Bajor, Mexico

Bajor was its own country, but Mexico had annexed it bit by bit over the years because the Bajorans didn't have the army to defend themselves. It was now nothing more than a city with its vast lands officially declared Mexican soil. Despite that, Deep Space Nine Academy was still the pride of Bajor and Dr. John Harrison was beginning to understand why Julian enjoyed living there.

Dr. Parmak was now using the infirmary more often to look after Carol, David, and anyone who needed it and Dr. Harrison found himself wanting to better understand Julian. He had explored the small campus until he had found the dorm that Julian and someone named Miles O'Brien f had been living in for what appeared to be several years. It was small, but homey.

There were no clothes or personal items in the room, but a large bulletin board hung on the wall between the beds that was full of photos and other momentos. In the middle of everything sat a photo of a curly-haired young man and Julian in front of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. The young man was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, but Julian was wearing a tan sweater and slacks as if he were trying to hide himself. You haven't changed one bit over the years, Julian. John thought.

"Doctor Harrison?"

Khan turned and was surprised to see Dr. Parmak standing in the doorway, "Doctor Harrison, I know you asked not to be bothered, but there are news reports about some protest march in San Francisco," Dr. Parmak explained nervously. "It started at dawn and…you should see it."

"And why do I care about a protest march in San Francisco, Kelas?" Khan asked softly, frowning.

Dr. Parmak sighed, "It's about Julian," he explained quietly, his expression serious. "Some student named Nyota Uhura made a news report about Julian being mistreated by other students and then she organized the protest march. I don't know if he's part of it or not, but…"

Khan exhaled anxiously, "Julian has made it clear that he is willing to put up with abuses from others just to remain away from me," he replied softly, his expression neutral. "I invited him to come with me here when we were at Alcatraz, but he wanted nothing to do with me. He said I was not his father, but his architect. I saw he was a broken child and wanted to help him…"

"The Augments are watching the march on CNN in the cafeteria," Dr. Parmak volunteered.

Khan sighed and instead looked at the bed on the left side of the room; he recognized the bedspread as one that had once belonged to Julian's grandmother, a Harrison family heirloom that he had given Julian as a goodbye present when the lad had moved to New Zealand with Amsha and Richard as part of the custody hearing results. Julian himself had re-initiated contact when he was 18 and in school down in Mexico, but things had been tense between them ever since.

Swallowing hard, Khan sat on the bed, "I worry for him," he spoke quietly. "The world is taking their anger against me out on him and it's making me tired. I want to do something about it."

"If the Cardassian Empire can be of help, Doctor Harrison…" Dr. Parmak spoke softly. "You and your people have shown us kindness since you have been here and we trust you implicitly."

Khan looked surprised, "I was under the impression that the Cardassian people swore allegiance to Nero?" he asked softly, eyeing his new colleague suspiciously. "Did you not tell him that?"

"The Cardassians will never be subservient to Romulans, ever," Dr. Parmak replied coldly. "We haven't forgotten that the Neros did try to annex us before they turned their eyes to Vulcan. Unlike the Vulcans, however, the Cardassians are very much capable of defending their liberties."

A smirk played across Khan's lips, "So you lied to Nero so he'd leave," he replied softly.

"Cardassians are skilled at lying," Dr. Parmak replied. "We trust you and like you, though, and if you agree to keep helping us as you are, we can persuade the government you are valuable."

Khan nodded, "I am listening to what you have to say," he replied softly, feeling deeply grateful.

Infirmary - Starfleet Academy Campus

"…Phlox is mad enough at the student nurses that he's kicked all of them off rotation for the rest of the semester," Jim heard a drawl say. "That means more work for the rest of y'all…"

There was a sigh, "Really, Doctor McCoy, I've spoken with my staff and they've come from schools all over the world," a voice replied. "The students from the other schools have also agreed to help out when they're not at events, so we'll be able to manage quite well."

Jim felt hazy as he opened his eyes and found himself curled into a ball. He could see Sam sitting in a chair beside the bed, silently looking over a thick chart, "Hey, where's Bashir at?" he asked.

Sam looked up from the chart, "And good morning to you too," he replied calmly before sighing and frowning. "Doctor Bashir ended up running himself into the ground yesterday because only McCoy would help him. The student nurses on duty through the day ignored him and Phlox only learned of the problem after an incident at the banquet last night. The already certified nurses are professional enough that they have no problem with working under Doctor Bashir. Anyway, Bashir is taking some time off until the swimming final and says you can do your next session then."

Jim exhaled weakly, "Yeah, he did kinda seem stressed out yesterday," he admitted groggily.

Sam nodded and promptly produced a laptop bag, "McCoy brought you this in case you wanted to do anything on it while you rested," he explained. "You're in the cancer clinic right now, but you're also recovering from the surgery and so you need to rest. Maybe catch up on work for Reed?"

Jim accepted the laptop with a sigh, "I should check the Campus Chalkboard," he replied softly.

"While you do that, I'm gonna poke my head in the hall and check on the staff meeting McCoy's having out there," Sam spoke calmly. "Maybe I can even get you something to eat."

