One Week Later

Starfleet Hockey Academy Campus

"Nice suit," Spock heard a soft voice say as he stood in front of the mirror in his dorm, silently straightening a tie he was wearing with a dark suit he had purchased long ago. "It's summertime, though…isn't it?"

Spock turned to see a tired looking Jim, who was wearing loose jeans, a loose shirt, and a hoodie, lingering in the doorway sporting his glasses and a cane, "Mister Kirk, I was not aware you had been released."

"I'm under orders from one Doctor Samuel Kirk to take it slow, but I'm all right," Jim replied in a tired voice. "There's a lot of kafuffle at the hospital, though, over that Hoshi lady. I dunno who she is, but…"

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Hoshi Sato was declared missing during the First Romulan War," he explained in a quiet voice, his expression neutral. "Malcolm Reed must have managed to locate her somehow…"

"Oh, the guy that owns the mall?" Jim asked softly. "I heard he's gonna be recovering all summer."

Spock sighed and continued fixing his tie, "As stimulating as this conversation is, I must finish preparing for my tribunal," he spoke tonelessly. "If I am tardy, the Vulcan Elders may see it as enough reason to strip me of my title of Royal Prince and all the rights that accompany that title. This day is quite stressful for me…"

Jim frowned, "Why would the Vulcan Elders want to strip you of your title?" he asked. "Can they do that?"

"They can if they feel my conduct is unbecoming of Vulcan royalty," Spock replied softly. "My choice to remain engaged to Nyota even after the incident with Krall has upset my father so much that he called for the tribunal and it will be held today. I am quite anxious and feeling unwell, but I am representing myself…"

Jim looked worried, "Isn't there a campus advocacy group?" he asked. "Like the one you had for me?"

"I do not wish to trouble Dean Archer or Captain Pike with such matters when they have already given so much to assist Vulcans," Spock spoke quietly, his voice fading. "Please, Mister Kirk, I must finish preparing…"

Jim's eyes widened as Spock suddenly passed out on the floor, "SPOCK!" he shouted, his eyes wide. "SPOCK!"

Lights flashed on and very quickly, Leonard, Nyota, Pavel, and Hendorff came running, "I was talking to Spock and he just passed out," Jim breathed anxiously. "He was talking about preparing for a tribunal…"

"That's not until this afternoon," Nyota replied worriedly. "Why's he dressing for it so early?"

A groan filled the air and Leonard forced his way over to Spock's side, "Spock?" Leonard asked worriedly.

Spock's eyes opened, "I…my blood sugar is quite low," he replied softly. "I haven't eaten in a day…"

"Here, let me help you up," Jim spoke in a worried voice, offering his free hand as he knelt down.

Knowing that Jim didn't have the strength to help Spock up himself, Leonard helped and the two of them managed to get Spock on to his bed, "You didn't actually try the Vulcan Fast with your diabetes, did you?" Nyota asked in a scared voice, her expression anxious. "I know you love me, but putting yourself…"

Spock sighed weakly, "My grandmother always taught me that the Vulcan Fast would provide comfort and help to those needing it in tumultuous times," he spoke weakly. "I believed it would help…"

"I'm calling campus medics to come get you," Leonard spoke firmly as he got his cell phone out.

Nyota moved over to the bed and gently touched Spock's face, clearly shaken to what lengths he would go for her. Leonard moved closer to the bed while telling the infirmary to send an ambulance to Tucker Hall.

"I've never heard of a Vulcan Elders tribunal before," Captain Pike spoke in a concerned voice as he sat in his office with Jim and Pavel after Leonard and the campus medics had taken Spock off to the infirmary. "

Jim sighed anxiously, "Spock said he had one today because his father wants him disowned as a prince?" he replied, trying to make sense of what Spock had told him. "Can a prince actually get fired?"

"Neeota mentioned ze Wulcan Fast," Pavel spoke softly. "Spock cannot fast because he has an eelness."

Before Captain Pike could reply, he noticed a council of well-dressed Vulcans, including Empress T'Pau and Ambassador Sarek, come into the foyer, "Oh, crap," he breathed softly. "They're here…"

Jim turned and frowned, "That's Spock's dad," he spoke softly. "I gotta talk to them."

