July 2266
Hand-drawn and colored signs that read 'HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!' littered the walls of the Mess Hall while a table filled with dishes of festive foods sat near the canteen. Even though the Enterprise was currently searching for any remnants of the U.S.S. Montego, Jim had kept track of the passing days and had insisted on celebrating whatever holidays they could while they were away from Terran soil.
While Spock, who didn't wish to celebrate so festively while they were supposed to be searching for the Montego, was on the Bridge, Jim found himself in the Mess Hall watching Yeoman Rand explain the meaning behind the festive day to Charlie, Kathy, Zachary, George, Amanda, Saavik, and Joachim. Charlie Evans was working in Engineering, Joanna and Edith were working in Sickbay with Leonard, Arianne was in her office, and Lorian was off working on his college courses in their quarters.
Jim sighed and stood up, intending to return to the Mess Hall after the history lesson to make sure that George didn't try any dairy products just out of curiosity. He walked down the corridor and found himself looking into the arboretum where Hikaru kept a wide variety of plants and cuttings both from Earth and various planets they had visited.
Pavel was in there, silently potting some red roses at one of the counters where Hikaru often did horticultural experiments when he wasn't on the Bridge.
"Captain, I didn't know you were down here," a soft voice suddenly spoke from behind Jim.
Jim turned and saw a concerned looking Nyota standing behind him looking very tired in the slacks, shirt, and crocs she was wearing while her hair was pulled back, "I was just taking a walk," Nyota explained in a tired voice. "Doctor M'Benga thinks light exercise would be good for the baby."
"Does Spock know you're out and about?" Jim asked softly. "He would insist that you rest."
Nyota sighed and lifted her sleeve to reveal a small dripline in her arm, "I'm taking additional supplements to help the baby and they make me feel sick," she explained softly. "I know how badly Spock wants this baby, so I'm doing things to try and help myself feel better through all of it."
Jim frowned, "I doubt that Spock would want you to risk your own health just to have another baby," he replied in a concerned voice as he held out his hand. "I'll walk you to Sickbay so you can get checked out, all right? I think Doctor McCoy's on duty and he can tell you if the supplements are working."
"Thank you, Captain," Nyota replied softly, taking his hand. "I appreciate the offer of help."
Jim nodded and gently escorted Nyota towards the turbolift, hoping that everything would be okay.
"Commander Spock, sensors are detecting a small collection of debris several parsecs ahead," Tyler Kyle, an officer who was trying to qualify for a promotion through working on the Bridge, reported in an official voice as he studied his scanner. "There is writing on one of the pieces of debris, sir."
Spock raised an eyebrow, "Put the debris on the screen and magnify," he ordered tonelessly.
Within seconds, debris filled the viewscreen and one of the pieces had U.S.S. Montego NCC-1661 written on it, "It appears we have found what remains of the Montego," Spock announced, earning himself looks from Scotty, Hawkins, Hikaru, Stiles, Kyle, and Christine as he tapped the conn. "Captain."
"Mister Spock?" Jim's voice replied in a strained tone. "Mister Spock, are you on the Bridge?"
Spock sighed, "Yes, Captain," he replied tonelessly. "We have found the remains of the Montego."
There was a heavy silence and Jim sighed, "Mister Spock, I think you had better report to Sickbay," he said in a somber voice as he came on to the Bridge and down the ramp to the command chair.
Frowning, Spock turned to face Jim and saw the somber expression on Jim's face, "Captain?" he asked in a toneless voice, wondering why Jim had come to the Bridge without announcing his intent first.
"Spock, I think you should go to Sickbay," Jim repeated in a somber voice, his eyes full of sadness.
Swallowing hard, Spock gripped the handles of the chair, "Nyota?" he asked, feeling sudden pain.
Sighing heavily, Jim silently looked at the floor and Spock stood up, "If you will excuse me, Captain," he stated tonelessly, making haste to the turbolift. "I will probably remain off duty for the rest of…"
"It's fine, Mister Spock," Jim whispered softly, his heart aching for Spock and Nyota as he took a seat. "Get all that debris into the cargo bay and send Security and Science officers to analyze the debris with a fine tooth comb. I want to know what destroyed her."
Time stood still for Spock as he entered the quiet Sickbay, filled with adrenaline from running from the Bridge out of fear for the safety of Nyota and their unborn child. He had been unable to feel their bond and it had alarmed him to a severe degree when his Captain had come and told him to go to Sickbay.
