Three Days Later

"...Doctor John Khan Harrison of the Harrison Foundation has announced today that he is going to be making a two million dollar donation to the Bajor Restoration Efforts and the Mexican government responded by bestowing upon him the titles of First Minister and Chief Humanitarian Officer for the Bajoran region. The government has also offered back land once annexed so that Doctor Harrison can expand the city and the resources..."

"...The 200 Metre Freestyle Finals will take place today at the Y.M.C.A in downtown San Francisco..." the voice of another radio station suddenly filled the air, prompting Nero to look up from the explosives he was making while the Hummer moved along the back roads towards the isolated area where the Vulcan Detention Complex was located.

His stopping work earned him a look from his fellow Romulans, all of whom were determined to strike the Vulcans as a way to punish Khan for so openly defecting to the Bajorans and Cardassians instead of holding to their agreement. The Vulcans pain and suffering would remind Khan that he needed to stay loyal. Nero also wanted to free his mentor, Zakra, from the prison and was angry at those who had sent him there.

"What are you listening to, Toran?" Nero hissed. "I don't care about any swimming..."

Toran scoffed, "My Lord, you may care when you know who is involved in the swimming finals because their intelligence will help us," he replied. "Julian Bashir and Pavel Chekov."

"WHAT?!" Nero screeched angrily before calming. "Take us to the facility...right now."

Downtown Y.M.C.A. - San Francisco, California

"...And the gold medal winner of the 200 metre Swimming Competition is Pavel Andrevich Chekov-Pike of Starfleet Academy!" Martine's voice filled the air as Pavel touched the wall first at the end of the long race. "Julian Bashir of Deep Space Nine Academy finishes in a close second and receives the silver medal while Jaylah Ardana from Starfleet Academy finishes in third, claiming the bronze! The 200 metre competition is now concluded!"

Loud applause and chatter filled the air as the others finished their races, but Pavel's eyes were on Julian, who had taken the lane next to him. Julian looked content, but tired.

Soon enough, everyone had finished and the deck cleared so the swimmers could get out of the water in relative privacy. The Council had decided to keep the crowds off the deck so that nobody would be tempted to cause harm to any of the swimmers. Pavel got out and as he got ready to retreat to the changing room, he noticed that Julian was still in the water.

"Julian, you are going to get seeck eef you do not geet out," Pavel called out, going to the deck near where Julian was resting in the water and found him trembling. "Are you okay?"

Julian sighed anxiously, "My blood sugar's a bit low," he admitted softly. "I..."

Nodding, Pavel offered his hand and helped Julian from the water, not saying a word about the special wetsuit he was wearing, "Thank you," Julian spoke softly. "I keep snacks in my bag and that's in the dressing room. Your friends are probably waiting for you, though..."

"Because of ze attack on Bajor, ze crowds cannot linger at ze city venues," Pavel explained in a kind voice. "Zere vill be a party later zees ewening to celebrate ze end of ze svimming."

Julian knew that Pavel was lying in order to keep him company, as Pavel was famous for doing simply because he was overly kind, but he nodded and the two walked to the dressing rooms with the rest of the swimmers. Both showered and dressed, but then Pavel waited as Julian helped himself to a snack from his bag because he didn't want Julian to be alone.

When Julian finally appeared ready to leave with his things half an hour later, Pavel left with him. People were still there, but they were milling around and chatting with each other or the other competitors, "For once, I am glad to be ignored," Julian murmured softly.

"You still do not look so vell," Pavel observed softly, frowning at him. "Do you vant 9-1-1?"

Julian sighed and sat on a bench near the door, "I might have to never do this again," he explained in a tired voice. "I didn't realize competitive sports would make me so unwell."

"Do you vant ze medics?" Pavel asked worriedly. "Just seet zere and I veel find zem..."

Julian shrugged as Pavel went off into the crowd and came back a moment later with Phlox and Dean Archer, as they had been talking when Pavel approached, "Juleean is not feeling vell," Pavel spoke quietly. "I seenk ze stress and ze intense svimming got to heem."

"I suppose it did," Julian spoke quietly, sighing tiredly. "I don't know why I'm not well."

Phlox nodded and simply took a seat beside Julian, resting his medbag on his lap as he looked the younger man up and down, "Do you mind if I check your vitals and blood sugar or do you want to go to the medroom for privacy?" the Denobulan asked kindly.

Something outside suddenly caught Julian's eye: a strange looking Hummer was pulling up outside the facility. It looked out of place and the windows were tinted, but cracked.

"Is there police around?" Julian asked in a shaky voice. "There's a strange vehicle outside..."

Dean Archer frowned at the sudden appearance of the Hummer, immediately recognizing it as not being from around the area. Without warning, armed Romulans spilled out of the Hummer and burst into the facility. Everyone began running and screaming at the top of their lungs as the Romulans began to shoot. Despite the fact that he wasn't well, Julian shoved Phlox to the floor and then lunged off the bench. He knocked Dean Archer and Pavel to the floor at the same time that he felt a bullet graze his shoulder from behind.

Nero moved over to Julian and hauled him off the floor by his collar, but Julian weakly pulled out of the hold and swung his leg around to make his boot connect with Nero's face, sending the Romulan backwards. The other Romulans quickly stopped shooting and helped Nero off of the floor, all of them quickly engaging in combat with the injured Julian without hesitation because he proved to be a challenge like Khan was. Pavel quickly got to his feet, quickly assuming fighting stance because Julian was his friend and he would not abandon a friend.

"Nero, we're out of bullets!" Toran spoke anxiously, frowning at Nero. "Now what?!"

Swearing angrily, Nero lunged at Julian, grabbed him roughly around the neck, and backed up towards the door. Pavel swore anxiously, but Phlox moved over to him to stop him from moving because he didn't want Pavel risking his health in a fight.

