"Spock what is it???" Bones said breathless when he enters Jim's room.

Spock turned around carefully when he heard the doctor. He couldn't help it but felt relieved when the doctor was finally here.

Bones looked at Spock confused when he saw an emotion on his face but more confused when he saw the child Spock was holding in his arms.

"Who is that? Was there a mission?" Bones asked.

"No. The captain suddenly said he was tired on the bridge and couldn't keep his eyes open. It looked like he was about to pass out so I assisted him to bring him to his quarters. Jim was laying on his bed when I went to the bathroom to get something. When I came back he was like this." Spock said confused.

Bones was silent for a moment and looked in disbelief at Spock. He then stared at the child. He was indeed looking like their Jim. Only in a younger version. He was skinny and had some bruises on his arms. "This is Jim?" He asked softly and approached them. He then gentle ran a hand through the child's hair while he slept in Spock's arms.

"Yes, he has not woken up but it looked like he was cold so I held him in my arms. My body temperature is higher then humans. The blanket was not helping him."

Bones ran his tricorder over the child to see if anything was wrong. "Jim is four years old and he is malnourished. He is way too skinny for his age. That's probably why he was so cold. His body needs help to keep him warm. You did the right thing Spock."

"There could be a warm sweater in his closet. I should get..." Spock begins to say and tries to give Jim to Bones.

"No... no.. you keep holding him. He needs your warmth. I... I will get the sweater. He... you... I need..." Bones stutters. This sight was unnerving.

"Leonard go get the sweater. You can put it on him. He will be warm soon." Spock said when he saw the distress in Leonard eyes.

"Yeah.. Uhmm you are right." Bones said and went to get the sweater while Spock sat on the side of the bed. Soon bones returned and helped Jim to put it on. "I probably should take some blood. I couldn't get it this morning. And now he is asleep so I think it's best to do it now."

Spock raised an eyebrow and Bones told him what Uhura told him. "He then ran out of sickbay. After that I contacted Pike." He said while he took the blood.

"You told admiral Pike??" Spock asked confused.

"Off the record of course. Jim is like a son to him so he wanted to know." Bones said and kept running his hand through Jim's hair. He knew he liked it.

"Should we tell him about this?" Spock asked.

"Not immediately. I think. We don't know how he is when he wakes up and if he remembers us. I want to know those things before we contact him. Maybe the blood sample will tell us something." Suddenly there was a beeping noise.

"Sulu to commander Spock."

Spock gave Jim to Bones and stood up to answer. "Spock here."

"Commander is the captain alright? You have been gone for awhile." Sulu asked concerned.

Spock gave Bones a look. Unfortunately they also noticed that Jim began to wake up. Spock needed to finish the conversation soon. "The captain needs my help with something right now and I think it will be till the end of my shift. You have the conn Lieutenant Sulu. Spock out."

"Well that will not help their concern. You know they will be looking for answers soon, right?" Bones said softly as he watched Jim carefully.

"It has to do for now. He is waking up and we don't know in what kind of state." Spock said as he sat down in the front of them. Slowly Jim opened his eyes and looked around.

"What's..." Jim said before he noticed his body. He carefully watched everything and then looked in panic at Bones and Spock and sat up. "What happened?! Why am I... how am I... I am..." Tears were streaming down his face and he was hyperventilating now.

Bones stood up en held Jim's face against his chest. "Easy Jimmy we will figure it out. Take deep breaths, match my breathing. You are not alone. We are here for you." Bones said in a comforting voice and walked around the room to calm him down. Spock watched them and looked helpless.

After what seems like ages, Jim finally calms down and held Bones shirt with his tiny hands. "Why am I like this?" He sniffed.

"We don't know yet Jim. But we are trying to find out." Spock answered and Jim nodded. Suddenly Jim stuck out his hand for Spock to take it. Spock looked confused at Bones before he went to Jim. When Spock was close enough, Jim put his hand on Spock's face and they immediately had a mind meld. After a minute Spock took a step back.

"You didn't had to do that Jim." Spock said softly.

"You will find out eventually. I don't know what will happen but I understand some now. Maybe this will help you understand something if I don't anymore." Jim told him quietly and Spock nodded.

Bones looked a little confused but he knew Spock would tell him if it was necessary. "Okay little man I think it's time to take a good look at you." Bones said. He kneels down and carefully he put Jim on the ground while keeping his hands on Jim so he wouldn't fall.