"…I had no idea that the supplement would prove harmful to a fetus within a human body," Spock suddenly heard Dr. M'Benga say in an upset voice. "Don't glare at me like that, Leonard, I…"
There was a growl, "It's Doctor McCoy to you, M'Benga!" Leonard shouted. "If you'll excuse me…"
Spock raised an eyebrow as Leonard stormed out of the office, "Spock, how long have you been standing there?" Leonard asked worriedly, stopping as he saw Spock there. "What did you hear?"
"Captain Kirk came to the Bridge and explained that my presence in Sickbay was essential," Spock stated tonelessly. "I overheard Doctor M'Benga stating that the supplement proved harmful to the fetus…"
Leonard sighed and motioned for Spock to follow him and didn't stop walking until they reached a bed in the patient bay where Nyota lay sleeping on a biobed covered by a blanket and hooked to several driplines and what appeared to be a foetal/ultrasound machine. Spock's eyes narrowed considerably.
"Jim found Nyota walking in the corridor near the Mess Hall and brought her here out of concern," Leonard explained in a concerned voice as he checked the monitor. "It's a good thing he did because the supplements she was on for the baby were causing extreme anemia, nausea, and fatigue."
Spock nodded, "What is the current state of the fetus?" he asked in a voice that showed true fear.
Leonard peered at the fetal machine and sighed, "I don't know if it will survive because the supplements took nutrients from her that the baby was supposed to receive," he explained somberly. "I'm sorry."
Spock silently sat on a stool at Nyota's bedside and gently took her hand as he rested his hands on the edge of the biobed so he could be close to her, "Please make enquires around the ship as to who would be willing to provide care for Amanda and Saavik when they are done their daily studies," he stated tonelessly. "Please inform the Captain that I will also not be able to return to duty for the rest of the day and that if he is in immediate need of assistance from a First Officer, I recommend Commander McCoy."
"I'll take care of it, Spock," Leonard replied somberly, frowning at the anxiety he heard in Spock's voice.
Feeling as if Spock needed time alone with Nyota, Leonard returned to the office and was shocked to see M'Benga sitting on the floor with his head in his knees, "I didn't know the supplements would cause such a reaction in Lieutenant Uhura," M'Benga stated in a distressed voice as he looked up at Leonard.
"The supplement was designed to assist in the healthy development of hybrid pregnancies, right?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice, frowning at M'Benga. "It shouldn't cause such a reaction."
M'Benga sighed, "I checked Lieutenant Uhura's medical records before I gave her the supplement and the supplement was how the Vulcan Healers were able to help her maintain her pregnancy with Amanda," he explained in a distressed voice. "Commander Spock's hybrid lineage adds complications to the difficulties that already come with a Human-Vulcan pregnancy, as the reproductive systems…"
"How did Captain Kirk manage to produce a half-Vulcan child with T'Pol, then?" Leonard asked softly.
Frowning, M'Benga stood up, "I have always been curious about that, but those records are sealed and Captain Kirk doesn't talk about it," he replied in a concerned voice. "Didn't she die giving birth?"
"Stay here and keep an eye on things," Leonard stated, knowing that only Jim would have the answers that could possibly keep Nyota from sharing T'Pol's fate. "Computer, locate Captain Kirk."
There was a beep and Jim's location came up on the computer, "The cargo bay?" Leonard asked in a confused voice, frowning at M'Benga. "Why would Jim be in the cargo bay when he's on duty?"
"Do you want me to check in on Joanna and Miss Keeler?" Dr. M'Benga asked as Leonard moved towards the door. "I don't know what else to do for Lieutenant Uhura at this point."
Leonard nodded as he left the office and Sickbay, leaving M'Benga alone with his troubled thoughts.
Damaged pieces of debris filled the cargo bay and Lorian silently lingered near the door so not to get in the way of his father or the officers from Science and Engineering who were examining the debris, "Lorian, come over here and look at this," he suddenly heard his father say in an encouraging tone.
Swallowing hard, Lorian followed the voice and found himself standing next to his father and Charlie Evans in front of a piece of hull that read U.S.S. Montego NCC-1661, "This is what remains of the vessel that was monitoring the Neutral Zone and its outposts," Jim explained in a somber voice. "The Montego had a crew of 400 and it's been around since before I was in the Academy. What do you see?"
