March 2256
Dear Diary,
It's almost the end of March; three months since Ensign Pike and I were kidnapped off the Academy campus for the purposes of unknown experimentation. We are both still very much alive.
As I'm writing this, I gaze over at Ensign Pike, who is asleep on top of her bed with her hair down and her body covered in the outfit that we are both forced to wear. Honestly, if I wasn't still reeling from the pain that my divorce caused...never mind, I couldn't put myself through that again.
I started keeping this diary after all my testing was finally complete at the end of January; the extensive testing made me feel like I had just woken up from a powerful anesthetic...
We are both treated very humanely and are given opportunities to work on our class work for the Academy, provided that we do not protest the experimentation. I hate being treated like a lab rat, but I have to remember that Arianne is going through the same thing too, so I don't whine.
Despite being treated humanely, neither of us are allowed access to any news of any kind about the outside world, even if it IS mindless gossip from a tabloid. Whoever is holding us here chooses not to communicate with us outside of the occasional interrogation we are given.
Endless bodily samples have been taken from both myself and Ensign Pike and I have no idea what our captors plan to do with them and frankly, I'm not sure I want to know...
Our minds have been probed endlessly through something called Vulcan mind melds and I find myself not remembering much from when we were first brought here. Maybe I'm not supposed to.
Anyway, I should really put this away...I'm sure we'll be experimented on again very soon.
"Doctor McCoy?"
Tapping the PADD off, Leonard looked up and saw Arianne sitting up, looking back at him through tired eyes from her bunk across the large room that they had been given by their captors to rest in, "Do you not know the meaning of rest, Doctor McCoy?" she asked, not willing to give into her own feelings and address him by his first name. "You've been working on stuff for hours."
"I'm not much for sleep, Ensign," Leonard replied as he put the PADD in his pocket and sat up on the bed he had been given. "Sleep's easier when I'm too exhausted to think about doing it."
Arianne nodded and sitting up, she quickly used a rubber band to pull her messy hair back into a ponytail, "You look like crap, Doctor McCoy," she commented. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Not particularly, no" Leonard replied in a hesitant voice. "It's nothing I can't handle alone."
Before Arianne could reply, the door opened and Soval entered the room carrying what appeared to be two sets of winter clothes under his arm. He tossed one at Leonard and the other at Arianne.
"Clothe yourselves in those and follow me immediately," Soval ordered in a monotone voice.
Exchanging a look, Leonard and Arianne quickly put on the items and got to their feet, "Follow me," Soval stated gesturing out the door. "There is another test you are both to take."
There was absolute silence as Leonard and Arianne followed Soval through a long hallway towards a metallic door; Soval then opened the door, revealing a blinding snowstorm.
"Your endurance in environments beyond your control will now be tested," Soval stated as both Leonard and Arianne felt themselves suddenly being shoved face-first into the snow.
The door slammed shut and ignoring what the cold was already doing to his body, Leonard got to his feet and helped Arianne stand up. Together, they gazed out at the white nothingness.
"We'll die of hypothermia if we stand here for long," Arianne stated as she eased away from Leonard and moved across the snow. "Doctor McCoy, we should start walking."
Before Leonard could reply, Arianne began to move across the snow and immediately fell over.
"Are you okay?" Leonard asked as he hurried over and knelt down beside Arianne.
Arianne nodded and slowly got to her feet, "I'm all right," she replied softly. "Shall we?"
Leonard nodded and was silent as he followed Arianne across the frozen desert wasteland.
After walking for what seemed like an eternity, Leonard and Arianne were surprised to find a cave that wasn't much warmer, but it was a lot better than staying out in the blizzarding desert.
"Any idea where we are?" Leonard asked, his tone slightly irritated because of the intense cold.
Arianne shook her head and promptly took a seat on a rock to rest her near frozen legs and feet for a moment, "I honestly don't have any idea," she replied, wincing as she extended her feet.
"What's wrong?" Leonard asked, catching the look of discomfort on Arianne's face.
Letting out a sigh, Arianne rubbed her left leg subconsciously, "I broke my leg a few years back and it's hurting because of how cold it is," she replied. "I'll be okay in a minute, Doctor."
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Leonard removed his jacket and placed it over Arianne's legs; he then turned away and rubbed the arms of his tunic with his gloved hands to keep warm.
"You don't have to do that," Arianne replied as she rose and picked the jacket up.
Without waiting for a reply, Arianne moved over to Leonard and placed the jacket around his shoulders; she then gently guided him over to the rock where she had been sitting.
"We'll sit back to back, that way we'll both be warm," Arianne said in a gentle tone, not wanting Leonard to freeze to death just for being a gentleman. "I don't want you dying just for me."
Leonard shook his head, "It's not going to be enough, I have to hold you in my arms and we'll keep each other warmer that way," he stated, unable to resist wanting to hold Arianne.
With a sigh, Arianne nodded and tensed up slightly as Leonard wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close while the jacket hung on his back; she wasn't used to close contact.
"Put your coat on, Doctor McCoy, you'll freeze," Arianne said, her voice tiring from the cold.
Scoffing, Leonard quickly put his coat back on and resumed holding her close, "If we're going to end up dying together in this frozen sespool, let's at least be on a first name basis," he said in a gruff tone, concerned that he could feel her tensing up in his arms. "You need to relax."
"I've never been held like this by a man before," Arianne replied in a soft voice. "Even if it is just to keep each other warm, I have to admit...it's kind of nice. How are you doing, Leonard?"
Leonard was silent, his mind reeling about the fact that she had addressed him by his first name without attaching some nasty swear word or nickname to it; he felt like a cherished person.
"I'm hanging in there, Arianne," Leonard replied in a tired voice. "This cold is making me tired."
Arianne let out a weak chuckle, "That's what the cold does," she replied gently.
As the two sat there, relying on each other for warmth, they were unaware of the figures in the shadows that had their phasers set to maximum stunning force and ready to fire.
It was quick; two shots and both Leonard and Arianne lay on the floor of the cave unconscious, yet they were in the same position that they had been in on the rock with their hands locked.
Starfleet Medical - Starfleet Academy Campus - San Francisco, Earth
"...Increase the dosage, I don't want to have to amputate anything because of frostbite,"
"...Doctor, vitals are fluctuating...maybe he's beginning to regain consciousness..."