"Do you feel comfortable standing on your own? Or are your legs hurting you?" Bones wanted to know.

Jim kept his hands on Bones arms as he stood and was inspecting his body like it was the first time. "It's fine I think."

"Can you try walking to Spock for me?"

Jim looked at Spock who was a few meters away. Everything looked so big now and so far away. But he wanted his legs to work properly, so he nodded. Carefully he let go of Bones arm and took a few steps. Suddenly his legs felt like jelly and fell down on his butt. He was shocked that his legs didn't work like they used to do but he was more shocked about the tears that were forming in his eyes. Suddenly Spock was in the front of him and drying his tears.

"Just try again. No worries if the first time didn't work. You just try again." Spock said kindly and held out his hands to help him stand up. Jim looked at him and took his hands. Carefully he stood up like Spock did. Spock held his hands while he walked a little bit before his legs gave out again. They were hurting.

"I think that's enough for now." Bones said and picked Jim from the floor and lay him down on his bed.

"Hey! Why am I lying down?" Jim asked confused and tries to get up but Bones put him down again and took one of his legs in his hands. Spock sat down on the other side next to Jim looking interesting at what Bones was doing.

"Just doing some exercises to help your legs." Bones said. It took awhile and Jim was getting bored. So he took Spock's hand and starts playing a funny game he made up while giggling. Spock looked confused at Bones.

"Human children are easily distracted and get bored when something is taking too long. Like now. They will find something they could play with." Bones explained.

"And my hand is a playing object?"

Bones smiled. "For now it is but I don't think for long. I thinks he needs some toys soon."

"Toys? I am sorry Leonard but Jim still knows who he is. I don't think he likes being treated like a child."

"Look at him Spock. Does that look like an adult Jim? He has the emotions and behavior of a child. Sure he knows who he is but he can't control his age." Bones said as he put Jims legs down. Jim immediately let go of Spock's hand and sat up.

"Can I go now?"

"Where do you want to go Jim?" Spock asked confused.

"To the mess hall. I am hungry." He said and jumped off the bed and ran to the door but unfortunately he was too little to reach the button to open the door.

"Wow little man. I don't think that is a good idea. Have you looked at yourself? Nobody knows what happened to you." Bones said and moves Jim away from the door who looked angry.

"Then tell them! I can't be stuck in this room forever." Jim stamps his foot on the ground. Well his legs are working again, Bones thought.

"He has a point at that Doctor" Spock said.

Bones was rubbing his forehead. It was true. "Spock I think you should go to the bridge and tell them. Also we must take a look at the blood sample to figure this out. Then I think we need to let the crew know and let them keep this a secret. Starfleet can't know. Not yet. We first need to try what we can do."

"Can I go then?" Jim asked impatiently.

"After that, we can walk with you trough the ship."

"I think it sounds logical. This way we can keep Jim safe. I will go then." Spock said.

Suddenly Jim was at his legs. "Can I come with you?"

Bones walked to him and lifts him up and put him on his hip. "Not yet. Spock needs to do this alone. In the mean time you will stay with me."

"And do what? This room is boring."

Spock took one last look at McCoy to make sure it was okay to leave and McCoy nodded. Spock took the blood sample and left the room. Leonard then looked back at Jim.

"Well when I was your age we made little puppets of clothes or other things. I would bet you could make something nice. You want to try it with me?" Bones asked as he put Jim down. (Not mention that it was corn puppets he made with his mother but hey if it was entertainment for the kid why not).

Jim crossed his arms. "I am not a little child."

Bones was expecting this and he had already a plan. He had younger cousins he had babysat when he was younger. "Well it's your choice, but I will go looking around what I could use to make a nice puppet." Bones said and walked away from him. Not long after Jim followed him curiously and finally he helped Bones making a puppet of clothes.


"Spock? Is everything alright?" Uhura asked when Spock enters the bridge. Sulu stood up immediately.

"We got a problem that involves the captain." Spock said.

"I knew something was wrong." Sulu said.

"What I am about to tell you is off the record and will not leave this ship. Otherwise we can't guarantee that captain is safe for the time being." Spock told them seriously and the crew nodded in concern.

"Vas is vrong with tha captain?" Chekov asked.

"Has it something to do with the childlike behavior of the captain?" Uhura asked.

