One Week Later

Gardens – Starfleet Hockey Academy

The sun was barely up, but Jim silently made himself comfortable on the padded bench that sat among rows and rows of newly planted flowers. He had gotten up early and had taken the long walk to the gardens from his dorm because what he was going to do was going to create a firestorm of chaos and he didn't want it captured on campus cameras. Term was over at the end of the month, so there was time.

As Jim sat there waiting, an anxious looking Nyota suddenly came into view carrying a bag, "Uhura, hi," he said in a quiet voice. "I know it's early, but I really appreciate you being willing to do this for me."

"You said you needed my skills as a Communications major?" Nyota asked in a confused voice.

Jim nodded, "I want to talk about how I don't support genocide and why, but you're the only reporter person I know and trust," he explained softly. "I'm going to share my experience at Tarsus Correctional Facility and other personal stuff that I know you can be mature about. I want it sent to the papers…"

Nyota looked surprised, "Is this because of what your brother did?" she asked gently.

"Yes," Jim replied in a concerned voice. "I don't want people thinking I agree with him cause I'm a Kirk."

Nyota nodded and got out both her tape recorder and notepad, "Okay," she replied softly.

Sighing, Jim watched as Nyota turned the recorder on, set it on the bench, and held her pen up to take notes, "My name is James Tiberius Kirk and I am against genocide," Jim spoke in a trembling voice.

As Jim talked, Nyota silently took notes, stunned and awed about all that her friend had to share.


The day passed quickly and it had been quiet, as most students were either doing finals or were done and enjoying free time. Dean Archer used the opportunity to catch up on paperwork that he had been neglecting since hearing news of Reed's disappearance. He was also working on paperwork that would allow Sulu to take his fourth year at the Academy on the condition that he get help over the summer.

Suddenly, the door to his office opened and Secretary Barrows came in holding a copy of the evening paper, "Dean Archer, I thought you should see this," she spoke nervously. "James Kirk…he's mentioned."

Deeply confused, Dean Archer took the paper and his eyes widened when he saw a large article that took up the first seven pages of the first section, "Written by Nyota Uhura as told by James Tiberius Kirk," he read softly, wondering what would prompt Jim to do this. "This is an anti-genocide article…"

Secretary Barrows nodded, "The paper's been distributed across campus already, but if you have an issue, I can ask Security to round the copies up," she spoke nervously. "And I can ask them to…"

"No, I'll handle it," Dean Archer replied calmly. "If there are any calls, take messages…"

Secretary Barrows nodded and Dean Archer silently left the office, clutching the paper in his hand tightly as he walked across campus to Tucker Hall. To his surprise, the common room was full of students, most of them clustered on chairs and couches with editions of the evening paper in their hands. The facial expressions ranged from curious to somber and nobody was speaking or noticed him come in.

Not seeing Uhura in the crowd, Dean Archer moved down the hallway and froze when he noticed Pavel standing next to Jim's desk looking concerned, "Pavel?" he asked in a worried voice. "What's…?"

"Jeem left a note zat he vas going for a walk and marked ze time, but zat vas hours ago," Pavel spoke in a concerned voice. "He eez not so steady on hees feet yet, so I am vorried zat he is hurt somevere."

Dean Archer frowned, "Do you know where Miss Uhura is, Pavel?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"She eez veeseeting Spock," Pavel replied softly. "I vas seenkeening of calling ze campus Security…"

Dean Archer sighed and left the room, frowning when he saw Spock and Nyota sitting on the bench in Spock's room with a copy of the paper between them. Spock was looking very thoughtful.

"Spock, Miss Uhura, have you seen Mister Kirk?" Dean Archer asked in a concerned voice.

Nyota frowned as she shot to her feet, "He had a right to tell his story," she replied anxiously.

"I have not seen Mister Kirk at all today, as I was taking and proctoring finals," Spock replied softly.

Nyota suddenly looked worried, "We met in the garden this morning and then took the article to the newspaper office together," she replied softly. "We came back to campus together, but then Kirk went to bed while I went to the canteen. I hope he's not in trouble for talking about his past. Is he?"

"No, I would like to know why he did it, though," Dean Archer replied calmly. "Do you know?"

Nyota sighed, "Sulu attacked Kirk because he thought Kirk agreed with killing all the Romulans off," she explained in a quiet voice. "I know Sulu's in hospital, but he had his parents email his close friends."

"Really?" Dean Archer asked curiously. "I know Sulu's not letting any of his friends visit right now."