Before Captain Pike could stop him, Jim got up and slowly went into the foyer, "Um, hi there," Jim spoke softly.

Empress T'Pau looked at Jim curiously, "Spock was told what time to meet us here so the tribunal could take place," Sarek spoke crossly, his expression cold. "Why are you here and where is Spock?"

"Spock fainted this morning because he did something called a Vulcan Fast to help him with his thing today and he fainted," Jim replied nervously. "Spock's diabetic and he believed fasting would help..."

Sarek's eyes narrowed, "Do you know the meaning of the Vulcan Fast, Mister Kirk?" he asked sharply. "It is a fast Vulcans participate in to gain strength from the spirits of those who died in the First War and in subsequent years from Toriadol exposure. Spock's tardiness is insulting and proves that he is unfit…"

"I'm not lying, you moron!" Jim snapped, his expression angry. "Go to the infirmary and see for yourself!"

Alarmed at how Jim was speaking to revered diplomat, Captain Pike got up and went out into the foyer, "James, enough," he spoke in a gentle, but firm voice. "Let the Vulcans handle their business…"

"I think it's stupid to fire Spock from being Prince of Vulcan just because he got sick fasting to get ready for this tribunal thing!" Jim snapped. "He was up early, wearing a suit in the summer, and anxious…"

T'Pau raised an eyebrow and the Vulcan Elders murmured amongst themselves, "You are quite insolent, James Kirk, and your conduct is inappropriate," Sarek spoke coldly. "Leave us to our business and…"

"Kroykah, Sarek," T'Pau interrupted in a commanding voice. "Can you show proof, James Kirk?"

Jim looked uncertainly at Captain Pike and Captain Pike nodded, "Yes, "Jim replied quietly.

T'Pau studied Jim intently as Jim began to feel very much like he did during intake at Tarsus Prison; naked and vulnerable to scrutiny. She looked at his tired eyes and then gazed at the cane he was leaning heavily on.

"That will not be necessary," Empress T'Pau. "I see no need for a tribunal at this time."

Sarek scoffed, "Spock is marrying an impurity," he replied. "He is clearly not fit…"

"I am the one who names my heir, Sarek; not you," T'Pau replied firmly. "Spock shall remain the heir."

Sarek's eyes widened and he silently stormed out of the building, "James Kirk, please allow us and the American government to honor you for your actions," T'Pau spoke softly, gazing at Jim. "You have earned ceremony."

Before Jim could reply, T'Pau and the Vulcan Elders surrounded him and he was guided to a nearby chair. His anxiety rose as he was sat and touched on the head and face by the Vulcans as they chanted softly. A few moments later, the Vulcan Elders released Jim and swiftly left, not saying another word as they did so.

"I…what…I don't like strangers touching me," Jim managed to say as he began to wheeze. "I…"

Pavel quickly sat beside Jim, "Eet eez okay, Jeem," he replied softly. "You are among friends."

Swallowing hard, Jim looked at the floor and slowly relaxed as he closed his eyes, "What did they do?" he whimpered softly, tears filling his eyes. "They surrounded me and started chanting. Why?"

"I don't understand Vulcan customs, but they should not have touched you without your consent," Captain Pike replied in a gentle voice, sighing. "Why don't you come to my house and you can have some quiet time there?"

Jim nodded, clearly shaken by the experience so much that he let Pavel and Captain Pike help him up and walk him over to the staff housing area. The weather was warm and sunny, but Jim didn't notice it.

"Ve are here," Pavel spoke quietly as they entered the house. "Jeem, please…are you zere?"

Jim shuddered, completely overwhelmed and Captain Pike gently took hold of Jim and directed him to the spare bedroom. He drew the covers back, helped Jim lie down, and then gently covered him up.

"Get some rest, Jim," Jim heard as he slowly succumbed to his need for sleep. "We'll be right here."

"…I've seen many of those in other Vulcans, but Spock is young and there might be a chance to treat it with medicine and surgery…"

Spock's eyes slowly opened and he immediately determined that he was in a patient room within the campus infirmary. He felt very weak and groggy, but his headache had disappeared for the first time in days.

