Just for a moment before the healer had moved the five had glanced at each other as they had been watching Spock and each thought they had seen something. Chekov was certain he had seen slight movements of Spock's fingers as though trying to grip the replica tribble. Sulu was sure that he had seen a slight almost human twitching of Spock's nose. Scotty could have sworn he saw Spock try to lick his lips. Uhura knew she had seen that familiar momentary slight narrowing of the distance between the eyebrows that her friend did when searching his memory in times of what he termed physical discomfort. And McCoy had been about to look at the others as he had noticed a very slight change in Spock's breathing seconds before the healer had raised her hand.

As soon as Spock had said the second "no" the six raced to the bed and while Kirk wanted to firmly grip one of those long-fingered hands he gently took hold of the nearest hand fully aware it had been damaged, damaged because of him. Kirk did not want to think of the damage the light sheet hid from view as he knew he was responsible for it. All of this was his fault. That Spock would think of him and not want him to be alone was almost more than he could cope with when coupled with the guilt of knowing he had so deeply hurt the one being who meant more to him than he could ever fully express. Remembering how his friend could tell so much for a touch he started to almost plead for his forgiveness and for an opportunity to prove how sorry he was for all he had caused. He let Spock know he was going to stay with him till he was told by him to leave. A part of his mind was registering what was happening around him but his concern was for that special person whose hand he held.

"This is not from the meld. I was aware of no active consciousness in the meld, only the minimal activity of the systems to maintain life." The woman healer looked at Spock for a moment then at Sarek who gave a barely perceptible nod as it was clear that he too was mystified before she looked at Kirk and he sensed her momentary bewilderment and a touch of that Vulcan insatiable curiosity he was so familiar with. "Is this a Human treatment and reaction? Is it customary?"

"Madam, I apologize and must admit that I am not as knowledgeable as Doctor McCoy is with regard to Human medical treatments. Perhaps he can tell you more." Kirk unconsciously lightly rubbed the back of Spock's hand that rested in his own hand with his thumb and was aware of how the healer glanced at his hand. "I am only aware that often, with Humans, there is an awareness, even when one is seriously injured, by the patient that somebody who cared about them is holding their hand."

The healer gave a slight nod and then looked at McCoy, "I ask you, Doctor McCoy, if the actions of the four others are customary treatments by those who are non-medically trained yet with an obvious attachment to and familiarity with the patient are customary?"

"Healer T'Rayan, I have found that within the Human species there are seemingly endless treatments of patients both by the medically trained and by those with close emotional connections with the patient. I am sure each of my friends and fellow officers had their own reasons for their actions, for their way of trying to reach Spock to let him know not only that he was not alone but also what he means to them."

"Have you, yourself, Doctor Leonard McCoy, used such methods?"

McCoy looked steadily first at Kirk and then the others before looking back at the healer, "Although I have, on occasion, held the hand of a patient I have, as far as I can recall, ever used the methods used by the others."

For a moment there was silence as the healer kept looking at McCoy before Scotty took a step closer to the bed Spock was on and spoke up, "I've worked with Mister Spock for many a year and he and I would often debate the differences between Vulcan teas and the whiskey of my homeland on old Earth. We even joked that it would be fascinating to find a balance in blending the two for medicianl purposes. Knowing his insatiable need to find an answer I thought he may like to taste what I found. I knew he could nae, even in good health, deal with the Nevis as it is meant so I lessened the alcohol content. It may nae be logical but I thought the lad may like ta know."

"That's why I brought him the flowers." Sulu stepped forward and glanced briefly at his Vulcan friend before looking at the healer, "He had told me of how extremely rare the plants were, how few were known to still exist on Vulcan and was surprised when I got the four seeds I found while on a hike we went on during a shore leave on Vulcan germinated and grew. I do not think either of us thought any of them would grow and we were both pleased when they did. He said it was highly unlikely that they would flower so when I saw eight blooms I thought he might like to know they bloomed and what the flowers smell like. In his name I am gifting the Vulcan healers five of the plants, two to Spock's parents, and the remaining one will be in my quarters awaiting his return to the ship. I thought he would like to know they survived and bloomed and what their scent is."

