June 2267

Romulus Correctional Facility – Romulus

"This is truly amazing," Khan breathed in an awed voice as he studied the computer readings that were coming from the many needles and electrodes coming from the unconscious Zachary Archer, who was dressed in rags and strapped to an exam bed in the hospital area of the prison. "This is what my blood does to a human? I wonder if Earth would have tried to kill me if they knew of these findings."

Unknown to Khan, Jeris and Senator Javal were watching and both secretly disgusted with the way Khan had ordered Zachary sedated upon arrival and was now treating him as an experiment, "Professor Khan, I have returned," a feminine voice suddenly said in a dark tone. "I have brought along Doctor Marcus."

Khan turned away from Zachary and his eyes lit up when Alana and Susan escorted an anxious looking Carol past Jeris and Senator Javal to the exam bed, "Ah, Doctor Marcus," Khan crooned. "I am delighted that you are here because it means that I have a scientist in which to observe Zachary's field testing."

"Field testing?" Carol asked, her gaze stony at the sight of Zachary unconscious on the exam table hooked to multiple devices. "You're not going to get much out of Zachary if he's like that."

Khan nodded, "Once the computer has downloaded his biological readings, I will be sending Zachary to Rura Penthe along with Commander Spock," he explained in a dark voice. "Of course, Commander Spock is currently in the maximum security area of this facility and has no knowledge of this, but he probably will not last long there anyway because Vulcans are weak. I need to test Zachary's abilities there."

"Khan, the Klingons will destroy the boy," Jeris spoke up in a concerned voice as he came into the room with a recorder concealed in his uniform. "Surely, there is a better place in which to test his abilities?"

Khan scoffed, "The Starfleet officers have all been sent to Rura Penthe and I see nothing wrong with sending a Human child altered by Augument blood there to test what he has become because of it," he replied in a dominating tone. "Spock will die soon enough and I'm sure the company will comfort him."

"I will clear it with the Praetor," Jeris said calmly, bowing before he silently left the room.

Starfleet Presidential Mansion

"You're looking better, Bones," Jim commented as he walked into the recently sterilized family room and found Leonard resting on a circular couch with civilian clothes and a blanket covering him, a pillow behind his back, and Porthos lying beside him while a large cup of a colorful liquid sat on a nearby table.

Leonard nodded and gestured to a nearby seat, which Jim took, "I'm in no means better, but I can at least do outpatient treatment and rest at home with my family now," he replied in a tired voice.

"Um, Bones, this isn't entirely a social call," Jim spoke in a nervous voice. "This visit is sorta official."

Briefly closing his eyes, Leonard sighed heavily, "The Delta didn't find anything and therefore, there are no leads as to where Zachary and Spock are," he spoke in a tired voice. "Arianne called me already."

"I'm sorry, Bones," Jim replied sympathetically as Leonard opened his eyes again. "How are you?"

Leonard picked up the glass from the table and slowly drank it, "I'm hanging in there," he replied in a gruff voice, returning the empty glass to the table. "Arianne, Pavel, and Jo have been incredibly helpful, as have Chris and Kathryn, in helping Charlie and Kathy in whatever I can't. Michael's been a good friend to Charlie and Kathryn, so they really aren't that hard to take care of unless Charlie has a bad day."

"Oh, Bones, did I tell you that Hikaru went along searching with Decker on the Delta?" Jim asked.

Leonard shook his head, "The Delta's not real advanced and I'm not surprised they didn't find anything," he replied in a tired voice. "By the way, how's George doing? I heard from M'Benga that he's stable."

"George is doing a lot better and might get to leave the hospital soon, but he'll have to go back on an outpatient basis," Jim replied in a calm voice. "I've gone back to meeting with Arianne weekly."

Leonard sighed just as President Pike came into the room using his walking instruments, "Ah, Captain Kirk, it's good to see you," President Pike said calmly. "I was wondering if you had a moment?"

"Take it easy, Bones," Jim said as he stood up and followed President Pike out into the hallway.

President Pike smiled at Jim, "I heard you've been helping Commander Scott with the plans to rebuild the Enterprise," he said in a calm voice. "You are aware that the refit will take at least a couple of years?"

