August 2266
"Captain's Log, August 2266," Jim said, a sigh in his voice as he leaned back in his chair with the recording device close to his mouth. "With our findings on the Montego now in the hands of Starfleet, the Enterprise is now on a mission intended to heal. Commander McCoy and Commander Spock confided in me that Spock's opened up to Sarek about Lieutenant Uhura's devastating miscarriage and the events leading up to it. In response, Sarek and the Vulcan High Command has invited the Enterprise to visit New Vulcan for a diplomatic visit and so those affected by the miscarriage can heal. We are en route to New Vulcan and I hope that it's beneficial for all, especially Spock and Lieutenant Uhura…."
The door chime suddenly pinged and Jim quickly saved the log before hiding it in his desk, "Come in," he replied in an official voice, smiling as Hikaru entered the room. "Lieutenant Sulu, how can I help you?"
"Captain, I was wondering if I could ask your advice on something?" Hikaru asked in a nervous voice.
Jim nodded and Hikaru sighed, "I was wondering if I could get your permission to ask Susan Ling on a date while she's here?" he asked softly. "She works in Sciences and I want to show her my plants."
"Well, Lieutenant Sulu, you're a big boy and you don't need my permission to date someone on the ship," Jim replied in an amused voice, giving Hikaru a parental look. "What is this really about?"
Hikaru sighed, "Well, I've been hearing rumors that you're dating Miss Keeler from Starbase 17," he replied in a nervous voice, his face reddening in embarrassment. "I mean, you've spent time with…"
"There is no truth to the rumor, Hikaru," Jim replied softly, cutting him off. "I'm not ready for that sort of thing and neither are Lorian or George. When we are around Earth, Miss Keeler will be leaving the Enterprise to attend the Academy, but she'll probably be a nurse by the time we get back to Earth."
Hikaru looked confused, but said nothing, "How's the Bridge?" Jim asked in a concerned voice.
"Commander McCoy's doing a fine job," Hikaru replied calmly. "Is Commander Spock…?"
Jim sighed and stood up, "Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura are both on personal leave until such time as we arrive at New Vulcan," he replied, deeply concerned for them both. "We'll have a much needed shore leave while we're there and after that, we'll see where things stand, all right?"
Hikaru nodded and silently left the Ready Room, prompting Jim to follow him out to the Bridge where Arianne was sitting in the command chair while Hawkins, Stiles, Hikaru, Hendorff, Kyle, Leonard, and Scotty worked at their stations, "Captain on the Bridge," Arianne stated in a commanding voice.
"As you were," Jim replied calmly as he walked over to the ramp. "I'll be back in a little bit."
Arianne nodded and watched as Jim went up to the turbolift, knowing full well that he was going to check on Dr. M'Benga and then on Spock and Nyota because all three of them were out of sorts.
Anxiety filled Susan Ling as she walked down the corridor from the Science Lab where she had left her work hidden from prying eyes. She had been given a uniform and duties since she was familiar with Starfleet workings, but she knew she was running out of time to capture and talk to Ensign Chekov.
"Susan, do you have a sec?" an anxious voice suddenly spoke from behind her, startling her.
Concerned that someone knew her plan, Susan turned and saw Christine standing behind her, "Susan, I'm trying to plan a little gathering to cheer Spock, Uhura, and Doctor M'Benga up and I was wondering if you wanted to help me?" she asked in an anxious voice. "I'm thinking of having it in the Mess…"
"Christine, I'm sorry, I've got a lot of work to do," Susan replied softly, hoping she could be left alone.
A sad expression appeared on Christine's face, but she nodded and walked away, "Nosy blonde idiot," Susan hissed as she continued on her way, suddenly thinking that she could stop in Sickbay for a tranquilizer to make kidnapping Ensign Chekov easier since she didn't want him to try and fight.
Swallowing hard, Susan silently made her way to Sickbay and saw that Dr. M'Benga was sitting in the office reading a stylus. She silently crept past the office and into the patient bay, making a beeline over to the medicine cabinets to find a powerful enough tranquilizer to knock Chekov out for hours.
"Excuse me, can I help you?" Susan suddenly heard Dr. M'Benga ask gently as footsteps approached.
