It's been a few days after we got back form the trial. It's been a few days since I last got a good sleep. Amber liquid glistened in a short tumbler glass. Ice clinked against each other. I brought up the glass to my lips. A stool moved screeching across the floor. I didn't turn my head to look at the newcomer. I didn't need to. I had a feeling on who it was. A clear of throat caught the bartender's attention.

"Hope yer're drinkin' the good stuff, lass."

I turned my head a little bit surprised. My shoulders sagged very lightly. Scotty wasn't who I thought it was. I tilted my head towards him giving him a wink, "Of course, Mr. Scott. I wouldn't have it any other way."

The scotsman smiled, "Attagirl."

It was brief but I nearly forgot the sound of my voice. The roughness was still there. It has gotten better but not to where it used to be. The bartender returned with scotch for the scotsman. I returned to my drink. I hummed at the sound of my name. The scotsman was facing me with his drink being nursed in his hands, "How are ya, really?"

I puckered my lips for a second in thought. I swished the brown liquid around in my glass. I watched the amber liquid start to create a swirl. Finally coming up with an answer, I piped up, "I'm fine. Granted, the Vulcan Council should of done this years ago. It would have saved my family the pain and anger. I am just fine, Mr. Scott."

I tore my eyes away from my drink to glance over at the reddish haired man. An angled brow went up seeing his face looked concerned. His lips were pulled into a firm line. He pointed to the glass in my hand, "What number is that?"

I placed my attention back to my glass. I answered, "Taking an advantage of a Vulcan who cannot lie."

If it was physically possible, Scotty's frown would've turned deeper. Scotty waved the bartender down. He asked the man, "Why didn't ye cut the lass off?"

The bartender was about to open his mouth to defend himself but I beat him to it, "Oh, Mr. Scott. I'm a grown woman who can handle her alcohol well. I am a Vulcan, if you have forgotten. We cannot get drunk."

Scotty huffed taking the drink out of my hands, "I know you are a Vulcan. I also know you are human too. There is a limit to how much you can consume. I'm taking you home. And calling Spock."

I didn't fight back for my drink. It was watered down by now loosing majority of its taste. Scotty didn't drink the rest of his drink when he hopped off the stool. His hand gently placed itself on my mid-back. My mind knew Scotty. My mind knew he means no harm. However, my body reacted to his feathery touch. I moved away from him a great distance. It was hardly a whisper, "Don't touch me."

Scotty looked hurt. He looked dejected. Scotty opened and closed his mouth looking for something to say. I refused to look at his eyes. I spoke softly, "Thank you, Scotty but I'm fine to head home. I'll... I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, I left the scotsman at the bar. He didn't know if he should follow or give space.

One, two. One, two. Kick.

I breathed out in between punches and kicks. The kickboxing bag swung slightly. It was a heavy bag, heavier than most humans could handle. It was made for those extraterrestrials who have super strength. I didn't hear my name being called. I was too focused on the bag. I gave a swift kick to the bag.

"Hmph."

That noise came from behind the bag. I breathed out stopping my motions. The person behind the bag shown themselves. I breathed out, "Spock. I didn't expect to see you here."

Spock rubbed his sternum due to the bag hitting him hard. Spock cleared his throat, "I came in for my daily exercise then I saw you. I thought to come over and ask if you wanted to spar."

I thought for a moment before giving a curt nod, "Yes, sure."

Spock released the kickboxing bag. The two of us headed to the mats. A few people working out in the Star Fleet gym curiously glanced our way. Each of us took our spots across from each other. Spock had a few inches above my height. The two of us waited for one of us to make the first move. Impatience was wearing down on my shoulders. I sent a right kick jab his way. Spock effortlessly maneuvered around it. When we were younger, he was introduced to my new fighting style from kickboxing. Not only I had kickboxing under my belt but I had Vulcan martial arts too. The thought of learning these things but when it came to the moment, I froze. I continued throwing punches and kicks towards my brother's way. I didn't give him a break in between each jab. Spock caught hold of my wrist and twisted my arm behind me. I winced at the new found pain.

I let out a grunt. I moved my leg in between his and hooked my foot at his ankle. I swiped it forward making him lose his balance. He stumbled releasing his hold on my arm. Once he regained his balance, the two of us were breathing hard. I moved off the mats. I announced to my brother, "I'm going home."

