Jim stayed at the hospital for a day, and when Bones thought he had eradicated the virus, he went back to the condo. Carol was not there. He had found that she really loved to be on the beach and during the time they had been on Pacifica, she had acquired a golden tan. He had gotten some himself, although Bones thought they should not be out in the sun so much.

Jim lay on the bed in their room. He did not feel like being out on the beach today. He was just glad he would not die of some deadly virus, but he had to wonder how that virus got started on this planet. He could not forget the time they had come to Pacifica for shore leave and his crew was attacked with a virus made by none other than Khan. He knew that was not the case this time though. He also remembered the viruses that had been spread by those who kidnapped him and stranded him on a strange planet. He closed his eyes at his thoughts. He had to stop thinking everything was connected to something like that. Sometimes, things just happened.

That afternoon, Jim was feeling better, and they all sat in the living room while the three children played, running and squealing. Jim finally got up and went outside to sit on the terrace and watch the ocean. Not that he was tired of the kids, but he wanted to feel the ocean breeze now that he did not feel sick. He sat on a bench at the side of the terrace and watched the ocean waves crash on the beach.

Bones came out onto the terrace next. He sat down beside Jim. "So, how are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Jim replied. "I'm not feeling sick."

"Great." Bones was silent a moment. "Jim, I wanted to ask you something."

Jim waited a moment and then looked at Bones. "What is it?"

"Well, it's not extremely important. I was just wondering if you…" Bones folded his arms and looked out at the ocean.

"If I what, Bones?"

Bones stood up. "I'll ask you later."

Jim watched him go back into the apartment. He wondered what that was all about. While he pondered that, Carol came out there. "Jim," she said as she sat down. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.

"Wow," Jim said. "What was that for?"

"Because I love you." Carol kissed him again. "Jim."

"Carol."

"I want to have another baby."

Jim's eyes widened with that. Before he could say anything, Carol kissed him again. "Well, you don't want to make it out here, do you?" he asked after that kiss.

Carol laughed. "Don't be silly. What do you think about it?"

"I haven't really thought about it. I actually didn't think you wanted more children."

"I do now." She kissed him again. "Don't you? Just think of how much fun we can have making one."

Jim almost laughed. "I'm thinking about it alright. What brought this on?" He heard an outburst of laughter from the kids who were still playing in the house. "Empty arms syndrome?"

"Jim, Alex is five now. I just think I want another baby. He needs a brother or sister."

"Of course. That's fine with me."

Carol smiled and kissed him again. "I have to see Doctor McCoy soon before we leave to go home," she said and kissed him again.

Jim watched her as she got up and headed back into the apartment smiling over her shoulder at him. He blew out a breath and looked back out at the ocean. He actually had not thought of having more children. He and Carol had not actually planned to have Alex, but he was certainly glad he was there. He licked his lips and wondered if Carol had been wearing strawberry flavored lipstick or gloss.

Bones came back out onto the terrace. Jim looked up at him as he stood beside the bench. "Well, have you figured out what you want to ask me now?" Jim asked.

Bones sat down. He wished he did not always feel embarrassed when he talked about something about Andrea and himself. "I know what I want to ask you," he said.

"What is it?"

"I was…"

Just then, Carol came out there bringing Jim a glass of lemonade. "I thought you might need something to drink," she said and kissed him. She turned to go back into the house. "Doctor McCoy, I'd like an appointment with you before we go back home."

"Sure, anytime," Bones replied. "How about tomorrow morning?"

"Good."

Carol went on back into the house. Bones looked at Jim. "What's that all about?" he asked.

"She's just feeling lovable today," Jim replied. "What did you want to ask me?"

"Oh yeah." Bones paused a moment. "You have the authority to perform marriage ceremonies on Federation worlds, right?"

Jim was a little surprised by that question. "Yes. Why?"

"Well…I'd like you to…" Bones folded his arms. "Do I have to spell it out? You know what I want to ask you."

"You're going to marry Andrea? Finally?"

"Do you have to sound so surprised?"

"I am surprised, but I'm happy for you."

"She wants to get married and have a family."

"And you do too, right?"

"Of course…yeah, I want that too."

Jim just stared at him a moment. "What's wrong, Bones?"

"You know what it is."

