August 2257
Copernicus Village Medical Center – Copernicus Village, Luna
The title 'Counseling Intern' was merely a formality while in reality, she spent most of her time being subjected to mental, emotional, verbal, and physical tests to see what effect de-aging had on her systems. She had been a patient for nearly fourteen days and hadn't counseled a single patient.
Arianne opened her eyes and found that she was yet again in her bed, wearing her Starfleet uniform and several bad bruises that she had received while undergoing torture. When she had arrived at the facility expecting to be given patients, she had been immediately admitted for a complete assessment.
Her communicator, Starfleet ID chips, and uniform had been confiscated and she had been taken right to T'Pol who had assessed her as needing extensive testing and mental counseling. The medical doctors had left her alone for the most part, believing her to be dangerous, and T'Pol had done the testing.
When Arianne had demanded to speak with Starfleet Academy, T'Pol had given her a high dose of psychotropic drugs and had melded with her to get the needed information. The past fourteen days had been filled with forced melds, dosages of psychotropic drugs, testing, and minimal food rations.
Now, as Arianne lay in her bed, she realized that Admiral Archer had tricked her into coming to this facility so that she, a person with invisible disabilities, wouldn't contaminate the perfection expected at Starfleet Academy. It was the worst trick she had ever seen, but she had fallen for it much too easily.
Swallowing hard, Arianne got out of bed, silently left her room, and walked down the hallway to the cafeteria-like atrium where low-risk patients were allowed to hang out during the day. She moved over to a table near the window and sat down so that she could look out at space. A knife touched her throat.
"Well, well, well," Elizabeth Dehner's voice whispered in her ear. "I never thought I'd see you here."
Arianne froze, but didn't move, "Elizabeth Dehner," she replied in a soft voice. "I thought you were on Vulcan receiving mental health treatment after you murdered Soval in cold blood and caused many…"
"Silence," Elizabeth whispered in an amused voice. "I was transferred here for psychiatric care."
Arianne gasped as Elizabeth put her in a headlock, unaware that Professor Khan, who had just aided in admitting a patient to the high-risk area of the facility, had come into the cafeteria with Dr. Sonak for a bit of refreshment before he made the long journey back to the Academy. She heard a faint gasp.
"What do you think you are doing out of your room, Miss Dehner?" Arianne suddenly heard Professor Khan ask in an angry voice, closing her eyes as she felt Elizabeth's hold loosen. "Doctor Sonak…"
Exhausted from being almost choked to death, Arianne immediately slumped forward on to the table, "Why is Counselor Pike in this area of the hospital?" she heard Professor Khan ask angrily.
Forcing her eyes open, Arianne shakily sat up and turned to face him, "A-Admiral A-Archer gave me to T'Pol for testing," she replied in a shaky, unsteady voice as she suddenly felt pain in her body and head.
"Doctor Sonak, is this accurate?" Professor Khan asked in a horrified voice as he looked at Dr. Sonak.
Dr. Sonak frowned, "Lieutenant Pike was assigned here to serve as a counselor to patients by an Admiral Jonathan Archer of Starfleet Academy," he replied tonelessly. "It appears she has suffered injuries…"
"T-T'Pol," Arianne whispered as she stood up and immediately sank to her knees. "Pain…"
Elizabeth chuckled, but winced as Professor Khan put her in a headlock, "Doctor Sonak, see to Lieutenant Pike and contact Captain Pike at Starfleet Academy," he said in a commanding voice, deeply appalled that Arianne had been treated in such a fashion. "I will return Miss Dehner to her room."
As Professor Khan escorted Elizabeth away, Arianne suddenly hurled and doubled over with an expression of agony on her face, "Oh…" she moaned, struggling to stay conscious as Dr. Sonak knelt down next to her. "I had to lie to Jim, my father, and Spock about why I was here…and Leonard…"
"Relax," Dr. Sonak whispered as he gently laid Arianne back and turned her on her side so that she was lying on the floor in the recovery position. "I assure you, Lieutenant, that you are now safe."
