"Analise Vloomre, Princess of Eldaria. Military rank: High Rear Admiral current captain of the RETRIBUTION fleet flagship, VENGEANCE. Age: 185 Eldarian years, appears 19 in human. Height: 1.6764 standard meters. Weight: 56.699 standard kilograms. Hair color: Auburn. Eye color: Green..." The computer continued to spit out information to the Federation Council. The Eldarian Ambassador was the one to click off the machine, and looked to the group of men and women seated before him. "She is coming along with your first class of Eldarians for your Academy. Her fathers hope is that she will also be trained, learn the intricacies of your Starfleet and be a valuable asset not only to her people, but your Federation as well." The council was agreeing with him, and their spokesman said, "Of course. Her name will be entered with the rest of the cadets from Eldaria and she will be held to the same standards as the rest of her class." the Ambassador nodded, and replied, "The princess herself has requested as much. She, apparently, wishes that her identity as a member of the Eldarian royal family be not publicly announced." The council nodded, and the ambassador bowed to them.

Kendrick Vloomre glared at his younger sister, "You little... Ana I swear, you keep talking like that and you're gonna get into trouble." Ana just smiled at him, her eyes lighting up like a supernova. "Kenny, Anyone ever tell you that you're uptight?" the girl stuck out her tongue at her brother and sassed her hips. She retracted her tongue and took a mocking tone, "Ana your mouths gonna get you in trouble..." she shook her head at him and laughed, "I can take care of myself, Kenny. Don't you worry about me." she was about to walk away, when the communications officer turned from his station, "Admiral, we are being hailed." Ana glanced at her brother and stood primly behind the JUSTICE's command chair, while her brother sat, his back straight against the soft leather. "On screen."

The picture of a man in a Starfleet uniform appeared on the view screen, "Welcome to Starfleet, Admiral Kendrick. I see you've got your sister with you." Ana nodded curtly, her face perfectly blank. Kendrick smirked, and replied, "Yes. I was hoping to hear from you. My crew is rather anxious to dock with your station as soon as possible. I know that we are to receive the precise coordinates from you?" The man onscreen nodded, and smiled, "I have just sent to coordinates to your ships computer, you should be able to dock with them within the hour. We will have a shuttle waiting to bring you to the planets surface." Kendrick nodded and closed communications. He turned to Ana and smiled, "We'll just see who's right about that mouth of yours, little sister."

Ana winked at him, "Are you willing to put a wager on that brother?" Kendrick spun in the chair and raised an eyebrow, "Whatcha got in mind?" Ana grinned, "I'll wager that there are Vulcans in this academy, right?" Kenny nodded, "Well, the bet is that if I can out-logic a vulcan, you have to announce before the entire Academy that I'm smarter than you." Kenny started to laugh, "And if you can't?" Ana's smiled broadened, "I'll... I'll do a whole song and dance number." Kenny's eye sparkled, "You would risk that for a bet?" She put her hands on her hips and glared at him, "You got a better idea?" he nodded, "I do. You outsmart a Vulcan, and I get you a date for that Harvest Festival that's coming up down there. You lose, and I get to have you serve aboard the JUSTICE for the entire trip home, as service engineer." Ana weighed her options, then nodded. "I'll take it." they shook on the bet, and simultaneously crossed arms and glowered at each other. The surrounding crew just chuckled; their royal family had always been like this, teasing and bantering just like another siblings would have. It was what made them loyal to them, seeing them like this. They were no different than themselves, only their name made them different.

"You'd better go change from that uniform, sis." Kenny finally said, looking her over. Ana looked down at her informal garb, and smirked, "I guess I should, huh?" Kenny chuckled, and waved her off. "I'll see you off the ship, and after I'm done finalizing some things, I'll meet you on the main steps of the Academy in two months." Ana nodded, and left the bridge, her heeled boot clacking against the exposed metal. Kendrick waited for the doors to the elevator to shut, and then turned to his helmsman, "That girl..." the helmsman shook his head as well, "She's your sister for a reason, Prince Kendrick." Kendrick laughed, "Maybe so."

Ana had changed into a shorter cream skirt, covered by a blue vest-like dress of the same length. The blue dress had had its sides cut along the seam and retied loosely with a black ribbon. The sleeves of the cream under dress had been cut away to reveal her arms, and had been retied with black ribbon at her elbow. The skirt went halfway down her calves, hiding the tops of her shiny black boots. Her hair was braided in a crown style around her head, and then finished in a long braid down her back. Kendrick's uniform was similar, yet instead of a skirt, he wore pants as black as his boots, which were over the pants hems and came to his knees. His shirt mimicked his sisters dress in the vest style over a cream shirt. Both uniforms had deep necklines, with starched collars folded over the blue vest. Around both their necks were matching necklaces, the Eldarian crest of arms. These were the uniforms of the High Rear Admirals of the entire Eldarian fleet, Commanders of the Retribution fleet, and Prince and Princess of Eldaria.

The group they lead were also dressed in their best, quite the sight for the small reception committee. The lead Admiral glanced at his assistant and then back at the Eldarian ambassador, "Well now...that's something worth seeing." the ambassador nodded, "Yes, the prince and princess can be quite the impressive show when called upon. No doubt their father...The King's idea." The Admiral nodded, and looked back at the advance group. The Ambassador was right, the two out in front looked very impressive, and very dangerous. At their sides were phasers, hopefully not turned on, and on the outer side of their right boots were a slot that held a throwing knife. The look in their eyes was one of determination, and he had no doubt that they knew what they were doing here, and what their appearances were doing to his entourage.

The two royals stopped about ten yards away from the group, and went to parade rest. "Admiral," Prince Kendrick spoke, his voice deeper than a normal mans. He sounded and looked just like the old gods from Earth's ancient past. His hair was lighter than Ana's, cut short and spiked in a manner that looked deadly. His brow was smooth and tall, adding height to his already towering seven foot form. Kendrick's eyes were a disturbing silver, and as bright as his sisters, and were boring into the Admirals soul. "Admiral, may I present the first Eldarian troop of cadets." Kendrick saluted the Admiral again, and then stepped aside. The Admiral moved towards the group, and stopped next to Ana. Her eyes stayed forward, but he could sense her attention to him. She was a beautiful woman, and would be hard to miss in a classroom full of young men. "Princess," he said, but she didn't move. He looked at her brother, who just shrugged. The Admiral turned back to Ana, and tried again, "Admiral?" She registered that, and saluted, briskly. He returned the salute, then grinned, "We are honored to have such an esteemed student among us." she raised an eyebrow, but again said nothing. The Admiral was about to walk past when she finally spoke, "It is understood that during my tenure here, I will not be addressed as your highness, princess or any such other name?" The Admiral almost jumped, but his military training stopped him. He quickly moved back to look her in the face. "Yes, we have received your request and have not announced your lineage to anyone outside the Federation Council." she nodded curtly, and turned with him to inspect her people.

Kendrick watched his sister leave the hangar deck, a tightness in his heart. This was his baby sister, off on her first real adventure, alone. He raised his hand to wave good-bye, but she didn't turn back...yet. Her escort was about to the elevator when she glanced over her shoulder, saw him and turned back at a run. Kendrick dropped his command demeanor and opened his arms wide. They hugged each other tightly, just like any other loving siblings would have. "Two months, Kenny. After that I'm sending out a search party." she whispered, as they pulled apart. His eyes were moist, "I'll be there. I'm going to collect on that bet." they laughed and she walked away.

Ana followed her guide through the crowded halls of her dorm building. There were young men and women hanging out of doors, hauling large duffel bags full of clothes and just talking over everyone elses noise. It was loud, crowded and Ana loved it. After the relative silence of the castle back home, this was a refreshing glimpse of life. She was so busy watching her guide navigate the bunches of people that she didn't see the eyes of the young men follow her every move. Ana was a vision in her travel clothes. She had changed before they had boarded the shuttle to the planet, and was now in black shorts, a blue lace tunic over a tight white tank top. Her legs were long and toned, and with her feet in a simple moccasin, she moved quietly and smoothly. She looked as though she was simply floating through the crowds.

"Here you are, Ana." her guide said, and quickly disappeared in the masses. Ana watched her leave, then turned back to the door. Taking a deep breath, she hit the button to open the sliding doors, and entered the small apartment. As the doors shut behind her, she dropped her duffel bag on the floor and kicked it under the dinning table. To her right was a small kitchenette with adjoining dining room. The wall on her left took a turn after about five feet and opened up to reveal a sitting room, complete with computer and wide windows that overlooked the main grounds. She walked in further, and saw that there were two doors on the left wall, presumably the bedrooms. She'd passed the co-ed washrooms on her way in, there was one on each level, each serving what looked like a dozen apartments like this one. She shook her head and went to the windows, arms crossed defensively. She wouldn't have admitted it, but she was scared...but only a little.

The main door opened behind her, and Ana turned to come face to face with two other young women. Both seemed frozen in place at seeing her, so Ana decided to speak first, "Hello...my name's Ana. And you are?" The foremost girl shook her head, "I'm Uhura, and this is Sabrina. We've just come from the main square. There's a big carnival going on down there...Did you just get in?" Ana nodded, and smiled, "Yeah. I'm from Eldaria." she said, proudly. The girls eyes widened slightly, and Sabrina had to ask, "You're Eldarian? I thought they all looked like those men outside." Ana turned back to the window and looked down, where others of her people were standing around, looking rather conspicuous. Ana chuckled, "yeah.." Uhura walked forward and looked down at the grounds as well, then pointed to a large Ferris Wheel in the distance, "The carnivals down there...wanna come with?" Ana looked down at her clothes, and Uhura grinned, "It's warm when you get down there. That's why we came back, to change." She motioned to her own outfit, the dark colored cadet suit. Ana nodded, "Not a problem. It might be fun!" Sabrina let out a squeal and clapped her hands, "Wait till those boys see you!"

Uhura shook her head and walked away. Ana cocked an eyebrow, "What do you mean?" Sabrina looked at her, dumbfounded, "You don't know? You're gorgeous!" Ana glanced herself over, even spinning to try and glimpse her backside, "Really? I never really thought about it." Sabrina brought a hand to her eyes and sighed, "You are going to be fun, I can just tell." she pointed the to the door closer to the windows, "That's my room. I don't have a roommate yet, if you want you can bunk there." Ana grinned, "Thanks." she walked to her duffel bag and was about to go into the small bedroom when the main door opened again, and another girl walked in. "Jessi!" Sabrina said, hugging her old friend. The girl, Jessi, smiled and hugged Sabrina back. "who's this?" she asked, and Ana smiled at her, "Name's Ana." Sabrina put her hand to the side of her mouth and whispered loudly, "She's Eldarian." Jessi's eyes lit up as she looked Ana in a new light, "I couldn't tell." Ana turned away, and threw her bag onto the spare bed. She was coming out of the room while Uhura was reunited with the Jessi, "Oh it's good to see you. I thought you weren't coming back." Jessi shook her head, "I thought it over and decided that I'd better finish my time. It's only one more year anyway..." she looked at Ana and grinned, "You were going to the carnival?" Ana nodded as Sabrina jumped for joy. "Jessi, go change and we'll get going." Jessi was nearly pushed into her bedroom, and Ana dodged out of the way. Sabrina was talking nonstop, "Ana you're just gonna love it here! There's always something to do..." Uhura interrupted and looked serious, "You'll have enough homework to keep you busy enough." Ana was laughing at them and Sabrina just continued, "there's dances and rally's and sports games..." Jessi walked in, changed into a T-shirt and jeans. "I think that's enough, Sabrina. Let's get to that carnival."

The girls were some of the last to get to the fairgrounds. They walked in the gate, four across and laughing like old friends, Ana was near the middle and loving this new life. She had friends and a roof over her head. They walked through the crowds, each girl giggling as they passed some new entertainment or other. Soon enough they met the ferris wheel, and Ana asked, "Can we try this one?" the girls all agreed, and piled into the car. As the wheel turned, her three roommates found it important to point to the different buildings that Ana would come to know well during her time at the academy. "That over there is the communications building, and that tall brick one behind it is the library. Trust me, you'll be spending enough time there." Uhura said conspiratorially, pointing out the few more buildings. As the girls' car came down for another loop, Ana caught sight of a young man. He wore the senior cadets uniform, and was talking to another young man, who was facing the Ferris Wheel. The way the two of them stood just exuded a confidence that Ana knew came with the experiences of command.

"Sabrina...I think Ana's caught sight of your young man." Jessi whispered loudly, nudging her friend. Sabrina moved to Ana's side of the tub and looked out over the crowds. "JOSEPH!" she cried out, making Ana jump uncharacteristically. She put her hand over her ear and looked at Sabrina angrily, "Thanks a lot..." she whispered, her eye quickly moving back to the men she'd seen. Both had looked up at Sabrina's cry, and the darker haired one was now waving frantically at them and shouting something. Sabrina waved back and turned to her roommates. "Let's go join them!" she was excited and Ana couldn't help smiling, her mood was infectious. Uhura and Jessi were laughing also, "Alright, alright, Rina. We're almost done here and then we should go get something to eat." Sabrina grinned widely and nearly jumped up and down in her seat.

Once off the Ferris Wheel, the girls were met by Joseph and his companion. Sabrina rushed forward to Joseph and hugged him tightly. Joseph's face lit up and he returned the embrace, "Rina...I thought you weren't coming in until tomorrow." she pulled back and was talking faster than Ana had heard before, "I got in last night, I wouldn't miss the party here. Are you kidding?" Joseph chuckled and brought a hand over her mouth, "Enough, hon." Joseph's eyes went to the group behind his girlfriend. "Hi, Uhura...Jessi." when his eyes landed on her, Ana smiled softly and nodded to him. "Rina, who's this?" Sabrina looked back at her, and laughed, "I'm sorry. Joe this is Ana, Ana this is Joe." Ana offered her hand and Joe shook it. He pointed back to his companion, "Ladies, you remember my friend, Jim Kirk?" The other man smiled and bowed respectfully to them, "Jessi, Uhura...Ana." all three girls nodded to him in response to their names, and smiled gently. "Hello, Jim." Jessi said, her eyes changing into something more luminescent. Uhura leaned over to Ana and whispered in her ear, "Jessi's had a crush on Jim for the past two years. They've dated a few times, and it's been interesting..." Sabrina and Jessi were talking animatedly, and the group started to move towards the food stands. "...But I don't think that Jim's her type. He's on track to become a starship captain, and Jessi doesn't want that as a husband." Ana nodded and looked at the girl walking in front of her. "What does she want, then? Do you know?" Uhura shrugged, "I don't know for sure, but I doubt that a man from Starfleet is really what she needs. She grew up in the mountains of Idaho, I'd be willing to say she wants the cowboy stay at home type. Jessi really isn't into adventurous men." They'd reached the food stands and the boys were deciding which girls they would pay for. "I'll take Rina and Jessi if you want, Jim." Jim nodded and moved back to stand between the girls. He was about to put his arms around their shoulders when Uhura shook her head at him and stepped just out of reach, "Oh no you don't Jim Kirk. I'm not going to fall prey to your charms." he shrugged and looked at Ana, "You not gonna let me do it either, huh?" Ana shook her head...then put her hand in the crook of his elbow, "I don't think this would hurt anybody." Jim smiled, and put his other hand over hers. "I don't think so either."

She could understand why Jessi liked this man. He stood a good head above her, with crystal blue eyes and a smile that seemed to brighten the space around them. His shoulders were broad and strong, Ana could see him as a starship captain. Even in just the way he walked, he commanded a certain presence. The students around them parted easily to let him through, and she could see how the other students regarded him. She'd seen those looks before, on the faces of her people when they looked at her father or brother. Perhaps even with her own self...Sabrina had mentioned that she was beautiful. They'd reached a small stand that held large steaming trays of food that Ana didn't recognize. Ana looked behind Jim as he walked forward to order his own food, "What is that?" Uhura smiled, "It's called Chinese food. You haven't seen it before?" Ana shook her head, "No. we got a list of different foods and their makeup when we traveled here, but I don't recognize this." Uhura swallowed a laugh. "Would you like me to order for you?" Jim asked, having overheard the conversation. Ana looked at him sharply, and had to bite back her reply. She nodded, and smiled, "Thanks." Uhura brought her forward and pointed out several different dishes, "That ones called chow mien, that's sweet and sour pork, that's..." Ana paid close attention, not wanting to miss a thing.

"I take it your not from Earth then, Ana?" Jim asked, removing several bills from his pocket and handing it to the attendant. Ana walked to him, and took the tray that he had filled for her, "No. I'm..."she glanced back at Uhura, "I'm from Eldaria, actually. Just got in." she waited for his reaction. If he was a senior student, then he must know further details about their species. If he did know, he didn't show it. All he did was grin, "Eldarian, huh?" she nodded, slowly. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she felt a twinge of something in her gut. "Jim..." it was Jessi, and Ana was grateful for the interruption. It meant that she could move away slowly and not be stared at so...intensely. Ana and Uhura walked over the the table that Sabrina and Joseph were sitting at. As they lowered their trays, Sabrina launched into a story about how she and Joseph had met. Ana nodded and laughed at the appropriate times, but her mind was off somewhere else. There was something about this Jim Kirk that she didn't like...and something more that was pulling her to him like a magnet.

Jim was watching this newcomer, absolutely fascinated with her. He'd met a few Eldarian's already today, but they looked nothing like this girl. Her hair alone was enough to drive a man to distraction, worn down the way it was, and floating in the occasional breeze...and then there was her mouth. It was the perfect shape, and seemed to be teasing him to touch it. Her neck was long and sprouted from a set of slender shoulders. Her current wardrobe was revealing enough that he could see the soft swell of her breast and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Her waist was slim and tantalizing, he was willing to bet he could wrap both hands around it and touch fingertips. Then he thought about the shorts she wore...barely long enough to be called such, they revealed her long and toned legs that ended in moccasined feet. She may be small, but he could see from the occasional look she gave him that her spirit was strong and willful. 'Probably nobility.' he thought to himself, digging into his rice dish, 'and more likely already promised to some old foogey that doesn't care a wink about her.' "Tell us about Eldaria, Ana. What's it like?" Jessi was asking, her tone friendly. Ana grinned self-consciously and began to talk, "What do you want to know?"

