Jim didn't know exactly what to say to the young girl, but he knew he had to try. After all that had happened, he couldn't go to his grave again leaving things unsaid between them. The little girl he held up in his arms as they danced at that wedding on Betazed had long since been replaced by the adolescent in front of him, and she would be replaced many more times. He just knew he might not be there to see all of the changes. She needed to understand that and so much more.

"Jojo?"

"Yes, Uncle Jim."

"I…I don't know how to say this." She looked confused; she looked like her dad, brow furrowed, trying desperately to understand what the man in front of her was trying to convey. "You know I love you."

"I know that." She flashed one of her smiles, the one that caused stars to dance in her bright blue eyes.

"I just need you to know that no matter what I will always love you unconditionally. Do you understand what I mean by that?"

"You mean the way daddy loves me? He says that to me all the time, so does Uncle Evan."

"Yeah, like that. It means that there is nothing in this universe, nothing you could do, nothing that could make us stop loving you. I just needed to tell you that, and to tell you how proud I am of you."

"Mom and Uncle Evan say I'm a lot like you."

Jim smirked. "Don't be too much like me. It will not be good for any of your parents."

"Uncle Jim?"

"Yes munchkin?"

"Is there something you're not telling me? Did dad say you are really sick?"

"No. Why?"

"We don't talk like this. I mean I know all of these things, but we never talk like this."

The little one was too smart for her own good sometimes. "I know your dad talked to you, so you know I died."

"They said you weren't really dead, that dad had you in stasis. But I knew what it meant. If dad couldn't bring you back, then you would be gone."

"I was dead, technically. All I know is that before I died, I thought about you, about how I didn't tell you all the things I wanted you to know. Jojo, there is so much I want you to know, that I wish you were a little older so I could tell you."

"You can tell me anything Uncle Jim." Jo crawled up the bed and Jim slid a little to his left so she could sit next to him, her head on his shoulder. "I love you unconditionally."

His arm slid behind her on top of her shoulders. She snuggled into his side. "One day we'll talk about things I've done. But for now, I want you to know that you will always be one of the most important people in my life. You are my niece and that will never change. I adore you and I have since that first summer. No matter what you will always have me. I know I scared you and I never wanted to do that. Jojo, you will always be my little Munchkin, I don't care how old you are."

She threw her arm over his chest as she turned into his side. "I know that Uncle Jim, I've always known. I know that no matter what you love me and always will."

"Even if I'm dead."

"Even if you're dead. I know you won't leave me. Can I tell you something?"

"Yes, you can tell me anything."

"After I talked to Uncle Evan about being afraid of people I love dying, I talked to Uncle Jaz. He knew I was still upset so he sat with me. He told me that if we really love someone then they never leave us. That the love we feel lives even when we die."

Jim kissed the top of her head. "It does. I hope you won't need to understand that for many years, but I can tell you it does. I'm proud of you baby. Every day you make me proud. I've bored more than a few dignitaries telling them about my niece. I just needed you to know all of this. I couldn't…I just needed you to know."

She snuggled in even closer like she used to do after a nightmare. "You aren't allowed to leave me yet."

"Okay baby. Just for you."

With that the hall door opened. "They didn't have the orange slices, but they had some Betazoid fruit that I can't pronounce. You two look comfortable."

Jo jumped up to grab the chocolate milk. "Thank you Uncle Evan. Oh, I remember this. Remember Uncle Jim, they had this at the wedding. It tastes a lot like watermelon."

"I remember baby." His soft smile told Evan that the talk had gone well. "Ev, do you need a cot? I think I can have another one brought up."

"No, it would get too crowded. Plus, I think I would be more comfortable in the chair. It really is more comfortable than most beds I've slept in when off planet." In truth he wanted to be next to Jim's bed just in case. "Why don't you two play your game and then we can get some sleep after Jo beats you."

"You're so sure that will happen?"

"I saw what she did to Pavel. I have some reading to do. I need to get the proposal to New Vulcan tomorrow. They gave me a little extra time because of the current circumstances, but they want it by the end of business tomorrow."