Arianne took a deep breath to relax and she felt Sonak's hand gently touch her face, "I will initiate a healing trance on you so that you will forget your injuries for the time being," she heard Sonak say in a calm, yet very emotionless voice. "My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts…"
Forgive me. Arianne thought weakly as she closed her eyes and allowed herself to succumb to darkness.
Seven Days Later
Starfleet Command – Administration Boardroom
"I tell you, Chris, I had no idea what was going on at that hospital!" Admiral Archer shouted angrily as he stood before a panel that consisted of Captain Pike, Commander Harriman, Commander Nogura, Admiral Barnett, Doctor Puri, and several other members of Command. "If I had known what T'Pol…"
Chris sighed, "T'Pol isn't to blame for Arianne ending up at that hospital," he replied, fighting hard to get up and punch Admiral Archer in the face for his ignorance. "You assigned her there and I want to know why you did, Jon. Arianne was doing just fine at the Academy and she was even taking that class…"
"You know we can't ever discuss that, Chris," Admiral Archer replied anxiously. "It was illegal…"
Admiral Barnett frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but Chris beat him to it, "Screw Section 31 protocol," Chris snapped angrily. "Arianne was rescued from certain death and I adopted her, knowing full well that I was risking my Starfleet career by doing so. I don't think it's fair to punish her for that."
"Admiral Archer, Captain Pike, all top-ranking officials in both Starfleet and the Vulcan High Command are already aware of the circumstances of Arianne Pike's arrival to Earth," Admiral Barnett, who didn't want a brawl between Admiral Archer and Captain Pike breaking out. "That is not the issue here."
Admiral Archer sighed, "As I said, I had no idea what was going on at that hospital until I got a call from an infuriated Captain Pike two days ago," he explained in a calmer voice. "Apparently, he was called…"
"I was contacted by a Doctor Sonak," Chris interrupted in a tight voice. "He told me what had happened and that he had induced a healing trance on Lieutenant Pike so she wouldn't continue to suffer pain from her numerous injuries. I asked Doctor Sonak to get her on the next transport to Earth, but he said that transporting her to Vulcan for mind-healing would be better for her in the long-run. I sent Commander Spock n to monitor that situation and as of last night, he came back with her."
Commander Harriman sighed, "So that's why Spock hasn't been in contact with anyone," he replied.
"What is Lieutenant Pike's current condition?" Commander Nogura asked in a concerned voice.
Chris sighed, "Spock and the Vulcan Elders were able to stabilize Arianne's mind enough for travel," he replied, recalling what Spock had told him after leaving Arianne at Starfleet Medical. "Doctor Harriman admitted Arianne to the intensive care unit just as a precaution, but her injuries are relatively minor."
"No doubt that Ensign Kirk and Doctor McCoy are trying to visit," Dr. Puri commented in a tired voice.
Admiral Barnett rolled his eyes, "Admiral Archer, should we arrest T'Pol for her crimes?" he asked.
"Admiral Barnett, I ask that you allow me to deal with T'Pol personally," Admiral Archer replied in an unusually anxious voice. "I believe I can make sure she will not cause harm to Lieutenant Pike again. Let's wait a week or two to make sure everything's calm and then I will personally travel to Luna and talk to T'Pol."
Chris scoffed and stood up, "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go sit with my daughter," he said, having had enough of Starfleet politics and drama for one day. "Contact me when you come to a decent solution."
Before anyone could stop him, Chris left, leaving a group of stunned Command officers behind.
Intensive Care Unit – Starfleet Medical
"…Jim, you shouldn't be here…"
"…Oh man, what did they do to her at that hospital, Bones? She got beat up badly…"
The sound of a medical tricorder filled Arianne's ears and she suddenly felt a hand gently touch her cheek and caress it, "The bruises seem to be fading, but her face will probably be tender for a couple of days yet," she heard Doctor Harriman say in a concerned voice. "Doctor McCoy, why are you here?"
There was a silence, "Arianne's my girlfriend and I love her," Arianne heard Leonard say quietly.
Arianne suddenly felt a hand gently caress her left hand, "Bones, Arianne's my other best friend, but we should really go and let Doctor Harriman take care of her," she heard Jim say in a worried voice.