Grabbing the closest hypospray, Susan whirled around to face Dr. M'Benga, "If you need medication for something, you don't have to come in here and steal it," Dr. M'Benga stated. "You can ask me for it."
Muttering under her breath about nosy idiots, Susan quickly drop-kicked Dr. M'Benga, causing the man to fall to the floor and hit his head. She stepped over his unconscious form and quickly left Sickbay.
"Mommy?"
Arianne looked up from her stylus and was surprised to see Charlie standing beside the chair with an old fashioned book in one hand and a small PADD in the other, "Charlie, you're supposed to be in school, aren't you?" she asked in a concerned voice as Leonard came up behind him. "Why are you here?"
"We had free time and Zachary stole Miss Rand's computer and told me it was a compass that would lead me to the Bridge," Charlie replied in a worried voice. "It hasn't been doing anything, though."
Discouraged that Zachary had stolen something from Yeoman Rand and had used it to trick Charlie into leaving school, Arianne took the PADD, "Charlie, Zachary was tricking you," she replied gently. "This isn't a compass, it's just a regular PADD. Zachary just wanted you to leave school so you'd be in trouble."
"Am I stupid, Mommy?" Charlie asked softly. "It's so easy for Zach to trick me cause I trust him."
Arianne sighed, set the stylus aside, and pulled Charlie on to her lap, "You're not stupid, honey," she replied in a gentle voice as she stroked his hair. "It takes you a bit longer to learn things than other kids."
"Am I going to be in trouble with Miss Rand?" Charlie asked in a worried voice. "I didn't know."
Leonard shook his head and gently patted Charlie's head, "Tell you what, kiddo, I've got to go by Sickbay anyway, so I'll take you back to the classroom," he said in a tired voice. "I've got to have my treatment."
Charlie nodded and got off Arianne's lap, "Do you think the cancer will be killed when we get to New Vulcan?" he asked in a worried voice as he walked up to the lift with Leonard. "Cancer's a bad guy."
"Yep, it is," Leonard replied, fighting the urge to laugh as he led Charlie into the turbolift.
Arianne sighed and picked her stylus up, "Steady as she goes," she commented softly as she sent a private message to Nyota asking if she would like to get together for some private girl time later. Her mind was also on Leonard's continued treatments and both she and Nyota just needed a break.
The sound of a vibrating PADD brought Nyota back to awareness and she slowly opened her eyes before taking the PADD off her bedside table. She picked up the PADD and sighed deeply as she read it.
Relieved that it was only a message from Arianne inviting her to partake in some off-duty girl time, Nyota placed the PADD back on the table and slowly got out of bed. She silently went out into the sitting area and saw that Spock was sitting in the corner of the room meditating in his meditation robes.
"Spock?" Nyota called out softly as she approached him. "Spock, where are Amanda and Saavik?"
Spock sighed patiently, "I delivered Saavik and Amanda to the schoolroom approximately three point five hours ago, Nyota," he replied in a toneless voice. "It is pleasing to see you moving around."
"I didn't mean to sleep so late this morning," Nyota commented as she touched Spock's shoulders.
Nodding, Spock stood up, turned, and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Rest is important for your recovery, my thy'la," Spock replied in a softer voice. "I am grateful that I did not also lose you."
Nyota nodded and sighed, "I have been in touch with Sarek and he has arranged for physical and mental assistance to be available for us upon our arrival and request," Spock continued softly. "I must confess that I am still angry with Doctor M'Benga about his role in the baby's death and your near death."
Before Nyota could reply, the door chime sounded, "Come in," Spock stated tonelessly.
The door slid open and Jim stood there, "Captain, hello," Nyota said in a kind voice, not bothered by the fact that she was in casual clothing nor that she and Spock were hugging. "What can we do for you?"
"I just wanted to see how you two were doing," Jim replied calmly. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Nyota shook her head and sighed, "You've already helped us so much by arranging shore leave on New Vulcan," she replied in a sincere voice. "I also appreciate you approving medical leave for both of us."
"It's not an issue," Jim replied gently. "What happened was really terrible and I'm truly sorry about it."
Spock inhaled sharply, "The Vulcan Healers will most likely want to talk to Doctor M'Benga about what happened," he stated tonelessly. "As his captain, it is your decision as to whether you will permit that."