Chekov stepped forward, "I saw how he was calmed by the tribbles before and if he could feel something like them he would relax and get into that Wulan healing trance Doctor McCoy said he needed to get into."

Uhura walked up to the bed, looked down at Spock, briefly touched his cheek, then looked from Kirk, to McCoy, and then at the healer, "We were concentrating on his memories, his interest, his likes, and his senses. We did not think of his brilliantly logical Vulcan mind but of his Human mind that is fed the joys of life through his senses. We could not do his sight but we could attempt to reach him through touch, smell, taste, and sound." For a moment she looked at McCoy then at Spock before looking back at the healer, "I think Doctor McCoy tried to reach him through his sense of awareness."

The healer looked at McCoy and it was all he could do to just look back at her and not say what he wanted to say about sometimes the old ways, the tactile and very basic ways of almost all known mammals, often beat all the modern and alien ways hands down when it came to treating other mammals. He could not be sure but for a moment he was sure he had seen a familiar indication of questioning about her face as he was sure he had seen an all too familiar slight lifting of her eyebrows. "I guess in a way I did try to reach him hoping he would react if he knew we all would all leave the ship if he is not aboard. I have seen all that he has done to protect and serve Captain Kirk over the years, I have seen the friendship they have grow, I have seen how they compliment one another and together form an unbeatable team, and I had to let him know that if he could not go back to the ship it would not be the same ship. I wanted to let him know that without him there it would not be a ship I would not want to be on, a," McCoy quickly looked at the other four then back at the healer, "a ship that none of us would want to be on."

For a few seconds, that to Kirk seemed to stretch onto minutes, the healer just looked at McCoy before looking at the others, lingering long enough when she was looking at him that Kirk was sure she was seeing into the depths of his being, then briefly down at Spock before looking back at McCoy. "Doctor Leonard McCoy, I have, over the period of time we have spent together, found you to be a most proficient and competent doctor. I now see that element of your character you were shielding from us, your emotions concerning Spock, son of Sarek. For there to be such an improvement in his condition in the manner and short time period involved I am certain it is because he is aware of not only your emotions concerning him but also those of these four others. He would also be more acutely aware of Captain James Kirk's truth about their relationship. It is clear he will recover but to what extent and as to how he will be afterwards is something that cannot be known at the moment. Know that should he ask for shelter on Vulcan he will be granted it."

Frantically Kirk tried to remember what Spock had once said about being granted shelter by the Vulcan healers as he saw how McCoy had briefly looked at him before looking back at the healer and saying, "Understood and I agree it would be best for him should he fully recover and ask for it."

A near indescribable fear seemed to seize Kirk and fill him with a deep dread as he remembered what Spock had said being granted shelter meant, selected isolation. If Spock asked for shelter on Vulcan he would be able to see friends and family but there would always be a Vulcan guard in the room and there would be no physical contact. It was all he could do not to scream out a "No." but he knew he had done this to his friend, he had caused all this to happen. He knew he had no right to have any influence on Spock after what he had done to,

"Jim." It seemed that soft voice seemed to unite all there to turn as one and look at Spock who still lay as he had but whose fingers moved very slowly in an obvious attempt to grip Kirk's hand.

"I'm right here, Spock. I'm right here. You rest. I," Kirk briefly looked at the healer and Sarek then back at Spock, "am staying right here till you tell me to go." For a few moments there was just the fingers resting in his hand and then Kirk felt them again try to grip and he could tell, from their reactions, that the others had seen some movement in those long fingers. Carefully, gently he placed his other hand on top of Spock's, "I'm staying right here till you tell me to leave you." Again there was a very slight movement of the long fingers as though trying to reassure him he knew and understood.