"Wait…" Arianne found herself saying in a very faint voice, unable to open her tired eyes as she weakly clasped her fingers around Leonard's warm hand. "Don't leave me….I'm so tired of being alone…"
The door opened and closed, "Doctor Harriman, report," Arianne heard her father say worriedly.
Arianne groaned and forced her eyes open; she quickly realized that she was lying in semi-upright position in a patient gown with several IV's in both of her arms and an oxygen tube in her nose. She saw her father and Jim lingering by end of the bed while Leonard and Dr. Harriman were at her bedside.
"Where am I?" Arianne asked weakly, gripping Leonard's warm hand. "Am I still on Luna?"
Dr. Harriman shook her head, "No," she replied gently. "How are you feeling, Lieutenant Pike?"
"Tired and very sore," Arianne replied weakly. "Doctor Harriman, where am I?"
Dr. Harriman sighed, "The intensive care unit of Starfleet Medical," she replied gently as she looked at the overhead monitor for a moment before looking at Arianne. "You suffered several bruises and contusions to the face, broken ribs, dehydration, exhaustion, and malnutrition. The bruising on your neck suggests that someone attempted to strangle you at some point, but there will be no…"
"Am I going to be okay by fall term?" Arianne asked weakly, quickly tiring of all of her visitors.
Chris nodded and walked alongside the bed, "You'll be well enough to do what you need to," he replied softly, secretly amused that Leonard and Arianne were still holding hands. "Term isn't for two weeks, though, so just take it easy, all right? Admiral Archer will want to talk to you at some point…"
"Why would Admiral Archer want to talk to me, Dad?" Arianne asked in a confused voice. "I can't exactly remember what happened on Luna, but why would Admiral Archer know anything about it?"
Chris frowned, "What exactly do you remember about Admiral Archer, Arianne?" he asked, wondering if Admiral Archer had set the whole thing on Luna up because of his presence in Arianne's former life.
"I met Admiral Archer in 2255 when I was defending Doctor McCoy," Arianne replied weakly. "Why?"
Even though Chris was horrified that Arianne's memories of her previous life seemed to be gone, he nodded calmly, "I was just testing your memory, kiddo," he replied gently. "You'll probably have a lot of people doing that while you're in the hospital. I also want you to review your notes from last term…"
"Dad, I think I can remember everything," Arianne replied tiredly as she released Leonard's hand. "Oh…"
Dr. Harriman smiled, "All right, Captain, I think it's time to let Lieutenant Pike here get some rest," she said in a firm voice, seeing that Arianne was quickly tiring. "Doctor McCoy, give her a hug and…"
"I'm not going anywhere," Leonard replied softly, keeping hold of Arianne's hand. "I'm staying here."
Arianne sighed sleepily, "Len, please, can I talk to my father alone for a minute?" she asked in a tired voice as she looked at him. "Doctor Harriman, can you get these two some cots from somewhere?"
Dr. Harriman nodded and silently escorted Leonard and Jim from the room, "I know what you're thinking, Dad, and you're wrong," Arianne said weakly as she looked up at her father. "I still have all my memories of everything, but for the sake of your career, I want to pretend that I just had one life."
"What exactly did T'Pol do to you?" Chris asked softly, knowing that there wasn't much time to talk.
Arianne took a deep breath and winced, "She studied my past and my present," she replied weakly. "I can't remember everything yet, but my time on Luna was basically spent as a living experiment."
Chris nodded, but didn't speak, "I knew that this would happen, but I didn't want you or Jim trying to get involved since Leonard was recovering from surgery and needed your support more than I did," Arianne said in a faint voice. "Admiral Archer contacted me at the end of June and said that if I submitted to testing concerning my previous life, the de-aging process, and anything to do with T'Pol's and Soval's illegal activity he would ensure that Starfleet would never find out about what you did for me."
All the color drained from Chris's face, "According to Admiral Barnett, Starfleet Command already knows about it and the records of your past life have been either sealed away or destroyed," he explained in a concerned voice. "Admiral Archer will personally deal with T'Pol and it is not to be discussed further."
"Am I going to be demoted for lying?" Arianne asked in a weak voice, deeply nervous about her fate.