Jim nodded and focused on the laptop as the Campus Chalkboard notices began popping up on his screen. His sense of calm quickly faded when he noticed a message pinned to the top of the notice board, a message that had been penned by Dean Archer himself…about Professor Reed.

Professor Reed has taken a leave of absence for the remainder of the semester and all his work will be divided between Assistant Dean Pike and Professor Tucker. Any inquiries about Professor Reed can be directed to my office. – J. Archer, Dean, Starfleet Academy

"Hey, why's Professor Reed on leave?" Jim asked. "I'm his TA and I didn't get any news…"

Getting no response prompted Jim to look up and he saw everyone was in the hallway. He grabbed his phone from the table and dialled Tucker's number, as he knew that Reed and Professor Tucker were buddies and most likely hanging out, "Tucker," a drawl responded.

"Professor Tucker, why is Professor Reed on leave?" Jim asked softly. "Campus Chalkboard…"

There was a sigh and quiet talking, "James," a quiet, tired voice suddenly spoke. "I'm sorry, I thought someone would tell you before it was posted. I'm going to be having brain surgery tomorrow because I've got tumors caused by torture. You'll still have your job…"

Jim sighed, "Archer might decide someone with cancer can't do the job," he replied softly. "I just got diagnosed yesterday and Doctor Bashir did the surgery before chemo…"

"Good Lord," Reed replied softly. "James, I don't want you to worry about work right now. I want you to rest and do whatever you need to. Cancer's a terrible thing and you need time…"

Jim, however, was suddenly feeling nauseous and lightheaded and quickly set the laptop on the nearby table before laying down in a ball with the phone, "Can I visit you at some point?" he asked in a quieter voice, exhaling as the lightheadedness went away. "I'll want to."

"You're starting to feel the effects of chemo," Reed spoke softly, briefly sidestepping. "I can hear it in your voice."

Jim sighed weakly, "Yeah," he replied quietly. "Everyone's in the hall having a meeting."

"You can visit after I've had surgery, but only if you're feeling up to it," Reed replied. "Officer Tucker's going to be seeing me through the surgery. My father went back to the Archer since it was found. Anyway, James, I want you to rest right now. I'm going to be resting too."

Jim exhaled and ended the call before setting the phone on the pillow, "I take it you're starting to feel effects?" a drawl suddenly asked quietly. "I heard Bashir started you on chemo last night."

Mumbling a reply, Jim closed his eyes and felt the phone being moved, "Sam went home and Phlox is gonna be on shift today here, but he said I can look after you," Leonard spoke calmly

"Wanna sleep at the dorm," Jim mumbled groggily. "The beds are comfier there."

Leonard sighed as he moved over to the bed where his half-alert friend lay, "Not right now, Jim," he replied in a concerned voice. "You need to get some sleep and we'll talk about it…"

A snore suddenly filled the air, indicating that Jim had fallen asleep. Leonard quickly checked to make sure he was comfortable before moving over to the ward's Intake Area and checking the file to see what notes Julian left. Leonard was so focused on looking through Julian's notes that he didn't hear the doors open, "Excuse me, I'm here for my session," a quiet voice suddenly spoke.

Leonard looked up and saw J.M. standing with a tired looking Lorca, "Philippa decided to go and join in that march today, so I'm on my own for treatment," Lorca spoke quietly, sighing.

"I would have gone, but Bashir took a few personal days and Phlox fired all the student nurses, so we're a little shorthanded today," Leonard replied calmly. "Let me just pull your file up, sir."

Lorca looked surprised, but didn't comment, "Right, let me get your machine," Leonard said in a calm voice as he moved over to the chemo machines and found Lorca's. "Ms. Colt, could you…?"

"Of course, Doctor," J.M. replied in a kind voice. "Praetor Lorca, if you'll follow me…"

Fairmont San Francisco – San Francisco, California

Every television in the hotel was on and tuned to the news coverage of the rights march Nyota Uhura had organized. Nobody had reported to the venues for Games events that day, instead choosing to join in the march as it progressed through the city. Local businesses had ended up donating food and water to the marchers and were now lining the downtown streets, cheering the marchers on as they marched for the rights of Dr. Julian Bashir. It was truly spectacular.

In the safety of his family's suite, however, Julian couldn't help but feel very overwhelmed by all of the attention. The news was very insistent on saying that he shouldn't be punished simply because he was the son of a bloodthirsty Augment psychopath who had experimented on him and the whole overdramatization of negative comments directed at his biological father upset him.

All of the ambassadors had been called to an emergency meeting at the hotel's conference room to discuss the situation and so Richard had gone, but Amsha was there if Julian needed help. Julian, meanwhile, found himself too drained to do anything but rest in bed because he had overdone it in an effort to keep pace at the infirmary with no help from the on-duty nurses.

His mother had woken him twice already: once to help him with his insulin and another time to get him to eat breakfast, but she was mostly letting him rest. As Julian lay in bed, he suddenly heard a knock at the door and quiet talking; he assumed it was something to do with the news.