Nyota shrugged, "I know," she replied softly. "Kirk did the interview so Sulu wouldn't hate him."

Dean Archer paled as his cell-phone rang, "What is it?" he asked anxiously, quickly answering it.

"Ambassador Sulu wishes to speak with you," Phlox spoke in a quiet voice. "About Hikaru's transfer."

Dean Archer sighed wearily and covered the phone with his hand, "Maybe he's with McCoy, Spock," he spoke in a hushed voice. "Can you track down McCoy and see if Kirk's hanging out with him?"

"Doctor McCoy is out at dinner with his mother, who is visiting from Georgia," Spock replied tonelessly, now concerned as to where Jim was. "I believe Doctor Piper is also with them. Mister Kirk is not…"

Dean Archer gave Spock a look, "Doctor McCoy asked for a pass to visit with her," Spock clarified.

"Don't call the police because Kirk will freak out," Nyota replied in a concerned voice.

Dean Archer gave Nyota a look, "Mister Kirk is still recovering from being stabbed and he's only going to relapse medically if I don't involve the police," he replied in a stern voice. "Spock, please inform the residents of Tucker Hall that they are on lockdown here until further notice. Explain the situation…"

"I do not believe Mister Kirk will respond well to the police," Spock spoke tonelessly. "I can look…"

Dean Archer sighed, "Spock, this is a serious situation," he replied. "I have to involve the police."

"I will go about initiating lockdown," Spock replied as he rose. "Miss Uhura, please assist me."

Dean Archer followed them out of the room and then returned to his phone, deeply worried, "Phlox, tell Ambassador Sulu that I'll come as soon as I handle a situation," he replied in a concerned voice.


Downtown San Francisco

Exhaustion and pain filled every part of Jim's body as he slowly made his way out of the park where he had sat in grief and silence for hours. After taking the story to the paper with Uhura, he had had a nap in his dorm, and then fled campus because he didn't want to be around to see the reactions to the story.

The long walk, however, had been very hard on his recuperating body and Jim was now fighting both pain and nausea with every step he took. Uhura had paid for the bus that morning, but he himself had no money and so walking was the only way he was able to get off campus for things he might need.

As Jim began walking through the core of downtown, he felt his legs shaking uncontrollably and he felt nausea threatening to expel itself everywhere. A few of the buildings were lit up, as they catered to nightlife, but Jim didn't want to go in and risk getting mistaken for a drunk or homeless person. It was cold and getting dark, but Jim knew that he was pretty much on his own in getting back to campus.

Not even his best friend could help him, as Leonard had left campus after his last final of the day to visit his mother, who had come to San Francisco to see him and Dr. Piper. For once, Jim was truly alone.

After several moments, Jim found himself grabbing hold of a potted plant outside of a fancy looking building for support as cramps and pain rocked his body. Voices filled the air and Jim quickly closed his eyes to try and make himself invisible to those who would obviously mistake him as a vagrant.

Footsteps filled Jim's ears and he tensed, frowning when he suddenly felt a hand on his arm, "Mister Kirk?" he suddenly heard Captain Pike ask in a curious, but concerned voice. "What are you…?"

Without warning, Jim felt his legs give out and fell briefly before he felt strong arms grab him, "Oh, Mayweather, sit him down on that bench," he heard as he opened his eyes. "Jim, what are you…?"

"You didn't read the article?" Jim asked anxiously before he could stop himself from speaking.

Captain Pike, who was dressed in dress pants, boots, a windbreaker, and a scarf, looked confused and gave Mayweather a look, "What are you talking about and what are you doing walking from campus to downtown before you go through physio?" he asked in a confused voice. "Does anyone know…?"

Jim suddenly vomited, unable to fight the nausea anymore, "I…I told my story," he managed to say shakily, gazing up at Captain Pike and Mayweather. "I couldn't let Sulu hate me and the Kirk name…"

Mayweather looked concerned and whipped out his cell-phone, "You need an ambulance," he replied.

Captain Pike silently sat on the bench next to Jim, sighing when he spotted a familiar picture on the front page of a newspaper that sat in a nearby newspaper box. The headline read James Kirk Against Genocide: A Dark Past Reveals Why. Jim spotted the same paper and sighed heavily.

"You talked about your past to the newspaper?" Captain Pike asked softly. "Cause of Sulu?"

Jim coughed, "Because he thinks all Kirks want all members of a species dead," he breathed.

