Two Weeks Later
Recovery Unit – Starfleet Medical
Christmas Eve would soon be upon them, Leonard silently observed as he peered through Jim's hospital room door and saw that Jim was once again asleep while Lorian sat quietly at his bedside with a homework PADD in front of him. Not that anyone would blame Jim for being asleep in the middle of the day, as his final surgery had only happened a couple of days before and it was better for him to sleep.
"Doctor McCoy?"
Immediately recognizing Dr. Piper's voice, Leonard turned and saw the older man standing there with Sam, who was holding small bags in his hands, "I brought some clothes for Jim," Sam explained softly.
"Doctor McCoy, may I have a word?" Dr. Piper asked as Sam quietly entered the hospital room.
Leonard sighed, "I know I said I was going to see you, but it's been insane trying to keep to a schedule," he replied in an apologetic voice. "Joanna took her assessment yesterday and she'll be starting at the educational center in January, Charlie's got focus exercises to do in addition to his school work, Katie and Zachary are both being moved up to the first grade, and Arianne's thinking of an Academy…"
"Breathe, Leonard," Dr. Piper spoke, cutting Leonard off. "And what about you?"
Leonard shrugged, "Pike sent me an offer to teach Medical classes at the Academy, but I don't know how I'd do as a teacher," he replied in a reluctant voice. "He wants someone skilled, but I…"
Suddenly, a crash came from Jim's room and Leonard and Dr. Piper hurried into the room to see Jim on the floor with the portable table just inches from his leg. Lorian was standing near the window looking slightly scared while Sam was standing near Jim. Jim looked terrified and was trying to relax himself.
"Sam touched my arm and it scared me so much that I tried to run," Jim spoke in a groggy, apologetic voice as he leaned against the wall for support. "I got out of bed and my legs sorta collapsed…"
Leonard nodded and scowled at Sam, "I forgot to tell you that Jim doesn't like people touching him unless he's awake," he lied, knowing full well that Jim's accident was a symptom of PTSD.
"Lorian, can you help me up, please?" Jim asked groggily, relieved that Leonard had lied for him.
Lorian silently moved to his father's side and knelt beside him, "Are you injured, Father?" he asked.
"I'm okay," Jim replied in a quiet voice as he held out his hands. "Can you please help me up, son?"
Lorian gently took Jim's hands and helped his father stand, "I brought you some clothes since you're probably tired of wearing hospital stuff," Sam commented as he held out one of the bags. "Do you…?"
Swallowing hard, Jim quickly took the bag, "Lorian, can you help me to the bathroom?" he whispered.
Lorian nodded and quietly helped Jim into the small bathroom. Once the door was closed, Sam opened the other bags and quickly unpacked the quilt, "What's that?" Leonard asked in a confused voice.
Sam said nothing as he carried the quilt over to the bed and spread it over the blanket, "Doctor McCoy, when you're done here, please stop by my office," Dr. Piper said in a gentle voice. "All right?"
Leonard nodded and Dr. Piper smiled as he left the room, "Lorian and I went by your house a couple of weeks ago and got Jim's stuff," Sam explained in a quiet voice. "I thought it might help Jim get through Christmas because he'll be stuck here healing while everyone else is out and about wherever."
"How did Lorian find out about that?" Leonard asked in a shocked voice, watching as Sam picked up the portable tray and set the bag on it. "I was planning on telling him either today or tomorrow, but…"
The door suddenly slid open and Jim was leaning against the doorway and was now wearing sweats, a loose t-shirt, and his flimsy housecoat while Lorian held the gown and pajama pants, "You guys were getting awfully loud out here," Jim spoke in a tired voice. "Lorian helped me get dressed really fast."
Instead of leaning on Lorian for support to get back to bed, however, Jim leaned heavily on the wall and made it over to the wheelchair in the corner of the room, "I want to go for a walk," he said in a tired voice as he sank into the padded wheelchair. "I'm so sick of being trapped in this boring room."
"Jim, you can't go outside," Sam spoke up in a concerned voice. "It's freezing cold out there."
Jim sighed irritably, "This place has a common area for patients, right?" he asked in a tired voice.
Sensing sudden tension between Jim and Sam that could grow into an argument if nothing was done, Leonard nodded, "I'm not taking you down there until you have something covering your feet," he replied in a gentle, but firm voice. "Do you want to play board games, eat, or sit in front of the fire?"
Jim shrugged, "Father, why don't we consume some stew and hot cider in front of the fireplace in the hospital common room and I can tell you what I have been doing in school?" Lorian suggested softly, seeing that his father was both reluctant and unsure of expressing his thoughts for others to hear.
"That sounds nice," Jim replied, giving Lorian a nervous smile. "Bones, can I have some socks?"
Leonard disappeared into the bathroom to see if any socks were in the bag and Sam walked over to the bed, removed the quilt, and carried it over to Jim, "The quilt," Jim said in a shocked voice as Sam draped the quilt over his chest and legs. "I can't believe it was still in the box; I thought it was in Montana…"
"I kept it safe for your benefit, Father," Lorian spoke in a quiet voice as he walked over to the chair.
Tears filled Jim's eyes and he held out his arms to Lorian, deeply gratified when the young boy entered the embrace and allowed himself to be held close. Sam looked away so to allow them privacy.
Departure Lounge - Orbital Shipyard
Four Security guards; Hendorff, Giotto, and two older, well-built men, surrounded Phlox, who was in a pantsuit and sported an electronic bracelet on his ankle that would be deactivated on New Vulcan. A group of Vulcan Elders, including Sarek and T'Pau, were lingering nearby with Stonn on a gurney.
Dr. Harriman was there with a very weak Dr. M'Benga, who was in a medical uniform, but restricted to travelling in a wheelchair until his rehab was completed. President Pike was there with several of his aides, but Kathryn was busy at the educational center, so Arianne had come with her father.
As part of the conditions given to Phlox by Judge Advocate Riker that were supported by Arianne's assessment, Phlox would not be allowed to return to Earth for a minimum of two years and his progress would be monitored by both the Vulcan High Council and Starfleet. He was, however, free to travel around the habitable areas of New Vulcan as he pleased and would be granted all citizen rights and privileges, including full responsibility over Stonn's medical treatment while undergoing rehab.
