Cal's alarm went off at 05:00. She did her hair the way she knew Jim liked it, pulled off her face but cascading down her back. Seri had offered some more clothes, but she had forgotten to grab them. Scrubs would do. The only makeup she had was what was in her purse. Jim never cared if she wore it, but this morning she wanted to look rested. He needed to see her at her best, not the way she had looked these weeks.

A dense fog enveloped her on the walk across the common to the hospital. Retinal scans were easier than the badges. The lift doors opened onto the floor. Quietly she opened his door. It was dark except for the light ribbon that stretched from under the bathroom door. Mama was asleep on the chairs. Jim's breathing was soft but steady. Gently she put her hand on her mother's shoulder. "Morning sleepy."

Lena startled under her daughter's touch. "Good morning baby."

"My turn. Go get some real sleep."

"He's been restless most of the night, but only one nightmare." Lena stood, kissed Cal on the cheek, then left quietly. She didn't want to wake Jim. He hadn't gotten much real sleep and she wanted him to get as much as possible.

Cal looked out the window towards the bungalows. The lights on the quad looked as if they shown through white cotton candy. The first year they shared at the Academy Jim had taken her to the pier. He bought her a red hot, and a cotton candy that was twice the size of her head. They had spent the entire day laughing. That night they made love, both of them at home in each other's arms.

Jim shifted in bed. He started to talk. He wasn't good enough; Frank was right, he was always right. "Lights fifty percent." She walked to the bed. "Jimmy, Jimmy you can wake up now. It's ok, it's Cal." She touched his foot. Jim's eyes snapped open. "Jimmy, it's me; see." Cal lowered the bed rail. "It's me baby. You're safe."

"Cal?" Was she there or was it a delusion cause by the serum?

"Yes." She pushed the hair off his face. "I'm here." She took his hand in hers before sitting next to him. "I'm not going anywhere."

Her hand was as soft as the rose petals she played with during the summer. He had missed the feel of her skin, not just its softness, but its warmth. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Coming here."

"God, don't do that. Don't ever thank me for this. I…" Tears spilled down her cheeks. "I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you."

"I can't lose you. I need you. I just don't know anymore. Cal…" His blue eyes bore into her green ones. "I'm losing."

"What are you losing?"

"Me."

It took all her self-control not to look shocked at the admission. "Lean on me. I won't let that happen." She kissed the back of his hand.

"Cal, I'm sorry. I know you don't want to be here." He looked down at their hands.

"James T. Kirk, when have you ever known me to do something I didn't want to do." She lifted his chin to look at her. "I want to be here. I don't ever want to leave. I'm sorry I wasn't here yesterday. Stupid as it sounds, I was scared."

"I understand."

"That's one of us. Jim, I really was stupid and I'm sorry. I'm here for as long as you want me to be."

"Okay." To Cal he sounded like a little boy, confused, defeated, and scared.

He needed to get out of his head, talk about something normal. "Can you slide over?" She let go of his hand, took the PADD from the shelf near the monitors. Jim had slid over to the side of the bed closest the windows. Cal climbed up with him. She purposely positioned herself slightly higher than Jim. "I thought we could look at some of the farm pictures. Sarah and Jake are enclosing the walk to the garge, and they are making the porch a full wrap around. See, they are making it look exactly like the part you designed. They are going to expand the garage. See the addition will go there."

Jim leaned his head on her shoulder. "I like it."

"Look at what Evan designed. He is taking the back and adding a mud room."

"He must be tired of Jo coming in from the stables." Jim smiled at the idea of mud and manure being trapsed through the house.

"More than a little. She tries, but there are times she forgets to leave her boots on the side porch. This way she'll come in through this door." Jim helped Cal hold the PADD. She pulled him in closer. Kirk moved the picture around until he was looking at the McCoy house. His fingers touched where his room was. The leaves of the pecan trees were still green. He didn't say a word, but Cal knew what he was thinking. "Have any of them told you what's going on?"

"About going home?"

"About anything."

"They haven't said much. Bones comes in and looks at the monitors. But he doesn't talk about what he sees. I wonder if he knows what any of it means?"

"I'm sure he does. And before you ask, no he doesn't tell me anything. He can't."

"I guess not. I don't mind if he does."

"You need to tell him that. He won't tell me anything if you don't give him permission."

Cal had been mindlessly playing with his hair. Leonard did that sometimes when Jim was hurt or seriously ill. He snuggled in closer. He hadn't missed Cal the day before, there had been too many people in and out of his room and he had slept most of the time when they left. But now he never wanted her to leave.