"Jim, that was an incredibly brave thing of you to do," Captain Pike spoke quietly, deeply relieved when he could hear the sound of ambulance sirens. "I want you to go to the emergency room and get checked over, okay? You don't seem too well after that walk you took and I don't want you to get sick, all right?"

Instead of responding, Jim leaned against Captain Pike for support as an ambulance pulled up to the curb and closed his eyes wearily. He could vaguely feel himself being moved and he could vaguely hear talking, but all of his energy was gone and sleep would help him to forget what he did…for a time.


"…Doctor Cutler, if you wouldn't mind taking care of Mister Kirk. I know you're quite capable…"

Frightened that he was going to be left alone, Jim forced his eyes open and was surprised to find that he was now in an exam room and being given an IV by a kind looking female doctor, "Ah, Mister Kirk, welcome back," Dr. Cutler said in a warm voice. "My name is Doctor Cutler and you're quite safe."

Jim's breathing slowed as he looked past Dr. Cutler and saw Captain Pike sitting in a corner chair, silently texting, "I'm just letting Dean Archer know where you are and that you're safe because he got so worried that he called the police," Captain Pike explained, gazing up at Jim. "I'm also texting McCoy."

"Bones's mom is in town and they're out to dinner," Jim spoke in a faint voice. "With Doctor Piper…"

Dr. Cutler gently patted Jim's arm and covered him up, "Now, sweetie, you just rest and stop worrying so much about everyone," she spoke gently. "You've been through a lot and you're so very brave."

"You read the article," Jim managed to say softly as he felt an oxygen tube being put in his nose.

Dr. Cutler nodded, "Over my dinner break," she replied gently. "Are you comfortable enough?"

"Everything hurts like crazy," Jim spoke in a tired voice. "I guess I did walk a little much today."

Dr. Cutler smiled, "Maybe just a bit, but it's good you can walk again," she replied gently.

Sighing, Jim felt his eyes drooping, "I'm so tired," he spoke softly. "I just want to sleep."

Dr. Cutler gave Jim a curious look as she reviewed the machine he was attached to, "Your blood pressure's a little low," she spoke gently. "I'm going to get you something loaded with sodium."

"It's a side effect of my past," Jim replied softly. "It…it does that sometimes."

Captain Pike gave Jim a mystified look, "I'm immune to the effects of Toriadol because it was used to discipline me in prison," Jim spoke quietly. "I built up a resistance to it over time, but it's also left me permanently damaged in some ways. I'm really surprised no medical tests caught that fact."

Stunned speechless, Captain Pike sighed deeply and covered his face to compose himself, "Look, why don't you go to sleep and we'll talk tomorrow," he finally suggested calmly. "All right?"

Sighing, Jim closed his eyes and relaxed, too exhausted to talk or move any further.

"….I don't know who you think you are, Doctor Kirk, but you have absolutely no authority over my patients!" Jim heard an angry female voice shout. "I suggest you get out of here this instant!"


Jim opened his eyes and was surprised to see Dr. Cutler standing beside his bed while Captain Pike stood between her and an outraged looking Sam, who was waving a paper, "I've got a court order that Jim's undergoing a competency hearing at nine a.m.!" Sam snapped, sighing when he saw Jim was awake.

"What?" Jim asked in a groggy voice, frowning at Sam. "You…you think I'm incompetent?"

Sam scoffed, "In your right mind, you wouldn't talk about your past to the paper," he sneered.

Jim's eyes narrowed as he looked at the clock and saw that it was only seven a.m., "I've already called Dean Archer and the campus advocacy group is going to meet us at court," Captain Pike spoke calmly.

"You can't do that!" Sam snapped. "Term isn't even in session, so there's no group!"

Captain Pike scoffed, but helped Jim out of bed and helped him dress behind a screen, "Technically, the campus is in finals right now," he explained calmly. "You can go now. We'll see you in court."

Sam swore and marched out, flipping Captain Pike off as he left, "I…I don't understand," Jim spoke shakily, nearly falling as he came out from behind the screen wearing a suit that looked slightly big.

Dr. Cutler grabbed a wheelchair, "Given that you're not in the best of shape right now, Mister Kirk, taking this along might not be a bad idea," she spoke softly. "Captain Pike, if you would…"

"Come here, kiddo," Captain Pike spoke gently as he led Jim to the chair. "Stop trembling, okay?"

Jim sighed heavily, "I just can't believe Sam did that," he spoke anxiously. "I…thought…"

Captain Pike gently helped Jim sit down in the wheelchair and then wheeled him out while Dr. Cutler carried Jim's clothes and things in a bag, "Do you want me to come?" she asked in a worried voice.