"Why don't you let Julian go?" Dean Archer spoke in a shaky, diplomatic voice.

Nero scoffed, "Khan and the Augments betrayed our alliance and have declared allegiance to the Cardassians and pathetic Bajorans!" he roared, ignoring the fact that Julian was slowly losing consciousness while in the headlock. "For his treachery, I will kill his son!"

A tense silence filled the air, as did the sound of police sirens, but nobody moved. Without warning, Dean Archer got to his feet and lunged at Nero; he managed to get Julian free of Nero's hold and proceeded to send Nero to the floor with some strangely executed martial arts. Dean Archer was stunned, as he had no idea that Phlox was skilled in martial arts.

Cursing loudly, Nero struggled to his feet, "Retreat!" he ordered angrily. "Now!"

As Nero and the Romulans fled, Julian collapsed to the floor and Pavel hurried over to his friend, as did Phlox. The Hummer took off fast and the sirens got louder, but Dean Archer's focus was on the mess in front of him and he didn't notice that people had watched the entire fight from nearby rooms, including reporters on site for the competition.

"...I'm bleeding," Julian's weak voice spoke shakily as Phlox checked him "Ow..."

Noise filled the venue as city police and paramedics arrived on site and saw the mess in the foyer. Julian whimpered at the sight of the police, as he was deathly afraid that he was going to be blamed for the mess, "Eeet eez all right," Pavel spoke gently. "Relax."

"Help me up," Julian spoke in a pained, shaky whisper. "I'll go...quietly."

Phlox, meanwhile, waved the paramedics over, "Jon, what happened?" Officer Forrest asked in a confused voice as he saw Archer on the other side of the mess. "We saw a Hummer..."

"Romulans," Phlox spoke darkly, turning his attention back to Julian. "I'm a little busy..."

Mayweather and Maco quickly brushed past Forrest with their supplies and converged on Julian, "He took a bullet for Archer and Chekov," Phlox spoke in an anxious voice as he helped the paramedics stabilize Julian enough for transport. "He's going into shock!'

Dean Archer moved over to Pavel, "Pavel, we need to go talk to the police outside," he spoke in a concerned voice. "And then we need to go back to campus for lockdown."

Tears filled Pavel's eyes, but he nodded, "I'll take you back to campus myself," Officer Forrest spoke anxiously, watching as his colleagues began taping off the area. "Tomlinson, get statements and then evacuate people out the back..."

Jaylah suddenly came through the crowd and froze at seeing the mess, "Oh, Jaylah!" Pavel spoke in an anxious voice. "Please, Offeecer, she eez a friend and from ze campus too..."

"Jaylah, I want you to find others from the Academy and go back to campus when the police officers tell you to," Dean Archer spoke firmly. "Pavel, let's go talk to Officer Forrest."

Nodding, Jaylah moved back into the crowd while Dean Archer led Pavel out of the facility.

San Francisco General Hospital

"...Cold," a weak voice filled the quiet hospital room, prompting Captain Pike to look up from the book he was reading while lounging on the couch. "Why...why is it so cold?"

Setting his book on the couch, Captain Pike got up and moved over to the bed just in time to see Reed wake slowly and look around. Having had brain surgery only two days prior, Reed was doing remarkably well in that he didn't need breathing assistance and his vitals were stable. The man was now sporting a thick bandage around his messy hair, a gown, and IV's that were giving him what he needed in the way of nutrition and pain relief.

Reed looked momentarily confused before his eyes settled on Pike, "Chris," he whispered, recognizing his friend and feeling deeply surprised to see him there. "Hi."

"Good to see you awake, Malcolm," Captain Pike spoke gently "You said you were cold?"

Malcolm exhaled and Captain Pike quickly pressed the nurse's call button, "I'll get a nurse to bring you an extra blanket," he spoke calmly. "Your parents might bring one for you when they come back from their hotel with your sister, but who knows when that will be..."

A confused expression filled Malcolm's face as Dr. Sarah April came into the room, having set the order to be personally notified when Reed woke for the first time outside of post-op and SICU. "Good to see you awake, Lieutenant Reed," she spoke in a kind voice, seeing that Malcolm was indeed awake and appearing responsive. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired and a little cold," Reed replied in a groggy voice. "Can...can I have a blanket?"

Dr. April smiled, "A second blanket?" she asked softly. "I can get you one right away."

"I didn't say please, I apologize," Reed spoke even though the act of talking was tiring.

Dr. April gave Malcolm a look, "You just had brain surgery two days ago," she replied in a gentle, reassuring voice. "It's remarkable that you're doing as well as you are."

Reed frowned, "Chris...said something about my family?" he asked softly. "Being here?"

"Yes, I met them yesterday when they were visiting you," Dr. April replied calmly.

Sighing, Reed blinked tiredly, "They're just at their hotel right now," Captain Pike spoke in a calm, reassuring voice. "Your mother and sister have considerable jet lag..."

Reed couldn't take it anymore and found himself drifting back to sleep, the conversation physically exhausting. As Captain Pike's cell went off, Dr. April smiled at Reed.

"I'll get him another blanket," Dr. April spoke reassuringly. "You best answer your phone."

Captain Pike answered his cell as Dr. April left, "Chris, you gotta get back to campus as soon as possible!" Officer Tucker spoke anxiously. "There was a shooting at the YMCA right after the swimmin' event and Pavel's fine, but Julian Bashir was shot and assaulted by Nero..."

"I can't leave Malcolm until his family comes," Captain Pike replied in a hushed, concerned voice, horrified at what he was hearing. "You're Chief of Campus Security, Tucker, so get implementing the procedures until someone else can come and take command there..."

A sigh filled the phone, "Right...okay" Officer Tucker replied. "Just stay where you are for now. Come when you can."