"We won't bother you. Ev…"

"Yeah." He was pulling out his PADD and setting up for the evening.

"We need to talk."

Evan looked up. "We will." With that he began to put together the proposal he had been working on when he got the call from the chaplain. It wouldn't take much to complete, but it gave a marvelous excuse to not interact with the niece and uncle.

As predicted, Jo beat Jim, but Evan suspected Jim orchestrated her win. "Uncle Evan, you were right! I won!"

"I see. You need to go to the bathroom and brush your teeth."

"Uncle Jim, do you think I could take another shower? The shower is almost the entire room!"

"Of course, Munchkin. Go have fun." Jo ran into the bathroom. There was a waterproof closet in there with extra towels and a place to put her clothes and slippers. When she turned all the shower heads on it was like being in a heavy rainstorm, a heavy rainstorm in the middle of summer.

"She's going to miss that shower."

"Want to bet she asks for one in her bathroom?"

"Most likely." Evan put down his PADD.

"Did you send the proposal?"

"Yes. I should know in a few days. Vulcans are nothing if not efficient." He moved into his seat next to Jim's bed after turning down Jo's sheet and blanket. "So, Jimmy, you wanted to talk."

Jim turned to face Evan. They had both entered the McCoy family at the same time. Evan hadn't met everyone until the summer Jim first met the family. They both found a home, a place where they belonged. "Ev, remember that first summer?"

"I distinctly remember getting stoned on that stuff Rory brought."

Jim couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. "That was an interesting night."

"Definitely. I started out the night feeling out of place and ended in in the woods near the pond. I had scratches down my back for days."

"I didn't feel I belonged. Not because of them, because of me. Sometimes, especially now, I feel I don't belong anywhere. I'm a disappointment to everyone."

"Who said that?"

"I did. I wasn't good enough, I'm not good enough. But that isn't what I wanted to talk about."

"Okay?" What Jim had said concerned Evan, but he wouldn't force the issue. He would talk to either Len, Seri, or Lena about it.

"I know we've never talked much about how we feel. I guess I felt with you being part Vulcan, and being closer to Len, I didn't think I needed to tell you. I was wrong. Evan, I love you. We are family and I just need you to know how I feel. I guess dying has given me a sense of urgency. I just didn't want to go to my grave without you knowing."

"Jim, I've always known. I feel the same way. When I got that call. I…Jim I didn't want to realize what life would be like without you. You and I have a lot in common. Neither of us had a real family before the McCoys. Then Vulcan was destroyed and I felt even more alone. I guess I thought you understood more than anyone how I felt."

"I do. Len said I might be able to go home tomorrow."

"I heard. If not then maybe the next day. I bet Sarah is talking to Nadia. You know we all want you home."

"I guess. I think Len wants to go home more than anything."

"He wants us all home. They are setting up the bungalows and rooms for the gang."

"Really? I thought they would want to stay at their own apartments."

Evan had thought Jim knew. He knew Lena had told him about what happened but evidently, she didn't tell him how much those close to the captain had lost. "Jim, I know Mama told you about the USS Vengeance."

"Yeah, it crashed and took out Alcatraz, the wharf, a lot of high rises. He was going for the Academy and Starfleet headquarters."

"He was, he was. He took out several of the Academy buildings and damaged others. Jim, they all lost their homes."

"What do you mean they all?"

"Nyota, Spock, Cal, Ben, Hikaru, Pavel, Scotty, none of them have homes anymore."

Jim sat up straighter, almost jumping to the edge of the bed. "Demora?" She had to be alright.

"She is safe. Ben had picked her up from daycare for an appointment not long before the ship destroyed the building the daycare that was in, and damaged their home. Jim, everyone is safe. They managed to get their belongings from the apartments. Spock has been making friends with the Sulus' cat."

"Everyone lost their homes?" Kirk looked defeated, as if he were a balloon that someone was slowly deflating.