Kirk was aware of his deep inner conflict and was sickened knowing that Spock was likely to be able to detect the confusion cacophony that conflict was causing. Just for a moment he thought of pulling his hand away but felt a brief attempt at a possible reassuring and understanding grip from those long fingers. From somewhere in the depths of his mind came a partial quote about when a person makes a fool of themself a real friend reassures them they have not make a permanent mistake. As usual Spock had shown he was a real friend. Another slight grip. Gently Kirk squeezed the fingers and thought of all they had to talk about later, how for now Spock needed to rest.

"Well, I think we should leave them for a time, go have a good meal, and get some rest." McCoy spoke as he looked at the four others then at Sarek, "Would you care to join us, Sir?"

"I thank you for the invitation, Doctor McCoy, however I shall wait with Captain Kirk and my son and later he and I will eat. Should there be any change you will be contacted immediately. If you wish to be present for his final medical assessment, I shall ensure you area allowed to be present. I will also ensure that Captain Kirk is well rested."

McCoy nodded, "We will be all rest better now that it seems Spock will live. If it is allowed we will return tomorrow."

Sarek looked at the four who stood waiting for McCoy and then at Kirk before looking at the healer who looked back at him them over at the five awaiting the decision. Unconsciously McCoy bit his bottom lip knowing that this was a full Vucan, a Vulcan healer of all Vulcan, studying them, most likely knowing what they were thinking and feeling. Over the time he had spent with her discussing Spock's treatment on the ship he had seen a few glimpses beneath that stoic exterior. He saw the slightest of an upturn in the right corner of her lips and knew the answer before she gave the slightest of nods, "You will all be allowed to return tomorrow."

McCoy looked at the healer, "I, we thank you for allowing us to return."

"It is I who should thank you, Doctor Leonard McCoy, for you have given me great insight into not only Human medical methods but also Human nature as well. I admit that that drink you allowed me to taste was not unpleasant but is not really suited for Vulcan physiology, I am thankful you accepted that. Be assured if there is any change in his condition you will be contacted immediately. Rest well."

"Thank you. We will."

After the others had left Kirk was aware of Sarek first talking with the healer before the healer left and Sarek brought him a chair to sit in. A young Vulcan walked in carrying a small try that he handed to Sarek and left. Before Kirk could say what he wanted to say, to express his thanks, Sarek held up a hand to silence him, "You are aware, Kirk, that I am married to a Human so I have much more understanding of Humans and their needs than most Vulcans. As it is clear you intend to remain with my son you will need a seat as Humans tend to tire more than Vulcans. You will also need nourishment if you are to stay all night with my son. As I know you would summon assistance should my son need it I will leave you with him and I will return in, in Earth time, seven hours.

"Spock will be assessed in eight hours. Should he be declared fit and wish to remain on Vulcan that will be arranged. Should he desire to, and be fit enough for transfer to Doctor McCoy's administrations then his care will he transferred strictly to Doctor McCoy's care." Sarek started to leave then turned and looked at Kirk, "As I believe you are already aware of my son's feelings towards you I think you should know that when Healer T'Rayan and I first tried to reach his mind all we encountered was him wanting to know your condition and called you his t'hy'la. Although I have, since our meeting on your ship on route to Babel, been aware of his feelings toward the crew, especially the five who have left, and most particularly you. The actions of the others and your actions since learning the truth of what had happened to not only yourself and your exposure to substances that altered your thinking but also to Spock have proven that my son is correct in his choice of friends and wise in calling you his t'hy'la."

Once Sarek had gone Kirk stood for a few minutes as the impact and shock of fully realizing what Sarek had said and revealed eased. After all he had said and done to him on the deck in front of others and with so many others able to hear those damnable words Spock still thought of him so highly. Silently he closed his eyes and thanked all the known and unknown gods for allowing him the chance for a second chance to salvage the friendship he had with the special being whose left hand was resting between his two hands. He remembered how he felt when he saw the recording of what had taken place on the bridge, of what he had said and how Spock had just stood there and then left. He had felt an all-consuming anger at what the drugs had made him say, coupled with a bearably controlled fury and disgust with himself for not listening to Spock and for treating him has he had. When he had been shown the recording at the hearing, when he had actually seen and heard how he had been and what he had said, he had fought to maintain control of himself. He had wanted to bolt from the hearing and find Spock to beg for forgiveness, had wanted to somehow disappear into some other version of hell, and had internally struggled to keep breathing.