The call ended and Captain Pike sighed before dialing the number that Admiral Reed had given him. He hated to disrupt their rest, but he also knew that as Assistant Dean, he needed to get back to campus as quickly as possible to take control of the lockdown.

Starfleet Academy Campus

"You sure you wanna do this, Jim?" Leonard asked in a concerned voice as he and Jim walked down the path to the infirmary to Tucker Hall clad in winter clothing. "It's not like we're starving for space in the infirmary. If you want, you can just have a room..."

Jim scoffed, "I have a room with you in Tucker Hall and I'd like to be there," he replied in a tired, irritable voice. "Everyone's at their events, so it'll be quiet and..."

The screech of tires suddenly filled the air and Jim looked up from the sidewalk just in time to see a rugged looking Hummer with cracked tinted windows come to a stop at the edge of campus, looking as if it had taken a beating, "Hey, Bones, what's that?" he asked groggily.

Leonard frowned at the Hummer, his eyes narrowed because he couldn't place where he had seen it, but he had seen the vehicle before, "Jim, we need to get inside," he spoke anxiously, looking away from the Hummer to his friend. "I...I've seen it before, but I..."

Jim frowned at Leonard suddenly paling, "Bones, what is it?" he asked worriedly. "The...?"

Creaks filled the air and the two froze as the doors to the Hummer flew open and several shaken Romulans, including Nero, got out, "...We had bullets left, Nero!" one of the Romulans exclaimed anxiously. "Your encounter with Malcolm Reed has made you soft!"

The Romulans didn't seem to notice them, Jim observed, but he immediately felt sick at the mention of Reed. The two of them were so focused on the Hummer and the Romulans that they didn't see Tucker and Sanchez coming down the path towards them from Security.

Nero's gaze suddenly caught sight of people moving around on campus and he immediately recognized Jim out of everyone there, "Kirk," he seethed angrily, his expression furious as he grabbed his gun from the car and began marching across the grass at top speed.

Jim frowned as he saw a Romulan charging at him, but he wasn't quick enough to move and swore as he was body slammed hard enough that they both went toppling off of the path, down into the frozen grass, "Jim!" Leonard yelled anxiously as he took off running after them before Tucker and Sanchez could stop him because he certainly recognized Nero.

Stunned by Nero's impulsive behavior, the other Romulans scrambled back into the car and took off in the Hummer before they could be identified. In the snow, Nero quickly bested Jim and pinned him to the cold grass by his throat with one hand while the other hand was free, having lost the gun in the tumble down the frost-covered slope, "You're the reason my father died..." Nero spoke in a cold whisper, eyeing Jim hungrily. "Got anything to say?"

Jim found himself flailing his arms in an effort to get free, but his eyes widened as his fingers suddenly brushed against the gun that Nero had dropped. He got a grip on the gun and managed to take the safety off before pointing it at Nero and pulling the trigger.

Officer Tucker's eyes widened, as his gun was out and he was trying to figure out a way to take a shot at Nero without hitting Kirk. He slipped his gun back into its holster and took off running across the grass as fast as his fake leg would allow with Leonard and Sanchez at his heels. Jim was still in Nero's grip, staring at the gun and Nero's bloodied face in shock at what he had just done. Frank had made him learn how to use a gun in jail while under the guise of cleaning them, but Jim had never expected to actually hurt someone with one.

Jim was vaguely aware of Tucker pulling what was left of Nero off of him while Sanchez anxiously tried to talk to him. His eyes, however, were focused on his hand, which was now bathed in Nero's blood and brains, on the gun still clenched in his hand.

"Jim, say something, please," Leonard spoke in a shocked voice, his eyes wide as he knelt beside Jim and saw that the younger man was paralyzed with fear and intense shock over what he had just done. "Hey, Officer Sanchez, get some campus medics over here!"

Fear and disgust filled Jim as he threw the gun across the grass and then stared at himself, horrified by the fact that he was now drenched in Romulan blood. He wanted so badly to run and hide, but it was too cold and he felt frozen to the ground. He was also vaguely aware of Officer Tucker taking pictures with his phone for the police and he also heard both Sanchez and Leonard trying to talk to him. He just didn't have the strength to respond to anything.

Once Officer Tucker was done taking photos of everything, he used his phone to activate the campus lockdown alarm remotely. Alarms began to blare, but Jim still didn't move or respond to prompts even though people started streaming out of the campus buildings in response to the alarms. Spock, who had been doing a shift of work in Captain Pike's office while Captain Pike was off campus, was one of the first to come upon the gruesome scene.

Officer Sanchez quickly went for the gun and picked it up with her sleeve as Spock made his way over to the group. The sight of a dead Nero on the ground while Jim sat nearby, covered in Romulan blood and unresponsive caused Spock to stop cold in his tracks.

"What has happened?" Spock spoke tonelessly, his eyes narrowing as he saw Nero's lifeless body. "Nero...is dead."

Noise suddenly filled the air as more and more came upon the scene and all stopped to see what was happening, "Spock, help me get Jim out of here before the cops and the news show up," Leonard spoke anxiously, frowning as he tried to lift Jim and Jim didn't respond.

Spock gingerly moved around the stained grass and effortlessly lifted Jim from the grass into a standing position. Jim responded by promptly toppling against Spock and passing out in the Vulcan's arms, too weak to even be awake any longer. Instead of putting Jim back on the ground, Spock gently lifted Jim into his arms and began walking off across the grass towards the infirmary at a brisk pace, "McCoy, go!" Sanchez snapped. "Kirk needs you."

Leonard nodded and ran off after Spock while Sanchez got her phone out to call 9-1-1.

San Francisco General Hospital

"...His blood sugar's off and he's lost a lot of blood...but it was a through and through..."