A gentle hand brushed suddenly against his own and Spock turned his head to see Nyota sitting beside his bed, tears brimming in her eyes, "Nyota, why do you cry?" Spock asked weakly. "I failed to eat and for that…"

"They found a brain tumor in you," Nyota spoke softly. "I…they told me because we're engaged."

Spock sighed heavily, "Many Vulcans developed tumors after immigrating to America because of the Toriadol and they lost their faculties to the point where they suicided out of despair, but I will not do that," he replied softly. "I am of the belief that I have too much to live for and I will do my best to endure…while I can."

"Oh, stop that despairing nonsense," a gruff voice suddenly spoke. "I can get the tumor out really easily."

Spock and Nyota looked at the door and saw Leonard standing there with Phlox, "The tumor's not in a dangerous spot and it's operable," Leonard replied as he produced a scan. "See, look at it."

"I trust your judgment," Spock spoke softly. "How long before the operation would take place?"

Leonard sighed, "I need to go to Dean Archer and convince him to let me back here before the end of the month because of this," he explained quietly. "If he says yes, it will be only a matter of days."

Spock nodded and slowly sat up, "I would prefer spending my time prior to surgery resting in my dormitory," he spoke tonelessly. "I will also request that Nyota assume my Resident Advisor duties for the remainder of term."

"You can go in a few hours after the IV runs dry," Leonard spoke firmly. "Phlox and I need to compile a report and tell Dean Archer the situation. We'll also run pre-op stuff for you since you're here anyway."

Spock suddenly froze, "Grandmother T'Pau?" he spoke softly. "She and the Elders are in the corridor."

Phlox silently went into the corridor and spoke to the Vulcan Elders, their conversation remaining so quiet that Spock could not hear what they were saying. A few moments later, the group bowed respectfully and left.

Spock's eyes narrowed as Phlox returned to the room, "What did the Elders say?" he asked softly.

"The tribunal has been cancelled and you still remain heir," Phlox replied gently. "Empress T'Pau said that Mister Kirk had a word with them about you respecting tradition to the point of making yourself ill. That made them reconsider and they insisted on bestowing a blessing on Mister Kirk before departing…"

Spock frowned, "They touched Jim without asking his permission?" he asked softly. "A Vulcan blessing is supposed to take place only with the consent of all parties involved. Mister Kirk does not like touch…"

Leonard sighed heavily, "I'll call Jim while I'm writing the report," he said softly. "And check on him."

"In the meantime, Spock, you should rest," Phlox spoke gently. "Miss Uhura may stay with you."

Once Leonard and Phlox were gone, however, Spock looked at Nyota worriedly, "Their lack of concern over Mister Kirk is somewhat unnerving," he spoke softly. "He is in a delicate state of mind right now because of the Toriadol being filtered from his blood and I am sure this unwanted contact incident has not helped…"

"Do you want me to go over to the dorm and check on him?" Nyota asked softly. "Or call him?"

Spock's expression suddenly changed and he began to convulse violently, "SPOCK!" Nyota screamed.

Phlox and Leonard ran back in and Nyota stepped away, tears in her eyes as they tended to him.

Several hours later, Jim hadn't woken up and Captain Pike had gently sent Pavel on an errand to the canteen to get food that Jim could eat when he woke. The Pike family fridge was currently empty, as Captain Pike hadn't had a chance to venture into the city and get food; he didn't care much for ordering groceries online.

As Pavel crossed the campus, he noticed that Scotty was heading towards the canteen with an irritable looking Jaylah, who was wearing jeans, boots, and a long-shirt, "Hello!" Pavel called out as he hurried over to them.

Scotty stopped and Jaylah sighed as Pavel ran over to them, "I sot you vere away?" Pavel asked softly.

"I couldn't afford tae go the whole summer and there's lots of work to be done 'round here that pays," Scotty replied in a kind voice, smiling at Pavel. "I've been getting Jaylah to help me so she can earn some money."

Pavel looked at Jaylah, "I want to go home," Jaylah spoke coldly. "I am not being allowed to go home."

"Why vould you vant to go back to Romulus?" Pavel asked softly. "Eet eez dangerous ower zere."