Chris shook his head, "No, you'll remain a Lieutenant and in both academic tracks if that's what you want," he replied gently. "Everything about you before November 2231 is going to be kept off all records."
Arianne sighed and gently grabbed the blanket, "According to Starfleet records, you were abandoned on the Academy campus shortly after birth, found by me on New Year's Day 2232, and later adopted by me with authorization from Admiral Archer," Chris stated gently. "That's how it will be from now on, okay?"
"I think it's better that way," Arianne replied sleepily. "How long am I going to have to stay here?"
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Chris chuckled, "Probably at least overnight," he replied.
"Do Jim and Leonard have to stay here too?" Arianne asked softly. "I mean…I lied to them and…"
Chris sighed, "Not if you don't want them to, but they aren't mad at you," he replied, seeing that Arianne was getting tired. "Oh, I forgot to mention that Spock wants to talk to you at some point."
"Oh man," Arianne replied sleepily. "I didn't even tell Spock where I was going or why…"
As Arianne closed her eyes, Chris pulled the blanket up so it would cover her better, "Spock knows," he said in a gentle voice as he gently patted Arianne's hand. "Just get some sleep and I'll stay right here."
Arianne sighed sleepily and Chris turned away from the bed just in time to see Dr. Harriman come back into the room, "I convinced Ensign Kirk and Ensign McCoy to go back to their dorm tonight," she explained in a quiet voice, seeing that Arianne was asleep. "I think she can go home tomorrow."
"I'm going to take her to my house for a few days," Chris replied quietly, looking at Dr. Harriman.
Dr. Harriman nodded, "I was going to recommend that anyway, as your house is closer to Starfleet Medical than the dorms are in case of any problems," she said gently. "I'm also going to recommend that Arianne not engage in any major physical activity until at least the first week of term for safety."
"Understood," Chris replied softly, crossing his arms. "Are there going to be any long-term effects?"
Dr. Harriman shook her head, "Not physically," she replied. "There might be emotional effects…"
"Commander Spock is going to be meeting with Arianne when she's well enough," Chris stated softly as he turned his back to Arianne's sleeping form. "I've also put in a request with Starfleet Command that a full-scale investigation be done on the Copernicus Village Medical Center and the methods they use…"
Dr. Harriman grimaced, "Sounds like a pretty barbaric place," she replied, gazing at Arianne's sleeping form before walking over to the bed. "Captain Pike, in all honesty, I want to meet with Lieutenant Pike weekly to make sure there are no long-term physical effects. I'm concerned by this situation…"
Before Chris could reply, the intercom buzzed, "Doctor Harriman, please escort Lieutenant Pike to the auditorium for debriefing and questioning," a commanding voice stated. "We know she's awake."
Hearing the word 'debriefing', Arianne opened her eyes, "Dad, get me a cadet uniform," she said in a groggy voice as she slowly forced herself into a sitting position. "Can someone remove these IV's?"
"You've only been conscious for 20 minutes, Arianne," Chris replied in an anxious voice. "I can…"
Arianne immediately shook her head, "If you tell Starfleet Command that the debriefing should be postponed, they might see it as enough reason to recommend that I be discharged from the Academy," she stated in a tired voice as she slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Please, help me."
Dr. Harriman sighed and muttered something about the 'airheads of Starfleet', but carefully removed all of the IV's and bandaged the sites, "If you have any symptoms, come back immediately," she said in a concerned voice as she helped Arianne get off the bed. "I'm not sure if you can get a cadet uniform…"
"I'll look into getting one delivered here," Chris replied calmly. "Arianne, you best clean yourself up."
As Chris left the room, Arianne looked at Dr. Harriman, "I'm scared," she whispered in a nervous voice.
Starfleet Academy Auditorium – 1300 H
Leonard, Jim, Pavel, Christine, and the few other cadets who had stayed on campus for the summer were seated in the many chairs that were normally used for assemblies. In front of the room, there was a long table used by Starfleet Academy and Starfleet Command to conduct hearings and court-martials and it was occupied by Admiral Barnett, Admiral Archer, Commander Harriman, Commander Nogura, Doctor Puri, and several other members of the Command Division, all of whom were in dress uniforms.