"It is. It was already happening 10 days ago but we didn't noticed it soon enough. When I brought him to his quarters to get some rest, something happend. While he slept the captain's body changed into that of a four year old child." When Spock finished the whole bridge was silent.

"Wait, wait. Are you trying to tell us Jim is a four year old child right now?" Scotty asked in disbelief.

"Yes, that is what I said."

"You are serious. How is he? Is he hurt, sad? Does he knows who he is? Who is with him?" Uhura asked immediately.

"He is malnourished and has some bruises on his body. But otherwise he is physically fine. He knows who he is and who we are but his behavior and emotions are that of a four year old child. Doctor McCoy is with him right now. Doctor McCoy also took a blood sample that needs to be analyzed."

"McCoy could just take Jim's blood without a fight?" Scotty asked curiously.

"He was asleep at the moment."

"Ah that explains a lot." Scotty said with a smile.

"I could help with the blood sample." Sulu said and Spock nodded.

"We think it's wise to inform the rest of the crew of the situation but to let them keep it a secret like the rest of us. His safety is our priority. Jim wants to leave his room and knowing him it would not take long for him to escape. We don't want anyone to be surprised or having strange behavior to him."

"I will take care of that and let the crew know. Knowing Jim, you are right. He could escape out of anywhere. It wouldn't surprise me is he could do that too as a four year old." Uhura said with a smile and the crew agreed with her.

"Uhmm vhen can we see tha captain?" Chekov asked.

"Maybe tonight at diner. We have to see how he is doing." Chekov nodded in understanding.

"Who will take care of him?" Sulu wanted to know.

"For now it will be me and Doctor McCoy. I will take over the captains duty's for now on. If this were all the questions I want you all back to work." Spock said and sat in the captains chair.


Jim was laughing while he played with his new puppet. Babbles the clothes doll. That was the name Jim gave it. Bones had to smile at the sight while he worked on his PADD and read his messages. Half an hour later Jim put his puppet on the desk and stood by Bones side.

"What are you doing?"

"Just doing some work kid. You okay?"

Jim nodded and leans against his side. Bones ran a hand through Jim's hair before he lifts him up and put him down on his lap. Jim immediately leans against his chest and looked at his PADD.

"Are you calling someone?" Jim asked suddenly.

"No why you asked?" Bones asked confused and Jim pointed at something on his PADD. Admiral Pike wanted to contact him and he sighs.

"Do you want to talk to admiral Pike?" Bones asked softly. He wanted Jim's permission first before he accepted the call.

Jim sat up immediately. "Pike is calling? Can we say hai? Can I see him?" Jim wanted to know and Bones nodded and accepted the call.

"McCoy finally! What happened to keep me updated? Who is the child?" Pike asked.

"Pike it's you!" Jim said excited.

Pike looked at him in disbelief as he saw who was in the front of him. "Jim".

"This is why it took awhile. It happend a couple of hours ago. We didn't knew how he would react." Bones informed him and Pike nodded. Jim begins to talk to Pike happily until he got tired and leans against Bones chest again but not before he showed Pike his self made puppet. Bones ran his hand through his hair and soon he closed his eyes and was asleep.

"This really happend? He looks just the same when he was that age." Pike informed him while he watched Jim sleep.

"You know why he is malnourished and has those bruises on his body?" Bones wanted to know.

Pike sighs. "He lived with his stepfather. An alcoholic. Got sometimes abusive or forgot about him. This was just the beginning." He told him softly.

Bones closed his eyes when he heard this. He suspected this but not at suck a young age. Jim just told him little bits. "I took a blood sample when he was still asleep. Hopefully that will help us."

Pike nodded. "He looks peaceful now that he is asleep. I think I never saw him like this. I don't know what you and Spock are doing but you two are doing a good job."

"Thank you sir."

"Keep me informed of the process and call if you need my help. Hopefully we find out soon. Now keep on the good job and take care of him."

"I will sir." Pike nodded with a smile and ended the call.

Bones worked on his PADD for a couple of more minutes when he heard Jim mumbling something and kept twisting his head from side to side. He decided to move from his desk to the bed. It would be more comfortable for the both of them. Bones didn't let go of Jim for one minute as he sat down on the bed. Jim now had his legs around Bones body and his head on his chest. Unconsciously Jim held on to Bones even if they sat down on the bed. His tiny hands held his shirt again and his legs were locked around his body. Bones sighs, just like a little monkey he thought but didn't move Jim around. If Jim felt safe this way he would let him. As long as Jim could sleep peacefully and felt loved. He put his arms around him while watching a holo on his PADD and that was how Spock found them two hours later.