Jim frowned. "Bones, you've been with her all this time," he said. "Don't you know if you love her?"

"Jim, this is still difficult for me," Bones replied. "It scares me."

"Why are you asking me this if you don't really want to get married?"

"Andrea wants to. I want you to do the ceremony before you leave." Bones stood up. "I'll make arrangements. We just want a simple ceremony on the beach."

"Okay, Bones. Don't you want to tell Spock or anyone?"

"Sure, you can tell him."

Bones went back into the house. Jim scowled at that. He thought Bones seemed like he was being forced into getting married. Bones had never really told him exactly what happened in that situation with his ex-wife. He intended to find out now.

Jim went back into the house but Bones was not in the living room. Carol sat on a stool at the bar. She smiled at him. "Where did Doctor McCoy go?" he asked.

"I think he said he was going to the hospital for a while," Carol said.

"Now?"

"Is something wrong?"

"I don't know. I'm just wanting to talk to him about something."

"Jim, you didn't discuss our talk with him, did you?"

"No. This has nothing to do with that. It's something he and I were talking about."

"Oh. Are you going after him?"

"Yeah, I think I am. I'll see you later." He leaned over and kissed her. "Maybe we can practice tonight," he whispered.

Carol laughed. "I'd love to."

Jim went on to their room and changed into different clothes. When he came back into the living room, Anakin was waiting for him. "You going somewhere?" he asked.

"I'm going to find Bones," Jim replied. "He said he was going to the hospital. I want to talk to him."

"You mind if I go with you?"

"Why?"

"You know, just to make sure everything goes right."

Jim considered that. "Are you saying you want to be my bodyguard?"

"If that's what you want to call it. Can you think of anyone who would be better?"

"I don't think I need a bodyguard."

"Can't hurt. I promise I won't listen to your conversation. I'll just be around to know if something weird or dangerous is going on."

Carol came over to them then. "What do you mean, something dangerous?" she asked.

Jim frowned at Anakin. "Now, you see what you did?" he asked. "There's nothing going on. I'm on vacation. I haven't had any threats or anything. Just because I was sick doesn't mean someone is trying to kill me."

"Kill you?"

"Carol, Anakin thinks because he had a nightmare about something, I need a bodyguard." Jim could see the concern on her face. "Fine, he can come along. Just don't be worrying."

Anakin followed Jim outside. Jim stopped and faced him. "I would appreciate it if you would not be upsetting my wife," he declared. "She's had enough to worry about the last few years without you causing worry over nothing."

"Yes sir," Anakin replied.

Jim glared at him as he wondered if that was a sarcastic remark. He turned and went out to get a transport to the hospital. Anakin got in with him. "You're angry," Anakin said.

"Sure I am!" Jim replied. "You're gonna cause Carol unnecessary worry. I don't like that."

"I'm sorry."

They were silent a moment. "I'm really serious about this," Anakin said. "Something's gonna happen."

"I'm not going to panic over something you saw in a dream and don't even know who it was who was supposed to be trying to kill me."

"There haven't been any problems with anyone lately? Anything strange?"

"Not lately. I haven't been anywhere to be in something dangerous or strange."

"The Klingons sound like Deathwatch."

"Deathwatch?"

"A group of Mandalorians who didn't like their queen."

"Oh. Yeah, that sounds like them alright. With the Klingons, they have Houses, and whichever one is dominating is the one the other Klingons follow. But the chancellor they have now wants peace with the galaxy, and there are rogue Klingons who are not going along with it. They've tried to assassinate him, they've tried to assassinate me, kidnapped me, consorted with the Romulans, the Nausicaans, just anything to get in dominance."

"Why would they be after you?"

"Because I was the negotiator. Chancellor Gorkon trusted me, and therefore the others hated me."

"Maybe there's something going on that you don't know about."

"I haven't even heard a hint from the Klingons that anything is wrong. Besides, you said it wasn't the Klingons in your dream. The only other odd thing that has happened to me was when I was stranded on Garresant with those bird people."

Anakin frowned. "Bird people?" he asked.

"Yeah. There are these tribes of bird people, but they're not a threat to me because they can't even get off their planet. It's a complicated place."

"I'd like to hear about it. Are you sure there are none of them out in the galaxy?"

"No…well, except one. Kuaya escaped the planet when we got off it. He lives on Earth now, as far as I know."