"I haven't decided if I want to be her Captain when she's finished, sir," Jim admitted quietly. "Scotty's just so excited about it, though, that I thought I'd help him while I oversee George's recovery."

President Pike nodded calmly, "Don't make any rash decisions, Jim," he replied calmly. "Since George is getting better and could reasonably have private tutoring now, you will have a lot more time on your hands. Besides being of help to Mister Scott, I was thinking you could work at Starfleet Operations."

"Doing what?" Jim asked in a surprised voice. "I'm not really comfortable with the idea of a desk job."

President Pike looked amused, "I was thinking more along the lines of you overseeing the Kobyashi Maru Exams in the new simulation rooms that Starfleet built while you were off in space," he replied in an encouraging voice. "It won't interfere in your helping Mister Scott or in raising your children."

"I'll give it a try," Jim replied in a nervous voice, grateful that Pike was giving him needed distractions.

President Pike nodded, "I'll get the paperwork in motion," he said in a kind voice before walking off.

Jim turned, eager to share the news with Leonard, but he found that Leonard had fallen asleep. Making a note to return and share his news later, Jim whispered a goodbye and silently left the mansion.

Vulcan Embassy

Nyota exhaled softly and smiled at Amanda, Saavik, Tuvok, and Valeris as they all entered the well-kept ceremonia chamber together. Ambassador Sarek smiled and invited them to join him at the table.

"This ceremony is to parentally bind you and Spock to Valeris and the rest of your children forever," Sarek explained in a toneless voice as he rose to greet them. "I have secured a proxy for Spock, as there is one who is as close to Spock as a sibling can be. I welcome to this ceremony Commander McCoy."

Nyota looked up in surprise as Arianne entered the room wearing ceremonial robes with Sarek's necklace around her neck, "Commander McCoy carries Spock's essence as a sibling and therefore can act on Spock's behalf in this ceremony," Sarek explained tonelessly. "Spock will feel the ceremony."

Sarek, Nyota, Arianne, Amanda, Saavik, Tuvok, and Valeris all knelt in a circle and joined hands, "This ceremony was Spock's wish even if something should occur that result in his absence and as his father, I am willing and able to fulfill my son's request," Sarek spoke tonelessly. "Commander McCoy is Spock's surrogate sibling, carries a part of his essence, and therefore can authorize this family bonding on his behalf and Spock will feel it. Nyota, Amanda, Saavik, and Tuvok, are his bonded wife and children and can accept this familial bond. Valeris, it is your choice whether you accept being bound to this family."

"I accept being bound to this family, Sarek," Valeris spoke tonelessly, grateful that she had been briefed by Sarek, Nyota, and Arianne on the family ceremony. "I hope I can be an asset to this family."

There was silence as everyone bowed their heads for a brief moment and all of them felt Spock's presence briefly before Sarek lifted his head, "Valeris is now bound to the family of Spock and Nyota," he spoke in a toneless voice. "May this family and all of its members live long and prosper."

"Thank you so much for serving as proxy for Spock, Arianne," Nyota spoke softly as everyone rose.

Arianne nodded, "It is what Spock wanted if something happened to him," she said calmly. "Ambassador Sarek, thank you so much for being willing to do this. I know this must have been incredibly difficult."

Sarek bowed his head briefly, "Fulfilling my son's wishes was not difficult, Arianne," he replied tonelessly as he looked at her. "I think it would be logical to offer everyone some Vulcan spice tea for relaxation."

As Sarek moved out of the room to prepare the tea, Arianne pulled out her PADD and found a message from President Pike requesting a meeting at her earliest convenience. She quickly fired off a response and returned the PADD to her pocket, determined to be with Sarek, Nyota, and the children right then.

Starfleet Academy

The foyer was filled with recruits from across the world who were interested in coming to Starfleet Academy and making a difference and the sight of so many intimidate Charlie Evans slightly, "Father, I am slightly intimidated by all the people that are here to apply to the Academy," he said in an anxious voice, grateful that Scotty had chosen to come with him today. "What if I need more social skills?"