Jaylah scoffed, "That is what Malcolm Reed says, but he went there and he rescued someone," she replied in a stern voice, her expression stern. "I must go and rescue a little girl. I heard her father lives here…"

Pavel suddenly looked intrigued, but said nothing, "The villagers who live in fear say a man from America was assaulted and became a father, but her mother is dying," Jaylah spoke quietly. "She asks for the Sulu."

"S…Sulu?" Pavel spoke in a shocked voice. "You…Heekaru said he might have a child ower zere…"

Jaylah's eyes narrowed, "I…Heekaru Sulu ees who you are looking for," Pavel spoke anxiously. "He leeves veeth hees parents right now, but he has been looking for hees child. I could take you to tell zem…"

"Will they help me go home?" Jaylah asked curiously. "That is why I want to go home."

Pavel nodded as he pulled out his phone and texted Captain Pike that he needed to go visit Hikaru immediately, but would go to the store on the way home, "I promise you zey vill," he replied anxiously. "Come."

Jaylah says she can find Hikaru's child, so I am going to visit Hikaru with Scotty and Jaylah. I will stop by the market on the way home – Pavel

Captain Pike sighed as he saw the text message pop up on the cell-phone as it sat propped in the charger next to the computer he was working at. He was working on his application to coach for the International Goodwill Winter Games, which would happen in the winter. Dean Archer had an application in for teams from campus to play in the Winter, games but hadn't yet heard back. The Games had been one of Amanda Grayson's ideas that she had constructed in an effort to bring unity to the world, but she had died in the arena bombing and Ambassador Sarek had quietly brought the idea forward in honor of his late wife. It was now set for winter.

"Since Pavel's busy with something important, I'll just go to the canteen myself," Captain Pike murmured, saving his work before he stood up. "I need to stretch my legs. I'll just leave a note for Jim on the whiteboard."

Scribbling a note on the whiteboard that hung above the computer, Captain Pike grabbed his wallet and silently left the house. Unaware that Captain Pike and Pavel were both gone, Jim slowly woke in the spare room's bed and frowned when he heard nothing but silence. Could they really not stand to be around him?

"...You came here because you were of no worth to anyone alive, James Kirk," Krall's voice filled his brain. "Your blood will be used to sustain the Romulan Empire and you are much more useful to everyone dead..."

Swallowing hard, Jim knew he needed to talk to someone who wouldn't think him crazy or tired. He didn't feel good and he felt lost. He remembered Pavel mentioning a Doctor Paris in Sausalito, but he himself had no money to get to Sausalito and that Dr. Paris probably as a doctor who was expensive.

Tears filled Jim's eyes and he silently left the house, unsure of anything except that he needed to get away.

Hours had passed...

Jaylah was now in the care of the Sulu Family and they would do their best to help her get back to Romulus or at least contact people in Romulus to see if Demora was still alive. Pavel was deeply relieved that the Sulus had listened to Jaylah and were eager for her help; it made him smile all the way back to Captain Pike's house.

When he walked through the front door of the house, however, his smile faded because Captain Pike and Dean Archer were there with an anxious looking Hendorff, "...I've searched the entire campus twice," Hendorff, who was wearing civilian clothes, said softly. "There was no sign of Kirk anywhere."

Pavel frowned, "Jeem eez meesing?" he asked softly. "Maybe he vent to veeseet Doctor MeeCoy?"

"Did you check the whole infirmary, Hendorff?" Dean Archer asked sternly.

Hendorff sighed, "McCoy and Phlox were in surgery and nobody else was around the public area," he replied.

"I'll have to go check the higher clearance areas," Dean Archer spoke sternly. "Jim's been gone for hours."

Pavel looked worried, "Deed you try ze cell-phone ze McCoy's got heem for Chreestmas?" he asked softly.

"Try that and I'll go to the infirmary," Dean Archer spoke sternly. "Hendorff, you're with me."

As Dean Archer and Hendorff left, Pavel found his phone, dialed Jim's cell number, and waited.

"Spock?"

Blurry faces greeted Spock as he opened his eyes after being given medication and made to stay awake during the emergency surgery to remove his brain tumor. He blinked and the blurs were replaced with eyes and masks.

"I...I am here," Spock spoke weakly, fighting the urge to sleep because of the seizure. "I am quite tired."

One of the masked faces nodded, "You're on some pretty heavy medication to keep your blood sugar stable and to keep you from being in pain," Leonard's voice spoke calmly. "We removed the tumor...all of it."