"Weapons damage," Lorian replied tonelessly. "It appears the Montego was fired upon several times and took considerable damage from their attackers before being severely damaged or destroyed."
Jim nodded, "This doesn't make sense, though," Charlie Evans spoke softly. "Where did the crew go?"
"Mister Evans, it is most likely that they were either killed or captured by their attackers," Jim replied in a somber voice. "Now, does the damage look as if it were caused by any weapons in Starfleet?"
Lorian frowned, "It does not," he replied tonelessly. "Was it the Klingons or Romulans, Father?"
"It's very possible that it could have been, Lorian, but we have no logs or any sort of proof from the debris yet," Jim replied in a calmer voice. "Without solid proof, we can't tell Starfleet anything."
Before Lorian or Charlie Evans could reply, Leonard wandered into the cargo bay, "Captain, do you mind if we step out and have a private conversation?" he asked softly. "It's about Lieutenant Uhura."
Swallowing hard, Jim nodded, "Keep examining the pieces and ask one of the Science or Security officers for help if you find anything unusual," he said in an anxious voice as he followed Leonard into the corridor and waited for him to speak. "Bones, I don't know why you want to talk to me about…"
"Because you and T'Pol successfully conceived a half-Vulcan child," Leonard replied somberly. "I found out that the supplement M'Benga gave Lieutenant Uhura is making her sick while it's helping the fetus and I'm not sure if both of them will survive this. I need to see the records of T'Pol's pregnancy, Jim."
Jim's eyes widened and was about to deny having knowledge of them when Leonard sighed, "Don't try to tell me that you don't have access, because I know you sealed them not long after T'Pol died," he stated in a confirmed voice, having the computer's knowledge to back his claim up. "I know you were in Montana, but I also know that you've got the ability to hack classified computer records."
Dread filled Jim and he looked at the floor to hide the tears that were filling his eyes and the fact that his chest was becoming tight with panic, "Why do you think I smuggled her on to the Enterprise in the late months of her pregnancy, Bones?" he finally replied in an anxious voice. "Because we both knew…"
A sob escaped Jim's lips, "Human-Vulcan pregnancies were considered too risky on Earth back then that anyone who was involved in one was advised to terminate them rather than carry the baby to full term," he continued in an anxious voice that was racked with sobs. "I was advised to try and get T'Pol to terminate it, as she would most likely die giving birth, but I just couldn't do it and I told her so."
Leonard swallowed hard, "Who advised you to do that?" he asked, deeply appalled at this news.
"Starfleet Medical," Jim replied anxiously as he looked up at Leonard. "The technology was different back then and they didn't have the ability to help with hybrid pregnancies like they do now. They said that it would be too great of a risk and I couldn't bring myself to persuade her to end the pregnancy."
Confusion filled Leonard's face, "If T'Pol didn't end the pregnancy, then, how did she manage to carry George to full term without complications?" he asked in a confused voice. "What aren't you saying?"
Shame and terror filled Jim's eyes and he shook his head, "Bones, that's information I'm not willing to share," he replied anxiously, suddenly feeling a headache coming on. "How can I be of help to you?"
"It was something illegal you did to help T'Pol carry George to term, wasn't it?" Leonard asked, seeing the guilt in Jim's eyes. "Jim, you did something illegal while you were already under house arrest? How is that even possible for you to do without alerting Starfleet? To do something like that, you'd need…"
Swallowing hard, Jim shook his head and Leonard's eyes widened, "Someone who knew the system well enough to cover your tracks," Leonard finished in a shocked voice. "Jim, who did you get to help you?"
"Bones, not now," Jim replied anxiously. "If Starfleet was to find out what I did, there'd be trouble."
Leonard sighed, "Jim, Starfleet has better things to do than bother you about T'Pol," he replied calmly.
"I ordered the supplement from New Vulcan and had it shipped in through Planetary Customs," Jim replied heavily as he moved away. "It wasn't cleared to be used at Starfleet Medical, but T'Pol used her sway with the New Vulcan government to get some sent to us in Iowa along with instructions."
Leonard was silent for a few moments and sighed, "T'Pol was fully Vulcan, so she shouldn't have died from the drug unless it reacted with George's human half," he replied softly. "You're telling me that T'Pol decided to die and continue taking the supplement because she wanted to have George?"