"Hey, how did it go?" Bones asked softly.

"The crew took it well and knows about the situation. They will also help to figure out how this could happen to the captain." Spock said as he sat down on the other side of the bed. "Is he okay?"

"Yes, he was just tired. He talked to Pike for awhile when he called." Bones informed him.

"Was it not too soon for him to see Jim like this?" Spock asked a little bit protective of his little baby brother now.

"Spock I asked Jim first if he wanted to talk to him. If he said no I would not have allowed it. The talk did him good. Both of them. Pike already knew something was going on and now he knows. He wants to be informed if we know more or if we need him."

"For what would we need him for?" Spock wanted to know.

"Pike knew Jim from a young age. He could give us some inside if we don't know what to do."

"You are aware I am a Vulcan right? Jim already informed me what happened and what to expect."

Bones looked confused at him before he realized what Jim did to Spock when he just woke up. "That was why he touched your face. He let you know."

"Yes, Jim was afraid that something could happen he had no control over. Like the controle over his emotions." Spock said. They were silent for a moment and Bones returned watching his PADD. After a couple of minutes Spock noticed that one of Jim arms was hanging loose over Bones arm. The other still had a tight grip on Leonard shirt.

Curiously as Spock was, he wanted to take a closer look at the tiny hands of his young friend. So he took Jim's hand and examined it closely. Suddenly he saw two blue eyes staring at him. Leonard didn't realize it and kept working while Jim and Spock had their own conversation in mind.

"I think it's time to get some diner." Spock said after their mind conversation. Bones looked at him confused.

"Jim is still..."

Jim took that moment to sit up properly. "I'm awake." He said softly.

Bones looked at both Spock and Jim. "How long did you two talk?"

"Just for 6 minutes Leonard." Spock answered and Jim smiled softly before he moved to get out of Bones embrace and to get out of bed.

"Where are you going." Bones asked as he sat up confused.

"Bathroom break."

"I think that is a logical thought to do it before diner." Spock answered and waited by the door.

"Do you need help?" Bones asked.

"I can do it myself. I'm not a baby." Jim said and walked away. Bones and Spock shared a look.

Soon Jim was finished and walked out of the bathroom. "Uhmm so where are we having diner?"

"In the mess hall. You said you wanted to go there earlier." Spock answered and Jim nodded before he suddenly stopped at the door.

"Do they know?" He asked softly.

"Yes, Jim. Spock told the crew while you were sleeping. They understand what happend and will help you to find a cure. Everyone is aware you are a child now and they will keep it a secret to Starfleet for the time being." Bones told him and Jim nodded.

Spock openend the door and the three of them walked to the mess hall. Jim didn't want to hold Bones or Spock's hand. It was embarrassing enough to be a child again. Suddenly some of the crew came running by. Jim didn't noticed in time until Spock put him against his side. Jim was so focused on walking that the action shocked him. He now took a good look around and there were a lot of people. This place was big. Too big in the eyes of a little child so Jim hides behind Spock's legs.

"Is something wrong?" Spock asked confused.

"It's big. Lot of people. What if they don't see me?"

"We are here Jimmy to protect you for that." Bones said.

"Maybe we should go back."

"Jim we are also here because the crew wants to see you. They are concerned." Spock said.

"It's not safe." Jim said softly and his eyes were all over the place. Suddenly he felt two hands under his arms and was lifted up and put down on Bones hip.

"We can't stay here all day. Besides this way you can see everything and everyone can see you. No one can hurt you this way." Bones told him as Spock and he walked to the mess hall and got their dinner before they sat down at a table.

Jim took a few bites before the rest of the bridge crew came to them. "Hey Jim, how are you doing?" Uhura asked.

"I am good." He said softly.

"Are Leonard and Spock treating you right?" Uhura wanted to know. Maybe Jim would tell her more.

Jim looked at his big brothers. "Yes, they are okay." And Uhura nodded with a smile.

"Maybe we could make you a little ninja right now. I got little swords you could try. If you think..." Sulu begins with a smile thinking what he could teach Jim.

"It's very dangerous to teach a human child those things. He could easily hurt himself." Spock told him dangerously. Sulu immediately shut his mouth.