"Then we'll look intae colleges and universities," Scotty replied cheerfully. "Laddie, you've done so much work tae make yourself better since your first application was denied. I think ye'll have a fair shot."

Suddenly, Admiral Barnett came into the foyer and looked around briefly before turning his attention to a PADD in his hand, "Charlie Scott," he said in an official voice. "We're ready to talk to you now."

"I cannae come with ye lad," Scotty spoke quietly, gently nudging Charlie forward. "See ye in a bit."

Swallowing hard, Charlie took a step forward and Admiral Barnett looked to Scotty, "Commander Scott, why don't you join us?" he said in an official voice. "Joanna McCoy, why don't you also come in?"

It was then that Scotty and Charlie Evans both noticed that Joanna was also there and she followed them silently into the room. As the doors slid shut, the three took note of the people at the table; President Pike, Admiral Barnett, Admiral Marcus, Lieutenant Sanchez, and Commander Dawson.

"Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our newest member of staff, Commander Dawson, who will be serving as a professor beginning in the new term," Admiral Barnett explained calmly. "He will be…"

Suddenly, the door opened and Jim hurried into the room, "Sorry about my tardiness," he said softly.

"Ah, Captain Kirk," President Pike spoke calmly. "Captain Kirk is, in fact, our newest member of staff and he'll be in charge of organizing and overseeing the Kobyashi Maru exams in the new simulation rooms."

Scotty's eyes widened, but he took a seat so that the board could interview Charlie and Joanna without any interference, "Anyway, Mister Evans-Scott and Miss McCoy, the Academy has received both of your applications to the Academy," Admiral Marcus spoke up calmly. "Mister Evans-Scott, you want to go into Engineering and Miss McCoy wants to go into Medical with the eventual goal of becoming a doctor."

"Well, I want to start with nursing and see if it's enough, sir," Joanna spoke up nervously. "I'm going to be completing my university degree this month and I want to work in Starfleet to help people there."

Both President Pike and Jim grinned, as they knew that Joanna was more exclusively dating Pavel now that she was eighteen and they were probably keeping each other apprised on their careers, "Well, Miss McCoy, have you also considered doing a double major in Medical and Communications? Your application says that you speak fluent Romulan and medics can always benefit from language skills," Admiral Marcus replied in a warm voice. "With that said, I believe you'll be an asset to the Academy."

Delighted at being accepted, Joanna smiled and nodded, "Thank you, sirs," she replied cheerfully.

"You'll receive your summer preparation prerequisites in the mail," Admiral Barnett said. "Dismissed."

As Joanna left, Charlie Evans shifted nervously, "Now, Mister Evans-Scott, it says on your record that Commander Scott's been your surrogate parents for several years and recently adopted you as an adult?" Admiral Barnett spoke softly. "And your previous application was rejected, is that correct?"

"I was not sufficiently developed in my social skills at that point," Charlie Evans replied calmly. "I understand that the Academy might be reluctant to accept me in light of the incident with Khan, but I must inform you of something that may change your minds. I had accompanied Commander Spock to the Transporter Room that day and intended to also offer myself to Khan in exchange for peace."

Scotty's eyes widened and Jim quickly engaged the panel in a whispered discussion while Scotty got up and stood next to his adopted son, "Lad, it's all right," Scotty spoke quietly, seeing that he was worked into a slight anxiety in proving his readiness to the Academy panel. "That's all over with now."

There was a silence and Admiral Barnett sighed, "It appears that Captain Kirk can personally vouch for your actions on the Enterprise, Mister Evans-Scott," Admiral Barnett spoke calmly. "Both he and the logs indicate that Commander Spock drugged you before you could follow him to the Transporter Room…"

"Yes, sir," Charlie Evans spoke in a nervous voice. "I remember Security Chief Giotto waking me up…"

Jim shot a look at Admiral Barnett, "I think the board needs to continue this discussion in private," President Pike spoke calmly. "You'll be notified of the board's decision later, Mister Scott-Evans."

Feeling as if he was going to be sick, Charlie Evans nodded and silently left, "Ye couldn't just give the lad a break after all he's been through, could ye?" Scotty snapped. "As I told him already, he is not Khan."

Scowling at the group, Scotty turned on his heel and marched defiantly out of the classroom.

