Joce always loved her sister-in-law. Caroline tried to be strong and unflappable, but the older woman could always see through her. They receptionist at the front desk smiled at both of them. Cal took a shaky step forward. She handed her ID to the man then reached back for Joce's. It took a moment of rummaging in her pockets before she handed her I.D. over. It wasn't long before her hospital I.D. was ready. "Here you go Dr. Love. You have access to the tenth-floor rooms that we have for Dr. McCoy and Captain Kirk, and the cafeteria. If you wish access to other areas of the hospital you need to have one of the officers submit a request. One moment, it says here you and the Lieutenant Commander have a minor daughter. Let me get her badge for you." A minute later the badge was produced. "I'm sorry for all of the formalities, but I'm sure you can appreciate the need for security regarding the doctor's work."

"It isn't a problem. Thank you." The ladies made their way to the lift. Cal pushed the button and waited silently. When they got in, Cal swiped her badge allowing them access to the tenth floor. Joce studied the other woman. Cal hadn't said a word. "Sis, it will be alright. You and me, we can do this."

"I've already seen him." Cal stood a little taller. She never wanted to be seen as weak.

"Caroline, you need to go to him, talk to him, let him know you're there." With that she took Cal's hand. "I'll stay with you."

The doors opened. Joce looked down the hall to the door that she assumed had to be Jim's. There were two guards outside; the only color in the blaring white tunnel. She led Cal until they stood in front of the two men. They showed their badges to them before entering the lifeless room. Pavel was asleep in the only chair. Cal hung back near the door. Jocelyn let her stay there while she walked over to the tube. She took a deep breath before looking down into the face of one of the most important men in her life.

Cal didn't know why she found it so hard to walk over to Jim. Slowly she walked up behind Pavel. Her hand gently touched his shoulder. The kid's eyes flew open as he half jumped out of the chair. "It's alright Pavel, we have this. You need more rest. Everything is back at the bungalows."

"Thank you. Joce! Mama must be there!" He hugged and kissed Joce before he ran out the door.

Joce turned when he called her name. "That child will never grow up. Cal, come here." She reached her hand toward Cal.

Slowly the younger woman made her way from the chair to the sarcophagus. She took Cal's hand as she came closer to the tube. "I'm fine sis."

"Don't tell me, tell him." She placed Cal's hand on the tube.

It was cold, so cold it felt like the winters when her brother would take them all to Vale. They were great times. Now the cold went through her; froze her to the floor. She looked through the glass. "He isn't there."

"Yes, he is. He is here. Talk to him."

"I don't know what to say."

Joce could feel her sister-in-law's fear. She was lost. "Do you remember before Jo was born when Len was in that accident?"

"Yeah. He was never the best skier. How many days was he unconscious?"

"Three, well actually two and a half. I talked to him for hours. He told me there were times he could hear me."

Cal half laughed. "And you believed him."

Joce put her hand over Cal's. "Not at first. Then he told me something that got my attention." Cal looked confused. "He told me that when I sing 'You are My Sunshine' I sound like his Grandmom McCoy. Cal, I never sang that when he was awake, only when he was lying in that hospital bed unconscious. But he heard me. I know that as sure as I know how to get that man to relax and go to sleep."

Cal snickered. "Only Seri and you seem to know how to do that. Maybe you're right. I'll talk to him. You can go back I'm alright." She kissed the other woman on the cheek before moving the chair closer to Jim.

Joce left the hospital. She took a deep breath as soon as she stepped out of the building. There was still smoke in the air, but it was less caustic than the antiseptic smell of medical. It had been years since she thought about that accident. Len had been coming down a black diamond when he was cut off and lost control. He slammed into a tree as Joce watched helplessly. She still felt the fear as she saw the patrol load him onto the hover gurney. Then there were the days praying he would wake up and be the Len she knew. His mom and baby sisters came, his grandparents were there almost as soon as she hung up the comm, but his father never set foot in the hospital; he never left Taccoa. That fact still hurt her, to know that so much of her ex's self-loathing was wrapped up in that man's contempt for his only son still hurt her to her soul. Even putting the bastard in the ground couldn't kill the pain he had inflicted. By the time she arrived at the bungalow Len and Seri had woken up. She stood outside the window, wiped away the tears on her cheeks and watched as McCoy tossed Crystal in the air and Seri braided Jo's hair.

