December 2256

Snow greeted Arianne as the blinds in the dormitory common room slid open; it was covering all the footpaths and steps to and from buildings. The sky was puke colored and frost tinted the windows.

"Christine, close the curtain," Arianne mumbled in a groggy voice as she rolled on her side in her bed.

There was silence and then Christine came into the room dressed in sweats, slippers, and a loose t-shirt; she frowned at how tired Arianne looked, "It's almost five a.m.," she said in a gentle voice. "I guess they're still holding classes today, so you might want to get up. You have rounds at six, right?"

"I'm having some killer cramps today," Arianne replied as she pulled herself into a sitting position.

Christine sighed and moved over to her nurse's kit that sat on the table, "Do you need a pain shot to get you through the day or are you going to see Doctor Puri?" she asked as she looked in her kit.

"Just give me a shot and don't tell anyone," Arianne said as she lay back down. "I have to go do counseling rounds before classes. I really don't have time or patience to take any sick days right now."

Christine looked uncertain, but nodded and took a hypospray out of the kit. She walked over to Arianne and gently injected the hypo into her neck. Arianne immediately let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Christine," Arianne said as she got out of bed and smoothed her oversized shirt and sweats down to keep her warmer; she took the empty hypospray from Christine and pocketed it.

Christine nodded and smiled, "No problem," she replied. "I have class in 30 minutes, so I had better go."

"See you later," Arianne said in a gentle voice as she moved into the fresher to wake herself up for the day.

Starfleet Medical Psychiatric Center – 0600

"Ensign Pike?" a tired, yet very familiar voice whispered into Arianne's ear. "Good morning."

Arianne looked up from the floor and saw a well-rested Commander Harriman standing there in his full Instructor uniform with a bouquet of roses in his hand. "Commander Harriman," she replied in a respectful voice, forcing herself to focus despite feeling awful. "How are you this morning?"

"I am actually feeling wonderful," Commander Harriman replied gently. "I am here for a breakfast date with Lara that we talked about last night during my visit. I know she had an appointment today, but—"

Arianne smiled, "No, actually, I am on rounds this morning," she replied. "Have fun on your date today."

"Ensign Pike, are you all right this morning?" Commander Harriman asked, suddenly noticing that Arianne looked very tired and pale. "You look very unwell. Perhaps you should visit Starfleet Medical—"

Not wanting to risk running into Leonard or worrying her father, Arianne shook her head, "I'm fine," she replied politely, sitting up a little straighter. "It's almost the end of the semester and I'm wearing out."

"Classes are only for a few more days and then it's final exams," Commander Harriman replied in a reassuring tone despite the fact that he didn't buy her story. "From what I understand, you're doing quite well in ALL of your courses and I've also heard that Professor Khan considers you a leader."

Arianne sighed and nodded, "I'm hoping to do well enough in my finals to get a decent placement in the field training next semester," she replied. "Maybe I'll drop by the Academy library later and ask for a tutor to help me put my study notes in order so I don't have a breakdown while I'm studying."

"You'll be fine," Commander Harriman replied confidently. "You are your father's daughter in all ways."

Before Arianne could reply, Lara walked into the foyer dressed in a light blue pantsuit and winter boots that was covered by a warm coat. Her hair was done up in a tight bun and she was smiling.

"John Harriman, where is your coat?" Lara said in a gentle, mock stern voice. "Oh hello, Arianne dear!"

Arianne smiled and stood up, "Lara, how are you?" she asked gently. "You look lovely this morning."

"John and I are going out for breakfast in San Francisco," Lara replied in a cheerful voice. "I'm excited."

Commander Harriman smiled, "As a special treat to all of my students, I cancelled today's Command Fitness class," he said in a happy voice as he took Lara's hand. "The notes I was going to give today can be found on the Academy database. Besides, the snow was really unexpected and I can't exactly expect students to tramp through it just to get to my classroom. It should be shoveled a bit later on, I think."

"John, before we go, I should really check in on Pavel," Lara said in a worried voice. "I hope he's feeling better than he was yesterday. I'm glad Doctor Puri thought to move him to Starfleet Medical."

Arianne frowned, "What's wrong with Pavel?" she asked, as she had planned to visit him that day.

"After supper last night, Pavel became sick in the atrium and Doctor Puri was summoned," Commander Harriman explained, as he had been visiting Lara last night and had seen Pavel get sick. "Doctor Puri took Pavel to Starfleet Medical and diagnosed him with a stomach virus. I think Captain Pike is with him."