Pike Educational Centre

"He is not Khan," echoed through Charlie Evans's head as he followed Scotty into the school, deeply grateful that Scotty was going to help him look for alternative education if the Academy shunned him.

Scotty sighed at the faraway expression in his adopted son's eyes and gently touched his arm, "Laddie, if the Academt canna recognize the great gift you are and the many talents you can give to Starfleet, they dunna deserve tae have ye," he said in a calm voice. "Headmistress Pike, are ye by chance here?"

There was a silence and Kathryn came out of the office with Anthony Marcus, who was holding a stack of PADDs, "Deliver these to all the classrooms, please," she said in an official voice. "Commander Scott."

As Anthony walked off, Scotty sighed, "Tae Academy board's fighting about whether or not to accept my newly adopted son's application because of the whole Khan business," he explained in a troubled voice.

"I am feeling discouraged, Headmistress Pike," Charlie Evans spoke up softly. "I would have thought that I would have an easier time being accepted to the Academy now, but I find myself out of place…"

Compassion filled Kathryn's eyes and she nodded, "Well, I believe I can provide some alternative solutions to a wonderful education if the Academy doesn't recognize what an asset you would be," she replied in a concerned voice. "If you've got the time, I can direct you through making applications."

"That…that would be very kind of you," Charlie Evans replied softly. "If Father has somewhere to go…"

Scotty smiled, "I make the time for the things that are important," he replied gently. "Especially you."

"Well, if you'll both come into my office, we'll get to work," Kathryn said in an encouraging voice.

Presidential Mansion

"Leonard, darling, are you up for some lunch?" Leonard heard Arianne's gentle voice ask softly.

Leonard groaned and slowly opened his eyes, surprised to see Arianne standing beside the circular couch holding a loaded plate in her hands, "I just got back with Nyota, Amanda, Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok and you were asleep," Arianne explained gently. "Are you feeling up for some food?"

"I'd rather eat sitting up," Leonard said softly, groaning as he slowly sat up. "Around people."

Arianne nodded and watched as Leonard got out of bed and donned his housecoat and slippers without help, but she stayed close to him as they walked into the kitchen together. Nyota, Amanda, Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok all looked at Arianne and Leonard as she helped him to take a seat at the table.

"How are you feeling, Doctor McCoy?" Nyota asked in a kind voice. "You're looking well."

Leonard sighed and silently took a few bites of the food Arianne had prepared for him, "Thanks for the compliment, Nyota," he replied in a tired voice. "I'm hanging in there and on outpatient treatment right now, but I'm supposed to take it as easy as possible because the treatments have rough side effects."

Before Nyota could comment, the comm terminal in the kitchen beeped, "Oh, that'll be Charlie," Leonard said in a calm voice as he turned and edged his chair over to it so he could turn it on.

"Leonard and Charlie made a deal that Charlie could call at lunchtime every day if Charlie stayed at school all day," Arianne explained in a quiet voice. "This way, he'll know that his papa is okay."

Leonard smiled as Charlie's face appeared on the screen, "Hi Papa," Charlie spoke quietly.

"How are you doing at school?" Leonard asked in a quiet voice. "You look like you've been busy."

While Leonard talked with Charlie, Arianne cleaned up the dishes that had been used by Amanda, Saavik, and Valeris while Nyota continued to feed Tuvok since she knew that the daily calls were the bonding time Leonard and Charlie had that was helping Charlie to accept Zachary's disappearance.

Once the table was clear, Arianne and Nyota took Amanda, Saavik, Valeris, and Tuvok out into the hallway, "Ambassador Sarek would have come, but the ceremony made him tired and he needed to meditate," Nyota explained softly. "I guess I should get the girls to school for the afternoon."

"Thank you for coming, Nyota," Arianne spoke gently. "The company did us both some good."

Nyota nodded, "I know," she replied as she and her family moved to the door. "See you."

As Nyota and her family left, Arianne returned to the kitchen and saw that Leonard was off the phone and recycling about a quarter of his lunch. Suddenly, her PADD went off and she took it out.

Commander McCoy,

I'm back in the Oval Office now, so we can have a chat if you have some time.

