler being gently pressed into his shaking hand and his hand being guided to his mouth. The moment the medicine entered his body, Pavel relaxed.

Anxious to see who had helped him, Pavel slowly sat up and was surprised when he saw Spock and Nyota, "We saw you lying on the grass and got worried," Nyota explained worriedly.

Nodding, Pavel slowly used his inhaler again before returning it to his bag, "Senk you," he spoke in a shaky voice, feeling too weak to stand. "I hawe been anxious for ze last several days…"

"Do you want to go to the infirmary?" Nyota asked in a concerned voice. "You look pale."

Pavel shook his head, "Geoff MeeBenga slapped me in ze class and I vas already anxious about Khan," he spoke in a tired voice. "I just need to go back to ze dorm and hawe a good sleep…"

"It is prudent to rest under supervision after having an asthmatic episode," Spock spoke.

Pavel sighed heavily, but made no effort to move, "Perhaps a visit to the infirmary would benefit you," Spock spoke in a quieter voice. "It seems you are physically incapacitated."

Nyota silently sat down on the grass beside Pavel and gently guided him so that his head was in her lap, "I feel so eexhausted," Pavel spoke in a breathless voice, struggling to stay awake.

"Just keep yourself relaxed," Spock said as he pulled out his phone to call for medical help.

Security Office

Sniffling sounds filtered out of the room where M'Benga was sitting while Captain Pike quietly filed a report with Security about what happened in class, "What's that?" Sanchez asked.

Report in hand, as he needed M'Benga's side, Captain Pike strode over to the window and was surprised to see M'Benga sitting in the corner, looking and sobbing like a lost child, "Hmm," Sanchez spoke quietly as she looked at Captain Pike. "Something…something feels off."

Deeply confused about M'Benga's behavior, Captain Pike and Sanchez entered the room and M'Benga looked at them while continuing to cry, "I…I just realized that I acted like my dad when I hit Pavel," M'Benga managed to say through his tears. "He…he said that I'm a weak mess…"

Sanchez's eyes softened and Captain Pike knelt down beside M'Benga, "Why do you think I didn't go to the London campus when it was closer to where I live?" M'Benga asked softly, trying to compose himself as he looked at the two of them. "My dad's in jail and my mom told me to get out of her house for speaking to the police against him for domestic battery…"

"Ah," Captain Pike replied softly, understanding M'Benga's standoffish behavior better.

M'Benga sighed heavily, "If you apologize to Pavel and go to counseling, I will let the dean know," Captain Pike spoke calmly. "I did get your application to serve as a team doctor, but I think you need to work on yourself a bit before you can serve others like they need to."

"Yeah," M'Benga replied shakily, wiping his tears. "Carol…Carol doesn't even know about it and her dad's been real nice to let us date. Please, Captain Pike, don't tell anyone about this."

Sighing, Captain Pike stood up, "Just write all of that in your security statement and it'll stay confidential," he replied calmly as Secretary Barrows suddenly knocked on the door.

"Captain Pike, a call from the infirmary for you," Barrows said in a concerned voice.

Sighing, Captain Pike grabbed the phone off the wall, "Hello?" he asked in a kind voice.

There was anxious talking, "I'll be right there," Captain Pike said in a worried voice.

Infirmary

"Just take a slow deep breath and lie there," Phlox spoke calmly as he watched Pavel use the bronchodilator that did a better job than an inhaler. "The fluids will help you feel better."

Nodding, Pavel sighed and rested his IV-laden hand on his lap, "Eet eez an unfortunate side effect of vat happened to me last year," he replied shakily. "Eet ees triggered by anxiety."

"Being slapped in class by a classmate would make anyone anxious," Phlox replied calmly as he turned and saw that Spock and Nyota were lingering in the hallway. "Did you want visitors?"

Pavel shrugged and sighed sleepily as Spock and Nyota entered the room, "I deed not mean to pass out in your lap," he spoke tiredly. "I vas just so tired and sleep seemed like a good idea."

"It's all right," Nyota replied gently. "I'm just hoping that you'll be all right in a few days."

Pavel nodded, "He'll be all right," Captain Pike said as he came into the room. "Hi Pavel."

Nodding, Pavel drifted off into a sleep with the bronchodilator in his mouth, "Probably best to let Mister Chekov rest," Phlox commented calmly, quickly retrieving a blanket from a medical cupboard and covering Pavel up with it. "I'll release him when he feels well enough."

"Spock, Uhura, you're dismissed," Captain Pike said calmly. "I'm going to sit here a while."

As Spock and Nyota left the room, they saw a youngish man dressed in scrubs, a jacket, and sneakers come into the infirmary, "Excuse me, can I be of assistance?" Spock asked quietly.

"Yes, I'm looking for my brother," the man replied quietly. "I was told he was here."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "I'm Doctor Sam Kirk," Sam said quietly. "Where's Jim?"

"He's in that room over there," Nyota replied, pointing to a room down the hallway.

Sam nodded, "Thank you," he replied calmly. "Are…are you Nyota Uhura? I get all the news about the different happenings in hospitals all over. I'm very sorry about your parents."

"Yes, I am," Nyota replied quietly. "Thank you for your kindness, Doctor Kirk."

Swallowing hard, Sam silently trailed down the hallway and entered Jim's hospital room, not surprised to see Leonard sitting beside the bed while Jim slept, "Leonard McCoy?" he asked.

