Starfleet Academy Campus

The Games ended without further incident and Christmas break came soon after that.

Teams from Draconis, La Sirena, Voyager, and everywhere else they had come from had gone back to their respective places in the world. Will Riker, Julian Bashir, and the Deep Space Nine Academy Team remained because Starfleet Academy was now their school and would be til they graduated. Tom Paris was also still around and still very much recovering from the brutal torture, enough so that he was not yet cleared to fly back to Hawaii.

As much as he himself had not wanted to stay in America, Captain Lorca had also been forced to stay behind to finish his medical treatments. Since the Discovery Academy students were on visas, they had reluctantly returned to school in Romulus and were being looked after by the staff there. Georgiou, despite being Empress of Romulus and having numerous responsibilities, had decided to run things while remaining at her husband's side.

Thoughts of how grateful he was for his wife's undying loyalty to him filled Lorca's mind as he sat in his chemo chair two days before Christmas, ready to let yet another dose of disgusting medication course through his veins. The cancer ward was sporting a few plastic Christmas decorations, all of which Lorca found amusing and somewhat of a comfort.

At the other end of the ward, however, was the saddest sight he had ever seen. Jim was sitting alone in an armchair with a phone as his only company. Julian Bashir had administered his medicine and had then snuck off…to where, Lorca had no idea.

Most the infirmary staff were off for Christmas holidays, but Phlox and Julian were continuing to work…it was odd. It was if the two had no plans for the holidays.

"Praetor Lorca?"

Lorca took his gaze away from Jim and looked up to see Head Nurse J.M. Colt there with his chemo machine, "Ah," he spoke calmly. "So…McCoy isn't delivering my drugs today?"

"McCoy took sick and Phlox's taken him off duty for the rest of the month, but we'll make sure you get your treatments on time," J.M. promised calmly. "Ready for today's?"

Lorca nodded, suddenly realizing that Nero's death had prompted McCoy to overwork himself until his body gave out on him. J.M. quietly hooked him to the machine.

"Thank you," Lorca spoke in a quiet voice. "Philippa should be by to get me later, but I'm wondering something. Why is Kirk all alone over there? It's only a few days to Christmas."

J.M. sighed and shrugged, frowning when Julian suddenly returned with three, backpack sized, red bags that looked full of things, "Praetor, this is for you and your lovely wife," Julian spoke in a kind voice as he came over to Lorca and J.M.. "Ms. Colt, here you go."

Lorca and J.M. took the bags, deeply surprised, but didn't get a chance to comment because Julian walked over to Jim, "Hey James," Julian spoke gently. "Merry Christmas."

Jim looked up and his eyes widened slightly as he saw the bag, "Huh?" he asked groggily.

Deeply confused, Jim put his phone, on which he was trying to text Leonard a lie about his plans for Christmas, aside. Julian sat beside the armchair and set the bag on Jim's lap.

"It's a Christmas bag," Julian explained in a kind voice, smiling. "I hope you like it."

Jim looked highly confused, "I…a present?" he asked in a confused voice. "I…I'm not sure I've quite gotten used to those. I…Doctor Bashir…you didn't have to go to any trouble."

"It wasn't trouble," Julian replied simply, offering a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Jim sighed, "Like I've been smashed by a truck," he admitted shakily. "Kinda tired and sick."

Julian nodded, "If you're feeling better in a couple days, why don't you join my family and I for Christmas at the Fairmont San Francisco?" he suggested in a calm voice. "Eve and Day."

"Oh, I was just texting Bones when you came about that," Jim lied quietly. "It's covered."

Lorca raised an eyebrow at Jim's obvious lie, but Julian simply nodded, "Thanks for the gifts, though," Jim spoke calmly. "My session's done, so I think I'll go back to the dorm and rest."

"Yes, it appears to be done," Julian said calmly, seeing the machine was done for the day.

Once Julian had disconnected him from the machine, Jim slowly got up and left with the bag in his hands. Julian then moved over to Lorca, determined to visit during his chemo session simply to give the nurse a break and also because he didn't like seeing anyone lonely.

Campus was quiet, as most were gone for the Christmas holidays, but Tom Paris found himself relieved to simply be alive. He was out of the hospital and staying in a spare staff house on campus with his parents and sisters until he could fly home in the new year.

The only visible sign of his trauma was the cast in which his arm sat after Zakra had nearly shattered it along with the rest of him. His sternum, lungs, and head were healing, but he couldn't do more than move around the small staff house and even that took effort.

In an attempt to make life a little easier for him until he could go back to Hawaii, his mother and sisters had put together a mini patio in the front yard where he could sit and let the cold air help with residual tremors. It was where he had chosen to sit, wrapped in a quilt, that morning because he had woken up feeling shaky, sick, and in intense pain.

Now, as he sat there letting the cold relieve his pain, Tom noticed a sick looking Jim Kirk walking down the path holding a red bag in his hands, "Hey," Tom called out weakly.

Jim stopped and walked over to where he was sitting, "Tom Paris?" he asked in a groggy voice, eyeing him suspiciously. "I thought you went back to Hawaii with your team?"

"I can barely move a step without hurting, let alone get on a plane back home," Tom replied in a tired voice. "Kes and Michael Eddington, I've been told, are responsible for drugging me and turning me over to Zakra. I…I can't believe Kes…that she would do that to me."

Jim nodded and sighed, "I'm sorry that happened to you," he replied in a somber voice.

Tom sighed, "I…I know this might be a funny question, but did you really communicate with Stonn to find out where I was?" he asked shakily. "Archer said you know Romulan…"

"Yeah," Jim replied quietly, sighing. "I learned it when I was at Tarsus with Nero's father."

Noise filled the house, "Tom, meal's ready!" a cheerful voice suddenly called out.

"Jim, did you want to come join us?" Tom replied. "You look as if you could use a meal."

Jim scoffed, "I just finished a chemo session, so I really don't want to eat," he replied as he inched off of the lawn. "Go spend time with your family, Tom. I'm going to go lie down."