There were so many things they hadn't talked about in all the years they had known each other. Dying had made things a little more urgent. She had to know. He took the PADD from her and placed it on the tray table next to the bed. "Can I tell you something? I have known this for years, but in my last moments, it was the one thing I was sure of." He sat back so he could see her.

"You can tell me anything. I thought you knew that." She took his hand then went to touch his face but he stopped her.

"I want to tell you, but what I want to say is selfish. It is wrong of me especially with who I am, with what I am."

"Jim, you're scaring me." Her grip on his hand tightened. "Please tell me. It's because I wasn't here yesterday isn't it?"

"No Honey. There were too many people here yesterday. Cal…"

"Yes." Cal knew this was where it was going to end. She knew it was coming; he didn't need her. He had his Enterprise family, and she had seen Carol. No one could compete with that woman, brains and beauty were an irresistible combination. They promised each other years before that one would tell the other if they had found someone with whom they wanted to become serious. Cal just wasn't ready, not now. She took a deep breath. He couldn't know how upset she was. He had to believe she was happy for him.

"I love you. You were my last thought. I have been in love with you since that first summer. There it is. Selfish as it is, I am in love with you." Cal looked stunned. "Don't worry, I know you don't feel the same, and I'm not expecting you to."

Her fingers flitted down the side of his face. "I am deeply in love with you. I have been since that first summer." She leaned closer to him. "I love you." Her lips met his in a soft, tentative kiss. He pulled her in closer melding her to him. One thing James Kirk knew, he would never love, or be with another woman. Caroline McCoy would be his world as long as he lived.

The smell of cooking bacon woke Seri and Len. "Imzadi, I'm going to get a shower."

"If I join you, I'll never get to the hospital on time." She giggled as they went to the bathroom for their morning routine. Len left for the kitchen as Seri enjoyed her shower. Uhura was at the counter with Sarah as they watched Ben and Kat at the stove. It wasn't long before the rest of the house was up. Bacon cooking was better than an alarm clock. Jo, still half asleep sat next to her father. "Good morning Turtle."

"Morning Daddy." She yawned while rubbing her eyes. Len could still smell the mint of her tooth paste. She took a sip of the orange juice Nyota had slid down to her and made a funny face.

Her dad half chuckled. "Toothpaste and orange juice don't go well together."

"No daddy, they don't. I wasn't thinking. Daddy, do you think I could go see Uncle Jim today?" She took the plate Kat handed her as Len took the one Ben handed him.

"Let me see how things go this morning. Your mom can give me a call later in the day." Just then Cal walked into the room. "I see Jake sent you home."

"He said three hours was enough and Jim needed his rest. I swear at times he's worse than you." She sat next to her brother.

Len leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You look happier."

"I am. We talked about things we should have talked about years ago." She stole a piece of his bacon.

"You wouldn't be you if you didn't steal my food."

Seri came out with an arm full of clothes for Cal. She dropped them on the counter in front of her 'sister'. "You forgot these. I added some more things that were dropped off from the ship."

Nyota finished her breakfast. "I put all of the extras in the containers to go home. The only thing I kept here were toiletries and some of the clothes. Scotty said the ship needs extensive repairs so they need our stuff off."

Scotty walked in the house just as she was going over what he had said. "Let me know if you want any changes. Now is the time. The repairs should take about a year."

Len knew Jim might want to change some things. They could talk about it at the farm. "I was thinking I could use an upgrade on my shower. I like a seat in it."

Scotty had a knowing smile. If he had a fiancé like Seri, he could think of a few things he would want in his shower. "Got it."

"I need to head over. PT is coming in half an hour and Jake is probably dealing with Jim's temper tantrum."

Evan walked in with Crystal. "I'll take the overnight."

Cal cut in. "I was going to do that."

"How about you take the six am?" Evan wanted to be there for any nightmares. The touch telepathy would help. He really wanted Jim to get a good night's sleep.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'll take a nap today."

"Okay, but I'm going to spend some time there today."

Len kiss the ladies before leaving for the hospital. He walked into Jim having a full-on argument with the Orthopedic doctor. She was having none of his bullshit. "Captain, you may be able to order your personnel around, but in here I'm in charge. If you want out of here you will follow my orders."

"I thought he was in charge." Jake turned to where Jim was motioning.

It took all of Len's self-control not to laugh. "Not about this kid. So, doc, what's the verdict?"