The pilot had already boarded the Embassy vessel and the delegation was preparing to leave along with the guards who were being sent along on the trip to ensure Phlox behaved himself. However, Arianne didn't want to leave things unsettled; her anger was quelled and now it was time to make peace.
"I understand you are departing very soon," Arianne spoke up in a nervous voice as she placed a hand on the shoulder bag she was wearing over her uniform. "However, I must speak with Doctor Phlox."
The entire room was silent as Arianne walked over to the guards and they parted, "I am surprised you came here considering that I almost killed Zachary in an attempt to help him," Phlox commented as he stared at the woman who was now very different from what he remembered. "You didn't have to…"
"You're right, I didn't have to," Arianne replied in a calm, but commanding voice as she reached into the bag and pulled out a small book. "I've been thinking about what you did and, although it was illegal, you did save Zachary's life at your own personal risk. I brought you something as a show of peace."
Phlox looked surprised as Arianne held the book out to him, "I want you to take the next couple of years and use it to become a better doctor and a better individual," Arianne said, a sad smile appearing on her face as he took the book from her. "There's some old photos and some encouraging words inside."
"Thank you," Phlox replied in a gratified voice as he held the book against his chest. "For everything."
Arianne nodded and stepped back as a chime sounded, "It is time to depart," T'Pau announced in a toneless voice that had a slight commanding edge to it. "Live long and prosper, President Pike."
"Live long and prosper, Ambassador T'Pau," Chris replied in a calming voice. "Safe travels to you."
As T'Pau, Sarek, and the other Vulcan Elders escorted Stonn to the docking bay where the Embassy vessel was waiting, Arianne walked over to her father's wheelchair and watched as the Security guards led Phlox towards the same docking bay. There was indeed an air of solemnity and sadness present.
"How would you like to help me with an assignment, Arianne?" Chris whispered in a thoughtful voice.
Arianne shrugged, "I've got some time before I need to go get the kids from school, so sure," she replied in a quiet voice. "May I ask, sir, what assignment could you possibly have this close to Christmas?"
"You'll see," Chris replied, smiling as he visualized how his assignment would greatly help others.
Common Area - Educational Center
Christmas music filled the corridors and a large tree, filled with various decorations stood in the middle of the common area that sat between the foyer, gym, and hallway of classrooms. Several children of various ages, including Charlie and Johnny Harriman, were sitting at long tables either making decorations for the tree or small presents for their families.
Diana and several of the other staff were putting decorations, small handmade cards, and small lights on the tree. Kathryn was sitting in the corner of the room, silently watching while Michael, who had suddenly become very shy around crowds, sat on her lap reading a PADD. Lorian had been given the option of coming to school since it was the last day before holidays and he had chosen to visit his father since George was with Aurelan and Peter.
Most were so preoccupied with preparing for Christmas that they didn't notice Spock come through the front doors of the educational center holding a bundled up Amanda against the dark winter attire he was wearing over his uniform. Michael, however, noticed them and silently got off Kathryn's lap so that Kathryn was able to get up and walk over to them without drawing attention to Spock or Amanda.
"Commander Spock, what can I do for you today?" Kathryn asked in a quiet, very gentle voice.
Spock was quiet for a moment, "I wish to discuss my daughter's education," he replied tonelessly. "I do not wish her to be ashamed of either part of her mixed heritage and this is a unique environment…"
"Would you like a tour of the centre?" Kathryn asked in a quiet voice. "This is a safe environment."
Spock nodded, "I welcome the opportunity to learn more about this facility before I allow Amanda to receive her education from here," he replied tonelessly. "Nyota would have accompanied us here, but her, Lieutenant Sulu, and Ensign Chekov currently working on an assignment from President Pike."
"I see," Kathryn replied, taking Michael's hand in her own as she led Spock and Amanda down the hallway of classrooms. She had been told by Chris about the work, but had promised to keep it quiet.
Golden Gate Apartments
Pavel sighed wearily as he sat down on the new couch in the apartment's living room and quickly elevated his leg above the floor. He had come to help Nyota and Hikaru move furniture that President Pike had bought into the newly purchased apartment. His leg, however, wasn't fully up to scratch and so Nyota had delegated him to assembling small decorative ornaments while he rested on the couch.
Because of the complexity of the assignment, President Pike had also dispatched Scotty and Joanna to help arrange the apartment and while Pavel sat on the couch putting together small decorative items, Joanna was helping Nyota arrange the kitchen while Scotty and Hikaru arranged the bedrooms.
Currently, Pavel was putting decorative stones and fake flowers into two glass vases that would go on the mantle above the fireplace on either side of family pictures. His mind, however, was not on the task at hand and he found himself staring at his badly scarred wrists, deeply ashamed of what he had done.
"Pavel?"
Pavel looked up and saw Hikaru standing beside the couch, "You shouldn't look at the scars, Pavel," Hikaru said in a concerned voice as he sat down on the couch next to his friend. "It won't help."
"I am ashamed of vat I deed to my body out of sadness," Pavel replied in a somber voice, forgetting about the stones and the vases. "I do not feel any better since I got out of ze hospital and I am not looking forvard to Chreestmas because eet eez only a matter of time before I am keecked out…"
Hikaru frowned, "You are not getting kicked out of Starfleet," he replied in a worried voice.
"I vill newer geet anozzer sheep posting after zis," Pavel spoke in a somber voice. "I am sorry."
Hikaru sighed, "Have you talked to anyone about how you're feeling since you were released from Starfleet Medical?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I know that Doctor Piper advised you to…"
Suddenly, Joanna came out of the kitchen holding a box filled with small items, "There's a few things in here that are for the living room," she said as she set the box on the newly assembled coffee table.
"Joanna, do you seenk zat your fazzer could help me vith my vrists?" Pavel asked in a quiet voice.
Joanna's eyes narrowed as she looked at the scars on Pavel's wrists, "A dermal regenerator should take care of those scars," she replied in a gentle voice as she reached into her pocket and pulled one out. "I'm not as skilled at helping people as my father is, but I think I can heal those cuts for you, sir."
"My name ees Pavel Chekov, Joanna," Pavel replied nervously. "Vhere did you get zat item from?"
Joanna sighed, "I found it at Starfleet Medical a few days ago and I've just held on to it," she replied in a nervous voice as she held the dermal regenerator out. "When I was about eight, I started teaching myself how to get what I needed since I knew better than to ask. Now, Ensign Chekov, do you want me to fix your wrists or are you wanting someone with actual medical qualifications to do that for you?"