While Joce was looking in on the family tableau, Len saw her standing in the light rain. He kissed Crystal on the cheek before putting her on the floor and walking out the front door. He slowly walked up to her, slowly put his arms around her as she tucked her head under his chin. He could feel her as she cried, a cry of both fear and relief. "I'm alright. I promise I'm alright."

"I thought you were dead. When Evan got the message, he thought you were. I don't want to ever lose you Donkey. Please…I was remembering that day on the slopes. I thought I was going to lose you then. We can't lose you."

"All you all aren't going to get rid of me that easily." Her wet hair and shirt caused a large dark area to grow on the front of his green button down. Len didn't care, the women in his life always reminded him how loved and wanted he was. "Joce, thank you for coming. Evan promised to be here as soon as Tuck gets there."

"I know. He loves you and Jim so much."

"I love him too. We should go inside." He saw Seri looking at them with a smile. Jo was looking at her daddy. They had spent time together when she woke up, but they hadn't had anytime alone. She wasn't jealous, but she wanted her dad and Turtle time. It wasn't long before her parents came in from the rain. Len looked at his baby and fiancé. Seri gave him a look then looked down at Jo. "Turtle, when Aunt Seri is done, do you want to come with me?"

"I would love that Daddy. Can we go down to the wharf? I would love to go to that chocolate shop."

"Baby, the wharf is gone. How about we go to the coffee house. They make a great hot chocolate."

The little girl had a sad smile for her father. Seri finished the braids, kissed her on the top of the head then went to join Ben and Mama in the kitchen. Hikaru was with Demora and Crystal. Everyone was trying for some semblance of normalcy. Joce kissed Jo before walking over to the kitchen area. Just then Pavel burst through the front door. Everyone turned toward the noise. "Sorry everyone. Jojo!" He grabbed her up and swung her around. "My little krohleek."

She was giggling. "I'm still your bunny?"

He put her down. "You'll always be my bunny no matter how big you get. I had them bring our chess set." She kissed him on the cheek. "It should be here later tonight."

"I have been practicing. I can't wait until tonight." She kissed him again before taking her dad's hand and walking out of the house.

Father and daughter started along the green away from the devastation and medical. McCoy looked down at his little one. She was actually there; part of him couldn't believe it, part of him wished she had stayed in Georgia. "Turtle, tomorrow you and your mom should take Crystal back home."

"Don't you want me here?" She looked sad and a little confused. "They said you wanted us here."

"Baby I want you with me more than you know." He stopped walking. "I just don't want you around all of this."

"Please don't make me go home."

Len looked into her eyes. He saw something in them, something that hadn't been there before. In the time he had been gone his daughter had started to grow into a young woman of substance. She definitely had her mother's strength. "Alright, but try not to go to the other side of the medical building."

She took his hand in hers as they continued to the coffee shop. When they walked in Len noticed the lady behind the counter. He had met Leala the first year at the Academy. She was one of the few people who didn't think he was a gruff misanthrope. "Doctor McCoy, I'm glad you're safe. Who is this beautiful young lady?" The older woman came from around the counter.

"I'm glad you're safe too Leala. How is your family?" He was genuinely concerned.

"They are all safe, though I don't know about a couple of my employees. I haven't heard from them, but it could just be because of the chaos."

"It could." Len tried to sound optimistic, he didn't want his voice to betray his true fears. "This is my daughter Joanna. Jo, this is Mrs. Grandy. She owns this place."

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Grandy." Jo extended her hand which Leala took gratefully.

"It's nice to meet you Jo. Your dad has told me all about you. I bet he brought you here for the hot chocolate. Why don't you sit over there? It's your dad's favorite table. I just need to talk to him for a minute if that is ok with you?" Her voice was soft and sweet.

"Thank you, ma'am." Jo walked over to her father's table at the back of the shop. It felt cozy in the corner next to the exposed brick wall, cozy and safe.