Jim's eyes widened as Spock sighed and walked off into the master bedroom, "Spock blames Doctor M'Benga and the supplement he gave Nyota for the baby's death," Nyota explained softly. "I have to admit that I'm angry about it too, but I just don't feel comfortable approaching Doctor M'Benga."
Even though he knew that Dr. M'Benga was blaming himself for what happened and would accept any sort of punishment without hesitation in his current frame of mind, Jim said nothing, "Anyway, thanks for stopping by," Nyota continued softly, eager to go see to Spock. "We appreciate the visit."
Swallowing hard, Jim nodded and silently left their quarters. Nyots sighed and silently went to the master bedroom where Spock had removed his robe and was sitting on the bed in his uniform. Neither of them spoke, but Nyota merely sat on the bed next to her husband and gently took his hand in hers.
"Would you care for some lunch, Nyota?" Spock suddenly asked softly. "Neither of us have eaten."
Nyota sighed and nodded, "I will acquire food and return," Spock stated as he rose from the bed.
Out in the corridor, Jim was heading back to the Bridge to relieve Arianne when his communicator suddenly beeped, "Captain Kirk, this is Giotto," a voice stated. "There's been an incident in Sickbay."
"On my way," Jim replied in a concerned voice after he pulled out his communicator and opened it.
Susan silently braced herself as she entered the Mess Hall and saw that Pavel and Joanna were at a table together eating lunch while a few other crew members, including Riley and Charlie Evans, were sitting at other tables subtly keeping an eye on the young couple. Quickly composing herself so to look like another crewmember just getting a meal, Susan silently walked over to Pavel and Joanna's table.
"Hi there," Susan said in a calm voice, deciding to make conversation using things she had heard around the ship about people. "Joanna, I heard you were working on the nursing modules and you're in the science part of it right now. I was rather good at Science in Starfleet Academy and if you want, I…"
Joanna smiled, "Any help you can offer would be great, but I'm not working on my modules til later because my dad has his treatment this afternoon and he'll need my help since Mom's on the Bridge," she replied gently, smiling as Pavel took her hand. "Pavel's got to go to the Bridge after we're done."
Nodding, Susan patted the hypospray that was in her pocket and then clasped her hands together, giving Pavel a cute smile that caused him to look at Joanna nervously, "Joanna, vill you valk me to ze Bridge vhen ve're done lunch?" he asked in a nervous voice. "I can make ze doctor a shake too…"
Just then, several crewmen left and Joanna got up to dispose of her plate, leaving Susan alone with Pavel and only Charlie Evans and Riley in the Mess Hall. Susan quickly took the hypospray out of her pocket and forcibly injected it into Pavel's neck, causing Pavel to scream uncontrollably.
"Pavel!" Joanna shouted, turning around just in time to see Pavel collapse to the floor with the hypospray still jammed into the side of his neck while Susan watched. "What did you give him?!"
Susan snarled and reached for Pavel's arm, but Joanna shot over to them and knocked Susan away from Pavel with a solid punch in the jaw just as Charlie Evans and Riley came over. Ignoring them, Susan aimed a dropkick at Joanna, but Joanna grabbed her leg and flipped her clear across the room.
Riley gasped and hurried over to restrain Susan just as Spock walked in, "Pavel, wake up!" Joanna said in an anxious voice, dropping to her knees next to the unconscious Pavel. "Someone call Medical!"
Spock approached Pavel and peered at the hypospray in Pavel's neck, "It appears that this is a medication used to sedate patients prior to surgery," he observed as he knelt down beside Pavel.
Susan scowled as Charlie Evans and Riley restrained her, "Escort Miss Ling to the Brig and notify both Security and the Captain," Spock stated in a toneless voice. "Miss McCoy, are you injured at all?"
"Worry about Pavel," Joanna replied anxiously, shocked that some of the fighting skills she was forced to develop on Romulus had emerged so suddenly in a simple moment. "Where are Medical and Security?"
Susan scowled, quickly broke free of Riley's hold and was about to advance on Joanna, Pavel, and Spock when Charlie Evans suddenly grabbed hold of Susan and pinned her against the wall. His eyes were filled with fire and it was then that Susan realized that the young boy was one of Khan's lost Auguments.