President Pike

Arianne sighed as she pocketed her PADD, "My father wants to meet with me in his office, Leonard," she explained in a gentle voice. "Did you want to come with me or did you want to go back to your couch?"

"I'll come, if that's okay," Leonard replied in a tired voice. "Piper said I needed a little casual exercise."

Arianne nodded and took his arm as he came close to her, "Good," she replied in a gentle voice.

Starfleet Academy Recreational Complex

"Joanna?" Joanna heard Pavel's voice say in a gentle voice. "I brought you somezeeng to eet."

Joanna looked up from the puzzle she was putting together in the game area and smiled at seeing Pavel dressed in his Security uniform holding a covered tray, "How was class?" she asked in a gentle voice.

"Eet vas good," Pavel replied as he set down the tray and lifted the cover. "Cheeken sanviches and fries from ze canteen. I know you like to seet here and vork on puzzles and I vanted to be veeth you."

Smiling, Joanna moved over so Pavel could sit and the two ate in relative silence for the next several moments, not noticing when two others came into the room, "Pavel!" a voice suddenly called out.

Pavel and Joanna looked over just as a young man and a young woman without hair approached their table and Joanna immediately recognized the woman as being Deltan, "Villard Decker, how are you?" Pavel asked in a courteous voice. "Zees is Joanna, my lowe," he replied calmly. "Joanna, zees is Villard Decker, he eez in a Masters program of Command and Science, but I do not know vho he eez vith."

"This is Ilia," Willard Decker replied calmly. "She came from Delta Four on a refugee vessel."

Compassion filled Joanna's eyes and she nodded, "Starfleet says they will accept me as long as I swear to an oath of celibacy," Ilia explained calmly. "Deltans give off pheromones similar to that of Orions…"

"It is very nice to meet you, Ilia," Joanna spoke calmly. "How long have you been on Earth for?"

Ilia smiled, "For six months, but Decker took me to look around the world because I had never been to Earth before," she replied kindly. "He has also been helping me adjust to living on this new world."

"Deed ze Klingons and Romulans take your planet?" Pavel asked softly. "I am sorry eef zey did."

Ilia was quiet for a moment and nodded, "Thank you, Lieutenant Chekov," she replied quietly.

"I heard the Enterprise is going to be rebuilt," Willard spoke up excitedly. "The old one was…"

Joanna sighed, suddenly not feeling very hungry, "Badly damaged before my youngest brother was taken, Mister Decker," she replied in a hollow voice. "You see, a man named Khan Noonien Singh kidnapped my brother and a Vulcan named Spock with the help of Romulans and Klingons."

"Spock's the one who surrendered to them, right?" Willard asked in a surprised voice. "For a Vulcan who's also a Starfleet Commander, Spock doesn't seem like he's too intelligent or just acts stupid."

Pavel's eyes widened in shock and anger, "Meester Spock eez not stupid," he hissed angrily.

"Decker, I must go visit with the Academy Command," Ilia said in an anxious voice. "Excuse me."

Willard nodded as Ilia walked off and by this point, Joanna had tears in her eyes, "If this Spock was allowed to go and do such a thing without the Captain's approval, maybe he's not such a great Captain," Willard said in a disgusted voice. "When the Enterprise is done, I hope they'll get someone else…"

"The keptin was going to geeve himself!" Pavel shouted, his anger rising as he got to his feet.

Willard looked amused at Pavel's angry expression, "Keep that combat stuff in the classroom, Chekov," he said in an amused voice. "Maybe if you knew how to fight, the trouble wouldn't have…"

"You shut up," Pavel hissed as he moved over to Willard. "You don't know vat you are saying."

Willard shoved Pavel back and Joanna's eyes widened as Pavel lunged at Willard, sending both of them to the floor. As the two men fought, Joanna quickly pulled her communicator out of her pocket.

"Zat hurts," Pavel said in a strained voice as Joanna cleaned a cut on his face. "Please be gentle."