"Doctor Kirk, I'm surprised you're here," Leonard commented. "Aren't you getting married?"

Sam nodded as he approached the bed, "In a few days, but Captain Pike called me about Jim and so I decided to come see how he was," he replied calmly. "How is he doing?"

"The appendix burst during surgery, so it'll be a little bit longer of a recovery," Leonard replied quietly as he looked at Sam. "What did your fiancée think of you just hopping a plane here?"

Sam shrugged, "Aurelan knows that Jim and I are working on repairing her relationship and she told me to take what time I needed," he replied softly. "I can't believe he had an epidural."

Jim suddenly stirred and opened his eyes, "Sam?" he asked, seeing that Sam was there.

"Hey," Sam replied, gently squeezing Jim's foot. "How are you feeling, little brother?"

Jim sighed sleepily, "Bones gave me some pain meds after the surgery was done, so I don't feel any pain yet," he spoke groggily. "You're getting married in a few days. What are you…?"

"I had to see if you were really all right," Sam replied gently. "Captain Pike called me."

Nodding, Jim sighed, "I'm sorry I couldn't make it," he spoke softly. "I really tried."

Sam responded by moving to the bedside and giving Jim a gentle hug, "You should go through with the wedding anyway," Jim spoke tiredly. "Maybe…maybe I can see you at Christmas."

"Actually, Aurelan and I talked," Sam said in a kind voice. "We're going to spend our honeymoon in San Francisco and we can both spend time with you when you're well."

Jim nodded and smiled sleepily, "Will you send me a video of the wedding?" he asked.

"Yes," Sam replied gently. "James, you really need to get some more sleep, okay?"

Jim quickly closed his eyes and Sam silently left the room, "Please, Doctor McCoy, look after Jim," Sam said as he turned and saw that Leonard had followed him. "Keep him safe."

"Are you sure you're all right?" Leonard asked in a worried voice. "You look stressed."

Sam sighed, "Just things concerning our mother," he replied calmly. "See you later."

As Sam left, Leonard silently returned to Jim's hospital room to continue his vigil and he didn't notice Captain Pike come out of Pavel's room and over to the desk where Sam waited.

"It was kind of you to come visit Jim," Captain Pike spoke softly. "It means a lot to him."

Sam nodded, "Please watch after Jim," he replied worriedly. "I won't be back for a while because I have to fly to London before I get married for a power of attorney hearing."

Captain Pike frowned, but said nothing, "Khan gained amnesty from the Romulan government and apparently, the government is also requesting to grant that to Winona as well," Sam spoke in a nervous voice. "I have to fly to London late this evening to stop that from happening."

"Do you need the Academy's help in this?" Captain Pike asked quietly. "We are associated with several diplomats who could help you keep the Romulans from taking control of Winona."

Sam sighed, "I would be very grateful for any help I could get on this," he replied softly.

Christopher Pike Hall

The sight of his parents and Hikaru sitting in the common area concerned Spock as he and Nyota entered the residence hall, "Father, Mother," Spock spoke in a concerned voice.

"The Sulu family contacted the Vulcan Embassy and requested assistance in the matter involving Nyota and their son," Sarek spoke plainly. "The attackers have surrendered."

Spock raised an eyebrow while Nyota sat at the table, "The attackers have since turned themselves in to the local police," Sarek explained tonelessly. "They were Romulan and the Romulans have agreed to cooperate fully with the authorities and the embassies…"

"That is an unusual move," Spock spoke tonelessly. "Do they wish to remain aligned…?"

Amanda scoffed, "They still want the hockey exhibition in the spring and that's why they are being so cooperative," she replied cynically. "Personally, I don't trust their intentions at all."

"So, the Romulans aren't going to stand in the way of assault charges against their own?" Hikaru asked, slouching in his seat because it was less painful. "Isn't that a good thing?"

Sarek nodded and looked at Nyota, "You were also assaulted by the Romulans, Nyota, and you are protected by the Embassy being a student of the Academy," he explained calmly. "If you were to give your consent, charges can also be laid for what the Romulans did to you."

Nyota was quiet for a moment and then nodded silently, prompting Amanda to put a protective arm around her, "Nobody should have to go what you went through," Amanda spoke gently.

"Captain Pike said that when I feel up to it, I can start practicing with the team again," Nyota spoke softly, eager for a change of subject. "Sulu and Kirk are benched for a little while."

Hikaru frowned in confusion, "Kirk got appendicitis," Nyota explained in a worried voice.

"That'll probably bench him til next term," Hikaru replied quietly. "I should be okay by the playoff games if Enterprise makes it there. Maybe we should make Kirk some cards?"

Spock raised an eyebrow, "I believe Mister Kirk would be more appreciative of help with homework and gifts that will keep him distracted," he replied tonelessly, having observed Jim to be one who liked to keep busy despite any limitations on him. "He is a unique individual."

"Chekov might have some ideas once he recovers from his asthma attack," Nyota spoke up.

Hikaru sighed, "I wondered if Pavel would have one," he replied softly. "He's been stressed."

"Spock, I am very pleased you have so many friends who care about each other so much," Amanda spoke in a pleased voice, smiling at Spock. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Sarek gave a small smile as he touched Amanda's hand affectionately, "Perhaps we should discuss the current situation and then assist Spock and his friends," he spoke gently.

"You're right, Sarek," Amanda replied gently. "Let's discuss the incident first."

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