Pavel was quiet for several seconds and then extended his scarred left wrist. Joanna took a seat on the couch, gently took the extended limb with one hand, and carefully ran the regenerator over the scars one at a time until the left wrist was bare. Pavel then extended the other wrist, but said nothing.
"This regenerator only takes the visible scars away," Joanna commented softly as she ran the dermal regenerator over Pavel's right wrist until all the scars were gone. "The invisible ones take help."
Pavel nodded and stood up, "I need to go for a valk and seenk," he said softly. "Sank you, Joanna."
"Of course," Joanna replied in a calm voice, worried about how pale and tired Pavel looked.
Hikaru frowned, "Do you want some company, Pavel?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"Nyet," Pavel replied in a steady voice. "You promised Neeota zat you vould help her."
Before Hikaru could reply, Pavel silently left the apartment and intended to go on a long walk.
"Just take a deep breath," Chris instructed in a gentle voice, leaning forward in his wheelchair as he watched Dr. Harriman gently cover Arianne's trembling shoulders with a blanket. "What's wrong?"
Arianne, however, said nothing and merely pulled the blanket tighter around her shaking form.
She had been fine when the Embassy vessel had left with all of its passengers aboard, but as they were heading back to a shuttle that would take them to Earth, panic had suddenly overwhelmed her ability to feel, speak, or move without assistance. It was as if the last few months had crashed down on her and Dr. Harriman had quickly come to her aid, allowing Dr. M'Benga to have a moment of quiet in his chair.
"Just take a deep breath into this," Dr. Harriman said in a gentle voice as she held a portable breathing apparatus against Arianne's face with one hand and gently placed her other hand on Arianne's pale face to try and instill a sense of security in her. "Now, Arianne, can you try and tell me what's wrong?"
For several seconds, Arianne couldn't and then she sighed and removed the breather with her trembling hands, "Everything just came crashing down all of a sudden," she replied in a tired voice as she leaned back against the wall. "I've been so focused on trying to take care of my family and I forgot myself…"
Dr. Harriman nodded, "It's something we parents run into sometimes, isn't it?" she replied gently.
Arianne nodded and suddenly frowned as she saw Dr. M'Benga get out of his wheelchair, "I'm all right, but perhaps you should take Doctor M'Benga back down to Earth," she said in a concerned voice.
"I just need a moment alone, please," Dr. M'Benga replied in a quiet voice. "I'm tired of sitting…"
Chris's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, "Doctor Harriman, I'll make sure Arianne gets back to San Francisco safely," he said in a gentle, but firm voice. "Why don't you help Doctor M'Benga?"
Swallowing hard, Arianne shakily stood up with the blanket still around her shoulders and grabbed hold of the handles of her father's wheelchair to keep steady, "I'll fly home, don't worry," Chris whispered as Arianne steered his wheelchair towards another docking port where a shuttle was ready to take off.
Chief Medical Officer's Office – Starfleet Medical
Dr. Piper smiled, leaning back in his office chair as Leonard entered the office nearly half an hour after they had discussed having a meeting, "Jim's in the common room with Sam and Lorian keeping him company," Leonard reported tiredly, not moving from his safety spot near the doorway.
"Leonard, come and sit down," Dr. Piper said in a casual voice as he turned to the replicator that was on his large desk beside a framed plaque, and his trusty computer. "Two hot chocolates with the works."
Frowning, Leonard walked over to the desk, but didn't sit, "I don't know how long I can stay," he said in a tired voice, already running his to-do-list through his head. "I have four kids and responsibilities…"
"Your mother's in San Francisco for the holidays, right?" Dr. Piper asked as he picked up the two mugs and offered one to Leonard. "Between her and your in-laws, you and Arianne should really relax a bit and enjoy time by yourselves or with each other. Now, please sit down before I order you to sit."
Leonard silently sat and took the offered cup, "So, what's new?" Dr. Piper asked in a gentle voice.
Dread filled Leonard's heart and he sipped the hot chocolate so that he wouldn't have to open up about everything that had happened and how shellshocked he felt by it all, "Leonard, this is a totally confidential meeting and what you say here is NOT going to be used against you," Dr. Piper said firmly.
Letting out a tired sigh, Leonard leaned back against the plush padding of the chair, "Honestly, I'm feeling tired, sore, and a little sick inside right now," he said in a tired voice as he carefully swilled the cocoa so that the whipped cream would dissolve faster. "I don't know if it's the weather, exhaustion, or my recovering body acting up, but I just want to lie down and maybe take a little bit of aspirin."
"I think it's all of the above and also the fact that you didn't follow Doctor Harriman's orders like you were supposed to might have something to do with your current symptoms," Dr. Piper replied in a concerned voice, setting his cup down on the desk and grabbing his portable medkit. "One sec."
Shaking his head, Leonard set the cup on the desk and sighed irritably when Dr. Piper held a medical tricorder out, "Your vital signs are normal, but you could use some time for yourself," he reported in a professional tone, smiling as he put the tricorder on his desk. "You could also use someone to talk to."
"Getting shot by a Romulan and waking up to hear that Arianne and Jim had been captured was the lowest point of my life," Leonard commented in a self-conscious voice. "They only left that underground cavern last because I was injured and needed to be taken up first. I was so weak laying on that stretcher and, later, part of me wished I had just died because then Arianne and Jim could have gotten out…"
Scoffing, Leonard closed his eyes and exhaled sharply, "I'm mad at myself for not noticing when Arianne was pregnant with Charlie and Kathy instead of being excited that I was going to be the new Chief Medical Officer of the Enterprise," he continued in a cross voice. "Arianne loved me so much that she let me go on chasing space dreams while she stayed back in a terrible situation for the sake of the kids…"
Tears pricked Leonard's eyes, "I got an offer to teach Medical classes at the Academy for the next year or so," he said in an emotion-filled voice. "Pike says that the Enterprise got pretty smashed up during our conflict with the Romulans and Klingons, so it's going to undergo a massive refit. Jim doesn't know."