"...Get Captain Pike in here immediately...hook up another drip feed to his arm..."
"...Doctor McCoy?...Doctor McCoy, can you hear me?"
Blurry faces greeted Leonard as he opened his eyes; he suddenly felt so warm and tired.
Groaning, Leonard blinked and everything came into focus; Dr. Puri was hovering over him with a medical tricorder and hypospray in his hands, "Doctor McCoy, can you hear me?" he asked.
Sudden pain shot up his back and across his shoulders, causing Leonard to flinch, "Your back was hit by a phaser," Dr. Puri explained. "Your shoulders and neck were suffering from frostbite."
Concerned by the fact that Dr. McCoy wasn't responding verbally, Dr. Puri quickly administered the hypospray and Leonard felt the pain dissipate considerably, "Doctor McCoy, you're starting to scare me a bit, so I need you to start talking," he said in a concerned tone.
"Where am I?" Leonard asked, shocked at how tired his voice sounded.
Dr. Puri opened his medical tricorder and began scanning, "You're at Starfleet Medical and being well taken care of," he replied curtly. "Severe hypothermia, mild frostbite, numerous bruises and strange little puncture marks all over your body indicating that you were injected-"
Gritting his teeth, Leonard slowly sat up and promptly realized that Dr. Puri had told the truth; he was in a patient bed at Starfleet Medical; the question was, how did he manage to get there?
"At ease, Cadet McCoy," Leonard suddenly heard as Captain Pike entered the room and walked over to his bedside with a PADD in his hands. "How are you feeling?"
Leonard thought for a moment, "How did I end up here?" he asked, the look of pure confusion on his face indicating to Chris that he couldn't remember the past three months very well.
"You and Ensign Pike were found at the edge of the Academy campus five days ago," Chris explained in a patient tone. "The clothes you were found in were a bit odd, however..."
Leonard was silent, so Chris continued, "Ensign Pike was treated for hypothermia, tested for diseases, and released four days ago," Chris explained. "You, however, went into massive shock from hypothermia and frostbite...there are also signs on your body indicating massive trauma."
"Sir, I don't know what to tell you," Leonard replied, ignoring the uneasy feelings that were creeping into his heart and mind. "I have no idea what happened to me or why."
Chris nodded, "From what I know of it, I'm sure you don't," he replied. "You've been gone for three months and obviously been through a lot of traumatic experiences judging by the information that you kept in a diary...It's been analyzed by Intel right now and they'll have questions for you."
"Captain Pike, I think that questioning can wait for a few days until McCoy's out of the hospital," Dr. Puri stated, giving Chris a don't-argue-with-me look. "Is Cadet Kirk still in the hallway?"
Leonard looked at Chris, "Jim's here?" he asked, eager to see his only friend on campus.
"Forget it, McCoy, you need to rest," Dr. Puri said in a no-nonsense tone. "Maybe Kirk can come back when you're ready to be released and look after you for a few days."
Leonard suddenly felt a headache coming on, "Captain Pike, is Ensign Pike all right?" he asked, unable to resist caring about Arianne any longer. "You said she was only kept here a day."
"No more talking," Dr. Puri suddenly spoke up, seeing the look of discomfort in Leonard's eyes and face. "McCoy, are you starting to get a headache from sitting up?"
Leonard felt himself nodding and suddenly, he felt himself being eased downward, "Captain Pike, with all due respect, I need you to leave so that McCoy can get some rest," Dr. Puri stated in a snappish tone. "Take Cadet Kirk with you...I don't need him in here every moment of every day."
"We'll talk soon," Leonard heard Chris say as he left the room. "Get some rest."
Sighing, Leonard let his head roll to the side as his body began surrendering to the sleep that beckoned; he saw a nurse adding a dripline to his exposed forearm, which already had one.
A hypospray was suddenly pressed against his neck and with a hiss, Leonard knew no more.
Arianne was silent as she watched her father and Jim walk out of Starfleet Medical; they both looked tired, but content. She rose from the bench she was seated on to await them.
"Doctor McCoy will be fine after he gets some rest," Chris stated, seeing the anxiety in Arianne's eyes as he knew she cared for the young doctor. "Are you sure you don't want to see him?"
Shaking her head, Arianne sighed, "I'll teach his aviaphobia course in the fall like I promised Academy Command, but for now, I think Doctor McCoy needs space," she replied in a soft tone, knowing that he needed time to process recent events in his mind. "Besides, I'm tired and there's a lot to do yet."
Swallowing hard, Arianne moved down the stairs and began walking across the path that would lead back to the library; she had some assignments to finish and final exams to study for.
"You know what, I think you need some time away from campus," Jim's voice suddenly spoke into her ear, causing Arianne to turn and see Jim standing beside her. "Go on a vacation."
Arianne sighed as Jim put a protective arm around her, "Jim, what happened to you while Doctor McCoy and I were missing?" she asked, giving him a concerned look. "Something did."
Jim gave her a look of his own, "Don't tell Bones, I mean it," he replied. "You promise?"
Arianne nodded and Jim sighed, "I was attacked in my dorm by a gang of cadets that blamed me for you and Bones disappearing," he stated. "They busted my jaw and dislocated my shoulder."
Arianne froze in her tracks and gave Jim a look, "Jim, that's not right," she hissed, anger in her voice. "Do you want me to take care of the people who did it? I might know who they are."
"Don't worry about it," Jim replied in a soft, yet anxious voice. "How are you holding up?"
Letting out a sigh, Arianne gave Jim a smile, "About the same as I was before any of this started happening," she replied. "You know as well as I do that some things don't fade with time."
"Yeah, yeah I do," Jim replied softly. "Anyway, do you need some help with homework?"
Arianne smiled, "Always," she replied. "It's been hard not having you around, Jim."
Jim grinned, "I hope it's not just cause I'm the smartest cadet on campus," he replied in an amused tone, knowing that Arianne looked to him like a sister would her brother.
"Of course not," Arianne replied, giving Jim a mock-glare. "James, I've missed you a lot."
Hearing Arianne refer to him by his actual name made Jim smile, "You are the ONLY one who can get away with calling me that," he replied softly. "Ugh, Arianne, I want to get off campus."