The door opened and Captain Pike came in and stood before the table, "Captain Pike, where is Lieutenant Pike?" Admiral Barnett asked in a commanding voice. "She was ordered to report…"
"I'm right here," Arianne replied tiredly as she slowly walked into the auditorium in her cadet uniform with her hands by her side and her hair in a bun. "Lieutenant Arianne Pike reporting as ordered."
There was a moment of silence as Dr. Harriman entered the room and joined the group at the table without acknowledging Arianne; it was both her and Dr. Puri's responsibility to be at both sessions.
Admiral Barnett nodded and Captain Pike moved into the audience seats, "This open debriefing is now in session," he said in a commanding voice as he picked up a stylus. "Lieutenant Arianne Christine Pike of the Command and Medical Tracks at Starfleet Academy, you were recently held prisoner at the Copernicus Village Medical Center for 14 days under the false pretense of being a counseling intern."
Even though Arianne could hear frightened whispers from the gallery, she kept her gaze focused on the debriefing panel, "Yes, that is correct," she replied calmly. "I got out of there relatively unharmed."
"Lieutenant, is there any reason why you were held for 14 days?" Admiral Barnett asked worriedly.
Swallowing hard, Arianne shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure," she replied nervously. "I remember being given large doses of psychotropic drugs and forcibly interrogated about my Starfleet record."
"Oh man," Leonard murmured softly, quickly earning himself glares from Captain Pike and Jim.
Admiral Barnett nodded, "You will be required to make a detailed report of your experiences and submit them to Command for review," he stated, seeing that Arianne looked tired. "We have discussed your situation with Doctor Harriman and in exchange for being allowed to keep your commission and continue forward in the Academy, you will be required to attend weekly physiotherapy and counseling."
"Understood," Arianne replied calmly even though her ribs were beginning to hurt from being upright.
The panel took a few seconds to talk amongst themselves before Admiral Barnett cleared his throat, "This open session is now concluded," he said in a commanding voice. "All those who have not been invited to the closed session of this debriefing are now dismissed to their previous activities."
Arianne bowed her head to each of the panel and then slowly left the auditorium, "McCoy, Kirk, follow her," Chris whispered to Jim and Leonard. "I have to stay for the closed session, but Arianne's tired…"
Jim nodded and quietly left the auditorium, "Doctor McCoy, if you think that Arianne's pushing herself too hard or that she needs a rest, you have my authorization to give her meds for sleep or pain if you think she needs them," Chris whispered to Leonard, who lingered behind. "You're good for her."
"Right," Leonard replied in a whisper right before he silently left the auditorium in complete silence.
The bench in front of the Academy fountain never felt so comfortable to Arianne before, but she found herself very relaxed and not feeling so much pain as she sat there letting the sun shine down on her.
"You sure like sleeping outside, don't you?" Arianne suddenly heard Jim ask as footsteps approached.
Arianne opened her eyes and sighed at seeing Jim standing there in his cadet reds, "I just got tired, Jim," she replied in a tired voice as Jim sat next to her on the bench. "20 minutes after I woke up, I was summoned before the board for a debriefing even though I was supposed to have time to recover…"
"Starfleet's weird that way," Jim commented. "Besides the ribs, though, how are you feeling?"
Arianne sighed, "Terrible," she replied tiredly, grimacing as she saw Leonard coming towards them.
"Are you up to walking back to Captain Pike's house or should I go borrow one of those cart thingies?" Leonard asked, seeing how tired Arianne looked from just attending the debriefing. "You look tired."
Swallowing hard, Arianne slowly stood up, "It's only a short walk," she replied as Pavel, Christine, and the other cadets came down the stairs of the auditorium deep in conversation with each other, immediately going quiet when they saw Arianne, Jim, and Leonard. "What's wrong?"
Christine and most of the other cadets didn't reply, however, and walked off down the path that led to the dorms, Academy canteen, and library. Only Pavel remained and he looked very nervous.
"Pavel, what's wrong?" Arianne asked worriedly, seeing fear in Pavel's eyes. "Why do you look scared?"
Jim suddenly exchanged a look with Leonard, "Uh, Arianne, it's been a long day," he said anxiously.