Spock sighed sleepily, "Is it cancerous?" he asked, his words faint. "I...I am quite tired."

"Get some rest, Spock," Phlox's voice spoke calmly. "We'll test it and let you know."

Letting out another sigh, Spock closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax on the gurney that now sat in the post-operative area. Only a bit of his hair had been shaved for the surgery and now, his dark hair and the surgical area were bandaged. Nyota sat in the corner of the room, deeply relieved that Spock was still there.

"What's going on in here?" a concerned voice suddenly asked.

Leonard and Phlox turned to see Dean Archer lingering in the doorway while Hendorff lingered in the hallway, "Spock had a seizure from a brain tumor and we did emergency surgery, sir," Leonard spoke firmly, his expression dark. "If you want to expel me for breaking your rules, feel free..."

Dean Archer gave Leonard a look, "Spock had a brain tumor?" he asked softly. "Did you get it out?"

Leonard nodded, "Toriadol-induced," he replied gruffly. "Are you here to bust me for breaking rules?"

"I was wondering if you knew where Mister Kirk was?" Dean Archer asked. "He's not in the dorm and he's not at Captain Pike's even though he was taken there to rest after being blessed by the Vulcan Elders."

Leonard scowled, "Jim hates it when strangers touch him," he snapped. "Why'd you let it happen?"

"It's rude to interrupt a Vulcan blessing," Dean Archer replied. "Anyway, Kirk is currently missing..."

Leonard scoffed, "I was working on trying to schedule Jim for counselling over the Krall incident when you kicked me off campus," he growled, his expression murderous. "He won't talk to just anyone and if he ends up doing something dumb, it's on you and your precious Starfleet values. Would you mind leaving?"

Before Dean Archer could reply, Leonard made a rude gesture and stormed out because he knew Archer wouldn't leave, "I...my mind has been on other things and I messed up," Dean Archer spoke softly, his expression glum. "I meant to arrange it myself, but then Reed came back with Hoshi and I got distracted..."

Phlox didn't say anything and instead focused on Spock, "I hope Jim's all right," Captain Pike spoke sternly.

Nodding, Dean Archer quietly left to return to his office and think about what he could do about this.

It was dark and unusually cold, but Jim kept walking because he didn't know where to go or who to ask for help in what he was feeling. Dean Archer had banned Bones from being at the infirmary and so his one true friend at the campus couldn't help him. Captain Pike and Pavel hadn't stayed even though they promised they would...

"Nobody cares," Jim spoke in a shaking voice as he made his way into the park. "Where's a bench?"

The wind howled as Jim made his way towards a bench, but he ignored it. He hurt everywhere and was tired, but he needed time with his thoughts to figure out where he could go and who he could ask for help.

Sitting down, Jim silently hugged himself and looked at the ground, failing to notice that an on-duty cop had spotted him and was coming over to him, "Hey, buddy, you doing okay?" the cop asked worriedly, shining his flashlight on Jim and frowning as he recognized Jim. "You're Jim Kirk, right?"

"Yeah," Jim replied quietly. "I...I just need time by myself to think about stuff."

The cop nodded, shocked and concerned that Jim was alone and out in the cold without proper clothes, "It's kinda cold to be out this late," he spoke calmly, seeing that Jim wasn't okay. "You wanna go somewhere warm?"

"What, I'm being arrested?" Jim asked in a shaking voice. "I'm just sitting in a park by myself."

The cop sighed, "No, but it's dangerous to be out and about at night," he replied softly.

"I'm leaving, then," Jim replied, his entire body shaking as he got up off the bench. "I'll be sick somewhere..."

The cop frowned, "And where will you go?" he asked firmly. "We've got advisories in place because of Romulans and it really isn't smart for you to be walking around alone considering...what you went through."

"I'm an adult, thanks," Jim replied quietly. "I...I'm just a little tired because it's really cold out here."

It was then that Jim recognized the cop as Officer Forrest, "Hey, Forrest, I didn't realize it was you," he said softly. "I've been feeling weird since these Vulcan Elders gave me this blessing and touched me after surrounding me. Captain Pike took me to his house to rest, but then he and Pavel took off somewhere..."