"He is capable of walking, but there is some muscle atrophy. PT will be here in less than an hour to start the regimen I have set out. I put my notes in the file. Dr. McCoy, is he always this stubborn?"

"You have no idea. I'll make sure he has everything he needs. Do you think he will need a walker?"

"Definitely, for now he will not be able to stand without aide. It won't take long to get him back to his old self."

"Is there anything you can do to improve on his old self?"

"Nope sorry doctor." With that she gave Jim a sideways glare before leaving the room.

Len walked over to the bed. Jim was glaring at him. "Don't piss off the entire staff."

"She won't listen to me. I can't do it."

Jake stepped in. "She didn't say you should stand up and do a jig. She said you need to work with the PT to regain your strength."

"Kid this time you aren't going to win. Today they are just going to do an evaluation. If you don't cooperate you will be here longer. If you work you will be able to go home and sleep in your own bed. Your choice." The door opened and the PT came through. He looked around the room. "Don't worry we're leaving. Jake let's go grab some coffee." With that the two men left quickly.

Len led the way to the cafeteria. A few interns visibly avoided them as they scurried by. "Your ex loves to watch them do that."

"I know. I don't know why they all do that."

Jake grabbed two cups of coffee. Len took one as they walked to a small table in the far corner of the cafeteria. "Don't you?"

They were laughing as a group of exhausted looking interns came in. One saw Len and was ready to make a hasty exit when Len smiled at him. The young man nodded to the senior physician before heading to the food counter. "I remember those days. So, how is our patient this morning?"

"Grumpy, but fighting. I think I prefer this to him not talking."

"I know. Jake, he needs to do what they tell him to do. He won't truly heal here."

"I know. He needs to be home. I can get him to help with the plans for the new cow barn. Plus, the Perettises are talking about selling."

"Really? That is interesting. It would be nice to have access to the rest of the stream, but I don't know what we would do with it. I guess we could grow more hay or straw."

"I'll get him involved in that. He and I talked a little. I know he's scared, but I can't figure out what he is scared of."

"Neither can he." Len was studying his mug. "He's too scared to address the fear. I want him home before he really starts to deal with the psychological ramifications of what happened."

"It will help." Jake took a sip. "Len, how are you doing?"

"I don't know. Fuck, I haven't told anyone that. These past couple of days, I don't know how I feel."

"Starting to decompress?"

"Maybe. Jake, I want to go home. Kahn took a lot out of me, out of all of us. I feel selfish. The gang, they've lost so much. They don't have homes to go to."

"Yes, they do. They've been talking about it. Spock, Scotty, Pavel and Hikaru snuck into their apartments, what's left of them, and got out the last of the things they could find. Callie's was the only one that was obliterated."

"She didn't have anything there she cared about. The holos and pictures she had were duplicates of ones at the farm. She said she didn't even have a plant."

"Thank God she wasn't there."

"I do. They should be almost done by now. I'll com Joce, she can take Jo here in about an hour. Did you want to get back to the bungalow?"

"Naw, I'll grab some food later. I want to hear what the PT has to say."

"Jake, thanks again. I don't know what I would do with out you and Sarah. Who has the kids, Tucker?"

"No, though he and Meg will be staying in the small bungalow next to the Tyler's. Meg is at work most of the day and they would run rough shod around him."

"Do they have enough room?"

"Yes, Meg says it's less to take care of while they are there. Tachin and Kenakin have the kids. Evan said they both showed up to help. I hear Kenakin is helping Nadia. She asked him to show her how he did things on Betazed. Ev said Nadia really likes him and he treats her like one of his kids, in a good way."

"I'm glad they get along." Len stood, took Jake's mug. Cleaning up gave him a sense of normalcy.

Jake stopped him at the door. "Lenny, never feel that your pain is any less valid than those who lost their homes. You lost a lot. Funny none of them seem overly upset about it."

"Just happy to be alive."

"That's part of it. The rest is that they know they have a place to go, a place they can call home, even if just for now."

The men walked in silence to the elevator. Len commed Joce, she would be over soon. He also commed the PT to meet him in his office. He didn't want Jim to know what he had been told. Better to let the PT deal with his non-compliance.

"So, you left Tucker in charge?" Len opened the door to his office.

"Evan did. I doubt he'll burn anything down. Evan's bridge is working out well. You know he modified the original one he put in?" Jake took one of the seats in front of the doctor's desk, Len took the other.

"He told me. He wants me to see it in person."