Tom's expression of surprise was priceless, but Jim walked off before he could offer some sort of comforting words. Making a mental note to talk to his family about Jim's illness, as it explained why Jim had gone quiet in the middle of the Games, Tom got up to go inside.

Tucker Hall was quiet, but Nathaniel Hendorff found himself grateful for that because it would let him decompress in private. He had been released from his sentence at 0600 that morning with only his wallet and the clothes on his back, as he hadn't brought anything else to the Detention Complex with him. The bus ride back to campus had been long and quiet.

The Vulcans had given him paperwork that said he should consider his sentence served and that only contacting his parents might get him another stay there. Hendorff hadn't wanted to return to jail or to contact his parents again, so he had signed the papers without delay.

Now, as Hendorff sat on his bed with the intent of having a long, much needed nap in a comfortable bed, the sound of retching filled the air. Sighing, he got up and made his way to the common area just in time to see Jim throw up in the sink and cough anxiously before nearly collapsing on the counter, "Kirk?" Hendorff asked quizzically, frowning. "You're sick."

"Yeah, Cupcake, chemo will do that," Jim breathed anxiously. "When did you get out?"

Hendorff sighed, purposely ignoring Jim's nickname for him because he could tell that Jim was only being rude cause he clearly didn't feel good, "Um, at six a.m.," he replied in a patient voice. "Why's it so quiet around here, anyway? Where's Spock at? You're sick."

"Archer, Tucker, Pike, Chekov, Sulu, T'Pol, Spock, Uhura, and a bunch of Vulcans went over to Hawaii for some funeral and left Phlox and Sanchez in charge since neither of them like flying," Jim spoke in a groggy voice. "Bones got sick before end of the semester, so Archer asked Julian to be my roommate since we're both not going anywhere. Well, Julian has his family…"

Hendorff looked confused, "Your brother's here," he spoke worriedly. "Isn't he?"

"He decided to take his wife and kid and go off to Sausalito for a bit so they could visit with his foster daddy," Jim replied groggily, sighing. "He's been distant ever since we had the chat about Nero's death. I know I had to kill Nero, but maybe he doesn't get it…"

Hendorff nodded, "Do you need a hand to your room?" he asked worriedly. "You look…"

"I'm gonna nap, pack some crap, and then go find a place to sleep that's not here before Bones and Julian find out I lied to both of them about Christmas," Jim replied, his words slurring with tiredness as he straightened up and moved to his dorm. "I'm fine."

Hendorff, however, followed Jim to the dorm and watched worriedly as Jim dumped his winter stuff on the floor before flopping down on a pile of messy bedclothes without a care in the world. A faint snore filled the air and Hendorff quietly returned to his room to make a call to the infirmary, hoping Julian would be the one to answer the phone.

The image of Georgiou and Lorca cuddling in a chemo chair put a smile on Julian's face as he went down to the Intake to see what other work needed to be done. Phlox was already there, however, and looking concerned, "You have a message," Phlox reported softly.

Nodding, Julian checked the computer near the phone and suddenly frowned:

Call my cell. I'm at Tucker Hall with Kirk and there's a problem – Hendorff

Deeply concerned, Julian moved away from the desk and grabbing a hospital phone, he dialed Hendorff's number, "Nathaniel, this is Julian," he spoke in a concerned voice.

"Hey, I know you're new to our campus, but I thought I should fill you in on something when it comes to Kirk and holidays," Hendorff explained in a quiet voice. "Kirk always downplays his holiday plans unless someone takes the initiative. He lied to you, Julian."

Julian frowned, "What do you mean?" he replied quietly. "Kirk has plans with McCoy."

"Not what he told me," Hendorff replied. "He said he was gonna go hide somewhere and be long gone before you and McCoy figured out that he lied. Problem is, he's super sick…"

Julian's heart sank, "Let me call McCoy," he spoke softly. "I…I should have realized."

Quick as a flash, Julian dialed Leonard's cell, "McCoy," a tired drawl quickly answered.

"Um, Doctor McCoy, this is Doctor Bashir," Julian spoke in a hushed, concerned voice. "I was wondering if Kirk really did have plans to spend Christmas with you like he told me?"

A scoff filled the phone, "Oh, you mean you figured out he lied about going to be with his brother?" Leonard replied tiredly. "I knew Sam and Jim had a fight over the Nero thing and they've barely spoken since their little discussion on it. And no, we didn't make plans, but I was gonna invite him to come help at Mark's soup kitchen on Christmas Day if he was well. I just don't wanna push him cause he's told me how rough chemo's been on him. We've texted a lot since I've been off campus and it helps, but I know he's gotta be hurting…"

"And how are you feeling?" Julian interrupted. "I know you were overworked…"

Leonard sighed, "I was in the hospital for about a week and now I'm restin' at my mama's," he replied in a tired voice. "She's gonna let me volunteer at her shop today, but I'm not allowed to do anything related to medicine during my break. Hey, I gotta get ready to go."

The call ended and Julian sighed as he returned to the desk, "Doctor Phlox, can you tell me something?" he asked in a confused voice. "Why did Doctor Kirk and James have a fight?"

Phlox looked thoughtful, but didn't say anything immediately, "James lied about his Christmas plans and McCoy mentioned the two Kirks had a fight about Nero," Julian spoke in a concerned voice. "Doctor Kirk basically abandoned his sick brother at Christmastime…"

"Yes, it appears that way," Phlox replied softly, his expression grim. "I did warn Doctor Kirk that he'd better settle his issues about Nero before he comes back to work or else we'll have words about it. I will not allow family feuds to get in the way of quality patient care."

Julian frowned, "And what are you doing for Christmas, sir?" he asked worriedly.

"Oh, I'm going to be working here and spending quiet time in my office with my gardens and fish when there's not patients," Phlox replied with a sigh. "I haven't enjoyed Christmas since my family died and if I can avoid celebrating it, I do. The Vulcans did invite me to Hoshi's memorial with the rest of the surviving crew, but I haven't enjoyed flying since emigrating to the States from Denobula. I don't even enjoy travelling within the States."