"What's it look like?" Ana looked around them, at the few trees, open sky and people walking around enjoying themselves. "It's a lot like this...There are vast cities with thousands of people and tall buildings that disappear into the skies... There are mountains so tall and rocky they make even our stronger fighter think twice about climbing them... Rivers and canyons so vast it's almost impossible to see the other side, and waterfalls so spectacular they take your breath away." she took a breath and looked into her food, "The oceans are wide and usually calm... the weather's as different as here, one moment gorgeous, the next a thunderstorm so loud that can stop a heartbeat." Uhura leaned back a little, "sounds beautiful." Ana smiled and nodded, "It is. It's funny though; my whole life I've longed to see other worlds outside Eldarian control..and now that I'm here, all I want to do is go home." the group around her was nodding in agreement. "Sounds like your homesick." Jim whispered, putting a hand on her arm. She looked at him and shrugged, "I can't afford to be homesick...but I suppose I am, a little."

"Ana!" the shout came from beyond the group, from a young male Eldarian cadet that was waving ecstatically at them. "Porter!" Ana shouted back, and quickly got to her feet. The two rushed to each other and patted the other on the back in a tight hug. "Porter, my old friend. I didn't know you were coming to the Academy." Porter grinned and nudged the ground with his toe, "I was asked along by Admiral Kendrick, he said you needed some looking after." They were only a few paces away from Ana's table, but she didn't care. She put her hands on her hips and shook her head, "Kenny...he's always worrying about me." Jim kicked Joe under the table, and the boy glared at his friend. Uhura had felt the movement, and cleared her throat. Ana turned back to her new friends and made the introductions, then turned back to Porter, "And how exactly did Kenny tell you to protect me?" Porter chuckled and crossed his arms, "He just said to keep an eye on you...that you had some sort of bet or something...." Ana laughed, "He told you about that?" Porter shook his head, "He didn't have to, Ana. The entire crew was talking about it." Ana sucked in her teeth and lowered her gaze, "They were huh?" It was Porter's turn to laugh, "Not really. But I heard it through the grapevine." Ana shook her head at him and almost jumped when Jessi asked, "So Ana...this Admiral Kenny of yours. Are you close?" Ana looked sideways at Porter, and answered, "As close as we can be. With him always out on some mission from the king." she rolled her eyes in distaste.

It did honestly bother her that she never really got to spend time with her brother, quality time that is. Whenever he was home, all they could talk about was how the fleet was doing and what to do next with the Federation, and how to fend off the Council of Governors decision about her marriage for a little bit longer. The way Eldaria worked was that the people would decided their leaders, except for the royal family. But those very leaders also had a say in how the children, her in this case, would be married off. Her father had done everything he could to prevent her from being sold off to some vulture noble who only wanted her access to the throne. But time was running out, Father was on his way to the Death Islands, and Kendrick could only prevent her marriage for so long. Sooner or later, Ana Vloomre would become Ana something else. She was pulled from her thoughts by a harsh thunk on her arm from Porter, "What?!" she hissed, and then heard Uhura speaking, "...Ana. Is this Kenny special..." she raised an eyebrow and smiled. Ana smiled broadly and laughed, "Oh no. Kenny's my brother." she explained, crossing her arms. Uhura's eyed widened, and she looked a little shocked, "So...you're fairly important back home, huh?" It was Jessi who asked, but Ana shook her head. "I'm as normal as anybody else."

Ana was sitting up in her bed, looking over the orientation information on the computer in her hands. There was little she didn't already know about her classes; Communications, Navigation, Advanced Hand to Hand...it was all here, the classroom numbers and which buildings they were in. Uhura had been right, she would be spending plenty of time in that library. She already had homework! She'd been put into the advanced classes, given her command history, and the Navigation professor had sent out a notice that he was expecting a route plotted via old time star charts to get from Earth to Eldaria. Ana smiled and set the computer aside, throwing off her blanket. Sabrina was sleeping soundly in the other bed, but Ana knew she couldn't sleep yet. She reached for her robe, and pulled it over her short nightgown while she left the bedroom. The main sitting room was dark, save for the soft moonlight filtering through the grand vista windows. The lights of the fairgrounds were starting to go out, and she watched as the ferris wheel stopped moving, and shut down. Now the grounds were empty, and growing darker in the waning hours of the day. It was close to midnight now, and Ana folded her arms around herself. She was looking up at the sky, watching the stars roll past in their lazy orbits. One of those stars was her own, and orbiting around it was her home, Eldaria. Her father was there, watching and waiting for her return... "Don't forget me, hummingbird." he'd said as she was packing to leave. "Father, how could I forget you?" she'd said, putting a hand on a hip and staring at him pointedly. He'd walked forward and hugged her, "I'll miss you, my little one. I love you." She'd returned the embrace, and whispered through hidden tears, "I love you too, Papa." She walked closer to the windows and put her hand against the glass. If she looked just right, she could see the ocean in the distance, with the great orange bridge over the bay.

The castle back home was close to an ocean, and her window looked out over the short cliffs near it. Her window was often open so that she could hear the sound of the waves crashing against the stones, and smell the fresh salt in the air. She missed it now...missed it terribly and wished she hadn't agreed to some here. Her father was alone fighting off the Gregoran threat, the Council of Governors and running a planet. "I miss you." she whispered to no one, and rested her head against the window. She felt so alone..so terribly alone. Sure Kenny was up there, on the station, getting the Justice squared away for maintenance, but it wasn't the same. She needed someone to talk to..someone who knew what it was like to be lonely while surrounded by people. She pushed away from the window and walked back to her room, tomorrow would be a long day of introductions and questions. She needed all the sleep she could get.

Sunrise found the girls scrambling around their apartment, helping with hair and uniforms, making sure that everything was in it's right place, and Ana watched the chaos from the kitchenette table, eating something she knew was called bagel. Her human counterparts were going crazy, and she was calm...something that came from being a princess. Running for her room, Jessi caught sight of Ana and stopped moving, "Wow...you got dressed quick." Ana looked down at her uniform, the harsh red contrasting against her pale skin, and shrugged. "I've been getting myself dressed in uniforms for a long time." Jessi was about to ask when Sabrina came in, her hair finally tight in it's ponytail. "Come on girls, lets get moving, all the grouped seats are going to be taken!" she hit the button for the door and as it slid open, Uhura emerged from her own room. Ana swallowed the last of her bagel and brushed her hands together, "All right then..." She slid from the stool she was on and joined Sabrina at the door. Jessi was right behind her, "What's your first class?" Ana glanced back at her, and slowed her step to walk beside her, "I've got Communications with professor Malack." Jessi looked surprised, "That's a senior class...what are you doing in there?" Ana smiled, "would you believe me if I said that my father paid off my teachers?" Jessi shook her head no and Ana laughed, "I didn't think so. I have the pre-requisite equivalent from my schooling on Eldaria. The Admiralty thought that it would be okay for me to skip a few classes." Jessi nodded, "Makes sense I guess."

They were crossing the main grounds now, and soon Sabrina and Uhura left the group for their navigations course. "Meet you at he fountain before lunch!" they called, joining another group of people heading the same direction. Jessi and Ana stayed on their path, and climbed a short flight of steps to get to the main doors. "Don't be surprised if Professor Joshen wants you to speak in native Eldarian." Jessi whispered as they entered the building. Ana glanced at her, "Why?" Jessi grinned, "He's very interested in the dialects there, and how they differ from the each other." Ana shook her head, "Great. The last thing I wanted on my first day was attention." Jessi laughed, and pointed to the door, "Whether you wanted it or not, you'll get it." They'd entered the classroom, and almost instantly every head in the room turned to see who had come in. Ana watched in fascination as the boys continued to stare at them, while the girls glowered at her in an unexplained anger. She didn't understand it; why was she so interesting to this Earth men? What was it about her that caught their attention so intensely? She followed Jessi closely, and took the seat to her immediate left. Once settled, she leaned closer to whisper, "I really don't like all this attention...When does class..." she was interrupted by someone sitting next to her. She looked over her shoulder, and saw a man in his mid twenties, with dark black hair and deep intense eyes. Ana grinned at him, and leaned away from Jessi, class would start soon enough, and she could appear rude to the newcomer.

She crossed her legs and held a small computer in one hand, adjusting her skirt with the other. "Hi." he said, and she looked at him, surprised. "Hi." she replied, a smile lighting her eyes. "What's your name?" she looked back at him, "Analise...but my friends call me Ana." he mouthed her name, and smiled, "Ana, hm? I'm Leonard...Leonard McCoy." she nodded, smiling broadly. "Leonard, huh?" he raised an eyebrow at her, "Are you making fun of me?" she shook her head innocently, "Me? Why would I do that?" her tone was teasing, but it made him smile more. He was about to say something when a side door opened, and the professor walked in. "Hello class, how was your evening?" Several students responded, a general murmur, nothing more specific than that. He nodded and moved to his desk at the front of the room, "Yes, yes, I thought as much." He finally glanced up, and of course the first person he saw was Ana. She watched, intrigued, as his face changed from one of a dull monotony, to something happy. "Ah! A new student." Ana glanced at Jessi, who was hiding a chuckle behind her hand, then looked at the professor. "Hi." she said, crinkling her brow worried. "So tell us, Miss. What's your name and where you hail from!" Again Jessi had to hide her laugh, and raised an eyebrow at Ana. Ana swallowed and pulled from her royal upbringing, "My name is Analise Vloomre, and I'm from Eldaria." she waited as the teacher processed this, then smiled. "Alright then, Miss Analise. Speak to me in the dialects of your planet." Ana glanced over at Leonard, and put hand over her eyes. She swallowed hard, and looked back at the professor. "Where would you like me to begin?" He grinned wickedly, knowing that he'd hit a soft spot for her. "Your home area, I suppose." she raised an eyebrow, and opened her mouth.

Two hours later, Ana and Jessi left the class to meet their friends for lunch. The fountain Sabrina had mentioned was centered in the quad, surrounded by green grass and tall oak trees. Ana couldn't help looking around, admiring this planet. If she hadn't known better she could have sworn to her father that she was back home, in the main courtyard of the castle, the subtle scent of ocean in the air, the meandering breeze that passed her...yes, Earth was a lot like home. But she could sense the impalpable differences, as she was sure every Eldarian on the planet could. There was a lack of life, a vitality that ran abundant in Eldaria. Perhaps it came from Earth only being a few billion years old, against Eldaria's several trillion. Or that life on Earth had only been around for what seemed seconds compared to Eldaria's hours...whatever it was, Ana knew she couldn't really stay her forever, her home was out in the stars and in a castle near a vast ocean. The two girls sat on the lip of the fountain, waiting for the others. "So what did you think?" Jessi asked, crossing her legs and rubbing the back of her neck. Ana chuckled, and turned enough to put let her fingers dance along the top of the moving water, "He's very persistent." Jessi smiled, "Yes, that he is...I was surprised that you could speak that fast." Ana smiled, "Like I said, it's the way of the Southern continent." she laughed now, "However, I was a bit rude to him." Jessi looked at her, confused, "Why...what did you say to him?" Ana smiled widely, and looked away quickly, "Nothing I should repeat in your language." Jessi threw back her head and laughed, "Ana, I should have known that you said something off when you wiped your mouth like that." Ana nodded, then leaned over to whisper in her ear, "I said, 'May the eggs of a thousand burrow crabs nest in his..." she stopped and pulled away, and smiled. Jessi turned to her and hooted, "I can't believe it!" Ana just smiled and nodded, "I told you it wasn't nice. That's why it was the last thing I told him." They were being passed by several student groups now, and Ana went back to playing with the water. "Where are Uhura and Sabrina coming from?" she asked, lifting her hand and letting the water drip from her fingers. Jessi looked around them, and braced herself on the fountain, "Their class is in the farthest building from here. It'll take a few minutes, but they'll be here. Sabrina wouldn't miss a lunch after your first class..." she looked back at Ana and winked, "Although I wouldn't tell her exactly what you said to Professor Joshen." Ana laughed and splashed water at her new friend. "ANA!" It was Sabrina's voice, carrying over the rising crowds.

Ana looked up to see the girl careening through the crowds towards them. "Ana...you have to tell me...how was your...first class?" Sabrina was out of breath, bent over with her hands on her knees. She looked down for a second, then stood back up. The look on her face looked like a child at Honoray, the Eldarian equivalent to Christmas. Ana looked from her to Jessi and back again, "It was fine...I have a couple hours worth of homework though." she shrugged, "That's not surprising. I've heard tales about Joshen, and how he'll work you to death, but you'll learn your stuff." Ana grinned, "Either way, I think I need to get on it." she stood up and brushed off her seat, "So what are you going to show me today?"

"Pizza!" Uhura said, holding out a flyer. On the paper was a picture of what Ana assumed was a pizza, above the words 'Free slices to the first 100 Academy students.' Ana cocked a hip, and looked at Uhura, "Pizza huh?" the other girl nodded, and grabbed her new friends arm, "Come on. You'll love it!"

Months had passed with little change, get up, go to class, do homework, go to sleep and do it all over again. It was one night, just before fall really got colder, that Ana found herself trying to ignore Sabrina and Joe on the couch, and failing to focus on her homework. Risking one last glance at them, she gave up and packed up. "Leaving already?" Sabrina asked, her face bright. "Yeah, I've got to get something out of the library anyway." she lied, pulling her bag over her shoulder. Sabrina shrugged and went back to Joe. Ana shook her head and went out the door. Those two were just asking for trouble when Uhura came home...whenever that might be. She and Jessi had gone out for a beer earlier and said not to wait up for them...although Ana felt that Sabrina would be awake...just perhaps not alone. 'Whatever' she thought to herself, crossing the campus to the library. This didn't matter to her anyway. The real reason she was here was to hide from a threat that her father saw coming...the Gregorans. Just as militaristic as the Klingons but twice as evil. They'd already lost several outposts to their raids, and if the survivors tales were any indication...this might be trouble.

Showing her id card to the guard, she pushed her away inside and found an empty table. She plunked her bag down and inhaled slowly. She loved that smell...there was just something about libraries that made her feel as though she were home again, in her own safe little haven. Opening her eyes, Ana sat down in the chair and started to remove her materials. Books, computer readouts, star charts...she wanted to get ahead in her classes, and this was the only way to do it. Except for combat...she found herself wishing that she'd brought along her access pass to the holodecks. A good fight was what she would need to keep herself awake...get the blood pumping. 'what the...' she thought as someone grabbed the chair beside her, turned it around, and plopped down next to her. Pulling herself out of her book about wormhole study, she found herself looking into the blue eyes of Jim Kirk.

"Hello!" he whispered loudly, making the few others around them shush him angrily. She raised an eyebrow and nodded to him, "Hi."

"Whatcha reading?" he asked, ignoring the glares around him. They were there after usual hours anyway, who had the right to complain! She lifted the book between them for a second before putting it back on the table. "Oh. So you real busy or you hungry?" Ana turned to look at him, astonished, "Are you asking me out?"

"Am I that invisible?" she couldn't help but laugh a little at him, "When you put it that way, yeah." he smiled, and she felt her heart flutter a little. There was just something about this boy that intrigued her. She had to admit that he was good looking, from his sandy hair to well muscled legs...Yes there certainly was something about this man that set her pulse racing, but what? She wasn't normally this affected by looks, in fact, it wasn't something that she even looked for in a man. "Well? What's your answer?" he asked, leaning forward, taking the chair with him. She just shook her head and grinned, "I am hungry, but," she brought her finger up to his face and looked at him dangerously, "this is not a date...I just don't know my way around yet." He jumped on that, "Well then, let me show you!" he moved quicker than she thought, and soon she found herself holding his hand as they walked out of the building. He was talking so fast she could barely follow him, his hands moving around her, pointing to different places, then he stopped, "Got that?" she honestly didn't and had to shake her head. "Oh well, we'll catch that again when we get back from food." she nodded fearfully, and let him lead her away.

Down two blocks and in an alley was a small door, and he held it open for her as she walked through. She didn't thank him, but that was fine. She was too busy looking around to see anything else. "it's beautiful!" she said, catching the attention of the other patrons. A waiter came up to them, a smile on his face, "Let me guess, you're new to the area?" Ana nodded, and Jim took over, "Table for two Jake...in a corner, please." Jake's smile widened and he lead them to a small table away from the others, secluded behind a potted plant and a low wall. Ana kept looking around them as they were seated, and shook her head. "You'd think this place is a dump by the exterior." she waved around them, "But look at it!" Jim smiled at her, as she took it all in. The walls were painted sensibly in a soft mauve that caught the glow of the table lights. On the wall opposite them was a small stage where a small chamber orchestra played. The bar was on the wall next to that, and behind the bar was the door to the kitchen. All in all the room was maybe 50 meters square, but the way the tables were arranged, it actually felt bigger. "I don't believe this!" she said, looking at him in wonder, "How did you learn about this?"