Jim didn't respond, but Captain Pike shrugged as they reached his car, "Won't your boss get annoyed if you cut work?" he asked quietly even though he was smiling. "You've been very helpful…"

"Christopher, I am the boss," Dr. Cutler replied gently. "Let me just grab my things."


San Francisco Courthouse

Spock sighed patiently as he lingered in the foyer with Dean Archer, Pavel, Nyota, Leonard, and Hendorff, "I expect Mister Kirk will arrive momentarily," he spoke softly. "It is after nearly eight-thirty."

"Kirk not showing up is what Doctor Kirk is counting on," Dean Archer spoke sternly, seemingly irritated and angry about this whole fiasco. "I know term's almost over, but I appreciate all of you coming."

Hendorff sighed, "Besides McCoy, it's not like any of us have any other place we can go," he replied softly, his expression both ashamed and nervous. "A lot of people are heading off on holidays…"

"You've got parents back East," Leonard spoke up. "They were here for the hockey game that…"

Spock pursed his lips, but said nothing and Hendorff sighed, "They wanted me to drop out and come home because they found helping the Vulcans a waste of time and they are very racist people," Hendorff admitted softly. "They pretend to like other cultures to look good at the country club…"

Just then, the front doors opened and Captain Pike and Dr. Cutler came in with Jim, who was using crutches to walk. He stared at the group for a moment before nodding and hobbling over to the Security station to be cleared, "He does not look happy to see us," Nyota spoke in a hushed, worried voice.

"Being maneepulated by family members does geet tiring," Pavel spoke in a quiet voice.

The group watched as Jim cleared Security and waited for Captain Pike and Dr. Cutler to clear Security before he came over to them. Pavel immediately gave Jim a gentle hug, but didn't say anything.

Jim silently accepted the hug and frowned as the door to the courtroom opened and a uniformed officer stepped out, "They're ready for you now, Mister Kirk," the officer spoke. "Are they all with you?"

Dean Archer glared daggers at the guard and the guard fell silent, stepping aside so the group could enter the courtroom with Jim. Sam was sitting at a table at the front of the room sporting a high-necked sweater, dress pants, and fingerless gloves with a chubby lawyer sitting beside him while a stern looking Judge Riker sat behind the bench. Sam glared at the entourage with Jim.

"This is a private hearing," Sam spoke angrily. "Whoever all of you are…clear out!"

Dean Archer gave Sam a look and then sighed, "Mister Kirk is a student at my school and therefore granted the right to the help of the campus advocacy group," he replied firmly. "Your Honor…"

"We have met before, I believe," Spock observed, nodding at Sam. "Do you not remember?"

Sam scowled and looked away, "Doctor Kirk, this is not a beach," Judge Riker spoke sternly.

"Your Honor, I have reason for wishing to wear them," Sam replied in a shaky voice. "Please…"

Dean Archer frowned at the shaking in Sam's voice and noticed that Sam's left hand and wrist lay limp on the table, "Doctor Kirk, your behavior is very strange," Judge Riker spoke quietly. "Very well."

Sam sighed anxiously as Jim and the entourage sat at the other table, "Court is in session," Judge Riker spoke in a stern voice, banging his gavel quickly. "Doctor Kirk, why exactly are we here?"

Sam, however, was swaying in his seat and suddenly vomited all over the lawyer and the table before toppling off of his chair and passing out on the floor. Leonard jumped up and hurried over to him and Jim slowly followed, unsure as to what was going on. Dean Archer whispered to Captain Pike and they both got their phones out, ignoring the judge as they called for help. Spock's eyes narrowed, but nobody else said anything. Nyota, Pavel, and Hendorff silently moved closer to get a better look.

Leonard silently removed Sam's sunglasses and saw the bruises, "Bruises," he spoke softly.

Jim frowned and Sam flinched and moaned, but didn't wake, "What happened?" Jim asked.

"I believe this confirms my suspicion that Doctor Kirk was threatened," Spock spoke quietly. "When I heard of his uncharacteristic behavior, I developed the theory that he was being coerced."

Jim sighed, "Nero," he replied in a quiet voice. "Or some other Romulan…cause I was in jail with them and outed everything. It has to be a Romulan who did this. Can someone contact Aurelan?"

Spock gave Jim and Nyota a look as Captain Pike came over to them, "An ambulance is nearby and it's on the way here," Captain Pike spoke quietly. "Spock, you look tired. Are you all right?"