Julian nodded and Phlox offered a smile, "But I did find what you left in my office, dear boy," he commented kindly. "You're very observant and I absolutely love the gifts. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Julian spoke in a quiet voice. "And I'm sorry about your past."

Nodding, Phlox got up, "We're very quiet right now, so if you wanted to leave your shift early and get some preparation done for Christmas with your parents, you can," he said in a calm voice, mollified by Julian's compassion. "I'll page you if there is an emergency."

Julian nodded and quietly left, having no need to gather his coat because he had left it back at the dorm. He took the long way back to Tucker Hall and spotted Will Riker, Scotty, and Keenser making some snowmen. Will's winter clothes looked slightly too big for him and he looked as if he had lost some sleep and shaved, but he seemed overly cheerful. Julian knew that Scotty and Keenser had let Will stay with them ever since Draconis Team had left.

Scotty and Keenser waved, but Will didn't even take notice of him and Julian didn't take it personal because Will was struggling with his new situation and was doing his best to stay emotionally afloat. Offering a smile, Julian continued walking to Tucker Hall in silence.

Since nobody was in the common room, Julian proceeded to the dorm he was sharing with Jim until the new semester and was shocked to find Jim laying on the bathroom floor, half wrapped around the toilet while crying his eyes out. Hendorff was sitting at the desk, looking both worried and shocked, "James?" Julian asked in a concerned voice, frowning.

"Everything hurts," Jim moaned groggily. "The cold…so good…I'm gonna live on the floor."

Without hesitation, Julian hurried over to the medical bag that he had set on the floor near his bed. He quickly prepared a syringe with one of the emergency sedatives qualified doctors were allowed to keep on hand in case of emergencies. Hendorff eyed him silently.

Julian crept over to Jim and knelt beside him, sighing as he gently jabbed the syringe into Jim's shoulder and didn't take it out until the entire, very small, dose of sedative had been put into Jim's system, "Wha…" Jim managed to speak before he fell unconscious.

"Move Jim out to the bed and get him dressed to go out," Julian instructed as he stepped out of the bathroom and went to the phone. "He's not able to care for himself right now."

As Hendorff struggled to untangle Jim from the toilet, Julian called the room where his parents were currently staying, "Dad, it's Julian," he spoke worriedly as a voice answered. "I'm all right, but I have a friend who's sick from treatment and in need of some help…"

Fairmont San Francisco

"I apologize for what I had to do, but I simply couldn't let it go on and he might have panicked had I called for a campus ambulance…"

"You did the right thing. I merely stopped by to check on him and you…"

The voices suddenly faded away and they were replaced by a gentle touch from a hand that was completely unfamiliar to him. Jim opened his eyes and froze at the sight of Amsha Bashir, a woman he recognized from the Games. An anxious, dry squeak escaped his lips.

"It is all right, James," Amsha spoke gently, removing her hand. "You are safe here."

Jim's eyes widened and he suddenly realized that he was in a strange bed, propped up by pillows. He wasn't in his dorm room, but he could see his duffel, laptop, and phone on a dresser that sat next to a television and so he turned to Amsha again, exhaling softly.

"Mrs. Bashir, where…where am I?" Jim asked in as strong a voice as he could muster.

Amsha smiled, "Julian brought you here to rest," she explained. "You are our guest."

Jim suddenly felt a straw being forced into his mouth and he felt himself drinking what felt like tea. A moment later, his anxiety lessened and his throat felt less dry. He, however, didn't feel like getting up, "Th…thanks," he managed to speak. "Where am I?"

"Julian brought you here because you were very sick," Amsha explained kindly.

Jim sighed weakly, "He drugged me, didn't he?" he asked groggily. "Julian?"

Julian suddenly appeared with his medical pack in hand, "Yes, I did because you were wrapped around your toilet and on the verge of a breakdown," he spoke in a quiet, yet firm professional voice as he moved over to the window on the other side of the bed. "Nathaniel helped me get you dressed, I packed you some things, and my dad brought you here."

It was then that Jim noticed that his hand was now sporting an IV that was connected to a bag on a pole, "I gave you some fluids cause you were massively dehydrated and I hope it helps," Julian explained, gazing at Jim. "Phlox was kind enough to lend me supplies."

"You could have just dumped me in a hospital," Jim spoke groggily, yawning as he spoke.

Julian sighed, "I think it's time for you to go back to sleep for a while and we can talk about it later," he replied gently. "If my Mum's tea stays down, maybe you can try toast…"

Jim wanted to ask Julian why he was considered worth such caring intervention, but his body's desire for sleep overruled him and he found himself quickly passing into oblivion.

Sighing, Julian left the room with his mother at his heels and returned to the dining area where Richard and Phlox were sharing some of the same tea. The two were in quiet conversation about the Games, so Julian and his mother got some tea and sat quietly.

It would have been easier to dump Jim in a hospital, yes, Julian told himself as he sat there enjoying his mother's special blend of tea, but he wasn't his father. His father merely focused on the medicine and how to modify medical procedures as quickly as possible to perfect the flaws he saw in his fellow Humans. He himself, on the other hand, cared about people and helping them feel better. If he could help Jim using some of the same home-care style methods he used on the Bajorans, methods that didn't involve long stays in hospitals or expensive medicines, he would do it even if it meant giving of his free time.

Bajor, Mexico

Cardassia was just to the south of Bajor, but the two cultures did not mix any more than absolutely necessary. Before the Augments had come along, there had been a very nasty war between the Cardassians and Bajorans that had left Bajor enough of a mess that Mexico had simply annexed it into pieces rather than help it. The Games and Harrison's visit, however, had changed things and now Mexico was slowly giving Bajor back to the Bajorans.

Unfortunately, the Cardassian government had reacted poorly to this news, as they had enjoyed raiding what was left of Bajor for their own pleasures. The Castellan had blamed the Games for such weaknesses manifesting themselves and had threatened to exile anyone who dared admit enjoying their trip to America. Most of the few who had attended had agreed and they had been welcomed back with open arms. One, however, hadn't agreed.