Anakin pondered that a moment. "Where on Earth?" he asked.

"I don't know. I don't like it that we don't know where he is."

"You think there's more to his leaving his planet than escaping."

Jim frowned. "Don't read my mind," he said.

"I'm not reading your mind, but I will tell you this… the beings I saw in my dream had wings and some didn't."

Jim was not sure what to say to that. "He's the only one who got off his planet," he said.

"As far as you know…"

They soon arrived at the hospital and went inside. Jim had no trouble finding Bones who was simply making rounds in the hospital. He was surprised to see Jim. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "Something wrong?"

"No, and yes," Jim replied. "I want to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Bones."

"I'm busy right now."

"Then I'll follow you. Why did you suddenly decide it was time to make rounds at the hospital?"

"Because I feel like it," Bones said without looking up from his datapad.

"Are you never going to stop running?" Jim asked.

Bones stopped then and looked at Jim. "What?"

"When are you ever going to talk to me about everything that happened? You've always just shrugged it off. I want to know."

"I don't have to tell you anything…Admiral. If you don't have anything else to talk about, why don't you go home?"

Jim frowned. "Fine. I will…and I'll find another doctor for my wife!"

Jim turned and started toward the turbo lift. Bones was surprised at himself. "Jim! Wait!"

Jim stopped at the turbo lift, and Bones came over to him. "I'm sorry," Bones said. "I didn't mean that. You're my best friend."

"Then, why don't we have a talk when you get home?" Jim asked. "You've always wanted me to tell you everything and let you help me with my problems, even let you take me to a psychiatrist. When are you going to do the same? You think I came all the way down here because I was bored?"

"Fine. I'll finish this here, and we'll talk."

"Good."

Jim pressed the button for the turbo lift. Anakin followed him into the lift. Bones just stood there a moment. He knew it was time for him to level with Jim about everything. It would not be easy because he hated talking about it…it was like reliving the emotions and sorrow all over again.

Jim went on back to the…apartment. He thought it was more like a house than an apartment because it was not attached to others. When he arrived, the children were asleep on pallets in the living room floor. "I guess they finally tired out," Jim whispered.

Anakin smiled at the sleeping children. "They look so sweet when they're sleeping," he replied.

Jim chuckled at that. He went to the patio doors and could see that Padme and Carol were sitting in chairs sunning on the terrace. "Mommy time, I guess," he said.

Carol looked around the back of the chair at him. "Jim." She got up and grabbed her towel. She came to the door. "I have something I want to show you," she said as she stepped up to him.

"What is it?" Jim asked.

"Come on."

Jim followed her to their room. She closed the door when he was inside. She grabbed him in a passionate kiss. He was surprised for a moment but then he tightened his arms around her and pushed her onto the bed. He leaned over her. "Woman, you've been playing with me all day," he said.

"I'm not playing now," Carol replied and pulled the tie on her bikini.

Jim wondered if they had ever been that wild or that erotic. He woke up wondering how long he had been asleep. He turned onto his back and looked at Carol. He thought she was asleep but she opened her eyes. "Was that as good for you as it was for me?" he asked.

"Oh yes," Carol replied. She pulled him into a passionate kiss.

"You sure are frisky today."

"Jim, I love you."

Jim could see the sincerity in her eyes. "I…"

She kissed him again before he could reply. "I know you love me," she said. "You are so good to me, and you love our son. You're a wonderful dad."

Jim was not sure what to say. "You don't have to bribe me into wanting another baby," he said.

"Jim, I'm being serious. I mean it."

Jim brushed her hair back from her face. "I'll accept that," he said. "Are we gonna go at it again?"

Carol laughed at that. "I wouldn't like anything better."

By the time Jim got out of their room, it was late afternoon, and Bones was back. Alex was also up again and was running around the beach with the twins now. Jim went out onto the terrace where Bones was standing watching everyone else on the beach.

"Bones," Jim said. "Why aren't you out there?"

"I was wondering if you were coming," Bones replied.

Just then, Carol came from the house. "Jim, aren't you coming?" she asked.

"In a minute," Jim replied. He waited till Carol was out on the beach, and then he looked at Bones. "Well, why don't we sit down over there?"

"Might as well," Bones said.