"At first, T'Pol and I were frightened about the idea of a baby, but we realized that we wanted to raise it and Lorian more than anything else in the world," Jim explained somberly. "And the pregnancy wasn't easy by any means, Bones; T'Pol was bedridden a lot and Lorian was a great help to her and I."
Leonard nodded, "I don't know if Humans with hybrid pregnancies can take the supplement and have safe pregnancies without supervision, but I'm going to be hoping that everything turns out for the best," Jim said in a somber, tired voice. "Look, Bones, I need to go to my quarters and lie down for a bit. Would you please let Lorian know that he can either continue to help with the debris or return to school?"
"Sure," Leonard replied, seeing that Jim had been emotionally drained by talking about the past.
Jim nodded and, with a hand on his forehead, he silently walked down the corridor alone. Leonard silently went back into the cargo bay and saw Scotty talking with Lorian, Charlie Evans, and a bunch of other Security and Science officers about their findings. Not wanting to interrupt, he silently left and travelled down the corridor back towards the turbolift, intending to see how things were in Sickbay.
Arianne looked up from her stylus briefly to ensure that Hawkins, Stiles, Hikaru, Kyle, Christine, and the other Bridge officers were doing their jobs properly and didn't need assistance. She had brought her paperwork with her to work on while Jim left her in command unless something important came up that she felt Jim needed to take charge of.
"Commander McCoy, sensors are detecting a vessel ahead," Kyle suddenly spoke up anxiously.
Arianne set her stylus on her lap, "How far ahead, Mister Kyle?" she asked in a concerned voice.
"Within viewing distance, Commander," Kyle replied nervously. "Do you think it's an enemy?"
Arianne sighed, "Put the vessel on screen," she replied calmly. "Let's have a look at it."
Almost immediately, the screen switched to a view of a small, extremely weathered vessel, "The designation matches the vessel that Cyrano Jones escaped Space Station K-7 in, Commander," Kyle explained in an anxious voice as he looked at the computer. "What should we do about this?"
"Hail the vessel," Arianne replied calmly, contemplating whether or not to contact Jim or Spock.
Hawkins quickly sent a hail to the vessel, "The vessel's captain is replying," he replied anxiously.
"Put it on the screen then, Mister Hawkins," Arianne replied in a calm, but impatient voice.
Hawkins, Stiles, Hikaru, Kyle, Christine, and the other Bridge officers turned in their chairs just in time to see Susan's face appear on screen, "Greetings, I am Commander Arianne McCoy of the Federation Starship Enterprise," Arianne stated in a commanding voice. "Please state your name and business."
"Susan Ling," Susan replied coolly, ignoring the fact that Hikaru was studying her intently.
Arianne nodded, but didn't get the chance to say anything because Susan closed the channel, "Commander, the vessel's warp core is damaged," Hawkins reported anxiously. "I…"
"Beam Susan Ling to the Transporter Room and have Security meet her there," Arianne ordered as she tapped the conn on the arm of the chair. "Tractor the vessel into the hangar deck for repairs and further examination. Captain Kirk or Commander Spock, this is Commander McCoy; please respond."
There was silence and Arianne sighed before tapping the conn again, "Security to the Transporter Room," she ordered in a commanding voice. "Engineering, please report to the hangar deck."
Swallowing hard, Arianne stood up, "Helm, all stop," she replied calmly, determined to find out what Susan was doing there. "Mister Sulu, you have the Bridge while I go and greet our guest."
"Aye sir," Hikaru replied, slowly bringing the Enterprise to a halt as Arianne left the Bridge.
"The communicator's going off," Spock heard Nyota mumble in a groggy voice. "What is it?"
Spock raised an eyebrow as Nyota's eyes opened and he quickly turned his communicator off, "It is of no concern to either of us," he replied tonelessly. "If there are any situations, Captain Kirk and Commander McCoy are more than capable of addressing them without my help. My place is at your side, Nyota."
Nyota nodded and sighed tiredly, "The baby's not going to make it, is it?" she asked weakly.
Unaware that Leonard had returned and was now watching as M'Benga lingered just outside the patient bay, Spock swallowed hard, "The supplement that Doctor M'Benga gave you for the baby is proving harmful to your body," he explained tonelessly. "It is very likely that the fetus will not survive."