Exhaling sharply, Leonard uncovered his face, "From what I've seen of Jim's scans, though, he's got at least a year of recovery and rehab before he's fit for ship duty again," he said in a somber voice, suddenly feeling a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. "He doesn't trust a whole lot of people…"
"Would you feel better if I told Captain Kirk that you're neglecting yourself to be there for him?" Dr. Piper asked in a stern voice. "I'm quite sure that Jim can still deliver a proper Captain's lecture even though he's recovering from serious injuries, bacterial pneumonia, and is minus forty pounds."
Leonard let out a resigned sigh, "What I suggest you do is take the holidays to think about the job, talk to your family and friends about it, and then decide in January," Dr. Piper continued before Leonard could interject a defensive comment or an excuse. "Why do you still hate yourself so much?"
"I don't know," Leonard replied in a tired voice, fighting back a yawn. "Oh wow, I'm getting tired…"
Dr. Piper sighed, "I want to meet with you at least once a week until further notice," he said in a gentle, but very firm voice. "You can go visit with Jim if you want to, but you're off duty for the rest of the day."
"I just need a minute," Leonard replied in a tired voice as he slouched and rested his head on the back of the plush, oversized chair. "Once I start moving, my mind's going to jump into hyperdrive and I'll…"
An amused smirk appeared on Dr. Piper's lips as Leonard drifted off into a sleep. Taking great care not to wake the younger doctor, Dr. Piper got up, came around the desk, and pulled out the chair's side extension so that it looked like a couch. He then gently lifted Leonard's legs on to the padded couch.
"Have a good rest, Doctor McCoy," Dr. Piper whispered in an amused voice as he moved over to the wall and turned the lights low before tapping the intercom on the wall. "Nurse Chapel, do you read me?"
There was silence and then a beep, "Yes, Doctor Piper?" Christine's voice replied calmly.
"I'll be visiting with Captain Kirk in the common room and I'd like you to check in on Doctor McCoy in about an hour," Dr. Piper said in a gentle, but firm voice. "He's napping, but don't let him nap for more than two hours or else he won't be able to sleep tonight. See if you can also get him to eat, okay?"
Without waiting for a response, Dr. Piper tapped the comm off and silently left the office.
"What do you mean Charlie's gone missing, Diana?" Kathryn asked in a concerned voice as she faced Diana, who was standing before her with tears running down her normally composed face.
Diana sniffled, "I was helping Michael and Johnny with something and I turned my back just for a second," she explained tearfully, worried that she would be fired. "When I turned back to check on how Charlie was coming with his wreath, he was gone and the wreath was slightly disassembled on the…"
"Mommy, Charlie was crying and he said he was stupid," a soft voice suddenly spoke.
Kathryn looked down and was surprised to see Michael standing there with a nervous looking Johnny at his side, "I heard Charlie say that he didn't wanna be sent away because he was stupid," Johnny reported in a quiet voice. "He was saying some weird things that didn't make a lot of sense."
"Put the school in lockdown," Kathryn said in a concerned voice. "Diana, call the police…"
There were footsteps, "There is no need to notify the authorities," Spock spoke tonelessly, having overheard the conversation as he approached with Amanda in his arms. "Charlie is safe."
Kathryn turned to face Spock, "I was exploring the classrooms with Amanda per your recommendation and I saw Charlie go into a small, dark room that is not far from the classroom for infants," Spock explained in a toneless voice. "He seemed somewhat distraught and overwhelmed…"
"Social anxiety," Kathryn quietly murmured, her heart aching for Charlie's continued struggles.
Spock raised an eyebrow, "Indeed," he replied in a toneless voice. "Should I call Commander McCoy?"
"No, let me go talk to him," Kathryn replied in a gentle voice. "Thank you, Commander Spock."
Kathryn silently moved down the hallway and into the darkened classroom where Spock had indicated that Charlie was hiding. Her heart softened as she saw Charlie sitting in a far corner of the room facing the wall. His eyes were closed, his legs were crossed, and his arms were wrapped around his body.
"Charlie, honey, what's the matter?" Kathryn asked in a gentle voice as she walked over to him.
Charlie shrugged, "I just didn't wanna be around people anymore for a little bit," he replied in a quiet voice, not turning to face her. "It was too noisy and bright and I started having a head and tummy ache."
"Charlie, when you're getting tired of being around people and noise, all you have to do is tell me," Kathryn explained in a gentle voice. "I know you're having a rough time, but you can't run off..."
Charlie nodded and turned around, "Do I have to stay here til school's over since it's almost Christmas?" he asked in a quiet voice, staring up at Kathryn with wide eyes. "I like Christmas, but it's too noisy…"
"What would you like to do instead?" Kathryn asked in a gentle voice, wondering if Charlie had a plan.
Charlie sighed, "I wanna go be with my mommy, daddy, Grandpa Chris, Uncle Jim, or Joanna," he replied quietly. "Mommy's busy with Grandpa Chris, though, and Joanna's with Auntie Nyota today…"
"Kathryn, may I provide an acceptable resolution to this situation?" Spock, who had silently followed Kathryn to the classroom, asked as he came into the classroom with Amanda. "I would like to leave Amanda in your care for a few hours so that I may pay a visit to Captain Kirk and talk with him. If Charlie desires to visit his father at Starfleet Medical, I can take him to Doctor McCoy before I visit Captain…"
Kathryn smiled, "Charlie, would you like Commander Spock to take you to your dad?" she asked softly.
"Papa's gonna be sad because I don't like noise and being around people all of the time," Charlie replied sadly as he looked down at the carpet. "I'm trying really hard to be like him, but everything's hard…"
Spock walked over to Kathryn, "I will send messages to his parents," he whispered in a low voice.
"I'll stay here," Kathryn replied softly, nodding as Spock left the quiet classroom with Amanda.
Downtown San Francisco
The air was cold, but Pavel didn't mind because he was bundled up in a greatcoat, gloves, a scarf, and earmuffs that Hikaru and Nyota insisted on buying for him after he was released from the hospital in case he wanted to ever go for a winter walk. They had obviously prepared for his need for alone time.
From the apartments, Pavel had walked around the business district for only a few minutes and had found himself walking near an elementary school where children of various size and all bundled up for winter were playing on the ground or on playground equipment. As Pavel was about to walk away, he noticed that Zachary was sitting alone against a corner of the fence, silently watching the others play.
"Zachary, vhy do you not play?" Pavel asked in a quiet voice as he approached the metallic fence.