"Julian, dearest, I'm sorry to wake you again," his mother's voice suddenly filled the air.

Julian sighed as he cuddled Kukulaka close, "What is it?" he asked groggily, staying asleep.

"Doctor Phlox from the Academy wants to visit with you," Amsha replied gently.

Julian promptly forced himself from sleep, got out of bed, and dressed himself in clean clothes that hid the old scars on his neck, torso, and arms. He rarely wore t-shirts and shorts anywhere and even when he was swimming, he wore a special wetsuit that would keep his scars hidden. He had been left scarred by the experiments and his time growing up in London and Botany Bay and knew that it would give the media opportunity to attack his father, so he kept himself covered.

After running a brush through his hair, Julian silently allowed himself to leave the safety of his bedroom and go into the common area. His mother was standing with Phlox as he lingered at the door with a smile on his face, "Good morning, sir," Julian spoke in a quiet, polite voice.

Phlox offered a smile, "Dear boy, please remember you can call me Phlox," he replied pleasantly. "I was in the area and I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk? And talk about things?"

Alcatraz. Julian thought as he eyed Phlox nervously, "Um, it's a bit chaotic today," he replied softly. "I don't necessarily want to run into anyone participating in the march…"

"I didn't see any sign of the march over here," Phlox responded calmly. "I walked all the way here from San Francisco General Hospital and I don't think they're planning to come over here."

Julian nodded and Amsha gave him a gentle look, "A walk will do you good," she spoke softly.

"All right," Julian conceded quietly. "I, um, just need to get my kit and a coat and shoes…"

Phlox nodded and waited patiently as Julian retrieved his things and stuffed Kukulaka into his diabetes backpack for extra emotional protection before putting his winter things on and kissing his mother's cheek timidly. The two then left the room and walked through the hotel in silence. Julian only allowed himself to breathe once they were outside and he saw it was quiet.

The two walked in silence for nearly half an hour until they reached a quiet park and Phlox gave Julian, who was looking distressed, a look, "I haven't talked with anyone about what you went through at Alcatraz, just so you're aware," Phlox spoke quietly. "It's been eating you alive."

"It has," Julian admitted softly, sighing. "Doctor Harrison's words cut deeply…"

Phlox nodded, "You're afraid of becoming like him," he observed. "I can tell."

"I'm a doctor," Julian replied softly, his expression somber. "I'm already becoming him."

Phlox looked thoughtful as they neared a bench and sat, "Why did you become a doctor?" he asked in a quiet, thoughtful voice. "I know John Harrison became one because he wanted to right the flaws he saw in the Human race and he didn't care what he had to do in order to do it."

"Kukulaka," Julian replied softly. "Even in my disabled state, I learned to sew and patch him up. I loved him for how he was and so I just kept repairing him. Never dreamed of replacing him."

Phlox nodded, "You see, Julian, that is where you and your father differ," he explained in a patient voice. "You're content with seeing others as they are and helping them according to their needs as they are. You don't want to erase who others are in the process of medically treating them."

Julian exhaled, "And you're wrong in that he didn't let me do anything at Alcatraz," he said softly, fear in his expression as he looked at the older man. "I didn't sleep for two days, nor did those girls that Nero tortured. I was made to feed them and check their vitals and talk to them as if nothing about them had changed. It chilled me, but Harrison made me and administered punishment when I tried to refuse because I couldn't just act like nothing had happened…"

Phlox suddenly became very sad, "I was asleep at times," he replied, recalling the forced breaks he had been made to take that involved sedation. "What exactly was his punishment?"

"Fighting and conditioning with weaponry," Julian replied softly. "And sensory deprivation."

Phlox frowned, "And that's why you chose swimming?" he asked. "Is it a bit of a therapy?"

"It helps me relax," Julian spoke shakily. "After being rescued by Professor Reed, I let the hospital treat me for low blood sugar, but that's it. I gave a limited statement to the police and I regret it."

Phlox nodded, but didn't say anything, "I didn't even share the full story when tortured by Stonn, but I think I'd like to now," Julian commented softly. "I'd like to share it with whoever I can to help people be able to do something about my father. Every day that he's free, I suffer."

"The way the government is, I'm sure they might treat you with more respect if you gave them the information," Phlox replied softly. "However, I wouldn't want you to subject yourself…"

Julian sighed, "I saw the video and I don't trust they wouldn't try to pin a charge of treason on me for withholding information," he stated quietly. "Maybe I should confide in Richard about it."

"Before you decide what to do, why don't you let me take you to lunch?" Phlox suggested gently. "It is nearly lunchtime and you need to eat. There's a fantastic Chinese place close to here."

Nodding, Julian trailed after Phlox until they reached the restaurant. Phlox did all the communicating for them to get shown to a table and menus, as he knew Chinese quite well and that particular dialect was one that Julian hadn't mastered. In any case, they got seated quickly.

"If you need to excuse yourself to take your insulin…" Phlox began quietly.

Julian nodded and excused himself to the bathroom, finding it with very little trouble. He was quick about a check and administering his insulin and returned to the table in very little time.