Tears filled Nyota's eyes and it both angered and saddened Spock to see them because he believed that if Dr. M'Benga had been more careful to use a nutritional supplement that would be good for all involved in a hybrid pregnancy, Nyota and the baby would be fine, "If it doesn't, I'd rather adopt any future children than try to have another," Nyota replied weakly. "Does that upset you, Spock?"
"No, thy'la," Spock replied softly, gently stroking her hands with his. "I could not bear your death."
As Nyota nodded, M'Benga cautiously entered the patient bay, "Commander, Lieutenant, I would like to apologize for what is happening and if I had any idea that the supplement would cause such problems, I would have tried something else," he stated in an apologetic voice. "I do not expect your forgiveness."
"Why would you not expect something that is not necessary as of yet?" Spock answered tonelessly, a slight growl in his voice as he kept his back turned to M'Benga. "The outcome is still uncertain."
M'Benga trembled at hearing the growl, but didn't move, "I am at a loss, however, as to why you did not contact New Vulcan for assistance in maintaining Nyota's pregnancy," Spock continued as he rose and turned around to face M'Benga. "They would have been able to assist, as they had with Amanda."
Again, M'Benga trembled and Spock's expression deepened into a death glare, "Or is it possible that your lingering connection with Jeris disabled your ability to seek help in a situation that you were experiencing difficulties in?" Spock asked, the growl in his voice deeper. "I require an explanation."
Swallowing hard, M'Benga took a step back and Spock clenched his hands, "I wish you to take accountability for the situation you have created," Spock growled, sweat appearing on his face.
"Spock, calm down!" Leonard shouted, seeing that Spock was on the verge of losing control.
Without warning, the bio-alarms went haywire and Nyota lost consciousness, "Spock, get OUT!" Leonard yelled in an anxious voice as he hurried into the patient bay. "M'Benga, get over here right now!"
Shaken to the core at the thought of losing Nyota, Spock silently left Sickbay, his body trembling. He was so wrapped up in himself that he didn't see Joanna and Edith come to see what the commotion was.
Susan's eyes widened as she materialized on the transporter pad and saw Arianne, Hendorff, and Giotto standing on the floor in front of her while Kyle watched from behind the console, "Miss Ling, I am very curious as to why you are here," Arianne stated calmly. "We don't often receive unexpected guests."
"I assure you, Commander, I have honest intentions," Susan replied coldly. "Why all the Security?"
Arianne looked amused, "The presence of Security officers is standard protocol when we receive unexpected visitors, Miss Ling," she replied calmly. "Now, what exactly is your purpose here?"
"I am just a simple space explorer who has a vessel that is in need of repair," Susan replied gently.
Even though Arianne could tell that Susan wasn't telling the truth, as her children had often tried to be evasive when they wanted to hide things, she nodded, "Well, Mister Giotto and Mister Hendorff can escort you to guest quarters where you can relax while I find the Captain and tell him about you," she replied calmly. "Once the Captain is informed about you, I'm sure he'll want to know your business."
Susan's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded, "Thank you for your hospitality, Commander," she replied, making a mental note to tell Dr. Sevrin about this shrewd commander when she could.
Arianne watched as Hendorff and Giotto led Susan from the room and then she left the Transporter Room, intending to go to Jim's quarters and ask him why he hadn't answered his communicator. He usually answered his communicator even if it was late at night.
Waves of exhaustion washed over Jim as he sank on to his bed, a mug of Vulcan spice tea in his hands that would hopefully put him into a deep sleep for the next several hours. He was emotionally drained and physically exhausted from revealing more of the past, but he had done it to help a fellow officer.
Jim slowly drank the tea and then set the mug on his nightstand before laying down, allowing his body to relax. As his eyes closed, memories of T'Pol drifted through his mind that filled his eyes with tears.
Fortunately, positive thoughts of Lorian and George quickly replaced those thoughts and Jim drifted into a deep, much needed slumber. Too many nights had been spent trying and failing to sleep.
"Jim, are you all right?" Jim suddenly heard Arianne's concerned voice ask from very close by.
Letting out a sigh, Jim opened his eyes to see Arianne standing at his bedside, "I opened up about some stuff with Bones and I just don't feel real wonderful right now," he explained in a tired voice, figuring Arianne had used her override code to get into his quarters. "Is there some sort of emergency?"