The sight of Julian laying unconscious on a hospital gurney having his shoulder wound being cleaned and patched by Dr. Cutler and several nurses made Phlox feel sick. He hadn't felt so shaken since watching his wife and sons be murdered on Denobula.

As such, he hadn't done more than ride with Julian to the hospital in the ambulance and was now sitting quietly in a chair near the door. A muffled whimper suddenly filled the air and Phlox noticed that Julian was waking and trying to speak despite the mask on his face.

Dr. Cutler, however, continued her work until the wound was mended and bandaged and then with the nurses help, she put Julian in a resting position with a pillow behind his head, "It's okay," she spoke, turning his attention to the now awake young man. "You're safe."

Julian, however, began crying and whimpering enough that Phlox got up and walked in view of him, "Doctor Bashir, shh," the Denobulan spoke reassuringly. "You're at the hospital..."

Quiet filled the room as Julian closed his eyes to rest, "Phlox?" a voice suddenly called out.

Phlox turned to see Dean Archer poking his head into the room, "Go on, Phlox, I'll make sure Doctor Bashir's taken care of," Dr. Cutler promised. "I'll call Ambassador Bashir."

Nodding, Phlox left the trauma room and joined Dean Archer in the hallway. To Phlox's surprise, Captain Pike was sitting on a row of chairs with an arm around a weeping Pavel while a flustered looking Officer Forrest sat nearby, "Phlox, Trip just called from campus and there's been an incident," Dean Archer spoke softly. "Nero and the rest of the band showed up and Nero went after Kirk with the intent to shoot him, but Kirk...somehow got the gun..."

Phlox sighed, "Kirk blasted Nero in the face, killing him," Dean Archer finished grimly.

Pavel swore, his eyes wide with shock at the news, "I have to get back to campus and so do you, Chris," Dean Archer spoke anxiously. "Everyone's being recalled per lockdown..."

"I'll wait for Doctor Bashir to be released," Phlox spoke quietly. "I absolutely insist on it."

Dean Archer nodded, "Pasha, we need to go," Captain Pike spoke gently. "All right?"

Swallowing hard, Pavel rose and trailed after Dean Archer and Captain Pike in silence, leaving Phlox with Officer Forrest. Neither man spoke, as both were deep in shock.

Starfleet Academy Campus

Two hours passed before Leonard and Spock managed to get Jim in a clean gown and resting in a bed in a quiet exam room within the safety of the campus infirmary. His body was badly bruised from Nero's attempt to kill him and he wasn't talking to anyone.

Spock had sequestered himself in the staff lounge and had taken it upon himself to personally notify his grandmother, his father, and the Vulcan Elders about Jim killing Nero in self-defense. The news was all over the campus and Dean Archer and Captain Pike were now handling the situation and had sent every single student back to their assigned dorms.

Once Spock was done his calls, including a call to the Detention Complex to check on Hendorff's safety, he returned to Jim's room. Leonard was sitting beside the bed, silently watching as Jim lay on his side, not speaking or choosing to be awake, with a gown and blankets covering his battered body. The feeling in the air was one of intense anxiety.

"How is Mister Kirk doing?" Spock asked in a quiet voice, gazing at Leonard.

Leonard sighed, "He's quiet, but I was the same way for a long time after I euthanized my father," he admitted softly, his expression tired. "I didn't even know he knew how to shoot."

A shaky sigh filled the air, "Stop talking about me as if I'm not around," Jim spoke in a shaky voice as he slowly rolled and eyed Spock and Leonard. "It was Frank...he made me clean guns in prison and taught me how to use one in case I ever wanted to shoot myself..."

Swearing filled the air and Spock and Leonard looked up to see Sam standing at the door wearing work clothes and holding a bag in his hands looking absolutely thunderstruck at Jim's revelation, "I...word's traveling very fast," Sam spoke anxiously. "James..."

"Hey, Spock, Bones, can you go?" Jim asked shakily. "This is a conversation for Kirks."

Leonard nodded, realizing that the two were probably going to talk about Nero and how Jim's actions avenged their father. Sam walked over to Jim and pulled him into a hug, which Jim allowed. As Spock and Leonard left the room, they suddenly heard crying fill the air.

The hallway was quiet, but Spock and Leonard went no further than a row of chairs close to the room, "Mister Kirk seems oddly remorseful considering the fact that Nero murdered his father nearly 30 years ago," Spock observed tonelessly. "Nero also murdered many others."

"Jim doesn't enjoy violence and I didn't know he could shoot because he's scared to death of anything to do with weapons, Spock," Leonard hissed anxiously, glaring at the Vulcan. "I had to work with him before he was even comfortable using a hockey stick..."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "The Vulcan Elders...were quite relieved to hear of Nero's death," he spoke quietly. "They have been suffering for decades because of the man's existence..."

Leonard sighed, "Just let Jim process," he replied softly. "I know what he did was necessary...everyone who hears the news will think so, but just let him process for now."

Just then, Dr. M'Benga came hurrying down the hallway and stopped when he saw Leonard and Spock, "Reporters are everywhere and everyone's locked down in their dorms, but Archer's letting qualified personnel out," M'Benga spoke anxiously. "I got assigned to Tom Paris tonight, but it's true...isn't it? Kirk shot Nero right in the face and killed him?"

"Yeah," Leonard confirmed softly. "He's resting right now, though, so don't go..."

M'Benga scoffed, "You haven't heard the half of it," he hissed. "There was a shooting at the YMCA today after the swimming final and Julian Bashir took a bullet for Archer and Chekov when Nero and some other Romulan goons showed up. Whole city's in chaos right now."

Spock's eyes widened in shock, as he had never expected Julian to act in defense of people who had so viciously persecuted him since his arrival. Leonard swore loudly and immediately excused himself, as he was now mad at himself. He had seen the vehicle Nero was in at the Romulan Embassy before, but he wasn't able to remember in time...