McCoy turned his back to his daughter. He knew she could feel him, but he didn't want her to see his reactions to whatever may be said. "Are you okay Le?"

"I will be. Len, I know what I said, but I think the two kids from here are gone. I heard about Jimmy. How are you doing?"

"Not great. I have an idea, but it has never been done before and I can't guarantee the outcome."

"I know from experience how good you are. I have never seen anything like this. We are sending water and other supplies to the disaster zone. I don't know what else we can do. I want to help."

"That is a lot of help. The staff at the hospital would love some real coffee."

"Got it. We can get down there in an hour with a few gallons. I'll brew some tea too. Can you think of anything else?"

"Naw. I really appreciate this. Jim would tell you how much your support means. I'll get some of the gang to help you."

"Thank Len, for all of it. We are hearing bits and pieces of what the ass wanted to do. I know Jim would say that he didn't succeed, but he did. Without him we would all be dead."

"I sure as hell would be." He gave her a hug. "I have my little one here."

"She looks like you. Is she alright with Seri?"

"That's an understatement. If we broke up, I know Jo would never give up Seri."

Leala laughed. "That's great."

"My ex is here with her; and before you ask, she is one of the best friends I will ever have."

"I know you don't see it now, but you are a very lucky man."

"I am with the women in my life." He winked at the lady.

Leala smiled. "Such a southern gentleman. Hal, Jinx, we need about seven gallons of the Brazilian blend and about five gallons of the Oolong. Get them ready then put them in the one-gallon containers; the ones that keep things hot for four hours. We can bring them back and forth to medical and St. Johns. On second thought make that ten gallons of the Brazilian and eight gallons of the Oolong. Also get the cups and the condiments please." The kids looked shocked but quickly got to work.

"Thanks again for all of this."

"We are a community. Every one pitches in where they can. Now let me get you your cup and some chocolate for your date." She winked before she turned to walk away.

Jo was waiting for her dad. He came sat in the chair that faced the door to the shop. "Daddy, that lady, she knows that the two workers are probably dead; doesn't she?"

"Yes Turtle. But she doesn't want to deal with that just yet. She will when she gets the official word. Baby, is there anything you want to talk about with me?"

"I know you know how happy I was to see you."

"You almost knocked me over when you jumped into my arms. I have a little bit of an idea."

"I just am…"

"Scared? Scared that he'll die, or scared about what he looks like?" Len knew Jo better than anyone. When it came to the big things, he could all but read her mind. The kid Leala called Jinx brought them their drinks.

Jo stared into the drink. Leala had drawn a horse on the top with cream. "Both, but mostly what if he looks different. Daddy, what if he looks dead."

Len had been sipping his drink. He listened intently, not just to what his daughter was asking but also how she was asking it. "He doesn't. Why don't we go see him?" He could see and almost feel her fear. "I'll stay with you. If you don't want to, we don't have to go. What do you say?"

Jo thought about it. She wanted to see her uncle, but what if he didn't look the way she remembered. Her dad said he didn't look dead, but that didn't mean he looked normal. Her uncle would have come to the hospital if it were her or any of the family. She needed to do this, and her dad said he would stay with her. "You'll stay with me the entire time?"

"Every second if you want me. I promise." The two finished their drinks in silence. As they stood to leave Jo walked to her father, she put her arms around his waist and held on as tight as she could. Len held her, cradling her head to his chest as his head rested on hers. "I have you Turtle. I love you more than you'll ever know."

Leala was watching the father and daughter. She liked Len from the day she met him. He was broken then. Now he was the top of Starfleet Medical, the CMO of their flagship. He had good friends, a fiancé who loved him, and a daughter who obviously adored him. The world was burning around them, but the two could care less, they had each other. Good for him, good for Lenny.

Len kissed Leala on the cheek and Jo shook her hand before the two left for Medical. Jo took her dad's hand and wouldn't let it go, even as they walked through the doors and into the lobby. The receptionist nodded to the doctor as he walked onto the lift. His retinal scan took less than a second. It was a little inconvenient, but he was the one that had left his badge on the kitchen counter. He pushed the button for the floor. It was seconds before the doors opened.