Evan shifted his seat so he was sitting closer to the bed. "Listen to me. Len has opened up the farm. None of them seems to care as long as you are all safe. Jim are you listening to me?"

His eyes seemed glued to the sheets that covered his lap. "Yeah. How about Ms. Grandy at the coffee shop?"

"She is safe. Her store wasn't touched. She's been supplying caffeine to all of the rescue workers." Evan tried to smile a little. "Len took Jo there for some hot chocolate."

"Good." Just then they both heard the water shut off.

Evan leaned back into his chair. "I'll be surprised if she isn't a prune."

"Yeah. Cal didn't mention any of that, none of them did."

"Every meal we gather at the table. Nothing matters except we are able to do that. Things can be replaced, people can't. They did salvage some things. It took more than one container to transport their belongings back to Georgia. All of their things, and yours, from the Enterprise were also sent." Jim looked up, concern in his eyes. "You aren't all fired, they need to do the repairs and it will take about a year. Scotty's taking the opportunity to do a refit as well."

"I wish someone had told me. I'm not a fucking child who needs to be protected."

"Honestly, I don't think it mattered that much to any of them. They are all excited to get to Georgia. Jim, they aren't protecting you. Nyota has been telling Demora how much fun the kitten is going to have in her new house, and Jo said she wants Demora to have her castle bed. I think they are viewing this as a big adventure. It is a healthy way to look at things."

"I guess. Hey Munchkin!"

"Uncle Jim, have you taken a shower in there? It's amazing!"

"I can't stand up yet, but I think I'll be given one before we go home."

"Jojo, you need to get some sleep. Your dad is taking you for chocolate tomorrow morning."

"Are you coming too?"

"Maybe. Depends on how much sleep I get. Goodnight baby." He kissed her on the forehead before she leaned over to get a goodnight kiss from Jim.

"Goodnight Munchkin. I'm glad you're here."

"Goodnight Uncle Jim. So am I. It is almost like that time on the ship to Betazed."

"You remember that?" She smiled at Jim as she giggled. "It was a lot of fun."

"It was. I hope we can fly again."

"So, do I baby." Jo kissed him on the cheek then crawled into her bed.

It wasn't long before the little one fell asleep. "You know, some days, especially when she runs through the house with muddy boots, she still looks like the little girl I first met all those years ago."

"I know what you mean. That first summer Len took me to the farm I was terrified of messing up with her. Now, sometimes, like the first time I saw her in this room, she still looks like that little girl with the bouncing ponytail."

Evan was playing with the PADD. "Jim, can you read over proposal?"

"I'm not an engineer."

"No, but you are an expert on Vulcans."

"Got it." Jim took the PADD and began to read. He was engrossed in the schematics and didn't notice Evan scrutinizing him.

Getting Jim out of his head could only help. The engineer got up to look out the windows. It was a clear night, rare for San Francisco in the fall. The Golden Gate's lights showed off the structure to its best advantage. He studied the way it hung, suspended over the bay as a welcome to all who visited. It was one of the reasons he became an engineer, to bring people together, the way the bridge connected people by creating land over water. He loved the infrastructure and how all societies need them to survive, how he could have a hand in that survival.

Jim had needed to tell him that he loved him. Evan knew dying had something to do with that need, but it wasn't the only reason. People were held up by more cables than held up the longest suspension bridge in the universe, and Jim was elevated by more than the average person. Well, he would have a year to figure out which of the cables led to Jim's need. Ev took a deep breath before turning to see what the captain had to tell him. "So, what do you think?"

"I think it is well thought out and logically presented. They should find it interesting and unless someone else comes with something more logical than this, I think you will get it." He handed Evan the PADD back with a smile.

"What do you think of the proposal…personally?" Evan was sure it was good, but was it good enough?

"Ev, I think it will be exactly what they are looking for. It reads like one of Spock's reports. It's better than the sedatives Bones gives me after I've done something stupid to end me up in sick bay."

"If I can get this, then I can move the company forward."

