And we still continue…

It was hard to be quiet and not make a spectacle of yourself when you can even stand upright, Jim reflected as he slumped against the wall directly next to his apartment door.

A temporary apartment Jim hoped he’d be able to abandon in the six months they’d claimed it would take for them to rebuild the Enterprise on Yorktown. It was an all right place, Yorktown, but he was glad now he wouldn’t be staying there.

The door to an apartment opened suddenly down the hallway and Jim knew who it would be even before he heard the exclamation, “Captain!”

A moment later, strong Vulcan arms were propping him upright.

Jim managed a grimacing smile through his cracked lip and bloody teeth. “Hiya, Spock.”

“You are injured! What has happened?” Spock’s nostrils flared. “Orion pheromones.”

“Yeah, sorta. Can you help me inside?”

Spock didn’t hesitate, of course, and a moment later the door was opened and Jim was deposited on the couch while Spock went to fetch a first aid kit.

And then Spock was knelt down in front of Jim, using a wet cloth to gently wipe the blood from around Jim’s mouth.

“You were assaulted?”

Jim nodded.

“Did you summon the authorities?”

“No. She was long gone.”

“She,” Spock repeated with inflection.

“An Orion female I spotted at the bar. She reminded me of Gaila. You remember her?”

“Yes.”

Jim shook his head. “I guess I’m out of practice.”

“I do not understand.”

“For one-night stands. That was my intention, but hers was to rob me.”

“She inflicted this damage?”

“Nah, her co-conspirator.” Jim winced as Spock made him open his mouth for him to swab some of the blood. “Gross. Give me a moment to rinse, will you?”

Spock produced a bowl and an antiseptic mouth wash. “Already thought of that.”

Jim almost protested and said he’d go into the bathroom, but it wasn’t like he had a ton of dignity here at this point. He took the mouthwash, took a big gulp, swished it around and then spit it into the bowl. The blue mouthwash was tinged with pink from the blood.

“Did you lose a tooth?” Spock asked, setting the bowl aside.

“No, thankfully. He punched me a few times, they grabbed my credits and ran off. I stumbled here and you know the rest.”

“You should have reported the crime.”

“Maybe, but I’m pretty embarrassed. I’m off my game, that’s for sure.” He sighed. “And a little woozy from the pheromones.”

“You are fortunate she did not take you to some location where after she had her way with you she and her cohort murdered you.”

“It was just a petty crime, Spock.”

Spock nodded. “As I said, you are fortunate. I suggest you now get out of those clothes and into a shower. Then bed to sleep it off.”

Jim smiled faintly. “That’s exactly my intention.” He rose from the couch and swayed a bit.

“Do you need assistance?” Spock asked after steadying him.

“Nah, I got this. The worst of it’s over.” Jim searched his eyes. “I saw Uhura at the bar with a friend.”

“I see.”

“Does that bother you? I mean, I don’t know if it was a date or anything, but…it might bother you.”

“I have made peace with the end of the relationship, Jim. As I indicated before I am not suffering from heartache.”

“Okay. Good. Thanks for the help, Spock. See you tomorrow? Maybe we can have breakfast.”

“I am amenable. Goodnight, Captain.”

“Night.”