"Shut up, Jim," Arianne replied, suddenly feeling concerned. "Did something happen to someone?"
Pavel swallowed hard, "Zere are rumors zat you attacked Professor Spock on Wulcan vhen you were zere," he replied in a nervous voice, looking at her. "I understand it vas trauma, but ze ozzers…"
Arianne's eyes widened, "I was never on Vulcan, Pavel," she replied in a voice of disbelief.
"Yeah, you were," Leonard replied in a heavy voice, not surprised that Arianne couldn't remember anything before she regained consciousness at Starfleet Medical. "You can even ask Captain Pike…"
Horror filled Arianne's heart, "Oh, no," she said in an anxious voice. "Jim, Len, I've got some things to do for a little while, but I'll meet you both at my father's later on, all right? Try not to burn the place down."
Before Leonard, Jim, or Pavel could reply, Arianne took off at a speedwalk towards Spock's residence.
Command Residences – 1400 H
Swallowing hard, Arianne winced as she pressed the buzzer besides Spock's door and immediately dropped her hand because it was trembling uncontrollably. She could hear footsteps approaching.
The door opened and Spock was standing there in a karategi with a badly bruised black eye, colorful bruises on his face, and a confused expression on his face. Arianne turned away and began to cry.
"Lieutenant Pike, crying on a doorstep is illogical," Spock spoke in a toneless voice. "Come in."
Sniffling, Arianne turned back to face Spock, "Pavel told me that there are rumors that I attacked you on Vulcan," she replied through her tears. "Spock, please, I need to know if I attacked you and why."
Spock was quiet for several seconds and then slowly limped back into his house, "Come inside and close the door behind you," he said in a toneless voice. "I will explain what happened to you in private."
Nodding, Arianne quickly entered the house and closed the door just in time to see Spock ease himself into a chair and rest his left foot on a padded ottoman, "Should I turn myself in or will you be doing that?" she asked in a worried voice, seeing that Spock was in a lot of pain. "Spock, I didn't mean to…"
"You did not attack me because you were physically incapacitated," Spock replied tonelessly. "I was attacked upon my arrival at the hospital to assist Doctor Sonak in transporting you to Vulcan for treatment by a mind-healer. I was given basic anaglesics on Vulcan while you were being treated."
Arianne sniffled and immediately sat in the chair near the door, "People think I'm dangerous, Spock," she replied in an anxious voice as she laid back to ease the pressure in her ribs. "That's not good."
"I assure you that no Command or Academy personnel think you are dangerous," Spock replied in a pained voice as he laid back in his chair. "They are working to quell any unsavory comments…"
Suddenly realizing that Spock was in pain, Arianne slowly got up and walked over to him, "Spock, should I call someone from Medical to come examine you?" she asked in a worried voice. "You don't look well."
"All Command level staff are currently in conference concerning the incident on Luna," Spock replied tonelessly as he put his arms on the arm-rests. "If you are able to find another with medical training…"
Arianne sighed, "I know of two available medics: Doctor Phlox and Doctor McCoy," she replied softly.
"Doctor Phlox is currently in his annual hibernation period so that he is fresh by the beginning of term," Spock replied tonelessly. "I have also observed that Doctor McCoy suffers from xenophobia…"
Arianne nodded, "Spock, please allow me to call Doctor McCoy," she said. "I know he will help you."
Spock sighed and gestured to the video communicator, indicating to Arianne that he would allow her to contact Dr. McCoy. Arianne slowly walked over to the terminal and punched in Leonard's communicator number, silently praying that he was in a good enough mood to do whatever she asked of him.
The door chime sounded and Spock inhaled sharply, but didn't move from the couch where Arianne helped him to move to and sit. He instead adjusted his wrapped foot to keep it on the pillow.
"Don't move your foot, Spock," Arianne said in a commanding voice as she stood up, slowly walked over to the door, and opened it with a tap of the door control. "Doctor McCoy, thank you for coming."
Leonard nodded and held up the medical bag, but he didn't enter the house, "All the senior people are still in that meeting, so I sent Jim to hang out with Pavel and I sorta borrowed some stuff from Starfleet Medical," he explained in a low voice. "Is Commander Spock going to report me for stealing supplies?"
