A/N: Hey, guys! Thanks for the reviews!

"Kaz!" Ona stared wide-eyed at the scene she'd walked in on. Kaz disguised by his holo was growling and had a customer half pulled over the counter. The young man for his part looked like he was about to wet himself, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

Kaz snapped his head around in her direction at her voice. "Ona?"

"Put him down, Kazzey." She said calmly, approaching them. Kaz lowered the man to his feet, his eyes never leaving her. She glanced at the customer. He was a regular, but she couldn't remember his name. She laid a hand on her spouse's arm. "What's going on here?"

The man smartly kept his mouth shut, while Kaz lowered his eyes. "Nothin'."

Ona gently turned his face towards her. She gasped when she saw the torment in his gaze. "Oh, Kazzey. It'll be alright." She stood on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck. He shuddered, hugging her tightly.

The young man seemed to finally understand what had happened. "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you two were together."

Kaz lifted his head, his expression still hard. "She's my wife. This is a family business."

The man put up a placating hand. "Yeah, I wasn't thinking. No hard feelings, man." Without another word, he turned and took his bike, pushing it out the large open front doors.

When he was gone, Kaz looked down at Ona. She frowned back up at him, then took his hand and pulled him into the hall where they couldn't be seen and pressing the button on his holo so she could see him as he truly was. The sight of him tore at her heart. She wrapped her arms back around him. "I love you. I love you so much."

He sucked in a sharp breath, his arms tightening around her. "I love you too. Stay with me for a little while."

"Of course." She breathed against his neck. And so she stayed, sitting on the stool beside him and holding his hand until it was nearly lunch time. Although they didn't talk much, just being with one another helped both feel better.

There was a knock at the front door and Dyna answered. Zak smiled warmly. "Hello, we're friends of Kala's."

Dyna nodded. "Yes, I was told you'd be coming. Please, come in." She stepped aside allowing Dask and Zak inside.

Dask gave a small nod. "Thanks."

Don stood from his place on the sofa as they entered. "Hey, guys."

Sarah touched his arm warmly as she stood as well. She smiled at the two Neutrinos. "I'll go see if Kala is awake."

As she left the room, Dask's expression turned serious. "Tell us the truth, Donatello. How bad is it?"

Don shook his head, unable to meet the fear in their eyes. "Bad. I was hoping that Neutrino would have something to save her." He frowned. "But so far, we've been turned away."

Dask frowned as well. They had spoken earlier over a com-link about the fiasco at the hospital. "I am sorry about that. We didn't even think to consider the fact that since she wasn't military, they wouldn't help her."

"Yeah, well, you should've." Mikey grumbled as he, Kala, and Sarah joined them. "Because of that we ended up walking all over town. And Kala's in no condition for that!"

"Mikey, it was only a few blocks." Kala released her hold on his arm to reach for Zak.

He hugged her. "We're still sorry. We forgot how uncool Neutrino has become to mutants." He looked up at Mikey. "I guess we kind of forgot, because we don't think of you guys as mutants. We think of you as family."

"At least Dyna was kind enough to offer us a room." Sarah moved to stand beside Donnie.

Dask looked over at their hostess. "Yes, thank you. We hadn't considered all the anti-mutant propaganda everywhere."

Mikey put a hand around Kala's thin waist, moving her to a seat. "I just hope this other doctor can help. I'd hate that we dragged Kala all this way for nothing."

"Dr. Trill is a fine doctor." Dyna set a plate of food in Kala's lap.

"Thank you." Kala looked down at the plate of food that was familiar yet unfamiliar. It had been a very long time since she'd eaten the native foods of Neutrino. She picked up a slice of purple fruit. She hummed softly as the flavor flowed over her tongue. "Wow, it's been so long. I'd forgotten just how good Bekroka fruit was."

Mikey eyed the plate with curiosity. "It's that good, huh?"

"Mm hmm." Kala hummed again as she took another bite.

He started to reach for a slice on her plate, but Dyna caught his hand with a small smile. "Here, I brought you a plate too."

"Awesome!" Mikey grinned, digging in without the slightest hesitation.

Zak gave a small chuckle. "We took the rest of the day off. So when you guys get through refueling, we can take you over to Dr. Trill's office."

"Sounds good to me." Mikey mumbled around his sandwich. Beside him, Kala continued to take small bites, savoring each one like it was her last.

