[ The child reminds Jim of so many things he’s tried to bury. So many things that made him the angry young man he was before he joined Starfleet. The man who fought tooth and nail for no reason at all. Who scoffed at Pike’s offer to join the fleet and make a difference. What difference did they make when it counted?

Where had they been when it mattered? What was the point of being too late?

April was there for he and Thomas. Now Jim has a chance to make that difference for someone else. God, while Pike had told him that he could make sure it never happened for someone else, he had hoped he would never have to be here. That he wouldn’t have to carry a child out of a nightmare.

Jim understands the distrust. He fought his own rescuer too. ]
Because I’m not them. Because I’ve been where you are, and someone came for me when I needed them the most. I’m sorry we didn’t find out about this sooner, and that the apology doesn’t mean much, if anything. But I’m here now, and I will make certain that the people responsible for this answer for it.

[ He hazards another step forward, gauging the child’s reaction as he does, then another, and another until he is very much within hitting distance of the makeshift weapon. He makes a motion to indicate that Spock and the others stay where they are. If something happens, he can defend himself.

To be quite honest, there isn’t much of anything there to harm him, a wisp of a boy. He can handle it. ]

Now, how about we put that down, and you come with me, huh? I won’t let anything happen to you. Promise.