Joanna sighed, but took great care to be a lot gentler as she used her a First Aid kit to finish cleaning Pavel's face. It hadn't taken long for Security to arrive and after separating Pavel and Willard, they had taken photographic and written evidence before hauling Willard off to Starfleet Medical for an examination. Since Joanna was a nurse and Pavel's girlfriend, Security had allowed her to take him back to the Presidential Mansion with the promise of a meeting if there were any further questions.

"Ze kitchen is quiet," Pavel commented softly, wincing as peroxide was applied to his many cuts.

Joanna nodded, "It won't be when Charlie, Kathy, and Michael get home from school," she replied.

Pavel smiled, but his smile quickly faded when Leonard walked into the kitchen wearing civilian clothes and slippers, "We're going to have a little gathering in the sitting room if you two are interested in coming," Leonard commented calmly. "By the way, Pavel, don't listen to anything Decker told you."

"How do you know about zat?" Pavel asked, grimacing as Joanna bandaged his face. "Did ze…?"

Leonard nodded, "Security and Starfleet Medical both called and President Pike relayed the message to your mother and I," he replied calmly. "We're not going to discuss this right now, though, since we do have company and it would be very bad manners to not join those gathered in the sitting room."

Exchanging a look, Pavel and Joanna stood up and followed Leonard from the kitchen into the sitting room where President Pike, Arianne, Scotty, Charlie Evans, Hikaru, Christine, and Jim were all sitting and looking very pleased, "This is just an informal gathering since the children, Lorian, and Kathryn aren't yet home from school and George isn't here, but a gathering is required when good news comes," President Pike spoke up in a pleasant voice. "Today, both Joanna McCoy and Charlie Evans-Scott were accepted into Starfleet Academy and we're all very proud of them. For this reason, we gather together here."

Quiet applause and congratulations filled the sitting room and Jim's PADD suddenly beeped, prompting Jim to rise, "Oh, on an additional note, Captain Kirk here has just been appointed the creator and administrator of the Kobyashi Maru for Starfleet Academy," President Pike announced pleasantly.

Excited chatter filled the room and Jim smiled nervously, "As fun as this party is, I need to go and meet Lorian at the apartment since I told him to go there after he got finished with classes," he said in a tired voice, grateful for all the support everyone could give each other. "We need to get the place ready."

Even though Jim wanted to stay and enjoy the company of friends, he knew that he needed to go meet Lorian and prepare the apartment and as he left the mansion, he was unaware that both Leonard and Arianne had followed after him, "James Tiberius Kirk, what is going on?" Arianne called out anxiously.

Jim stopped in the middle of the ramp and turned around with a serious expression on his face, "Ambassador Sarek wants to meet with George, Lorian, and I at Starfleet Medical right away because he heard about what happened from Uhura and wants to offer help," he replied in a calm voice. "After that, Lorian and I need to go home and straighten things up because George comes home tomorrow."

Before Leonard or Arianne could reply, Jim turned and silently walked off into the distance alone, leaving both Leonard and Arianne shocked about what they had just heard from their best friend.

"I am grateful that you accepted my offer of help, Captain Kirk," Sarek stated tonelessly. "I truly am."

Jim nodded as he silently sat on the edge of George's bed and smiled at his youngest son while Lorian silently approached the bed, "I assure you, Lorian, I have no desire to take you or your brother away from a father that obviously cares very much for you both," Sarek stated tonelessly. "Nyota made me aware to the fact of what happened and even though George is half-Human, the trauma of losing a leg because of severe injury may affect the mental and emotional stability of his Vulcan half in time."

"Will it hurt?" George asked softly, gazing up at Sarek with eyes full of trust. "I don't want it to hurt."

Sarek shook his head, "It is a simple meld that will allow stability for both the emotions and mind of a severely injured individual and also those closest to him or her," he explained tonelessly. "As a Vulcan Elder, I am familiar with how to perform such a meld and it will leave no lasting effects except peace."

"What do we need to do, Ambassador?" Jim asked, anxious for George to be completely well.

Sarek gently touched George's face, "Everyone merely needs to join hands and clear their minds," he explained tonelessly as Jim, Lorian, and George joined hands. "I will handle the meld from there."