Arianne sighed, "I'll stop by and visit him later today," she replied. "I've got homework to do first."

Even though he didn't think Arianne should be doing anything but resting, Commander Harriman nodded, "Lara, we will both go visit Pavel after breakfast," he stated gently. "I promise you."

"All right," Lara said in a gentle voice as she squeezed her husband's hand. "See you later, Arianne."

As Commander Harriman and Lara walked off, Arianne suddenly felt her PADD vibrating in her pants pocket. She took it out and saw that she had gotten a message from Jim that was marked 'Urgent.'

Arianne, Admiral Archer's cancelled classes for today because of the snow! JTK.

With a sigh, Arianne put the PADD back in her pocket and stood up. It was good that classes were cancelled for the day because that meant she could go back to her dorm, study, and rest a little more.

Nobody would miss her if she took a little time to herself, Arianne thought as she quickly and quietly left the building and trudged down the snow covered path towards Boyce Hall. She needed a quiet day.

"…Attention all students, this is Admiral Archer speaking," a voice suddenly filtered out of the intercoms above every building on campus. "Since it is a snow day and all classes are cancelled, Commander Spock is conducting a study seminar in his classroom at 0700 for all those who wish to prepare for finals."

Even though she wasn't feeling well, Arianne knew that the extra studying would help her feel confident enough to handle the written Med Sim and Xenolinguistics exams. Additionally, Spock would be able suggest to her relaxation and focus techniques that would allow her to be able to avoid panicking.

With a sigh, Arianne moved off the path and trudged through the snow towards the Academy classroom where Spock had held his Xenolinguistics class all semester. She didn't even care if nobody else came.

Classroom - 0730

"Ensign Pike?"

Arianne lifted her head and saw Spock standing over her with a stylus tucked under his arm, "The purpose of this study session is to prepare for final exams," he said in a toneless voice. "If you are without a task to accomplish, you may work through some practice questions I have created."

"I apologize," Arianne replied as she sat up and gazed up at him. "I'm a bit tired this morning."

Spock nodded, "If you require a counseling session, nobody else has appeared at the study session," he stated tonelessly. "Therefore, I do have time for a discussion if you require a medium for venting."

"I'm just not feeling well today," Arianne stated, not at all surprised when Spock took a seat in a seat in front of her and turned it around to face her. "Finals are coming up and I'm making myself anxious."

Spock was silent for a moment, "Your anxiety is exhausting you into sickness," he concluded. "It is my thought that you refrain from further schoolwork until you seek assistance from a qualified physician."

"I don't need to see a doctor, Spock," Arianne replied in a tired voice. "I think I just need some rest."

For one of the few times in his life, Spock looked almost amused, "Perhaps it is not so much academics that are troubling you, but matters of the human heart," he stated softly. "Although I am not one for the human custom of gossip, I have heard that Cadet McCoy and yourself are romantically involved."

Arianne sighed, "We had dinner on my birthday in the canteen," she replied in a tired voice.

"Indeed," Spock stated as he handed the stylus to Arianne. "Do you feel up to completing these?"

Arianne took the stylus and skimmed over the questions, "It'll get my mind off of everything else," she replied gently, grateful for Spock's intervention. "Thank you for taking the time to listen, Spock."

"Your expression of gratitude is much like my mother's," Spock replied as he stood up and turned the chair around. "Human emotions such as kindness and gentle humility are very much a part of you."

Smiling, Arianne looked at the stylus and as she began to work on the first question, Spock moved away and over to the back of the classroom. He had seen Nyota enter and linger silently, watching he and Arianne's discussion with a look of disdain on her face. Spock knew that she had assumed the worst.

"Nyota," Spock said in a whispery voice as he approached her. "Are you here for the study session?"

Nyota glared at him, "I wish to know what is going on between you and Arianne," she hissed angrily.

"That is confidential," Spock replied, confused as to why Nyota would want to know about his and Arianne's private counseling sessions when she and Arianne were not even friends anymore.

Swallowing hard, Nyota stepped back, "Spock, I only ask because there have been rumors of Arianne associating with several men on campus and I do not wish to see you hurt," she said in a softer tone.

