November 2257

Arianne found herself staring out the recreation centre's window at the falling snow instead of getting on the exercise bike next to where Jim was already doing a two mile ride to kill time before they were supposed to go to their next class, "I can't believe it's snowing already," she commented softly.

"I bet Pike will have me shovel his front walk later," Jim commented cheerfully as he continued working on the exercise bike. "He says that physical labor is good for my mind and my body, especially now."

Arianne sighed, turned, and walked over to the bikes, "It is," she replied in an amused voice as she got on to the bike next to Jim. "When I was a kid, my dad insisted on me having chores because he told me it helped me to think better and it did. I even had chores at that school in Des Moines to help my mind."

"Is that why you did all that groundskeeper work every weekend during the fall and spring?" Jim asked in an amused voice, remembering that Arianne used to get him to help her take care of the grounds at the Achievement Academy of Hope. "I thought you were doing that for extra academic credit."

Arianne grinned and ended up chuckling as she began to cycle, "It was a character building thing that Madame Guinan offered to all the students and I knew you'd get nervous if she asked you, so I asked for your help so you'd feel included," she explained in a gentle voice. "I knew the work would help you."

Jim smiled, "Speaking of help, Arianne, what should we do for your birthday?" he asked impishly. "I know you're not fond of parties, but I could rent the pool for the evening since you like swimming…"

"Might be fun," Arianne replied calmly as she stopped and began to program a workout into the bike.

Before Jim could reply, the gym doors slid open and Captain Pike came into the room with a neutral expression on his face, "Cadet Kirk, I need you to get your reds and come with me, please," he ordered.

"Captain Pike, I'm not due in class for another hour," Jim replied nervously. "What do you need?"

Captain Pike sighed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a stylus, "I got a message from the Riverside Police Department this morning, Jim," he said in a somber voice. "Your mother was found dead…"

"How?" Jim, who was reeling from the news that his mother was suddenly gone. "How did she die?"

Captain Pike remained silent and Jim quickly got off the bike, "She was found dead in her home this morning," he explained in a somber voice. "I contacted your brother when I got the news, but I don't know any other details right now. If you want to be excused from classes today, I'll make it happen."

Arianne watched as Jim became very quiet and sat on the floor, "Can I have a minute?" Jim asked in an unusually toneless voice as he hugged himself and looked at the floor. "I just need a minute to think."

Before Arianne or Captain Pike could reply, Jim closed his eyes, "I feel like I'm gonna throw up," he whispered in a pained voice as he pressed his hand against his forehead. "I've got a headache."

Frowning, Arianne got off her bike and knelt down beside Jim, "Just breathe deep and slowly," she said in a gentle voice as she gently pulled Jim against her and gently rubbed his back. "Dad, can you…?"

Captain Pike nodded, pulled out his communicator, and flipped it open, "This is Captain Pike," he said in a commanding voice. "I need a medical shuttle and medics at the recreation complex immediately."

"No," Arianne heard Jim whimper in a pained voice even though he didn't pull away. "No medics."

Arianne sighed and continued to gently hold Jim, "I just need a minute," Jim's voice repeated faintly before it suddenly faded and his body sagged limply in Arianne's arms and he stopped breathing.

"Jim?" Arianne asked in a concerned voice as she gently lifted Jim off of her and found that he was not only unconscious, but also not breathing. "Dad, Jim's not conscious and he's not breathing at all."

Chris frowned and watched as Arianne carefully eased Jim to the floor and began CPR, "What are you doing?" Jim's voice suddenly spoke softly even though Jim didn't wake up. "I don't feel good…"

Arianne quickly stopped and moved back just in time to see Jim unconsciously vomit on himself and on the floor, "Uggh," Jim groaned in a faint voice. "Arianne, are you still there? I feel like absolute crap."

"Yes, Jim, I'm here," Arianne replied gently as the doors slid open and two medics came into the room with a stretcher, med-kit, and a blanket in their hands. "The medics just got here, okay? Just relax."

Jim sighed tiredly, "Get Bones," he mumbled groggily. "Arianne, can you get Bones for me?"

"Yes, I think he's in his patient simulation class, but I'll go get him," Arianne replied as she got up and moved back further so that the medics could help him. "Just listen to Captain Pike and the medics."

Captain Pike glanced at Arianne as she was leaving, "He'll behave," he whispered in a firm voice.

Arianne nodded and offered a silent prayer for Jim as she hurried to get her stuff and leave.

Medical Simulation Lab – 1045 H

Arianne entered the lab and was unsurprised to see that Dr. Puri was standing at an exam bed with Leonard, Christine, and several other medical cadets, "…This medical simulation went very well and because of the snow, I'm going to end class an hour early today," she heard Dr. Puri say in an unusually cheerful voice. "I want you all to read Chapters 25 to 28 of your Field Medicine manuals for tomorrow."