"The restrictions are still up," Arianne stated cooly. "Finals are two weeks away anyway."
Jim shrugged, "I'm not worried about finals, but I'll help you," he said, an impish grin on his face as he put an arm around Arianne. "We can study in the canteen if you want...I'm starving."
As they walked off down another path that would take them to the canteen, Arianne smirked at Jim's boyish nature; it was what made them such great friends, she felt safe being around Jim.
Back at the steps leading up to Starfleet Medical, Chris watched as the two friends walk and he was relieved that Arianne had someone to turn to for now...but soon, that wouldn't be enough.
Vulcan High Command Chambers - Shi'Kahr, Vulcan
Fighting to remain in control of his emotions, Soval was silent as two Vulcan guards led him before a high table where Sarek and other members of the High Command sat silently.
"Soval, have you anything to say?" Sarek asked as Soval gazed up at the High Command.
Soval remained silent for a moment, "I request that I be permitted to see the evidence gathered against me," he stated tonelessly. "This detainment of my person is unwarranted and illogical."
"Your actions have warranted Starfleet to request your extradition to Earth to face criminal charges and a trial," Sarek stated. "Furthermore, you are guilty of attempting to inflict physical harm on the young refugee known as Serij for the purpose of destroying his peaceful work."
Realizing that T'Pol and Jeris had conspired against him, Soval was silent and watched as the members of the Vulcan High Command converse amongst each other expressionlessly.
"I request to know the location of young Serij," Soval stated. "It is my right."
Sarek suddenly rose from his chair and without a word, he left the council chambers; the others took no heed of this and instead focused their attention on the criminal standing before them.
"As of this moment, you have no rights and are considered a criminal offender," another Vulcan, known to others as Samil, stated. "You shall be detained in solitary confinement for now."
Soval remained expressionless and silent as the guards led him quickly from the council chambers; the council silently exchanged looks of contemplation amongst each other.
"Admiral Archer must be contacted to arrange a date for the trial on Earth," Samil stated, his toneless voice clear in what must be done. "We also require a statement from Serij."
There was a momentary silence, "When Doctor T'Pan declares Serij is in fit enough of a physical condition for questioning, we shall," Samil declared. "For now, he will recover in Sarek's home."
Understanding the meeting to be adjourned, the remaining members of the council got up and filed from the room in silence, unaware that Soval had faintly overheard the conversation.
House of Sarek - Vulcan
Jeris, you are doing well.
Captain Nero, my mind and body grow weary of fraternizing with these Vulcans and being forced to endure the culture which I am now immersed in...Soval attacked me out of rage, which I did not think Vulcans were capable of...I am in pain beyond my comprehension...
I know, Jeris...I felt it...every bit of it...yet I have kept my vow of silence.
Forgive me, Nero...I remember that you are suffering so much greater than I am.
All is forgiven, Jeris...I will contact you again when the time has arrived...
As Jeris felt Nero's presence leave his mind, he opened the one eye that had not been swollen shut from Soval's attack; he was alone in the guest quarters of Sarek's family home.
The door suddenly slid open and Amanda entered the room, followed by a Vulcan attendant who carried a tray containing a bowl of pleomeek soup and a mug of steaming liquid. Jeris watched as the attendant carried the tray to the bedside table and lingered, as if expecting instruction.
Jeris felt his left fingers automatically lift and then suddenly remembering that his entire left arm was enclosed in a metallic device that was holding it in place until it healed; Soval had not only pulled it from its socket, he had also broken it into several pieces, used his face for a punching bag, cracked several of his ribs, and left him with several undesirable bruises and bad cuts.
Physicians at the Vulcan Medical Institute had done what they could for him; they had eliminated the cuts and bruises with a dermal regenerator, they had set his ribs, and they had put his arm in a metallic traction device until it was healed; however, they could do nothing for his swollen eye.
"Young Serij, how are you feeling tonight?" Amanda asked in a gentle tone, her heart going out to the young student who had suffered a devestating attack. "I figured you might like some food."
Jeris nodded; no doubt Soval would be sent back to Earth for a hearing on Starfleet properties and he would then have another chance to complete his task. Although the information gathered from Pike and McCoy had been intriguing, T'Pol wanted more information on Pike specifically.
It was if that meeting last November had triggered something in T'Pol's long memory; the Vulcan had repeatedly demanded another meeting with the one known as Arianne Christine Pike, as to her, something didn't seem right about the one who had been adopted by Chris Pike long ago.
James Kirk had served as a challenge during their first encounter, so T'Pol wanted another meeting with him so that she could leave him some reminders on how not to mess with greater authority.
"Forgive my silence, Lady Grayson," Jeris stated, suddenly noticing that Amanda and the attendant were watching him with looks of concern. "I was lost in thought for a moment."
Amanda nodded, a look of understanding on her face; no doubt Serij was contemplating the work he had lost when Soval had attacked him and destroyed his private lab...it was years of research lost.
"T'Marta will help you to eat and ensure that you are comfortable," Amanda replied, her tone full of compassion over the fact that he had lost not only his family, he had lost most of his work too.
Pretending to look as if he were still slightly in shock and overwhelmed at the tragedies that had recently befalled him, Jeris managed a nod and turned his gaze towards the ceiling.
Biting her lip, Amanda sighed and silently left the room, her heart going out to the young half-Vulcan who had suffered many personal losses; she hoped he would be able to find peace.
A short way down the hallway, Amanda was perplexed to find Sarek lingering there, a thoughtful expression on his face. Smiling, she pressed two fingers against the two that he offered to her.
"My wife, I was engaged in listening at Soval's hearing when I was suddenly overcome with a thought that all is not well in Arianne Pike's life at the current time," Sarek stated as the two began descending a flight of stairs to a lower level of their home. "Cadet Kirk knows this and it became apparent to me when I melded with him to save his life four Earth months ago in San Francisco."
Amanda was quiet for a moment as they reached the bottom of the stairwell, "What do you propose to do about this situation with Arianne, Sarek?" she asked, her voice full of concern for the young lady whom both Sarek and herself looked upon as the daughter they had never had.
"Amanda, you knew her when she was at a younger age, so I am leaving this matter entirely in your hands," Sarek replied in a monotone voice. "Perhaps it would be prudent for you to contact Captain Pike and ascertain his thoughts on his daughter's current state...he may be able to provide help."