The fingers moved in his hand, a weak attempt to grip his hand. "Jim. No. Don't. Not at fault."

"No, Spock. I am responsible for,"

The fingers again tightened on his hand, "No. Drugs too strong. Not you. Stay."

"I said I would stay till you tell me to leave. I am going to be right here. You need to rest."

"Others."

"They have gone to rest up and will be back tomorrow to see you."

"McCoy tired."

"I think Scotty has something to help McCoy sleep."

"A certainty. Talk tomorrow."

"Yes. You rest and heal. I will be right here and we will talk tomorrow."

"All talk."

"They will be here. I'll stay here. Your father left me a chair I can comfortably rest in. You rest."

Another grip, Kirk could feel the strength returning slowly, "As ordered. Tomorrow."

"We will talk more tomorrow, Spock. You just rest. I'll be right here."

In the cafeteria the five had enjoyed a meal and the type of conversations old friends fall into. Each expressing their relief at Spock being alive and possibly returning to the ship. There was the old friendly and relaxed atmosphere they were used to yet each was aware of a hint of uncertainty. McCoy had sat and listened to them, stared for a moment into the half-full cup of coffee he was slowly nursing, and then looked steadily at each of his friends as they looked at him. "While I am curious, like all of you, as to how Command would have reacted had we all just left as we planned to I am more curious as to how Spock will be. I will be way more relaxed when I know for certain that his reaction to Jim being there came from recalled memories and not just having heard his voice and knowing he was there. Heaven help me but I won't be fully relaxed till I know that his reaction was one based on logic and not emotion."

"That healer seemed to know a wee thing or two. That lass knew our lad too well."

"She was highly knowledgeable about Spock as she is one of the few healers that not only did Amanda and Sarek agree could watch Spock from infancy and one of the very few that Spock trusts. Sarek will pass on to her any medical information I send them as to treatments I have used on Spock."

"She did really stare at the tribble. I thought she vould not allow it."

"While she examined the flowers Sulu left and set them aside I noticed that she held onto the tribble and that she would stroke it with her thumb from time to time and then very gently put it back in Spock's hand. I was not sure if I had seen what I thought was his fingers tighten on it but clearly she did as, when I looked at her, I saw her left eyebrow slightly arched more than usual."

"I, I thought that she had nodded at me when I said about the flowers and giving some plants to them but was not sure."

"I've a feeling that she will not only take great care of them but also analyze some of them scientifically and sample a tea made from them as I am aware of how a fair amount of Vulcan medicine is herbal in nature which seems almost at odds with a planet like Vulcan with so little in natural vegetation."

For a moment Uhura was quiet as the others looked at her then nodded and looked at all of then then just at McCoy, "I was sure I would be thrown out for my outburst. It was just how they were treating him as though he was not there, as though some part of him was not aware and they were full Vulcans."

McCoy smiled at her, "Your daring to challenge them was something that she said she admired. Said it showed loyalty to a friend despite the circumstances and with total disregard of the judgements of others. She also would like to hear the rest of the song you started to sing."

He finished his coffee then looked at the four, "I think we should all try to get some sleep so that we will be ready for whatever tomorrow brings. I have no doubt that we will be summoned early as he is to be assessed early. I do not think we should waste time thinking of what he calls the Human what-ifs." Slowly he stood, looked at each of them, and said, "Sleep well, all of you."

Almost as one they said, "You too." before standing and going to the rooms set aside for them. Each saying a silent prayer to their god or gods for the safe return of their friend as well as knowing that should he not return to their ship that they would not return either. None of them, as they drifted off to sleep, realizing how they were so much closer to one another than not only most senior bridge crews but also so many blood-related families.