"If you are accusing Ensign Pike of being a human whore, you are mistaken Nyota," Spock replied, a slight tone of firmness in his voice. "Even though she attends Starfleet Academy, Ensign Pike is also a certified counselor for Starfleet Medical and often visits with clients of various gender and rank."

Nyota nodded and her serious expression suddenly melted into one of compassion, "Forgive me, Spock," she said as she gently wrapped her arms around him. "I was jealous of Ensign Pike and was worried—"

"You need not be worried," Spock replied as he returned the embrace. "Just trust our relationship."

Again, Nyota nodded and pulled away, "I should probably make things right with Arianne now that I know she's not in love with you," she said in a gentle voice. "She is really a very kind person."

Spock nodded and followed Nyota back into the classroom, only to find that Arianne had left and left the stylus on the desk, "Perhaps Ensign Pike gave into her fatigue and returned to her dormitory for rest," he stated as he walked over to the desk and picked up the stylus. "I will send this to her later."

"Now we can be alone," Nyota whispered, smiling at him. "Should we escape to your quarters?"

Spock was so engrossed with Nyota's flirting that he failed to notice Elizabeth Dehner, completely clad in white clothes, sneak down a side hallway and out of the building with a small explosive in her jacket.

Elizabeth had spent the last several days researching how to make simple explosives on the library computers and had said it was part of a science paper. Now, she planned to create massive chaos with it.

"You have a fever," Jim commented as he opened the door and saw Arianne standing in the hallway with her cadet jacket over her arm and sweat pouring down her face. "Should I go find Bones?"

Arianne scoffed, "He's working," she replied in a tired voice. "Can I just sleep in here for a while?"

"Bones is off campus at some A.A. meeting, but he'll be back by noon," Jim replied as he stepped aside to let Arianne come in. "You can use his bed to sleep. I have to finish some homework I forgot about."

Arianne came into the room and quickly pulled off her boots, "You don't need to tell anyone," she replied in a toneless voice as she walked over to Leonard's bed. "I'm just having female issues."

As Arianne sat down on Leonard's bed, a loud vibrating sound broke out, "Oh, that's my PADD," Jim said as he took it out of his pocket and looked at it. "Gary's asking if I want to come to a party in the library."

"The last time you went to a party at the library, Section 31 kidnapped you," Arianne replied, amused.

Jim chuckled and typed out a reply, "True," he replied. "I'm gonna see if we can have the party in the Cadet Center instead. Gary's the VP of the student union, so maybe he'll let us do that instead."

"If you want me to come, I'm going to rest on one of the couches," Arianne said as she stood back up.

Jim nodded and grinned as a reply appeared on his PADD, "Gary says that it'll take a couple of hours, but the party can be at the Cadet Center," he said in an amused voice. "I'll wake you when it's time to go."

"Screw it," Arianne replied. "I'm going to take a sonic shower to see if that won't help me feel better."

Jim smiled and sat at his desk, "I'll be here if you need anything," he replied. "Take your time, okay?"

Arianne nodded and disappeared into the fresher. As the door slid closed, Jim turned to his PADD and began to work on his homework. He had half a mind to tell Captain Pike that his daughter wasn't feeling well, but he knew that would only infuriate her; he would wait to see what she wanted to do about it.

T'Pol was gone and she had taken her half-Human brat with her. He could sense it.

Rage filled Soval's heart as he entered Lucas Reed's office in the Section 31 building and saw that Lucas was nowhere to be found; the only trace left in the office was a small, handwritten note on the desk.

The inhabitants of this facility have moved elsewhere. Seek what you need from Starfleet Academy.

Soval growled and ripped the note to shreds. Ever since his escape from the Starfleet jail, he had been hiding in various parts of San Francisco with one objective in mind; to kill T'Pol for her betrayal. Now, with T'Pol gone, his plan had been ruined. Now he couldn't even rely on Section 31 for assistance.

A thought suddenly came to his mind as the pieces of the notes fluttered to the floor; the one responsible for T'Pol's disappearance was Arianne Pike. That worthless human had ruined his plan.

The note was clear, as if Lucas Reed had known what was going to happen; Soval knew that he needed to go to Starfleet Academy, find Arianne Pike, and force her to admit where T'Pol had vanished to.

As he raised his hood and left the building, Soval was surprised to see the amount of snow that had blanketed San Francisco. It wasn't very common for snow to come to this area in this magnitude.