Nyota looked at Spock worriedly, but Spock sighed patiently, "It is not a matter you should concern yourself with," Spock replied quietly. "Doctor Kirk is currently in need of medical attention."

"Jim, if you want to go back to campus and rest, I can handle this," Captain Pike spoke in a quiet voice, sensing that Spock was hiding information. "Chekov, Spock, Uhura, why don't you go back to campus?"

Dr. Cutler sighed, "I'll make sure your brother is taken care of, Jim," she spoke softly. "If you…"

"Given the potential safety risk associated with the public hospital, I insist that Doctor Kirk be treated at the Academy infirmary," Spock spoke quietly. "Either that, or at the Vulcan Embassy Hospital."

Sirens suddenly filled the air and all Jim could do is stare helplessly at his badly injured brother.


Starfleet Hockey Academy Campus

Several hours later, Sam was laying in a private room within the safety of the Academy infirmary recovering from a skull fracture, badly broken arm, hand, and wrist, and from surgery he received to repair internal injuries. Dean Archer had posted campus security guards outside of the door and only certified medical staff and family were authorized to access the room; no students were allowed in.

Since Jim had finals to finish, he had been sent to the classrooms with the other students to write his exams and he had then fled back to the quiet Tucker Hall. Jim didn't know what to think or feel, but he was grateful to have the dorm to himself; it gave him time to think about what had happened.

Sighing heavily, Jim removed the tie from around his neck and limped over to the windowseat so he could study campus. He was now officially done his third year and would graduate at the end of the next year, but he still had no idea who he was or what he wanted out of life. He needed to think about it.

A knock suddenly sounded and Jim sighed as he turned and saw Security Officer Tucker standing in the doorway looking concerned, "Spock said you left after you turned in your exam," Security Officer Tucker said in a quiet voice. "I thought you were gonna wait for McCoy or Chekov to walk you back?"

"I'm feeling kind of numb right now with PTSD," Jim spoke quietly. "So many memories were triggered by what happened today. Nero's always hated me for tattling to Frank about my Romulan cellmates and he holds me responsible for his father's execution. Ayel's in jail and I'm sure he also blames me for that."

Security Officer Tucker sighed patiently, "The police went and got your sister-in-law and their son so they could be with your brother," he replied softly. "They are also investigating the attack."

"If Nero's anything like Nero Senior, he's able to disappear easily," Jim replied worriedly.

Security Officer Tucker sighed, "Aurelan's wondering if you're all right," he explained calmly.

"Is Dean Archer mad about the article?" Jim asked quietly. "I…I felt like I had to share."

Security Officer Tucker looked amused, but said nothing, "I'm assuming the government's been told about this because reporting Romulan attacks is the law," Jim spoke quietly. "I read up on it…"

"It's been reported and there's talk that the government might restrict Romulan immigration," Security Officer Tucker replied softly. "I know you're upset, but Aurelan's been asking about you…"

"I…It's my fault Sam got beaten," Jim replied softly. "I should have just stayed away."

Security Officer Tucker sighed, "You're lucky to have family still alive who will talk to you, Kirk," he explained in a quiet voice, sitting on Jim's bed. "I lost my sister in 9/11 and I was disowned by my parents after I joined the military. I went through basic training at DiMello Base, but I never really fit in there socially. I eventually found a new family in the people at Enterprise Base."

"I…I never heard of it," Jim spoke quietly, sighing. "I was a kid and didn't hear a lot."

Security Officer Tucker nodded, "I was in jail when I was younger and I was cell-mates with Nero Senior and Ayel Senior," Jim spoke softly. "They attempted some things and I reported them to my stepfather, who was a guard at the time. Warden Kodos executed them and Nero Junior hates me for it."

"I take it you didn't actually break the law?" Security Officer Tucker asked softly, feeling heartsick.

Jim shook his head and sighed as he got to his feet, "I…I guess I should go apologize to Sam," he spoke quietly. "After what I've done, I won't be surprised if he decides he wants nothing to do with me."

The infirmary was quiet and due to final exams, the walk across campus was also quiet and Jim quickly found himself in the waiting room with Security Officer Tucker, "Hey, where's Phlox at?" Jim heard the older man ask. "I got Cadet Kirk to come over here to see his brother…"

"Phlox is up in the ICU," a voice spoke calmly. "There's a heavy amount of security up there."