Kirk was not sure when during the night he had drifted off to sleep but he woke to the aroma of coffee and opened his eyes to see Sarek standing before him holding out a mug. Before he reached for the mug he glanced at Spock and was relieved to see the rhythmic raise and fall of his chest. He looked back at the mug and Sarek and just for a moment he was about to ask how the Vulcan knew then remembered that Spock's mother was Human and did like coffee. "Thank you."

"I thought you might require some liquid refreshment before getting ready for what is to come. Healer T'Rayan will be here shortly."

"Do you think,"

"Kirk, while you slept Healer T'Rayan came down and noticed a great improvement in my son. She also noticed that even in his sleep he held your hand. I believe that if she can be assured of the medical facilities on the Enterprise being able to deal with any of the possible negative developments in his recovery she will release him to the care of Doctor McCoy."

"Would taking her on a tour of our medical facilities on the Enterprise as well as being able to meet our senior medical officers be of assistance?"

What Kirk knew was the start and quick halting of a smile on a Vulcan face and he knew he saw that on Sarek's before the man said, "I am certain Healer T'Rayan would find that of assistance in making her decision as I am unaware of her ever being on a starship, let alone one with all that the Enterprise is equipt with."

"I would be honored to take her on a dour and I am sure Doctor McCoy would be delighted to show her whatever she would want to see."

"I shall inform her of your offer. There is a small room just over there," Kirk looked in the direction Sarek had indicated and saw a door, "is a room in which you might like to, I believe the expression is freshen up. Now, if you will excuse me, Kirk, I shall go and get the others."

Gently Kirk pulled his hand free from Spock's after he had finished the coffee, briefly put a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I'll be right back, Spock. Just going to get a bit presentable before Healer T'Rayan."

When he re-entered the room he saw Healer T'Rayan with her hand on Spock's face in points he recognized as those used in a meld and Sarek standing at her side. For the briefest of moments Sarek looked up and Kirk saw the very slight nod of acknowledgment then a decidedly more pronounced nod before Sarek looked and nodded to one aide, who quickly left, and then back at his son. For just a moment he closed his eyes and thanked all the known gods for their help as well as that stubborn streak he knew only too well existed in that body on the platform bed.

If there were such a thing as a silent, respectful stampede then Kirk knew it would be how to describe how the other five arrived. He wondered if the aide had been in fear for his life having the five of them almost chasing him into the room. Quietly they approached and stood beside him. Although he knew that the full Vulcans would say it was illogical Kirk knew that there was a current of union there, a current uniting them with that being under the long fingers of the healer. At least he thought they would think it illogical until both the healer and Sarek looked at them after looking at one another. Spock seemed to momentarily stiffen then totally relax and again the healer looked at Sarek before looking at Kirk. Only after years of studying a face many said gave nothing away could Kirk see the amazement about the eyes of the healer as she looked at him then the others before back at him.

"Spock, son of Sarek, will recover but he will require time and assistance. He is aware you are with him and have stayed with him. He is aware of the others being here and desires to rejoin you and them. He will rest and prepare to meet you while you have a meal. We will bring him to you later."

An aide took them to a room where a small buffet had been prepared and although they noticed the lack of any meat there was an array of fresh fruit and vegetables. It was obvious to him, when Doctor McCoy looked around the plates of the others that they were aware he would be ensuring that they all ate something. He was pleased to see that they all were trying some of the Vulcan fruits. There was a friendly silence in the room as each thought of how they felt knowing their friend wanted to return, knowing that somehow that special bond that linked them not only to him but to each other was still there, still as strong.

Kirk looked at each of his friends and said, "Before Spock gets here I want, no, I need to apolo,"

"Ye have nae need to apologize ta us, Captain." He saw the truth and agreement on the faces of the others when he looked around then back at his Chief Engineer, "We are Human and know what drugs and attraction does to our thinking. Now the lad, for all he may know about ye, still had nae real kin about Human emotions, especially with hormones and drugs as well. It is the lad who will need you and your time when he comes back."

As he saw the looks they were giving him Kirk nodded and again looked at each of his friends and crew before he said, "Then I want to thank you all for your understanding. I also must tell you I heard what you said to him and I would have understood you not wanting to remain on the ship without Spock being there. To tell the truth I am not sure I would have been able to be back on the ship without him there."