There was a heavy silence and Jim suddenly felt a peaceful feeling overcome both him and Lorian and he noticed that George had drifted into a deep, relaxed sleep as the meld ended, "Thank you, Ambassador Sarek," Jim said in a calm voice, relieved that George and Lorian both seemed to be a lot calmer.

"It was logical to extend help where it was needed, Captain," Sarek replied tonelessly. "One cannot argue with logic even in times of great loss or tragedy. I bid you and your family a peaceful evening."

Sarek left in silence and Jim looked at Lorian calmly, "Lorian, why don't you tell me how your college courses are going?" Jim asked as he stood up. "We can talk about it on our way back home, okay?"

"Your suggestion is logical and favorable, Father," Lorian replied in a calm voice. "I enjoy time with you."

Jim nodded and took Lorian's hand in his own as they left George to rest in the safety of the hospital.

Cleaning and preparing the apartment for George's return didn't take Jim and Lorian very long and they both elected to spend the night with George at Starfleet Medical so it would be easier for them to bring George home tomorrow. Jim had even allowed Lorian to miss classes the next day because of it.

The night was restful and morning came faster than any of the Kirks had expected, but the sunrise was a welcome sight as Jim woke and made sure he was presentable before his sons woke, "Are you ready to go home today, George?" Jim asked softly, noticing that George was awake. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, Daddy," George replied softly, noticing that Lorian was asleep beside him. "Brother?"

Lorian slowly stirred and sat up, "Good morning, Father," he said in a toneless voice. "Are you well?"

"I am," Jim replied calmly, smiling as Dr. M'Benga came in with a wheelchair and several blankets, all of whom were being manned by Christine, "Doctor M'Benga, Nurse Chapel, how nice to see you."

Dr. M'Benga smiled, "Your ride's already here, Captain, so all we need to do is get George ready to go and I can give you the schedule and care instructions before I release you," he replied pleasantly.

"Our ride?" Jim asked in a confused voice, frowning when M'Benga didn't say anything.

Dr. M'Benga and Christine both smiled, but said nothing as they helped George bundle up and then helped him into the wheelchair while Lorian gathered George's personal things. While Christine handled the wheelchair and Lorian walked alongside his brother, M'Benga and Jim discussed instructions.

To Jim's shock, the Starfleet Presidential hovercar was waiting on the walk just outside the entrance to Starfleet Medical and President Pike was leaning against it with a smile on his face, "Are you ready to take your children home, Captain Kirk?" President Pike asked in a pleasant, fatherly tone of voice.

Quickly realizing that the wheelchair wouldn't make it down the steps, Jim gently scooped George into his arms and with Lorian at his side, he went down the steps, "Let's get you three home," President Pike smiled, quickly opening the doors so Jim and his children could get inside. "I'll be your driver today."

Once everyone was settled in the hovercar, the ride to the Golden Gate Apartment was quiet with both Lorian and George huddling against Jim. It didn't take long to get to the apartment and the journey up to the apartment was silent, as everyone was tired and wanting to get back to a semi-normal routine.

President Pike smiled as he opened the door and Jim was immediately shocked by the sight of several members from his crew in the apartment, as well as Sam, Aurelan, and Peter. The kitchen and dining area were also filled with a variety of breakfast foods and drinks as if it were a small party.

Overwhelmed by how many people came together to celebrate George's homecoming, Jim carefully settled George on the couch and found himself being hugged by everyone in the apartment one at a time before he came face to face with Arianne, Leonard, Pavel, Nyota, Hikaru, and Scotty.

"Did you really think Leonard and I would let you embrace this day alone, Jim?" Arianne asked softly.

Jim smiled and chuckled as Arianne embraced him, "Keptin, you and your family are wery special to all of us and ve cannot afford to push eachozzer avay now," Pavel spoke in a compassionate voice.

For a brief moment, Jim gazed around at everyone who had gathered and truly felt grateful for all who had taken time to be there, "I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you for coming and helping celebrate this milestone that took a long time to reach," Jim spoke up in a calm voice. "I am very proud of my sons and all of those who I consider family, whether they be here or out of our reach for now."