Zachary turned his head and smiled when he saw Pavel, "Uncle Pavel, I'm a freak," he replied softly.
Pavel frowned and knelt down next to the fence, "I'm the smartest in my class and I get bored, so the teacher lets me go read stuff in the library," Zachary explained softly. "I can't forget anything that I read or anything that happens to me. In gym class, I run really fast and I'm really strong and Kathy's the only kid that wants to be around me at school. Even the teachers are scared of having me around…"
"Zachary, you need to join your classmates or go back inside until recess is over," Principal Watson, who had decided to supervise recess that day, said as he came over to the fence and saw that Zachary and Pavel had been talking. "Excuse me, sir, why are you sitting on school property talking to a student?"
Zachary scowled, "That's my Uncle Pavel, sir," he replied, glaring at the principal. "Don't be rude."
Principal Watson scoffed, "Zachary, this is a time when you must engage in play with other children to ensure positive social development," he replied sharply. "Your uncle can come back later."
"My Uncle Pavel can do whatever he wants!" Zachary snapped, balling up his hands into fists.
Principal Watson gave Pavel a weary look, "Sir, only school staff, approved visitors, parents and legal guardians are authorized to interact with the children during school hours," he said in a formal tone.
"I had better go," Pavel said in an apologetic voice. "I vas going on a valk to clear my head after all."
Zachary nodded, but looked very sad, "Zachary, why don't you come with me and we'll see if we can't get you involved in a game?" Principal Watson suggested in an encouraging voice. "Come on, now."
As Zachary got up and went off with Principal Watson, Pavel silently walked away from the school and couldn't help but remember that the staff at the center on Mimas had treated him the same way at Phlox's insistence because they feared him running back to Starfleet and betraying their work.
The staff had been kind enough to him, but they had also treated him like a potential patient at the insistence of their mysterious director, a man who had never shown his face yet he or she had given orders that were obeyed without question. While Zachary had been tended to by Phlox and a Vulcan named Doctor Sonak, Pavel had been forced to give a blood sample and had then been sedated. He had no memory of anything that might have happened then.
When Pavel had woken up again, he had been warned by a mysterious man, who had a lulling accent and a controlling personality to boot, to never mention his experience at the hospital before he had been released to take Phlox and Zachary off of the planet.
After returning Phlox and Zachary to their temporary residence on Luna, Pavel had returned to Earth and had not told anyone of his experiences. He had kept that promise even to the present day.
A honking sound suddenly brought Pavel out of his reminiscing and his eyes widened in horror as he saw a dark hovercar coming towards him; it was then that he realized he had been standing in the middle of the road and he hurried across, but slipped on a patch of dark ice and ended up flat on the sidewalk.
Arianne's eyes widened in shock as her father stopped the hovercar, "What's Pavel doing out here?" she asked in a shocked voice as she unbuckled her seat belt. "Dad, do you still keep that aid kit in here?"
"In the compartment," Chris replied as he quickly rolled his window down all the way. "Ensign Chekov?"
Pavel, however, did not respond and slowly sat up even though he was in shock and feeling slightly dizzy from his fall. He could hear President Pike calling his name, but he didn't want to respond and risk revealing why he had not been paying attention to where he had been going.
"Ensign Chekov?" Pavel heard President Pike call out again. "Ensign Chekov, are you all right?"
Pavel suddenly felt a gentle hand on his arm, "Pavel?" he heard Arianne ask in a gentle voice.
"I am all right, just shaken," Pavel replied in a toneless voice. "My leg hurts a leetle, but…"
Arianne frowned and knelt down next to Pavel, "Maybe we should take you over to Medical and get it looked at," she said in a gentle voice. "Can you try moving it for me? I promise not to touch it?"
Pavel slowly moved his leg, "My knee hurts a leetle," he said in a pained voice. "I vas deep in thought."
Arianne nodded and carefully helped Pavel to stand, "Keep your injured leg elevated," she instructed as she helped him over to the hovercar. "Leonard's working today, so he can look at your knee."
"Chekov, are you all right?" Chris asked in a concerned voice, seeing anxiety in Pavel's face.
Pavel cringed, "Sir, I must speak vith you priwately," he replied, suddenly feeling very guilty that he hadn't been deported from Earth along with Phlox when he had piloted the three of them to Mimas.
"Let's go get your knee looked at first," Chris replied firmly. "Arianne, help Pavel into the car."
Chief Medical Officer's Office
"Doctor McCoy?"
Leonard sighed sleepily and opened his eyes to find himself laying on a couch and Christine standing beside him holding a cup of juice in one hand and a PADD in the other. He slowly sat up and sighed.
"Doctor Piper told me to bring you some juice and you have a message from Commander Spock," Christine explained as she handed him the cup and PADD. "You've been asleep for two hours."
Leonard nodded and took the cup, quickly draining it before he took the PADD and read the message that Spock had sent; the fact that Charlie was having an anxiety filled afternoon, but was trying to tough it out concerned him, but he would talk to Charlie later when they were both at home and relaxed.
"Oh, President Pike called in and he and Commander McCoy are bringing Ensign Chekov into the Emergency Unit," Christine explained in a concerned voice, having gotten the message from President Pike just before she went in to wake Leonard up. "Apparently, Chekov slipped on a patch of ice…"
Swearing under his breath, Leonard pocketed the PADD and handed the cup to Christine as he got up, stretched, and silently left Dr. Piper's office, "Leonard, go easy on Pavel when you see him," Christine said as she followed him to the lift. "President Pike said that Pavel seemed to be in a deep shock."
Leonard nodded, "How's Jim doing?" he asked in a concerned voice. "Is Doctor Piper still with him?"
"If Doctor Piper hasn't contacted you, then it's good news," Christine replied. "You know that."
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Leonard stepped into the turbolift, "I know," he replied tiredly.
Common Room – Starfleet Medical
Jim smiled weakly, watching as Lorian settled down at a table in the corner with several study PADDs in front of him, "Quite a boy you've got there, Captain," Dr. Piper commented as he set a large cup of steaming liquid on the tray in front of Jim's wheelchair. "Here's that cider that I promised you."
Scowling, Jim sighed and looked at Dr. Piper, "I'm glad you finally got Bones to rest properly even though it was only for a couple of hours," he said in a tired voice. "He's been running himself ragged ever since Arianne and I were rescued and I'm glad you made him see sense since I couldn't. I'm a crappy friend…"
"No, Doctor McCoy is just very stubborn," Dr. Piper replied in an amused voice. "How are you feeling?"