"I heard it's going to take years before the main project is launched."

"It is. But Jim, if I get this, I have a better shot of getting the big contract. I'll be a known entity, and Vulcans do prefer the known. Want to play a game of GO?"

"Sure. Ev…"

Evan had begun to set up the game. "What?"

"I'm afraid." Jim looked out the window.

Evan stopped what he was doing and moved the table so he could sit on the bed. "Afraid of what?"

"I…I'm afraid to sleep. Not all of the nightmares wake me, but I have had them every night. I see them every night, I see him."

"See who? Kahn?"

"It doesn't matter. Can you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"If I have a nightmare, please don't tell anyone what you see if you touch me. Please Evan, please."

"It will stay between us. Jim, unless you tell me I can talk to anyone it will stay between us." Evan needed Jim to trust him if he had any chance of helping the younger man.

"Thank you for that." Evan rolled the table back. "Let's go."

"Cute." With that Evan put down the black stone.

Jim easily beat the engineer. "I guess your mind just doesn't work like mine." Jim had a full-blown Kirk smile as he watched Evan put the game in its box.

"And I thank God for that." He finished the clean-up. "You look beat."

"I am getting tired."

"Do you need help getting to the bathroom?"

"I haven't used it. It's been bed pans and urinals."

Evan could see Jim's disgust at the realization that again he would need to have someone clean up his mess. "So, would you like to try a trip to the loo?"

Jim seemed to grow with the idea. He sat up taller and he looked less defeated. "Bones hasn't cleared it."

"He has to clear you taking a shit?"

The thought of asking Len for permission to shit was hilarious. "Not exactly, but he probably should know if I'm going to use the actual bathroom."

"I'll call. Also, you can get a real shower." Jim listened to Evan's side of the conversation. Evidently, he had gotten Len and the doctor was being as over protective as usual. "Len…Len seriously...That can't be a legitimate question…. Why?...I could bench press you. I think I can handle getting him in and out of a hover chair…No, I don't need any help…Stop being a meshuggener…Yes I'm invoking the Yiddish…You are…Yeah…I'll tell Josh…I promise…Get some sleep…You to…Night." Evan went to the window to get the hover chair.

"I take it you won."

"I did. He just needed to rant." Once the chair was on the right side of the bed Ev signaled for Jim to sit on the edge of the bed. "Now, when I've got you under your arms, put your arms around my neck and hold on; but don't try to help me."

"Okay." Jim placed his arms around Evan's neck as the man gently placed his arms under the captain's arms and his back.

He felt Jim tense. It was almost imperceptible, but it was there. Evan let go of Jim and removed the man's arms from around his neck. After taking half a step back he looked into his friend's eyes. "Jimmy, I need you to trust me. I won't let you fall." His hand rested on Jim's thigh.

"I know." Jim's eyes drifted to the floor.

"Do you?"

Bright blue eyes looked deep into chocolate ones. Who did he trust? Bones, sure, Spock, but who else? "Yes. Let's do this." His arms went around Evan's neck allowing the man to easily lift him into the chair.

"See, we've got this."

"I'm surprised Jo didn't wake up." The chair was being pushed to the bathroom.

"Joce and Mama say she could sleep through the second coming. Whatever that means." He pushed them into the bathroom and closed the door.

Jim was chuckling. "Read Revelation in the Christian Bible. It will make more sense."

"Do you have on underwear?"

"I can get it off." Jim slipped off the hospital gown and shimmied of the underpants. "Thank God I'm not modest."

"Don't worry, you don't have anything I don't have." Evan Bent Down and motioned for Jim to put his arms around his neck. It was easy to put Jim on the toilet before he stated to adjust the shower.

"Be careful. You'll get wet."

"I can always grab some scrubs, but you're right. Let me kick off my shoes." He removed his shoes and socks before putting them in the shower's closet. He saw that it held a towel, wash cloth, and gown. "I'll have Sarah bring underwear in the morning."

"She has morning shift?"

"She said you need a real breakfast. The eggs here still don't taste like home."