It had been many years since Mikey had walked into a room and saw fear race across everyone's faces. But that was what he saw as they entered the waiting area of Dr. Trill's office. Mothers gasped and clutched their children against them. One or two even got up and ran out, their squalling little one in their arms. He felt Kala squeeze his hand and he looked down at her. He didn't need his brother's supernatural bond with his spouse to know what she was thinking. He smiled for her, ignoring the fearful looks, and she leaned into him. When she pecked his cheek, murmurs went around the room. Diligently he ignored them as well, pulling her closer and attempting to shield her from their irrational prejudice.

Behind them, both Zak and Dask moved closer. Mikey was grateful for their presence. Maybe they could convince this doctor to actually help Kala. He knew Donnie wasn't saying everything. He'd seen the looks his brother and Sarah had shared. And he wasn't blind. Kala was thinner than she'd ever been and her skin was often clammy and cold. She was even far paler than she was before. She was fading away right there in front of them.

The secretary looked at them curiously as they reached the desk. "Can I help you?"

"Dr. Ziffry sent us to see Dr. Trill." Donnie explained.

The woman frowned. "I see. Do you have an appointment?"

Dask moved up beside Don. "Our friends have come from very far away. I think he will make an exception in this case."

The woman studied Dask for a moment and the emblems on his uniform's collar. "I'll be right back." She left them and Mikey felt a small amount of panic rush through him. What if they wouldn't see her? It wasn't like they'd called ahead or anything.

Sarah was glaring at the women in the waiting area, her face redder than normal. Donnie gripped her shoulders, bringing her against his side. Mikey could tell she was biting her tongue to prevent herself from snapping at the onlookers. As luck would have it, the nurse returned quickly with the doctor. Dr. Trill was a squatty man with round cheeks and a belly to match. He was nothing like the doctors they'd seen in the military hospital, who seemed very fit. The eyes he locked on Kala were bright and curious.

"You must be Kala Nubair. Tothur told me you would be coming by. I just didn't realize it would be this soon."

Zak blinked. "Tothur?"

"Yes, Tothur Ziffry." The doctor gave Kala a critical look and then turned to his nurse. "Shama, cancel my appointments for the rest of the day."

The nurse glanced into the waiting room. Most of the patrons were gone already. "That shouldn't be a problem, doctor."

Dr. Trill didn't seem to notice himself, his attention was fully on the group before him. "Miss Nubair, if you will follow me."

"Hamato." Kala said firmly.

It was the doctor's turn to blink. "Excuse me?"

"Nubair was my maiden name. It's Hamato now. It has been for a long time." Kala gestured at the group. "This is my family." She slipped her arms further around Mikey.

Someone in the waiting area muttered a little too loudly. "No wonder she's sick."

Growling, Sarah spun around and glared so hard at the only two women remaining that they both jumped to their feet and left. Don looked like he was about to have a panic attack, but Mikey couldn't help the small chuckle. He'd been on the receiving end of that glare enough that he knew how scary it could be.

Dr. Trill raised a brow, but refrained from commenting on the situation. "Oh, I see. Very well, come this way." He turned to lead them down a long hall to a rather large room in the back. The space was actually divided into two spaces with the second being smaller, set behind a wall. "Lie down here." He gestured to a cot that was similar to the one in the hospital, but there was no display above the bed.

As Kala laid down and stretched out, Dask and Zak stepped to the back of the room to give the others a bit of privacy. Dr. Trill pressed a button on the side of the bed. A series of lights flashed. He gave Kala a polite smile. "Dr. Ziffry filled me in as best he could, but I like to do my own analysis. So, how are you feeling now?"

Kala thought this over for a moment. "A little better than this morning, but that probably has something to do with Donnie's oxygen pump." Kala gestured at Donatello standing a few paces behind the doctor.

Dr. Trill looked over his shoulder. "You must be the one that's been caring for her?"

Don nodded. "Yes."

"Then why don't we step back here and review the scans."

As Don followed the doctor into the smaller section of the room, Sarah moved up beside Kala and squeezed her hand. "It sounds like he's going to help."

Mikey let out a heavy breath. "It's about time somebody did." Sarah frowned, reaching out and rubbing his arm gently. She knew he was scared and getting frustrated with the lack of help so far. The fact was they all were getting frustrated, she only hoped that would change with this doctor.

Inside the smaller section of the room, Dr. Trill and Donnie went over the scans. Don explained everything he knew so far and what the normal treatment would be on Earth.

"It was wise not to give her the anti-bacterial. I'm not so sure it would work as it should. But we can run some scenarios on my simulator."

