Spock stopped Desda from following the gurney with Jim on it as it was wheeled past doors and into a healing center on New Vulcan.

“It is best you stay out here with Mrs. Kirk and the children,” he told her.

“But I…”

“I understand both your concern and curiosity, but please stay outside,” he said, more firmly.

“Desda,” Winona Kirk spoke up. “Come wait with us. We can all worry together.”

Desda gave a little sigh and then turned to join Jim’s mother and the two younger children.

“There is no need for undue concern. Jim is in good hands and will be well soon.”

Spock, having given a sufficient amount of assurances, entered through the doors himself and sought out the room where Jim was being treated.

Jim had been moved to a hospital bed. He lay on his back, eyes open, and speaking in soft tones with the Vulcan healer, Staurel.

“Ah, Spock,” Staurel addressed him upon his approach. “I am about to begin the treatment for Captain Kirk’s poisoning. I suggested to him that he be unconscious during the procedure as it can be uncomfortable, but he is reluctant. If you can convince him, I will return with the antidote in a moment.”

Spock nodded his agreement and waited for Staurel to move away from Jim’s bed. He was pale and sweaty.

“I can handle a little discomfort,” Jim protested.

“I have no doubt, but Healer Staurel would not advise it if he did not believe it warranted. Jim, it will be all right.”

Jim blew out a long breath. “Okay, I guess.”

“Perhaps we should contact Doctor McCoy to provide reassurance.”

Jim’s mouth thinned. “He’s not speaking to me.”

“Why?”

“Now isn’t the time to get into that,” Jim insisted. “But…listen…why did you come to Orion? Your dad said you were pretty busy.”

“I told you I would.”

“I will always save you.”

Spock had spoken those words a seemingly long time ago now, but he had meant them. He would always mean them.

“Did you…I mean…you knew I was in trouble?”

“Yes.”

“But the bond—”

“Is blocked on your end, yes. That has not changed. I shield but that is not something shielding assists with.”

Jim nodded and licked his lips. “Okay. I see. Sorry.”

“You owe no apology, Will you consent to being asleep during the procedure to treat your injury?’

“Yeah, okay, fine. I know when I’m outnumbered.”

Relieved he was being reasonable, Spock signaled to Staurel, who once more approached, this time with an equipment tray filled with four syringes. Jim’s eyes widened, but he withheld any more protests.

Staurel stepped forward, placed his hand on Jim’s shoulder and said, “Calm now, Captain.” And he nerve pinched him. Jim went lax.

He turned to his tray. “This will take an hour for everything to be done. First, I will inject him with a serum that will allow him to remain unconscious and subdued. Then I will follow with the other three syringes which will counteract the poisoning. You may wait outside as well.”

Spock bowed his head in acknowledgement and went to join the others.