Amanda nodded, "I had been considering that since November, but I don't wish to do anything behind Arianne's back," she stated softly as the two walked through the lower level hallway and out on to the balcony of their home. "Maybe I could talk Spock into approaching her next semester when she will be in his xenolingustics class...I just worry about her during the summer months."
"Perhaps when we visit Earth again as part of my Ambassadorial duties, you will have a chance to speak with Spock about the matter," Sarek stated. "I am required to be a part of the hearing board during Soval's trial within the Starfleet properties and it will occur during the Earth month of July."
Resisting the urge to express joy about having the chance to provide help to Arianne yet again, Amanda nodded and lingered beside her husband in silence. As they watched the Vulcan day slowly descend into night, their fingers touched intimately and remained frozen in that position.
Starfleet Academy - Sickbay Simulation Room - April 2256
"Oh, crap, I missed the vein again," Arianne hissed, tears of frustration pooling in her eyes as she hovered over the medical simulation bed where Jim lay with his arm out and sleeve rolled up.
Letting out a sigh, Jim sat up and gently patted her shoulder, "You have until May to get all that basic medical stuff down pat," he said in a gentle voice. "Besides, you've done some of it before."
Arianne sighed and sat down on the biobed next to him, "Jim, I took basic medical care according to civilian standards," she replied softly. "Starfleet medicine is completely different and I'm taking it in the summer so that I'll have a fallback in case I can't get a posting in the Command Track-"
"-Because of your disabilities, right?" Jim asked, giving Arianne a knowing look. "Captain Pike is your dad and he wouldn't set you up to fail. Both he and I think you'll be good in a command role."
Biting her lip, Arianne hopped off the biobed, "Yeah, but besides you, my father, Doctor Phlox, and Doctor Puri, nobody else knows that I have those issues," she stated, gazing at him. "If everyone else on campus finds out about them...well...let's just say that I'll be the unwanted-"
"Don't even say it," Jim stated, holding up a hand to cut her off. "I don't want to hear it and you shouldn't think of yourself like that. You are a wonderful person and anyone who doesn't think so and chooses to treat you like crap is...well...let's just say that they aren't worth your time."
Arianne was silent, causing Jim to sigh, "Okay, so hooking up driplines isn't your strength yet," he said, hoping to draw her into another conversation. "Do you wanna try the medical tricorder?"
Remaining silent, Arianne nodded and grabbed the medical tricorder off the tray of tools that she and Jim had set up at the beginning of their time in the sim room. Jim lay back down on the biobed and closed his eyes so that Arianne could practice treating an 'unconscious' person.
"Okay, assess the patient," Arianne murmured as she activated the medical tricorder and slowly scanned Jim with it. "Next, the ABC's...Airway, Breathing, Circulation."
Unaware that she was being watched by Leonard, who had been released from Sickbay two days ago and had come to practice his medical skills for the upcoming practical final exams, Arianne carefully checked Jim's airway. She then placed her head on Jim's chest to check his breathing.
For a few moments, she listened and then Jim suddenly began to giggle, "Your hair is tickling my face," he said, opening his eyes as Arianne stood up and gave him a dirty look. "Can you put it up in a scrunchie or something and we can start again? I'm sorry for not being a very good patient."
Nodding, Arianne pulled a scrunchie out of the pocket of her cadet jacket and quickly pulled her hair into a tight bun that sat on the top of her head. Her eyes widened as she suddenly noticed Leonard lingering by the door in his cadet reds with his arms crossed and his med-kit in hand.
"For the record, Jim, you're a lousy patient," Leonard commented as he moved over to where Jim was laying on the biobed. "What are you two doing in here anyway? This is a sickbay simulation room for Medical students and last I checked, you two were in the Command track."
Jim sat up and opened his mouth to reply, but Arianne beat him to it, "You're right, what am I doing here trying to do something meaningful with my life since I can't have what women my age are supposed to be dreaming of?" she snapped, unable to control her frustration any longer.
Leonard's eyes widened in shock, "I have finals to study for in the track that will probably put me at a desk for the rest of my life," Arianne snapped at Leonard before giving Jim an apologetic look that he knew was her expressing hurt feelings. "I'll see you later at the library, okay Jim?"
Jim nodded and watched as Arianne dropped the tricorder on the medical tray and left the room at a speedwalk, "Bones, you really have to work on your beside manner," Jim commented, his tone full of irritation that Arianne was upset. "It's good to see you're feeling better, by the way."
Leonard scowled, "Don't even start with me, Jim," he snapped. "You didn't come by to see me get released from Starfleet Medical two days ago and I get back to the dorm only to find out that your stuff is all gone. I heard from Cadet Uhura that you're boarding with Admiral Archer now."
Jim sighed and began packing up the medical tray, "Well, it was at Captain Pike's insistence after I got the crap beaten out of me by some of your buddies a few months ago," he replied in a cool tone that was very unlike him. "I've been working as Archer's TA and he gave me a place to live."
"I heard from Doctor Puri that six medical cadets had been expelled, but he didn't tell me anything else," Leonard stated, recalling a conversation he had shared with Dr. Puri while being confined to the patient bay at Starfleet Medical. "I thought the grounds had better security, honestly-"
Jim glared at him, "I wasn't attacked on the grounds, Bones, they showed up at the dorm and they beat the crap out of me and could have killed Doctor Phlox!" he yelled, his frustration about his friend's inability to show compassion coming out in his angry voice. "They dislocated my left shoulder, broke some of my ribs, and busted my jaw all because they thought I had something to do with your disappearance from campus! This is what I get for being a friend to you and you can't even say thank you, let alone show some compassion towards the one who shared your captivity!"
Too shocked to say anything, Leonard made to turn away, but Jim grabbed his shoulder, "I'm not your ex-wife who hurt you, so you better stand there and listen to what I have to say," Jim snapped, his eyes blazing fury. "It killed me when you and Arianne were kidnapped, as you two are the only friends I have on this entire planet! When I see that you have this horrible tendency to make her feel uncomfortable around you and everyone else, it kills me...it really does..and you don't even care."
"Jim, I-" Leonard began, stunned when Jim raised a hand to shut him up.