"Doctor McCoy?" Spock's voice suddenly spoke from behind. "Something...is wrong."

Leonard sighed irritably, "I recognized the vehicle, but I couldn't remember from where and then everything happened," he admitted with a sigh. "It was at the Narada Embassy the night I was tortured, but I still can't remember everything from that night. If I could..."

"This was not preventable," Spock reasoned softly. "From what I have heard, Officer Tucker and Officer Sanchez were present at the scene with you and Nero was acting manically."

A throat cleared and Spock and Leonard looked up to see a somber looking Officer Tucker approaching, "Hey, McCoy, where'd you stash Kirk at?" he asked. "I need to talk to him."

"He's in the exam room with his brother talkin' about Nero, probably," Leonard replied in a tired voice, sighing. "Their dad was killed by Nero at Kelvin Arena in Riverside..."

Officer Tucker scoffed, "Do I have stupid written all over my face McCoy?" he replied. "I know that cause it happened while Chris and I were in training at Enterprise Base. I was Christopher's roommate at the time and he and Kirk's dad were best buddies before..."

"If I recall correctly, you were the Executive Officer of the base," Spock spoke tonelessly, eyeing the older man suspiciously. "Captain Pike was a newly promoted Lieutenant..."

Just then, the door to the exam room opened and Sam came out. He froze at seeing Officer Tucker there with Spock and Leonard, "I just talked Jim into taking a sedative so he can rest," Sam spoke quietly. "I need someone to sign off and get me access to the meds."

"Dunno where Phlox is, but I can sign off," Leonard replied, standing. "Got his chart?"

Sam handed the chart to Leonard, "Do you mind if I talk to him?" Tucker asked softly.

"He might not talk back, but go ahead," Sam replied calmly, sighing heavily.

Officer Tucker nodded and silently entered the room, sighing when he saw Jim lingering near the window that looked out over campus, wrapped in the hospital blanket, "The campus is crawling with reporters and cops and people..." Jim spoke in a quiet voice, a tremble in his tone as he turned and saw Tucker. "Are...are you here to arrest me?"

"Nope," Officer Tucker replied calmly, his expression patient. "You killed a Romulan who was trying to kill you and it was Nero. Nero's the worst person in the history of the world..."

Jim sighed, "I killed someone," he spoke shakily. "Last I checked, murder's against the law."

"Kirk, do you realize how many people want to thank you right now?" Tucker replied.

Jim scoffed, "I just want a shower to scrub the dirty off," he spoke shakily. "I feel dirty."

It was then that Officer Tucker noticed that Jim's hands were still covered in dried blood and the kid looked still as messy as he was as he killed Nero, "Spock and Bones tried to get me to shower, but I didn't want to," Jim spoke shakily. "The cops...they need pictures..."

"I took plenty when it happened," Officer Tucker explained calmly. "The cops won't come bother you until Dean Archer says it's okay. You're back in the hospital cause you're..."

Jim sighed softly, "I just want out of the hospital," he spoke softly. "I hate it."

Before Officer Tucker could reply, Sam returned with some scrubs and no medicine, "You know, I was just thinking that you shouldn't have to stay here overnight," Sam spoke in a quiet voice. "Why don't you come over to my house tonight? Maybe have a bath?"

Jim suddenly froze as he spotted something outside, "Hey, the reporters are leaving," he spoke in a quiet voice, watching as the reporters left and the crowds slowly moved away.

Sighing weakly, Jim turned away from the window, "I'm so tired," he spoke groggily before looking at Sam. "Aurelan..does she know what happened? I don't want to scare her..."

As the conversation progressed, Spock quietly excused himself to the Intake area because he felt as if his presence was intimidating to Jim considering that Nero and the Vulcans had been sworn enemies for years. To Spock's surprise, Phlox was at the desk.

"Doctor," Spock spoke quietly, sighing. "I heard of the shooting at the YMCA facility..."

Phlox nodded grimly, "The police are currently searching for the shooters, but they are allowing people to return to their homes or to campus," he explained quietly. "Julian Bashir's parents are now with him and so I decided to return to work. There's not much else..."

"Has Nero's body been removed from the field?" Spock asked in a curious, quiet voice.

Phlox sighed, "Yes and Dean Archer is handling calls from the media, police, and others who have heard what transpired," he explained gently. "I admit, this is a death I am not sad about because it feels like the souls of my family can finally rest. Nero was the one who..."

A shadow of grief passed over Phlox's face and Spock nodded, unsure of how to respond because he did not understand Phlox's grief fully, "...My legs feel like jelly," a weak voice suddenly spoke in a groggy voice from down the hallway. "Are you sure I'm walking?"

Phlox and Spock frowned as Jim, who was now in scrubs and slippers, was led down the hallway by Leonard and Sam, "You're walking, but you can really stay here if you want to rest," Sam was saying in a concerned voice, a frown on his face. "You look terrible..."

Jim scoffed and eyed Phlox as he came into view, "Hey, is there a form I'm supposed to sign to get out of here?" he asked in a shaky voice. "I just want to go hide somewhere."

"No, Mister Kirk, just go get some rest," Phlox spoke calmly. "Take your time...Oh!"

Without warning, Jim suddenly collapsed to the ground unconscious because he was physically weak, emotionally spent, and still very much in shock about what he had done.

"Stop gawking and help me get him on a gurney!" Phlox ordered, moving to Jim quickly.

Tucker Hall

Nearly half an hour after Jim's collapse, Spock and Leonard had been sent back to the residence hall for some much needed rest. Phlox had taken control of the situation and had allowed Sam to stay over Leonard with a promise that Leonard could visit later that day.

As Spock and Leonard entered the infirmary, however, they found the common area crowded by people from the Deep Space Nine Academy playing a game of cards. Spock knew that since the Niners, as they were known by many on campus, had most likely been sent there because they were in the process of being implemented into the school and Unity Hall was for guests. None of them looked particularly happy to be there.