Jim chuckled, "I found it with Spock. And can I just say that the Vulcan doesn't appreciate it nearly as much as you do." Ana wrinkled her brow, "Spock...a Vulcan?" Jim nodded, and waited to answer as Jake came back to take their order. "Give me two burgers, Jake...and a bottle of Jack." Ana knew what a burger was, but "Jack?" she asked after Jake left, and Jim laughed softly, "Whiskey. Don't tell me that you've never had some." Ana shook her head. Jake returned quickly with the square bottle and two glasses, "Try it." Jim said, pouring her a shots worth, then passing her the glass. Ana took it, and stared at the amber liquid. Shrugging, she threw back her head and swallowed it all. Without reacting, she set her glass back on the table and grinned, "Eldarian liquors are more...potent." Jim laughed, an honest good laugh where his head went back and she could see the muscles beneath his shirt. She felt her stomach heat...it only did that when she was attracted to someone. He stopped laughing and poured her a full glass, "Be that as it may, I suggest that you don't gulp this down." he pushed the glass back to her, and she took a sip. "So tell me...why are you in advanced classes?" has asked, taking a gulp against his own advice. She looked at her glass and grinned, "I earned my place there, Mr. Kirk. Trust me..." he put up his hand, "Please, call me Jim." she nodded, "Alright, Jim." she said it seductively and he felt his heart thump a little louder. This year was definitely going to be interesting with her around, he could feel it in his gut. Her eyes alone were enough to catch his imagination, then as he thought about it her mouth was interesting as well...he wondered what it would be like to kiss it. Unconsciously he licked his lips and made her speak, "What?" startled out of his thoughts, he leaned back, "Nothing...I'm just hungry, that's all." She nodded, not really believing him. "Sure..." Jake came then with two plates piled high with french fries and hidden beneath them were thick hamburgers. "all right!" Jim said, rubbing his hands together, "You'll love this!" Ana lifted the burger to her mouth, and took a tentative bite. Her eyes lit up, and she swallowed quickly, "It's delicious!" she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. He nodded, his mouth full, "Try the fries." wrinkling her nose at his manners, she did as he said, and found the crisp flavor like nothing she'd tried before.

An hour passed and found the two of them walking back to her apartment slowly, Jim pointing out different buildings to her, and what was taught there. They had reached the fountain on the quad, where the three levels were colored differently, and illuminating the water flowing over them. "I hadn't thought about how beautiful it was here." she said, stopping to look at the fountain. Jim stood beside her, a smirk on his face, "Yeah...but I bet it's nothing like what you're used to back home." she looked up at him, "What?" He leaned against the fountain and crossed his arms to look at her, "I've heard that Eldaria is a paradise, you've got the technology but you chose to live a simple life." she chuckled, "Simple? Hardly, we work almost as hard as anybody for what we want. But we feel that the rewards mean more." he grinned, and looked up to the stars. He stood that way for a while before she moved next to him and followed his gaze, "I've always wanted to be amongst the stars." he whispered, "There so much we don't know yet, so much we could learn from other races, other peoples..." he glanced at her, "Like the Eldarians. How can it be possible to have every convenience at your fingertips, and choose to live the way you do?" Ana shrugged, and looked at her feet, tracing images on the stones, "it's easier than you think, Jim. By hiding that technology behind a mask we are able to control it, and not the other way around." He jumped at that remark, "You think that we let the technology control us?" she shrugged, "Well, don't you? If something goes wrong, doesn't the entire world come to a halt until it's fixed?" he could see her point, but was still a little miffed, she continued, "I meant no offense, but I do find it odd that if even the smallest thing goes wrong, it's like death."

Jim nodded, "I can see how you think that...but isn't it the same on Eldaria?" she shook her head, "No. We harvest our foods in the old ways, and process them that way as well. The only thing, should our technology fail, that would suffer would be our space flight." she shrugged, "Then again, would that be so bad?" Jim reacted, "SO BAD?" she raised her eyebrows, "You're acting as though I just said that I'm a Romulan spy." he shook his head, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud." she smiled gently, "it's alright. I was actually talking more to myself anyway. Back home, I've got a lot of responsibilities, and I'm having more fun out here than back there." she sighed "Don't get me wrong, I do miss my home, my family, my friends back there..." she trailed off, letting him take over, "You prefer to be a nobody." she nodded, unknowingly leaning against his shoulder, "Not really a nobody...just hidden. Protected." he looked down at her, "Protected huh?" she smiled and pulled away from him, "I'd better get going before I say too much." she elbowed him in the gut, "I shouldn't have had any of that drink." he chuckled, "Sorry." she rolled her eyes, "Thanks for dinner though...I can find my own way back." she said as he made to walk her home. "I'm fine." he shrugged, and put his hands in his pockets, "have it your way then, Ana..." he turned away and she watched him go...wishing that she'd let him stay.

That night, when she entered the apartment the other girls were waiting. "Well hello...Ana." Uhura said, her tone dangerous. "Hi..." she said in response, lowering her bag to the floor and bracing herself against the counter. Since she'd left Jim's company, the alcohol had gotten more into her bloodstream and had made a profound difference in her equilibrium. She blinked her eyes, trying to regain her balance. When she'd could see somewhat clearly again, she saw that she was on trial. Jessi and Uhura sat on the couch opposite Sabrina...and an Eldarian Royal Guard. "What's going on?" the guard stood, Ana recognized him as Marcus, her fathers right hand. "Captain Marcus..." she was very woozy, "Why are you here?" the man came forward and caught her arm, "Easy, my lady." she caught the reference and caught his eye. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything else on it, "I was sent by your brother, Lord Kendrick." Ana nodded, not caring any more, "What did Kenny want?" the man smiled and handed her a disc, "he said it was private. And suggested that you watch it alone." Ana nodded and took the disc, "Thank you, Marcus. I'd see you out but..." the man smiled, "Don't worry. I can find my way." Ana smiled in return, and soon found herself falling against him, asleep.

The next morning dawned, way too bright for Ana's eyes. Groaning, she put her pillow over her head and rolled to face the wall. There was someone laughing at her, and then rudely pulled down the blankets, revealing her legs. She kicked out and felt her ankle caught in someones grip. "Time to get up, Ana. You've already slept in and we wanna go to the beach!" It was Sabrina, and her tone was teasing. Again Ana groaned and threw her pillow at the girl, missing by a wide berth and making the girl laugh. Now angry, Ana sat up quickly and instantly hated it. Her room was flooded with bright sunlight and now her head was pounding. "Ow..." she cried softly, putting her hands against her temples. "What time is it?" she asked, her voice quieter than normal. Sabrina grinned, "Ten hundred." Ana moaned, "Why did you let me sleep so late?" Sabrina shrugged and handed her the disc from last night, "We thought you might want time to sleep off the booze." Ana raised her eyebrows, then lowered her face into her hands, "could you put that into the computer for me? If I remember right, it's from my brother..." Sabrina did as she was asked, "LORD Kendrick. Good god Ana, what are you back home?" Ana raised her head, clear for the moment, "Um...nothing that you need know." Sabrina turned around to look at her, surprised, "Really? I think I deserve some explanation after that soldier showed up last night, demanding to see you. I haven't Jessi that mad in a while, not since Jim broke up with her last week." Ana's head hurt, "Jim broke it off, officially?" Sabrina nodded, "Yeah, and I think I know for whom." she turned to her, and cocked an eyebrow, "Where were you last night?"

Ana growled, "Ugh. I don't believe it!" she threw herself back on the bed, and instantly regretted it. When she'd sat up, she'd moved back slightly and as a result, when she lay back, she cracked her head on the wall. Her face grimaced and she sat up again, slowly, rubbing the spot. "He could have said something..." Sabrina suppressed a chuckle and left the room. Once the door was closed, Ana crawled over to the computer and hit play on the disc. Her brothers' image appeared on the screen, and she couldn't stop smiling. "Hello, little sister, has that mouth of your gotten you into trouble yet?" she rubbed her head, and pulled a face. "Anyway, I have some bad news, Ana. It's about father." that caught her attention, her headache was forgotten for the moment. Kenny's face changed from the somewhat playful to serious, and he only did that when it was bad. "He went on his ship, to meet with the Gregorans," that made her jump. The Gregoran were known to be most inhospitable race, not even the Romulans or Klingons were as vile to visitors, "has been taken captive. I need to return home to see after the ruling of the kingdom. I need you to stay here, on Earth with Starfleet, for your own protection. Should the Gregorans do the worst," he stopped for a moment, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on him. On them both. Ana knew what her brother was about to ask, and every fiber in her being wanted to scream 'no' at him, ask him not to say what he was about to, "Analise Vloomre, as your Prince I am commanding you to remain hidden on Earth, so that you can continue the Empire, if something should go wrong, and King Charles and myself die." This wasn't good, Kenny was giving her his last order as her prince, not her brother. There was silence on the disc, then Kenny spoke again, "Ana, my dear little sister. I hate that I have to leave you, but duty calls. You know as well as I that nothing will stand between me and my duty...save for my family. Sophie's just informed me that she is expecting our second child...another boy. If it's a boy, I'd like to call him Samuel..." he paused, and Ana saw the conflict on his face, "Ana...if I don't see you again, I wanted to let you know that I am proud of you. You are my sister above everything else, and I can't lose you too. I've already lost my mother, and may soon lose our father. Please Ana...obey me for as long as you can. I will send Captain Marcus for you when it is safe...or absolutely necessary. If I can, I'll be with him." he stopped, and took a breath. "After this next break, I have left a note for Sophie, and my children. If I do not make it through this, please give it to them."

The disc stopped, and she removed it from the player. She took a deep breath and put the disc in a small box she had brought from home. Inside that box was a string of pearls her father had given her mother, a bracelet that had once belonged to the Lady Althea, and her favorite tiara. It was a simple design, showing a nest of leaves and flowers. The leaves were shown in engraved emeralds while the flowers were all sort of different stones, from sapphires to garnets. It had been given her by her mother, when she was only a few weeks old. The woman had laid it in her cradle, just before she died. It was the last thing she had from her mother...and that made it all the more precious. So she was supposed to be hiding, huh? Well then, maybe she should take Jim up on that offer...

Trouble was looming, a great terrible trouble that could only end in disaster, and the crew of the Eldarian ship Vengeance could knew it. Their commander, Princess Analise Vloomre, felt it also, and was preparing for the worst. "Keep a wary eye, Porter." she said to her helmsman, "I don't want to be caught off guard." The man nodded, his eyes glued to the rear viewer, "Aye, ma'am." Ana turned around to her communications officer, "Anything strange?" the man shook his head, "Nothing so far...but I have heard a transmission from the Hunter." Ana's brow knit together, "The Hunter? That's Joshua Harssed ship, why is it out here?" She moved to his side and picked up a spare earpiece, "Replay that message for me, let's see what that man wants." Brayden hit a button, and Joshua's voice came through the speaker, "To all Eldarian ships in the Vulcan sector, return immediately. Eldaria has fallen under attack and needs further assistance. Gregoran forces have breached Orbital Station..." It continued, but Ana threw her earpiece against the console, then braced her hands against it. Brayden looked up at her, questioning. She heaved a sigh and looked at him, "Stay on course, Porter. There's nothing we can do now. We'll be back soon enough, with a Federation fleet at our backs." The men and women on the bridge stiffened with resolve. Eldaria would have to wait for them, their families would have to wait, for they were going to save the entire Eldarian race. Ana moved back to her chair, braced one foot against the small step and whispered, "We will return home...I will come back to save you."

Sophie Pollack Vloomre, Queen of Eldaria, sat and worried. Her sister-in-law had gone with a contingent of soldiers to bring back as many Federation ships as she could, and eradicate this Gregoran threat. Her husband lay deathly still on the bed, his face as white as the pillows. She leaned forward and brushed back a stray strand of hair from his forehead and whispered, "Kenny...Kenny dearest, Please wake up..say something, anything. Tell me what should I do? Ana's gone to get help and Orbital Station has fallen under siege...You're sons need you..." she paused, then added, "You're wife needs you." If only she had Kenny's or Ana's strength of will. They knew what they had to do to protect their people, but Sophie was at a a loss. Her sons were only children, hardly old enough to take the throne, yet they had more royal blood in them than any other noble. If Kenny died before Ana returned, the political fallout out be long lived. It could mean the end to Eldaria, brought by either the Gregorans or Eldaria herself....She leaned forward and put her face in her hands, Kendrick had to live...he just had to.

"Admiral, a message from Starfleet." Brayden turned around, awaiting orders. Ana waved her hand, "On screen." Brayden flipped a switch and before the whole bridge came the image of the human councilor for the Federation Council, seated behind a grand oaken desk. "Hello Admiral Vloomre, may I offer my condolences on the loss of your father? He was a great man, and a valuable asset to the Federation." Ana nodded graciously, "Thank you Admiral. I hope you've arranged for our arrival." The man nodded and gripped a computer readout in front of him, "We've been receiving regular updates on the Gregoran Situation, and we as a Council feel that there is much to discuss on it." Ana tried not to smile at the understatement, "Eldaria is welcome to any suggestions, Admiral. I was hoping that we might come to a final solution to the problem." The councilor nodded, "Yes...I have called for a special meeting of the Council to hear your proposals. Good day, Admiral." the transmission cut, leaving Ana to stare at a black sky peppered by moving stars. She looked to Porter, "How much longer until we reach Earth?" he glanced at his console, "Four hours at current speed of Warp 3, Ma'am." she nodded, "Increase to Warp 5, I want us there now." she stood and went to the elevator, "I'll be in my quarters, contact me when we arrive." she nodded to her first officer, who moved from his place to the command chair. There was no need for any further communications, the crew of the Vengeance was a well oiled machine They knew the mind of their commanders, and trusted them implicitly. They knew that both the Admiral and Commander Brayden would rather die themselves than put the crew in unnecessary danger. It was the very reason that she was loved by her people, whatever it meant, they would follow her into the jaws of hell.

Ana, dressed in her uniform of state, lay back on her bed and wondered if he was still at Starfleet. They hadn't parted on the best of terms, and she could still feel that pain, hear his angry voice:

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I couldn't...I just couldn't...Jim please."

"I don't understand, I thought that you and I..."

"Jim, please, try to listen. I couldn't tell you, because it was too dangerous. If the Gregorans found out where I was they would have descended on Earth with a fury.."

"Then stay," he moved to her and gripped her shoulders, "Stay here if it's so dangerous." his eyes were sad, begging her, 'stay with me.' was his silent plea. She'd turned out of his grasp, unable to think of a Starfleet officer begging anything of anyone. "Don't make me choose Jim, not between you and my people."....'you'll always lose'. She didn't say it, but she knew he caught her meaning. Glancing over her shoulder she saw him straighten and take on a harder look in his eye. "Go then Princess. Go and save your people." The bell to her door rang, and she'd left him there, standing so forlorn, watching her walk into most certain death.

Ana shook her head to clear it, and stood, careful not to crinkle her dress. Glancing at her closet, she saw her dress uniform hanging there, and she wished she could be wearing that instead of this bulky getup. It was of a deep blue velvet with slashing across her stomach to reveal creamy undertones. The shoulders were just below her shoulder line and were a rolled winter wolf fur of the purest white. The sleeves were long and widened at her elbows, effectively hiding her hands from view. The skirt was full and rustled across the floor when she moved. It was gathered at her back, not quite enough to be called a bustle, but did create the image of a train. Moving to her mirror, she brushed and arranged her hair. Braiding it around her head, she let a fair amount hang loose down her back, hiding the many ties needed to get into the damned dress. Once satisfied, she lifted the lid from a large ornate box and removed the coronet she'd brought to wear for her reception. It was of a brilliant silver metal that was weaved around emeralds and diamonds. She set in on her head, just ahead of her hair crown and adjusted it to sit snugly. The emeralds caught the green of her eyes, and made them standout against her paling skin. She frowned to herself, she'd been spending too much time indoors of late, and not enough outside.

It was said that she was the most beautiful of her fathers children, but she didn't believe it. Her brother Kendrick stood seven feet tall and had their fathers' lighter hair and silver eyes. With his build, he looked like one of the ancient gods of Earth, but had one of the kindest hearts that Ana had ever known. His wife Sophie and their two children, Ethan and Samuel, had seen her off on this mission while Kendrick lay dying in the castle from an infection that the doctors couldn't decipher. She'd promised Sophie that she would return with his cure in hand and the Federation at her back. "I love him too, Sophie. Don't worry, I'll be back." She'd hugged them all then boarded the last shuttle to the Vengeance. They couldn't use the transporter to Orbital Station for fear that any Gregoran ships nearby might pick up the signal and then capture them...and Gregorans weren't kind to their prisoners. "Admiral."It was Porter on the intercom, She went to the speaker, "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"We've reached Earth's orbiting station. We can dock in their maintenance bay, and let the crew off for a moments reprieve." Ana smiled, "So be it. Let the transporter room know that myself and my guard will be the first to leave, in fifteen minutes." she shut off the comm and put a hand over her eyes. Whether she liked it or not, she would have to ask for assistance from the very people that should have helped them in the first place.

As the shuttle landed, Ana looked out the window. There was a reception committee larger than she had expected; several admirals and their aides, along with a few foreign ambassadors and the entire federation Council. As the docking clamps locked, Ana stepped back and let her guards take the lead. The door opened and two of her men stepped out, moving to the side and letting two more follow, who also stepped off to the side, creating a safe corridor for the Princess and the last two guards to pass through to the party. She could see the amazement on the Council's faces as they approached, but quickly decided to ignore it. She stopped only a few paces away from them, letting her captain of the guard look them over, and taking a moment to say hello. The committee returned her pleasantries, with the human councilor speaking last, "Welcome to Starfleet, again, Princess. I trust that your trip was safe enough?" Ana shook her head, and smile her empty court smile, "It was fine, thank you." she glanced around the group, making brief eye contact with each that she could immediately see. When her gaze returned to the human councilor, she could see the question on his face. "Princess, was a full guard contingent really needed? You are on a friendly planet after all." Ana looked to her guards leader, and motioned for him to answer, "Councilor, when it comes to the the health and safety of the Princess Analise, nothing is too good or too much. As captain of her guard, I would have preferred to bring a full regiment for this outing." Ana put her hand on his arm, silencing him. "I realize that this might seem a bit much, but believe me Captain Marcus would have brought would have prevented us speaking face to face like this and most certainly caught our enemies attentions." The councilor nodded, thought a moment, then offered his arm, "Shall we continue our conversation somewhere more comfortable?" She took the offered arm and gathered a portion of her gown in her other hand.