"You're one of those freaks from the cargo ship," Susan breathed in an anxious voice. "Aren't you?"
Charlie Evans gave Susan a curious look just as several red shirted officers rushed into the room, "Mister Evans, your restraining technique is commendable, but Security has arrived," Spock stated tonelessly.
Swallowing hard, Charlie Evans stepped back and allowed the Security officers to do their job, "Charlie, perhaps we'd better go," Riley, who had contacted Security during the fight, whispered quietly.
Nodding, Charlie Evans silently left the Mess Hall with Riley and Spock turned his attention back to Joanna, who was holding Pavel's hand, "Where is Doctor M'Benga?" Joanna asked anxiously.
Wondering why Dr. M'Benga hadn't yet come, Spock took out his communicator and opened it, "Spock to Sickbay," he stated tonelessly. "There is a medical emergency in the Mess Hall, Doctor M'Benga."
"Doctor M'Benga's not available to help anyone," Leonard's tired voice replied. "I'm sending a team."
Confusion filled Spock's face, but he said nothing because he knew Joanna would only start worrying more than she already was. He was also curious as to Dr. M'Benga's absence, but now was not the time.
"Captain, I apologize for disrupting your day," Dr. M'Benga commented softly, wincing as Leonard touched a bruise that had formed on his chest as a result of being dropkicked to the hard floor.
Jim sighed and Giotto lingered at the end of the biobed, "How's your head?" he finally asked softly.
"Still a bit tender," Dr. M'Benga replied softly, wincing as he felt a blast of nausea hit him. "I-I…"
Leonard sighed patiently and quickly stuck a bedpan under his colleague's chin that he had grabbed once it was determined that Dr. M'Benga had injuries, "When you're a father of four and a seasoned physician, you get pretty good at learning when people are going to be sick," he commented in a matter-of-fact voice. "You've got a bruised sternum and ribcage, but nothing's broken."
"I just want to lie down," Dr. M'Benga replied softly. "I need to start your treatment first, though."
Leonard offered a sad smile and watched as Dr. M'Benga got off the biobed and walked over to the bed that had been designed for Leonard's radiation treatments, "I'm not going to hang around while you have it, but I don't want you to miss it," he replied tiredly. "Oh, Susan Ling stole a hypospray."
Leonard frowned as Dr. M'Benga put his shirt back on, "I sent some medics to the Mess Hall because she used the hypospray on Ensign Chekov and Joanna defended him when she tried to attack him," he replied in a concerned voice. "She's being taken to the Brig and I'm sure she has an amusing story."
"Just one more thing that Spock can hold over my head," Dr. M'Benga replied in a distressed voice. "I already know he's contacted the Vulcan High Command and wants me tried for incompetence."
Jim frowned, "Well, I'm not going to authorize it," he replied, feeling frustrated at Spock and Nyota's inability to forgive what ended up being a total accident. "I really don't think you're incompetent."
"Well, thank you, Captain," Dr. M'Benga replied softly. "I should probably stay here for Chekov since Leonard needs to do his treatment this afternoon to stay on schedule. I can rest a little later."
Leonard's eyes narrowed with concern, but Dr. M'Benga waved him off, "Just lie down and do your treatment, Leonard," he stated in a calm voice. "I'll look after Ensign Chekov and then rest."
There was a heavy silence and at that moment, Joanna and Spock came into Sickbay helping a semi-conscious Pavel move while three medics trailed behind them, "Ensign Chekov refused to lie down on the medical stretcher," Spock stated tonelessly. "He referred to me as Khan and became anxious."
Dr. M'Benga studied Pavel, who was gravitating between waking up and drifting off while he struggled to stay on his feet, "Ensign Chekov, can you hear me?" he asked in a gentle, but concerned voice.
Pavel mumbled something in Russian and immediately pulled away from Spock, nearly toppling to the floor before Joanna grabbed him and held him close, "What's he saying?" Jim asked in a confused voice, not able to recognize what Pavel was trying to say even though he had learned a lot of languages.
"Ensign Chekov has expressed discomfort at my presence by his actions," Spock stated tonelessly.