"...We should have stayed in Bajor," Kira was saying in an irritated voice as she sat with Sisko, Jadzia, Ezri, Miles, Odo, Keiko, Rom, and Quark. "There's no Romulans there..."

Spock raised an eyebrow and cleared his throat, "Bajor is not safe for you all right now," he spoke in a quiet voice, sighing. "I do sympathize with your loss, as I too have lost..."

"You don't get it, Spock, but that's okay," Miles spoke up in a concerned voice, looking at Spock and Leonard like they were ignorant schoolchildren. "Now that Julian's been hurt, Doctor Harrison's gonna come up here and take his wrath out on anyone that stands between him and whoever hurt Julian. He might even ask us for help and we're scared..."

Sisko sighed, "He might leave San Francisco alone if he hears Nero is already dead, but he'll be angry about Julian being hurt nonetheless," he explained. "Quark, get away from my cards..."

"I was merely going to ask if you wanted something to drink," Quark replied, edging away from Sisko's chair nervously. "Now that Nero's dead, we should be having a party..."

Kira scoffed, "Julian's not well, Quark, and you want to party?" she asked icily.

"I'm sure he's doing better than that Jim Kirk fellow," Quark observed nervously. "Kanar?"

Spock's eyes narrowed as Quark produced a bottle, "Liquor is illegal in the residence halls," he spoke in a firm voice, eyeing the bottle. "Dispose of it now or I will write you up."

"Pointy-eared robot," Quark hissed, glaring at Spock as he took the kanar over to the sink in the kitchenette. "I thought, being a Vulcan refugee, you'd want to celebrate Nero's death..."

Spock glared at Nero and stalked off to his dormitory in silence, unsure of how to feel about the death of Nero. He found Nyota there, silently working on her computer. She stopped what she was doing when she saw him, as he looked as though he needed some comfort.

Sighing, Nyota got up and walked over to Spock, "Thy'la," Spock whispered softly.

Nyota silently embraced him and Spock accepted it, allowing himself to weep. While the two embraced, they were unaware of the Deep Space Nine team silently leaving in a group to talk amongst themselves while they returned to Unity Hall about how to handle this news.

"I wish we were back in Bajor," Kira grumbled softly. "I heard about Doctor Harrison on CNN this morning and I don't trust him or the Cardassians. We should be back at the school with Ro and the others who stayed behind. Instead, we're here watching as people celebrate over Romulans dying. I could care less about the Romulans; they never bothered Bajorans."

Sisko sighed tiredly, "They're not going to let us go back," he replied in an anxious whisper, gazing at his friends somberly. "Dean Ross is from here and he's trying to either get a job here or somewhere nearby since he considers Deep Space Nine Academy lost."

"And what about Julian?" Jadzia commented worriedly. "When Doctor Harrison finds out..."

Miles scoffed, "Archer and the people here really seem to underestimate how happy Nero's death will make Doctor Harrison, but the doctor will absolutely not be happy when he hears that Julian was shot trying to protect Archer," he commented. "He might even visit..."

"Doctor Harrison's a nutcase," Quark hissed anxiously. "He's never very far away."

Ezri sighed, "They're not going to take us seriously and maybe we should just pack our things and go back to Bajor since they won't," she spoke worriedly. "They won't stop us."

"We're under contract to finish the Games," Miles replied grimly. "We're still a school."

Sisko sighed anxiously, "And we have to talk to Julian before we make that kind of a decision," he spoke grimly. "He's one of us and we have to look after each other."

The group continued to talk, unaware that Scotty, who had been pruning some of the bushes between the buildings, had overheard their conversation and was concerned.

Downtown San Francisco

Phlox had wanted to stay, but Dean Archer himself had offered to go back to the hospital for Julian after he had gotten the situation dealt with. Captain Pike had gone home with Pavel and was spending the evening with Lorca and Georgiou, both of whom were shocked, yet delighted about Nero's death. The news was still spreading, but the campus was quiet.

"Julian, I'd rather you stay and rest at least overnight," Dean Archer heard Dr. Cutler speak in a concerned voice as he made his way down the hallway to Julian's room. "You need..."

A heavy sigh filled the air, "Doctor Harrison's going to be angry," a weak, groggy voice replied, causing Archer to stop just outside the door. "I took a bullet for Archer and..."

"Julian, please listen to the doctor," Amsha's voice filled the air. "We will stay with you."

Swallowing hard, Dean Archer entered the room and was surprised to see Julian sitting on the edge of the hospital bed in scrub pants, socks, and a gown with one arm in a sling with his mother sitting next to him while Richard Bashir sat on a chair beside the bed holding a duffel bag and Dr. Cutler stood beside the bed. Julian's hand was sporting an IV and he looked tired, but determined to be out of the hospital, "Julian," Dean Archer said gently.

"My parents are trying to get me to stay overnight, but I just want to go back to the hotel and sleep," Julian spoke groggily. "I would go back to campus, but Samuel's taken nightshifts since Nathaniel's been away and I don't feel comfortable on my own..."

Dean Archer sighed, "Julian, there was a murder on campus today not long after the shooting at the YMCA," he explained somberly. "Nero came to campus and tried to strangle Jim Kirk, but Jim got a hold of his gun. Nero's face is half gone and he's dead..."

Julian's eyes widened in shock, "Nero's dead?!" he asked groggily. "Jim Kirk killed Nero?!"

Dean Archer nodded and Julian sighed weakly, "Oh my goodness," Julian breathed softly.

"Jules, please, just stay and rest tonight," Richard spoke worriedly. "To clear your head."