There was quiet murmuring as the group broke apart and Arianne silently walked over to the medical cot where Leonard and Dr. Puri remained while the other medical cadets all left, "Hello there, Lieutenant Pike," Dr. Puri commented pleasantly as he saw Arianne. "Do you miss this class?"

"I was actually wondering if I could borrow Cadet McCoy for a minute, sir," Arianne replied in a professional voice as she stood at attention. "There's something that requires his attention."

Dr. Puri nodded and promptly walked off and Leonard grinned, "Missed me, huh?" he asked softly.

"Len, Jim just found out his mother died," Arianne replied in a somber voice. "He asked me to get you."

Leonard frowned and nodded, "Where is he now?" he asked as he packed his medkit back up.

"Starfleet Medical," Arianne replied somberly. "We were working out in the gym when my father came and told Jim about Winona. Jim was upset for a minute and then he went into some sort of shock…"

Leonard sighed and picked up his closed medkit, "I'll head over there right now," he said in a reassuring voice as he gave Arianne a gentle hug. "Did you want to come with me? He might want us both there."

"I don't want to crowd Jim too much right now," Arianne replied softly. "I don't know what it's like to…"

The words 'lose a parent' died on Arianne's lips because she had lost a mother a long time ago, but it didn't count to her because she couldn't remember anything about having one, "Jim is your best friend, though," Leonard said in a tone of disbelief. "If he wants me there, it's more than likely he wants you there. Why won't you come?"

Before Arianne, who was shocked by Leonard's accusation that she didn't care about Jim, could reply, her communicator went off. She sighed, pulled the communicator from her pocket, and opened it.

"Lieutenant Pike here," Arianne said in a formal tone as she moved away from Leonard. "What's up?"

There was a heavy sigh, "Arianne, can you go to our classes this afternoon for me?" Jim's tired, very groggy voice asked. "I'm cleaned up and all I want to do right now is sleep. No visitors right now, kay?"

"Alright," Arianne replied gently. "I'll comm you before dinner to see how you're doing, all right?"

There was a crackle, "Yeah," Jim's tired voice replied. "Just tell Bones to come by after supper…"

Arianne sighed as the connection went dead, "Do you want to get together for dinner?" Leonard asked in a nervous voice, deeply worried that Jim didn't want any visitors for the time being. "I miss you."

"I've got Interspecies Protocol in fifteen minutes, Advanced Weaponry at 1300, and Advanced Field Combat at 1500," Arianne explained in a tired voice. "Contact me at 1700 H and I'll let you know."

Before Leonard could reply, Arianne rubbed her eyes and silently left the medical simulation lab.

Academy Classroom – 1130 H

"...All right, that's all the notes we're going to read today," Commander Harriman said in a commanding voice as he switched the screen containing the notes off. "We have a guest lecturer coming in today…"

The door suddenly slid open and a female Vulcan in important looking robes came in with Spock, who was in his instructor uniform and walking with a cane, "This is Lady T'Pau of the Vulcan High Command and I believe all of you already know Commander Spock," Commander Harriman said in a professional voice as T'Pau and Spock joined him at the front of the room. "They are here to speak to you all…"

"As a member of the Vulcan High Command, I am here to explain how important it is to preserve the Federation under any circumstance," T'Pau stated tonelessly. "In September of 2257, a Vulcan citizen suffered injury as the result of a genetically engineered Human trying to defend another Human from things that should never occur between Humans. Vulcans are not believers in violence, but they do believe in defending themselves and their allies from anything or anyone who proves threatening."

An uneasy silence fell over the class and Arianne snuck a look at Pavel, who was sitting on the front row next to Hikaru, Mitchell, Riley, Tomlinson, and Nyota. Surprisingly enough, Pavel was listening intently to T'Pol and Arianne was relieved that he seemed to be getting over Professor Khan killing his father.

"The Vulcan citizen in question relocated to a more secure Vulcan colony to continue his recovery, but they who dared strike him is not findable at this time," T'Pau stated tonelessly. "I encourage all who worry about possible retaliation to seek counseling and to also research Vulcan meditation techniques in their spare time, but I also encourage you to fill your days with activities that assist in relieving stress."

Arianne silently watched as T'Pau and Spock whispered to each other for a moment and then T'Pau bowed silently to the class before leaving the classroom in silence, "Academy Command has given their authorization for the Recreation Building to be open at all hours for those who wish to pursue anxiety-relieving activities," Spock stated tonelessly. "The library and the labs will also remain open until midnight for those who desire to pursue academic projects in order to relieve personal anxieties."

"Thank you, Commander Spock," Commander Harriman spoke up. "All right, class is dismissed."