Elim Garak, who had served in the war as a junior assassin and Intelligence Officer, had gone to the Games and competed in some of the track and field sports. He had also made some money by sewing and repairing jerseys and other athletic wear for other athletes during the Games; sewing and tailoring were things he always enjoyed despite the war.

Upon returning from the Games, however, Elim had been ordered to surrender his earnings and forget his time in the States because the Games were the reason that Cardassia was now cut off from their opportunity to pillage. His father, high-up government official Enabran Tain, had beaten him, waterboarded him, and locked him in a closet in an attempt to make him forget, but Elim had refused because he didn't think the Games were to blame.

Even though Dukat agreed with Garak that the Games were enjoyable and that they weren't to blame for the changes in Bajor, he wished to keep his comfortable lifestyle and had taken the oath of allegiance ordered by the Castellan. Garak alone had stood by his beliefs.

And now, as the sun climbed higher into the sky and the heat increased, Elim Garak found himself limping towards the City of Bajor with all of his possessions in a sack that Dukat had secretly gifted him before participating in his exile ceremony. He could see Bajorans and Augments running around within the city gates and he knew his arrival would cause a stir.

It was Bajor, however, or death. That was the thought on Garak's mind as he entered the city and found a quiet alley just inside the wall where he could rest. He was tired, injured, and needed to simply sleep or make a plan where he could off himself and make it look like an accident. Tain, Dukat, and everyone else at the exile ceremony had told him to do it.

As Garak sank to the dirt to make his plan, however, he saw a human man with salt and pepper hair suddenly sink to his knees in the open street and start to sob. Two Bajoran females, one young and one elderly, watched him helplessly. Garak's heart ached and he extracted from his sack the meager amount of food he had brought. Perhaps it would help.

Swallowing hard, Garak came out of the alley with the morsels extended, "Um, excuse me, I couldn't help but see you collapse," he offered nervously. "Are you hungry? You can have…"

The man looked at Garak curiously, as did the two women, "A Cardassian looking such an unkempt, injured mess and offering kindness?" the older woman replied in a quiet voice.

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this Cardassian got exiled through ceremony and rituals three days ago and is now destitute," Garak snipped, his eyes still on the Human man. "Sir, if you are upset because you're hungry…you may have this. It isn't much…"

The man, however, sighed, "I'm crying for my little Thomas stuck in an American jail," he replied in a quiet voice, his tears subsiding. "He helped a Klingon hybrid get free and sent to treatment for mental illness, but he himself is still in jail. I've got enough to eat, though."

Garak hastily put the food away and quietly returned to his dark alley, hoping that the Human and Bajorans would simply go on with their business. He wasn't the best at this homeless thing, but he'd have to learn or he could go drown himself once night fell.

"You, Cardassian," a voice suddenly spoke. "Why did you run from us? That's…"

Garak scoffed as he looked up and saw that the younger Bajoran female had followed him, "Unusual," he replied bitterly, sighing. "I recently returned from the Federation Peace Games in San Francisco and Cardassia blames those Games for what happened here…"

Ro raised an eyebrow, "We have a Cardassian doctor here that might be able to help with your injuries," she spoke quietly. "And Doctor Harrison helps people find places to live."

"I'm a war veteran and have few skills that anyone would actually want," Garak replied in a quiet voice. "And I don't know any doctor who wouldn't want to kill me on the spot."

Ro moved away and Garak about collapsed as he sat back in the dirt. Three days of walking in inclement weather with very little to eat and only stream water to drink had done him in enough that he welcomed death if it came. He lay down, using his sack as a pillow and sighed when thunder suddenly rumbled overhead, an indication that it was going to rain.

"Excuse me, sir?" a quieter voice suddenly asked. "Could you come out of there?"

Garak scoffed and sat up only to see a blonde woman wearing a tan tunic, leggings, and boots standing at his feet, "If you're going to kill me, why do I need to get up?" he asked.

Kes, who had been just down the street when she had been approached by Ro and told that someone needed medical attention, paused, "I want to take you to the clinic," she offered in a soft voice. "Ro Laren said you were ill and our medicine might be able to help you…"

"My dear, as lovely as that sounds, I'm most likely to break my leg if I keep walking on it," Garak spoke in a tired voice, gazing up at her. "I've been limping on it for three days."

Kes's eyes narrowed, but Garak's vision was blurring and so he closed his eyes. He was spent and didn't have the desire to converse with someone who would probably kill him.

San Francisco, California

"This is the place," Julian spoke in a timid voice, gazing up at Dean Ross's multi-level house that was on a hill, but not far from beaches. "Thanks for giving me a ride over, Dad."

Richard Bashir nodded, his expression concerned, "Do you want me to stay in case you need to make a quick exit?" he asked worriedly. "I know you're worried about…Benjamin trying…"

Julian exhaled anxiously, "I didn't want to come at all, but Dean Ross personally invited me," he spoke in a concerned voice. "It's a lunch and conversation and presents…"

"If you want me to stay, I can," Richard replied softly. "Do you need help carrying the gifts?"

Shaking his head, Julian set his diabetes backpack on the floor, "If you could just stay out here and wait for me and guard that, I'd really appreciate it," he spoke in a voice filled with slight anxiety. "If my bag's anywhere near Benny, he'll steal it. He's done it before and I think he's even traded off a few of my meds for things. It's partially why I switched dorms here and why I lived with Miles at DS9 Academy. Benny…he's really not well."

A silence filled the air, "Do you want to come in and eat?" Julian asked quietly.

"No, I'm going to work on some Ambassadorial paperwork," Richard replied, smiling at him as he pulled his satchel on to his lap. "This is your time with your friends, Jules."

Swallowing hard, Julian got out of the van, got his bag of presents from the back, and silently made his way to the front door, sighing as he knocked. The door opened almost immediately, revealing Odo wearing a tan pantsuit and a gray cardigan with a pair of house shoes, "So you did decide to come," Odo said as they went inside.