They sat on the bench. Bones folded his arms and just stared out at the ocean, frowning. "You know, I have never really talked about this," he said. "Not the whole thing, anyway."

"I can believe that," Jim replied.

"I just didn't see the point."

"We've been friends a long time, Bones. All I've ever heard were bits and pieces. Tell me what happened."

"Well, she was convinced that I was cheating on her," Bones said.

"Were you?" Jim asked.

"No. At least not at that time. Jim, do I have to confess my whole checkered past to you?"

"No. Did she find out or something?"

"I actually told her. I mean, it was only one time. It's not like I carried on an affair for months. It was just stupid. I was working too much and…well, she wouldn't have it that I was faithful to her. She wanted a divorce, and she was from a very powerful and rich family. I was a nobody doctor in a small place. I didn't have a chance. She took everything because they had lawyers that made me look like a piece of trash. I even lost my job. I was homeless. You know that. I didn't know where to go. I stayed on barges crossing the Mississippi River until I got over to Iowa. I didn't want to join Starfleet, but it was the only place I could go where a person isn't judged by their past. It got me off Earth."

"Well, that's just about what I thought happened, Bones. I'm glad you joined. I don't know if I would have made it without you."

"Why?"

"I think having you as a roommate kept me out of trouble."

Bones laughed at that. "Are you serious? I even changed the codes on the door trying to keep you out."

Jim laughed. "I know, but it wasn't that hard to figure out."

"Yeah, for some genius repeat offender."

"I've changed a lot since then."

"I'll agree with that, Jim. Thanks for letting me spill my guts to you all these years."

"I think I've spilled mine to you and Spock more than you have to me."

"Yeah, but who's counting?" Bones paused a moment. "What do you think of Andrea?"

"I always thought she was a great person, and Bones…she loves you. She would have to to put up with you."

"Thanks a lot," Bones said. "Carol must adore you."

Jim chuckled as he thought of the afternoon he and Carol had before now. "Like I said, I've changed a lot since our academy days."

"I guess I could call Spock and tell him I'm gonna finally marry Andrea."

"I think you should. He's out this way. Maybe he can stop by if his supervising Admiral says it's okay."

"Right."

Just then, Bones heard the communicator chime in the house. "I'll be back," he said.

Jim went on out to the beach where Carol was playing with Alex. "Daddy, did you see my sand castle?" Alex asked.

"Which one is yours?" Jim asked.

Alex ran over to one of the castles. "This one."

"Hey, that's awesome. You're getting better all the time."

"Why don't you build one?"

"Maybe I will." Jim knelt in the sand and began scooping sand with the bucket. "What kind should I build?"

"The biggest you ever built!"

Carol smiled as she came over to them. Luke Skywalker came over to them. He was only two but he could talk in baby talk. "I can build one with no hands," he said with his big blue eyes shining with excitement.

"Oh you can?" Jim asked.

"Yes." Luke stared at the sand concentrating.

Jim and Carol watched as the grains of sand began moving and coming together in a castle form. Anakin walked over there and stood over Luke. "Luke," he said. "What did I tell you about doing that out in public?"

Luke looked up at his father with a guilty look. "You know you're not supposed to do that," Anakin scolded. "You're lucky no one else saw that."

Jim was a little surprised at the skill Luke had at only two. "Are you teaching him?" he asked.

"Of course," Anakin replied. "An undisciplined Jedi wouldn't do anyone any good."

Jim nodded. He went back to playing with Alex as Anakin and Luke walked away. Alex looked at the small, detailed castle that Luke had made. "How did he do that, Daddy?" Alex asked.

Jim looked at Alex. "Well, he's gifted," he said. "He can do things we can't."

Alex lay down on the sand looking at the castle. "It's a nice castle."

"Even better than mine?"

"You haven't built yours yet."

By the time Jim got his castle built, the sun was starting to go down, but he had built it as big as possible. "How do you like that?" he asked.

"It's great," Alex said. "Let's play like we're knights!"

"Fighting for the castle?"

"Yeah!"

Carol was sitting on the terrace again watching Jim and Alex. She had noticed that Doctor McCoy had disappeared, and not long after that, Andrea had disappeared. She thought she might be glad when they went home. She was tired of the vacation now and she wanted to be home in their private apartment.