As everyone got up and began to leave, Arianne made her way to the front of the look and briefly caught sight of Nyota giving her a snotty look before turning to talk to Hikaru, Mitchell, Riley, Tomlinson, and Pavel, "Commander Harriman, I need a copy of today's notes to give to Ensign Kirk," Arianne commented as she turned her attention to Commander Harriman. "He is too sick to come to class."

"Well, illnesses are common among the cadet population this time of year," Commander Harriman replied in a sympathetic voice as he picked up his stylus and quickly pressed a few buttons. "Today's notes should be in Ensign Kirk's files when he checks his email next. I hope he gets well very soon."

Arianne nodded and silently left the classroom without making an effort to talk to anyone because she knew it would be rebuffed, "Lieutenant Pike, a moment?" she suddenly heard Spock's voice ask.

"Yes, Commander Spock?" Arianne asked in a formal tone as she turned around and faced Spock.

Spock raised an eyebrow as cadets began to stream out of the building and past them, "I was not aware that you still had difficulties associating with your fellow cadets," he commented, not noticing that Nyota was giving him and Arianne a scowl as she walked past them. "What exactly is the problem?"

"Me," Arianne replied softly, unable to lie to Spock. "I am excluded from every opportunity to do so…"

Spock said nothing and Arianne sighed, "Commander, this isn't a good time to talk," she replied in an apologetic, distressed voice. "I have to get to my next class, get suited up, and get on the range…"

"Will classwork in Advanced Weaponry ease your distress?" Spock asked tonelessly, walking in-step alongside Arianne as she moved down the path. "You have not come for a session recently…"

Arianne sighed, "You wouldn't want any more sessions with me if you knew what I've done recently, Spock," she replied in a somber voice. "People around here still think I am not worthy of being here."

"I am scheduling you to visit my office this evening at 1900," Spock replied in a toneless voice as he pulled out his personal PADD and ran his fingers across it. "Your presence there is optional."

Biting her lip, Arianne nodded, "I'll think about it," she replied in an unusually timid voice. "All right?"

Spock offered a nod and Arianne silently hurried off towards the Weapons Range to prepare for class.

Weapons Range – 1330 H

The target flashed green, telling Arianne that she had hit the center area and that she was to move on to the next target. Problem was, however, that another cadet was already using the next target in line.

"…She and Professor Spock were having a private conversation while everyone else walked past?" Arianne suddenly heard a voice say in a confused voice. "Why weren't they talking in his office?"

Nyota's chuckle suddenly filled the range, "It explains why she's near the top of every class and it explains why Professor Khan was fired," her voice said in a dark tone. "I knew that Marla was messing around with Professor Khan because she told me, but I never knew that Arianne needed to…"

"…Okay, so Arianne was messing around with Professor Spock last year and Professor Khan this year?" Arianne heard Hikaru ask in a confused voice. "Aren't student-teacher relationships like illegal?"

Fury filled Arianne and she set the weapon on the holster before she stepped out of the booth and marched over to where Nyota, Hikaru, Mitchell, Finnegan, Tomlinson, and several other cadets were gathered in their shooting attire, "Instead of putting judgment on what you think I'm doing, Nyota, why don't you take a look at yourself in the mirror?" Arianne snapped in a furious voice. "You're out of line!"

"I'm not parading around campus trading sexual favors for grades," Nyota snapped. "I heard you found out about Professor Khan and Marla, reported them, and that's why Professor Khan got fired. I don't know where all this crap about Professor Khan killing Cadet Chekov's father is coming from, but Pavel was never beaten and hence, Professor Khan had no reason to do anything everyone says he did."

Arianne swallowed hard, but said nothing; she wasn't going to gossip about Pavel just to keep herself from being seen as trash by her fellow cadets, "Nyota, what happened to you?" she asked, trying to keep herself calm. "We used to be such good friends and we haven't really been at the Academy."

"I had to work very hard to get anywhere in the Academy and you had everything handed to you just because you learn differently," Nyota replied aloofly. "You were made an Ensign at 16 and got to spend time in France and off-planet because your father is a Captain while I worked my way through school…"

Arianne sighed, but said nothing, "Wow, you were an Ensign at 16?" Hikaru asked softly. "Cool."

"Nyota, perhaps this isn't the best place to be having words," Riley spoke up in a nervous voice.

Nyota's eyes widened as she, Hikaru, Finnegan, Tomlinson, and the others stared at the normally timid Riley, "What's going on over here?" the commanding voice of Lieutenant Sanchez suddenly spoke in a sharp tone as she came over to the group of cadets with a sharp expression on her face. "Explain."