Dr. M'Benga, however, was quiet for a moment and then softly started talking to Pavel in Russian, causing Pavel to nod and reply calmly, "Miss McCoy, if you and a couple of the medics could get Ensign Chekov on to a biobed, I'll be there in a minute after I start Doctor McCoy's treatment," he stated, pointedly ignoring the looks Jim and Spock were giving him. "Leonard, just lie down on the biobed."
"Jim, thanks for coming by," Leonard commented as he laid down. "Go deal with Miss Ling."
Determined to find out why Susan Ling had come on board and stayed for nearly a month just to try and kidnap Pavel, Jim nodded and motioned for Spock to follow so they could interrogate their prisoner.
"Commander Scott, do you have a moment?" Riley asked softly as he came into Engineering and saw Scotty sitting in the office with a PADD in front of him. "Charlie Evans got attacked by Susan Ling…"
Frowning, Scotty shot up from his chair, "How badly was he hurt?" he asked in an alarmed voice.
"I mean emotionally, sir," Riley replied softly. "Miss Ling called him a freak from a cargo ship."
Realizing that Miss Ling had probably been to the cargo ship or had somehow learned of it from Khan, Scotty silently left his office and didn't stop until he had reached the small computer station where Charlie Evans worked, "Lad, are you all right?" Scotty asked as he tapped Charlie on the shoulder.
"I know where I came from, Mister Scott," Charlie Evans replied softly. "It's all I knew for a long time until I somehow ended up on Deneva in the care of Doctor Kirk. Not long after that, you became my parental figure and I'm really grateful you did, but I'm scared that I'm not good enough for anything."
Scotty sighed, "You're good for everything, laddie," he replied gently. "Don't listen to Susan Ling."
"Do I have to go on shore leave when we reach New Vulcan?" Charlie Evans asked softly as he gazed up at Scotty and Riley. "I'm really different than others on the Enterprise and the Vulcans might find me somewhat disturbing. I'm better off staying here and getting ahead on my pre-Academy work."
Scotty nodded, "You don't have to go on shore leave to New Vulcan if you don't want to, but I insist you let me talk to Susan Ling and make her give you an apology," he replied firmly. "Where is she now?"
"The Brig," Charlie Evans replied in a nervous voice. "I don't know if they'll let me see her at all…"
Scotty watched as Charlie Evans stood up, "We'll go to the Brig and see, lad," he replied softly.
Nodding, Charlie Evans allowed Scotty to place a fatherly arm around his shoulders and lead him out of Engineering while a protective Riley followed closely behind to protect them if there was any trouble.
Susan's eyes narrowed as she paced back and forth in the cell where Giotto and the other Security officers had placed her after taking all her personal things. Giotto watched from the forcefield console who two other Security officers stood on either side of the cell with their phasers armed and ready.
"You can't keep me here like an animal," Susan hissed angrily. "I am a decorated Starfleet officer."
Giotto looked amused at that comment, but he said nothing and his eyes widened as a furious looking Joanna stormed into the Brig in a knit sweater and slacks, "You," Joanna hissed. "Why did you do it?"
"Oh, I'm being interrogated by a teenager," Susan hissed in an amused voice. "Go off and play."
Rage filled Joanna's eyes, but she folded her arms, "I'll have you know that Ensign Chekov and I are very close and I want to know why you attacked him," she snapped. "You are a Starfleet officer, aren't you?"
"His blood is very valuable to those who sent me," Susan hissed. "His blood will save many lives."
Joanna's eyes narrowed, "You're not getting his blood or any other part of him," she hissed in an anxious voice as Jim and Spock came into the Brig. "Whoever sent you can just back off of him."
"And who is it who sent you, Miss Ling?" Jim asked in a suspicious voice. "I wish you'd tell us."
Susan offered a coy smile that made Joanna cringe, "Doctor Sevrin sent me to get more of Ensign Chekov's blood because we're already using the blood that was taken before," she replied in a dark voice, figuring she would be sent to prison. "The people on the cargo ship are very sick, you see."
"Cargo ship?" Jim replied in a confused voice. "Where is this cargo ship and how can we help them?"
Susan chuckled, "It is far from here, but you don't want to go there," she replied craftily. "All of the people are very sick and all we care about is getting more of the same blood we found in that box."