"I know." Evan continued to look in the closet to give Jim some privacy He turned around when he heard the toilet flush. "Thank you for this."

"This is what family is for. One day it could be me. I could break both my arms and then I would find out who my real friends were."

Jim feigned shock before the laughter. "We would take care of you, but for that you would owe me."

Evan came to Jim's side. "I need to do this a little different so I can get you on the shower seat. Just put your arm behind my neck like I'm carrying you to bed."

"Very funny. Asshole!"

"It's that or a fireman's carry with you dick flopping between us. Not my idea of fun."

Jim's arm went around Ev's neck as he was easily scooped up and carried to the shower seat. "This reminds me of the time…"

"I don't think I want to hear it." They were both trying not to laugh too loud as Jim was handed the wash cloth with soap on it. "I'm not washing your ass, that is on you. Hold onto the bar next to the seat. I don't want to hear Len if you fall." Evan handed him another wash cloth with no soap on it and a small cup of shampoo. "Don't wash your hair with the body wash."

"I know. Cal yells at me all the time for that. I say soap is soap." Evan left the shower curtain open but leaned against the locked door. He watched Jim as the man closed his eyes and let the warm water wash over him like a summer shower. He had seen flashes of Jim's memories as he lifted him. The terror of isolated death lay under the surface. "Thanks for this. It helps more than you know."

"I know." When they got home, he would take Jim to the tack repair shop behind the stables. They both loved the smell of old leather and horse sweat. There they could really talk. For tonight he would keep his brother safe. If this all went well, they might be home by the same time the next night. Jim could sleep in his own bed and everyone could settle in for the long year ahead of them.

"Hey!" Jim had been talking but Evan clearly had heard none of it.

"Oh sorry."

"Where did you go?"

"To the farm; hoping we can get you home soon. Also, I need your help with a few of the contracts I have. Negotiations aren't my strong suit."

"We can work on them. I guess I should finish. I see Jo's fascination with this shower."

"Maybe we can do something with yours."

"Naw, it's fine."

Evan shut off the water and threw Jim a towel as he maneuvered the hover chair over to Jim's seat. "We'll get your gown on after you are in the chair. No sense getting it wet."

"You should get change. You're soaked."

"After I get you situated." Jim put his arms around Ev's neck again. He was gently moved into the chair and handed the gown." As he dressed Evan stripped and put on the largest scrubs in the closet. The top was a little tight in the chest and arms, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Jim was put into the bed with very little fuss. "Ev, get some sleep. I'll be fine."

"Yeah." The hover chair was back in its spot and the antigravity chair was moved closer to the bed. "Lights, ten percent. Get some sleep kid. I've got you."

Kid, only Bones had called him that. Somehow coming from Evan, it made him feel as safe as it did when Len said it. Maybe for now, just for now, he didn't have to be Captain Kirk. Evan grabbed his PADD before settling into his chair. The built-in foot rest was extended as he began to go over the logistics for various projects his company had going. Jim's breathing changed as he fell asleep. It was most likely going to be a long night, but Evan reasoned he could sleep in the morning. As a PHD, a business owner, and a father, this would by no means be his first all nightery.

It wasn't long before the nightmares started. A strong hand on Jim's arm created the mental link he so desperately needed. Evan thanked whatever God existed that he had inherited touch telepathy from his Vulcan ancestry. The nightmare wasn't what he expected. He had thought it would be about the kid's death. It wasn't. That wasn't where his mind went. He would talk about that later. Now it was far more important to keep him asleep.

Through the dream of fire, blood, and death Evan extended a hand to Jim. Jim took a minute to realize who was sharing his nightmare. "Evan you need to leave. GET OUT!"

"No, you need to come with me." He had never had a subject address him during a dream, but since that was what was happening, he would go with it. "Jim, come with me now." After turning back to look at the carnage Jim took Evan's hand. They walked beyond the horror to the pasture behind the breeding stables. "Look over there."