They were quite the parade through the compound, a beautiful Eldarian princess and her guard, followed by the Federation Council and other dignitaries. Visiting Academy cadets and politicians stopped and stared as they passed; it wasn't every day that a princess, a true blood princess, came through. Word spread like wildfire through the Eldarian cadets, "The Princess! The Princess is here!" Soon the quad that connected Starfleet headquarters to the Academy was packed with men and women, wishing to see their only hope. The group was just passing by when a voice rang out, "Princess!" Ana stopped moving, and looked out anxiously at the group, she knew that voice! A young girl pushed forward, a smile on her face. "Ana." Ana's eyes glittered with recognition, "Melinda!" This was Sophie's sister, and a good friend of Ana's. The girls had met at their siblings wedding, and had been in constant communication ever since. They embraced warmly, then Ana pulled back, "You look well...I trust you've been doing well in your classes?" Melinda smiled, nodded, then her demeanor changed, her eyes worried, "Ana...what news?" Ana sighed and looked at the crowd beyond her. With all the elegance that had been ingrained in her, Ana turned to the councilor, and spoke, "I suggest that you continue on ahead. I think it best that I speak with these cadets, share any news I can from home." the man nodded, "I'll leave an aide to show you the way to your rooms." Ana nodded, and waved her guard to follow, only Captain Marcus remained. This was going to take time, time that she didn't really have, but it was something that had to be done.

They waited three hours while Ana went through the crowd and spoke with every single Eldarian there. For some, she could only say hello or a word of advice for a class, or for the very few that she knew personally, the memory of a simpler childhood time. Then there were those that it fell to her, an unknown, to bear the unhappy news of death and despair, and for each of these, she cried genuine tears and gave whatever comfort she could. The entire time, Captain Marcus was at her side, and even amongst fellow Eldarian's his eyes were sweeping the crowd, waiting. This was his princess; he'd sworn allegiance to her before her father, no harm would come to her. He'd waited, watched, and guarded this young woman for three years now, and each day he saw that she wasn't a typical princess. Never once had he seen her raise her voice in anger, not even to a serving maid that had once spilled hot chocolate on her lap. Instead, this cherished woman had instead consoled the girl, and helped her in the cleanup, before going in to change her clothes. Marcus had been in awe of her ever since, and it made his heart break to think of her married to someone who wouldn't appreciate this rare gem. At present the only suitor worthy of her was one Commander Joshua Harssed, an Eldarian noble by birth, but that being his only redeeming quality. Joshua was only worthy by his position in court, not by any personality trait. Joshua was as ruthless as he was cunning, and had a reputation for being unrepentantly violent. Marcus shuddered at the thought of that man wedding his princess, he had the distinct feeling that Joshua would only use her to gain the throne and then destroy all that the Vloomre family had established.

It had been Ana's 12th great grandfather, Kendrick the Valiant, that had brought the ancient tribes of Eldaria's past under one banner. And he'd done it with a small army, only a thousand men, and he alone had established the laws and conventions that Eldaria held to to this day. Analise and her brother, King Kendrick VII came from a strong, honorable bloodline. Marcus would hate to see it diluted by such an unworthy character, but if the King passed, then Ana would have no choice. The princess was moving away from the diminished crowd, and waving to the councilors aide to show them the way. Two guards stood, stone faced, outside the main door, on Captain Marcus' order. Once inside the sitting room, Marcus locked the door. Ana glanced around, satisfied with her accommodations, and waved her remaining guard down. "Relax, gentlemen. When in these rooms, there is no need for such ceremony." She looked pointedly at one of them, "Jacob, I understand that your brother is here at the Academy?" the man nodded, "You may go to see him if you wish..." the man bowed to her, then quickly left the room. Marcus relocked the door, then turned to shake his head at her. "You shouldn't have let him go like that. You're too kind sometimes." Ana just smiled and walked to a bedroom that was clearly meant for her. "I know what it's like, wanting to see someone that close to you." she said, turning to look at him. He could see the deep pain behind her eyes. The father in him wanted to take this girl in his arms and tell her he'd take care of everything, but the soldier in him won out, and all he did say was, "Understood Princess. I will set up a watch and half that at this door." she nodded absently, moving to the great windows. "Thank you Marcus...for everything." The man bowed to her back, and exited..letting the door slide shut between him and a princess that needed a savior.

Ana stood straight, and folded her arms into her sleeves. She watched the sunset beyond the ocean, bathing both sea and sky in a blood red light. She was trying to hard to not think of anything, but her mind betrayed her, and went back to him,and another sunset...

Jim was waiting for her after class, a blanket over his shoulder and a basket at his feet. "Go quick and change," he said, "we've got a long ways to go before sundown." she looked at him puzzled, but before she could ask where they were going, Sabrina grabbed her arm and steered her towards their dorm, "You've got to hurry!" she whispered, "Jim's got a surprise for you!" once changed into a t-shirt and jeans, she was about to walk out the door when Sabrina had tossed her a jacket. "It gets cold next to the water." she winked at her as Ana's face lit up. She hurried from the dorm and down the main steps. Jim lead her to a secluded cove, where the wind almost didn't exist, and set up the picnic. As they ate they talked about things...things that Ana couldn't discuss with anyone else. "Tell me about your home," he'd asked, and she'd obliged, telling him about the crowded cities and the quiet of the countryside. How one could get completely lost in the forests and not find their way out for years, the romance of the histories of her people. Through it all, he watched her, lying back on an elbow and just watching her face. It wasn't until she started to talk about the different feelings she got from the planet that he interrupted her. "Feel the planet?" she turned to him, and took his hand. Carefully, she took it and placed it against her chest, "You can feel my heartbeat, right?" he nodded, his eyes boring into hers. She pulled the blanket down to reveal the white sand beneath it, then put his hand against it. "Feel the heartbeat of Earth." his face crinkled, "That's not possible." she brought a finger up to his lips and looked at him hard, "Quiet. Don't think about it, feel it." he still didn't feel anything, just her hand hot against his, her face only inches from his own. His breath was coming quicker now, but she wasn't letting him think anything else...just to feel the pulse of his home. All he could really feel was the pounding of the surf behind them. "I still don't..." she released his hand, but kept close, "but you know that this is your home. When you walk here, you know this planet." he nodded, "But I don't think of it in that way, and therefore it feels different than my home." Now he understood, and rolled onto his back. The stars were just beginning to emerge from the sunset, and he couldn't help admiring them. "No matter how many times I see them, I've never been able to get passed how beautiful they are." She rolled over as well, her head close to his, hair spread over the blanket, and sighed, "I know what you mean..." she pointed to a star in the distance, but didn't say anything. He turned his head to look at her, "What's that?" she lowered her arm, and brought it across her body. "Eldaria. And that one there is Gregora, home base of the Gregoran Empire." she continued to point out different stars that she knew were friendly to the Eldarians. "You sound proud of your people." she looked at him, eyebrow raised, "Why shouldn't I be? You're proud of Earth and the Federation, aren't you?" Jim's grin changed into a smile, and he tore his eyes away from her, "Yes I'm proud of it. We've come a long way in the last few centuries...it's a honor to even be in the Academy."Ana smiled as well, letting him pull her head into his shoulder. "Eldaria hasn't known a full war in millenia." Jim stifled a chuckle in a cough, "Really? How long?" Ana lifted herself onto her elbow, "Yeah...about fifty thousand years." now his eyes widened, "I know Eldarians are a long-lived race...but how many generations is that?" Ana shrugged, "Twelve..." she let her voice drop as he stiffened next to her, "How old are you?" this wasn't where she'd wanted this conversation to go, and pulled away from him. After a moment, Jim spoke again, "Ana, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." he tried to pull her to him again, and she let him, bringing an arm across his chest. They lay in silence for a moment, then she whispered, "185." Jim raised his head, "What was that?" she took a deep breath and sat up, "185." she felt Jim roll away and walk down to the water, his figure a dark blot on the horizon. "Jim, I know it seems like a lot, but by Eldarian standards..." she stopped, watching his shoulders tighten. They stayed that way for a long time, she laying back down, staring angrily at the stars, when he finally returned to the blanket, "You sure don't look 185." he whispered.

Ana smiled at the memory, it's bitterness having long ago been washed away. At that moment she hadn't felt like royalty, just a young girl on the verge of love. But not even a month later, her brother and Marcus had come to tell her the terrible news about her father, and Jim had turned against her once again. Peeling her eyes away from the ocean, she looked down at the darkening grounds, where a small garden was blooming in the moonlight, and felt her heart stop. Gazing back up at her, were the deep blue eyes of a man that she'd thought to never see again. With his sandy brown hair and intriguing smile, the broad set of his shoulders that were meant to carry command. The man she'd once watched a similar sunset with, James T. Kirk. He knew she'd seen him and raised a hand to her. She put her own hand up, pressing it against the glass. She wanted to go to him, have him hold her one more time and tell her everything would be alright. That he'd protect her and her people from the invaders, even if he had to die to do it. He just stood there, as though waiting for something, but what? She couldn't have gone to him, despite how much she wanted to, not now as the true crowned princess of Eldaria. Mingling among her own people, talking with dignitaries, all part of the job description; but running pell-mell into the arms of a man that had once rejected her? No, it would be better to forget the whole incident. Forget the year they'd spent together, forget the feel of his arms around her, forget how her very soul burned when he was near.

Regretting every move, Ana pulled her hand away from the glass, and walked to the large bed in the room. Her heart was pounding in her throat and her breath coming in short agonizing gasps. Tears poured from her eyes, staining the soft fur along her neckline. Her heart was breaking, but she couldn't show it...not outside these walls. She had to be strong for her people, strong for her brother...Royalty couldn't have emotion.

The next morning came and found Ana seated on a couch in the sitting room, playing a card game called solitaire. Captain Marcus came out of his shared room and watched her pile the cards on the corner of the table and move to the great floor to ceiling windows. A thick fog had rolled in overnight and was now shrouding the campus in a gray wet cloak. "It's a dreary day." he said, afraid he might be intruding on her thoughts. She shrugged, not wanting to tell him that it suited her mood; she took one last glance at the mist, she turned to face him. She'd decided to wear her her High Rear Admiral dress uniform, with her family crest around her neck and hair done in a braid, tied with the signifier gold band. "We've got a meeting to go to, Captain." the Captain was a married man with daughters of his own. He knew the look that the Princess was trying so hard to hide. His girls had that same look when they'd been denied something they truly wanted. He wanted to ask what had happened after he'd left last night, but he kept his soldiers face, offered his arm to her, and the two of them exited the room. As they passed the front guard, Ana smiled at Jacob, and stopped moving. "Tell me, how is your brother..Elias?" Jacob nodded, then smiled broadly. "He is doing well. At the top of his classes and offers his good wishes."Ana returned the smile, and put a hand on his arm. "You look worried. Don't, your brother will do fine. If he's half as dedicated as you, and half your fathers spirit, there will be nothing that can stop him." Marcus grinned at him, then tugged lightly on the Princess' arm, "My lady...I don't think it wise to keep the Federation waiting." Ana made a face at Jacob, then took the Captains arm and continued on her way. Jacob's eyes followed, making him jump when his companion nudged him. "Getting any ideas there soldier?" Jacob grinned at him and shook his head, "You know as well as I that she is supposed to marry Commander Harssed." The two of them gave a shudder at the mention of his name. Jacob looked over his shoulder to where the Princess had been, "Why...only the princess can know. But I will say this, if she were my wife, I'd treat her with all the respect she deserves," his companion said, keeping his conspiratorial tone, "Any man would be lucky to have her."

The meeting they were going to was held in the Academy assembly hall, with the hundreds of Eldarian cadets interspersed with the Federation dignitaries. Captain Marcus went through the great doors first, and said at the top of his voice, "Her royal highness, Princess Analise Vloomre, High Rear Admiral of the Retribution Fleet, Commander of the Starship Vengeance." At the end of his speech, the doors behind him opened and the entire assembly stood as Ana entered. Her crisp black boots echoed around the hall as she descended the stairs, her eyes never wavering from the Council. Once on their level, she stopped moving, and gave salute. Once that was returned, she spoke, "I thank you for meeting with me." the Councilors nodded, and she continued, "As it has been made known to you, I am Princess Analise of Eldaria and the matter I bring before you is of the utmost importance. Three years ago, my people fell under attack by the Gregoran Empire of Planets. This happened just after our announcement of joining with the Federation, and thus our own conclusions are that that incident was the trigger." the Vulcan councilor nodded, following the logic. "It was while I was here, at this Academy, that my father was captured, tortured and murdered. It was an unprovoked attack and my people have been fighting for their lives ever since." she waited as the crowd around her murmured angrily. The Vulcan councilor raised her hand, and Ana continued, "Those of us that have ventured to seek peace amongst the Gregoran have either found death or worse..." her voice stalled as she thought about many men had lost their lives, then set her shoulders, "My purpose in coming today was to ask for help..." there was a wave of angry whispers around the room, the princess asking for help? Ana clicked one heel and spoke louder, "HOWEVER," the room fell silent again, "It came to my attention as we traveled here that the Gregoran attack force has finally breached our Orbital Station, and are no doubt at this moment landing on our planet, killing all that would pose a threat." there was a horrified silence from the cadets, Ana knew that this would come harshly. "Therefore, I am not here to ask, but demand that the Federation honor its agreement with Eldaria, and eradicate the Gregoran threat once and for all." The council members were silent as they considered her words, but the crowd behind her erupted with shouts of anger. After a long moment, the human councilor stood and raised his hand for silence. "Princess, while we recognize the severity of your situation, we are currently unprepared for a war with the Gregorans, especially considering Eldaria's location near the Neutral Zone." Ana was taken aback, "Councilor, forgive me, but I was under the impression...from the treaty agreement..." the Vulcan councilor stood again and spoke, "Princess, you have told us horror stories and of your attempts at reaching the Gregorans yourself, and how they have failed. What logic is there in sending a fleet that, according to your information, would only fail?" Ana swallowed her emotional retort and reminded herself that when dealing with Vulcans, emotion would get her nowhere.

"Councilor, I recognize that my own emotions may have gotten the better of me, but I tell you that the Gregorans are nothing but emotion. Driven by anger and malice, reason and logic have no place in their society." the human councilor chuckled, "How can you be so sure about them?" Ana smirked, "How can you be so certain that the Romulans are as vile as you claim? There hasn't been any interaction between members of the Federation and the Romulans for hundreds of years. And yet, you maintain that they are violent and ill-tempered." the human councilor conceded the point, "Very well."then the Vulcan spoke, "Your point is well proved, however we still cannot condone sending a fleet that close to the Romulan Empire." Ana began to get worried, "Our fleets have been diminished to almost nothing! My own brother has fallen ill to something that cannot be explained and my people are hiding within their homes, praying that the door doesn't open." she swallowed hard and took a menacing step forward, "I know that war hasn't been fought by the Federation for almost a century, and I also know that my people haven't been at war since my 12th great grandfather, Kendrick the Valiant, joined my people under one leader, fifty thousand years ago! My people do not have the will or a way to prevent their destruction." then a devious thought came to her, "If you will not help us, then we will go to those who will..." she let that thought hang in the air as her mind raced. She didn't want to follow through with her threat; there were only two other options when it came to assistance for her people, the Klingons or the Romulans, neither of which held much appeal. 'someone, help me please!' was her silent plea, but she didn't show it. She was the daughter of Charles II, and she wouldn't show her escalating fear that this trip was pointless. There were footsteps behind her, and a hand gripped her shoulder. Then a voice spoke, a voice that she hadn't heard in almost three years. "Councilor, if I may, I offer the Enterprise and her crew for the Princess' use." the councilor looked from Ana to the tall man behind her, then he looked out at the assembly, "Are there any other captains that would wish to volunteer? Let it be known that this is not an Starfleet decision, but one made only by you. You will have only your fellow volunteers for support." Ana moved to speak, but his hand stopped her. She felt him lean down to her ear, and suppressed a shiver as his breath hit her, "Let them chose for themselves. You're no shrinking violet, let them know what kind of leader you've become....let them see you as I do." she held her ground, hands clasped tightly behind her back. One heartbeat..two heartbeats...then voices, "The Caulfield...the Jefferson...The Coral Reef..." the shouts continued until the human councilor raised his hand. His eyes were unreadable as he looked at Ana, "Well Princess. It appears that you have the fleet you came for." Ana smiled, and swallowed hard, "Councilor, a dozen ships is hardly a fighting fleet." there were a few chuckles in the crowd, and the Vulcan councilor nodded to her, "Princess. I recommend that you take what you can get." Ana saluted them as they left, and waited as the room burst into cheers. The princess had beaten the diplomats at their own game! The noise quieted as the people filed out of the room, and Ana finally turned to look at the captains that stood behind her. "I must stress to you that this will not be an easy trip. You may very well die, and your crews with you. I am grateful for your offer, but if you should choose to back out, I will understand." Jim chuckled beside her, "I speak for all of us when I say that none of us will be backing down. We sore oaths when we became officers to protect the Federation. Eldaria is a part of that, and needs our help. We volunteered knowing the risks." the men and women behind him were nodding emphatically, Ana let herself smile, "Thank you...I recommend that your prepare your ships, I plan on leaving in the morning." they nodded and left...all but one.

Jim Kirk stood beside her, waiting for the crowd to thin further, then carefully took her hand in his. "Why didn't you come to me last night?" Ana quickly dropped his hand and glanced around. "I couldn't. I've got responsibilities now, and guards that insist on going everywhere I do. I had thought that if you were here, I'd like our meeting to be a bit more private." she looked pointedly at him. He shrugged and reached for her hand again, but she stepped just out of his reach. There was a pain in his eyes as she looked over his shoulder to Captain Marcus. "Ana..." he whispered, and she paused at his shoulder. Without looking at him, she whispered, "I have missed you, Jim, but a lot of things have changed." now she turned her head, looking into his eyes, "Come to my room at noon. I'll be alone and tell you everything." and there, hidden from view, she squeezed his hand.