"Chekov's blood," Jim whispered to Spock. "That must have been the blood Khan took before."
Spock nodded, "A most logical conclusion, Captain," he replied tonelessly. "Miss Ling, are you aware that the blood you are using on these sick people was taken by Ensign Chekov against his will?"
"I do not care," Susan replied coldly. "The people on the cargo ship are sick and Professor Khan will die of a broken heart if we cannot reunite him with all of his family. Without that blood, they will die."
Jim's eyes widened, "Khan?" he asked in a shocked voice. "Where is Khan now, Miss Ling?"
"On Romulus under the care of doctors," Susan replied in a quiet voice. "He is very safe there."
Spock raised an eyebrow as Susan looked at him, "Ah, Commander Spock, I see that you're looking very well despite being wanted by the Romulan-Klingon Alliance for what you and Doctor Carol Marcus did to him on Deneva," she commented in an amused voice. "You will eventually suffer as she is suffering."
"Where is Doctor Marcus?" Jim asked in a concerned voice. "You better not have killed her."
Susan chuckled, "She is on her way to where she will die no matter what she does," she replied evilly as she walked back to her bench and sat down. "Even if I don't get Chekov, someone will and even if he has to die for more of his blood to get to Professor Khan's family, it will happen and nothing can change it."
"If I kill you first, it will," Joanna hissed angrily. "If you ever come near Pavel again, you will die quickly."
Jim gently touched Joanna's arm, "Miss McCoy, you should return to Sickbay and help your father," he said in a quiet voice, unsurprised by Joanna's protectiveness of Pavel. "Thank you for your help here."
Joanna nodded and silently left the Brig, "She's the most disturbed teenager I've ever met," Susan hissed in a disgusted voice. "Captain Kirk, really; it was an insult for her to even talk to me."
"You'll have plenty of time to think about changing your attitude while you serve out punishment in a Starfleet facility," Jim replied in a stern voice. "I'm going to recommend prison or a rehab facility."
Susan gave Jim and Spock a look, "Ah," she replied in an amused voice. "I suppose that's it, then?"
"You assaulted a Starfleet officer and attempted to kidnap him after fighting with Doctor McCoy's oldest daughter, Miss Ling," Spock stated tonelessly. "I would consider yourself very fortunate being here."
Susan chuckled as she leaned back, "I would consider yourself lucky, Commander Spock," she replied coldly. "The Romulan and Klingon Alliance have the resources to capture you and they haven't yet."
"Captain, if you will excuse me," Spock stated, rattled by her statement. "I have other duties."
Jim sighed as Spock left the Brig, "Have a nice time in the Brig, Miss Ling," he stated softly, making a note to visit Spock and also stop by Sickbay to see how Pavel was doing. "It's a good time to think."
Susan said nothing and shaking his head sadly, Jim silently turned and left the quiet Brig.
"…Attention crew of the Enterprise, this is Captain James T. Kirk," Marla heard Jim's voice come over the intercom just as she came to the Bridge to relieve Hawkins as per her extra training. "Lieutenant Susan Ling, formerly of the Science department, has been arrested and charged with assault and near kidnap of a Starfleet officer and assault on a crewmember in training. During or after shoreleave on New Vulcan, the Enterprise is to deliver Lieutenant Ling into the custody of Starfleet authorities on Earth…"
Hikaru's eyes went wide and he turned to look at Arianne, "Why was Susan arrested?" he squeaked.
"I don't know, Mister Sulu," Arianne replied in a concerned voice. "Hawkins, contact the Captain."
Hawkins turned in his seat, "Perhaps the Captain will come up to the Bridge, Commander," he stuttered nervously, knowing Arianne's demeanor was much like her father's. "It is a precarious situation."
"Of course it is, Mister Hawkins," Arianne replied calmly. "Please contact the Captain as I asked."
Seeing that Arianne wasn't going to be swayed, Hawkins turned back to his station and silently worked while Arianne looked straight at Christine, who was working at the Medical station, "Nurse Chapel, would you please go see if Sickbay needs any assistance?" she asked in a concerned voice, deeply concerned as to what had happened and why no news hadn't reached her. "Call for a relief first."
"I hope someone comes to relieve you soon," Christine whispered as she passed by Arianne.