Jim sighed and stopped packing up the medical tray, "I'm not exactly a wanted creature myself around here, Bones," he stated angrily. "I can't deal with the thought of not being able to have both of you as my friend because you two can't get along worth anything. You may see her as the spoiled brat daughter of Captain Pike, but I don't and never will see her that way."
Leonard scoffed, causing Jim to hit him in the jaw, "If you'll excuse me, I have to go do some damage control and study for finals," Jim stated cooly. "Maybe you'd better take some time to think about if you really want true friends in this world and if you even want to be here at all."
Without waiting for a reply, Jim left the room, leaving Leonard alone with his shock and thoughts.
Two Weeks Later
Starfleet Medical - 800 H
The door slid open and Dr. Puri entered the room with a stylus in his hand and looked at Arianne, who was seated on the exam table dressed in a patient gown. He noticed that Cadet Kirk was sitting on a stool beside the exam table, his hand and Arianne's tightly locked together.
"Okay, so it's progressed to between stage two and three," Dr. Puri stated in a grave tone as he took a seat on the stool across from the exam table. "The scan I took a few hours ago showed cysts and at this point, there are two options...both of them with risks."
Arianne nodded and gave Jim's hand a squeeze, "You can either have a total hysterectomy which will eliminate your chances of childbearing someday," Dr. Puro explained calmly. "Your second option is to undergo surgery to deal with the cysts directly."
"I don't like either option, I want to have children someday," Arianne stated, irritation in her tired voice. "Besides, I am taking medical classes during the summer semester and I want to be well."
Dr. Puri sighed, "I can put you on some progesterone," he replied. "However, I do have to warn you that the medication can have numerous side affects that may negatively impact your health."
"Arianne, this sounds dangerous," Jim spoke up in a concerned tone. "Maybe you should consider the surgery and not risk side effects from medications. Who knows what it could do to you?"
Arianne sighed, "I just want to try the progesterone for a little while, Jim," she replied in a gentle tone. "If it doesn't work or if the side effects are too severe, I'll consider other options."
Jim nodded, "I'll support you through this," he replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Okay?"
Arianne nodded and looked back at Dr. Puri, "I'll provide you with enough pills to get through the next few months and I want to see you again in the fall, before term starts," Dr. Puri stated in a no-nonsense tone as he made some notes on the stylus. "Take them once a day and log any side effects that you might experience. You're still living in your father's house on campus, right?"
Arianne nodded, "If it's all right with you, I'll send him a copy of the prescription and advise him to keep an eye on you when possible," Dr. Puri stated. "Cadet Kirk, since I know that you hang around Ensign Pike a great deal, log whatever side effects that you might observe her having."
Jim nodded, causing Dr. Puri to crack a smile, "Good," he replied. "I'll send this prescription to the Academy pharmacy and you can pick it up after your Bridge qualification simulation this afternoon...Now, Cadet Kirk, I hope I don't need to remind you about confidentiality rules-"
"I'm not telling anyone about my best friend's personal business," Jim replied in a reassuring tone, not caring that he had just interrupted. "Arianne, are you gonna be okay for the Bridge qual?"
Arianne nodded and stood up, "I'll be fine as long as there's no stress," she replied. "Doctor Puri, is it all right if I go and change back into my reds now? The Bridge qual is in two hours."
Dr. Puri nodded and, releasing Jim's hand, Arianne quickly moved into the fresher where her reds were hung on hooks and her boots were on the floor, "Cadet Kirk, now that I have you alone, I'd like to ask when you're planning on scheduling your first psych evaluation for," Dr. Puri stated in a cool, yet very concerned tone. "I know that Captain Pike has told you this repeatedly, but you do need that evaulation done before July, otherwise you won't progress to the second year."
Jim sighed, "I don't want to talk about Tarsus ever again," he stated. "If I absolutely HAVE to, however, I would rather talk about it with people who were there and experienced it..."
"You know that's not how a psych evaluation works," Dr. Puri replied in a quiet voice. suddenly shutting up as Arianne came back into the room dressed in her uniform with her hair done up.
Plastering a grin on his face, Jim rose, "You ready to do this?" he asked in a kind tone.
"I just want to get it done," Arianne replied. "Thanks for the appointment, Doctor Puri."
Dr. Puri nodded and watched as Jim and Arianne left the room together; he was immensely relieved when she had come to the appointment with a friend, as NOBODY should have to do them alone.
Starfleet Academy - Bridge Simulation Room
Taking a seat in the command chair, Arianne picked up the stack of PADD's full of mock systems reports that had been provided for her to "review" before the simulation got underway. She had changed into the uniform that all student testers were required to wear and sighed.
"Status?" Arianne asked, quickly skimming the PADD's and gazing around at her "Bridge crew" with what she hoped was a stern expression; even though the others were her fellow cadets, Arianne knew that they were being watched from the observation area by Academy instructors and she had to appear like she knew and was comfortable in a command role, even if she wasn't.
"Helm is fully operational, Captain," Jim replied in an encouraging tone.
From her communication terminal, Cadet Uhura let out a sigh, "All internal and external sensors are functioning normally and subspace chatter is at a minimum," she replied.
The door suddenly opened and Arianne turned, only to see a pale Leonard come on to the Bridge dressed in a similar uniform and with a med-kit under his arm.
Ignoring the bewildered stares he was getting from the other cadets, Leonard moved over to a station and setting the med-kit on the floor, he silently took a seat and logged into the console.
Oh man. Arianne thought as she noticed the dark circles under his eyes. He looks like absolute crap and this is the first time I've seen him in two weeks...I hope he hasn't fallen off the wagon.
Swallowing hard, Arianne turned his gaze away from Leonard and stared straight ahead; even if she was concerned for his well-being, she was neither his counselor nor his friend and was very busy.
Besides, if Doctor McCoy had fallen off the wagon, it wasn't her place to administer judgment or consequences; her only job was to do this qualifying exam and do it to the best of her ability.
Cadet Dorms - 1200 H
Ignoring the pounding of his heart in his ears, Leonard used the box-cutter he had replicated to rip the last of the alcohol-stained carpet from the floor; he had come so close to screwing up.
After the fight where Jim had punched him and left, Leonard had taken himself off campus as fast as he could and took a hovercab to a civlian liquor store in the more seedier part of the city. He had bought as much alcohol as he could afford to put on his credit card and brought it back to his dorm.