The hall was bright white with doors lining each side. To Jo it looked like the hall of one of the imaginary space ships she played in when she was little. Jo stopped as soon as they stepped out of the lift. "Daddy…"

Len looked down at his baby. She was looking down the hall. "It's alright baby. Let's go see him." He held her hand a little tighter as they walked slowly toward the room. Jo's tension became obvious in her footsteps and in the stiffness of her arms. Before they got to the door Len stopped. "What's wrong daddy?"

There were chairs set against the wall. They were as white as the floors and walls. Gently he guided her to the chair closest to Jim's room. Her eyes were scared. "I wanted to tell you what you will see when we walk in. The room has one chair and a bright light in the ceiling. The wall across from the door is all windows. Uncle Jim is in the middle of the room. I had him transferred from the cryotube we had on the enterprise to a more up to date one from here."

"What does it look like?"

"It is a black tube. The side closest to the window has all of the controls. On the top is a window. You can see him through that window."

"All of him?" She was looking down at their hands, studying how small hers looked near his.

"Just from his shoulders up. He is dressed in black. He has minor abrasions, but mostly he looks like he is sleeping. There is a little bit of ice, but he doesn't look any worse than he did on our skiing trips."

"Can he hear us?"

"Maybe. I talk to him when I am in there working."

"When will you give him the medicine?"

"The serum will be ready in about another day. I'll do it after that."

"When will you know if he will live?"

"I don't know. I promise you I won't give up unless there truly is no hope. I'll do everything I can to bring him back."

"Daddy, can I stay with him?"

"If you want to, but you have to keep your comm with you and I won't leave my office. It is right through that door." He pointed to a door about ten feet closer to the elevator.

"I just want to stay with him by myself." Truthfully, she wanted to talk to her uncle and she couldn't do it if there were other people there. She only talked to him when they were alone. "You'll come with me now?"

"Yes. I'll stay with you until you tell me to leave." With that she stood up, never releasing Len's hand. The security personnel nodded to the doctor as he opened the door letting Jo in first. "Hey sis. Jojo wanted to see her uncle." He watched Cal quickly rub the tears from her eyes and face as she walked towards them. Cal had been talking to Jim when the two entered. It was hard, but it was better than seeing him as a corpse. She smiled at them as she walked out the door. Len let Jo dictate the pace as they moved toward the cryotube.

It took only a few minutes to reach Jim. Jo was just tall enough to see into the tube. Her free hand trembled as it touched the window. Len noticed she traced the curve of his cheek as she tried to calm her hand. "He looks pale." Her eyes were glued to her uncle.

"He does. It is normal." Len watched Jo for any signs of distress. Miraculously she seemed only slightly nervous.

Slowly she let go of her father's hand. "How long does he have to stay in here?"

"Probably for a day or two after I give him the serum, but he won't be this far under."

"What do you mean?" Jo's hand continued to move lightly over the glass.

"He is deeply sedated. I can keep him in stasis, but even in stasis there are various levels of sedation. I need his body to come out of the stasis very slowly."

"Then what?"

"Then I'll take him out of here and put him on a standard life support until his body starts to work for its self. Jo, look at me."

She turned to him, her eyes as bright as Jim's looked up at him. "Yes Daddy?"

"When he is on life support, I don't want you in here."

"Why?"

"There will be a lot of tubes and a machine to breathe for him. He wouldn't want you to see him like that. Do you understand?"

"Not really. This is part of the grown-ups can be silly thing."

"Sort of. Promise me that this time you will do what I tell you."

Jo could tell this was one of those times that she needed to do exactly as she was told. He dad would never keep her from her uncle unless there was a good reason. "I promise. Dad, would you mind if I had a few minutes alone?"

"No baby. I'll be in my office. Comm me when you're ready."

Jo hugged her dad not letting him go as he held her close. "Thank you for talking to me. This isn't so scary anymore."

"I'm proud of you Turtle. I love you." With that they both relaxed their grip. Len walked to leave and opened the door. He turned back to see Jo place a kiss on the part of the glass that was over Jim's cheek. The door was latched as quietly as possible. The doctor went to his office to read over some more projections and wait for his daughter's call.