The TV was on and Phlox was watching it from their table, as was most the staff. An image of a nervous looking President Mathews was on the screen surrounded by the Games Council and his staff, "…I would like to apologize for racist comments I recently made that were exposed to the public via the media," the President spoke humbly. "I openly jeopardized peace treaties and I have disgraced the American people with my behavior. I have spoken with ambassadors, leaders, and Games Council members across the world and I would like to offer a personal, official apology to Doctor Julian Subatoi Bashir. I would like to invite him to receive it at a banquet…"

Julian paled, turning away from the TV quickly, "Richard must have yelled at him," he realized in a shocked voice as he picked up the menu. "I didn't want to be the cause of a public spectacle…"

Phlox shrugged, busying himself with his own menu briefly before a waiter broke away from the crowd watching the news and came to them for their orders. Once the orders were given, the waiter offered Julian an encouraging smile and said something, "The waiter is telling you that you should not accept the apology unless you want to just because the President gave it on television," the older doctor translated calmly. "I personally happen to agree with him."

Julian shrugged as the waiter went away, "I'll think about it," he spoke in a subdued voice.

"…Oh, what a disgusting spectacle that was. He doesn't care about Doctor Bashir at all; he just wants to make sure that he's not forced out of office before his term is up…"

A chuckle filled the air, "I have to agree, but it was amusing to watch the President make a ninny out of himself anyway," J.M.'s amused voice filled the air. "Do you need anything, Praetor?"

"No, but you might want to check on Mister Kirk over there," a groggy voice replied. "He's waking up and he doesn't look well. It's a shame that I can't go kill his tormentors for him…"

A weak groan escaped Jim's lips as he slowly opened his eyes and focused on the tiled floor, "Good to see you awake, Mister Kirk," a kind voice spoke. "Doctor McCoy went on a lunch break, but he left orders to get you drinking when you woke. Do you mind if I help you sit up?"

"I guess," Jim groaned, shivering as he was suddenly lifted gently into an upright position. "Oww."

J.M. offered Jim a smile and then offered him a straw that was in a tall glass of something, "Slow sips," she spoke gently. "It's gingerale and it should keep you from feeling too yucky."

Jim obeyed and sighed as he felt the pop course through his body, "That feels so weirdly good," he replied groggily once he had finished the entire glass. "When can I go back to my dorm?"

Instead of being offended by Jim not saying thank you, J.M. sat in the chair by the bed, "The people here have been great, but I hate hospitals and this cancer is my payback from karma for being such a punk when I was younger," Jim spoke groggily. "I just wanna go home to my dorm and be in my bed. Sam probably wants me to be at his house, but it's not…home."

"This is not karma payback, so you can stop talking that way," J.M. replied firmly, her expression kind as she studied Jim calmly. "Doctor McCoy wants you to be lucid before he releases you."

Jim scoffed, "I've managed without being coherent before," he replied softly. "Does it matter?"

"Mister Kirk, do you really have to keep acting like you're in some sort of glorified prison?" Lorca, who had quickly reached his limit with Jim's self-deprecating attitude, suddenly spoke up from the comfort of his chemo chair. "This is not a prison and you are not the scum of the earth that your stepfather obviously enjoyed mashing into lifeless dust every day of his useless life."

Jim's eyes widened as he stared at Lorca, deeply shocked, "Oh, don't look so shocked," Lorca spoke in a tired voice. "The whole world knew about Kodos and Frank Warner. The foreign militaries were trying to arrest Kodos for working with John Harrison on the Augment experiments and Kodos fled to America as a refugee. He tattled on Harrison and the government gave that pathetic sack of crap asylum and let him have Tarsus…it was a way of giving him thanks."

"Kodos came from overseas?" Jim asked quietly, his expression confused.

Lorca nodded, "Kodos is the one who helped Harrison begin the experiments after Harrison would constantly complain about his supposedly disabled child when they worked at the Royal London Hospital together," he explained calmly. "The information's in the History Archives in Romulus and Botany Bay and I enjoy reading a great deal. I'm sorry if it's such a shock to you to hear it…"

Jim frowned, "Did Harrison ever experiment on you?" he asked. "Like he did on Julian?"

"Oh, I was a POW for a while, but I did not allow myself to become a victim of experimentation," Lorca replied in a voice, sighing. "They tried it on me and they tried it on my kids, but I killed to protect all of us. My efforts to protect those kids and Philippa is how I have my current rank."

Listening to Lorca mention his current rank of Praetor made Jim suddenly remember that Reed was in the hospital and comfortless, unlike him, "Hey, um, J.M., right?" he asked softly.

"Yes, Mister Kirk?" J.M. asked softly, smiling at him while Lorca silently watched them.

Jim sighed, "Do you have my phone?" he asked softly. "I…I'd like to make a call…"

J.M. got up and quickly retrieved Jim's phone from the portable table, but Jim found himself wanting to lie back down before he could even dial. Once he was comfortable, Jim began to dial the number for Admiral Reed that he had memorized from using Professor Reed's phone.

"Admiral Reed here," a formal voice answered the phone after one ring. "Who is calling?"