As noon approached, Ana began to fuss. She'd sent away her guard, well all but Captain Marcus, to spend time with family and friends. Marcus had insisted that he stay behind, to watch the front door. "You will have your privacy, Ana." he'd assured her, as she was about to refuse it. This was the first time in three years that she would be alone with James Kirk...perhaps it was best to have Marcus stay. She had changed into her functional uniform, a blue tunic and black pants with a gold sash around her waist. But even here, as casual as she could get in uniform, she was obliged to wear something that showed her station as princess. Around her forehead, braided into a thick silver chain were several sapphires, that captured the blue of the tunic. She was standing at the window, hands clasped, worry running through her mind. Whatever was about to happen, she would have to command this small group into the jaws of death, and hopefully pull out a victory. She was somewhat grateful that she hadn't elaborated on the extent of the trouble. Six ships were orbiting her planet in a net pattern, leaving it almost impossible for a shuttle to escape the planet. Her crew had been lucky to discover it's pattern and get through with minimal casualties. Past those ships were two stations themselves, waiting for those foolish enough to try and escape. Well, she admitting to herself, now that they had gotten to the planets surface, those numbers would most likely be increased. The Vengeance had been such a great prize for the invading force, but when she and her crew had retaken the ship, they'd created such a fracas that she was sure they would have been overtaken...'Oh well.' she sighed, it couldn't be helped. She shuddered, as though the minimum eight ships wouldn't have been hard enough, but on the planet would be the eight thousand troops that the Gregorans had brought with them. They weren't going against any small army, but she was bringing only that. Then when she reached the castle...if she got that far...

"Ana." Every thought flew out the window when he spoke. Her heart pounding she turned around to see him, confident as ever. Jim Kirk was no weakling, and had an aura about him that made women swoon and men want to be him. Ana shook her head, not wanting to think about that, she couldn't have Jim; she'd already resigned herself to marrying Joshua Harssed, a man that wasn't worthy of her father's throne. 'No.' she corrected herself, 'it's Kendrick's throne now...and if I don't think of something soon, it'll be mine.' A troubled look crossed her face, prompting him to step forward and take her arms in his hands, "Ana, what's wrong?" she looked up into his face, and saw his eyes, those eyes that had once held her refuge...and found herself falling all over again. Carefully, she brought her hands up and pushed him away, "I'm fine. I'm just worried about this whole thing..." she trailed off and was about to turn away from him when he crooked a finger under her chin. "Ana," he whispered, his face agonizingly close, "You've never been afraid to tell me anything. What's got you so scared?" she hated that he could read her so well after so long,. Taking a deep breath she began, telling him everything from when she left the Academy, Kendrick's illness, her dangerous escape and return. By the end of her tale, they'd moved from the windows to the couch. He was holding her hand and saying the right things at the right times.

When she was done, he continued to hold her hand and brought up his other to caress her cheek, "You've had a hard time, haven't you?" Ana resisted the urge to close her eyes and whispered, "That's not all of it Jim. I have to get married." she watched the shock enter his eyes, "What?!" she finally looked away from him, and pulled her hand out of his grasp. "It's really stupid I know, but it's virtually impossible for anyone to rule Eldaria alone. It's an entire planet! It's too risky for an unmarried person, male or female, to take the throne." his face clouded, "Then who's currently..." she grinned, "My sister-in-law, Sophie. She's what you would call Regent for my nephew Ethan, or until Kenny gets better..." she trailed off again, not wanting to think about losing her brother. "What will happen if you don't?" he asked, Ana stood and folded her arms around herself, "civil war most likely. After the Vloomre's there are four other families that can take the throne. If Kendrick dies, and I am unmarried, the planning will start. Before too long, someone will have the guts to go against Sophie and Ethan. She isn't strong enough to hold them off for long." she took a breath, and looked out the window, "but if you were married, that might not happen? Why couldn't your nephew be accepted as king?" Ana sighed and braced her hand against the cool glass, "He's too young. Ethan's only six years old. Before any Eldarian can take the throne they must prove that they are worthy of it, by having the trust and loyalty of their crew. It helps in weeding out those that might not be ready for the responsibilities. Ethan, while he may be supported simply because he is Kendrick's, hasn't done any of this. He's can still be manipulated by those around him."

"Is that what you're doing now, proving yourself?" Ana shook her head, "No...I've already done that, many years ago..." she'd been just into her first century when her father had given her command of the Vengeance. It was to be a simple expedition to the trade outpost with Romulus, when they'd been attacked, the ship had appeared out of nowhere and they didn't stand a chance. She was a commander at the time, but she'd been terrified. They were about to lose their shields when her helmsman, Porter, had flipped a switch and the ship had dropped, just below their sensor range, and saved their lives... "I've already done that. This is personal." Jim was standing behind her now, she could feel how close he was. "Kendrick." he breathed, and she nodded, "Someone's poisoned my brother, Jim. He's dying and none of our doctors can figure it out. They do know it's some sort of illness that attacks the soul, and that makes Sophie liable to fall ill herself." she turned to face him again, and he saw the tears threatening just below the surface. "it really bothers you doesn't it? All this dancing around, not being able to make your own decisions?" Ana grinned, slightly, "My father used to call me hummingbird, because I couldn't sit still for very long." she moved past him, and stared at her hands, "I was born a princess, but all I've ever wanted was the freedom to travel the stars." she shrugged, "Maybe it's just my mother in me." Jim cocked an eyebrow at her back, "This is the first you've ever mentioned her." Ana's back straightened defensively, "my mother...she was the daughter of a traveling actor. She spent her whole life on starships and space stations. That is until she met my father." she took a deep breath, and sat down. "Kenny tells me that they met at his millennial birthday, and hit it off really well. But Father was more attentive than she was used to, and so when he first asked her to marry him, she refused." she shook her head, and looked at him, "She was frightened that she would lose her own identity in the Merging." Jim chuckled, "Lose her identity?" she raised her eyebrows, "The Eldarian marriage, The Merging of Souls. Considered by many cultures to be the only true marriage ceremony, is extremely dangerous, so much so that only a handful of couples undergo the ceremony every year, and live." Jim moved to sit next to her, and shook his head, "I don't understand why it's so dangerous." she brought an hand over her eyes, trying to think of a way to explain, "When a couple decides to undergo the ceremony, they are put into a trance, almost like sleep. Then the Church Lord, similar to the Pope, removes one soul and splits it into two semi equal parts, the portion that controls life, and that which doesn't affect it directly. He does this for both people, then returns the life portion back to it's owner, while the other is put into the partner. The souls are then 'merged' to recreate own whole. If it is successful, both parties will wake up from the trance with no problems. Then some vows are exchanged before witnesses, and that's it."

"And if it doesn't work?"

"Death, for one or both. While the part that is given to the partner isn't absolutely necessary, a person can't with with half a soul. It's a lot like going into a coma that you'll never wake up from, your body still functions, but you aren't alive. So obviously it helps if both have a strong desire to live...together." Jim nodded, and she continued, "My father persisted, and settled on what you recognize as a wedding, and my mother gave in."

"So what happened to her?"

"She'd died, when I was very young." she closed her eyes briefly, trying not to get angry, "There were many who claimed that it was because she wasn't merged with my father. Others said that she had inferior blood, but my father only said that it must have been her time...That the universe was only big enough for one soul like hers, and I seem to have inherited it." Her voice got real quiet now, "I've been able to roam the stars for a long time, but now I have to give that up...for my people." Jim just sat next to her for a moment, then put an arm around her shoulders. "You're people wouldn't ask you to give up your freedoms...they love you too much. I've seen the looks they give you, Ana, don't sell yourself short. Maybe you can't rule Eldaria alone, but I'm fairly certain you're supporting your nephew would count for something. You've got a way about you, Ana, that makes even us tested bachelors nervous." She looked up at that, "I make you nervous?" he put a hand again on her cheek and looked into her soul, "Your eyes do. They see everything, but say nothing. The way you carry yourself, the way you talk to people, even look at someone speaks volumes, but nothing at the same time." he leaned in closer, "But I can see past all that bravado, to a woman who only wants to be loved for who she is...not her name." he took a breath and confessed, "it took me a long time after you left to figure that out, It wasn't until I became Captain that I understood your choice. You had your chance to show your true self, and that's what I fell in love with...the woman behind this crown." he fingered the silver on her head, "This is only part of who you are, Analise Vloomre, Princess of Eldaria. The woman I know is strong, willing and able to fight anything and win." he waited for her to say something, but her throat was choked with unshed tears. All she could do was put her hand over his and smile.

They sat and talked for another hour, when Captain Marcus had to interrupt them. "Urgent message,"he said, ignoring Jim entirely. Ana accepted the holodisc, and put it into the computer, a young woman appeared on the screen, her appearance that of one who'd been fighting for their life. "Princess...they've taken the castle. Your sister and nephews are underground and safe, for the moment...Your brother, King Kendrick, is strongly defended and has yet to be found by the Gregoran. We need your help..." Ana stopped the disc and dropped her head, the star charts they'd been going over forgotten. Her people were dying, and there was little she could do about it now. Captain stood behind her, in his eyes that cold calculating look that had gotten him through many ship battles. Jim watched Ana's shoulders stiffen and her back straighten, her face lifted and he watched as she wiped her cheeks dry. Standing slowly, she moved to the window, and looked out over the campus. Below her, young men and women were going about their lives, unaware that lightyears away, other young men and women weren't so lucky, they were being herded into salve ships and death camps...her people. The young men would be used for manual labor in the mines on Gregora, while the girls...a shiver she couldn't suppress went down her spine. She shook her head and swallowed her fears; clinging to her father's resolve, and strength of will, she turned back to Captain Marcus. Her eyes were as hard as the sapphires on her brow. "Captain, get us a shuttle as soon as possible," she looked at her companion, "Go to your ship, Captain Kirk, and ready the others. We leave as soon as I reach the bridge of the Vengeance." Jim stood, bowed his head to her, and left at a march. Her emerald gaze fell again to the Captain, and he felt his heart swell. She was definitely her father's daughter, a warrior princess. "I sent Jacob for that shuttle before I entered, Your Majesty." Ana nodded, a folding her arms across her chest. "When I was very young, my father took me to the Platian colony, where I had the rare opportunity to watch those farmers toil and sweat for hours to remove one stump from their fields. It's roots were deep and spread wide in the soil. My father explained to me that these men were similar to my grandfather Kendrick, working on something that they could leave for their children, and their grand children. Fifty years later, that colony was attacked by raiders and many of the farms had been burned or destroyed beyond repair, but there was one thing that hadn't been." Marcus wasn't following, "that very farm that my father had shown me. The farmers I'd seen earlier had died in the raids, but their children had fought like animals to defend their homes." her eyes softened a bit as she continued, "The Empire is like that farm, Marcus. My grandfather Kendrick gave up everything to give his children a safe haven." She drew a deep breath, and he saw a resolve in her that matched her brother, her father, and her grandfather. "I will not lose what my grandfather has given me."

Ana strode down the stairs of her building, a white cloak and gloves added to her dress uniform for warmth against the mist, and she was impressive appearance. Her hair, only an hour ago loose around her shoulders, was now braided around her head and then to her waist, hidden beneath the hood of her cloak. The silver sapphire strand had been replaced by a silver chain braided into her hair, with the ends tied with a gold band. She moved through the crowds, her guard having moved ahead of her, past the councilmen and dignitaries, each one acutely aware that at when this beautiful woman had needed them most, they had chickened out. She didn't look at them as she walked past, as though they didn't exist. What her eyes did see, however, were the hundreds of Eldarian cadets that had come to see her leave, each knowing that she was possibly going to her death, and also knowing that the Federation that they had sworn to serve had failed in serving them. When she reached the shuttle, she dared one glance back at those cadets, and offered them a brave smile. Ana knew that as their princess, she needed to show a courageous shield, but the woman inside her wanted to break down into a ball and plead for someone else to lead. Her father hadn't meant for her to be in a war, Kendrick had been trained in battle, she simply knew tactics. "War is a terrible thing, my hummingbird. Pray that you never have to see it." Charles II had lived long enough to fight both Romulans and Klingons. In each he'd lost good friends and children of friends, he'd killed many a soldier, but no death was worth victory. As the shuttle doors closed behind her, she whispered an apology to her father, "this never should have happened." Porter said to her, having come on this shuttle to collect her. Startled out of her thoughts, Ana looked at him, "What was that?" he waved out the window to the shrinking planet, "The Federation should have sent a fleet as soon as we sent word." Porter turned away and she moved, standing behind him as he piloted the craft, "Don't worry so much Porter. You know as well as I do the reputation of the Enterprise..." Porter smirked and interrupted, "More the reputation of its commander." He ducked his head slightly as she glared at him playfully, "Yes," she said, letting herself grin, "Captain Kirk has certainly made a name for himself, but each captain and their crew has their own strengths. Let's not make them regret volunteering to follow us." Porter nodded, and said, "Aye aye, ma'am. Might I suggest that you..." the thrusters kicked in and she was thrown to her rear, rather unceremoniously. She glared up at Porter, the playful twitch of her mouth belying her anger. "...sit down." he managed to say before bursting into laughter. Ana couldn't help but laugh as well as she got to her feet, "Very well, I get the point." she moved to the empty seat next to him and gently smacked his arm. "Let's just hope that that isn't the last time you get to laugh at me." It was a sobering thought, and one that Ana couldn't get rid of.

Captain James Kirk sauntered onto the bridge of the Enterprise, and moved to his chair. On the main viewscreen was the image of the Vengeance and the small shuttlecraft that approached it. He knew that this mission was dangerous, and his crew knew that they might die...but it was a chance that they all took every time that they sailed. Well, all but one...and he was very vocal about it, saying that Jim was "running headlong into a fight that would only get him a broken skull." Bones had been right about things before, but Jim wanted to prove him wrong. Forget what Ana had said about getting married to someone else, forget that he should be going to another planet than this one; all he could think about was that for this one mission, this one last time, he would be able to stand at Ana's side and defend that which meant so much to her. This was something that he knew he had to do, something that he'd always wanted to do...see the planet that she had told him so much about. Lieutenant Uhura turned from her station, and spoke, "Captain, I'm receiving a transmission from the Vengeance. It's Admiral Analise." Jim waved his hand, "Put it on screen." Uhura obliged, and the image of changed to show Ana seated in her own command, looking as much as home there as she had been in her apartments.

On her own screen, Ana saw the faces of the several captains, each waiting for her to speak. "My fellow leaders," she began, hating how that sounded, "My friends, I want it made clear that this will not be an easy mission by any means. Eldaria is no doubt surrounded by Gregoran ships by now, and will be searching for our, my, ship. I will warn you that only one death is needed in this...should it be the Gregoran commanders, or mine." she waited as Kirks head moved back slightly, then continued, "Obviously, the latter is not preferred. It has come to my attention that the Gregorans have officially overrun the main continent, and no doubt, will have many soldiers waiting for any security teams we might send down. Captains, prepare your crews." she cut the conference, and Kirk sat forward, "Anything else, Admiral?" she smiled, "I had thought that you would like to lead." she said, her eyes unreadable, "Still hiding in plain sight, Ana?" she gave a slight shrug, "The Enterprise is the flagship of the Federation fleet. I'm hoping that we might be able to bluff our way out of a fight." Jim smiled, Ana was avoiding the question in classic form. "And one other thing, Captain...it might be best if you call me Admiral from now on." he nodded, "Very well..." she ended the transmission before he could say anything more. "Lay in a course for Eldaria, Mr. Sulu. Just be sure that we are careful of the Neutral Zone." Sulu acknowledged, "Take us out, Mr. Sulu, warp factor 5."

Ana waited and watched as the Enterprise moved past them, Ana looked to her helmsman, "Porter, match his course and speed. At warp 5 we should be able to reach Eldaria within the week...Let's just hope there still something there for us to go home to." The stars on the screen turned into brilliant streams of light as they went forward, making Ana instinctively lean towards the screen, her eyes straining to see their destination and heart racing in anticipation. They were finally headed for home, but what kind of home would they be returning to. She spun her chair around and spoke with her communications officer, "Brayden, keep an open sweep for any communication other than that of the fleet..including Eldarian vessels." Brayden turned to look at her in surprise, "Admiral?" she nodded, "You heard me. The Gregorans have breached the orbital station and have now broken through to the planet. Because of that, they have access to any ships within the planets surface. I hate to say it but we must suppose that any Eldarian we encounter is not on our side...without sufficient proof." As Brayden went back to work, Ana flipped a switch for shipwide communication. "Hello, crew. This is Admiral Analise. While I was one the planet, I received warning that the Gregoran have breached the castle, and have full control of the main continent. The Royal family has gone into hiding. Understand this, for their own protection, all discussion of the Queen Sophie and Princes' Ethan and Samuel is hereby prohibited. As far as we know, they are dead, along with King Kendrick...Until they are found to be otherwise." she paused, knowing that she should say something more, "Our people need us, and we will prevail. We've the best ships in the Federation at our backs, and our own mettle to throw at them. The Gregorans may take our lives, but they cannot take our souls." she switched off the intercom and looked at the stars before her, remembering a song her father would often sing to her for a lullaby, "Forever, Eldaria, forever. In my mind you are the jewel that lives in a quiet universe. Surrounded by Emeralds and Sapphires and Diamonds, but you are more beautiful than all. How long will I love thee, Eldaria? Forever Eldaria, Forever." she took a deep breath as her fathers voice rang clear in her head, then swallowed tears as his face floated before her eyes, 'my hummingbird...my sweet dear little humming bird." she stood and looked to her first officer. "You have the bridge." Brayden nodded, and moved to take her seat. As she went to the elevator, she gave a last few orders then waited for the doors to close behind her. Once alone in her quarters, she gasped in pain, "Papa...we need you now. How I wish that I had your wisdom and comfort. I have to marry Commander Joshua Harssed before the next moonfall...or Kenny's death...whichever comes first. But Papa...Joshua is in no way worthy of the throne. He is as ruthless and two faced as a Bavorian howler, and cares nothing for the people..." she was standing before the window when Brayden called for her, "Admiral. We are being hailed by the Enterprise. Captain Kirk wishes to speak with you...in person." Ana rolled her eyes, a slight grin on her face. "Very well, he can have his little chat...without dropping out of warp, beam him aboard." she waited for Brayden's response. She knew very well that it was impossible...she just didn't know if her chief engineer knew it. The intercom beeped again at her, and she couldn't help from grinning, "Yes?"