"Oh, its something. George had to fight for the variances, but he got them."

"Ev didn't tell me that." His raised eyebrow said it all.

"You'll love it." The eyebrow stayed up. "You will. Rob's crop was above expectations. He's thinking of buying and operating his own gin and processing plant, but he wants to talk to all of us first. He feels with all of us in town it is a good time."

"It is. Also, Jim won't say no to Rob. I need him engaged in things."

"Rob figured. Get him back to Georgia and all of us."

"That's up to him." There was a knock at the door. "Door unlock McCoy2566."

"Door unlocked."

"I hate that fucking computer voice."

"Don't tell Jo, she'll break into it." Jake smiled at eh look in Len's eye.

The PT plowed into the room. He addressed both men with a voice drowning in frustration. "Good day Dr. McCoy, sir."

Len knew what was coming. "Can I assume things didn't go well?"

"I had heard the rumors about Captain Kirk. Everyone said he had a reputation as being a difficult patient. I thought it was all exaggerated. Turns out they down played it. Dr. McCoy you have my admiration and sympathy."

Jake had to turn away. His laughter would not be appreciated by the young man. Len put on his best professional mask before addressing the flustered man. "He can be trying at times. Were you able to do the initial evaluation?"

"I was. He doesn't need too much. We need to work on his muscle strength. It shouldn't take too long to at least get him strong enough to use a walker, a few days at most. The muscle atrophy is less than I expected to see. Whether or not he'll do it is another question."

"I'll take care of that. Just shoot the schedule to me and I'll make sure there is someone in the room to help you."

"Help me?"

"Not with your job, with the bull-headed Captain."

"Thank you, doctor. I'll send you the schedule." The man left the room a little less flustered then when he arrived.

Len turned to Jake. "He is new. The previous head was killed in the attack."

"And he got Jim as his first prominent patient? Poor guy."

"All Jim needs is a reason. He hasn't had that yet."

"A reason?"

"To work, to come through this. I don't know what's holding him back, but I know even Cal couldn't get him past it enough to not drive that poor PT crazy."

"Maybe he needs to feel in control of something?"

"That's probably true. He needs to have a reason that's all I can come up with for now."

"We should get back in there before he tries to do something stupid like stand."

"Yeah." They walked into Jim's room. The Captain sat with his legs dangling off the bed. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

"That guy doesn't know anything."

Jake went to go to him, but Len just put his arm in front of the man as he took a few steps forward. "Ok, since you know so much show me."

The look on Jim's face said it all. His eyes were all but slits. He put both of feet on the floor before pushing himself off the bed. Without warning his legs crumbled under him.

Len grabbed him before he hit the floor. "I think the head of the PT department might know a couple of things about this." Jim was unceremoniously plopped back on the bed. "Now would you please listen and stop terrorizing my staff?"

"Maybe."

Jake was chuckling at the exchange. He missed these two more than he had realized. Jim would be better able to deal with what was really bothering him once they were back at the farm, Jake was sure of it.

Jo had asked her dad if she could go see her uncle. It had been half a day, and all of the preliminary tests had been run. She could go and they wouldn't have to make her leave. PT had been completed and Jim was free for the rest of the day. Jo was excited when Len had messaged Joce to come over. Now she was starting to feel nervous.

Mother and daughter held hands as they walked across the campus to the medical center. Jo hadn't said a word since Joce told her they would be going to visit Jim. She hadn't seen him since the night she cried on his chest, begging him not to leave her. Now he was awake. Would he know her, would he be different? Jo was scared. They got to the large building and quickly found their way to the closed ward.

Joce could feel Jo's grip tighten as she opened the door to Jim's room. Jake and Len stood on opposite sides of the bed. Joce got their attention as she called to Jim. "Look at you. You look almost human. The least you two could have done was run a comb through his hair. Honestly!" Jo had let go of her hand and moved quietly to the corner of the room across from the door to the hall. Her eyes never left her uncle.

Jake defended them as Len looked over the screens on the wall. "Come on, Mama got him washed but I helped brush his teeth this morning. That's better than we did for ourselves."

Jim's eyes fell on his niece. He smiled slightly, but like Jo with him, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked small, scared. "Joce, can you take these two and feed them. They've been here all day and I don't remember either of them eating. Coffee isn't lunch." Joce knew Jim wanted to talk to his baby.

"Ok you two, let's get something to eat. Jim, Jo will take care of anything you need." Len looked at his ex-wife, her look told him she had this under control. The two men followed her out of the room.