However, Soval also knew that as cold as it was, the weather would work to his advantage in that it would be easier to locate Arianne without interference. Humans had very low tolerance for cold, he silently thought.

"Pavel?"

Pavel opened his eyes and saw Arianne lingering at the door with Dr. Puri, "Velcome," he said in a groggy voice as he pulled himself into a sitting position. "I vas just sleeping a bit to pass time."

"How are you feeling, Pavel?" Dr. Puri asked as he walked into the room and over to the bed.

Pavel sighed, "I am feeling very much better," he replied softly. "Zere ees not much to do, yes?"

"Doctor Puri, there's a bit of a student gathering at the Cadet Center in about an hour," Arianne said, realizing that Pavel was most likely bored. "Maybe I could take Pavel so he would have something to do."

Dr. Puri was silent for a moment and then nodded, "Pavel, would you like to go see another part of the Academy campus?" he asked in a gentle voice as he gazed at Pavel. "Arianne will take you there."

"Da, zat would be okay," Pavel replied softly. "Zere is not much to do here today."

Arianne smiled, "What would you like to wear?" she asked, walking over to the small closet.

"I should get comfy veering my cadet reds, yes?" Pavel asked as he got up from his bed.

Arianne stepped aside and watched as Pavel came over to the closet and opened it; he took out a pristine cadet uniform and promptly disappeared into the nearby fresher. Arianne looked at Dr. Puri.

"Admiral Archer and Captain Pike pulled some strings to get Pavel attending class with everyone else by next semester," Dr. Puri explained in a quiet voice. "That kid is a genius and he had all the first year courses done within two weeks. I think Captain Pike is going to put him in the Operations track."

The door suddenly slid open and Pavel came out wearing the cadet reds, "Oh, Pavel, you look very handsome!" Arianne said in an upbeat voice. "You are sure to impress people at the party."

"No strenuous activity, okay Pavel?" Dr. Puri interjected, a gentle smile on his face.

Pavel nodded, "You two can teleport from Starfleet Medical so you don't have to go through the wintry mess to get to the party," Dr. Puri said as he gestured out the door. "Both of you be careful, okay?"

Arianne nodded and hurried Pavel into the hallway, "Pavel, we need to stop by the dorms and pick up Jim before we go to the Cadet Center," she said in a hushed voice as they hurried over to the transporter where an Operations officer stood. "When I left, Jim was passed out asleep at his desk."

"Hello Ensign Pike," the Ops officer said in a gentle tone. "Where would you like to go today?"

Arianne smiled, "Tucker Hall, please," she replied, knowing that he would do whatever she asked.

"Showing a new cadet to their dorm?" the Ops officer asked as he worked the controls.

Arianne nodded, "Yes," she replied in a professional voice. "Captain Pike asked me to."

The Ops officer nodded, "The co-ordinates are inputted," he said in a gentle voice.

Arianne smiled and carefully guided Pavel up on to the transported pad, "Energize," she ordered.

Before Pavel, who was nervous about transporters, could speak, he and Arianne dematerialized.

"…I know you didn't travel five miles in the snow just to talk about your recovery, Leonard," Dr. Piper said in an amused voice as he sat in one of the AA Center's chairs with a cup of coffee. "What's up?"

Swallowing hard, Leonard scuffed some snow off of his boots and stuffed his hands in the pockets of the worn coat that he had managed to get cleaned at the campus Laundromat. He was so unnerved over his sudden feelings for Arianne that he had blown off a shift and had hiked five miles in a winter mess.

"You look as if you're about to be sick," Dr. Piper continued, his tone suddenly concerned as he observed Leonard's withdrawn behavior and his tired expression. "Did you fall off the wagon?"

Leonard blinked and shook his head, "No, I'm still sober," he replied tonelessly. "I'm really scared."

"About maintaining your sobriety?" Dr. Piper asked, concerned by Leonard's erratic behavior.

Swallowing hard, Leonard shook his head and suddenly began to cry quietly, "I think I've fallen in love with a woman who I definitely do not deserve," he said in a pained voice. "Everything's going surprisingly well in my life and I just feel like the other shoe's going to drop and I-oh man…"

Worried that Leonard was going to collapse, Dr. Piper set his coffee down, got to his feet, and hurried over to where the younger doctor stood, "C'mon, I'll get you some coffee," he said in a soothing voice as he guided the shaking Leonard over to the circle of chairs and helped the younger man sit down.