Jim swallowed hard as he took a sip of the cider, "I've been getting updates from Scotty about the Enterprise and he says that Starfleet's ordered a complete refit of it because of the heavy damage we took fighting the Romulans and Klingons," he said in a somber voice. "I think Pike was planning to tell me after the holidays, but I already know now. I don't expect the crew to wait around forever…"
"Father, it is not healthy for you to dwell on that which is beyond your control," Lorian spoke up in a calm voice as he looked up at Jim with a calm expression. "Do you remember our discussion on that?"
Jim was silent for several minutes as he reflected on the conversation that he and Lorian had shared about what Carol had done and the possible existence of another Kirk child out there somewhere if it had not died along with Carol, "Yes, my son, I remember," Jim replied gently. "Thank you."
Lorian nodded and looked back down at his study PADDs, "I think I'd like to have a nap on the couch if that's all right?" Jim asked in a tired voice, eyeing the padded couch that was close enough to the fireplace to enjoy the warmth of it. "I want to stay here, but I also think I need a bit of a rest."
Dr. Piper said nothing, as he was concerned by how tired Jim still looked even after having stew and cider for lunch, "Father, it is unnecessary to overtax your recovering body for my benefit," Lorian stated as he stood up and gathered all the study PADDs into his shoulder bag. "I am perfectly capable and willing to study in your hospital room while you have a comfortable rest. I want you to get well."
Jim nodded and exhaled slowly, his tired fingers relaxing their grip on the quilt as Lorian walked over to the wheelchair, "We can always return to the common area after you have rested," Lorian said in a quiet voice as he gently patted his father's hand. "I am appreciative of any time we can spend together."
A tear formed in Jim's eye, "As I will always be, Lorian," he whispered in a tired voice. "Let's go."
Emergency Unit
Pavel lay still on the biobed in his winter clothing, despite pleas from both President Pike and Arianne to remove his outdoor gear because Starfleet Medical had a good heating system. He was scared to death.
"Pavel, please, let me help you at least take your coat off," Arianne said in a gentle voice as she approached the bed. "It's awfully warm in here and I bet that coat must be too warm for in here."
Pavel sighed tiredly, but slowly fumbled to undo the zipper with his trembling hands, "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when I should have been, Pavel," Arianne said in a gentle voice as she unzipped Pavel's coat for him. "I've been such a terrible friend for the past few years. Do you think you can sit up a bit?"
"Da," Pavel replied in a weak voice, relieved when Arianne helped him up and carefully removed his winter coat, leaving him in his sweater, pants, socks, and boots before helping him lie back down.
Arianne silently moved to the foot of the bed, "Vhere eez Prezeedent Pike?" Pavel asked tiredly.
Before Arianne could reply, the door slid open and Leonard came into the room with Christine, who was pushing a tray filled with medical supplies, "I need to talk vith Prezeedent Pike and turn myself in," Pavel said in a faint voice as he struggled to sit up. "I hawe done sometheeing so terrible zat I deserwe to die."
"Easy, Pavel," Leonard said in a gentle voice as he walked over to the bed. "Just relax, all right?"
Pavel nodded and cringed as he shifted his left leg, "My knee," he said in a pain-filled voice.
"Just hold it still, okay?" Leonard asked in a gentle voice. "If you can move it, that's a good sign."
Pavel sighed tiredly, "Doctor Phlox forced me to be hees pilot," he said in a sorrowful voice.
"Doctor Phlox left for New Vulcan under armed escort with the Vulcan High Command this morning to begin his new assignment of helping Stonn recover," Arianne explained in a reassuring voice, alarmed by the fact that Phlox must have had some troubling influence over Pavel. "He's gone and you don't…"
Pavel tensed, "He forced me to take heem and Zachary to ze hospeetal," he replied in an anxious voice.
Arianne's eyes widened as tears formed in Pavel's eyes and he began to sob and shake uncontrollably.
Alarmed at seeing the monitor's readings fluctuate dangerously, Leonard prepped a hypospray with a sedative and gently injected it into Pavel's neck, "Nyet, I must speak vith Prezeedent Pike," Pavel said in an anxious voice, fighting anxiously to stay awake. "I am just as guilty as Doktor Phlox and must…"
"Don't fight the sedative, Pavel," Leonard instructed. "I'll check your knee while you're asleep."
Pavel tried to stay awake, but failed and as he fell asleep, Leonard looked at Arianne, "My father's out in the hall and I think he should know what Pavel said about Phlox," she said in a concerned voice.
"I'm admitting Pavel overnight," Arianne heard Leonard say in a gentle voice. "As a precaution."
Nodding her assent, Arianne silently went out into the corridor and saw her father sitting in his wheelchair looking concerned, "Ensign Chekov's tone was quite anxious," Chris commented.
"Pavel told Leonard, Christine, and I something quite alarming, sir," Arianne replied worriedly.
Chris was silent for a moment and nodded, "The door isn't soundproof, Arianne," he replied in a steady, but concerned voice. "I heard what Ensign Chekov said and I plan to look into it immediately."
Arianne nodded, but she said nothing. Pavel's anxiety made her feel like that he was hiding something that could have happened while he was carrying out his forced assignment; something terrible.
"I think I'm going to visit Jim for a little while until it's time to pick the children up from school," Arianne said in a tired voice. "Leonard sedated Pavel and is going to keep him here overnight as a precaution."
Chris nodded, "Jim's back in his room resting and Doctor Kirk and Lorian are there with him," he explained, having been messaged about it by Dr. Piper. "Oh, Doctor Piper wants to talk to you."
"I already know what he wants and I haven't decided anything," Arianne replied in a half-frustrated, half-amused voice. "If I can balance it between raising children and recovering, I'm tempted…"
Chris sighed, "You'd be getting your Master's degree through Starfleet in a mere year and you'd be able to teach cadets alongside your husband as part of it," he replied in an encouraging voice. "Joanna and Charlie are going to do very well at Kathryn's school while Kathy and Zachary will do well in theirs."