Jim sighed, "I'm James Kirk from the mall," he replied softly. "Do you remember me?"

"Of course," Admiral Reed replied calmly. "Is there something I can do for you, James?"

Jim paused briefly, "Um, you should know that Professor Reed's having surgery tomorrow," he spoke in a trembling voice. "I'd go sit with him myself, but I'm getting cancer treatments…"

Nausea suddenly filled Jim, "Ugh," he spoke softly. "He's at…San Francisco…General…"

Ignoring the shaking in his hands, Jim ended the call and dropped the phone on his lap to rest.

San Francisco General Hospital

"Writing another draft of your will, Malcolm?" Reed heard an irritated drawl ask.

Reed sighed, not looking up from the laptop even though his hands were shaking, "My memoirs about my days in military service, actually," he replied tiredly. "Even if I don't survive, the knowledge will be useful in ensuring a life sentence or execution for the former Vice-President."

Silence filled the room and Reed looked up, deeply surprised when he saw Officer Tucker standing there with a fast food bag in his hands while T'Pol and Lorian were not far behind him.

"You decided to submit testimony against Harris after all?" Officer Tucker replied, his eyes wide.

Reed nodded, "There's no point in leaving the full story untold now," he replied in a subdued voice, eyeing T'Pol. "I told the full story to T'Pol in Palisades, but I'm just now writing it…"

"The full story?" Officer Tucker asked worriedly. "There was more to it than what ya told me?"

Reed sighed weakly, "To get access to and information about Andrei Chekov, Harris sent me to Russia as cargo and made me entertain people in some pretty rough places," he admitted in a quiet voice. "Harris was above me in rank during the war and his manipulation of me started when Christopher went missing. He was going to let Christopher die despite me not wanting to…"

Officer Tucker looked sick, "When you say entertain…" he mused, frowning. "Malcolm!"

"I was Chris's squad leader and Harris was one of those who could convince the Captain of anything," Reed replied softly, his expression troubled. "He was a very manipulative sort who was capable of making me look like a traitor even though he himself gave information to the Nero Empire about our movements on Romulan soil. I witnessed it and Harris caught me, threatening to go to Archer about my forbidden affair with Hoshi if I didn't do what he ordered me to. He told me to let Christopher die, but I couldn't do that and my rescue of him came with a price…"

Officer Tucker moved closer to the bed and Reed quietly returned to his work, "Harris was the one who betrayed us, but he made it look as if I was the traitor because I went to the Pleasure Zone," Reed spoke quietly, his hands shaking as he typed. "I've been writing since before dawn…"

"Mal, you gotta rest up for your surgery tomorrow," Officer Tucker said with a sigh. "Please?"

Malcolm was silent for a few more minutes before using his mouse to save his finished recollection of Harris's manipulations over the years and email copies to Archer, Pike, Deanna Tomlinson of the city's main newspaper, Federal Judge Riker, and President Mathews, "I'm tired," he spoke softly, his expression subdued. "I'm tired of being sick and in pain and of all the stress…"

Setting the food down on the portable table, Officer Tucker walked over to the bed and snatched the laptop away. He put it on the portable table before opening the bag and producing a yellow smoothie, "I got this pineapple smoothie for you at a place near the hospital since the mall's food court is closed for the near future," he explained, offering the cup. "I thought it might help."

"Thank you," Reed replied, taking the smoothie and drinking it before sighing. "Ahh…"

Officer Tucker got a chair for T'Pol and she sat in it, setting Lorian on her lap while he planted himself on the end of the hospital bed, "I thought you were doing Security at the venues today?" Reed asked in a confused voice, frowning. "Won't the officials get after you for not…?"

"I take it you haven't seen the news?" Tucker replied gently. "Nyota Uhura exposed President Mathews's racist views about Augments and Romulans and organized a march on behalf of Doctor Harrison's son, Julian…the first victim of the Harrison Experiments. A march for his rights is going on today and not one athlete or staff showed up at the venues, so I have a day off."

Reed shook his head, "The noise of the TV's too much for me and I'm not feeling up to requesting a newspaper or books or anything," he admitted softly. "I've barely been able to write."

"Well, then it's a good thing your surgery's in the morning, isn't it?" Tucker replied calmly.

Reed nodded, "I'll probably be in the hospital over Christmas and for my entire recovery because I can't be left unsupervised," he spoke quietly. "If I give you some money, will you buy some flowers for Hoshi's grave when you go to Hawaii for her service? And tell her they're from me?"

"I will collect them from the old Embassy gardens," T'Pol spoke softly. "Spock and Nyota will be accompanying us to Hawaii for the service, I have been told, so I will have Spock assist me."

Lorian began to fuss, so T'Pol removed herself from the room, "Diaper bag's in the car," Tucker explained, trying not to choke up at his friend's health. "Is anyone visitin' ya over Christmas?"

"I don't expect anyone to, no," Reed replied softly. "Will you please just cry already?"