Jim sighed as Security Officer Tucker returned to the waiting room, "Sulu's ward is upstairs and if I go up there, he might see me," Jim spoke quietly. "I…I guess seeing me set off a bunch of memories…"

"Just stay with me and it'll be fine," Security Officer Tucker replied calmly. "All right?"

Jim swallowed hard, but followed him upstairs and found himself tensing up at the sight of the uniformed guards lingering throughout the hallway and outside of a hospital room, "There's so many cops," he whispered in a shaking voice. "I…I don't know if I can do this right here, right now."

The door to the hospital room suddenly opened and Aurelan came out with Phlox, "Jim," Aurelan spoke warmly, relieved to see him there. "Sam never came home last night and I don't understand…"

"It's…it's hard to explain," Jim replied shakily, unable to look at her. "It…it's my fault…"

Aurelan gave Jim a strange look, "I shared my past with the campus paper and the Romulans got wind of it," Jim stammered anxiously. "They tried to beat Sam into getting me declared incompetent…"

Aurelan gasped and covered her mouth and Jim promptly threw up in a garden box that had yet to be stocked with hospital-friendly plants, "Between Sam being here and Sulu…" Jim stammered anxiously.

"Mister Sulu is no longer a patient here, Mister Kirk," Phlox spoke up. "He was transferred at the beginning of the week to a different facility. Due to patient confidentiality, I cannot tell you where."

Jim paled and he felt himself getting lightheaded; Sulu had requested a transfer because of him?

Voices began speaking, but Jim closed his eyes and found himself reflecting on what had happened when he tried visiting Sulu earlier in the week. Sulu had put in a request for a finals tutor and Jim had responded anonymously, as it was a paid job offering and he desperately needed the money.

Once Jim had shown up with the books, however, Sulu had gone ballistic, thrown everything around that wasn't nailed down, and screamed at Jim in both Japanese and Romulan to get out. Jim had fled, hadn't reported the incident, and had made a point of keeping to himself from then on. It was that incident that had caused Jim to see Nyota out and ask for her to interview him about his past experiences.

A strong pair of arms suddenly caught him, "…Why is Kirk so light?" a stern voice asked. "It's…"

Jim suddenly felt himself being laid on a bed and woke up in a fright when he felt something jab him in the hand, "Whoa!" Security Officer Tucker exclaimed. "Kirk, it's all right! You're in a private room."

In a flurry of noise, Jim suddenly saw Phlox at the end of his bed removing his shoes, "I'm fine," he spoke anxiously even though he didn't feel it. "I just got a little freaked out by the sight of the guards."

"You went into shock," Phlox explained gently, but firmly. "I think, for your own safety, that you should just rest in the emergency department for a while until I can release you to someone responsible."

Jim sighed, but didn't make any move to get up because he was simply relieved to be away from the sight of the guards. He began to feel sleepy as Phlox covered him with a warm fleece blanket.

"Just get some rest and Officer Tucker will be right outside," Phlox said as Jim closed his eyes.


The bag was heavy, but Pavel carried it without complaint because Hikaru sent him a text message and had asked for the rest of his personal belongings. Pavel had quietly finished his finals and then had hurried back to Hikaru's old dorm in Tucker Hall; it was sealed off because of the circumstances, but Pavel had broken the seal without triggering the alarm and had gotten his friend's possessions.

As Pavel approached the campus fountain, he suddenly spotted Spock standing there sporting a curious expression on his face, "Mister Chekov, you seem in a great hurry to leave campus," he observed.

Pavel, however, said nothing, "I was alerted to the seal on your old dormitory being broken and have been following you," Spock spoke quietly. "I have not informed Security of your illegal behavior and have reset the seal to make it appear undisturbed. You appear to be possessing another's property…"

"I vas going to see Heekaru because he asked for some of hees seengs," Pavel spoke quietly. "He got wiolent last veek and asked to leave. He sent me a message on ze phone asking me for hees…."

Spock raised an eyebrow as he walked over and took the bag from Pavel, "According to the information I am privy to as Resident Advisor, you are still on medical restriction," he stated tonelessly. "I must insist on accompanying you to your destination. My presence will keep you from being stopped by police."

"Zey are here?" Pavel asked softly, frowning. "Zat must mean zat Doctor Quirk is here too."

Spock nodded, but offered no comment and instead began to walk towards the bus stop with Pavel following silently behind, "Do you know where Mister Sulu is?" Spock finally asked tonelessly.

"He eez een ze hospeetal near ze Golden Gate Breedge," Pavel replied softly. "It eez a small one."

