Time passed and Jim became an accepted member of Sarek's household. He still kept his shaggy hair, but he'd filled out into a healthy specimen of adult male. Spock observed Jim getting interested looks from various female Vulcans when the family went out on social excursions, which was both amusing, because Jim was totally oblivious to it, and somewhat irritating, for reasons Spock did not care to think about. Jim seemed eager to meet more Vulcans and learn more about their homeworld and many of them were willing to indulge him.
Spock had taken him to all the important sites: the debate hall, Surak's monument, the school(he was fascinated with the learning pods), and the library.
For several days, she was away on a geological expedition and out of contact with civilization. When she returned, however, she was met by a very excited Jim, waving a PADD around and looking quite pleased with himself.
He'd taken to wearing human clothes mostly and was garbed in a t-shirt and jeans.
"Guess what, Spock? I passed!" He said joyously, eyes dancing in excitement.
"Congratulations, Jim," she responded, feeling pleasure at his good news. "I take it the results were especially favorable?"
"Yeah," he admitted, still beaming so hard his eyes wrinkled at the edges. "Perfect scores on four of the fives sections, Spock! I never expected that!"
"You have a quick mind, Jim, and learn thoroughly, so I believed that you would do well."
"Maybe that's what I've needed all these years," he said, smile turning thoughtful. "Someone to believe in me.
"Well, you have at least two people who do, Jim," Amanda said, entering the room and hugging the proud young man she'd practically adopted.
"In addition, Captain Pike will be most interested to hear of your excellent scores, I think."
"He's still hoping I'll change my mind about Starfleet," Jim sighed, "but at least he knows I'm doing something."
"You certainly are, Jim. Do you still think you're going to study on Betazed?" Amanda asked.
"That's the plan, yes. Then I'll start looking into organizations where I can start taking down people like Master X and rescuing beings all over the galaxy from lives of drudgery and abuse. Who knows how many young girls and boys are forced to be used for some loser's pleasure? Or work twenty hour days with barely any nourishment? Or denied an education?"
Jim grew more animated as he spoke, hands gesturing wildly and eyes intense and passionate. Spock was struck dumb at seeing the emotions poring off of the usually quiet man.
She felt she was beginning to see the tip of Jim's long buried inner hurts surfacing. Who knew what horrible memories lurked in his memory in addition to the scars that marked his back?
"I saw so many people being sized up by their looks or size or agility and it still revolts me when I remember her calling me "pretty boy" all the time. I'm not so pretty anymore, thank goodness," (he scratched his stubbly chin) "and can finally put something to good work besides my..."
He stopped short and turned bright red, realizing what he had almost said.
"Sorry. I just about polluted your tender mind." Jim apologized. "I got a little carried away there."
"Don't worry about it, Jim," Amanda assured him. "No harm, no foul. There's no way to sugarcoat what you dealt with. The good thing about Betazed is they have many trained empathic counselors. If you need someone to talk to while you're there, they're very discreet and understanding."
"Hmm" he considered, frowning slightly. "Could be useful. Empathy can only feel others emotions, right?"
"Correct." Confirmed Spock.
"Good," Jim looked somewhat relieved. "No one needs to see inside MY head. Any poor Vulcan who wasn't shielding properly and accidentally brushed up against me would get quite the eyeful-or mindful, I should say."
Spock hoped she never saw Jim's memories of being beaten or raped either. It would likely cause highly irrational actions and a desire to scour the universe for the creatures who had caused the suffering and violently end them.
"Anyway, enough about that," he went on dismissively, "Tell me about your trip Spock. Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Indeed. There was an abundance of vulcaya in the rocky terrain outside the city." Spock held up the bags with the samples to show Jim.
Several rough blue-green chunks reflected the light with an iridescent glow. Jim looked suitably impressed and whistled his admiration.
"Striking. You say they're unique to this planet?"
"Very much so. Jewelry made with the polished stones is highly desirable and valued among Vulcans, especially those that have left our planet. I collected these less perfect samples to study them for their other qualities. It is a most fascinating element."
"Yeah, it is cool," Jim said interestedly. "Happy studying, Spock. I'll look forward to hearing your findings."