Tucker sighed and simply started sobbing for several minutes before collecting himself and exhaling weakly, "We can cancel if you need someone here," he spoke shakily. "I…"

"You know you can't," Reed replied softly. "Ambassador Sarek is quite insistent upon you going."

Just then, Dr. Cutler wandered into the room, "Is it time for the gaggle of doctors to poke me, prod me, and question me about tomorrow?" Reed asked quietly, gazing at her quizzically.

"Doctor April's organizing that for later and he's only going to be having himself, Doctor Phlox, Doctor McCoy, and Doctor Bashir present because there were some procedure changes at the Academy infirmary," Dr. Cutler explained. "Phlox fired all the student nurses for the rest of this semester, but that meeting is not why I'm here. I'm here to tell you you have a visitor."

Reed frowned, but his confusion turned to shock when his father came into the room wearing winter clothes over civvies, "How…?" he spoke in a quiet voice, eyeing his father nervously.

"That little prodigy of yours from the mall, James Kirk, told me about you having brain surgery tomorrow?" Admiral Reed replied in a concerned voice, frowning. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Reed sighed, "You had your ship ready to go back to Malaysia," he replied softly. "Your work…"

"I gave the crew shore leave for the rest of the month and I can easily extend it if you need me," Admiral Reed replied calmly. "The Archer needs repairs before it's fit for duty again and I can spend the time helping you recuperate."

Tucker sighed irritably as he got up, "I had a feeling Kirk was involved in you findin' out, but I'm glad the kid doesn't know how to mind his own business," he replied. "At least Mal won't be alone over Christmas now while we're in Hawaii for Hoshi's funeral. Do you want somethin' to eat, Mal?"

"No," Reed replied, now thoroughly exhausted. "I might actually take a small nap."

Tucker nodded, "I'll leave the food in case you change your mind and I'll come back later after Chris and Pavel are done at the march," he spoke kindly. "Hope you have a good nap."

Once Tucker was gone, Reed closed his eyes, "What on earth is going on with my son, Doctor?" Admiral Reed asked in a stunned, upset voice, his expression horrified as he gazed at Dr. Cutler.

Dr. Cutler sighed, but motioned for him to join her on the couch, "He's got tumors that came from the torture he was exposed to by the remnants of the Nero Empire and from past torture," she explained in a quiet voice. "Officer Tucker's paying for the surgery and medical care cause former Vice-President Harris deprived Lieutenant Reed of his veteran's benefits using illegal means."

"So that's why Harris is in jail and stripped of his power?" Admiral Reed replied softly. "Malcolm?"

Dr. Cutler nodded, "Doctor Robert April's the primary surgeon on the case, as is Doctor Phlox, and Doctor Sarah April and I are overseeing pre-op care," she explained softly. "We're worried about Malcolm having seizures and being in a place where help isn't available, so he's been admitted to make sure that won't happen. He's on strict monitoring with as little stress as possible allowed."

It was then that Admiral Reed noticed that his son was still holding the smoothie cup in his hand and he got up, being extra gentle as he took it and moved it to the table. He then sat beside the bed and gently took Malcolm's hand in his own, "My boy," he whispered in a quiet voice before sighing wearily. "Could you find me Doctor April? I'd like to discuss taking on Malcolm's care after he's able to be released from hospital. Malcolm's mother and sister will want to know and I was thinking of getting a rental condo or a handicap accessible hotel to stay in over Christmas."

"Yes, I can," Dr. Cutler replied with a smile, her relief growing as she quickly left the room.

Once he was alone with the sleeping Malcolm, Admiral Reed got his phone out of his pocket with one hand while the other held Malcolm's hand. He silently dialled his wife's number.

"Mary, it's Stuart," Admiral Reed spoke as his wife answered. "I have news about Malcolm…"

Starfleet Academy

Lunch had been a quiet affair, but Phlox had persuaded Julian to come to the infirmary with him merely as a visitor to help cheer patients up. The march was still happening, so campus was quiet and Phlox promised to return Julian to his parents afterwards, so Julian had agreed to come.

The first stop that they made was Tom Paris's room. Dean Paris had exhausted himself to the point where he had needed to go spend time resting in a staff house that Dean Archer had provided for him, Tom's mother, and Tom's sisters. Tom, however, wasn't alone because Harry Kim and Tuvok were camping out in the room with work to keep them busy while Tom rested.

A collection of gift and flower baskets filled the tables and dressers along with different things, including dreamcatchers and a medicine wheel, that people had sent in hopes Tom would get well soon. Tom was now breathing on his own, Phlox had told Julian, but he was still very weak.

Tuvok and Harry looked at Julian and Phlox as they entered the room and Julian immediately stopped just inside the door, feeling like he might be unwelcome. Phlox, however, walked over to the bed and saw that Tom was gravitating between sleep and wakefulness, "Hi," Tom spoke weakly, eyeing Phlox with slightly wider eyes. "My family's…they're at the house on campus."

"How are you feeling?" Phlox asked quietly, offering a smile. "Your color's looking better."

Tom sighed weakly, "I'm getting there, but I'm not really sure how I feel yet because…being tortured for no reason at all takes a while to sink in and really affect you," he replied in a weak voice. "My dad told me they caught the guy, but he's not really telling the cops anything."