Julian nodded, quickly removing his winter things and storing them, "I brought presents for everyone," he spoke in a quiet voice. "What about you, Odo? I thought you hated parties?"

"I do hate parties, but Dean Ross was good to give us a place to stay during the holidays and this is my way of thanking him," Odo replied quietly. "I'll probably go hide in his library later or take Benny on a walk to decompress. Benny's having a rest right now because he called his father this morning and his father wouldn't let him talk to Jake. Is your bag…?"

Julian nodded, "I took my shot before I came," he spoke softly. "Is lunch right away?"

"I think so," Odo replied calmly. "I'm sure if it's not, Dean Ross has food ready for you."

Julian silently allowed Odo to lead him to the kitchen. Dean Ross, Keiko, Jadzia, and Ezri were all puttering around the kitchen putting finishing touches on an array of dishes, all of them appearing diabetic-friendly that covered the kitchen table. Jadzia spotted him first and she immediately came over and gave him a gentle, warm hug.

"I'm glad you decided to come, Julian," Jadzia said warmly as they pulled apart.

Julian nodded and held up the bag of presents, "Where should I put this?" he asked.

"Ezri can show you," Dean Ross spoke calmly, smiling at Julian. "Welcome."

Ezri nodded and led Julian into the living room where an ornately decorated Christmas tree sat amidst simplistic, older furniture and a nice fireplace. Several wrapped presents sat under the tree and Julian silently added his bag to the pile before sighing softly.

"Um, Ezri, do you have time to talk as a counselor?" Julian asked softly. "I need to."

Ezri looked thoughtful and nodded, "Benny came to see me a few days ago in the room that I share with Nathaniel and Samuel," Julian spoke quietly. "He said he wanted to go back to Bajor…to his friends in the tents. I told him that this was my home now and he got upset."

"Those people weren't his friends and I'm sorry he upset you so," Ezri replied softly, sighing.

Julian sighed, "I just worry what will happen to him now…what will happen to all of us now that Deep Space Nine Academy's gone," he replied softly, his expression sad. "We were the only small group who came and we left so many behind. And we can't go back…ever."

"Our group was the only diverse one," Ezri spoke softly. "The rest will adapt somehow."

The sound of a dinner bell suddenly echoed through the house, indicating that it was time for lunch. Julian and Ezri quickly made their way into the dining room where Dean Ross, Odo, Jadzia, Quark, Rom, Nog, and the few others who had come for the Games, were all seated. A moment later, Kira and Miles came in and Miles was holding on to a frisbee.

"Should someone wake Benjamin?" Jadzia asked in a worried voice as they all sat down.

Dean Ross sighed, "I'll make a plate for him," he replied. "Julian, is your dad okay outside?"

"He's working on Ambassadorial stuff," Julian replied calmly. "Dean Ross, thank you…"

Dean Ross chuckled, "The plates and stuff are on the kitchen counter," he replied in a kind, amused voice, smiling. "Go get your food and we can talk while we're eating lunch."

Nodding, Julian got up and followed his friends into the kitchen. He was glad his mother and Phlox had insisted on staying with the resting Jim so he could spend time with his friends and Dean Ross. He couldn't help but wonder, though, if Benjamin really was all right and if he would eventually settle down enough to forget about wanting to return to Bajor.

Bajor, Mexico

Dear Michael,

I'm stuck in California and I hate it. I want to come back to Bajor. Help me!

Benjamin Sisko

It was common knowledge among the Games participants that Benjamin Sisko of Deep Space Nine Academy had a mental illness and had been shunted to the school by the courts after going crazy, Eddington reflected as he saw the email in his inbox. Sisko had spent the entirely of his social time during the Games telling everyone how he hated them. He logged off and got up from the computer in the lab he had used to check news and emails.

Most of the Bajoran students who hadn't gone to the Games had scattered upon the Romulans arrival, Eddington reflected. Now that Nero was dead and the Romulans were gone for the most part, a few students had been seen trying to return to the school. They didn't mind Dr. Harrison and he didn't mind them as long as they were well behaved.

News had travelled quickly and Dr. Harrison now knew about what he, Kes, Zakra, and Stonn had done to Tom Paris of Voyager Academy. The doctor had absolutely no love for combative Romulans and had expressed his opinion to international media that Zakra should be put to death instead of being allowed to languish in the Vulcan prison. Eddington knew that, considering what Dr. Harrison was capable of, he and Kes had gotten off light with being assigned work details. Those thoughts were on Eddington's mind as he walked from the lab and down the aesthetically pleasing hallway to the school's open space atrium.

As usual, Ayel was resting on a sectional couch in the corner of the atrium, silently reading a book commandeered from the Bajoran Temple library. Eddington personally hated Romulans and he truly hated Ayel because he thought that Ayel had simply faked having cancer to avoid being killed for his loyalty to Nero. Unfortunately, Eddington knew that if he dared accused Ayel of lying, Harrison would personally intervene in the situation.

"…A Cardassian refugee?" a voice suddenly filled the air. "There's no such thing!"

The mention of a Cardassian refugee intrigued Eddington, as he had seen Cardassians at the Games, but they were so well dressed and pompous that he had avoided them. He silently made his way towards the voices and found Dr. Parmak, Kes, and Ro gathered in the doorway of the infirmary, watching something that was going on inside.

"Is something wrong?" Eddington asked quietly. "I heard someone yelling…"

A faint groan filled the air, "I would sit up, but I simply can't," a faint, groggy voice spoke.

Eddington peered inside and saw a youthful looking male laying on one of the beds, an obvious Cardassian. What was odd, however, that he was injured and dressed in rags.

Dr. Harrison quickly came into view, "Doctor Parmak, if you are going to help treat this individual, do so," he spoke icily, eyeing the crowd with an expression of distaste. "If you are just going to stand there and stare at him like an idiot, go do something else."