A relaxed friendly silence filled the room while they finished their meals and coffee. It was almost how it was in the rec rooms on the Enterprise when they would meet there, with the very noticeable absence of why they were there. Although they all knew it existed on some level they also knew it was something they seldom talked about as though afraid to admit it existed would cause it to cease to exist. For now, for them, these few minutes alone in this space, reaffirmed them as a family by choice and not blood. They were a family who almost lost a member of that family, a near loss that tested the strength of that family bond. Tested it and found it still strong.

As Healer T'Rayan walked in with Spock and Sarek right behind her the six stood as one. When they stopped before them it was Kirk who first spoke, "Healer T'Rayan, if you would like to reassure yourself as to the standards that Doctor McCoy insists on maintaining in the medical areas, be it Sickbay or the emergency medical care areas, aboard the ship I am sure he would be pleased to take you on a tour."

When the healer looked at him McCoy nodded, "I would be honored to show you the facilities, Healer T-Rayan."

"Thank you. That would be most kind. I look forward to it. I shall await you, Doctor McCoy, informing me as to when you will be available to do so. Spock, son of Sarak, are you ready to return to the Enterprise as its First Officer under the medical conditions we have discussed?"

"I am ready although I am unsure if I will remain aboard the Enterprise as Captain Kirk would have communicated with Strarfleet Command that I was no longer to serve on the ship."

It was like a slap as Kirk had all but forgotten how he had filed in the discharge form there on the bridge. He remembered he had been so furious at the time he had, as soon as Spock had left the bridge, gone to Uhura's sation and filed the form and requested a new First Officer and a new Science Officer.

"You are correct, Mister Spock," Uhura stepped forward and looked from Spock, briefly back at Kirk, then at Spock, he would have but it was never sent to Command."

An eyebrow arched and Spock looked at Kirk who lookedback at him then at Uhura, "Never sent? But I, "

"I watched you, Sir, and you did not double click on the send. That message will still be in the computer awaiting either deletion or alteration before sending. It is a slight modification I installed some time ago."

Kirk saw what he knew was as close to a broad smile as Spock would allow in the presence of his father as Spock looked at Uhura and gave her a slight nod.

"It seems, Miser Spock, that you are still my First Officer and my Chief Science Officer. Are you ready to return to your duties and the ship under my command?"

"Yes, Sir."

McCoy turned and looked at the healer, "Healer T'Rayan, I will look forward to seeing you aboard the Enterprise in three standard hours to take you an a tour of all the medical facilities and the Sickbay aboard the ship."

"That will be acceptable."

SulU took a step forward, "If I may, Healer T'Rayan, I would like to present to you those Vulcan plants that I mentioned earlier."

"That will be acceptable. Would it be permissible for me to bring, to receive the plants, one of our leading horticultural scientists who specializes in herbal medicine?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then I look forward to being on the Enterprise in three standard hours." She turned and looked at Spock, slowly raising her hand as she said, "Your comrades are beings of great character and morals. Live long and prosper, Spock, son of Sarek."

Spock returned the salute, "Live long and prosper, Healer T'Rayan."

Once they had beamed aboard the Enterprise together and the engineer who had beamed them aboard had left the room Spock looked at the six in silence for a moment. Later, in private, he knew he would speak with each one of them as they had revealed so openly what he had thought existed, they had risked so much and he found he fully understood their actions. Their actions were, he knew, based not on logic but something very Human. He carefully thought through what he wanted to say, "Before we leave here I wish to tha,"

There was a barely noticeable shift in the posture of his six Human friends as Uhura walked up to him and gently but quickly placed two fingers on his lips. "Don't you dare think of thanking us for you are the one who told us all that one does not thank another for performing an action that was highly logical and, Spock, all of our actions were highly logical."

END

That's that one - will try to get the others done faster it is just life at the moment is a real exercise akin to trying to ski up an avalanche. Enjoy and have fun.