"I was working on the target exercises when I overheard these cadets saying some very nasty things about my character," Arianne replied softly, tired of not standing up for herself. "If my fellow cadets would please move on, I will go back to shooting targets and they can get on with their days."

Lieutenant Sanchez was quiet for a moment and then glared at Hikaru, Nyota, Finnegan, Tomlinson, Riley, and the other cadets, "All of you get back to your shooting," she ordered in a sharp voice.

Arianne sighed and turned to return to her area when she felt a hand on her arm, "Lieutenant Pike, how is everything going?" she heard Lieutenant Sanchez ask in a quiet voice. "I heard you've had problems…"

"Jim's usually here to help me stay focused, but he's sick today," Arianne lied, not wanting to air more of her personal issues out in the open. "I'm sorry for losing focus, Lieutenant Sanchez. I'll get back to it."

Lieutenant Sanchez nodded and gestured to the empty slot. Arianne silently entered the slot, picked up the weapon from its holster, aimed it at the target and immediately fired with all of her might.

"Excellent form," Arianne heard Lieutenant Sanchez say in a commanding voice. "Sulu, you're up!"

There were murmurs of confusion as Hikaru walked over to the slot, "Since you are all in a talking mood, I thought we'd have a little pop quiz to see how you're all measuring up," Lieutenant Sanchez stated in a commanding voice as Arianne moved aside to let Hikaru into the slot. "It's good preparation for finals."

"Can we talk later?" Hikaru whispered as he passed by Arianne. "I don't agree with Nyota, but…"

Arianne sighed and stepped back, "Send me an email and I'll think about it," she replied coldly.

"Once you've taken your shot on this target, move to using the advanced weapons and be sure to scan your ID chip before you shoot so your score is recorded," Lieutenant Sanchez said in a commanding voice. "The scores you receive today will determine how tough the review and finals will be. Begin!"

Arianne didn't hesitate; she walked past the others over to the advanced shooting area to do what she was told and to also show everyone else that she was more stable and mature than everyone thought.

Combat Field – 1500 H

The field was covered in snow, but Admiral Archer was standing there in full snow gear with a stylus in hand and a stern expression on his face as the class approached, "Welcome," he stated firmly.

Silence was the only response Admiral Archer received and he chuckled, "Today will consist of one on one combat battles using all the techniques you've all learned in this class so far," he stated in an amused voice as he held up a small recording device. "I'll be recording each battle and we'll discuss what happens here in tomorrow's class. The matches will be timed and once someone has been knocked down three times, the match is over and participants are to report to the gym showers immediately."

"Sir, I have a question," Tomlinson asked as he raised his hand. "What happened to Cadet Scott?"

Admiral Archer was quiet for a moment and then sighed, "Cadet Scott has been transferred to another Starfleet facility to finish out his education," he replied in a sharp voice. "Now, the first match today will be between Lieutenant Arianne Pike and Ensign Nyota Uhura. Cadets, take your spots on the field."

Arianne sighed and watched as Nyota walked across the snow and assumed a fighting stance, "Are you ready?" Nyota asked in almost too eager of a voice. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time."

"I bet," Arianne replied cooly as she assumed a fighting stance. "You and everyone else here."

Admiral Archer raised his arm, "Go!" he shouted, flinching as Arianne and Nyota immediately slammed into one another and began using the simple, yet powerful hand-to-hand combat techniques.

Whispering quickly escalated into loud cheering, "How did it feel when Professor Khan was fired because of your desire to follow the rules?" Nyota snapped as she delivered a sharp pop to Arianne's jaw and flinched as Arianne promptly flipped her into the snow on her back. "That hurts a bit."

"Sorry," Arianne replied coolly, not offering a hand. "I'd offer help, Nyota, but you'll flip me over."

Nyota scoffed, but quickly got up and delivered a swift kick to Arianne's chest, promptly knocking Arianne on to her back. Fortunately, Arianne managed to get up quickly and she swiftly engaged Nyota in a hand-to-hand spar that carried them to the far end of the snow covered combat field, prompting Admiral Archer and the other cadets to tramp through the snow after them to keep watching.

"Right, it's one to one," Admiral Archer reminded them sternly. "First one to fall three times loses."

Arianne quickly lunged at Nyota, but Nyota flipped her over into the snow. For several minutes, Arianne lay still and Nyota quickly became concerned enough to lean close to Arianne to see if she was okay.

Suddenly, Arianne opened her eyes, grabbed Nyota's leg and pulled her down on to the snow while she slowly got to her feet, "Never let your guard down," Arianne said in a breathless voice. "Remember?"

There was silence and for several minutes, Arianne and Nyota circled around, not taking their eyes off of each other, "Want to negotiate a draw?" Nyota asked haughtily. "You're looking pretty tired."

"Is the snow too much for you?" Arianne asked in a neutral tone. "I'm in no mood to surrender."