Jo tried to disappear into the corner. Jim hated that she was scared of him. "I must look awful. I'm sorry Jojo."

"It's alright Uncle Jim." Jim extended his hand. Jo cautiously made her way to the bed. She was tentative when it came to touching him. She didn't want to hurt him. What if she did something wrong and he had to go back into the tube?

"Why don't you get up here? Your dad told me you've been up here already."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Baby, you can't hurt me. If you don't want to, it's alright." It broke his heart, the one thing he never wanted to happen had happened. His niece was afraid of him.

Jo felt him, but couldn't understand what she was feeling, it was all mixed up. She climbed up onto the bed. "I was looking at the orange bridge the night I snuck in here."

"Do you remember the day we went there?"

"Yes. The flowers were so pretty." She took his hand and played with his fingers. "Uncle Jim, you scared me."

"I'm sorry, I know I must look scary."

"No, you look fine. You almost broke your promise. That scared me. You promised me you wouldn't leave." She laid down with her head on his chest.

Jim leaned forward, held her close, and buried his nose in her hair. She smelled better than any garden or perfume in the universe. He knew what Bones meant when he said there was nothing like holding his baby. Jo was his niece, blood meant nothing; she was his. "I didn't want to leave you baby. Until the end I thought about you. You were with me. God Jo, I never want to break that promise." His tears soaked her hair, but he couldn't bear to let her go.

"I was with you?"

"Until I was gone, you were there." He shut his eyes against the memory.

Jo let him hold her. She knew he was crying. Carefully she pulled her left arm out from between them and put both of her arms around his torso. "I'm not going anywhere. And you don't get to go either."

The two stayed like that until Jim fell asleep. Jo slipped out from his arms when she felt his breathing change. Quietly she sat on the chair next to the bed as she waited for her mom and dad to come back. "Hi Munchkin." Jo hadn't heard the door open; she was concentrating on her uncle's breathing.

She jumped a little before turning around. "Hi Uncle Evan. Who has Crystal?"

"Nyota took her. She was going to get Spock and go into what is left of downtown. Something about Spock needing to get used to babies."

Jo giggled. "I would love to see that."

"So would I." He could tell she was upset. "You okay baby?"

"Just scared."

"About what?"

"Losing any of you."

"Oh." Evan pulled up a chair. "Jo, look at me." Slowly she turned in her chair. "I'm not going to tell you it can't happen, it can. But baby, you can't live your life with that fear. If you do, you won't enjoy the time we all have together. And life is to be enjoyed. One day, yes, you will lose us. But the memories we make together are how we continue to live after we die. We will live in each other's memories and hearts. Baby, let the memories be good ones. What do you think?" He could see her mind turning over what he said.

"Do you think I will stop being scared?"

"On a daily basis, yes. Want to know something?" He respected his step-daughter enough to tell her the truth.

"Okay?"

"When I got the phone call, I was terrified. Initially because I thought it was your dad, then because I knew it was Jim. I don't want to lose them either." He took Jo's hand. "But I'm not going to let that fear dictate what I do with them. We need to really live and enjoy each other every day. Do you understand what I am trying to say baby?"

"Yes. It's just hard right now. I don't want to lose you either. Uncle Evan, can I stay here tonight?"

"Baby, I'm not going anywhere. I think you can stay if you promise not to leave the room. I bet your dad could get them to bring in a cot."

"They do seem to be afraid of daddy." She was really smiling, even her eyes sparkled like sapphires.

"I'll be right back." Evan needed to find Joce and Len. Jo needed to stay to convince herself that Jim was going to be alright. He didn't want them to say no. She was a lucky girl, she had four parents that adored her.

Evan caught up with the other three in the cafeteria. "Hey, can we talk?"

Len looked around quickly. "Where's Jo?"

"She wanted to stay with Jim. That's what I want to talk to you about."

Jake got up. "I'm going to grab some drinks. Anyone want something?" He wanted to give them time to talk alone.

Joce looked up. "Jo would love some cold tea if they have any." With that Jake left the group. "So, what's up?"

"Jo wants to stay tonight. I told her if you all agree to it Len could probably get a cot brought up."

"Just her?" Len wanted to make sure he understood exactly what was being asked.

"It doesn't have to be, but I told her she would have to promise not to leave the room. I think it would be good for her. Right now, she is terrified that any of us could die. I think the two of them together might help. We could bring over one of the board games. Both of them could start to get back to normal."