"Vulcan Elders surrounded you and touched you?" Officer Forrest asked worriedly. "Why?"

Jim sighed, "They were going to fire Spock from being a prince and I stopped it," he replied quietly.

Officer Forrest couldn't help but feel concerned because the Vulcans were well-known for overstepping boundaries and they had clearly done so to Jim, but he hadn't been accepting of it like most people usually were. There was no official treaty or law giving Vulcans permission to do whatever they wanted socially, but most gave them concessions because they felt sorry that the Vulcans had lost their homes to the Romulans in the First War. Personally, Forrest thought that the Vulcan Elders needed to learn American social etiquette.

"Okay, how about we go over to San Francisco General and get you warmed up?" Officer Forrest suggested in a kind voice, smiling at Jim over the flashlight. "It's not far and we can also get you some food, all right?"

Jim hesitated briefly before nodding and allowing Officer Forrest to help him walk out of the park and down the road to the hospital, "What about your car?" he asked softly. "Don't you need it to do patrols?"

"Don't worry about it," Officer Forrest replied calmly as they approached the ER doors. "Here we go."

The emergency room was quiet and the warmth of it prompted Jim to collapse to the floor, completely spent from walking in the cold for hours, "Does anyone actually work here?!" Officer Forrest called out coldly.

A door opened and Sam, who was sporting scrubs and a white coat, sauntered into view, "Yes?" he asked.

Officer Forrest pointed to Jim, "Get him into bed and resting and then we need to talk," he ordered.

Sam frowned and Jim sighed weakly, "They surrounded me and touched me," Jim spoke in a shaky voice. "I couldn't even talk to Bones cause Archer banned him from the infirmary for fighting with Sam..."

It didn't take long for Jim to be moved to a quiet patient room and Sam helped him into a pair of spare scrubs before putting him into bed with warm blankets and IV's covering him. He excused himself so Jim could sleep peacefully and saw that Officer Forrest was talking on his radio, so he waited for him to finish.

"Tell me everything," Sam spoke in a concerned voice. "I thought Jim was staying on campus."

Officer Forrest sighed, "I only know part of the story, but I'll share what I know," he replied softly.

Captain Pike was upset, Pavel was on the verge of hysteria, and Leonard was currently not speaking to him, but Dean Archer had other things on his plate to deal with besides the hysterics and disorders Jim had.

The sight of Reed sitting in a wheelchair beside the bed where Hoshi lay asleep and in restraints made his heart break, "Malcolm, you should be in bed," Dean Archer spoke softly as he entered the quiet hospital room.

"Oh, I know," Reed replied, his accent strong as he spoke. "I got the latest report on Hoshi and it's not good."

Dean Archer paused, but didn't speak, "Severe physical and brain damage," Reed spoke, tears filling his eyes as he rested his hands in the blanket. "She might never be able to speak or walk properly again and she was Enterprise Base's most skilled linguist. I'll be out of the hospital in a month, but she might never get out..."

Reed choked back a sob and Dean Archer walked over to his wheelchair, "Malcolm, I'll take you back to bed," Dean Archer spoke softly. "I'm working on getting Hoshi a legal guardian since her parents died..."

Silence filled the air as Dean Archer returned Reed to his hospital room and helped him back into bed, "I'll be back tomorrow," Dean Archer spoke quietly, checking his watch. "I want you to get some rest."

Reed nodded and Dean Archer silently left the room, "Jon?" a voice spoke in the darkness.

Dean Archer turned just in time to see Officer Forrest come out of the shadows, "I thought you didn't believe in leaving your soldiers behind," Officer Forrest spoke sternly. "From what I've seen, you've done just that."

"I don't understand," Dean Archer replied in a confused voice. "I'm looking after Malcolm and Hoshi..."

Officer Forrest scoffed, "I got Jim Kirk to come with me to the hospital because he felt alone and like he could trust nobody," he replied coldly, frowning. "He was cold and couldn't walk. Do you think he's doing well?"

Dean Archer sighed, "He said the Vulcan Elders surrounded him and touched him without his consent," Officer Forrest explained in a quieter voice. "He's in a bit of an emotional tailspin right now, so Doctor Kirk admitted him for rest and they'll talk tomorrow. Now, Jim Kirk is one of your students...he's under your wings, right?"