Nyota sighed and Arianne used that moment of hesitation to lunge at her, but Nyota planted her feet into the snow and the two spent several minutes pushing against each other before both of them inadvertently loosened their stance due to the intense cold and fell forward into the snow.

"Draw!" Admiral Archer called out, grinning and clicking the recorder off as Arianne got to her feet and offered a hand to Nyota. "That was very impressive given the fact that it took place in deep snow!"

Nyota took Arianne's hand and released it as soon as she was up, "All right, we'll go over the tape next class," Admiral Archer said in a commanding voice. "Now, both of you go get warm in the showers and then pop over to Starfleet Medical to make sure you have no permanent injuries from today's battle."

"My dorm's closer, can I just go there?" Nyota asked in a tired voice. "The gym showers are icky."

Admiral Archer sighed, "If you don't want to shower at the gym, use a shower at Starfleet Medical," he replied in an impatient voice. "Now clear the field so that Sulu and Mitchell can take their places."

Without waiting to see if Nyota was following, Arianne moved off the field and began to stomp through the snow towards Starfleet Medical where she could shower and maybe see how Jim was doing.

Starfleet Medical - 1600 H

"Wow," Arianne whispered in an awed voice as she stood before the mirror in one of the bathrooms within the vast medical building with her hair in a loose updo and her body covered by a t-shirt and pair of sweatpants that were usually kept in the bathroom lockers in case the need was ever there. "Wow."

Bruises dotted her face and neck and Arianne had also seen several bad bruises on her chest when she had been in the shower. After a shower that should have been relieving, her body was stiff and sore.

Silently praying that nobody would spot her, Arianne gathered her winter gear and cadet uniform and then silently left the bathroom, "Good grief, what happened to you?!" an anxious, almost angry voice called out just as she reached the foyer. "You look like you went 20 rounds with a heavyweight boxer!"

"Advanced Combat," Arianne replied tiredly as she turned around and saw Leonard standing behind the front desk in his Medical uniform with a stylus in one hand. "Have you been looking after Jim?"

Leonard sighed, "Jim's resting comfortably like he should be," he replied softly. "Pike's guarding the door and has taken it upon himself to screen any calls or messages that might come to Jim for now."

"Admiral Archer thought it would be amusing to have Uhura and I engage in hand-to-hand combat on the combat field in our winter gear," Arianne said in a tired voice. "He's making the others do it too."

Leonard nodded and gently touched Arianne's jaw, causing her to flinch, "Ow," Arianne replied in a pain-filled voice. "Uhura socked me a good one; she's been spreading rumors about me and my conduct…"

"I see," Leonard replied compassionately as he gently stroked her jaw. "A bruise is starting to show."

Arianne reached up and gently placed her hand on top of Leonard's, "I've missed you too," she replied in a gentle voice, ignoring the spasms of pain that were radiating from her face and body. "I'm so sore."

"Come on," Leonard said in a gentle voice as he released her face. "Would you like a little dinner?"

Before Arianne could reply, there was a loud beep, "I've got a message," Leonard commented in an apologetic voice as he tapped the stylus a few times. "Why would Sam Kirk send me an email?"

Arianne frowned, "Let me see," she said in a concerned voice, sighing as Leonard showed it to her.

Doctor McCoy,

Captain Pike emailed me about Winona and I was glad that the cops in Riverside emailed him before they emailed me. Anyway, Aurelan and I are back in Riverside, but I'd really like Jim to come for the memorial service and to go through some stuff. Unfortunately, if I ask him directly, he'll blow up and tell me where to go in no uncertain terms. Could you talk to Jim and try and get him out to Iowa, please?

Sam

P.S.: The funeral is on Saturday at 1200 H at the Kirk farm.

Leonard sighed, but Arianne moved back and immediately sat down on one of the padded seats in the waiting area, "Jim doesn't want anything to do with Sam," Arianne said in a tired voice, wincing as she leaned back. "Do you think you could wake Jim up for a bit so I could tell him about Sam's message?"

"I can try," Leonard replied softly as he looked down the hallway. "I don't know how he'll respond…"

Suddenly, there was a loud groan and Arianne and Leonard looked down the hallway just in time to see Captain Pike step back from a door. A moment later, the door slid open and a groggy looking Jim slowly came out and immediately grabbed Captain Pike's shoulder for support to keep himself upright.

"Jim!" Arianne said in an anxious voice as she stood up. "What are you doing out of bed?"

Captain Pike's eyes narrowed at Arianne's appearance, but he said nothing, "I missed Advanced Field Combat, didn't I?" Jim asked in a groggy voice as Captain Pike helped him walk to the foyer.

