"Mr Kirk--"

"So does that mean I can walk again?" Jim interrupted.

"Not definite." Chase said. "It has some bugs in it but we would like you to try the newer model. The spinal-leg brace. Connects right into the spine." He made a small gesture. "Little painful in the first application but it becomes adjustable. You won't be in pain, per say, twenty-for-seven."

Jim looked at Chase.

"I want to try it," Jim said. "How many other people are out there like me?"

Chase wanted to disclose the actual number but patient confidentiality prevented him.

"A lot." Chase said, with a smile.

"So where do I sign?" Jim asked. "Is the application here?"

Chase brought over the padd handing it to the captain.

"We have it in storage," Chase said. "If it becomes excruciating, then you are obligated to tell us."

Jim took the padd taking the pen out.

"I believe it won't be of any problem to me." Jim said, signing the padd and the date. He checked off the boxes to indicate he has read the terms of services. Jim handed it back to Chase with the pen installed into the board. "When is the operation?"

"Mr Kirk, you will have to be sedated." Chase said.

Jim could hear a hypospray be discharged against his neck and his world slowly turned to black as he started to fall on the biobed. Jim dreamed that he was running through a cornfield passing by the stalks looking over his shoulder to see if the person or thing was still going after him. His head turned in the direction that he was running where he saw a scarecrow. Jim took a turn to the left narrowly missing the frightening prop. His hands slid on the dirt as he regained his balance. He felt like a young man on the run. But from what. He could hear his heart pound against his chest. Sweat pouring down his skin. And he was running. RUNNING ON HIS TWO LEGS. He realized this abruptly when coming to a stop on the pavement once out of the cornfield. Then turned in the direction of a loud honk.

"Good morning,Mr Kirk." Nurse Rand was the first face who he saw was happy. Her brown hair curled along her shoulder. Her kind, sweet eyes staring right into him. He could see a bright light over her head almost like a halo. "Did it work?"

"I told you the risk was worth it." Came Chases's voice with Rand shooting a death glare at him.

Jim had a wide smile spreading on his face.

"I can feel my legs!" Jim said. "I CAN FEEL MY LEGS!" He laughed out of joy. "--Ow, that's hot."