"We acquired a passenger named Susan Ling and her damaged vessel that matches the registration of one belonging to Cyrano Jones," Arianne replied softly. "Remember that kook from Space Station K-7?"
Jim nodded, but didn't get up, "I also tried Commander Spock, but he didn't answer," Arianne stated.
"Spock's in Sickbay with Lieutenant Uhura," Jim replied somberly. "The baby might not survive."
Arianne frowned and sighed heavily, "I didn't know," she replied softly in a voice of sadness.
"Where is this passenger we acquired?" Jim asked, fighting the urge to sleep so he could talk.
Arianne sighed, "I had Giotto and Hendorff escort her to guest quarters while I came and found you," she replied in a concerned voice. "There's just something about Miss Ling I don't really trust, Jim."
"You've got good instincts about people, so I trust your judgment," Jim replied softly. "And I do recall a Miss Susan Ling at the Academy with us; she was part of a little science club run by a Doctor Sevrin."
Arianne frowned, but didn't say anything, "I'm in no condition to be talking with anyone right now, Arianne, so just have Security guard Miss Ling in her quarters for the rest of the day," Jim replied in a tired voice. "I'll talk to her in the morning after I've had enough rest to overcome this migraine. I don't want to take Spock away from Lieutenant Uhura, so you and Scotty can share command shifts tonight."
Unable to fight sleep any longer, Jim drifted off and Arianne silently left his quarters to let him rest.
"Kommander Spock?"
Overwhelmed by emotions he had not felt in a long time, Spock looked up from his meditation and saw Pavel standing there with a pot full of roses in his hands, "Ensign Chekov," Spock replied tonelessly.
"I vas breenging some roses for Joanna and I saw you here," Pavel explained nervously, wondering why Spock was sitting on the floor outside Sickbay in a meditative position. "Are you unvell, Kommander?"
Spock struggled to compose himself, but he found himself unable to, "Nyota is in medical distress and the pregnancy has terminated itself," he replied tonelessly. "I am meditating in an attempt to…"
"Ze baby died?" Pavel asked softly, a saddened expression appearing on his face. "I am wery sorry."
Spock nodded as Leonard came out of Sickbay, "If you want to see Nyota, Spock, she's stable now," he stated in a tired voice before looking at Pavel. "Joanna's at the computer if you want to see her."
"Zees eez for Uhura," Pavel replied, pulling a rose from the pot and handing it to Spock to give to her.
Spock stood there, wordlessly holding the rose as Pavel disappeared into Sickbay, "I'm taking you and Lieutenant Uhura off duty until further notice because you both need time to recover from this," Leonard stated in a no-nonsense voice. "You almost attacked Doctor M'Benga, Spock. I'm not saying that this isn't a difficult situation, but you can't start accusing and threatening anyone like you did."
"I am aware of this, Doctor," Spock replied tonelessly. "My behavior cannot be excused."
Leonard sighed as Spock stood up, "You and Lieutenant Uhura just both need some rest and time away from duty," he replied calmly. "I talked with Commander Scott and he's asking around to see who can take Amanda and Saavik for the evening so you two can rest. Now, do you want to see your wife?"
Spock nodded and silently followed Leonard into Sickbay's patient bay where Nyota was resting in a semi-upright position on the biobed with driplines in her arm while pajamas and a blanket covered her body, "The pain medication's making her sleep," Leonard explained as he checked the biomonitor.
Taking a deep breath, Spock silently placed the rose on the bedside tray and sat on the stool beside the bed, carefully taking Nyota's closest hand in his own. A tear escaped his eye as he sat holding her hand.
Edith watched silently as Spock closed his eyes, "Miss Keeler, you can either go finish your day's modules or you can go do something else," Leonard said as he walked over to them. "Where's Jo?"
"Joanna and that nice young man of hers are at the computer talking," Edith replied softly, saddened by the fact that she had witnessed Lieutenant Uhura lose a baby and that she would never have any.
Leonard nodded, "Ah, Miss Keeler, I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you?" he asked softly.
"Of course, Doctor McCoy," Edith replied calmly. "I am grateful for you letting me work in here."
Leonard sighed, "Captain Kirk isn't feeling well this evening and I'm wondering if you'd be willing to look after Lorian and George in your quarters tonight?" he asked softly. "That way, the Captain can rest."