"Jim, Sam sent me a message," Leonard explained in a somber voice. "He wants you to visit…"

Jim scoffed groggily, "Bones, not now," he snapped tiredly. "Arianne, can we get something to eat?"

"On or off campus?" Arianne asked, knowing that Jim would most likely vent to her about Sam later.

Jim sighed tiredly, "Fried chicken sounds good," he replied groggily. "Where can we get some?"

"I'll write you passes to go off campus so long as you don't get drunk, Jim," Captain Pike said in a no-nonsense voice. "I don't need to have Archer chewing me out for you being under the influence…"

Jim nodded and sighed sleepily, "What did you tell my teachers?" he asked in an unsteady voice.

"That you were sick," Arianne replied in a reassuring voice. "I won't ever gossip about you, Jim."

At the mention of gossip, Jim's eyes narrowed slightly, "Get yourself looked at," he said in a groggy voice, giving Arianne a look that he wanted to know about the gossip later. "Where's my PADD?"

Captain Pike reached into his pocket, handed Jim the PADD he had been keeping safe while Jim slept, and sighed as Jim wandered over to a chair in the corner of the waiting area, "I had a shower and changed clothes, so I think I just need some food and rest on a heating pad. Other than that, I'm…"

"Arianne, you're just as bad as Jim," Leonard scoffed. "You always are playing the tough guy."

Arianne scoffed, "We are not having this discussion here and now, Leonard Horatio McCoy," she replied in an unamused voice as she dropped her boots on the floor. "I'm going off campus to get some fried chicken for Jim and when I get back and after Jim is relaxing again, then we'll have a good talk."

"Ahem," Captain Pike spoke up in a quiet, yet firm voice. "If you two want to have a discussion, can you please choose another place besides the foyer of Starfleet Medical to talk? This is a very public area."

Arianne blushed and nodded, "We'll talk when I get back," she replied calmly as she slowly put on her now dry cadet reds, winter coat, and boots. "There's a chicken place not far from campus; don't worry."

Before Leonard could protest, Arianne slowly left the building, "Uh, Captain Pike, I was wondering if you had a moment?" Leonard asked nervously. "I wanted to ask you something about your daughter."

Captain Pike looked suspicious, but nodded, "I'm all ears, Doctor McCoy," he replied in a quiet voice.

Not wanting to be accused of eavesdropping, Jim quickly tuned out what Leonard and Captain Pike were saying, but he could easily tell that the conversation was about Arianne because Leonard was nervous.

Boyce Hall - Dormitory – 1800 H

The walk did her already battered body no favors, Arianne thought as she lay on her bed with a PADD in one hand and a small piece of fried chicken in the other. A small box of fried chicken, fries, and popcorn chicken sat on her bedside table. She had gotten the chicken, given some to Jim, and then hightailed it back to her dorm because Jim wanted alone time and Leonard or her father weren't anywhere nearby.

"Arianne, can I come in?" Jim's voice called out from the hallway. "I got tired of being by myself."

Arianne sighed, "Come in," she replied softly, cringing at the thought of moving off the bed.

There was silence and then the door slid open, "Hey," Jim commented as he came into the room and saw Arianne laying on the bed and in obvious discomfort. "I thought you were getting a heat pad?"

"I was planning to go get one when I got back, but I was in so much pain that I thought it better to just rest on my bed," Arianne explained in a tired voice. "I'll probably feel better by tomorrow."

Jim nodded and sat on the chair at the desk, "Sam sent me a message and asked me again to come to Riverside," he stated in a tired voice as he looked at Arianne. "He wants to try and reconcile."

"How are you feeling about that?" Arianne asked softly as she slowly sat up. "I know you don't…"

Jim sighed, "I don't want to go alone if I have to go," he replied in a tired voice. "I hate the idea."

"You won't have to go alone," Arianne said in a concerned voice. "You know I'll come with you."

Jim suddenly went very quiet, "Bones needs you too, though," he replied in an uncertain voice. "I think he's frustrated at me because I take up too much of your time and he wants to spend time with you."

"James Tiberius Kirk, you do not take up too much of my time," Arianne said in a firm voice as she slowly got up off the bed. "You're the brother I never had and if anyone has a problem with that, they can…"

Jim swallowed hard, "You love Bones, don't you?" he asked in a quiet voice. "You really love him."

Arianne scoffed, but nodded, "Yeah," she replied softly. "Jim, you will never, ever be a bother…"

"I already think I am," Jim commented in an upset voice. "Maybe I should just go to Iowa alone."

Arianne frowned and sighed, "You can do whatever you'd like to do, Jim," she replied in a calm, patient voice as she walked over to the door. "I'm scheduled to see my counselor at 1900, so I'd better go."

"You see a counselor?" Jim asked in a confused voice. "But aren't you still a counselor for Starfleet?"

