“Can you help him?” Desda asked as Spock bent down next to where Jim reclined to examine the wound in his leg.

Spock frowned and used a medical tricorder on Jim’s leg. “This wound appears to be infected with poison.” He glanced at Desda. “Are there poisonous plants and trees near your dwelling on your colony?”

“Oh definitely.”

Spock looked at Jim. “Why am I not surprised you managed to find one?”

Jim huffed.

Spock pulled out his PADD and handed it to her. “Show me.”

Desda tapped quickly on the small screen and then turned it back around to show Spock.

“These are the trees next to Tolar’s house.”

Spock scanned the information and then nodded. “We are nearing New Vulcan. For now we will keep him comfortable. I have sent the information on the poison to Vulcan medical personnel. He will be taken immediately for treatment upon arrival.”

“Then he’ll be all right?” Jim’s mom asked anxiously from her seat, her arms still around the little ones.

Spock nodded. “Yes. They will have the proper antidote.”

“Thank goodness.”

Spock looked down at Jim. “For now, remain calm and quiet. Can you do that?”

“Of course.”

Spock arched a brow. “You have already violated my instructions.”

“Spock—”

“Does it pain you?”

Jim’s jaw clenched, but he merely nodded.

“This shuttle has only a simple med kit, however, there is one hypo of medication that will possibly dull some pain.”

Jim blew out a breath and then said, “Please.”

Spock rose and went for the med kit. He returned a moment later with the shot.

“Can I do it?” Desda asked.

“Do you know how to give a shot?”

“Before my mother passed…she taught me. She had an illness at the end, that…required them. And I really would like to be a physician one day.”

Spock handed it to her. “Very well. Proceed.”

Desda leaned forward. “Where shall I do it?”

“Right next to the wound.”

Jim eyed her a little warily but he chose not to protest as she moved the hypo to his leg and then pushed it in. He grimaced.

“Did that hurt?”

“They always hurt,” Jim muttered.

“Quiet,” Spock urged. “Now have him rest. I will return to copilot.”

Jim was a little surprised when Desda took his hand.

“You can close your eyes if you want.

He smiled faintly and closed them.