Unknown to anyone, Julian slipped out of the room because Tom's words had struck a chord with him and he needed a quiet moment to himself. He went down the hallway to the hospital library and situated himself on the floor in the middle of the room with his back to the door because it was easier to shut people out that way. It had been a month since Alcatraz and he himself had just focused on going through the day-to-day motions without really thinking about the impact that it had had on him. He found himself pulling his knees close to him and resting his head on his knees quite suddenly; everything was beginning to hit him and it hurt. It hurt so, so much.

"I need Kukulaka," Julian breathed softly as he reached into his diabetes bag and extracted the small, ragged teddy bear, sighing weakly while he held the bear close. "Ah, my old friend…"

Unknown to Julian, who was relaxing while huddled with Kukulaka, Leonard had caught sight of him on the way back from lunch and was watching him curiously from the hallway. He finally chose to quietly enter the library and sat himself on the floor facing Julian's back.

Julian suddenly paused at the sound of breathing that wasn't his own, "Who's there?" he asked.

"It's me, McCoy," Leonard spoke calmly. "I was coming back from lunch and I saw you…you okay?"

Julian sighed, "Just having a hard day," he admitted quietly. "I've been staying off campus…"

"Yeah, I heard that," Leonard responded gently. "You here visiting or for medical help?"

Julian silently turned and Leonard raised an eyebrow at Kukulaka, "Nice friend," he replied.

"Yes, Kukulaka's always been a good friend," Julian admitted quietly. "Phlox brought me to visit people and we stopped in on Tom Paris. Tom's talking and said some things that reminded me that I haven't really dealt with Alcatraz or the wounds I carried away from it. I've just gone on."

Leonard nodded, but didn't speak because he himself was just barely addressing his past traumas with Nero's people, "I'm still off til the swimming finals," Julian spoke softly. "What about you?"

"Working a double," Leonard spoke with a sigh. "Phlox fired all the student nurses cause of how they disregarded your diabetes and ran you down, but he lets the already qualified ones work even if they're just visiting for the Games. Speaking of that, how are you feeling today?"

Julian shrugged, "Phlox took me to lunch at a Chinese spot downtown," he replied simply.

Leonard eyed Julian and sighed, "If you ever wanna talk, Phlox isn't the only qualified psychologist here," he spoke calmly, sensing that he wouldn't get anymore out of Julian at the moment.

"…Doctor McCoy, please report to the cancer unit," a voice suddenly spoke over the intercom.

Leonard rolled his eyes, "Jim's up and bored," he mused softly. "He wants to go back to Tucker Hall and I'd love to let him, but I don't want him to catch germs or overwhelm Spock…"

"Oh, the Vulcan Prince," Julian replied stiffly, suddenly feeling nothing but negative feelings towards Spock simply because he hadn't done anything to make him feel welcome despite being the Resident Advisor of Tucker Hall. "Can...can we not talk about Vulcans right now, please?"

Leonard nodded, "You wanna help me with Jim?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.

Julian nodded and after he put Kukulaka back in his bag, zipped it up, and stood, he silently followed Leonard to the cancer unit. The first thing they noticed was that Jim wasn't in bed and both Lorca and J.M were on their feet, standing in front of the door that led to the balcony.

Both doctors were stunned to see Jim sitting in one of the chairs on the balcony, wrapped in his blanket and staring numbly out at the campus, "He just got up all of a sudden, wrapped himself up, and went out into the cold," Lorca spoke worriedly, frowning. "That is not normal behavior."

Leonard sighed and moved out on to the balcony, "Hey," he said in a quiet, patient voice.

"Bones, I just needed a moment," Jim replied softly. "And it was getting too warm in there..."

Julian quickly helped Lorca back to his chair so not to give Jim and Leonard an audience, "You should know, Doctor Bashir, that I'd very much like you to come to Romulus after you graduate," Lorca spoke in a quiet voice, smirking. "The hospital there could use someone like you."

"I'd very much like to come to Romulus," Julian admitted softly. "It's been very hard here..."

Lorca nodded understandingly, "And you've lost Deep Space Nine," he mused gently.

"I was graduating in April anyway and I honestly didn't know where I was going to go afterwards," Julian admitted softly, his expression sad. "Richard wants me to come to New Zealand and work as his assistant like I used to when I was a teenager, but I want to be a doctor..."

Lorca scoffed, "You're too talented to be some petty office boy," he replied. "Come to Romulus."

Just then, Phlox came into the room having tended to Tom Paris before going in search of Julian because the weather was changing and he wanted to see the young man safely back to his parents before it did, "Doctor Bashir, the weather's getting bad," Phlox said as he approached Julian and Lorca. "We should go back downtown so we're not caught in a snowstorn."

"Are you going to be all right, sir?" Julian asked, giving Lorca a worried look. "I can stay..."

Lorca sighed, "Go and rest," he replied firmly. "I look forward to seeing you in the swimming finals at the end of the week. I need to rest and Philippa should be back at any time anyway..."