Joce looked at the men. "If she promises not to leave the room, I don't have a problem. One of us could come get her in the morning. What do you think Donkey?"

"He's definitely stable medically. It may be a good idea. We have to ask him. I don't want him to feel cornered."

Jake was back. "You all ready or should I go for a walk?"

Len stood up. "No, we're all done. Jo wants to stay with Jim tonight. If he's ok with it we're going to let her."

"Sounds like a plan."

It wasn't long before they were back at the room. Jim was asleep and Jo was looking out the windows. "Hey Turtle."

"Hi daddy."

"I need to look at some of your uncle's readings before I can say yes or no to you staying the night. If it all looks good then we all think you can take good care of him." Jo threw her arms around her dad.

Joce had to interrupt. "Hey Owen, time to switch the watch. Len, call when you have an answer."

"I will." The four left for the house as Owen came in.

"So, how has he been?"

Len looked from Owen to Jim. "The medical team is getting a run for their money. He needs to come to terms with his ghosts. Jo wants to spend the night, but I want to ask Jim."

"You didn't ask him about us taking shifts."

"No, but the nightmares aren't something he worries about with you."

"True." Just then Jim started to wake.

Len walked over to the bed. "Good morning."

"Good evening Bones. Jo left?"

"She went back when Owen got here. She wanted me to ask if she could stay with you tonight."

Jim took a deep breath. "Alone?"

"Yes."

"No. What if I have a nightmare and she tries to wake me. I could hurt her."

"How about if one of us stays with her."

"Seri or Cal."

Just then Seri walked in. "What about Seri or Cal?" She walked over to give Jim a kiss. He closed his eyes as she kissed his forehead. "I love you kiddo."

"I love you too sis." Jim looked at Len. "Why don't you both get going? Seri can come back with Jo tonight. She'll know if I'm having a nightmare before I get bad."

"I can do that. What do you think?" Seri looked at Len. She knew it would be better if she stayed, she just wanted to hear his okay as the attending physician.

Len looked at both of them. "Alright, but I need to stay to go over things." He called Joce who told Jo how it would work. The little girl was slightly disappointed but understood that a grownup might be needed. She didn't know her uncle requested it only that it was deemed necessary. Seri left for the house as Len went over the charts and current readings. "Jim, you need to eat better."

"I'm eating." Jim was looking up at McCoy.

Len kept staring at the charts. "Alright, I'll have some food set from Sarah, Kat, and Mama. That should help with these numbers. Owen, can you go grab some food for our obstinate patient?"

"Sure. I'll be back." Owen wasn't stupid, he knew Len wanted time with Jim.

The door closed quietly. "So, what's going on?"

"Nothing. I have PT everyday and if I'm a good boy I can go home."

"About that, you are developing a bit of a reputation. It's bad when they feel sorry for me."

Jim started to laugh. "I know. I'll try."

"I am sending Mama or Kat here for your next secession." Jim started to protest. "I wasn't asking your permission."

"I want to go home."

"Then cooperation is necessary. Rob needs to talk to you and Tucker is taking care of the place until we go home."

"Do you think it will be standing when we get back?"

"Tachin and Kenakin are there so at least I know it will be standing." They were both laughing at some of the things Tucker had done. "Honestly Ev was right Tucker was the best person to ask. It took him two weeks to get there, but he didn't hesitate to leave where he was to help us."

"To help you."

"No, to help us. Tucker came for you as much as me. Jake said he's been coming every day to see how you're doing."

"Bones, I'll try. I hate hospitals. They…after Tarsus IV I get nervous just from their smell."

"I know. Jim, you are coming along. I don't want you in here either, but you have to be able to at least walk with a walker before I'll authorize your release."

"Alright. Bones, don't leave yet."

"I won't go until Seri and Jo get here." He put in an order for a cot. "Owen and I can keep you company for now."

"Just you two for now. Do the nurses need to come in?"

Len evaluated Jim's mood. "No, I'll take care of things."

"Except for Chris, I feel like they are all staring at me. I know it's Tarsus IV that makes me feel that way, but it doesn't change things."

"I'll give you a break for now."

Owen came through the door with enough food to feed an army. "The ladies sent this for all of us. Lenny can you call down for a table. I don't want to eat on the floor." Len sent down the request for a table and an extra chair. Once the table and chair came up, Owen and Len eased Jim out of the bed and half carried him over to the dinner table. Once Jim was situated, they all began to make plates and dig in. For a short period of time things felt almost normal.