Arianne nodded, "Even a counselor needs a counselor sometimes," she replied softly. "You know?"

"Yeah," Jim said in a knowing voice as he stood up. "If you wanna hang out when you're done…"

Arianne smiled, "I'll let you know," she replied calmly as they both left the dormitory. "See you."

Academy Command Building- Commander Spock's Office – 1900 H

"Good evening," Spock commented tonelessly as the door opened and Arianne entered the office in her winter gear. "You may discard your outdoor gear and have a seat so that we can converse, Lieutenant."

Arianne sighed, but carefully removed her winter gear, "Where did you get those injuries?" Spock asked, raising an eyebrow at the bruises on Arianne's face, neck, and body. "Were you assaulted?"

"I was put in a mock hand-to-hand battle against Ensign Uhura during Advance Combat," Arianne replied in a pained voice, ignoring Spock's mystified expression as she sat down in the padded chair that Spock kept on hand for visitors. "Apparently, there have been some rumors that Professor Khan was fired because of me finding out about a relationship between him and Cadet McGivers and reporting it. That rumor is not entirely true…"

Swallowing hard, Arianne cringed, "Marla became pregnant by Professor Khan and Doctor Puri convinced me to help her relocate to the Starfleet building on Alpha Centauri," she confessed in an anxious voice as she looked at the desk, not daring to look up at Spock. "I only decided to do that after Marla became violent towards me because of what the pregnancy had done to her hormones."

"This incident explains your unusual behavior recently," Spock stated tonelessly. "Excessive guilt…"

Arianne nodded, but didn't look up, "Professor Khan is a wanted man and I allowed Starfleet's only link to him to flee because she became pregnant by his child," she stated softly. "Uhura doesn't believe that Professor Khan killed Pavel's father and she said that Pavel never talks about being abused…"

"Lieutenant Pike, cease with your speech of self-hatred and please look at me," Spock stated tonelessly.

Arianne looked up at Spock and was surprised to find him looking rather thoughtful, "It is unfortunate that there continue to be negative rumors about you despite all that you have done for your fellow cadets and your superiors since your arrival at the Academy," Spock explained in an unusually concerned voice. "However, the fact that specific individuals find pleasure in causing you pain through gossip is not something I would advise you to become upset about. Focus on more positive aspects…"

"Finals are coming up soon and I think I am doing well in my classes," Arianne commented in a hopeful voice, knowing that Spock was right. "Studying alone is really hard, but I find it keeps my mind busy."

Spock offered a brief nod, "You are doing very well in your classes at the moment, but you will not continue to do so if you allow yourself to be distracted by unnecessary guilt," he said in a knowledgeable tone. "I have noticed a disturbing alteration in your demeanor since Professor Khan's disappearance and now that I am aware of the cause, I recommend that you involve yourself in self-help activities…"

"Like what Lady T'Pau suggested, right?" Arianne asked softly. "How is she doing these days?"

Spock sighed, "Lady T'Pau is visiting the Academy to determine whether or not Starfleet officers and cadets were affected by Professor Khan like Serij seemed to be," he explained tonelessly. "She has met with Admiral Archer already and it was with his authorization that she made the announcements about the facilities being more available to meet the needs of overwhelmed officers and cadets."

Pain shot up Arianne's back and she groaned softly, "Could we cut this short tonight, Spock?" she asked in an apologetic voice as she slowly stood up. "I'm very tired and sore from my battle with Uhura…"

"It only seems logical that you retire to your dormitory and get some rest," Spock replied tonelessly as he stood and walked around the desk. "We can continue this discussion at a more convenient time."

Arianne smiled, "Thank you for listening, Spock," she said as she moved towards the door. "Goodnight."

Spock offered a nod and kept silence as Arianne gathered her winter gear and silently left the room.

"Arianne, I have a guest in the dorm tonight," Christine's voice filtered out of the communicator.

Arianne sighed, "Don't let him use my bed," she replied in a distressed voice. "Good night."

Silently cursing, Arianne put her communicator back in her winter coat and gazed up at the puke colored sky; she had to find a place to spend the night since Christine had effectively banned her from the dorm.

Although, Arianne silently reasoned, Christine had been rather involved with an older Science cadet named Roger Korby ever since the summer and it was natural for them to want private time alone.

"What are you doing out in this crap so late?" a familiar Southern drawl suddenly called out.

Arianne turned towards the voice and saw Leonard coming down the path towards her in winter gear with a bag slung over one shoulder, "Len, what are you doing out?" she asked in a worried voice.

"AA was tonight," Leonard replied in a worried voice. "Jim's back at the dorm doing something…"

Arianne nodded, "Christine's got a guest in our dorm tonight," she replied softly. "I have to find a place to sleep before I end up wanting to sleep in the snow because it'll help my aching body the most."