Kelas nodded and silently entered the infirmary with Kes at his side. They could see Carol Marcus sitting on a bed in the corner, silently reading while David napped in a crib that had been made by Bajoran carpenters. He immediately turned his attention to the man laying in the bed and froze, "Elim?" Kelas spoke in a shocked voice, his anxiety rising. "Elim Garak?"

Garak eyed Kelas silently before breaking into a fit of coughing, "Hard to breathe," he managed to say in a tired voice before closing his eyes. "I…I am sorry, Kelas."

Dr. Harrison quickly fished a stethoscope out of a pocket, "Michael Eddington, what do you want or are you just trying to again earn my favor?" he asked coldly as he checked Garak's breathing. "I gave you an assignment and if you cannot handle it…"

Eddington stormed out into the common area, unaware that Ro had followed him to make sure he behaved, and saw that Ayel was now sleeping with the book on his chest, "You…filthy…Romulan!" he roared, suddenly lunging at Ayel. "I KNEW YOU WERE LYING!"

Ayel screamed as Eddington jumped on top of him and began to choke the life out of him while Ro began yelling for help. Eddington suddenly felt himself being dragged off of Ayel and pinned up against the wall by a murderous looking Dr. Harrison. Over Kelas's shoulder, Eddington could see Kes and Ro calming a shaken Ayel, but Eddington didn't care about him; he only cared that he had dealt a blow to the Romulan and the lie he had been living.

San Francisco, California

"Julian?"

After eating a balanced meal, Julian had excused himself to the bathroom and was washing up when he had heard the familiar voice. He looked up from the sink in time to see Benjamin come up behind him and hug him from behind, "Julian," Benjamin whispered.

"Benjamin, please, I already told you I don't feel that way about you," Julian replied timidly, gently shoving Benjamin away as he turned to face his friend. "How was your nap?"

Benjamin frowned, "You came," he replied anxiously. "If not for me…why did you come?"

"I came because it's Christmastime and we always used to get together as a group around Christmas," Julian explained nervously, clinging to the sink in terror as he realized that Benjamin had closed and locked the bathroom door. "Benny, please…open the door."

Benjamin, however, moved closer, "I want you," he whispered softly. "You'll cure me."

Julian, unfortunately, was no match for Benjamin's raw strength and found himself pinned against the sink, "I already told you I can't," he replied weakly. "I can't give blood…"

"Oh, Julian Harrison, is that any way to treat someone you can help?" Benjamin asked softly, leaning in deeply enough that he managed to sink his teeth into Julian's neck.

Julian let out a yell of pain before suddenly shoving Benjamin back against the door, "Open the door now!" he spoke through gritted teeth as tears filled his eyes. "Right now!"

Benjamin let out a yell and lunged at Julian so violently that he was slammed against the sink hard, "Was someone shouting?" Julian suddenly heard Odo call out. "Julian?"

The sound of knocking filled the room and Julian fought the urge to scream louder as Benjamin's grip on his wrists increased. Keys jingling suddenly filled the air and as the door opened, Benjamin decked Julian and shoved him headfirst into the mirror, breaking it.

"Benjamin!" Jadzia exclaimed anxiously as she and Odo grabbed Benny. "Benjamin, stop!"

The combined strength of Odo and Jadzia managed to get Benjamin out of the bathroom and Julian sank to the floor. His entire body was trembling and he was in intense pain.

I have to get out of here. Julian thought anxiously, wincing as he slowly staggered to his feet and out of the bathroom. He was already beginning to feel woozy from blood loss, but he managed to make it to the coat rack, grab his coat, and stumble out to the steps.

Fortunately for Julian, Richard had heard the door open and closed and was horrified to see the mess Julian was in. The older man bolted from the van and hurriedly helped him into the van, "Take me to the hospital," Julian stammered shakily once they were both in. "Benjamin attacked me in the bathroom and is completely out of control. Oh…it hurts…"

Richard's eyes went wide, but quickly started the engine and took off down the street as fast as he could. As the van, which had been rented so the Bashirs could enjoy the city during the holidays, moved along, Julian suddenly felt his stomach churn.

Fortunately, Richard was ready and quickly rolled down the window, allowing Julian to vomit in the street while the van sped towards San Francisco General. Richard didn't even need to ask what had happened, as he had read all of Julian's emails about Benjamin Sisko's mental illness and the violent tendencies that emerged when the man neglected to take his medicine. Julian had always forgiven Benjamin, of course, but maybe it was time to stop.

The van suddenly parked and Julian could see the emergency room entrance, but he was so weak and groggy that he couldn't move from his seat. Richard quickly got out and helped him get out of the vehicle before gently, but firmly guiding him to the front doors.

Almost immediately, Dr. Cutler and Dr. April spotted them and hurried over, "My son was at a holiday party with his old school and he said Benjamin Sisko assaulted him," Richard spoke anxiously before Julian could. "I want the police called and something done about this!"

Julian let out a whimper as he suddenly felt himself being sat on a gurney, "It's all right, Jules," Richard spoke softly. "I'm here with you and the doctors will take care of you."

"You should let Mum, Doctor Phlox, and James know that I'll be a while longer than I said," Julian spoke in a shaky voice, cringing when he saw his shirts being removed. "Oh…"

Dr. Cutler swore as she looked Julian over, "I'm going to call the police," she spoke anxiously as she moved over to the phone. "Sarah, can you get started on a full physical?"

"I'm passing out," Julian spoke in a low moan as awareness of his surroundings faded away.

"…Richard, do you need me to come to the hospital to give Julian blood?"

Jim's brain was fuzzy as he slowly woke and found that his IV had run dry. He slowly sat up and was immediately hit with a headache. I'm at some fancy hotel with Julian Bashir and his parents. I'm safe, I'm being taken care of, and I don't need to worry about anything.

His gaze quickly travelled to the phone sitting on the bedside table and he picked it up. A message from Leonard immediately popped up, which deeply surprised Jim.