"You could have just said you didn't want to see him." Ana laughed, "Took you that long to figure that out?" Brayden chuckled, "No ma'am. But I did pass along your message." Ana shook her head, "When do you think they'll get the hint?" Brayden glanced at his computer before answering, "Fairly soon. I'll keep you posted, Admiral." the intercom switched off again, and Ana shook her head. This was going to be an interesting week. She stepped away from the wall and threw herself onto her bed, covered her eyes with her hands and exhaled. This week was going to be tough, before they reached Eldaria, she would have to conference again with the other Captains, and together they would have to decide the best method for attack. Once they dropped out of warp, she would again warn them of the dangers ahead. She'd seen first hand the futility of a full on attack; Kendrick had taken the idea one day after returning from a victory.

"Why not." he said, "Go after the Gregorans ourselves, instead of fighting them off?" Ana had been to stunned to point out that the Gregorans had them outnumbered at least two to one. Kendrick had gone off, head full of vain glory, and in the morning had returned, defeated and poisoned. It had been then that she knew she was in trouble, and that was what made her sad. Her time among the stars was shrinking, and she would be forced to marry someone she didn't love. Love...she wanted to laugh. Love was something that she couldn't afford, and a luxury that those who didn't have the weight of the crown could have. Yes, her father had loved her mother, but his first marriage to the Lady Althea, Kendrick's mother, had been arranged. Kendrick claimed that his mother had learned to love Papa, had done her duty and died as a Queen of Eldaria. Ana sat up and looked out her window. The stars were streaking past in a maze of light; for most of her life these had been her closest friends, these silent sentinels of the sky. The wide expanse of space had been her cloak and solace from the pressures of being royal. No one to mess up in front of, and only her crew around her. Then she'd been sent to the academy, and made more friends. She'd learned so much from them, how strong the human race was and what the Federation could do for her people. She'd been treated like a normal person, and she'd fallen for a human. Ana leaned forward against the Thermaglass, because of the temperature controls the glass wasn't as cold as it could have been, but she felt a shiver all the same. She couldn't say for sure if she loved James Kirk, but Ana was willing to admit a strong attraction. He could be brazen and overly passionate at times, yet that was what made him the trusted leader he was. His love of life and adventure were traits that she adored in the man, and made him all the more appealing. He walked, no, he swaggered with a confidence born from being a captain. He had a aura of peace and confidence that Ana was drawn to, and all this was tempered with a quiet reasoning that showed when he was with her. Jim Kirk, had he been Eldari, may very well have been the man that she married; Even as a human he could have been a strong leader to her people. His people had been at war so much more often that hers, surely he would know something about rebuilding...she heaved a sigh and pushed herself away from the window. Closing her eyes, she knew these were just dreams that wouldn't come true. Her people were being exterminated. She swallowed hard and went to her private washroom, she'd met Montgomery Scott once before in the Academy. He had a brilliant mind that would figure out a way to get his captain what he wanted...her on his ship. Splashing some water on her face, she looked at herself in the mirror. She saw her closet behind her...and knew what Jim would do when he got her on his ship. Cackling to herself, she knew just the outfit that would catch his attention...

Scotty grimaced to himself, he couldn't believe the nerve of that girl. She knew it wasn't possible to use the transporters at warp speed! "It's bloody impossible!" he'd blustered to the captain, "And even if I could think of a way to do it, I'd just as soon send me own mother than the captain of the Enterprise!" the captain had gripped his shoulder, and grinned, "Then bring her over here."Scotty's eyes had widened, "You're suggesting kidnapping! I can't just transport her here without letting her crew know about it!And you know they aren't about to let her go alone." The captain had just kept grinning, then walked away. Kidnapping! Really, the sheer idea made Scotty uncomfortable. As soon as her security detail learned that she was missing, and where she was, Scotty would certainly lose his head...and anything else the Eldarians thought appropriate to remove. A shudder ran through him, and he decided to get back to those equations, at least he didn't have the Princess's signature on board, or he really would be in trouble.

Jim Kirk trusted his chief engineer implicitly, there hadn't been a situation yet that he hadn't been able to muscle through. This was just another problem to be solved, Scotty could do it, and Jim would soon be wooing his lady fair on the observation deck. It had been three years since that night they'd spent on the beach, watching the stars and talking about her home. He could remember the look on her face when she talked about her people, he could tell that she loved them very much. He'd seen how devastated she was when she'd learned about her father's death, and had been kicking himself for three years for letting her go, without knowing how he'd felt about her. Analise Vloomre wasn't just a princess to him, she was a beautiful woman with a beautiful mind. She was the only person in Starfleet history, other than himself, to have beaten the Kobyashi Maru test, but she'd done it through sheer intellect, not by tricking the computers. She was a brilliant tactician but she could temper that with a tenderness and sharp wit that had taken him these three years to understand. But for all that bravado and ceremony, Jim knew that Ana preferred the life aboard a starship and the anonymity she'd enjoyed at the Academy. She'd hadn't needed to bother with titles or rank. She could be herself, Ana Vloomre, a woman that loved adventure amongst the stars, surrounded by trusted friends that she knew would as readily give their lives for her as she would for them. Where she could be, would be, married as she saw fit, and not have to do a duty. Jim had looked up this Joshua Harssed, and he didn't like him. Not as a rival, no, Jim knew that there wasn't any rivalry between the two of them concerning Ana, but as a commander. This Joshua had a reputation of abuse and ruthlessness that made his stomach hurt. There were multiple tales of him sending men off into space for not completing the tasks assigned them. Ana couldn't be serious about his guy, could she? Just what would he do to a child that crossed him?

Jim's mind wandered, and started picturing what Ana's children would look like. He saw a young girl with hair like her mother's and eyes full of life. He shook his head, 'Don't start dreaming.' he told himself, 'She's promised to someone else.' Then horror struck, what if Joshua insisted on that Merging of Souls? Would Ana change? Would she no longer be the strong woman she was, but an empty shell? And what about Eldaria? Would it change from the paradise that Ana described into an industrial hellhole? How would that affect Ana? Grabbing his pillow he threw it across the room. Something just wasn't right about all of this, he had a bellyache...The death of her father, the Gregoran attack, her brother's illness...it was a mystery.

Suddenly the power flashed, and the ship rocked. Jim sat up in bed as another blast hit the ship, and another as he rushed to the intercom, "Bridge, what's going on?" Sulu answered, "We've fallen under attack, you'd best get up her Captain." Jim was already moving. When he reached the bridge, he saw that they'd dropped out of warp and were facing off against two ships he didn't recognize. Uhura spun in her seat, "Captain, message from the Vengeance, they want us to keep a channel open." Jim nodded, and sat in his chair. "Vengeance, this is the Enterprise." there was static, then finally a response, "...evacuate! All life support systems have been destroyed and we only have a few moments left...losing emergency power...transported the Admiral..." Jim was staring at his veiwscreen, as tiny explosions erupted on the thruster engines of Ana's ship. "Transporter room, lock onto as many lifeforms as you can and transfer them to the Coral Reef immediately. Get them away from the Vengeance NOW!" he looked at Sulu, "We'll handle this thing." Sulu looked at Chekov and winked, "Maybe you'll see a fight after all." Chekov ignored him, and set about punching in coordinates and numbers into his console. The ship bucked as another blast hit them, "Captain," it was Spock, "all Vengeance crewmen that were alive were transported to the Reef, The Vengeance has reached critical mass and is about to explode." Jim absorbed this, then spoke, "Full speed, all ships. Mr Chekov, get us the hell out of here." All eleven remaining ships jumped to warp and left the Gregorans to be swallowed in the ensuing blast. Once safely away, Jim went to Uhura, "Get me the Reef." Uhura followed orders, and soon someone answered. "Captain Joseph here, What else can I do for you Jim?"

"How are the crew you've received?" there was a short pause as he thought about it, "They've lost several good men, Jim, let alone the injuries several more have suffered. To be honest, I think they're in mourning."

"Is the Admiral okay?"

"Who? Oh,. The Princess..um, I don't know how to tell you this Jim...but she's not here."

Sophie Pollack Vloomre was angry, and wanted to slap the man. "You will obey me, I am your Queen!" he just looked at her, an innocent look on his deceptive face, "Your Majesty, I was told to keep you safe, and hidden away, and that is exactly what I will do." Joshua Harssed gave her his crooked grin and walked away from the forcefield cell. The Queen and her child would be safe there, until later when they were needed. Moving out of the room, he held the button for the turbolift, and waited as it came for him. Yes, his scheme was certainly coming to beautiful fruition...the Gregoran ships he'd sent to gather the princess would soon return with her and they would be wed...once he told her of her brothers death of course. Joshua grinned evilly to himself, the princess, she was gorgeous enough, and certainly would be a wonderful addition to his bedroom. He relished the image of her, hair down around her bare shoulders, welcoming him into her closest embrace. And she would be welcoming, he would be her husband...she couldn't deny him. Now all he had to do was find that blasted Prince Ethan.

The doors opened, and Joshua was confronted by the Gregoran general. "My lord." he said, stepping onto the lift and calling for his quarters. The general nodded to him, then began to speak, "So tell me, have you gotten that woman to agree to our contract?" Joshua glanced at him, then turned back to the doors, "She's proving to be more...headstrong than I had accounted for. I should have known that Kendrick's wife would be a spitfire." the general chuckled, "I see. Well, Commander Harssed, let me tell you something, I am willing to wait until your princess gets here. After that, I will take over this operation." the general glared at Joshua, who had turned to speak...but could think of nothing. He shrugged, "Whatever you say, your lordship. I only hope that you would remember our original agreement." The general raised an eyebrow, and smiled,showing all of his pointed teeth, "I remember everything, Commander. Pray you never forget." The lift stopped and the general moved past him, his entire being oozing an otherworldly confidence. Once the doors were shut again, and Joshua was alone, he cackled to himself. 'that fool general...thinking he can scare me.'

Again, the doors opened, and Joshua exited, walking briskly to his commandeered bedchamber. "Computer," he called, hearing the acknowledging blip, "Begin program Harssed 23." The lights in the room dimmed, and a non-heatgiving fire leapt in the fireplace. A woman appeared in the doorway leading to the main bedchamber, her hair loose and flowing. Her intense green eyes burning with deep rooted desire, the loose sleeping gown she wore hanging low on one shoulder. As she walked towards him, he could just see her silhouette through the fabric. "I've missed you...My King." she leaned forward, putting her hands on his chest, "Really?" he asked, looking down at her, seeing down the front of her gown. She nodded at him, and a devilish grin crossed her lips, "Let me show you how much."

Porter Hanserack shook his head, and tried to sit up. He groaned loudly and a nurse came to him, "What is it?" he frowned at her, "Where am I?" she looked sad, "What do you remember?" he closed his eyes, and thought back, "I was at the helm of the Vengeance...we encountered two Gregoran warships... went into evasive maneuvers while Commander Brayden..." he looked around him, "Where's Brayden?" the nurse pointed to a form covered with a black sheet. "He died just after you arrived." Porter lay back against the bed he was on and closed his eyes again. "He had a wife...and four children." his eyes opened and he focused on the ceiling, "He was calling for the Commander, and when she didn't answer, he asked the computer to locate her...said she wasn't on the ship anymore...had been transported off the ship...we didn't have time to decipher where when we took a hit to our engines, and had to evacuate." he looked at Braydens body one more time. "That makes me acting commander of the crew...until the Admiral is found." he tried to sit up again, but the nurse pushed against his shoulders, "You really shouldn't be moving..." he shoved her away and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. "I DON'T CARE!" he swallowed his anger, his head hurt too much to yell right now, "I need to contact Captain James Kirk of the Enterprise. He'll want to know that we've lost her." the nurse nodded, "I'll speak with the doctor and see what we can do." Porter nodded back, then waved over another nurse. "Yes?" he stiffened his back and looked her in the eye, "Tell me. We had a crew of 550 men and women on the Vengeance...how many made it here?" the nurse glanced at her triquarter and sighed, "I'm not sure you're prepared to hear that." he gripped her arm, "I'll know those numbers." she shook her head, "we received 200 people, out of those only 197 have survived." it came as a harsh blow. "Those were good men..." he murmured to himself, putting his head in his hands. 350 dead...and all because he hadn't been paying attention...

The nurse put her hand on his shoulder, "Are you alright, sir?" he shook his head, "No...that's too many lost." then as he thought about it, casualties on the planet would only be higher. 350 would seem like an acceptable number compared to that. "NO!" he shrieked, more to himself than the nurse, who took a step backwards. Ana wouldn't have accepted any loss of life from her crew, or her people. She took each death as a personal failing. She was charged with keeping them alive...he was charged with keeping them alive. Swallowing hard, he lifted his face to look at the nurse, "I need to speak with the survivors...I'm in charge now, and they'll need encouragement." the nurse nodded and gave him her hand. "I'll go with you...you look like death warmed over." he took her hand, and grimaced as he stood. Whatever pain he might be in, this had to be done.

The aftermath of the battle was still being calculated, but that wasn't what perturbed James T Kirk. They couldn't find any trace of the Admiral, Ana...and he was worried. Uhura had replayed the message from the Vengeance several times and they'd cleared up some of the static...but there was just something about it that he didn't like. "...Someone has transported the Admiral off the ship, cannot locate her..." How could someone remove someone from a ship and not have themselves caught! He slapped his hand against the table and replayed the message. "Playing that thing over and over again won't find her." It was Bones; he'd been by Jim's side ever since they'd found out that she was missing. Jim didn't look at his friend, "I know...I just can't believe that someone could get her off that ship without her crew noticing!" he turned the message player off and stood, pacing the length of the conference room. After a few rotations, he stopped, "How many died in the explosion?" Scotty dropped his gaze, "I got hold of as many as I could, sir. But even then, I only transported about 200 good people to the Reef." he took a breath, "I contacted the Prudhoe Bay when I saw that I couldn't save them all, and they caught more, about 300." Bones chimed in, "As far as I can tell, they've only lost 50 people, including their first officer..." Jim sighed, "And Ana." the two men nodded, watching their captain mull things over. "Who is in charge of their crew then?" Spock looked over a computer screen, "Lieutenant Commander Porter Hanserack." Jim spun at the name, "Porter?" Spock nodded, "That is what I said." Jim nodded, "I've met Porter before..." he glanced at Bones, "Back in the Academy. It was just an introduction, but from what I learned later, he is a good officer. And is good friends with Ana. He'll want to..." the intercom beeped, "Captain, its the Coral Reef," came Uhura's voice, "Commander Hanserack wants to speak with you about...Ana." her voice cracked, and Jim couldn't help but smile sadly. "Put him through, Uhura."

"Kirk here." there came an image on the computer screen on the table, a young man about Jim's age, although he had a strong feeling that he was a lot older. The man had a sour look, apparently having just been told of his ships casualties, "Captain Kirk, my name is Lieutenant Commander Porter Hanserack, and I now command the Vengeance crew. It falls to me to give you the ships report." Jim nodded, "Go ahead." Porter drew a slow breath then told him everything he'd said before to the nurse, including how Ana had disappeared from their ship. "It had to have been just before we raised shields, when we were distracted." he lowered his face, "I need to apologize that this happened, Captain. Had we been more alert, perhaps the Admiral...Ana wouldn't be missing." Jim let out his breath, "Don't blame yourself, Commander. I do have a bit of good news for you however," Porter's head came up anxiously, Jim could see the man was hoping that they'd found Ana. "The Prudhoe Bay, another medical ship, was able to transport the remainder of your crew aboard...as far as our numbers say, they have 300 Vengeance crewmen aboard." Porter nodded, Jim could see it wasn't the news he had wanted to hear, but it was good nonetheless. "That puts our casualties at only 50..." he shuddered at the casualness with which he'd said that, and Jim caught the movement, "Don't be so hard on yourself, Commander. You did what you could, when you could. We will pause on our trip for a few hours and reassign your crew into the different ships, wherever they might be of the best assistance." the man was nodding in agreement, "Thank you, Captain. Perhaps while we wait...we might..." Jim smiled grimly, "I was already planning on that."

Porter nodded curtly, "I thank you Captain. I'll pass along the news to our crew here, they will be glad to hear the new numbers." he switched off the comm and turned to the nurse that stood at his side, "Help me back." his leg had started to hurt him while he'd been speaking with Captain Kirk, and was now going numb. He nearly collapsed into her arms when they started walking, and had to be helped along with another woman under his other arm. Under other circumstances he would have found this entertaining, two women willing to see to his every whim, but now...not so much. Now he saw what he really was, an injured commander with people looking up to him for guidance, and all his years of experience and training were failing him. The girls got him to his bed, and he sat down, rather ungracefully, and he thanked them, "Seems like all those years are getting to me." the newcomer had left to help someone else, but the other nurse sat next to him, "How many years might that be?" he glanced at her and grinned like his old playboy self, "My dear, I've been chasing skirts since before your grandfather was born." the girls eyes widened, and he couldn't help but chuckle. It was the only laugh in the room.

The nurse glanced around as his laugh made others look at them. "Really," he said, turning her to look at him, "I'm older than you can fathom right now." she looked into his eyes, deep pools of muddy water, and found herself enraptured. "Tell me." she whispered, her gaze never wavering. He smiled at her, and forced her to stand, "Maybe later, my little nurse. For now, check on my crew, I'll need them at their best." he laid back on his bed and crossed his arms behind his head, determined to not look at her. She stood there for a moment longer, then turned away, "One moment," he said, and hid a grin as she eagerly turned back to look at him, "Yes?" he raised himself on one elbow and stared at her, "I didn't catch your name..." the girl smiled widely, "Melinda...Melinda Pollack." Porter's head rolled over his hand, and smacked the edge of the bed. "Did you say Pollack?" the girl nodded, and grinned, "Might I say that you are not as old as my grandfather?" And with that, Melinda took off for the other patients, working whatever magic she could to ease their pain.