Arianne nodded, but didn't say nothing because she hoped that she would get off of Bridge duty in time to pick Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary up from the school room since Joanna would be helping Leonard until he was done his treatment and was resting. She also hoped that Spock and Nyota would return to duty soon because raising kids, being a counselor, and serving as First Officer took a heavy toll on her.
Dr. M'Benga sighed tiredly as he checked the biomonitor above the bed where Leonard was resting and covered by a blanket while he underwent his radiation treatment. After a glance at the bed where Pavel was sleeping off the anesthesia, he sighed and silently retreated to the office, yawning as he sat down on the cot in the corner and leaned back against the office wall. The day had been his hardest yet.
"Doctor M'Benga?" Dr. M'Benga suddenly heard Scotty ask in a concerned voice. "Are ye busy?"
Dr. M'Benga stood up and saw Scotty standing there with a tired looking Charlie Evans, "Could…could I have a sleep aid, please?" Charlie Evans asked in a trembling voice. "I was heading to the Brig and…"
"Lad, breathe," Scotty replied calmly, gently patting Charlie Evans's arm. "Miss Ling said some very hurtful things and the lad's quite shaken by it. I was wondering if ye had some calming medicine?"
Dr. M'Benga nodded and walked out into the patient bay with Scotty and Charlie Evans at his heels, "Just take care to be quiet since Doctor McCoy and Ensign Chekov are resting," he stated tiredly as he opened one of the many medicine cabinets that was closest to the bed where Leonard was resting.
Charlie Evans silently wrapped his arms around himself, "I hope I never meet any other people from that horrible cargo ship where I grew up," he said in an anxious voice. "It was frightening enough looking at them frozen in those tubes every day to see if they were okay. I enjoy being among the living more."
"Here's a mild sedative that should help with a good sleep tonight, Mister Evans," Dr. M'Benga said in a tired voice as he offered the hypospray to the young man. "You can visit tomorrow if you have any other concerns, but Doctor McCoy will probably be the one on duty if he's gotten enough rest today."
Just then, Christine entered the patient bay with Joanna, "Doctor M'Benga, Commander McCoy asked me to see if you needed any assistance?" she asked softly. "Joanna's come to sit with Doctor McCoy."
"I think Miss Keeler's here doing her modules, but you can stay and help if you want," Dr. M'Benga replied in a tired voice. "I need to see if Doctor McCoy's ready to be released to his quarters."
There was a sigh and Leonard slowly sat up with a tired expression on his face, "Thanks, Geoff," he said in a tired voice, managing a faint smile as he saw Joanna there. "Hey there, Jo. Come to walk me home?"
"Yeah, Daddy," Joanna replied softly, giving him a smile as she walked over to his bed. "How are you?"
Leonard smiled, "Tired, sweetie," he replied in a groggy voice. "Hopefully, I can get some sleep before…"
"I'll keep Charlie, Kathy, and Zachary busy when school's done," Joanna promised softly. "Ready?"
Leonard nodded and slowly got off the bed, "Lead on," he replied tiredly. "See you tomorrow, Geoff."
Dr. M'Benga nodded and sighed tiredly as Joanna led her father out of Sickbay, "Doctor M'Benga, if you want to rest, I can cover Sickbay for a while," Christine offered gently. "You look very worn out."
"I might rest in my office for a while," Dr. M'Benga replied softly. "Thank you for relieving me."
Christine nodded and was quiet while Dr. M'Benga retreated to the office and then she silently went over to the bed where Pavel was sleeping off the anesthesia to see how the young Ensign was doing.
There was a heavy silence and a moment later, Jim strolled into the patient bay looking both tired and concerned, "Captain, Doctor M'Benga is resting," Christine reported. "And so is Ensign Chekov."
"I saw Dr. M'Benga asleep on the cot in the office," Jim replied calmly. "How is Ensign Chekov?"
Christine gazed at the biomonitor and at Pavel just as Pavel opened his eyes, "Keptin," Pavel said in a groggy voice as he gazed up at Jim and Christine. "Eef Nurse Chapel eez here, am I in Seeckbay?"
"Yes, Pavel, you're in Sickbay," Jim replied gently. "Miss Ling is under arrest and in the Brig."