A hush settled over the crowd as everyone bowed their heads briefly and held a moment of silence for Spock, Zachary, and Carol before lifting their heads, "Now, with that said, we must never lose hope and we must never let the trials of life destroy us," Jim said in a hopeful voice, his eyes brimming with tears of both sorrow and gratitude as he spoke. "To the future, to joy, and to the hope that is yet to come."

After a moment of silence, chatter filled the apartment and Jim quickly retrieved food for Lorian and George before returning to the couch where they both sat, "I'm so tired, Daddy," George whispered.

"Try some of this," Jim replied as he offered him one of the plates and gave Lorian the other.

While Lorian and George at their breakfasts, Jim returned to the table and silently helped himself to a bit of food that wouldn't aggravate his allergies, "Captain, you gave Doctor McCoy and I a challenge that we couldn't resist," Arianne commented as she and Leonard came over to Jim. "You told us when George was coming home and we decided that we couldn't let you celebrate such a thing on your own."

"You're one of my best friends, Jim," Leonard replied in a reassuring voice. "You're not alone in this."

Jim smiled, "Thanks, Bones," he replied softly. "I can't help but wonder what the future will bring."

"Nothing but hope and happiness, I would gather," Arianne replied in a calm voice. "Let's drink to that."

To Jim's amusement and pleasure, Leonard and Arianne picked up glasses full of apple juice from the table and passed one to Jim before raising theirs, "To friends, to family, to hope, to miracles, and to a future full of unknowns," Jim said in a hopeful voice. "May we face tomorrow with grace and hope."

Not far from the party, within the safety of Starfleet Medical, Stiles and Marla watched as Dr. Piper conducted a routine ultrasound on the baby that was set to make an appearance in September and Joachim was also there, as they would take him to school after the ultrasound was done. Marla lay on the bed while Stiles and Joachim watched both the screen and Dr. Piper, pure excitement in their eyes.

"It looks like the baby will be a girl," Dr. Piper said in a gentle voice. "She appears to be very healthy."

Marla smiled and Joachim squealed while Stiles offered a grin, "I want to name her Isabella," she said in a reverent voice, pleased that she would have one of each. "Isabella Arianne Carol Stiles."

"That's a lovely name," Stiles replied, putting an arm around Joachim. "I'm so proud of our family."

Nodding, Marla was so relieved that Khan was no longer haunting her, but despite the joy she felt over Isabella's pending birth, she also felt sorrow that Khan had managed to deliver such a crippling blow.

Romulan Senate Chamber - Romulus

Loud noise from both Romulans and Klingons filled the normally quiet Senate chamber as two Romulan guards led a heavily bruised and shackled Spock to the table where Praetor Jetal, Senator Javal, Jeris, Khan, other Senate members, and a few representatives from the Klingon High Council sat. Upon noticing that the prisoners were in place, everyone in the room went silent so the hearing could start.

Three other Romulan guards stood in a corner of the room with a heavily shackled Carol and a heavily shackled Zachary under their guard, "Commander Spock of Starfleet, you are guilty of immobilizing Professor Khan Noonien Singh, a citizen of Romulus and thereby subject to protection of the Senate, on Deneva and marooning him on Ceti Alpha Five soon thereafter," Praetor Jetal spoke in a commanding voice, noting the bruises on Spock's face. "It is the recommendation of Professor Khan that you be sentenced to life on the Klingon prison planet, Rura Penthe, and the Senate has agreed to this request."

Spock inhaled sharply, but he said nothing because he knew that any speaking would result in being beaten as he had been before being escorted to this hearing, "Khan has also requested that Zachary Archer-McCoy be sent there for a period of time and Doctor Marcus will come to observe his progress there," Praetor Jetal spoke in a commanding voice. "Captain Targa has agreed to deliver you and your fellow prisoners to the gulag on their way to Praxis to deliver and receive trading materials. With that said, this court is dismissed and I can only hope that you die sooner or later for your own sakes."

Deafening noise again filled the room as Klingon guards took hold of Spock, Carol, and the very anxious Zachary and led them from the room, not noticing that Jeris was watching with a smirk on his face as if he knew something others did not.

Please read and review! This is the end of this story, but another will soon follow that will be set in 2270 and be titled 'Passage to Resolution' and will address many things that have happened and have yet to happen to the Enterprise crew.