Jim looked across the field to the stream by the wildflower meadow. Evan had disappeared and he stood alone under the Georgia sun. Butterflies and bees danced across the blue of the cornflowers. Rusty walked beside him to the pond where the snapping turtles waited for the occasional frog to provide dinner. The horse rubbed his snout up and down Jim's arm, scratching an itch that he couldn't reach himself. Their walk continued until the sun faded and the captain opened his eyes to the sun pouring into a white, sterile, hospital room. "Morning handsome."

"Morning. Sarah, what time is it?"

"Nine fifteen. Evan and Jo went back to the homes about an hour ago. He said you would be up soon. Oh, here's your underwear. I'm supposed to help you get dressed."

"I have a new gown on."

"I know. Take it off. Here are your clothes." She was pulling a long-sleeved tee and work out pants out of her bag. "We will be leaving in about two hours."

"Home." She stopped and held his hand. "Jimmy, Len is filling out all of the forms and trust me PT is more than happy to get rid of you. Cal is making sure the shuttle is set up and everyone else is packing out. We're going home sweetie."

"I don't know if I can sit that long. I still get tired." He didn't want her to know that for some unknown reason the idea of going home made hi nervous.

"Got it covered. There is a transport chair and bed combination. That should work. We'll take the pillows and blanket from here. There are Starfleet medical staff going with us to set you up in your bed. We have it all arranged. Before you ask, we set up shifts until you are completely mobile. According to PT here, you should be getting around with a walker in less than a week." Jim was looking out the window. "Jim?"

He turned to her. "That's good."

"Yeah." She let go of his hand to lower the side rail. Sarah sat next to him and pushed his hair back. "What's going on in here?" She ran her fingers around his hairline.

"What if I'm never any better than this?"

"You mean what if everyone, including Len are wrong?" There was no mocking or sarcastic tone to her voice. She could all but feel his fear.

"Yeah."

"Then we have a new normal. Don't think you'll get out of helping around the place. There is a lot that needs to be done and rest assured you'll be in the middle of it."

"Even without working legs or any real strength."

"There are logistics to be managed, livestock reports to be updated and revised, potential acquisitions to be reviewed, not to mention…"

Jim was smiling. "I get your point."

"But sweetie, I doubt that will be the case; not if you don't want it to be."

"And you'll be there."

"Try to get rid of me. Now, we need to get you dressed. Ev said you took a proper shower, but you need to brush your teeth. I'll get the basin and brush. I'm not Vulcan so there is no way I'm getting you in that chair. Put on the underwear and shirt, I'll help with the rest."

"Um, I can do the shirt, I may need help with the underwear. I have a hard time lifting up."

"Not a problem. Get the shirt on, we'll get you teeth done and this mop you call hair, then I'll help you get dressed. Oh, they have your den at home set up for PT." With that she left Jim to get as dressed as he could. She wanted to keep him active and out of his head. The day would tire him out, but she wanted him happy not depressed about the what if's he always seemed to play in his head. Most people didn't know that about the brash captain, but Sarah saw it the first time they met. She came back with the basin, glass of water, and tooth brush.

"Thanks sis. I can't wait to use my own toothpaste. This tastes like shit." He brushed, rinsed and made a discussed face.

"Well captain you should talk to them about changing the paste to something mint and not cinnamon. You know if you hadn't gotten trashed on that cinnamon shine you probably wouldn't hate the taste."

"Tasted better going down that coming back up." He smiled big. "How's that?"

"Better, now let's work on the hair then get the rest of you dressed." She had brought a spray bottle of water for his hair. It didn't take long to get it looking casual, but presentable. "There, now you look like my handsome little brother. Now if I can dress a squirming toddler, this should be easy." The sheets were pulled down and the underwear and pants put over his feet. "So, after this I guess I can say I've seen the two Starfleet hunks naked. Funny, not doing anything for me. IT is better than Lenny."

"I spend more time in the gym." He was trying to lift himself off the bed as much as possible.

"Also, you're not drunk off your ass and in desperate need of a shower."