Porter put his head on the pillow again, and stared at the ceiling. He'd been flirting with Melinda Pollack, Ana's sister in law? Growling at himself, he flipped onto his side, facing away from where she'd gone and bit his lip. Sometimes he could really cut out his tongue. He should have recognized her, she had the Queens soft facial lines and gleeful eyes. Maybe that was what had thrown him off; her eyes had been so sad when she'd mentioned that the Admiral was missing. Ana...Porter tossed himself again and put an arm underneath his head.

Where in all the Hells was she!!!!

Joshua Harssed groaned pleasurably and leaned into the massage strokes the holgram Princess was giving him. "Lower.. a little..there." she had hit the right spot, and was now digging into his low back muscles. "You're overworked, My King." she whispered, "Why don't you take a break for a while?" he growled low in his throat and grabbed her hand, pulling her around to kneel in front of him. He leaned forward and looked her in the eye, "Take a break? TAKE A BREAK!" he had to remind himself that she was only a hologram, "My love, I cannot stop. Can't you see that I'm doing this all for you?" she shook her head and leaned forward, beginning to rub his legs. He leaned back against the chair and let her work, "Yes...I'm doing this all so that you can have your paradise." she looked up at him, and he continued, "I'm trying to give you your crown, my love." her face was so beautiful, he reached forward and caressed her cheek, "Ana...once you have your crown and I have an heir...then things will be as they should." she smiled, and turned to kiss his hand. "I can't wait to give it too you...Just think, my King, soon you will be able to show all those who opposed your marriage to me that you are the true king. Not my weak brother." Joshua grinned, and pulled her onto his lap, "Good girl...tell me about it." the hologram opened her mouth to speak, but it wasn't her voice that came, "Computer, end program." Joshua quickly found himself shielding something embarrassing from an aide from the Gregoran general. "Your pardon, my lord Commander. I was sent to tell you that our ships have been destroyed."

Joshua's mood changed from slightly peeved to full on explosive. "WHAT!" the aide cringed, and knew that he was most likely going to die. "I'm sorry, my liege, but I cannot change the message." Joshua stood, the embarrassment gone, "I told your general that he should have sent Eldarian ships! We wouldn't be having this conversation if he had." the aide dropped to his knees, "Please, my liege..." Joshua raised an eyebrow and hid a grin. This poor fool was groveling! He couldn't believe it...he commanded that kind of power now amongst the Gregorans, eh? Joshua grabbed the aide by the scruff of his overly hairy neck and pulled him up to look him in the eye. "You go back and tell your general that he will have to pay for his insult to me." the man's eyes widened, "Yes my liege!" 'what offense was given?' he thought to himself, then he remembered the program he'd so bravely canceled. Joshua's eyes were dangerously flaming, and his mouth twisted into a smirk, "He'll know what I mean...now git!" he practically threw the poor man to the floor, and turned his back to him. He heard the door open and shut as the man crawled away, perfectly defeated. "Computer, resume program."

She reappeared on the chair, looking at him. "Computer...create a necklace of silver and garnets, and put it in a black box on the table." the image appeared. Ana looked at the box, then back at him, "For me?" he nodded, and removed the tunic he'd thrown on earlier. Her soft gasp of joy made him smile, "You like it?" she looked at him again, holding the chain in her hand. It caught the hints of red in her hair, the jewels illuminated in the firelight. "My king..." he drew a deep breath, "Say my name." her brow creased, "What my king?" he moved to her, and put the necklace on her, "Say my name, the way you'd say Jim Kirks name in your sleep." her brow wrinkled again, and then she smiled,

"Joshua...Joshua."

"Computer, end program." it wasn't the same.

"Mr. Sulu, conduct a wide scan of the area, including the other ships. I want that woman found!" Jim Kirk burst onto the bridge all business. They could only spare a few more hours, while they divided Ana's crew amongst the remaining ships. "Scanning," Sulu acknowledged, and kept his eyes glued to the screen. Uhura was already keeping all communication lines open, waiting to hear something from her old roommate. "Nothing yet, Captain." she said, turning to look at him. They were both worried, this was Ana they were talking about! She was able to take care of herself, and yet...neither of them could shake the feeling of foreboding that had settled over them. The doors from the turbolift opened and Porter stepped onto the bridge, "Captain Kirk, Commander Porter Hanserack reporting for duty." Kirk nodded to him and waved him over to him, "Where could she possibly be?" Porter raised his shoulders, "Honestly, sir, I don't know. One could guess that she was on one of the Gregoran ships..." Jim shook his head, "I'm not considering that an option." he glared over his shoulder at Spock as he was about to point out how illogical that was. Porter looked around him, and shook his head, "Even speculating, I don't know where she could be. If she wasn't on the Vengeance, and she isn't on the other ships..." Jim nodded, "Not exactly good news." Porter nodded, then froze. The entire bridge held still as a voice came over the communications board. "Nyota...Nyota is that you!"

"ANA!" Uhura started, turning back to her station as Jim and Porter dashed over to her, nearly squishing her against the panel in their haste. "Ana...where are you?" Uhura asked, then smiled as Ana responded. She looked up at Jim and let out a relieved laugh, "She's on a shuttlecraft...wishes clearance to come aboard." Jim raised his eyebrows at her, and Porter screeched at her, "She's got it! Let her on!" Jim looked at Porter, but didn't say anything. Uhura gave the clearance, and Ana replied. She looked at Jim, worried, "She says that the shuttle won't fit in one of our bays, we have to transport her aboard." Porter spun on his heel and barked an order to Sulu to activate the tractor beam. Jim hit a switch and a voice acknowledged, "Transporter room, lock onto that signal and get her on this ship." The man said he could do it, and Jim stood straight. He glanced at Porter, then went to the turbolift, "Mr Spock, you have the bridge." Spock moved to the command chair, and Jim grabbed Porters arm, "I know that you're anxious to see her...but me first." Porter raised an eyebrow, and grinned, "As you wish, Captain." and he moved back to Uhura, "Get me every ship in the fleet, we need to tell them that we've got her." Uhura was moving quickly, "Yes sir!"

Jim was practically running when he reached the transporter room. There she was, hands on hips and demanding something of the poor lieutenant. "Ana...." he said, nearly out of breath at the sight of her. She turned to him, train of thought lost. Before she could regain it, before he even thought himself, he went to her, grabbed her against him and kissed her fiercely. At first she didn't know what to think, then, as he continued to hold her tightly, she felt herself begin to relax...he wasn't too bad of a kisser! Her hands moved from her sides to his body, one snaked around his torso and held his shoulder the other working its way around his neck. His own hands were moving, taking her in. She was alive...she was alive and in his arms...in his arms. Suddenly the commander, he broke away from her, but only a little. His face remained dangerously close, his eyes were boring into hers, "Where were you?" she sighed and put her head against his chest, "Betrayed." he felt her shoulders slump against him, and he waved the other man away. When the doors shut behind him, he lifted her chin to look at her again, "What?"

She took a deep breath and began, "I was changing into this..." she waved to her current outfit, and he finally looked her over. She wore a pale yellow sundress that went to the floor, with an open back that he'd felt earlier. It wrapped around her neck like a halter top, and those ties fell down her bare lightly tanned back. Her hair was loose and falling around her shoulders, framing her face with gentle curls. He brought a hand up and ran his fingers through her hair, "when I wasn't in my quarters anymore. I was on one of those ships! I'd been kidnapped by the Gregorans!" her voice caught and he felt his stomach lurch, but he didn't say anything, "I was in this cell, then the ship rocked and the power went out. I ran...I didn't know where I was going, but I ran as fast as I could in the blackness. I found my way to the shuttle bay and took one of the shuttles. I couldn't think of anything else to do..." she took a deep breath, as though to steady herself and he pulled her closer, laying her head against his chest and stroking her hair, "When the Vengeance exploded, I was thrown forward...I barely had enough control of the craft, let alone being able to get to you..." she looked up at him, "I thought I'd never see you again...any of you." her eyes were in pain. "I've never been so scared, Jim...I couldn't..." she broke down and tears rolled down her cheeks. He held her tight against him, kissing the top of her head and speaking softly, "It's alright, you're here now...I'm here."

They stayed that way for a while longer, the broken woman and her brave warrior. He closed his eyes, wanting her to know it was all right. He'd protect her...no matter what the cost. All too soon, she started to pull away from him, wiping her cheeks and laughing at herself, "I shouldn't be like this...I've got a crew to cry over." He reached for her hand and turned her to look at him, "Your crew's fine...well, mostly." her brow wrinkled and he smiled, "Come with me, you'll want to speak with them." he led her out of the room, never letting go of her hand. They reached the turbolift, and he called for the bridge, then turned to her. She hadn't taken her eyes from his face, "Jim..." she stepped closer to him, and brought a hand to his face, "Jim..." her eyes were in pain, "I have to marry Joshua, Jim. We shouldn't have done that." he shook his head and grabbed her to him, "Oh no you don't. Don't you dare regret this." he lowered his mouth to hers again and kissed her. She didn't fight him off, but she didn't return it as she had before. He broke it off sooner than he would have liked, and looked away from her, "you don't have to marry him you know." she put a hand on his arm, and tried to smile, "Jim...James I have to. My people are expecting me to wed an Eldari. I have to." the turbolift slowed and she heaved a sigh, "It might just be better for you to forget me." The doors opened, and she walked out.

Porter was waiting for her, and wrapped her in a tight hug. "Ana, I thought we'd lost you!" she shook her head, "No...not yet. But we have bigger problems at the moment..." she stepped away from him and looked around, "Where's Brayden?" Porter's eyes saddened and she didn't ask anymore, "How many did we lose?" He recounted the information to her, from the moment the attack began to then, and he watched as her face went through several changes. The last was anger, "I can't believe it...no one on board would have given out that signal..." Porter was confused, "What, Admiral?" she shook her head, "I was taken from the Vengeance just before the fight, that's would only be possible if someone had given the Gregorans my transporter signature." It was a precaution that every Eldari ship had implemented since King Charles death. Every person had a specific signature that when put into the transporter brought that person. It was that much more accurate than coordinates. Every ship scrambled those signatures while the personnel were on board, only transmitting them when necessary, and it was hard to decode them. "The only way they could have gotten me was if someone gave them my code." she glanced around the bridge, making sure to not look at Jim as she did. "We've been betrayed, Porter. I just don't know by whom yet." Porter nodded to her back, "Let me take you to sick bay, Admiral. I'm sure that Doctor McCoy would like to look you over." Ana let him walk her past Jim, even let her arm brush his as she did...but she couldn't suppress the goosbumps that erupted on her skin at that brief contact. Despite all that she had said about forgetting, she knew that she probably never could.

Jim waited for the doors to close, before he took over again, barking orders and sitting stoic in his chair. So Ana had said it was best to forget, huh? He put his chin in his hand, 'Sorry Ana. That's not going to happen.' he thought to himself. He wasn't about to let her get away from him that easily. So what if her people wanted her to marry Joshua! From what he'd heard of the man, Jim wouldn't trust the man with a dog he didn't like, let alone Ana. "Set a course for Eldaria, Mr Sulu." the man complied, and Jim watched the stars turn to streaks. No, he wouldn't forget Ana. He hadn't forgotten her in all these years before he became captain, he wasn't about to lose her now.

Ana laid back on the sick bay exam table, letting Bones run a triquarter over her frame. "As far as I can tell, you're fine. Just a little thrown, I would say." Ana nodded, sitting up, and rubbing the back of her neck. "Well then, I'll just take a few more samples for testing and let you two be." he looked at Porter who stood on the other side of the bed. She nodded to him, and waited for him to leave, then looked up at Porter. "What am I going to do?" Porter sat on the bed next to her, "I don't know, Admiral. I can't think of anyone that would give your signature to the Gregorans, unless the computers back home had that..." Ana shook her head, "No. That information isn't kept there, you know that...They had to have gotten it from an officer, they're the only ones who have the bypass codes." Porter nodded, not wanting to say what he thought. Ana sensed there was something he wasn't telling her, "Porter Hanserack, you've always spoke your mind with me...what's got your tongue tied?" Porter shrugged, "Just a thought...and not one that you'll like very much." Ana looked at him, "Try me. I'm in the mood for ideas." Porter took a breath, "What if it's Joshua?"

"Commander Harssed? Why would you think that?" Again Porter shrugged, "It's just a thought...his is the only ship that hasn't been in battle with the Gregorans...and he's been back at home for most our trip. And that transmission...we were the only ship in the Vulcan sector. And then, when we came under attack, we were the only ship that the Gregorans were after, they didn't fire on the other ships hardly at all." Ana nodded, and looked at the mattress. "I know." Porter was shocked, "You know!" he jumped to his feet, and stared at her, "You know! Ana how can you think about marrying this man when you know that he's betrayed your people!" Ana brought her head up and looked him in the eye, "What other choice do I have, Commander. If you have any ideas please share them, because I see no other way to protect those very people that he's hurt." Porter clamped his mouth shut, crossed his arms across his chest and glared at her, "Analise Vloomre, I've known you most of your life. I've watched you grow up into a powerful leader and strong woman and I feel it is my duty to not let you knit your soul to someone that has no respect for that which you'd die." Ana raised her eyebrows at him, "What do you know about duty!" He came dangerously close to her, but she didn't care, "I know that my duty is to my family, my people, and my king in that order. You are closer to me than even my own mother, and that puts you in my family category. I will not fight by your side if you insist on joining with that cretin!" Ana could understand his anger, even enjoyed it after so long of no one questioning her, but this was serious. She let him rant for a little while longer, then stood and gripped his arms, "Porter, I'm honored that you would consider me family, but I have to do this. There's no one else..." she trailed off, there was someone else, but she couldn't tell him that. Not even when that person was a human Starfleet captain that made her heart race when he looked at her...whose kiss made her knees weak. Porter put a hand over her mouth before she spoke again, "Then you're a fool. If you can't see the way that Captain Kirk looks at you, then you deserve Joshua." Ana's nostrils flared, and her eyes widened, but Porter kept his hand where it was, "I love you like you're my sister, Ana, and I would rather see my sister happy with someone she loved, than miserable doing her duty." he bored his eyes into hers and she knew he was serious. She pulled back, and kept her mouth shut. Ana turned away from him, her back to the door, "You may go..." Porter saluted, and left, passing Jim in the hall. He grabbed Jim's arm and looked at him seriously, "What do you intend towards her?" Jim's eyebrows raised, and he stared at the man, "What?" Porter asked again, "What are your intentions towards Ana?" Jim looked away from him, "I don't know for sure at the moment." Porter nodded grimly and let the captain go, "But you love her...don't you." Jim looked up sharply at that, and Porter grinned. "I knew it." he glanced beyond the captain and down the hall, "I've seen the way she looks when she thinks about you, Captain. I know that she dreams about you when she lets her guard down. I'm fairly certain that she loves you too..."

"But she'll never admit it. She thinks that you want her to marry Commander Harssed." Porter nodded, then shook his head, "I just made it very clear to her that I am not of that mind. I'll leave it to you to convince her that she isn't really either." Jim nodded, slower this time. "What do you suggest?" Porter smiled mischievously, "Remind her that above all else, she is a woman that deserves happiness." Jim's brow creased, then he nodded in understanding. "Woo her with all you've got, Captain. You might be surprised how willing she is." Porter let his last words hang in the air as he walked away, called by the transporter room to gather the other Eldarian crew that were coming to the Enterprise.

Jim went first to Bones as he entered the bay, and asked, "So how is she?" Bones looked up at him, "From all the tests I've done, she's no worse for the wear, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's a little shaken by the whole thing." Jim nodded, and leaned against the desk, "She's spent her whole life sure of who she could trust, and now..." he shook his head, "Is there anything I can do to help?" Bones looked up at him, and grinned, "Well you know there just might be..." he stood and went to his cabinet. Inside was his small collection of liquors; he removed one particular bottle and handed it to Jim, "Take her on a date." Jim looked at him, surprised, "I should what?" Bones was getting exasperated, "You heard me, take her on a date! She needs to remember that she can trust you at least."Jim bobbed his head once, and set the bottle on the desk, "Can I see her?" Bones shrugged, "Sure, I don't see why not..." before he was done talking the man was in the other room. Bones rolled his eyes, 'nobody seems to want to take it easy anymore.'

Ana had lain back down on the bed, her back was facing him as he entered the room. "Hello Captain." she said, not rolling over. Jim walked to her bed and sat on the edge of it, "Why so formal?" She blew out her breath, "I thought I told you to forget about me." That bothered him, "As Captain of this ship it is my responsibility to not forget anyone on board." She chuckled at that, "And as commander of mine, I have to wonder whom I can." It was a blow to his gut. In all the commotion of bringing her onboard, he'd forgotten that she still had to mourn her dead. He put a hand on her shoulder, and rolled her onto her back to look at him. When he saw her face, he could see the streaks on her cheeks from tears, "Ana..." she frowned at him, "Captain. I remind you that I am royalty, and I outrank you." Jim smirked, not knowing why, and nodded, "Fine...Admiral Analise, would you like to speak with your crewmen to discover whom you should be crying over?" Ana shook her head, "There will be a lot more death before this is over. I need to get used to it." she rolled away from him again, and Jim wanted to grab her and hold her to him. Blowing out his breath, "At least let me get you some clothing more appropriate for someone of your station, Admiral." It bothered him to no end to not call her by her name. She gave what appeared to be a shrug and said, "Whatever you think is best Captain." Jim threw up his hands and stood, "My god Ana what do you want!" she turned to look at him now, siting up in the process. "I want you to give up this ridiculous notion you have about the two of us. Whatever I may or may not feel for you is irrelevant, I cannot shirk my duty to my people." Jim was angry now, he went forward and grabbed her arms, "You think I'm irrelevant? That what we had three years ago is irrelevant? That this is irrelevant?" he leaned in and kissed her, hard and angry. She didn't object, and he held her there until she gave in. Just as she was beginning to enjoy it he pulled back, his eyes a mix of desire and white hot anger, "If that meant nothing to you, tell me now and I will leave you alone till the day you die."