I headed to the lockers grabbing my towel and personal items. It's been a week and a half since I last got a good night sleep. Spock's eyes burned onto my person as he watched me leave. He took in a deep breath before releasing it slowly.

Shoving my hands in my jacket, I continued walking. I was able to get the location of where the Enterprise was being rebuilt. A couple sounds of drilling and welding was coming from the distance. I stopped right where I could take in the view. Some sparks were bouncing off the hull. I breathed out in amazement. It was a beautiful star ship to begin with. However, seeing it being worked on was beautiful.

"I shouldn't be surprised to see you here. I hoped to see one of my senior engineers to check on the progress."

I felt my throat start to swell. I quickly glanced over at my captain. James T. Kirk. He leaned against the railing taking in the sight of the ship. Turning back to the ship, I cleared my throat, "I wanted to see it once again."

James tapped his thumbs together. His other fingers were laced together. He hummed, "It's amazing how a star ship can be especially looking at it from the ground."

I tore away from the ship to head back to my car down some ways. Jim heard I moved and called out, "Wait, you don't have to go."

I didn't turn around, "No, I am okay. I have something to do."

My ears didn't pick up the gravel underneath his shoes. I nearly didn't register his hand on my hand. I felt a light tug. His voice held concern, "Wait, T'Saraphina. When Spock and Scotty said you've been acting..."

I closed my eyes tight. I yanked my hand away, "What? Emotional?! I can't handle myself? Or how I want people to stop touching me!"

Jim's lips went into a firm line. I clenched my jaw. I felt my throat go raw to the sudden yelling. Tears welled up and started to slide down. I tried swallowing but I let out a pained gasp. Jim shook his head, "No. What brought this up? I am sorry for touching you. I... I won't do it again if you wish for it."

My voice came out hoarse, "Nothing. I... I am going home. I'll have my new orders on your desk tomorrow."

Jim's brows knitted together. He started to follow me when I started to walk away. He started, "New... New orders? Did you ask to be reassigned? Is this because of what you and I did during your Ponn Farr?"

I kept walking, "Yes, I am going to ask to be reassigned. No, this has nothing to do with what we have done in order for me to survive."

I was about to open the car door but Jim's hand pressed down on it closing it lightly. Jim spoke softly, "Please, talk to me. Why are you asking to be reassigned? Why were you drinking to the point for a Vulcan to feel drunk? Why did you have the intent of hurting your brother?"

I rested my forehead on my left hand that was placed ontop of the door frame. A few tears dropped onto the car door's window. I didn't move from my spot. Jim debated to touch me to move me. Jim asked softly, "Can I touch your hand?"

I shook my head. These past couple weeks have been hard. Jim bit the inside of his cheek. He turned around so he was facing away from the car. He leaned his body against it. I thought I was imagining it that he spoke but it was quiet enough, "I'm going to wait for you to talk with me or at least Spock. As your captain, I am going to ensure your request for new orders will be placed on hold till you can give me a reason on why. Regulation."

I turned my head slightly looking at the sandy haired man. He wasn't looking at me. With the direction he was looking at, it was more likely the Enterprise in the distance. He continued, "I am not a doctor or anything however I have a feeling it had to deal with him. I'll have Mr. Scott and Spock give you space till you are ready to talk. I won't ask you anything. I won't bother you about it. I will however see you everyday. We can do something. I won't touch you. I'll give you space but as your captain and as your... as your friend I am worried about your wellbeing."

I studied his facial features. He had a little five o'clock shadow starting to show. My heart betrayed me and beat a little faster at the sight. I pulled my head away from my hand. I wiped away any stray tears. I sniffled when he spoke again, "Also you don't have a say in this matter. I'll hold back Scotty and your brother but I don't think I can keep myself away especially when I personally seen how you are."

He wouldn't tell the woman next to him but it looked like she haven't slept in ages. I started but had to clear my throat. It still sounded rough, "Okay. Fine."

Jim turned to face me, "Starting tomorrow, I'll be over with some breakfast. We can take a walk in the park or something."

He pushed himself off when he saw me nod. It looked like he wanted to wipe away any evidence of my emotional distraught but he held himself back. Jim gave a quick nod, "Alright, see you then at 8."

I opened my car door and headed in. As I pulled away, I saw him with his hands in his pant pockets. His face held concern. I shook away the sight as I drove home. I hope that I can get some sleep tonight... It's been two weeks.