"True. Sar, are there press out there?"

"There have been since we got here."

"Oh."

"Len wants you out today so no one gets word you are leaving."

"What do you think the chance of that is?"

"Not great, but he is trying. Don't worry, you look good."

"The hero of the Federation." The words came out through clenched teeth.

"Don't do that. Once you're home none of that matters. You know the town, no one is getting near you."

"I know. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a deer in their cross hairs."

"Well, we will be with you and you are going straight from here into the shuttle. Spock ordered the shuttle, Cal and Len talked to them about what was needed in the shuttle, and Hikaru has them landing at the steps to medical. There will be Starfleet personnel lining both sides of the steps to the shuttle so no one will be able to see us. I think that was Scotty and Hendel."

"Cupcake probably threatened someone."

"Probably."

"He did great on Kronos. I'm suggesting him for the silver star. He earned it."

"I hear he also saved a great many of the crew by evacuating them to safety while you were…"

"Dying?"

"I don't like that. How about, otherwise occupied."

"If it makes you feel better. Let me try to push up with my arms."

"It will make it easier if your ass is off the bed." Just as he lifted up and Sarah was pulling his pants over his crotch, Jake walked in.

"Well, there's a sight. You and my wife?" He walked into the room trying to look upset, but falling way short of the mark.

"You know what they say about me."

"Can you give me a hand? I don't think Jim needs his dick pulled by his pants." Jim's eyebrows shot up.

"Jim, I'm sure there were at least a dozen women who would have loved to help. Maybe I should get one of them?"

"I'm sure, maybe you should." Jake helped him raise himself up as Sarah continued to pull both pants up.

"Honestly you two are incorrigible." He zipped up his pants as Sarah and Jake put on his socks and shoes. "By next week you'll be doing this on your own." She stepped back to look over Kirk. "Perfect, well as perfect as we can get you." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Now I brought you breakfast. I'll go get the warmer." She left Jake with Jim.

"I'm with you until the shuttle gets here."

"Isn't Len, Spock, or Cal coming? They are all coming. Spock is making sure all goes smoothly. Hendel is joining us for the ride. He has no where to go so he'll be staying in our guest room. Len is getting all of your notes sent to his personal account. Cal, said she would be here as soon as she checks out the inside of the shuttle."

"Do I need to see PT?"

"No, they ae happy to get rid of your ass."

Sarah came in with a full country breakfast. "Tomorrows will taste better. Farm fresh is always better."

Jim dug in to the best breakfast he had in a long time. "Baby, this is amazing."

Jim had just finished when Len came in with Spock, Cal, and Hendel. "So, ready to go home?"

"Bones, please get me out of here. Hi, Adam. Thank you for everything."

"Jim, you don't have to thank me. No press is there."

"Thanks, really. I'm glad your coming home with us."

"Well, my place is spread over about four blocks. Not a big deal, all my stuff was on the ship and at my father's place. He's off planet right now so Jake said I could stay with them."

Len moved the hover chair over to the right side of the bed. "Ok, so here we go." Len and Spock helped Jim into the chair. "Ready?"

"Ready."

With that the gang took Jim down to the lobby. Len had made sure there was no one standing around gawking. As much as the people who worked there wanted to see the famous captain, they were more afraid of the infamous CMO. Quietly the made their way out of the building. Jim relished the feel of the sea breeze on his face. Cal longed to take Jim's hand, but she knew it would not be appropriate. The Starfleet and Academy personnel that lined the steps came to attention as they descended the steps. It didn't take long to get to the shuttle door. Scotty and Evan were waiting to help them in. Everyone was already in their seats, and Hikaru and Pavel were piloting the vehicle to Georgia. Jim saw the chair that turned into a bed locked into its spot on the left side behind the pilot. Evan and Spock put Jim in the seat before securing him for takeoff. Cal took the seat closest to his hand as the hover chair was moved to the back. Once everyone was settled in and Len was all but sedated the shuttle took off for Georgia and home.