Hey Jim, Julian told me about your little attempt to lie your way out of Christmas so you could go hide. I know you're staying with the Bashirs right now and you better just stay there and let them take care of you. I'm feeling a lot better than I was and I'll come visit closer to Christmas. Your brother's an idiot for neglecting you at Christmas, btw. – Bones

A smile filled Jim's face briefly as he thought about how much Leonard cared about him even though he himself wasn't well. The smile quickly faded, however, when he thought of Sam and Sam's departure from campus. They had fought and then Sam had just left without a goodbye, dropping some excuse that Phil had invited them for Christmas.

Sighing, Jim found Sam's number and silently began to text, unaware that Amsha Bashir had finished her call and come to check on him, "James?" Amsha asked softly.

Jim quickly finished his text and sent it before looking up at Amsha nervously, "Yes ma'am?" he asked in a timid voice, wondering if she would ask him to leave now that he was lucid.

"How are you feeling, James?" Amsha asked kindly as she walked over to him, but didn't touch him because she had read his story and knew he was most likely wary of touch due to past abuse. "Julian went to visit some friends, but he said to have you…"

Jim paled, "I…I understand," he spoke nervously as he slowly got out of bed using the IV pole as leverage. "I…I'm ruining your Christmas and I can go back to campus on the bus…"

"Julian wishes you to eat," Amsha finished. "You are our guest. Please come with me."

Jim obeyed, but his steps were shaky because he was suffering from a headache and extremely nervous. He suddenly felt Amsha put a gentle arm around him and lead him into the common area where Phlox was already relaxing in a soft chair. He smiled at Jim.

"I…I have a headache," Jim blurted out nervously. "Does that mean time in solitary here?"

Phlox looked surprised, "No, it probably means you need something to eat," he replied calmly. "Mister Kirk, this is not a jail and you are not under arrest. You are a guest."

"Why would Julian want to help me when Sam didn't care?" Jim asked in a trembling voice, his expression confused as Amsha came into the room. "I…I don't understand."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door and Amsha smiled, "Your food is here," she stated.

Sausalito, California

Sam, we need to talk. Why did you just up and disappear? What did I do? – Jim

Sam Kirk groaned softly as he read and re-read the text from Jim that was now on his phone. He and Jim had nearly gotten into a physical encounter during their discussion about Nero's death and their father, but Sam had left before he had actually ended up hitting Jim.

Upon realizing that he had very nearly reacted to Jim as Frank used to react to the both of them, Sam had asked Phlox for some emergency medical leave until the end of the month due to PTSD. Phlox had been very patient when Sam had explained what had happened and he had even helped Sam call Phil Boyce for an emergency admission to the behavioral health unit at Yorktown Memorial. Aurelan and Peter were staying with Phil in the meantime.

Now, as Sam sat on the bed in his in-patient room wearing pajama pants, a loose shirt, slippers, and a hospital bracelet on his wrist, he felt overwhelmed. He was scared to admit to Jim that he had very nearly mirrored the abuse Frank used to dish out on them.

"Oh, James, I wish I could tell you that I nearly became Frank and felt like hitting you over that stupid fight we had," Sam spoke in a shaking voice as he stared at his phone helplessly.

Sam's head was down and he was so focused on crying over Jim's message that he didn't notice Dr. Boyce wander into the unit looking for him. Dr. Boyce paused when he saw Sam crying with his head down while holding his phone in his hand. What had happened?

"Sam?" Dr. Boyce asked kindly, knocking on the wall as he approached his door.

Sighing heavily, Sam looked up, "I didn't forget about my session with Doctor Paris, did I?" he asked in a distressed voice, frowning. "Jim sent me a text wondering what's going on."

"No, that's tomorrow," Dr. Boyce replied patiently, frowning. "You're crying…"

Sam nodded, "Between the stuff with Frank and my 30 days in the Detention Complex, it's amazing that I didn't end up here sooner," he admitted shakily. "I'm so messed up."

Dr. Boyce sat on the bed next to Sam with a thoughtful expression on his face, "Honestly, that intense program Mestral made you do in jail did not help your already fragile mental state," he replied calmly. "I honestly wonder if you do have ADHD, Sam, like I suspected back in Iowa. It was just so hard to actually properly identify anything like that then."

"I could," Sam reasoned softly, sighing. "Can adults even get assessed for that?"

Dr. Boyce nodded calmly, "It might explain why you did what you did in terms of the bioterrorism thing and if I can prove it was due to an undiagnosed mental health condition, I could petition to get the charge dismissed on medical grounds," he explained calmly.

"Oh, the Vulcans will scream at that for sure," Sam replied, frowning. "I know I'm not in the jail or wearing the anklet anymore, but the trauma of being in that godawful place…"

Dr. Boyce sighed, "And the trauma of having someone like Frank in your life," he added.

"And Jim wanting to know what he did," Sam mused, holding up the cell. "He texted me asking where I am and what he did. He wants to talk and I don't know how to explain to him that I was on the verge of violence. Phlox will take care of telling Archer…"

Dr. Boyce sighed patiently, "At least you want to," he replied. "You're just not sure how."

Sam nodded, "Okay, kiddo, I'll talk to Doctor Paris and Doctor Phlox and get an assessment set up for you," he spoke calmly. "Since I'm kinda your father figure, I can't do the assessment because that's a conflict of interest. What I can do, though, is make sure you get set up with help you trust and I think you at least trust Doctor Phlox, right?"

"It's complicated, but I'd rather he do it," Sam admitted. "What should I do…?"

Dr. Boyce stood up and grabbed a binder off of the portable tray, "Do your work for group, maybe?" he replied, handing the binder to Sam. "You never did enjoy doing homework."

Sam sighed and opened the binder to do some work as Dr. Boyce left the room.

"…Julian?"

Julian let out a weak groan as he opened his eyes and found himself laying on a gurney in what he recognized as a trauma room. Richard, whom he had considered his father since teenhood, was sitting beside the gurney while Dr. Sarah April was standing beside him.

It was then that Julian realized he was in a simple hospital gown with a blanket covering him from the waist down, leaving the waterboarding scars on his arm visible as well as marks from Harrison's past 'treatments.' On top of that, he saw bruises on his arms and wrists from where Benjamin had been rough with him, "Jules?" Richard asked softly.