"Thanks," was all Leonard could say as Dr. Piper went over to the coffee machine, poured him a fresh cup of coffee, and brought it back over. Leonard accepted the cup without protest, or even a smile.

Dr. Piper sighed, "All right, so where are all these negative feelings coming from?" he asked, watching as Leonard caressed the warm cup, but didn't drink it. "Why do you think you don't deserve happiness?"

"I'm nothing but a drunk and a loser trying to squeeze himself into a Starfleet cadet uniform," Leonard replied in a hollow voice. "I tried to kill myself, but ended up serving time in the Starfleet nuthouse."

Dr. Piper looked intrigued, "You don't look like a man who attempted suicide," he replied. "In fact, you look as if you're very fascinated and dedicated to the path you've chosen. Why is that, Leonard?"

"When I woke up at Starfleet Medical gutted by what I had done, Admiral Archer assigned me this counselor," Leonard replied, his memory recalling that day. "She was a beautiful woman who had a surprisingly sharp tongue, a blunt bedside manner, and incredible passion for helping others."

A grin appeared on Dr. Piper's face, "Ah, now I know who you're talking about," he said in an amused, knowing voice. "During my time volunteering on campus, I heard about a little birthday dinner than you and Cadet Kirk put together for an Ensign Arianne Pike. I take it that she's the topic of discussion?"

Leonard suddenly looked very ashamed, "She's Captain Pike's only child and I'm stupid to even think that I could have a chance with her," he confessed in a somber tone. "Jim's friends with both of us and he's encouraged me to go for it, but I'm divorced and a recovering alcoholic. I'm not a prime catch."

"Don't obsess over it," Dr. Piper replied gently. "You showed your interest by an act of kindness."

Leonard sighed, but before he could reply, the PADD that was in his pocket started playing a Southern tune. Deeply embarrassed, he pulled the PADD out of his pocket and studied the incoming message.

"Jim sent me a message," Leonard commented as he gave Dr. Piper an apologetic look. "He says that one of the other cadets is hosting a study party at the Cadet Center that's supposed to last all afternoon because there's nothing else to do today. More than likely, Jim won't even glance at any of his notes."

Dr. Piper chuckled, "Perhaps going to this party will help you relax," he replied. "What do you think?"

"I'm not much of a party person," Leonard admitted bluntly. "I might go to keep an eye on Jim, though."

Dr. Piper quickly got to his feet, "I should probably go by campus and see if they need help at Starfleet Medical," he said in an anxious voice. "Because of you, I actually miss working at Starfleet Medical."

Leonard sighed and got to his feet, "Since there's not a transporter here, we'll have to call a hovercab," he said in a resigned tone. "Thanks for the coffee and chat, Doctor Piper. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime," Dr. Piper replied as the two walked towards the door. "Now, let's get back to campus."

"Hey, Vulcan, are you lost?" Elizabeth asked as she made her way down the shoveled footpath and saw Soval lingering by a snow-covered tree and gazing silently into the snow. "I'm talking to you, Vulcan!"

Soval looked up and it was then that Elizabeth noticed that his eyes were glassy, "If you are ascertaining to my well-being, it is unnecessary," he said in a toneless voice. "My emotions are overriding me."

"Your emotions?" Elizabeth asked in a mocking voice. "I thought Vulcans didn't have emotions."

Soval grimaced and he suddenly scowled, "I seek Arianne Pike," he hissed, barely able to control the rage he was suddenly feeling. "She has ruined my plans and I must deal with her personally."

"She's going to the Cadet Centre for a party and you don't stand a chance with her," Elizabeth replied, unamused and unsurprised that another male Vulcan would want Arianne. "If you want to get access to Arianne, you have to help me plant this explosive there first. It will make it easier for you to get her."

Soval was silent as Elizabeth handed him the explosive, "Go and put this in the Cadet Centre," she said in a commanding tone. "Start the timer and then get outside before it goes off. Hurry up and get going."

"This is illogical," Soval replied as he stared at the explosive. "I do not know where the Cadet Centre is."

Elizabeth scoffed, "I will take you there and show you where to plant the explosive," she said in a commanding voice as she took Soval's arm and began marching him towards the Cadet Centre.

Old pictures of the NX-01 crew helped to pass the time; Admiral Archer thought as he pulled an old photo album off of his shelf of collectibles and retreated to his corner, very comfortable easy chair.