Pavel sighed, "Seecurity vill vant to speak vith me," he replied in a weak voice. "Vhen can I go?"
"I think that can wait til later," Jim replied in a concerned voice. "How are you feeling?"
Pavel yawned, "Wery tired," he replied groggily. "Ze hypospray vas feeled vith a sedative."
Somberness filled Jim's eyes as Pavel drifted back off to sleep and then he silently left Sickbay.
Deeply troubled by Miss Ling's scathing words, Spock silently entered the schoolroom and lingered near the door, watching as Yeoman Rand talked to George, Amanda, Saavik, Charlie, Kathy, Zachary, and Joachim while Lorian silently worked at another table. The chronometer on the wall read 1630.
"Father!" Amanda stated emphatically as she looked up and saw Spock. "Miss Rand, it's Father."
Yeoman Rand gazed up at the clock and her eyes widened, "I believe we've gone past the end of the regulated school day, children," she replied anxiously. "You may all return to your quarters now."
Saavik and Amanda gathered their things, got up, and quickly walked over to Spock, "Was your day of school productive, Amanda and Saavik?" Spock asked tonelessly. "What did you learn this day?"
"We have these assignments called essays to write about our families," Saavik replied softly.
Spock raised an eyebrow, "Indeed," he replied tonelessly. "It will be pleasing for you both to write very intriguing compositions about your familial situations. You may involve whomever you would like to."
"It would not anger you if I involved what memories I have before I joined your family, Father?" Saavik asked softly, gazing up at the man she called 'Father'. "I am beginning to remember some things."
Spock sighed patiently, "If this composition will assist you in remembering and making peace with those memories, I encourage you to do so," he replied tonelessly. "Now, are you ready to return back home?"
Amanda and Saavik both nodded and were about to leave with Spock when Marla came into the room and walked over to Joachim. Spock watched as Marla carefully picked up Joachim and carried both him and his schoolbook PADDs out of the classroom without speaking to anyone or looking at anyone.
A moment later, Joanna came into the room and Spock took the opportunity to leave with Amanda and Saavik so that he would not be forced to socialize when he didn't feel like seeing anyone outside family until he was calmer. Once Amanda and Saavik were occupied, he planned to spend time with Nyota.
Even though it was nearing dinnertime and he needed to eat so that he wouldn't feel any aftereffects of the nutritional supplements he took daily, Charlie Evans found himself in the Brig at the cell where Susan Ling was while Scotty stood at the console with Giotto and the two heavily armed guards.
"Miss Ling?" Charlie Evans asked softly, seeing that Susan was lying on her cot with her eyes closed.
Susan opened her eyes and slowly sat up, "You," she replied softly. "From the Mess Hall incident."
"Yes," Charlie Evans replied in a nervous voice. "I just want you to know that I am very well aware that I came from a cargo ship. You see, I was woken by some scary men with accents and promises were made that they broke because they found better people to experiment on. I was left alone for a long time."
Susan looked intrigued, but didn't say anything, "I don't know if you think I'm friendless or what, but I have people I consider family on this ship," Charlie Evans spoke softly. "It was nice to meet you, but I'm not a freak and I really don't want to talk to you ever again. I have better things to do than be in here."
Swallowing hard, Charlie Evans turned and left the room and Scotty quickly followed after the young man, deeply impressed with the lad's confidence and courage in standing up to one who had hurt him.
"You found Chekov's blood?" President Pike's voice echoed through the small computer that was maintaining a video conversation between the Enterprise and Earth. "And it's being used?"
Grateful that Lorian and George were busy in the next room doing homework, Jim nodded and sighed as he recalled what Susan had told him, "According to what Lieutenant Ling told Spock and I, the other Auguments on the cargo ship are sick with a mysterious ailment and Chekov's blood is being used to treat them," he explained in a somber voice. "Lieutenant Ling was ordered to kidnap Chekov for…"
"Stop," President Pike said in a somber voice, holding his hand up to silence Jim. "Proceed to New Vulcan and have shoreleave. I should have new orders for you within a matter of weeks. Pike out."
As the screen went black, Jim sighed and made a mental note to meet with everyone involved in the incident soon, especially Chekov. It was obvious that Khan wouldn't be forgotten anytime soon.
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