Julian hesitated before nodding and he didn't fight as his mother settled him in bed, "The media's going crazy about what happened at the YMCA, I bet, but I couldn't let you or Pavel get hurt, sir," he said, eyeing Dean Archer nervously. "You've been incredibly gracious..."

Dean Archer sighed, "We'll have a conversation about it when you're feeling better," he spoke in a voice that told Julian there was no room for argument. "The campus is off lockdown now, but the city police are out in droves tonight because the Romulans who were with Nero are still loose. I decided to come here tonight and provide security to you all."

Julian's eyes widened, but he was exhausted and quickly closed them because he trusted Dean Archer's word, "You were one of the heroes of the First War," Richard commented in a pleased voice, offering a smile to Dean Archer. "If you're protecting us...we'll be safe."

"I dunno about being a hero, but I did come back," Dean Archer replied humbly. "Trip...Officer Tucker's more of a hero than I am, but he's got other things to do tonight."

The Bashirs nodded and Richard got into the duffle bag, smiling as he placed Kukulaka in Julian's free hand. They then settled themselves on the couch while Julian slept while Dean Archer took the opportunity to check that the room was secure. He hadn't wanted to say that Trip was also at the hospital sitting with Reed, as he wanted to protect Reed's privacy.

"...It's been mere hours since James Kirk killed Nero of Romulus in self-defense on the grounds of Starfleet Academy Campus, but city and county police are already scouring the streets for Nero's accomplices. Citizens are ordered to stay alert and asked to remain off the streets as much as possible tonight..."

Reed's brain felt fuzzy as he slowly regained consciousness and quickly realized that he was now resting in a semi-upright position. He could see a duffel bag, books, and a mess of cognitive toys littering the dresser across from his bed and he could also hear the TV.

It took a great deal of effort, but Reed shifted his gaze and he was surprised to see his sister, Madeline, and Officer Tucker sitting in the 'common area' of his hospital room eating some takeout and watching the TV in silence. As Reed himself looked at the TV, he was horrified to see a video of Nero and Jim being played that included Nero choking Jim before being shot in the face by the injured young man, "James," Reed spoke shakily. "What...?"

Madeline and Officer Tucker quickly looked up from their food, "Hey there, buddy," Officer Tucker spoke in a concerned voice, quickly shutting the TV off before he got up and moved over to the bed. "Your parents are off getting dinner and shopping for ya, but they'll..."

"Did James really kill Nero?" Reed managed in a weak voice, his worry level high. "Oh..."

Officer Tucker sighed, "Yeah, he really did, but ya gotta calm down or else I gotta call a nurse to sedate ya cause you're not supposed to get too worked up," he spoke in a gentle drawl, his expression worried. "Aside from that, Doctor April left you some therapy toys."

"I don't think I'm quite up to using them yet," Reed spoke groggily. "Maddy?"

Madeline came into view and Officer Tucker went over to the dresser to get a few therapy toys for his friend's hands, "Hey there, Mally," she spoke gently, sitting on the edge of the bed with a smile on her face. "How are you feeling, big brother? You look good."

"I wish I felt good, but I'm really tired," Reed admitted softly, sighing. "How are you?"

Madeline gently patted his hand and Officer Tucker came over to the bed with two stress balls in hand, "Doctor April wants you to loosen your hands up with these," he said kindly.

Reed sighed, but accepted a ball in his left hand. Sighing softly, he began to work at squeezing the ball repeatedly and gave Madeline a look when she took the other one and put it in his right hand, "It's unusually difficult," Reed said after a few moments of it.

"It'll get better," Madeline spoke gently, taking the balls away. "Don't overdo it, Mally."

Reed nodded, "Am I allowed water?" he asked groggily. "My throat's so dry..."

Madeline nodded and Officer Tucker quickly got a glass of water and a straw from the room's supply cupboard and sink, "Slow," he spoke firmly as he put the straw in Reed's mouth.

Reed managed to drink the entire glass of water and spit the straw out when he was done, "Doctor April will be happy ya did that," Tucker commented calmly. "Lemme document it."

While Officer Tucker made some notes on a pad of paper that was sitting on the table, Reed eyed Madeline tiredly, "Mally, you can go back to sleep again if you want," Madeline encouraged in a gentle voice, seeing that her big brother was tired. "It's okay."

"Maddy, I'm tired, but I'm more upset that James had to kill," Reed spoke in a tired voice, his expression solemn. "He's been through so much and then having to do that...terrible. He is not a soldier; he's a survivor that's never had a break and then he had to...kill."

Madeline sighed, "When I'm a little stronger, I want to talk to him," Reed spoke in a sleepy voice, his expression tired as he fought sleep. "I have to make sure he's okay."

Without waiting for a reply, Reed drifted off into a deep sleep and Madeline sat with him, but Officer Tucker returned to the couch to finish his meal. He was shocked that Reed was more concerned for Jim than he was about how hard his recovery from surgery would be.

Bajor, Mexico

Carol was growing physically weaker by the day, as giving birth had taken a toll on her and she wouldn't be able to bear children in future, but her favorite thing to do was to sit in one of the common area's window seats and look outside with David swaddled in her arms.

Ayel often sat with her, as he didn't enjoy being around the Augments, Cardassians, or Bajorans because they weren't fond of Romulans. The Romulans had never been at war with the Bajorans or the Cardassians, but the cultures weren't more than tolerant of each other.

That night, however, Ayel sat alone in the common area having engaged in a fast of grief after hearing on CNN that James Kirk had murdered Nero at Starfleet Academy Campus after a brief fight. Per Romulan custom, Ayel had donned black clothing and wasn't socializing with anyone out of respect for his friend. Nero had been his best friend, his brother, since they were children and they had grown, fought, and suffered together.

Now that Nero was dead and the rest of the Romulans were missing, however, Ayel worried about what his fate would be. He had stayed behind in Bajor by choice and for medical reasons, although he had lied to Nero and said he would see how Khan behaved himself.