"I assure you, Doctor McCoy, I will do no such thing," Spock's voice filtered out of the small house.
Arianne smiled, "Did I forget to mention that Vulcans possess extraordinary hearing, Doctor?" she asked in a slightly amused voice. "Now, I do believe your patient is waiting inside for medical treatment."
Before Leonard could reply, Arianne walked back into the living room and was relieved when he came inside and let the door slide shut behind him, "First of all, Commander Spock, how did you get these injuries?" he asked in a concerned voice, shocked by how battered Spock seemed to be.
"I was at the Copernicus Village Medical Center waiting for Lieutenant Pike to be deemed stable enough for transport to Vulcan and I was attacked by a mentally unstable patient who had escaped while undergoing his initial assessment," Spock explained tonelessly. "Luckily, the patient was subdued."
Leonard nodded, reached into the medical bag, and pulled out a medical tricorder, "How do you feel?" he asked in a professional voice as he ran the tricorder over Spock's body. "Readings are erratic."
"Physically, I am in a moderate stage of discomfort," Spock replied tonelessly. "Lieutenant Pike assured me, however, that you are a competent physician and would be able to attend to my injuries."
Leonard looked up at Arianne, "If Lieutenant Pike insists on hanging around while I patch you up, she should at least sit down since she does have taped up ribs," he said in a firm, but gentle voice.
Arianne sighed and slowly sat down in the chair next to the couch, "I'll tell you right now that your ankle will need an x-ray at Starfleet Medical," Leonard explained, looking down at Spock. "Lieutenant Pike did a nice job of wrapping your ankle, but it's so badly swollen that I'm not going to risk touching it here."
"I understand," Spock replied tonelessly, wincing as Leonard gently touched his bruised face. "Oh…"
Arianne sighed tiredly, but didn't move, "Lieutenant Pike, you require rest and nourishment," Spock stated, well aware that Arianne was putting up a brave front so that he wouldn't be alone.
"It's only 1600 H," Arianne replied sleepily as she gazed at the chronometer above the front window.
Leonard scowled, "At least take a nap in that chair if you insist on staying," he said in a firm voice.
Arianne nodded and laid back to ease the pressure in her ribs. As she closed her eyes, she could hear Leonard asking Spock questions and Spock responding in a faint, but very coherent voice.
The day had been much too long for her and full of things she would have rather had more time to do, but Starfleet was all about order, regulations, and promptness. At least she had endured her debriefing well.
"Arianne, wake up," a gruff, yet very gentle voice said. "It's time for me to take you to your dad's."
Arianne sighed sleepily, but didn't open her eyes, "Len, I'm so comfortable here," she replied tiredly.
There was silence and Arianne opened her eyes to find Leonard standing beside the chair with his arms crossed and she saw that the couch was empty, "It's 20:00 and the meeting's been over for a couple of hours," Leonard explained, giving Arianne time to fully wake up. "I was finally able to get a hold of Doctor Harriman to come and examine Commander Spock since she left the debriefing early and she got him to Starfleet Medical for a better examination. We should really get you back to your dad's…"
"Len, where's Jim?" Arianne asked, a realization suddenly coming to her mind. "Contact him."
Even though Leonard was confused by Arianne's request, he pulled out his communicator and opened it, "Jim, this is Leonard," he said in a clear, concise voice. "Arianne asked me to check on you. You there?"
"Bones, I'm at our dorm," Jim's voice replied in a tired voice. "Pavel went back to Medical for the night."
Arianne frowned and slowly stood up, "Len, something about Jim sounds off," she said worriedly.
"You just got out of the hospital this afternoon and you want to go visit Jim?" Leonard asked worriedly.
Arianne nodded, "Something's wrong, I can feel it," she replied worriedly as she winced. "Len, please."
"You know I can't resist when you ask so nicely," Leonard replied gently. "As long as you walk slowly."
Arianne smiled and slowly left Spock's quiet residence with Leonard holding tight to her hand.