"Can…can I get a housecoat or something to cover up my arms?" Julian asked softly, unable to stare at the scars any longer. "I…I don't want to look at the scars on my arms."

Dr. April sighed and was about to offer a housecoat, but Richard responded by removing the cardigan that he was wearing and putting it on Julian, "There," Richard spoke softly.

"Thanks Dad," Julian replied softly, sighing. "I…even talking hurts a bit."

Richard nodded, "You should know that I called the police about the situation and they're going to handle it," he explained firmly. "I know you want to protect your friend, but…"

"I can't," Julian finished softly, his expression sad. "I just can't do it anymore."

Just then, Officer Forrest came into the room having been called by Richard, "I understand there's been an assault?" the cop asked calmly, frowning at how battered Julian was as he produced a tape recorder and turned it on. "Do you think you can tell me what happened?"

"Yes," Julian replied softly. "I was at a holiday party with others from Deep Space Nine Academy and a friend of mine, Benjamin Sisko, trapped me in the bathroom in the main level of the house. He hugged me from behind and tried to seduce me, but I shoved him away. He tried again, though, and said that he wanted me because I could cure him. Benjamin is quite a bit bigger and stronger than I am and he managed to pin me against the sink quite roughly. He referred to me as Julian Harrison and then bit my neck…"

Officer Forrest nodded, but stayed quiet, "I screamed because it hurt and I yelled at Benjamin to open the door while shoving him away again, but he kept gripping my wrists as if he was trying to break them." Julian explained. "As the door was unlocked from the outside, Benjamin decked me and shoved me headfirst into the mirror. He broke it…"

"And where was this party?" Officer Forrest asked in a concerned voice, frowning.

Julian gave the address and sighed heavily as he suddenly felt a headache come on, "I've got a headache," he murmured softly, closing his eyes. "Is Mum okay looking after James?"

"Yes," Richard replied without hesitation. "If you want to rest, go ahead and have a rest."

Officer Forrest sighed and turned the recorder off, "Thank you for your statement," he replied in a calm voice. "For safety reasons, I'd like to stick around as a bit of a guard."

"I'm not dangerous," Julian spoke in a sleepy voice as he fought to stay awake.

Officer Forrest looked surprised, "I'm staying to make sure you and your father are safe, Julian," he explained in a calm voice. "It's protocol when it comes to incidents involving violence and considering what you've already been through, I think it's essential…"

Julian, however, didn't hear him because he let himself drift off, "I need to photograph the injuries, but I'll try and do it without waking him," Officer Forrest said gently.

"And I'll get the supplies I need to treat them," Dr. April said as she left the room in a hurry because her first focus had been on stabilizing Julian after he passed out and now that he was out of danger, she could focus on repairing the injuries his friend had given him.

A tall glass of apple juice, a bowl of chicken soup, and a couple of biscuits had done wonders for Jim and he was now IV free. Phlox had also insisted that he have a shower and change into clean clothes, which he had done. Amsha had given him a keycard so he could explore the hotel or go for a walk if he wished, but Phlox had insisted on going too. He had helped Jim put on his winter clothes and had simply stated he was going the same way, but Jim knew Phlox cared and wanted to make sure he didn't get sick or faint during his walk.

Ultimately, Jim hadn't gone far; he had only made it to a bench in the hotel's front courtyard before he got tired and needed to sit. He was still very tired, feeling a little sick, and also a little scared because he had overheard Amsha talking about how Julian had been attacked at his party. If Julian was unable to take care of him, Jim assumed he'd be told to leave because Julian's parents would rightfully need to focus on him and not on anything else.

"I overheard Julian's mom talking about how Julian was hurt and they'll need to look after him, so I've decided to go back to campus in the morning," Jim spoke in a tired voice, hugging himself because he felt cold even with a coat on. "It's not the first time I…"

Phlox, who was behind Jim, frowned at Jim's near admission that he was quite used to being discarded to fend for himself. He could also tell that Jim wasn't well and that the walk outside had been a mistake, but knew that Jim was used to surviving as he was.

"I…I was also thinking of applying for a student loan so I could maybe do a Master's Degree through the Academy when I'm done in April," Jim spoke in a quiet voice, his eyes on the streets outside the hotel gates. "I'd love to go work for Professor Reed full time, but the mall's gonna take a long time to fix and I…I need to get stronger and work on myself."

The cold nipped at Jim's face, so he lowered his head, "I should probably go back in," he spoke in a shaky voice. "Mrs. Bashir's a lot like Bones's mom and it's…I'm not used…"

Exhaling anxiously, Jim got up, "Hey, thanks for the chat, but I'm going back in to get some more sleep," he said quietly even though he didn't move. "After I get some energy."

"Would you like me to walk you back?" Phlox offered. "I don't mind."

Jim nodded and was surprised when Phlox took him by the arm before gently guiding him all the way back to the Bashir's room. Amsha was sitting on the couch with a book, but immediately set the book aside upon seeing how tired and ill Jim looked. She got up off the couch and helped Phlox get Jim's winter things off of him and hung back up.

Phlox and Amsha talked while guiding him back to bed, but Jim didn't hear it because he was already falling asleep. Before Jim knew it, he could feel himself being tucked in bed.

Not wanting to disrupt Jim's rest, Phlox quietly thanked Amsha and left. As he made his way to the bus stop, as he didn't have a car and couldn't be bothered to buy one, his phone buzzed. Since that was a signal for a new text message, Phlox continued to the stop.

Only when he was at the stop did Phlox pull out his phone and see the text from Sam.

Hi Doctor Phlox, how are you doing? Dr. Boyce is going to contact you about arranging a disability assessment for me because he thinks I might have undiagnosed ADHD. He told me it was all right to inform you. – Dr. Sam Kirk

Phlox eyed the message curiously, as he had seen Dr. Kirk show symptoms of the condition and hadn't felt it was his place to comment. Now, however, he was ready to offer his help since it was clear that Dr. Kirk was open to help.