"He graduates next April," Dean Archer replied quietly. "He's not enrolled in any summer courses or..."

Officer Forrest sighed, "You didn't behave this way when it was Chris Pike who was having a hard time," he interrupted, unswayed by the weak words. "The Vulcan Elders have been overstepping social bounds for years and they've been getting much worse about it ever since the bombing. They need to be chastised publicly."

"And that would cause an uproar," Dean Archer replied softly. "As Reed and Hoshi's return did..."

Officer Forrest scowled, but Dean Archer held a hand up to silence him, "I'll make a public statement to the newspaper reminding everyone to respect the rights and boundaries that others have," Dean Archer spoke softly. "I'll also ask Jim if he wants to talk about what happened and why it makes him uncomfortable..."

It was early the next morning when Leonard made his way to San Francisco General, still very angry at Dean Archer for his poor judgment. He arrived in time to see Jim sitting on a row of chairs wearing freshly cleaned jeans, his shoes, his glasses, and a loose t-shirt, "Bones," Jim spoke softly. "Sam's getting me breakfast."

Leonard nodded, "I flipped the dean off," he replied as he joined Jim on the bench. "I heard about..."

Jim sighed heavily, "You know that hospital that Sulu went to?" he asked softly. "I've been thinking about it."

Leonard frowned, but said nothing, "My fear of strangers touching me goes back a long way and I need to talk through these issues and work through them," Jim spoke softly. "That Vulcan 'blessing' broke me and I need to be in a place where I can get my head right. Phlox taking the Toriadol away and then not giving me counseling like the Vulcan refugees got...I read up on that and they got all the comfort in the world, but I didn't..."

"And you think the hospital Sulu went to will help?" Leonard asked softly. "You've lost trust in everyone?"

Jim shrugged, "The list of who I trust is very short and it's basically you, your mom, Captain Pike, Pavel, Officer Tucker, T'Pol, and Sam's family, but I feel like a burden to everyone else with my constant problems," he spoke in a quiet voice, his expression said. "Captain Pike's got Pavel to worry about...I'm sure he's tired and I trust him, but I can just tell he's overwhelmed. If I can afford even a week in that hospital, I think it would..."

Leonard looked thoughtful, "I've got some extra money," he said softly. "I have an idea of how much Sulu's stay was and I could pay for you to stay there a month if you really wanted. Do you want me to arrange it?"

"I should go ask T'Pol if she'll even let me," Jim spoke softly. "Do...do you mind driving me there?"

Leonard nodded and Jim stood up just as Sam came into view, "Um, Sam, I'm going to that psych hospital where Sulu spent some time," Jim spoke softly. "I...I need some help and being on campus right now is too much."

Sam nodded, not at all surprised that Jim had decided on that course of action because it had taken hours of gentle talking to get him to sleep the previous night, "Um, Bones is going to drive me over there," he said softly.

Psychiatric Hospital – Palisades Health Centre

Nearly an hour later, after Jim had eaten breakfast, he was sitting in the foyer of the hospital where Sulu had spent a long time sorting his broken brain out. T'Pol had been alerted to his arrival and was sitting with him.

"...Something inside of me just snapped after that Vulcan blessing and I went on a walk in freezing summer weather," Jim explained shakily, having already shared how he helped Spock. "Am I being disrespectful?"

T'Pol shook her head, "Vulcan Elders are quite insistent on certain customs and during my relationship with Charles, I have learned that not everyone is comfortable with forced contact," she replied in a quiet voice, giving him a gentle look. "My staff and I can assist you in feeling better if you are willing to stay."

"I am," Jim replied quietly. "Bones said he'd pay for it, but I don't feel right about taking his money..."

T'Pol nodded, "You were a very helpful assistant to Charles in previous academic semesters, so I see no reason that you should have to pay anything," she replied softly. "You will need assessments as part of it, however."

"Can Bones do them?" Jim asked hopefully. "He's a registered psychiatrist and doctor and he's done it..."

T'Pol nodded, "Doctor McCoy will need to contribute to the process with his observations and records, but I am also qualified to assess you," she replied softly. "Fresh eyes will help me determine a course of treatment."