Nodding, Julian gathered his things and offered Lorca a smile as he left the cancer unit. As they emerged from the elevator on the first floor, Julian noticed that Hendorff was pacing in the Intake area and pointedly ignoring the nurse on duty, "Nathaniel?" Julian asked, hurrying over to him.

"Hey, I need a clearance," Hendorff replied quietly. "I decided to blow off the hockey finals and report to the Detention Complex this week so I can be out by Christmas. Can you do it?"

Julian didn't get a chance to reply because Phlox approached, "Hello there, Mister Hendorff," Phlox spoke cheerily, offering the young man a smile. "What can we do for you today?"

"I need a medical clearance so I can report in for my two weeks," Hendorff spoke quietly, his expression nervous as he looked at Phlox. "I was planning to report in this evening before supper and I'm not allowed to bring anyone or anything. I left a note for you in the dorm..."

Julian frowned as Hendorff produced a form, "Can someone help me?" Hendorff repeated.

"The Vulcans might treat you worse if I was involved," Julian spoke softly. "I...I..."

Hendorff nodded understandingly, "I'll help you," Phlox spoke up, his tone full of understanding.

Bajor, Mexico

"Miss Ro, please, I'm well enough to go find my Thomas," Kyle Riker pled in an anxious voice as he sat in the tent he shared with Ro and Kai Opaka with some scavenged food and a stolen international paper in front of him. "I know Doctor Harrison says I need to stay here, but..."

Ro sighed, "There's no way you'd get anywhere close to the San Francisco Detention Complex," she replied in a cynical voice as she sat on her bed with a sandwich she gained in her daily scavenging of the market. "The Vulcans would shoot you on site if they saw you."

"So I'm just supposed to let my Thomas waste away?" Kyle asked irritably. "From what I've seen of the news, Will hasn't done anything to help his brother! Will always was quite self-centered!"

Kai Opaka exhaled anxiously as she slowly ate her foodstuff. She very much wanted to help the man who was so very obviously distressed, but years of living in poverty while Mexico annexed Bajor and destroyed what was at taken a toll on her. If it weren't for the kindnesses of Ro, Kelas Parmak, and other Bajoran and Cardassian refugees, she would be worse off or maybe even dead.

A whistle suddenly filled the air, "That's Doctor Parmak with doses of medicine," Ro said softly.

Kyle, however, turned to face the corner of the tent and sighed as he picked at the foodstuff he had been given. Ro sighed and silently left the tent, pausing when she saw that Kes was with Dr. Parmak and that they were talking to a group of Cardassian refugees who had come out of the tents to greet them. The Bajoran refugees accepted help, but they mostly stayed in their tents.

"Doctor Parmak?" Ro asked softly as she approached. "Kyle's distressed over his son, Thomas."

The crowd parted at the sight of Ro and Kelas nodded, his expression attentive, "Ah, Miss Ro," he spoke in a kind voice. "Kyle usually comes out to take his medication, but I can take it to him."

Ro sighed, "He's distressed over Thomas rotting in the Vulcan prison in San Francisco," she explained as she followed him back to the tent. "Is there not something we could do to help?"

"With what resources, my dear?" Kelas replied in a kind voice. "We're at the rock bottom of the country's poverty level and barely have access to what we need, let alone anything that would help stage a coup on a Vulcan prison in San Francisco. The Romulans, except for that Ayel fellow, have abandoned their alliance with the Augments and Cardassians. They left us in this mess and went back to the California desert even though they promised to help stabilize Bajor..."

A silence suddenly fell over the tent city and Kelas turned to see Dr. Harrison silently walking down the road with two Augments as bodyguards, "Doctor Harrison, Joachim, Kuval," the Cardassian doctor spoke in a respectful tone, bowing to them. "What brings you here?"

"I thought of what you said, Kelas," Dr. Harrison replied in a calm voice. "I cannot keep the hurt of Julian's rejection from allowing me to live and thrive. I managed to get in contact with Bajoran officials and they will be petitioning the leaders of the country to bestow upon me a leadership position. Bajor has much potential, but it cannot rise to it unless it has much help."

A smile crossed Kelas's pale face, "Praise be your kindness, Doctor Harrison," he replied kindly.

"I have not felt so welcome ever in my life as I do among my Augments and the Cardassian people," Dr. Harrison spoke calmly, his expression peaceful. "I wish to repay the kindness."

Ro sighed, "Doctor Harrison, Kyle Riker is distressed over his son being at the mercy of the Vulcans while being imprisoned in the San Francisco Detention Complex," she explained softly.

"Well, we shall have to rectify his distress," Dr. Harrison replied calmly. "A rescue can be launched, but it will take time and communicating with any of your friends or family within the prison."

Kelas nodded, "The Vulcans cannot deny the Cardassians the liberty of letter-writing and we can write in code so nobody will know what is being planned," he replied in an eager, pleased voice.

Suddenly, Kyle Riker came out of the tent and bowed to Kelas before holding his hand out.

Kelas handed Kyle his dose of medication, sensing that he had overheard and was now content.