Truth be told, and Ayel would never tell Nero because Nero saw illness and infirmities as weaknesses, Ayel wasn't well. The time on Romulus had made him ill and he knew he needed treatment, but he was much too scared to ask Khan for mercy in case Nero found out and declared him a traitor for asking Doctor Harrison for help. Even when he had been in Riker's, Ayel had suffered quietly. He had pretended like everything with him was fine.

"You are weak," Ayel muttered to himself as he sat on the couch, staring out the window at the sunset, wanting nothing more than to throw up because he had engaged in a fast.

Ayel was so focused on the sunset that he didn't notice Dr. Harrison, who had ventured out into the market for a meal at Dr. Parmak's insistence, come into the common area. He studied Ayel intently and then cleared his throat, but Ayel didn't turn to face him.

"If you are wanting to kill me, make it quick," Ayel pled softly. "Make it painless."

Dr. Harrison paused, studying Ayel intently because the man had proved himself to be quite different by himself than he was when Nero was around. Ayel had either taken to sitting with Carol, wandering the market and visiting the monastery, or simply helping out whenever he was asked to. It seemed Ayel was very different without Nero around.

"You didn't visit the monastery today," Dr. Harrison spoke softly. "And you are in grief."

Ayel sighed, "Nero was my brother even though we were not related by blood," he spoke in a weak, mournful voice, bowing his head. "His death is painful to process and it's..."

"A relief?" Dr. Harrison finished softly. "I have seen how you have changed without him here to establish a sense of dominance over you. You called him brother, I am sure, but did Nero really care about anyone unless they could be of use to him? Ask yourself that, Ayel."

Ayel didn't respond simply because he didn't know what to say and nausea from his illness and not eating was proving overwhelming to the point where he was slowly losing awareness of his surroundings. He hoped that he could simply give into unconsciousness and die at Dr. Harrison's feet rather than admit that Nero had controlled him using every method of dominance possible. Death would be a welcome way to avoid the traumas.

Suddenly, Ayel became vaguely aware of Dr. Harrison and an anxious looking Kelas Parmak standing over him in a room with white walls; the school's infirmary. Why wasn't he dead?

"...Toriadol has given him cancer, but it is curable using Bajoran and Cardassian medicine," Dr. Harrison spoke in a quiet voice. "I see no need to kill someone who is clearly not interested in behaving like a criminal now that Nero's influence is no longer present."

All of a sudden, Ayel felt himself becoming drowsy and simply allowed himself to slip into sleep because he assumed he was being killed through euthanasia, which was common practice in Old Romulus when someone outlived their usefulness. Unbeknownst to him, however, Dr. Parmak had simply slipped him a sedative that doubled as pain relief so that Dr. Harrison could administer treatment without causing pain. Dr. Harrison saw Ayel as a friend despite the past, and didn't wish Ayel to be in any pain while he was being treated.

Even though Nero had tried to shoot Julian and it was now a spectacle among the media that enraged Dr. Harrison to the point where he wanted to snap a neck or two, Dr. Harrison knew that Ayel could yet be useful. In order to be useful, however, Ayel needed to be made well first.

Starfleet Academy Campus – San Francisco, California

It was well past suppertime and close to bedtime for him, but Scotty hadn't eaten nor was he tired enough to go to sleep. He was very troubled about the conversation he had overheard, a conversation that indicated that the team from Deep Space Nine Academy wasn't entirely happy with being forced to stay in San Francisco now that they couldn't go back to Bajor for school.

Scotty didn't know much about the team except that Deep Space Nine was a rehabilitative-type school and that the students were misfits of some sort with nowhere else to go. He had tried making friends with them, but they had found him odd and had kept their distance politely. It was concern for their well-being, however, that had prompted him to pay a late night visit to the campus security office in hopes that someone could help him or investigate his concerns.

Thoughts of his parents spending the rest of their lives in prison motivated Scotty to try and keep the 'Niners' from the same fate, but his courage evaporated when he saw that Officer Tucker was on duty that evening. Officer Tucker spotted him immediately and frowned at his unusual silence because to him, a quiet Montgomery Scott was one who was in trouble or had lots on his mind.

"What can I do for ya tonight, Mister Scott?" Officer Tucker asked kindly, offering a smile as the man approached the desk. "It's late and almost curfew. You out doin' some maintenance work?"

Scotty sighed and sank into the visitor's chair nervously, "Um, no, I heard the Deep Space Nine people talking earlier when I was pruning dead branches off tae bushes and they said some pretty troublin' stuff," he spoke nervously, his expression worried. "I...I have tae tell someone."

A concerned expression filled Officer Tucker's face as he nodded, "Go ahead," he replied calmly.

"They were talking about wanting tae go back to Bajor and not liking that they were being forced tae stay here," Scotty spoke timidly, frowning. "I know they're troubled kids, but I dunnae if going back will be good for them or if they could hurt themselves or someone else if they..."

Officer Tucker sighed calmly, as he knew that the whole team except for Julian Bashir were either refugees or had been court-ordered to the Academy and that they were still very much grieving the loss of their school. They may have just been talking smack, but given their histories, he could see why Scotty was concerned enough to talk to someone about it.

"All right, tell me exactly what they did and said," Officer Tucker said in a quieter voice as he pulled out his paperwork to make a report for Dean Archer and Dean Ross. "It may be nothing, but you were concerned enough to come to me. I'll make a report and look into it."

Swallowing hard, Scotty began to speak and silently hoped that he wouldn't be seen as a tattletale or overly parental in his concern. He had seen his parents throw their lives away and hadn't done anything to help them because he was too scared; he would not let his fear stop him from helping the Deep Space Nine team avoid making potentially serious mistakes while lost in their grief.