Don frowned. "Simulator?"

"Yes, it simulates a bodies reaction to certain drugs and the like. It has helped prevent bad reactions in patients in the past. It also will tell us how effective or ineffective certain things will be."

"How accurate is it?"

"It's had a ninety-eight percent proven accuracy."

Don gave a small nod. "What would you need from Kala in order to use the simulator?"

"Blood samples and perhaps a tissue sample from her lungs. Did you bring any of the anti-bacterial with you?"

"Yes. But wouldn't a tissue sample from her lung require percutaneous needle aspiration?"

"It would, but I'm not certain we will be able to get around it."

"Can you do it here in your office?"

"Yes. It is a fairly simple procedure."

Don glanced around the corner at his family. "On Earth she would likely have to have a lung transplant, due to all the scar tissue. Is that something your people can do?" He looked back at the doctor with reserved hope in his eyes.

Dr. Trill frowned. "Unfortunately, we have focused more on cyborg technology when it comes to injures, rather than transplant techniques. And lungs are not part of that equation either."

Don frowned. "You're saying you can't do a transplant then."

"Sadly, no. You have to understand that our home world has been under attack for eons and our people focus more on survival than on healing the weak among us."

"And that's why Dr. Ziffry couldn't help us." Don concluded.

The round man gave a nod. "Yes, he wouldn't have had the ability to help. But with my experience and the simulator, we may still have a fighting chance."

"May I assist you with your analysis?"

The doctor smiled then. "Absolutely! I would very much appreciate it as you know her history better than I."

"Then let's get started." Donnie dropped his gaze. "I'm not sure how long she really has."

"Agreed. Her case will only get worse." Dr. Trill led the way back into the adjoining room.

Mikey looked from the doctor to his brother. "Well, can you help her?"

"We are certainly going to try." Dr. Trill went about collecting the supplies he needed on a nearby counter. "I will need some blood and a sample of your lung tissue."

Mikey's eyes grew wide. "You want a piece of her lung! Isn't she already in enough pain!"

Donnie moved close to him and Kala. "It's okay, Mikey. He's only going to take a little bit, about the size of the tip of a needle."

"And she will be asleep." Dr. Trill turned to look at the rather large group. "As a matter of fact, I'd like you all to step outside, so we can start the procedure now."

Mikey straightened. "No way! I'm not going anywhere!"

"Mikey…" Don started, but his brother set his jaw. He sighed. "He's not going to leave her, doctor. Is it alright if he stays?"

"Yes, as long as he doesn't interfere and remains outside the sterile-field." The doctor went back to arranging items on a tray.

Sarah frowned and squeezed her spouse's arm. "I think you should stay too." Don nodded. He had a feeling his brother may not like what he was going to see.

"We'll wait in the lobby." Dask stopped to pat Kala's shoulder warmly and smile at her. Zak paused as well to squeeze her hand.

Sarah turned to follow them, but the doctor spoke up. "Miss, would you mind sending the nurse in?" She gave a small nod before leaving.

Don pulled Mikey aside. "Are you sure you want to stay? This type of procedure is not pleasant to watch."

Mikey frowned. "Is it going to hurt her?"

"No, no." Don assured him quickly. "But it's going to look like it."

Mikey set his jaw. "I can handle it."

Donnie wasn't so sure. "Dr. Trill, would you mind showing my brother the extraction needle?"

"Of course." The doctor held up a needle attached to a gun like device. The needle was several inches long.

Mikey's eyes grew round. "You're gonna put that in her!"

Don put a hand on his shoulder. "She won't feel it. She'll be asleep."

Mikey looked at his brother hesitantly. "You're sure about this?" Don nodded and Mikey sighed. He moved back to Kala's bedside and leaned over her. "You don't have to this if you don't want to."

She smiled and stroked his cheek warmly. "Yes, I do."

"I love you. I'll be right here when you wake up."

"I love you too." She pulled him down into a surprise kiss.

He smiled down at her when she released him. She tried to return it but he could see the fear in her blue eyes. "I do have one question though." He asked after just a moment.

Kala was caught off guard a bit. "A question for me?"

He grinned. "Yeah, could I have your lollipop when you're done?"

Kala stared at him for a split-second and then burst into laughter. She threw her arms around him. "That's my Michelangelo, always thinking with your stomach!"

A/N: That's so Mikey, wanting Kala's treat for going to the doctor! Hahaha!