For hours, he had stared at the six-packs and bottles he had bought, heavily tempted to just drink himself into a deep sleep that he would never wake from; life was too hard to handle anymore.
Suddenly realizing that he couldn't turn to alcohol to solve his problems and that he seriously needed some psychological support, Leonard had dumped all the six-packs all over his floor and had thrown each bottle of alcohol at the wall; not caring that the liquor stained his furniture as they shattered into millions of pieces. He had then sat in the middle of it all and cried for hours.
Upon pulling himself together, Leonard had gone straight to Admiral Archer's office and explained what he had almost done; he had surrendered his passcard and credit card, offering to drop out.
Admiral Archer had been silent for several minutes and then had immediately called Captain Pike and Dr. Puri to join them in his office. When Captain Pike and Dr. Puri had arrived, Admiral Archer had explained the situation and told him that he wasn't going to be expelled from the Academy.
As he threw the carpet into the portable incinerator, Leonard remembered that he had gone to pieces in Admiral Archer's office that day, saying that he didn't want to be a useless drunk whose only friend was a bottle that couldn't talk back or make him feel good; he wanted to be a doctor, a friend, a mentor, someone who would be able to help others and help himself become better.
Captain Pike had then asked him what he had done with the liquor and Leonard confessed about throwing it all over his dorm in a fit of anxiety. He remembered Captain Pike telling him to stay in the office with Dr. Puri while he and Admiral Archer went to assess the damage done to the dorm.
Dr. Puri had then quietly given him the location of a civilian AA group that met three times a week in the same area as the liquor store and was run by a man named Mark Piper, who was not only a doctor who had temporarily retired from Starfleet, he was also a man who had been sober 21 years.
Even though he had kept the card that Dr. Puri had given him, Leonard hadn't mustered the courage to attend one of the meetings yet despite having permission from Captain Pike to venture off campus for them; he had instead buried himself in studying, depriving himself of proper sleep.
Admiral Archer had also given him the additional task of cleaning up the mess he had made and making the dorm fit enough to live in again. Leonard had been carrying out the task with gusto.
It had aggravated him that Captain Pike had insisted on him being there for Arianne's Bridge qual exam, but he had done it to the best of his ability and had retreated when it was over. He just wanted to be alone with his thoughts and invest all of his energy into cleaning up his messes.
"Bones?"
Suddenly hearing a familiar voice, Leonard turned and saw Jim standing in the doorway still dressed in his exam clothes and carrying a grease-stained bag of what smelled to Leonard like fast food.
Neither cadet moved for a moment and then Jim slowly entered the room, "I figured you might be hungry after that exam, so I snuck to a MacDonald's about five blocks from campus and got you some chicken sandwiches," he said, extending the bag. "I also heard some rumors..."
"Yes, Jim, I did almost fall off the wagon and ended up decorating my dorm in hundreds of credits worth of alcohol when I destroyed the bottles and six-packs in a fit of anxiety," Leonard replied in a calm, yet tense voice. "I'm surprised that it took you this long to hear rumors about it."
Jim shrugged and put the bag of fast food on a counter that Leonard had recently scrubbed clean and re-painted, "So, you've been working yourself to death for the last two weeks then?" he asked.
"It's easier being buried in work then facing the fact that I'm nothing but a sadistic old man who hides behind his problems instead of moving on from them," Leonard replied curtly as he threw the last of the booze-stained carpet in the incinerator and watched it burn. "I've managed to clean up the walls pretty good and there's no smell of it anywhere in the dorm now.."
Jim watched for a moment as Leonard turned off the incinerator and stowed it near the door, most likely for Maintenance to pick up later, "So, Bones, I was wondering if you had a minute?" Jim asked, his voice suddenly quaking with the nervousness he felt in his entire body and mind.
"Yeah, what's on your mind?" Leonard asked, frowning at the nervousness he could suddenly hear in Jim's normally confident voice. "I don't have anywhere else I need to be today."
Jim swallowed hard, "I need to sneak off campus later tonight and get plastered at the grungiest civilian bar that exists in San Francisco," he stated. "I need someone to come along with me."
"I've been sober since the middle of September and you want me to come with you to a bar?" Leonard asked, unsure if he had heard Jim's words correctly. "I've spent the last two weeks cleaning up my dorm and studying for finals and you want me to watch you get hammered?"
Jim nodded, "Arianne won't go with me to any bars off campus and she says that she won't be my designated sober-buddy until after finals," he replied. "I just really, really need some drinks..."
Leonard didn't reply for a moment; he was thinking about the card that Dr. Puri had given him and how he should maybe take Jim to an AA meeting off campus and help both of them out.
"Forget it, Bones," Jim scoffed as if he could read Leonard's mind. "I don't want a doctor's help with this anyway. I don't want to be thought of as an alcoholic...I just want a buzz to forget-"
Letting out a sigh of defeat, Jim started to leave the room, "Jim, hold up," Leonard said, resignation in his voice. "Come back here at about eight and I'll go with you...someone has to babysit you...Until then, I have to finish this and put all the furniture back."
"Thanks Bones," Jim crowed as grinned before quickly leaving the room. "Happy remodeling!"
Rolling his eyes, Leonard walked over to the counter and opened the fast food bag that Jim had considerately left behind. As he ate, he wondered what Jim wanted to forget so desperately.
Club Amnesia - Mission District - San Francisco, California - 0100 H
"Y'know, Bonesie, this stuff is strrrrong," Jim slurred as he pounded back another shot glass of burbon and then added the empty glass to the growing pile of shot glasses that were on the counter in front of where he sat. "I think...maybe it was...ten shots? I'm rrrreally not sure...it's fuzzy."
Leonard sighed and forcing himself to stay at the small table near the bar, he took a sip of the bottled water he had brought along for the evening so that he wouldn't be tempted to drink at all.
True to Jim's mood that day, they had ended up at one of the seediest bars in the Mission District, which was a decent distance from the Academy; it was good that it was Friday night, otherwise Security would have come after them, dragged them back to campus, and reamed on them by now.
It also helped that they were both in civilian attire, as the cadet reds would have made them stick out and easy targets for the civilian drunks that often roamed this area of the city at night.