Spock nodded and sighed as the bus to downtown arrived. He kept a tight hold on the bag as he and Pavel boarded the bus, as he did not want Pavel to think that he could risk himself at all.

"Captain Pike is avare of vere he eez, but Heekaru does not vant many to know," Pavel explained.

Spock nodded calmly and said nothing more until the bus reached the appropriate stop. He silently got off and Pavel followed, deeply confused as to how Spock seemingly knew where to go.

"How deed you know vere to go?" Pavel asked as they reached the large brick building that was surrounded by gardens and tall bushes. "I do not recall telling you about zees place."

Spock, however, said nothing and approached the front desk. It was then that Pavel noticed that a Vulcan wearing medical clothes was behind the desk, "Eez zees hospeetal run by Wulcans?" he asked.

"The hospital was founded by Lady T'Pol in the years following the mass exodus from Vulcan," the Vulcan behind the desk explained, gazing at Pavel. "She founded it with assistance from the Hero of Vulcan and continues to oversee it to this day. Are you here to visit Lady T'Pol, Spock?"

Spock silently looked at Pavel, "I am here to veeseet Heekaru Sulu," Pavel spoke quietly.

Footsteps filled the air, "Pavel," a warm voice spoke as Jun Sulu approached. "I am glad you came."

Spock silently watched as Jun Sulu gently embraced Pavel before looking at Spock, "I am steel not allowed to leeft heavy seengs, so Spock decided to help," Pavel explained softly.

"It's good to see that Ambassador Sarek raised his son to be kind," Jun replied kindly. "Hello Spock."

Spock gave a silent nod, "Hikaru's in the therapy room and he'll be glad for company," Jun said.

Pavel nodded and walked with Jun while Spock trailed behind them. The rec room was in the far end of the building and it was mostly empty. The only person in the room was Hikaru and he was silently working at a garden box with gloves on his hands while packages of seeds sat on a nearby table. His hair was combed and he was wearing slippers, loose pants, and a loose shirt with a bracelet on one wrist.

Jun silently approached Hikaru and spoke softly to him in Japanese before looking back at Spock and Pavel. Hikaru silently moved over to the couches and sat without removing his gloves, "Spock, you look a bit pale," Hikaru spoke quietly. "Did you eat or check your blood sugar before you came here?"

"Exams have been stressful," Spock spoke tonelessly, sighing as he sat on a couch. "I have been diligent in taking my medication and attending to proper nutrition. I do not know, however, if it is enough."

Hikaru nodded worriedly and Spock sighed, "How is your recovery?" Spock asked tonelessly.

Pavel sat down in a chair while Jun went over to the plants to give her son privacy, "I…I don't know if I can come back to school full-time," Hikaru spoke quietly. "I'm on medication to counteract the Toriadol, but it might be too hard to come back and live on campus. I…I can't forgive myself for what I did to Jim over what his brother said. My mom showed me the article Uhura wrote and it made me feel bad…"

Spock nodded and sighed tonelessly, "If you want tutoring, I am a qualified teacher," he replied softly.

"I'll consider it," Hikaru spoke quietly, sighing. "Pasha, did you want to see my plants?"

Pavel nodded and followed Hikaru over to the plant box, but Spock stayed behind because he sensed Hikaru was more comfortable around Pavel alone for the time being. While the two young men fiddled with the plant boxes, Jun silently walked over to the couches and sat down across from Spock.

"Spock, are you well?" Jun asked quietly. "You look like you did many years ago, when you were a boy."

Spock sighed, "The effects of the bombings never fully disappear," he spoke quietly. "I developed hypoglycemia shortly after migrating to San Francisco and I am on the verge of becoming sicker."

Jun nodded, her expression sympathetic, "I do not dare alert the Academy campus, as it will cause Officer Tucker to feel that his sacrifice was in vain," Spock spoke shakily. "I have always been physically and emotionally weak and to become weaker would devastate my father. He has lost much already."

"Spock, the clinic is open," Jun spoke softly. "Please consider going for an examination."

Sighing, Spock silently rose and left the rec room because he suddenly felt tired and knew his blood sugar must be low from stress. He hadn't brought anything with him because he hadn't thought he would need it, but the stress of exams were obviously getting to him and he needed to eat.

As Spock approached the main atrium that divided the mental health facility from the services for physical health, he noticed a few vending machines were available. Spock silently bought a gingerale for himself and sat in the waiting area to drink it, as the sound and sight of it might trigger Hikaru.