"You could always come stay at our dorm tonight and I'll take the couch so that you can have my bed and heating pad," Leonard offered in a gentle voice. "I use the heating pad so I can get a good sleep."

Arianne smiled, "Thank you," she replied softly. "Can you help me walk to your dorm, please?"

"Sure," Leonard replied gently as he gently took Arianne's hand in his own. "This way, my lady."

Cochrane Hall – Dormitory – 2200 H

The dorm was unusually clean and the only sign of life was a small stylus on top of Jim's neatly made bed, "I'll prep my bed for you," Leonard commented as he ignored Jim's bed. "It'll just be a minute."

"Sure," Arianne replied absentmindedly as she walked over to Jim's bed and picked up the stylus.

To anyone who reads this (namely Bones and Arianne),

I decided to go to Riverside after all and Captain Pike decided to go with me because I figured you two needed some time alone to sort things out. I'll be back once everything's done unless Sam triggers a fight at the funeral by opening his big mouth about the past. Hopefully I won't get arrested because Pike wouldn't be happy if I did, but he'd help me out anyway. Be safe and I'll see you both soon - - Jim.

"Jim's gone to Iowa and my father went with him," Arianne explained as she walked over to Leonard's bed and saw that it was all ready for her to rest in. "Could I use your bathroom to get undressed?"

Leonard nodded and was silent as Arianne disappeared into the bathroom and the door slid closed behind her, "The heating pad is motion activated," he said in a calm voice. "Do you want water?"

"No," Arianne's voice replied in a tired voice. "Maybe some tea to help me get a good sleep."

Letting out a sigh, Leonard walked over to the replicator, "Lemon chamomile tea with honey," he said in a commanding voice, smiling as a large mug of steaming liquid appeared on the small receptor pad.

The door slid open and Arianne came out in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt with her hair still in its messy bun, "I'll email Jim in the morning," she said in a sleepy voice as she climbed into Leonard's bed and immediately felt the heating pad activate underneath her worn out body. "Oh, that feels very nice."

"I replicated you a cup of lemon chamomile tea with honey," Leonard stated as he set the mug down on the bedside table, amused to see that Arianne had immediately fallen asleep. "It's here if you need it."

Arianne and Bones,

I'm on my way back from Iowa with Captain Pike. Sam didn't tell me that there's an ongoing investigation into Winona's death since it was ruled a suicide; apparently, the cops need to find out how and why Winona killed herself before her body can be released to us for a proper memorial service.

Sam and I barely talked because he was either talking with the authorities about what happened or he was dealing with the legal stuff. Captain Pike wasn't real impressed with that and Aurelan wasn't sure what to say about that either. Anyway, Winona's suicide is in the news and Starfleet is insisting on being involved with the planning of the service, so it'll be a while yet. I told Captain Pike that I'd rather be back 'home' with my 'siblings' and he agreed to bring me back to campus. I'll email again later.

A chime at the door caused Arianne to stand and quickly move to the door, "Jim," she said in a warm voice as she hit the door release and saw a tired Jim standing in the hallway in his cadet uniform.

"Iowa sucked," Jim commented, smiling as Arianne gave him a hug. "Happy birthday, Arianne."

Arianne smiled, "Thank you," she replied in a calm voice. "Len's still sleeping; keep it down."

Jim's eyebrows raised, "Wow, did you two lovebirds have some fun last night?" he asked impishly.

"Nope," Arianne replied in an amused voice. "He gave me his bed and he took the couch."

Jim looked over at the couch and was amused to see that Leonard was still asleep and scrunched up underneath the blanket, "Bones can sure sleep like the dead," he commented. "Bones, wake up!"

Leonard groaned, but opened his eyes, "What are you doing back so early?" he asked groggily.

"Check your email," Jim replied half-heartedly. "We should take Arianne out for breakfast!"

Leonard was quiet for a moment and then sighed, "Oh, happy birthday," he said groggily as he got up off the couch and walked over to Arianne and Jim. "Arianne, I just want to say that I love you very much."

"I love you too, Leonard," Arianne replied, smiling as she found herself kissing Leonard passionately.

As Leonard and Arianne kissed, Jim sighed happily; watching them kiss was a much needed distraction, "Let me shower and get looking decent and then we can," Leonard said in a gruff tone as he hurried into the bathroom.

"I'm afraid, Arianne," Jim whispered to Arianne as they waited for Leonard. "I don't know why, but I am..."

Arianne sighed and gently patted Jim's shoulder, "You're not alone, Jimmy," she whispered. "Remember that."

Unfortunately, not even Arianne could see the trouble that lay ahead for everyone that was serving in Starfleet.

Please read and review!