"Maybe he could help me in engineering then. Jim, you now can reach those little spaces. Remember those the other day? All those things we tried to reach it..." Scotty said.

"No, no and no. What is it with you two? He could injure himself or get stuck. It's no place for a child to be. And already before you two ask you can't babysit him. Not without supervision." Bones said in his best protective tone. Both Sulu and Scotty stared at him but held up their hands. Not wanted to be on the bad side of the doctor.

Uhura wonders why Jim didn't say anything but when she looked at him she saw that he was focused on his napkin. Playing with it. He probably didn't even heard what was said between them. If Jim was in his right mind he would say something about it.

"Keptin? Do you like the food?" Chekov asked to change the conversation. Jim didn't say anything. Uhura knew probably why.

"Jim? Pavel asked you a question. Did you hear his question?" Uhura asked in a kind voice.

Jim looked at here confused before he looked at Chekov. "Uhmm no. What was your question Pavel?"

Chekov smiled at the politeness of the child and repeated his question.

"It's okay. Do you like it?"

"Yes. I am already finished. But you haven't I see."

Bones and Spock looked at Jim's plate. Jim had only eaten a few bites. "Do you have trouble eating Jim?" Spock asked.

Jim shook his head. "No. I just had enough." He answered and kept playing with his napkin. Suddenly the napkin was taken away from him and Jim looked hurtful at Bones. Bones put his arms around Jim and put him down on his lap so he could eat better. But just to be sure he checks his temperature with the back of his hand on Jim's forehead. Luckily it was okay.

"You eat some more. After that you can continue playing."

Jim crossed his arms angry. "I said I was done."

"Jim you are underweight and need to eat. It's only logical to eat if diner is in the front of you." Spock told him. The rest of the crew waited in silence of what would happen. They all were now aware that Jim was behaving exactly like a four year old child. No adult mind was there. Just that of a child.

"And I ate some! I am not hungry anymore. Can I have the napkin back now?"

"No, you need to eat more then those bites you took. You have the choice to eat by yourself now or I will feed you." Bones told him seriously. Jim looked shocked. He took the spoon and took three more bites before he focused on another napkin. Bones rolled his eyes and began to spoon-feed him while he was distracted.

"How come he is underweighted Leonard?" Uhura asked.

"He changed to the time he was four years old."

"You mean to say he was like this when he was little? Who took care of him?" Sulu asked a little angry now.

Bones put the spoon down when Jim turned his face away and hide it in his shirt. Indicated he had enough. Satisfied at what he ate, Bones let him and put his arms around him. Jim leans against his chest while he kept playing.

"His childhood was not that great. Let's keep it at that."

"He is really four years old huh?" Chekov asked as he looked at the former captain.

"Yes he is. Even if he knows where we are and who we are." Spock answered.

"Does he needs toys or something? I could make him something." Scotty asked.

"I think he needs that yes." Uhura agreed.

"Spock I don't know what you will be doing but I think we are here long enough. The kid is getting restless. I will see you all tomorrow." Bones said as he stood up and put Jim down on the floor who immediately grabbed his pants leg.

"I will go to the lab to see if there is some progress already. Mister Sulu agreed to come with me this evening." Spock answered.

Bones nodded and took Jim's hand. "Okay then. See you later. Goodnight to you all." He said and walked away with Jim by his side.

"I never saw him like... he is very... protective." Sulu said when they were away.

"Who? The doc?" Scotty asked.

"His best friend just changed in a fragile little child. It's logical that he is behaving like that." Uhura told them.

"You have been around Spock too much." Scotty said.

"What do I have to do with this may I asked?" Spock asked.

"He just said that because you two are dating." Sulu answered.

"Oh Well, that makes it right to say it like that then." Uhura gave him a look.

Scotty held up his hands. "I didn't mean anything. It was just... Hey Spock? How was Jim around you in his room?"

Spock raised an eyebrow. "Just like you saw him a couple of minutes ago. I haven't been there much. Most of the time Jim was asleep."

"It vas just the first day. He is vorried. Besides Doctor McCoy is always vorried about Jim. And yelled at him if he did something dangerous." Chekov said.

Scotty nodded. "He got a point there. No one wants to be on the bad side of the doc. He can be very scary but Jim always is and is still alive."

"Haha that is true. Well I think it's time we should get going also." Sulu said and stood up.

"I think you are right." Spock said and followed Sulu out.