From inside the safety of the office she had at the facility, T'Pol silently watched Spock drink his soda and she sighed; Spock did not look well and he needed someone to speak to him. Her hand briefly touched the stomach where her and Trip's child grew as she made her way to the office door.

As T'Pol approached Spock, he silently looked at her, "Lady T'Pol," Spock spoke in a tired voice.

"Your blood sugar is unstable, young Spock," T'Pol spoke quietly, sitting next to him.

Spock sighed, but nodded, "The Toriadol will affect you forever, but modern medicine can be of help to you if you are unafraid to use it," T'Pol spoke tonelessly. "You are experiencing unusual symptoms?"

"I speculate it is the stress from final exams, but I could be wrong," Spock explained quietly.

T'Pol gave him a look, "Phlox is the doctor most capable of treating Vulcans and I must insist that you visit him as soon as you are able," she replied firmly. "How long have you been feeling unwell for?"

"Only a few days," Spock replied in a quiet voice. "Ever since the concern with Mister Sulu accelerated."

T'Pol nodded and sighed, "I take it Mister Chekov is visiting him now?" she asked tonelessly.

"I carried Mister Chekov's bag for him, but I do not feel alert enough to remain for the duration of the visit," Spock spoke quietly. "Mister Chekov is capable of finding his own way back to campus."

Before T'Pol could reply, Pavel came to the atrium with an empty bag, "Heekaru got tired and retired to hees room for rest," Pavel spoke, not wishing to say he had seen Spock leave and become worried.

Spock nodded and silently stood, not saying anything as he and Pavel left the hospital. T'Pol, however, silently got her phone out and dialed Phlox's private number to express her worries about Spock.


By the time Spock and Pavel got back to campus, the sky had darkened and the air had turned cold. Pavel had done his best to keep Spock alert, but Spock found himself weak and shaky during the trip.

Pavel had decided to take Spock to the infirmary and Spock hadn't argued, as he was done his finals and knew Pavel wouldn't leave him alone until he gave in. Fortunately, the infirmary was quiet.

"Eez zere a doctor around?" Pavel asked quietly. "Spock, please have a seet and preserwe your…"

Spock paled and Pavel quickly ran to keep him on his feet by holding on to him, "Everyone is assisting Doctor Kirk," Spock spoke shakily. "His name makes his needs of a higher priority than mine."

Footsteps filled the air and Phlox suddenly came into view, having just sent Captain Pike to sit with the sleeping Jim. Jim was being given privacy to rest and when he was well enough, he would be allowed to see his brother under medical supervision. McCoy was also now finished his finals, so he had come on duty and had been assigned to the ICU for the night shift. That left Phlox free to see to walk-in patients.

"Doctor Phlox, please," Pavel spoke in an anxious voice. "Spock is wery unvell and I do not know vy…"

Phlox nodded and helped Pavel escort Spock to a private exam room, "Your hypoglycemia may be progressing into Type One diabetes, but I cannot be certain of that until I run medical tests," Phlox spoke in a concerned voice. "You may need to be in the hospital for several days so I can observe you."

Spock sighed, but did not protest as he was helped to lie down on the exam bed, "Do you veesh me to tell Neeota?" Pavel asked in a concerned voice. "You two are togezzer and she vill vorry…"

"Not until I am certain as to what is wrong," Spock replied. "She is not yet finished her final exams."

Phlox silently retrieved some hospital pajamas from a closet and handed them to Spock, "You may be more comfortable in these," he spoke quietly. "I'll go get a bloodkit so I can draw some of your blood."

Pavel drew the curtain and waited in a chair outside of the privacy area while Spock painstakingly changed his clothes. Pavel understood that Vulcans did not enjoy undressing in front of those they did not have a special bond with due to scars and disfigurements created by Toriadol poisoning.

"I am clothed," Spock finally spoke softly. "I am quite concerned you are missing out on socializing…"

Pavel shrugged as he opened the curtain, "I do not soceealize wery much except veeth Heekaru, but he ees not here and I am done all my finals," he replied, moving a chair to the bed. "May I seet veeth you?"

Spock raised an eyebrow, but did not offer protest and simply closed his eyes to rest, "I'm back," Phlox announced as he returned to the room with medical supplies. "Final exams make for staff shortages."

"Would it bother you if I rested during the medical tests?" Spock spoke softly. "I am quite tired."

Phlox sighed worriedly as he prepared to draw Spock's blood, "Not at all," he replied gently. "Rest."

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