"...That psych eval, I just can't shake it," Jim slurred as he motioned for the bartender to send him another shot of burbon. "...Puri's stupid for bugging me about it...it all happened a long time ago."
Leonard frowned, "What all happened a long time ago?" he asked, fingering his water glass.
"Tarsus, that manic Kodos and his plans," Jim slurred, quickly downing the shot that the bartender had reluctantly given him. "...Four thousand people, Bones...I should have died too..."
Jim suddenly let out a drunken sob and threw the shot glass at the wall, missing hitting the bartender by mere inches, "I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT PSYCH EVAL!" he howled in a slurred tone as tears rolled down his pale face. "Puri can take that psych eval and shove it right up his-"
"Jim, I think you've had enough," Leonard said as he rose from his chair and walked calmy over to where Jim was sitting hunched over, drooling on the counter. "I think it's time we left."
Ignoring the fact that the bartender was glaring at Jim, Leonard put his arms under Jim and helped his wasted friend stand up. Jim immediately tried to pull away, but Leonard wouldn't let go.
"This should cover his drinks," Leonard replied as he got some credit chips out of Jim's pants pocket and tossed them on the counter. "Come on, Jim, let's go find us a hovercab."
It didn't take them long to get outside, only to find the streets deserted, "Bones, lemme go," Jim suddenly slurred as he tried to pull away. "I need some bushes really, really badly."
Jim bolted out of Leonard's grip and quickly spewed his guts all over the bushes just outside the bar with some of it ending up on the building. Leonard rolled his eyes and gently patted Jim's back.
"I'll get you a hypospray when we get back to campus," Leonard promised as he grabbed hold of Jim and helped him walk to the sidewalk. "If you want to, you can crash in my dorm tonight."
Jim nodded and mumbled what sounded like a thank you, "No cabs around," Leonard said as he gazed up and down the streets. "Are you okay to walk back to campus? It's a little far..."
Before Jim could reply, loud sirens wailed and suddenly, a police hovercar pulled up to the curb in front of them and the manager of the bar suddenly appeared beside them with a scowl on his face.
"All right, you two, stay where you are," a stern voice said as a civilian police officer, dressed entirely in metallic blue clothing, stepped out of the squad car. "You are both under arrest."
Jim shrugged, but Leonard gazed at the officer in shock, "For what?" he asked, very concerned.
"Let's get you two to the station and I'll explain the charges there," the officer replied in a curt tone as he came over and slapped handcuffs on Jim's wrists. "The manager wants you both outta here."
The officer quickly sheperded Jim into the back of the squad car and returned. As Leonard felt himself being handcuffed, he silently prayed that this would all be over soon.
Mission Precinct
The clang of the door being shut was the worst thing that Leonard had ever heard in his life.
It hadn't taken the police long to bring them back to the station and place them in a holding cell to await processing and whatever charges that the manager of Amnesia was going to make.
"Bones, I think we're gonna get expelled," Jim spoke in a slurred tone as he groped the walls, trying to hold himself up as he tried to find the cot. "My vision's blurry...I can't find the cot."
Letting out a resigned sigh, Leonard forgot about the clanging sound and directed his energy towards directing Jim over to the padded cot in the corner of the cell and helping him to lie down.
"Pike's gonna kill us," Jim mumbled as he closed his eyes. "Everything's so bright in here."
Leonard sighed and watched as a guard came into the room, "Do you want your one phone call now?" the officer asked, raising an eyebrow at Jim laying on the bunk completely wasted.
Leonard was silent for a moment, as he didn't know who to call; after a moment of thinking, he realized that he could comm Arianne's private number that she had given him last September.
"Yeah, I have someone I can call," Leonard replied in a toneless voice, silently praying that Arianne would answer and that she wouldn't hang up on him immediately. "I don't have any money, though."
The officer responded by unlocking and opening the cell, "You don't need money, just don't cause any trouble that will add to the trouble you're already in." he replied as Leonard silently walked out of the cell. "The manager of Amnesia won't press charges, but you still need to be bailed out."
Leonard nodded and followed the officer down the hall to a communication terminal that was mounted on a wall near a door that, he assumed, led to the front area of the station.
With a sigh, Leonard tapped in Arianne's private number and waited, "This is Arianne Pike," Arianne's gentle voice suddenly replied. "I'm not available right now, so if you could please leave your name, number, and reason for calling and I will get back to you as soon as I am able."
Both annoyed and relieved that he wasn't able to talk to Arianne at the moment, Leonard left a polite message in which he explained the situation, the location of the station, and politely asked for her to either come or send someone to bail them out of jail; he had also asked for his medkit.
After ending the call, Leonard had allowed the officer to lead him back to the cell and remained silent as he was secured back inside the cell with Jim. He then leaned against the bars and watched as the officer left the cellblock; his mind was reeling and his body was tired.
Not wanting to move the now sleeping Jim from the cot, Leonard moved over to the corner of the cell that was farthest from the sink and toilet, but close enough to keep an eye on Jim for a while.
Sinking to the floor, Leonard leaned against his head against the concrete wall and slowly felt his eyelids begin to droop and his body was so tired from the day; he couldn't help how he felt.
The last thing Leonard heard before falling asleep was a low-pitched, drunken snort giggle from Jim.
0400 H
A loud clanging on the bars caused Leonard to open his eyes and see an officer lingering in front of the holding cell, "Wake your friend up," the officer ordered. "You both just made bail."
Ignoring the stiffness in his back and neck, Leonard slowly got to his feet and moved over to the cot where Jim was still asleep, "Jim, come on, we're getting bailed out," he said in a gentle tone as he shook Jim's shoulder. "I know you probably feel like crap, but you have to get up."
Jim blinked and opened his eyes, "I feel like I was run over," he mumbled in a groggy voice, wincing as he pulled himself into a sitting position. "Bones, I'm so stiff and I just want to keel over and die."
"I'll get you something for that once I have access to my medkit," Leonard promised as he helped Jim to stand and walk to the cell door where the guard was waiting to open it and let them out.
As the officer opened the door, Jim leaned against Leonard, "Bones, my legs are giving out," Jim mumbled groggily as they left the cell together. "Shouldn't have had a drinking blitz after all."