Porthos was sound asleep in a basket in the corner and he was perfectly happy to remain indoors.

Since he had let any thought of Arianne coming back to him go, Jonathan had found himself in a deep enough funk that he had thrown himself into being the best teacher he could be. Now that it was a snow day, however, he found that he was not only exhausted, but feeling nostalgic about the 'old days.'

"You have an incoming call, Admiral Archer," an automated voice suddenly spoke out.

Jonathan sighed and tapped the vid-phone on the table beside his easy chair. He was relieved when Captain Pike's voice appeared on screen, "What is it, Chris?" Jonathan asked in a tired voice.

"I'm stuck at my house doing work because of the snow, Jon," Chris replied in an amused voice as he smiled at Jon. "You haven't discussed any of the past with Arianne, have you?" Chris asked, worried.

Jonathan sighed, "I was walking around about a month ago and I saw Arianne spending a pleasant evening with Doctor McCoy in the canteen," he said in a defeated tone. "I decided to let go of any past I had with Arianne and let her make her own future. She's not the woman I remember anymore anyway."

"I've noticed that Arianne seems rather take by Doctor McCoy," Chris replied, smiling. "Jon, I've been meaning to ask you about something. I haven't seen Ambassador T'Pol around lately, and…"

Not wanting Arianne's name tarnished, Jonathan swallowed hard, "I enlisted the help of Starfleet resources to help T'Pol take her young son back to Vulcan," Jonathan confessed with a sigh.

"Well, as long as she and her son are safe," Chris replied softly. "Did Arianne help you, by chance?"

Jonathan nodded, a guilty expression on his face, "She knows people that will help her without question," he replied nervously. "I had to get her to help me so that nothing bad would happen."

"I'll never speak of it to anyone," Chris replied firmly. "So, Jon, are you up for a poker game tonight?"

Relieved that Chris had changed the subject without reprimanding him, Jonathan grinned and quickly launched into an explanation about why he hated poker; he didn't hate poker, but Jonathan knew that Chris loved Command Poker Night enough to gently barrage him into making an appearance.

Arianne sighed as she stretched out on a couch in the Cadet Center and watched Jim as he yelled at Gary Mitchell to stop texting on his PADD and help set up for the party. Mitchell merely ignored him, however, and continued texting to whatever girl he had managed to charm that week.

"Jim, just give me a moment and I'll help you," Arianne replied even though she didn't want to get up from the couch and subject herself to more discomfort. "Mitchell's not very good with decorating."

Jim suddenly swore as Mitchell left the building in a hurry, most likely prompted to by a text. Arianne sighed and got up off the couch; she walked over to the empty food table where Jim was standing with his arms full of crepe paper, balloon pieces, and a small canister of helium that looked stolen.

"Where did you get that stuff, Jim?" Arianne asked in a concerned voice. "You don't have money."

Jim grinned and Arianne silently groaned, but smiled as he passed her the small tank and the balloon pieces, "Can you blow those up for me?" he asked. "I gotta get the tank back before…"

"Oh Jim," Arianne replied in an amused voice as she walked back to the couch. "You are so special."

Before Jim could reply, Madame Guinan came into the Cadet Centre and looked amused at seeing Jim near a 'borrowed' table and Arianne holding a stolen helium tank and balloon pieces. She smiled at the two of them and revealed a bag from behind her back, which she immediately handed over to Jim.

"I decided to contribute some safe food and drink to this party," Madame Guinan said in an amused voice as Jim took the bag with a relieved expression on his face. "Admiral Archer and Captain Pike ARE aware of your party plans, but they'll let things be as long as things don't get too chaotic."

Jim nodded, "Thanks for the food, Madame Guinan," he replied softly. "Do you want to stay?"

"I'm not one for parties, James, but thank you for asking," Madame Guinan replied softly. "However…"

Jim was silent for a moment and then took a PADD from his pocket, "Could you see if Winona or Sam are still on Earth?" he asked in a quiet voice as he offered her the PADD. "I wrote them letters like you asked me to as part of the therapy agreement. I know you said that I didn't have to send them, but I…I…"

"I'll keep an eye out for them during my Christmas travels," Madame Guinan replied as she took the PADD and immediately pocketed it. "Don't forget to talk to your closest friends about it if you need to."