"I would be happy to do that, Doctor," Edith replied calmly. "I can also collect them from school."
As Edith walked out of Sickbay, Leonard peered into the computer area to see what Pavel and Joanna were up to, deeply surprised when he saw them talking quietly while Joanna held the pot of roses on her lap. Pavel's expression was gentle and compassionate, but Joanna's was filled with grief.
"What's going on, Jo and Pavel?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice. "Joanna, what's wrong?"
Joanna sighed, "We were just discussing Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura," she replied in a somber voice as she looked at her father sadly. "I can't imagine such a terrible thing; I can't…"
"I kin valk Joanna back to her quarters, Doktor," Pavel replied, sensing that not all was right.
Leonard sighed tiredly, "I need to go talk to Doctor M'Benga anyway," he replied, intending to talk with his colleague about the way he had handled the Nyota's situation. "Don't stay out too late, all right?"
Joanna nodded and kept quiet while her father left the computer area, "Vat ees ze matter?" Pavel asked softly as he looked at Joanna intently. "You seem wery affected by ze Lieutenant's lost child."
Sadness filled Joanna's eyes, "Pavel, I'm not even sure if I'm able to have children and Lieutenant Uhura's miscarriage made me think of it," she replied softly. "The time I spent on Romulus wasn't easy and I was subjected to a lot of physical abuse that made me feel very worthless. If you want to end it…"
Compassion filled Pavel's eyes and he gently placed a finger on Joanna's lips, "You are beauteeful to me, Joanna" he replied gently, smiling at her. "Eef you kannot hawe cheeldren, ve can look at ozzer vays of hawing a family someday if zat eez vat you vant. You are so beauteeful to me inside and out, but I cannot show you how much I care unteel you are 18 and eet ees legal. Until zen, ve can hug and go on ze superwised dates for fun and talking. You hawe truly brought happiness out in me, Joanna."
"And you've brought out happiness in me too, Pavel," Joanna replied, tears of joy filling her eyes.
I.K.S. Rakata
"A Vulcan baby?" Captain Ja'rod sneered as he examined the baby that the Klingon guards held out to him, taking great care to not touch the barely conscious child. "Where did you find that thing?"
One of the guards grunted, "In the arms of a dead Vulcan female," he replied gruffly. "We cannot take this child to Rura Penthe with the rest of the surviving prisoners. He will be used as food by others."
Captain Ja'rod's eyes narrowed and he sighed heavily, "Do not tell the Klingon High Council or the Romulan Senate of this child and we will send it away to force it to find its own way," he replied gruffly, cringing with disgust as he took the child from the guard. "Most likely, it will die in space by itself."
A name written on the sleeper that spelled 'Tuvok' caught Captain Ja'rod's eye as he carried the baby out of the room where only the dead prisoners laid after the surviving ones were placed in another cargo hold. Instead of summoning his guards, however, Captain Ja'rod proceeded to the shuttlebay.
"You are already weak, so I do not think Rura Penthe will benefit you," Captain Ja'rod stated gruffly as he entered a small shuttle and secured Tuvok in a seat before putting food and water rations near him.
Tuvok squinted as he peered up at Captain Ja'rod, but he didn't make a sound and merely watched as the large Klingon Captain went to the Helm and pressed several buttons, "There is no honor in allowing a child to die in the mines of Rura Penthe even if you are Vulcan scum," Captain Ja'rod grunted, pulling a PADD from his pocket to make a note to send with Tuvok that explained why he let the little baby live.
Again, Tuvok said nothing and Captain Ja'rod took the opportunity to quickly force feed him some of the food and water capsules, "Your mother obviously wanted better for you, young Vulcan child, and it would be dishonorable of me to condemn you to die among Klingons. Remember this mercy well."
Tuvok gave Captain Ja'rod a curious look, but Captain Ja'rod paid no mind to it as he left the shuttle.
Still in a foul mood that he was showing mercy to a Vulcan child who had no chance whether he sent it off in a shuttle or took it to Rura Penthe, Captain Ja'rod didn't say anything and focused on preparing the shuttle for launch on auto-pilot as two of his bodyguards came into the shuttleport. The guards looked at Captain Ja'rod questioningly, but the expression on his face kept them from uttering words.
"Qa'pla, young Tuvok," Captain Ja'rod whispered as the shuttle departed. "Qa'pla."
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