Arianne nodded and crossed her arms, "I like the idea of a Master's Degree in Counseling through Starfleet, but I'm not sure how I feel about teaching or working at Starfleet Medical again," she said in a concerned voice. "I'm thinking about seeing a counselor, though; I've been having nightmares…"
"I'm sure Spock would be willing to talk to you again if you were to ask him," Chris replied gently.
Again, Arianne nodded, but said nothing, "You don't have to decide anything right away," Chris said in a reassuring voice as he smiled at Arianne. "Even though Jim is resting, he would be happy to see you."
"Keep me updated on Pavel's condition and make sure Leonard doesn't overwork himself," Arianne said in a gentle, but very firm voice right before she turned and walked off. "Don't forget to get some rest!"
Chris sighed and silently folded his arms, anticipating that Leonard would come see him very soon.
Recovery Unit
"Commander McCoy, this is certainly unexpected," Sam commented, looking up from the small tree he was unwrapping near Jim's ground floor balcony. "This tree was delivered to the room shortly before Jim and Lorian came back from the common area, but Jim just wanted to rest, so I'm unwrapping it."
Arianne smiled, "Leonard and Charlie ordered it because Charlie was sad that Jim would have to be in the hospital for Christmas," she replied as she gazed over at the bed where Jim was sleeping and where Lorian was in a chair, silently reading a PADD while sipping a cup of hot cider. "Lorian, are you all right?"
"I am getting tired, but I will not leave until Father wakes from his rest," Lorian replied in a quiet voice.
Arianne nodded and walked over to the tree, smiling as she saw a box of decorations next to the tree that Sam hadn't gotten to yet, "Aurelan's on her way here with George and Peter so we can all eat dinner together when Jim wakes up," Sam explained as he tossed the wrapping in the recycler before he pulled his stylus out of his side bag. "I've got a little work to do, so decorating it can wait a little while."
Sam quietly retreated to a corner of the room near the balcony door and Arianne silently walked over to Jim's bedside and her eyes locked on to the picture that was on the bedside table; it was a picture of Jim standing at a frail looking T'Pol's bedside with George in his arms while Lorian stood next to T'Pol. The picture had obviously been taken in Sickbay right before T'Pol had died, but how had it been taken?
"It was right before Spock was hurt," a groggy voice spoke. "Bones and Phlox were helping T'Pol and I begged Bones to get a picture of the four of us just in case T'Pol didn't make it. I had a feeling…"
Arianne looked up and saw Jim looking at the photo with tears forming in his tired eyes, "I'm really proud of my boys for hanging in there even though I wasn't sure I'd see them again," Jim spoke in a groggy voice. "I know it was hard on them, but I'm glad that they didn't give up hope of…"
Swallowing hard, Arianne nodded, "Father, I never lost hope that you would be reunited with us in one way or another," Lorian spoke in a quiet voice as Jim suddenly felt a gentle hand on his cheek. "I knew from what you had taught me that your spirit would always be with us even if your body was not."
Jim blinked and sighed sleepily, "Rest now, Father," Lorian spoke softly. "You are safe here and now."
"Safe," Jim murmured sleepily as his eyes slowly closed and his tense body relaxed into a deep slumber.
Sam was horrified about what he had just seen and heard, but he kept busy working on his stylus so that nobody would see his reaction. Lorian silently removed his hand from Jim's cheek and sighed softly.
"Father will recover in time," Lorian commented softly. "It may be difficult for him, but he will."
As will Joanna and I. Arianne silently thought as she carefully tucked Jim's IV-laden hands under the blanket that was covering his thin body already covered by pajamas and a quilt, "Lorian, why don't you take a break from your studying and help me decorate this tree that Charlie and Doctor McCoy ordered for your father?" she suggested, knowing from the chronometer above the door that she had at least an hour before she had to get her younger children from school. "It will add brightness to the room."
Lorian was silent for a moment and nodded as he stood up and walked over to the tree, "As we decorate this tree, may I confide in you about something of a personal nature?" he asked in a quiet voice, relieved that his uncle had put headphones on to work on his stylus without distraction. "It's about my father…"
"Of course, but let's talk quietly so that your father can sleep," Arianne replied gently. "All right?"
Lorian nodded and as he opened the box of decorations, he began to quietly repeat what his father had told him about Carol and the possibility of there being another Kirk child somewhere. Although Arianne already knew everything that Carol had done to Jim, she listened patiently, as Lorian trusted her enough to open up and she was sure that Jim would feel better that Lorian was finally expressing his emotions in a safe manner to someone he trusted.
Oval Office – Starfleet Presidential Mansion
"You summoned me, sir?" Leonard asked in a nervous voice as he entered the Oval Office and saw Chris sitting behind his desk in his wheelchair looking rather serious. "Doctor Piper's looking after Pavel…"
Chris nodded and sighed, "You might want to sit down, Leonard," he said in a serious voice.
Frowning, Leonard sat down across from his father-in-law, "I contacted Phlox about what Ensign Chekov said and Doctor Phlox told me something rather interesting," Chris said in a serious voice. "Apparently, you've been counseling Ensign Chekov since 2259, but there's no record of it around Starfleet Medical."
Leonard paled slightly, but said nothing, "You are aware, Doctor McCoy, that at least some kind of record must be kept when a Starfleet doctor provides counseling to another member of Starfleet so that it can be used to monitor the progress of the individual in counseling," Chris stated in a sharp voice.
"Starfleet would have discharged Pavel had they found out about his coping method," Leonard replied in a steady voice, well-aware that he should have made a log about the many sessions he and Pavel had had over the years. "Besides, I mostly went to Russia whenever Pavel felt like he wanted to talk since he was scared to death to come to San Francisco. Hikaru kept in contact with him the most, though…"
A compassionate expression filled Chris's face, "I feel like you or I don't have the full story, but Pavel won't talk until he's ready and I know that from his Academy days," he replied in a less serious voice as he tapped a few buttons on his computer. "However, I'd like to have the information you do know recorded so that Starfleet can work to help Pavel recover enough that he's able to serve again."