Nodding, Jim turned away and began taking the food from the bag and setting it up on the table, choosing to tune everything else out and focus on his thoughts for once. Arianne was about to ask Madame Guinan a question when Pavel suddenly came into the room with a smiling Hikaru.

"Arianne, zees is my new best friend, Hikaru," Pavel immediately said as they approached the spot where Arianne and Madame Guinan were standing. "I vas in the study area and he came in because of ze party. Ve got to talking and ve are both really smart and ve haff lots in common; so vonderful, yes?"

Hikaru gave Arianne a nod, "Pavel is quite intelligent and we are going to ask your father if we can share a dormitory next semester so that we can help each other get through the remainder of our time at the Academy," he stated in a calmer tone than she had heard before. "We are both in the Operations track."

"That's wonderful, Pavel and Hikaru," Arianne replied in a pleasant voice. "I hope you enjoy that."

Pavel nodded and then led Hikaru over to the food table where Jim had set out the little bit of food Madame Guinan had brought. Arianne watched as Hikaru emptied out the pockets of his cadet jacket and put several small candy bars, bags of chips, and small ration packets that he had 'scavenged.'

"Zees is party food, yes?" Pavel asked, catching Jim's shocked expression. "Ve vish to haff fun."

Madame Guinan smiled and quietly left, trusting that Jim and Arianne had things well under control and that they would be responsible enough to keep the noise level down. She wanted to read, eat some food, have a nap, and go across campus to the Command poker night a little later in the day, as the snow was quickly melting and Captain Pike had invited her. Besides, she enjoyed the banter involved.

Arianne, meanwhile, put the helium tank away and hid the balloons so that Jim wouldn't get too hyper playing with helium; she then turned her attention to mentally planning activities they could do. She knew that many cadets would be anxious about finals and wanted to provide relaxation for them.

"This basement is highly disorganized," Soval commented as he followed Elizabeth into the basement of the Cadet Center and saw scattered boxes and supplies that were only used for special occasions.

Elizabeth scoffed as she pushed through the clutter and walked over to a small exhaust port that led filtered directly up to the common room. She opened the small port, placed the explosive inside, and programmed it to go off in five hours; that would give her enough time to get out of harm's way.

"I believe you were going to let me plant the device?" Soval asked as he suddenly moved forward and grabbed Elizabeth's wrist to keep her from fleeing. "You are behaving illogically for a human."

Silently swearing at the Vulcan's incredible strength, Elizabeth quickly aimed a high kick at Soval's chest, sending the elderly Vulcan into a pile of boxes just yards away. As he lay there, fading in and out of consciousness, Soval suddenly came to his senses; what was he doing in such a messy environment.

Unfortunately for him, Elizabeth quickly left the room, leaving him alone and unable to stand because her kick had injured his chest in such a way that he was unable to move without assistance.

As he lay there, Soval silently listened to the timer's countdown and prayed that his death would be quick.

Starfleet Academy Cadet Centre – 1700 H

Loud music blared through the common and study areas as Jim drank another of the apple juice packets that Madame Guinan had left. At least 100 cadets, all in their first or second years at the Academy, had shown up for the party and were all still sober; Arianne had forbidden any alcohol to be at the party.

Most of the cadets were scattered throughout the common room in small groups, all of them talking or eating the food provided. Arianne, however, was sitting on the couch with Christine and Gaila; she was quietly listening as Christine and Gaila ranted about all of the single guys there and who was available.

As Jim gazed around the room, he saw Pavel and Hikaru at a small table that was also surrounded by a group of Operations and Engineering cadets including Admiral Archer's TA, Monty Scott. From what Jim could hear, the group was discussing different ways that they could improve on what was being taught.

Much to his surprise, Marla McGivers had actually taken time away from her job as Professor Khan's research assistant and had come to the party; she was with Nyota and the two of them were dancing with an over-enthusiastic Mitchell and Finnegan. The only thing missing from the party was Bones.

"Christine, Gaila, I'm going to use the bathroom," Jim suddenly heard Arianne say as she got up from the couch and moved towards the exit door. She motioned for him to follow after her and he did quietly.

As they wandered into the study area, Jim looked at Arianne expectantly, "I'm going to head back to my dorm and go to bed," Arianne said in a gentle voice. "I'm feeling much better, but I'm very tired."

"I'll walk you out," Jim replied in a firm tone. "I don't think anyone will notice that I'm not around."