Jim sighed, "Is it normal to react so badly to touches?" he asked softly. "I had a meltdown in the park..."

"No, but you have most likely been through traumatic experiences that contribute to the feelings you have now," T'Pol spoke quietly. "I myself had need for adjustments when I first immigrated here from Vulcan."

Jim's phone suddenly went off and he checked it, frowning when he saw that Captain Pike was trying to call him, "Pike's trying to call me, but I don't want anyone talking me out of this because I need to do this," he spoke in a soft voice as he pocketed his phone. "Even if I have to start taking meds, I need and want to fix myself."

T'Pol raised an eyebrow and offered Jim a chart filled with paperwork, "Then let us begin," she replied softly.

Nodding, Jim took the chart and looked it over, letting out a relaxed sigh as he began to fill it out.

Tucker Hall – Starfleet Hockey Academy

A black sports bag sat on Jim's bed open and empty, but Leonard had opened Jim's closet and was carefully folding Jim's street clothes before packing them in the bag. He left Jim's Academy uniform and boots in the closet, as it was summer term and Jim didn't need the pressure of having that reminder around to rush what could be a very hard recovery. He just needed street clothes and personal items.

"McCoy, do you know where Kirk is?" Captain Pike asked as he came into the dorm and frowned at seeing Leonard packing a bag with Jim's clothes. "Do you mind telling me what you're doing?"

Leonard sighed, but continued to pack the bag with clothes, toiletries, and books, "Jim decided to take a vacation and he asked me to get his personal things," he replied gruffly. "I have permission."

Captain Pike, however, moved closer and wasn't aware that Nyota, Pavel, Hendorff, and Scotty had just come to the common area and were eavesdropping, "So, you know where Kirk took off to?" he asked in a commanding voice, his expression concerned. "I just tried to call him, but got no answer."

"I don't think he wants anyone to know where he is," Leonard replied softly. "Except me."

Captain Pike frowned, "McCoy, the dean's furious and wants to talk to him," he replied firmly.

"Let the dean be furious," Leonard grumbled, his expression irritated. "Jim's an adult."

Captain Pike's eyes widened as Leonard zipped up the filled bag and picked it up, "I'm sure Jim will tell you what he's doing when he's ready," Leonard spoke calmly. "If you'll please excuse me."

Nyota and Pavel looked concerned as Leonard came into the common area carrying the full bag, "Hey, where's Kirk and where are you taking his stuff?" Nyota asked in a concerned voice.

Pavel, however, remained quiet because he sensed that Jim was needing space and privacy at the moment. He knew that the Vulcan Elders touching Jim without his permission had left him in a bad way, so wherever he was, he was most likely seeking help to deal with his anxiety and stress.

As Leonard left the building, Dean Archer entered and frowned, "Was that McCoy?" he asked.

"Kirk's hiding somewhere that only McCoy knows about," Hendorff spoke worriedly.

Dean Archer frowned and Pavel suddenly swore, prompting everyone to look at him, "Why can you not all just let Jeem alone?" he asked, his expression upset. "Eet eez ze summer and he eez an adult."

Captain Pike's eyes widened, but he said nothing, "Pasha, what's wrong?" Nyota asked softly.

"My name is Pavel Andreivich Chekov-Pike," Pavel replied in an upset voice, giving her an angry look."Jeem ees not perfect and he ees not een preeson. Ve need to respect his privacy and space."

Nyota looked concerned, "Is Kirk coming back?" she asked worriedly. "McCoy had Kirk's stuff."

"I don't even know what's going on," Dean Archer spoke sternly. "I just came to announce that Nyota Uhura will be Tucker Hall's Resident Advisor until further notice. What's up with McCoy and Kirk?"

Pavel sighed, "Jeem ees gone," he replied sadly. "MeeCoy took hees seengs out in a bag."

Dean Archer frowned and went to the dorm that Jim and Leonard shared, his heart breaking when he saw that Jim's closet was cleaned out except for his uniform and that his personal things were gone.

"He felt left behind and abandoned," Dean Archer spoke numbly. "I can't believe he ran away."

Hoping that he could somehow rectify the situation by finding Jim and getting him back to a point where he trusted him again, Dean Archer turned and marched from Tucker Hall in silence.

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