“When will he wake up?” Jim asked Bones quietly.

He was in the medbay watching from a distance as Uhura sat by Spock’s side. According to Bones, Spock was in a healing trance.

“Hard to tell, Jim,” Bones replied. “I hear it can last for hours or days, depending on the extent of what needs to be healed. Spock was in a bad way, so I think we can expect a longer time.”

Jim nodded, squeezed Bones’ arm, and then went to Spock’s biobed. Uhura stood up immediately and wiped at her eyes.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes. He-he asked for you before he went into the trance.”

Jim took Spock’s hand.

“I can leave if you want to sit with him.”

“I’d like to, but I’m needed on the bridge. I’d like you to sit with him, if you can. He needs a friend to watch him. And then later, when he needs to come out, I’d rather…”

Uhura embraced him. “I get it. I’ll do what needs to be done to get him out of it when the time comes. I know you don’t want to hit him.”

“Right.” Jim’s throat hurt. “Thanks.”

“He’s going to be okay.”

“I know.” Jim leaned over and kissed Spock’s forehead. “See you soon, sweetheart.”

Then he took another hug from Uhura and went back to the bridge to wait.

Some hours later, he was commed.

“Uhura to the bridge.”

“Kirk here.” His heart raced.

“Captain…he’s awake.” She paused. He heard the smile in her voice. “And grumpy.”