Arianne was silent as she followed Jim through the study area and down the stairwell that led to the grand, atrium-like entrance of the Cadet Center. As they approached the door, they suddenly heard faint moaning and coughing coming from the basement level. Jim and Arianne exchanged a concerned look.

"There's a Vulcan down there," Arianne whispered, the necklace Amanda and Sarek gave her suddenly making her able to sense the presence of a Vulcan very nearby. "We have to go down there, Jim."

Jim gave Arianne a strange look, but nodded and followed as she hurried down the basement steps to see what was down there; he had never doubted anything she had asked and wouldn't start now.

"Who's there?" a faint, yet very familiar voice asked as Jim and Arianne entered the basement.

Frowning, Jim immediately recognized Soval from the attack during the previous Christmas, "Arianne, he attacked me at a restaurant that Bones and I were at during Christmas last year," he said, his alarm raising as he saw that Soval had been very badly injured. "What happened to him? He looks terrible."

"Some woman in red kicked me into these boxes," Soval replied in a faint voice. "Please assist me."

Arianne sighed and looked around for anything they might be able to use to assist Soval; it was then that she noticed that a vent was open and a small explosive was in it. She shot Jim a look of pure horror; trouble was close.

Outside, completely unaware of the crisis that was about to unfold, Leonard was walking the now shoveled footpath towards the Cadet Centre. He and Dr. Piper had gotten to campus hours ago, but Leonard had spent time at his dorm and had decided to walk the sleepy campus to gather his thoughts.

"Excuse me, are you looking for something in particular?" a toneless voice suddenly asked him.

Leonard turned and saw that a dark-haired Vulcan had suddenly appeared on the path next to him and was giving him a look that deeply resembled a scowl; the Vulcan was wearing an Instructor's uniform.

"I was just walking around," Leonard replied in a respectful tone. "I need time to gather my thoughts."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Indeed," he stated tonelessly. "Civilians are usually not permitted…"

"I'm an Academy Cadet," Leonard replied in a slightly annoyed tone. "My name's Leonard McCoy."

Nodding, Spock folded his arms, "If you are a cadet, I am very curious as to why you are not socializing with your peers at the Cadet Center," he stated. "You are friends with a Cadet named James Kirk according to what other faculty and cadets call 'rumors.' Logic dictates that friends stay within…"

Without warning, an explosion rocked the entire campus and nearly knocked both Spock and Leonard to their knees. Spock and Leonard turned just in time to see the Cadet Centre in engulfed in flames.

"What the-?" Leonard said, fighting the urge to swear. "Did the party get a little out of hand?"

Ignoring the cadet's comment, Spock took off at a run for the Command Center; even though Starfleet Command was officially closed for the evening, he had to alert his colleagues of the sudden crisis.

Leonard, meanwhile, hurried towards the Cadet Center to see if there was anything he could do.

In the confines of the Command conference room, Admiral Archer grinned as he collected a pile of poker chips from the pot that his fellow players had contributed to and subsequently lost.

The poker game itself had been a weekly tradition since classes had started in September and was held under the guise of being a 'review meeting' so that none would suspect anything fun was happening within the rigors that everyone outside the Starfleet Command loop expected of the organization.

As Chris gathered up the cards from Admiral Archer, Admiral Barnett, and the few instructors who had chosen to come to that evening's poker game, the door slid open and Madame Guinan entered.

"Professor Guinan, what a lovely surprise," Professor Khan, who had chosen to attend the event after being invited by Admiral Archer and admonished to enjoy himself. "Will you please join us?"

Madame Guinan nodded and as she moved to an empty chair at the table, the door again slid open and a refreshed looking Commander and Lara Harriman came into the room. Commander Harriman smiled at the others and led his wife over to an empty seat next to where Captain Pike was already seated.

"I haven't played poker in a long time," Lara spoke enthusiastically. "John, let's join in the game."

Commander Harriman nodded, deeply moved that his wife was now able to show enthusiasm for simple pleasures because of Ensign Pike's assistance, and took a seat next to his wife. Chris dealt some cards out to both of them and Madame Guinan as the door suddenly opened again and Spock entered.

"There has been an explosion at the Academy Cadet Center," Spock stated in a toneless voice as he struggled to keep his emotions about the incident in check. "Many are trapped; we need to respond to this crisis immediately."

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