The officer led them through the cellblock and into the front area, where both Leonard and Jim were surprised to see Arianne dressed in civilian formal wear and standing next to a young Asian fellow who was dressed in similar civilian formal wear; Arianne didn't look happy to see them there.
"I'm sorry for not responding to your call right away," Arianne stated in a cool tone as she exchanged a look with the young Asian man. "I checked my messages as we were driving home from the event and-"
Jim stared at the man for a moment, "There is no need to stare at me," the man replied in a cool, slightly dismissive tone. "If you are curious, my name is Hikaru Sulu and I am at the top of my Flight class in Starfleet Academy, a class that I also happen to serve as a TA in."
"Look, I'm sure that your personal history is really very exciting," Leonard spoke in a gruff tone, cutting Hikaru off. "However, I would really like to get Jim back to my dorm and get him something for his hangover. Thank you very much for bailing us out, Arianne, but it's a long walk back."
Hikaru gave Leonard a look, "I will be able to drop you off at the edge of campus because Miss Pike requested it," he replied curtly. "She asked me to drop her there as well, as I have to report back to my parents about how the date went and then return to my own dorm room."
Jim nodded and directed his gaze to the ground as Hikaru and Arianne led him and Leonard out of the station and over to a fancy red hovercar that was parked at the curb. Leonard helped Jim into the backseat and dutifully got in next to him as Arianne joined Hikaru up front.
"As I drive at the speed limit, it should take about 45 minutes or longer to get back to the Starfleet Academy campus," Hikaru stated tonelessly as he manuevered the hovercar away from the curb and down the quiet street. "I must say, I have never been in this neighborhood before now..."
Leonard exchanged a look with Jim, who was focusing all his energy on trying not to throw up in Hikaru's fancy car. Arianne occasionally looked in a rearview mirror at them, but was quiet.
"If I may ask, Mr. Sulu, what kind of charity event were your parents holding?" Leonard asked, unable to take the awkward silence and Arianne's prolonged gazes any longer.
As Hikaru launched into a detailed explanation about the event that was for one of the many charities that his wealthy parents involved themselves in, Arianne leaned against the car door and sighed; she was tired from being out late and was also starting to feel side effects from the progesterone.
Cadet Dorms - 0530
Ignoring the headache that threatened to pound through her skull, Arianne slouched on the couch in Leonard's dorm and watched as Leonard tucked Jim into his bed to have a good night's rest.
After Hikaru had dropped them off at the curb, Arianne had helped Leonard walk Jim back to the dorm and had waited around to make sure that Jim would be okay.
Now, as she watched Leonard administer a hypospray to Jim from his medkit, all she wanted to do was go back to her house, drink a tall glass of water, and go to bed until noon the next day.
Dr. Puri had warned her about the side effects of taking the progesterone, but Arianne was so desperate for a chance to have children someday that she had gotten and taken the first dose right before the bridge qual; she was now regretting doing that and just wanted to sleep.
Swallowing hard, Arianne sat up and pretended that nothing was wrong as she watched Leonard repack the medkit and leave Jim to sleep in the bed, "Thank you so much for being a good friend to Jim," she said as she rose from the couch. "Anyway, I should get back to my house..."
"Let me walk you there, Jim will be fine for a few moments," Leonard offered, not wanting Arianne to walk across the darkened campus alone and risk being attacked again. "I insist upon it."
Arianne shook her head, "I'm fine, but thank you," she replied as she moved towards the door.
"It wouldn't be right to let you go by yourself," Leonard stated in a no-nonsense tone. "Where I come from, a true man does whatever he can to make sure that a lady is treated well."
I bet a true man in your eyes also makes sure that a woman can bear him plenty of children and for that, he treats her like a queen. Arianne thought as she silently left the dorm at a fast pace.
Deeply disturbed by Arianne's desire to not be around him, Leonard sank down on to the couch and watched Jim sleep; they would have the rest of the weekend to recover from their 'adventure'.
However, as Leonard slouched back and relaxed, he couldn't help but wonder if there was something about Arianne that was forcing her to act in such an irrational manner.
Gateway Site - Vulcan
Pulled out of her meditation by the sound of a shuttlecraft landing, T'Pol covered the sleeping Lorian with the blanket and stepped out of the makeshift shelter that she had constructed for this purpose.
The shuttle's boarding ramp lowered and a battered looking Soval exited the ramp with a strange looking stylus in his hand. He looked determined, which was abnormal for a Vulcan.
"I have recorded the data from Arianne Pike that you wanted," Soval stated tonelessly as he handed the stylus to T'Pol. "It is as you suspected, but you will need to consult the Gateway and also make a connection to her memories...after all of this time, she may have a mind block."
T'Pol took the stylus and tucked it under her arm, "I am part of the delegation travelling to Earth for your hearing on the Federation properties," she replied. "I will make the attempt at that time."
Soval huffed, "I managed to escape that holding cell temporarily, but it will not be long before I am found and placed in a higher security holding area," he stated. "It is only because you wished the information that I dared using my waning energy to travel out to this barren site at all."
"Depart and return to your holding cell," T'Pol ordered in an uncharacteristically firm tone. "I thank you for bringing me the information I requested. It will serve useful for what I am planning to do."
With a nod, Soval re-boarded the shuttle and within a matter of moments, he had departed, leaving T'Pol alone with only the sleeping Lorian in the shuttle for company; She had work to do.
Gripping the stylus, T'Pol moved over to the Gateway structure that towered nearby and took a deep breath to calm the anxieties that threatened to surface as she endeavoured to carry out her plan.
"Guardian of Forever, I wish to view the history of El Auria's interactions with Starfleet vessels," T'Pol stated as she prepared to take notes on the stylus. "Do you possess that specific data?"
There was silence for a moment, "A question," a booming voice suddenly replied. "History between the El-Aurian species and Starfleet has already been altered...it cannot be altered further."
"Show me," T'Pol replied, knowing that Arianne most likely had been a part of that alteration.
"I cannot show the events to you," the booming voice replied. "That information which you seek can only be found in the memories of those who assisted in the changes to history's normal flow."
With that the Guardian faded to a mere structure of stone and T'Pol scowled, fury in her eyes.
The next encounter with Arianne Pike would reveal all things and it would not fail...it could not fail.