The dorm was dark when Arianne and Leonard entered it, "Computer, lights," Leonard ordered in a commanding voice that was filled with worry. "Jim's gonna be mad if we end up waking him…"
As light filled the dorm, Arianne spotted a stylus on the couch, "What's this?" she asked in a confused voice as she slowly walked over to the couch and picked up the stylus. "According to the article on here, a Doctor Sam Kirk and Aurelan Morrow got married in Atlanta, Georgia this afternoon and a Winona Kirk is quoted as saying that she's so proud of her only son for making a good civilian life for himself…"
"Does it mention Jim anywhere?" Leonard asked as he came up behind her and peered at the stylus.
Arianne shook her head and threw the stylus back on the couch, "Jim, are you in here?" she called out.
A drunken belch suddenly erupted and Arianne slowly walked into Jim's small bedroom only to find Jim on the floor and huddled in the corner with a large bottle of amber liquid in hand, "Hey, Rianne, did you come to join me?" Jim asked in a slurred voice as he looked up and saw her. "I just needed a drink…"
"I know, Jim," Arianne replied softly as she offered her hand to him. "Can you take my hand?"
Jim belched again, but took her hand in an unsteady grip, "Don't tell Captain Pike," he slurred as he allowed Arianne to help him to his feet. "Today was Sam's wedding and I just thought I'd look in the news to see if there was anything about it. I didn't expect to see that Winona had said that stuff…"
"You don't need any more of that, Jim," Arianne replied gently as she took the bottle from Jim's hand and was about to guide him to the bed when she spotted Leonard's portable medkit on the floor near Jim's bed with a small bottle of sleeping pills open. "Jim, how many sleeping pills did you take?"
Leonard swore loudly and hurried into the room, "Please tell me that you didn't mix sleeping pills and alcohol, you infant," he hissed, his eyes widening as he saw the open bottle. "Jim, how many…?"
"Just one," Jim slurred as he sank down on his bed. "I think I threw it up like half an hour ago…"
Rolling his eyes, Leonard grabbed his tricorder out of the kit and scanned Jim with it, "I'm not detecting any drugs in your system, Jim," he replied in a concerned voice, suddenly spotting a puddle of vomit in the corner closest to the bathroom that had one pill in it, "You couldn't keep it down, could you?"
"Whiskey's strong," was all Jim slurred as he looked up at Leonard and Arianne. "Can I have a shower?"
Leonard bit on his lip so hard that it bled, "No, but Arianne and I will change you into your pajamas and put you right to bed," he replied in a concerned voice. "If you let me give you an IV, I won't tell anyone."
"Riiight," Jim slurred as he removed his undershirt and threw it on the floor. "I don't need pajamas."
Leonard sighed and grabbed a portable dripbox out of the kit that he kept on hand for emergencies, "Lie down and I'll give you some fluids," he said with a sigh in his voice. "Arianne, please help Jim into bed."
"C'mon, Jim, I'll tuck you in," Arianne said in a gentle voice as she walked to the front of the bed and turned the Academy-issue bed covers down. "Can you crawl up here for me please? I can't reach you."
Even though Jim had drunk half a bottle of whiskey, he nodded and obediently climbed up the bed as if he were completely sober, "I'm sorry for getting drunk, Arianne," he spoke softly. "That was stupid."
"Jim, it's okay," Arianne replied gently as she gently covered his body. "Just get some sleep, okay?"
As Jim dozed off, Leonard quickly unearthed one of Jim's arms and hooked up the portable dripbox before Jim had a chance to react, "Len, I'll just comm my father and tell him that I'm hanging out here tonight," Arianne said in a tired voice as she walked over to the doorway. "I won't tell him about Jim."
There was silence as Arianne left the room and a few minutes later, Leonard could hear her talking on the vid-terminal with Captain Pike, "…Dad, I'm going to stay here tonight with Leonard and Jim," she said in a soft, but determined voice. "…Okay…I promise that I'll get rest and come there tomorrow…"
A moment later, Arianne came back into the room and immediately sank into the soft chair that was next to Jim's desk, "I'm so glad term starts in two weeks," she said, gazing tiredly at Leonard.
Leonard nodded as he watched Jim sleep; hopefully, fall term would bring them all back to sanity.
Please review so I feel motivated to continue!