"Doctor-patient confidentiality laws prohibit me from telling you anything without Pavel's permission," Leonard replied in a serious voice, mentally bracing for an angry backlash. "I can't break those laws…"
Chris scowled and sighed heavily, "I'll be frank, doctor," he replied somberly. "Pavel's under a Starfleet microscope because of certain events in his past and that of his late father. I'm the only one who's aware of the information Phlox told me, but it puts both your and his Starfleet careers at risk…"
"This is because of the rumors about that backwater science group in Russia that violated Starfleet protocol years back, isn't it?" Leonard asked in a shocked voice, ignoring the wide-eyed expression that Chris gave him. "There's not much information on it, but there's mention of it in one of my texts…"
Swearing under his breath, Chris sighed wearily, "That's classified information, McCoy," he replied in a commanding voice as he gave Leonard a stern look. "If you don't provide the information I'm requesting, it could be taken as insubordination and I really don't want to see it come to that…"
"So, you're ordering me to tell you now?" Leonard asked in an incredulous voice. "How joyful."
Chris said nothing for a moment, "Both myself and JAG, actually," he replied quietly. "Look, I didn't want to tell you this, but Phlox sent in a report to JAG the other day as he's ordered to do and it mentioned that Chekov was an unwilling participant in Zachary's journey to the hospital on Mimas. Not long after the report was received, Judge Advocate Riker contacted me and requested to speak with Chekov about his role in the whole thing."
"Pavel's not in any emotional shape to do that right now and you'd have to get the consent of his current commanding officer or the exec if Pavel refuses to give consent," Leonard replied sharply. "If Pavel does agree, he'll need medical supervision present as a precaution."
Chris nodded, "I plan on discussing this with both Captain Kirk and Commander Spock within the next few days," he replied seriously. "I also want Pavel to start counseling when he's up for it and I want someone who's not involved as you are to handle it. I'm going to be assigning a counselor soon."
Leonard nodded, but said nothing, "The meeting will be a closed one with only select people invited to attend and what is said will be recorded for Starfleet's classified information database," Chris explained seriously. "JAG will contact me with the date and time and I will let you know so that you can prepare Pavel emotionally and physically, all right?"
Chris sighed, "I apologize for my demeanor, Leonard, but you must know that Starfleet's on edge because of what happened to Captain Kirk and Commander McCoy," he said in a less stern voice as he tapped his computer. "It was bad enough after the whole Khan fiasco, but now it's gotten worse."
"Chris, I need to know something off the record," Leonard said as he stood up. "Will Zachary…?"
Chris shook his head, "Zachary will not be punished or held liable for this incident and hopefully Ensign Chekov won't be either," he replied in a reassuring voice. "He was a victim of someone whom he trusted to take care of him. Doctor Phlox was held accountable and now what Joanna, Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary need is good support and love. Chekov also needs such things..."
Leonard nodded and silently left the room, leaving Chris alone to contemplate what had yet to happen. Would Pavel's information reveal something that had not yet been considered?
"You will always remember your time here, yet never have the courage to talk about it with anyone."
Pavel's eyes shot open and he realized that the voice had been a dream; he was in a room at Starfleet Medical. A quick look down told him that he was in pajamas and that his knee was wrapped, braced, and resting on a pillow while socks covered his feet. He could feel a drip line in each of his hands and a warm blanket covering his dangerously thin body. The bed was elevated to help him, Pavel silently figured.
The door suddenly slid open and Pavel was both surprised and frightened to see Dr. Piper come into the room with Hikaru at his heels, "It's good to see you awake, Ensign Chekov," he said in a cheerful voice.
"I heard that you injured your knee," Hikaru commented as he walked over to Pavel's bedside.
Pavel blinked sleepily and nodded, "I vas valking ze streets and sleeped on some black ice," he replied in a groggy voice. "I know I vas supposed to help wiz ze assignment, but I vas having a need for space…"
"It's all right, Pavel," Hikaru replied in a reassuring voice. "With Joanna's help, everything got done."
Pavel sighed, "I guess Doctor MeeCoy told you I vas hurt?" he asked in a sleepy voice. "Zat I vas here?"
"No, Commander McCoy did actually," Hikaru replied gently. "She figured you wanted company."
Pavel yawned, "I am wery tired," he said in a groggy voice. "Ze doctor sedated me before…"
"Well, I can just sit here while you sleep," Hikaru offered, wanting to give Dr. Piper a break.
Too tired to argue, Pavel shrugged and closed his eyes, "I cannot forget," he whispered groggily.
"Lieutenant Sulu, if there's any problems, have me paged in the doctor's lounge," Dr. Piper said in a quiet voice, highly convinced that something else had happened to Pavel that he hadn't found the courage to tell anyone at this point in time. "I'll be getting some dinner and then a bit of a nap."
Hikaru nodded and moved over to a chair near the wall as Dr. Piper silently left the hospital room.
"It's nice," Jim replied in a tired voice as he stared at the fully decorated tree through his glasses. "I can't believe Bones and Charlie bought it or that Arianne and Lorian decorated it. That was nice of them."
Sam nodded and smiled as he watched George snuggle closer to Jim, "I hope Lorian's eating enough," Jim commented in a tired voice, happy to have his baby close even though he couldn't yet hold him.
"Aurelan will make sure he and Peter both have enough to eat," Sam commented, chuckling as George fed himself from the small bottle of soymilk that Aurelan had left along with a diaper bag and clothes.
Jim nodded and he suddenly sighed, "Sam, what's wrong?" he asked, seeing sadness in Sam's eyes.
"I have to report to Deneva in the new year to check the progress of the colony," Sam replied in an apologetic voice. "I'm also supposed to check how the Alpha Centauri colony's doing in terms of health, welfare, and supplies. It's going to be at least two years before Peter, Aurelan, and I can come back."
For a moment, Jim was quiet and then he sighed, "Let's make do with the time we have then," he said in a voice that displayed sadness, but acceptance about the situation. "We've had too many wasted years."
"I agree," Sam replied in a similar tone of voice as he smiled at Jim. "Let's make the most of our time."
Jim nodded and smiled down at George, "What do you think of my boys?" he asked in a proud voice.
"They're awesome," Sam replied as he walked over to the bed. "How about you try eating now?"
With great reluctance, Jim allowed Sam to lift George out of the way and move the portable table, which was holding a tray containing a bowl of vegetable soup, a cup, cutlery, and a bowl of applesauce on it.
"Therapy's gonna be fun," Jim commented in a sarcastic voice, grateful that he had been given a food apron to wear as he slowly began to feed himself the soup. "I think I've lost like forty pounds."
Sam nodded, gently rocking George as they watched Jim eat, "You'll manage," he replied gently.
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