Ana's knees were shaking, and she had to sit down. Unconsciously she brought a hand to her lips, now slightly bruised. She wasn't looking at him, but staring at the floor as she thought about it. She heard him take a few deep breaths, and knew he was about to leave when she called out to him, "James, wait." He stopped moving, but kept his back to her, "James...I don't know what I feel about any of this." she took another breath, trying to collect her thoughts, "But when I was alone out there, I wasn't thinking of my crew or my ship, or my family...I was thinking about you. About how much I would miss you if I didn't find you again." she moved to him, and put a hand between his shoulder blades. "I never told you what my fear was in the psych test for the final at the Academy." he waited, his anger gone, "When I walked in that room, I saw you...well, not you but your image, broken and bloody. You were dying and there was nothing I could do about. All I could do was hold you and cry..." He turned now, and took her hand in his, putting it against his heart, "You don't have to cry anymore, Ana." she didn't react to his using her name, "Feel this." it was reminiscent of their last moonlight walk together, the one where Kendrick had come to take her away...

They'd just finished a picnic with Sabrina and Joe when they'd decided to walk around the grounds alone. Jim had just been promoted to Lieutenant, and was leaving in two weeks to join his first ship assignment. Ana couldn't have been happier for him, and was smiling broadly as he talked about the new adventure he was beginning in his life. "But most of all, I think I'm going to miss you the most." he said, stopping them underneath a willow tree. There was a bench nearby and she sat down on it, looking at the small stream that flowed through campus. It was a beautiful setting, if he wanted to ask her. "I'll miss you too, Jim." she whispered as he sat next to her. She turned to look into his eyes, almost gone in the darkening sky. "Why don't you ask for an assignment yourself?" he'd asked, brushing back a stray strand of hair. She shook her head, "The Eldarian agreement doesn't work that way. We have our own fleets that need manning, and when I'm done here, that's where I'll be assigned." she looked away then, having heard...something. There were two shadows approaching them from where they'd come from. Jim saw them too, and called out, "Hello?" one of the shadows, the taller one by about a foot, called back, "I'm looking for Analise Vloomre of Eldaria...you haven't seen her have you?"

Ana's face lit up, "KENNY!" she shouted, leaping from their spot and rushing to him. The big man had grabbed her up in a tight bear hug and spun her around a few times. "Ana, little sister, I've missed you!" he put her down finally, and looked past her to Jim, "And who's this?" he asked. Ana turned to Jim and grabbed his hand, all smiles, "This is Lieutenant James Kirk, Jim, this is my brother, Kendrick." Jim offered his hand to the man, and they shook congenially. "How are you?" he asked, and Kenny laughed, "I'm as well as any, I guess." he looked at Ana, that 'this is private, sister' look. "Jim, will you excuse us for a moment?" she said, dropping his hand and following her brother a ways away. "I really have missed you, Ana." he began, and she knew it was serious, "What happened, Kenny. Is it Sophie?" Kenny shook his head, and smiled grimly, "No, Sophie is fine, we have two boys now." Ana clapped her hands gleefully, and he brought his own up, holding them together, "But Ana...there's something else I have to tell you, and you're not going to like it." Ana wrenched her hands away, and took a step away from him, "Don't Kenny." he took a deep breath and began, "Remember that I told you that Father had been taken by the Gregorans?" She shook her head, "Don't Kenny." she put her hands over her ears, not wanting to hear it. But Kenny continued anyway, "Ana...Father never came back. We found his body on board his ship, all hands were dead." Ana's soul cried out in anguish. "NO! No it can't be true!" she fell to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her shout had caught the attention of the two men they'd left, and Jim made to go to her. "Don't..." Captain Marcus said, grabbing his arms. Jim pulled away, "Let me go!" he pushed the man out of his way and ran to Ana. He fell to his knees next to her, and gathered her up to him. Kenny stood over them, his own face in torment. Jim looked up at him, "What did you say to her?" Kenny's shoulders drooped, "I told her that our father, King Charles II is dead." Jim didn't have time to process what he'd said. All he knew was that the girl in his arms was crying like she was going to fall apart. She brought her arms around him, "Jim...get me out of here." she said between sobs, and he picked her up and carried her away from her brother.

He found a small nook in the roots of another tree, and there he held her on his lap, rocking back and forth as she sobbed into his shirt. After a few minutes, he lifted her head and he wiped her cheeks. "Ana...I'm so sorry." she smiled, or tried to anyway, and looked away, "I feel as though my whole world has fallen apart." he nodded, and brought her head to his shoulder, and kept rocking back and forth. There was nothing he could say, he had yet to lose a parent...and prayed he'd have the strength to when the time came They stayed that way for a while longer, then she wriggled away from him, and walked to the stream. She folded her arms around herself, and curled into a ball as best she could while staying seated. He watched her for a moment, then went to her. He put a hand on her back, and she nearly started crying again. "I'll never feel his heartbeat again." she whispered, and his brow wrinkled. "What?" She turned to look at him, fresh tears coursing down her face, "It's an old Eldarian tradition, done between loved ones when someone leaves." she brought his hand to her chest, over her heart, and gasped for air as she tried to remember the words of the poem. 'Feel my heart, as it beats for thee. Another best come and another beat gone. My very breath is for you, my heart beats for none other. Feel this, my heart as it beats for thee.' her breath was labored as she tried to get over her emotions. Jim brought her other hand over his heart, and held it there. "Let my heart beat for you, then."

Ana looked up at him, tears again rolling down her cheeks. Jim reached up and wiped them away. "You remember, don't you? That poem you said to me that night?" Ana nodded, "It's a love sonnet penned by an old poet, Jacoby Stekasgh." Jim smiled, and opened his mouth, "Feel my heart, as it beats for thee. Another beat come and another beat gone. My very breath is for you, my heart beats for none other. Feel this, my heart as it beats for thee." Ana's mouth had gone dry, "You remember that?" Jim smiled, "I remember a lot of things when it comes to you, Ana." his hand came up to caress her cheek, "come have dinner with me tonight...alone." she nodded, and turned into his hand.

Her own hand never left his chest.

Ethan Vloomre, heir apparent and Prince of Eldaria, was tired. He'd been foraging for food all day, and now had just enough for him and his father...if he could get him to eat any of it. His father was still deathly pale, but at least he was moving a little bit. When they'd received word that the station had been taken, he'd called for an anti-gravity unit and had his father put on it. His mother hadn't known what he was doing, but even at six years old, Ethan had shown the tactical thought needed to be king. His ordering of the servants was similar to how his father had been, and he'd been the most calm out of all of them. Once his father was on the unit, he'd taken the body himself into the Underground. Where he was now were caverns known only to the Royal family, masked by holographic images of mountain and forest. These had been excavated only for emergencies, and Ethan knew that this qualified as an emergency. He'd said good-bye to his mother, and baby brother, then given one last order to the servants, "Tell them I'm dead. Auntie Ana will know where to find us." He was braver than most at his age...he already had a strong following, and was giving orders as though he were King already.

He leaned against the antigravity unit, now off and ate the sandwich an old housemarm had given him. He'd pulled some weeds from her garden and she'd repaid him with a basket of food. About four sandwiches and several samplings of fruits and vegetables. He'd fed some of the grapes to his father, knowing he had to keep up his strength, and then helped him swallow some water, but that was all. Kendrick had yet to open his eyes, or even speak, but the fact that he was eating definitely lifted Ethan's spirits. His mind was wandering, thinking about his mother and brother when something bumped outside the cavern. As quickly and quietly as he could, got to his feet, and pulled the phaser he'd stolen from his fathers bedside. Setting it to stun, he aimed at the small entrance and waited. And waited and waited, then a bird landed on a rock at the entrance. He took a deep breath, and lowered the weapon. 'It's just a bird.' he told himself, and turned back to his father.

Kendrick's eyes were open and watching him. Ethan nearly jumped out of his skin, "Father!" he whispered excitedly, careful not to raise his voice too much. Kendrick recognized his voice, and slowly brought a finger to his lips. Ethan didn't move, and waited again. His father's arm moved towards the waterskein and Ethan hurried to give it to him. Carefully, he helped his father raise his head and take a good large gulp. What he hadn't counted on was how thirsty his father would be, that gulp nearly emptied the skein. His father still didn't speak, and lowered his head into Ethan's lap. Ethan set the skein aside and reached for the basket of food. He showed his father the basket of food and the grapes he'd fed him earlier. Kendrick nodded weakly, and Ethan helped him eat. While he did so, Ethan brought his father up to date on the events so far, "A week ago Aunt Ana went to Earth to bring the Federation's fleet to drive off the Gregorans." Kendrick shook his head, knowing that the Federation would never go for it. When Ethan stopped talking, he pointed to the water again, and took another big gulp. He opened his mouth, and said something that Ethan could barely hear, he had to lean forward to catch it as his father repeated himself, "They won't help." He sat back, a look of consternation on his face. If the Federation wouldn't help them, then who would? Shaking his head, he decided he'd think on that later, and continued, "The Orbital Station has fallen and the main castle has been overrun. Momma and Samuel are safe for now, Commander Harssed has them locked away in the castle." Kendrick's eyes widened, "Joshua Harssed?" Ethan nodded, and Kendrick made to roll off his bed. Somehow, Ethan's weaker strength held him in place, "What is it Father?" Kendrick frowned at his own weakness and looked at his son, "Commander Harssed is a traitor. He's the one that's been poisoning me this whole time." his face went white again from the strain, and Ethan slipped out from beneath his fathers shoulders. "Sleep now Father. It will take Auntie another week to get here, we'll get you strong again, and then you can help her take back the castle." Kendrick's eyes closed and Ethan leaned against the unit. His father would be okay...but what about his mother and brother?

Joshua prowled around the Council table. The men were seated there, terrified of this menace that had called them together. Finally Joshua stopped at the 'head' of the round table, and glared triumphantly at each man, "I called you here today, to announce my marriage to the Princess Analise. With King Kendrick now dead and his son missing, it is only right that the Princess marry and take her throne." he waited as the men glanced worriedly at their companions. He spoke again, "It is by that ceremony and right of marriage, that I proclaim myself King of Eldaria and all her colonies." There were whispers now, and one man, a councilor from a southern continent rose to his feet, staring Joshua down. "And if one were to refuse your rule?" Joshua raised an eyebrow, and quickly drew his phaser on the man. The councilors eyes widened as he knew his end had come, and drew his final breath. "What a pity..." Joshua said, shaking his head. "Any other questions?" the men around him shook their heads, scared to make eye contact. "Good. When the Princess arrives, wherever she may land, I have left orders that she be brought here." He waved around the room, "and she will see what kind of ruler I will be." before anyone could speak, Gregorans appeared from the shadows, weapons drawn and aimed at the councilors. "I do hope she likes her wedding present."

Sophie Pollack heard the screams from the room below her, knew what had just happened. The entire Council...she dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around her youngest boy. "Momma?" he asked, his small three year old hands reaching up to touch her face, "Cry?" Sophie held her boy close, and nodded, "Why?" she smiled, even now he was forever asking questions. "Because several very good men just lost their lives for no reason." Samuel nodded as though he understood, though Sophie knew he didn't. She put her hand on his head, and whispered in his ear, "You remember this day, young one, remember it forever."

She steeled herself as the door opened, and the one that the servants were calling Joshua the Tyrant, entered. "Well Lady Sophie. I hope you've had a pleasant time up here." Sophie just glared at him, and tightened her grip on her son. Joshua just shrugged, "Still being impossible I see...well then, I'll just have to change that." he lowered the forcefield and grabbed for Samuel. "No!" she screamed and clawed at him. Samuel fell back against the back wall and watched in horror as his mother fought a monster. She was doing well actually, Ana had taught her some tricks to get the upper hand with a larger opponent. Joshua was obviously unprepared for her, and took her kicks to the groin and stomach hard. He fell to his knees and she brought her foot to his face, feeling his nose crunch beneath her soft sole. Joshua let out a groan and she motioned for Samuel to run, "Go! Down the stairs and to the main holographic room. GO!" Samuel understood that, and took off like the devil himself was after him. Sophie grappled for Joshua's phaser, then followed him. They made it down the hall alright, but when they rounded the corner for the holoroom, they were met by two Gregoran soldiers. Sophie brought up her phaser and quickly dispatched them, then grabbed her sons hand and took him into the room. "Computer, begin program Emergency 45," the computer answered, "State the override sequence." Sophie thought for a moment, and then said, "Override voice recognition, King Kendrick VII." the computer complied and the images of a forest appeared around them. Just past the trees Sophie could see a castle on a hill, surrounded by a small village. "Come on." she said, picking up her son, "we need to get going!"

Joshua rolled onto his knees, gasping for breath. The woman was a fighter after all! She'd kicked him several times in the groin and stomach, probably breaking a few ribs. When she'd kicked his face, he knew she'd broken his nose. The blood was pouring out of him, and pooling on the floor. He brought a hand up to stem the tide, and winced. The door flew open and soldiers bounded in, having heard the ruckus. "My liege?" one asked, stepping forward. Joshua was in no mood. His hand went out and grabbed the man around his knees, dropping him to the floor, Joshua grabbed his phaser and shot the man point blank on the highest setting. "Get me a doctor." he growled at the others, his face now a red mess. The men scrambled to obey, hurrying out of the room and down different halls to find someone who was willing to help the angry would-be-king.

An hour later, Joshua was winding his way back to his room when that same aide came to him, "My liege..." he dropped to his knees and waited for Joshua to speak, "Yes." he growled, his throat still hurt from when Sophie had kneed him in the voice box. The aide didn't look up, but said, "Our long range sensors on the Station have picked up a fleet of Federation ships coming this way, the Enterprise leading them." Joshua raised his eyebrows, "And when is it that they will arrive?" the aide swallowed, within three days, sire." Joshua nodded slowly, and waved the man away, "Leave me." the aide scurried away, glad to not be thrown out this time. Joshua opened the door to his room...three more days. Three days and he would have the real Ana waiting for him.

Ana had changed from her sundress into a gown that Uhura had let her borrow. It was similar to what she'd called a kimono, with wide sleeves and tied tightly around her waist. She'd pulled half her hair back in a clip, and let the rest fall loose. It was a casual look for her, but Jim liked it. She was standing on the observation deck, watching the stars streak past., while he watched her from his vantage point near the door. They'd come here for the privacy, and the view...although Jim couldn't think of which he liked better at the moment, the view of the stars or the woman watching them. She felt him staring at her, and turned to look at him, "What?" she asked, her voice reverent. He shrugged and walked towards her, "I was just thinking..." he got close to her, and she turned back to look at the stars. "I've gone past these stars so many times," she whispered, "but I haven't had the luxury of actually watching them go by." Jim smiled and put an arm around her shoulders, "Well then, enjoy." she smiled, a real smile, and looked up at him, "You said something about food?" he laughed lightly, then brought her around to see the low table and cushions he'd brought in. It was definitely an intimate setting, but after their interlude in the sick bay, he felt it appropriate. He'd given strict orders to Spock that they not be disturbed by anything short of the Gregoran surrender, and was confident that they would finally come to an agreement about something. The bottle of Cranishian wine that Bones had suggested earlier sat on the table between two plates of spaghetti. There was also a basket of hot bread and a dipping bowl of olive oil and spices. Ana looked at the meal, then back at him, "You remembered my favorite Earth meal?"he smiled, and helped her kneel, "I told you Ana. I remember everything that concerns you, including this." he looked above her and called, "Computer, play selection of songs from Old Russia, lullabies." Ana's jaw dropped as the music came over the speakers, "I only mentioned that once!" he shook his head, "Twice." she looked at him, astonished. "Why did you remember all this?" he looked at her, suddenly serious, "Because I love you, Ana. I've loved you from the first time I saw you." she tore her gaze away from him and suddenly found her plate to be very interesting. "Ana." he said softly, and she risked a glance at him.

He was so handsome, with his blue eyes intent on her face. His shoulders were set, and his arms were on the table, his hand palm up, asking for hers. She stared into his eyes, wishing she could read thoughts. But with this one, she really didn't need to. 'No...his mind is as open as his heart.' she thought, seeing what he really meant on his face. He did love her, as much as he loved his ship, that she was sure of. But what would her people think?! She couldn't entertain ideas of marriage to someone that they'd never accept. She tore her gaze away, "As much as I want to Jim...I can't." he took his hand away and swallowed, "then just listen to me." he asked, and she nodded, staring at her hands in her lap.

"Marry me." she raised her head and stared at him in surprise, "WHAT!" he put up a hand and she closed her mouth, "Marry me, have the Merging with me." she raised her eyebrows and looked away. This must have been how her mother felt when her father first asked, "There's a strong chance that I might die, right?" she nodded, "And you've got a strong will, you'll pull through for your people." he moved over to her side and took her face in his hands, "Ana...I can't live with the thought of you marrying someone else...someone whom I'm not even sure deserves you." she opened her mouth to speak, but he put a finger over it. "Ana...do you love me? Even the tiniest bit?" she closed her eyes, relishing his touch. Yes, when she let herself admit it, she loved him. She loved him with such a passion that she couldn't tell where it came from. Opening her eyes again, she felt her heart beat just a little bit faster as she said, "Yes...so much more than you think." he smiled, that intoxicating, entrancing smile and leaned in to kiss her. She welcomed him, let his hands pull her to him, and then bury themselves in her hair. Her arms wrapped around him, holding him close, and she realized that she wanted him that much closer. She pulled away gently, and rested her forehead against his, "I'll marry you...but we've got to get someone trained in the Merging to preform it." Jim grinned, "I know just the man." he pulled himself out of her grasp and removed a communicator from his belt, "Porter?" Ana's eyebrows shot up, "Porter doesn't know..." Jim waved her to be quiet, and she got to her feet. "Yes, Captain?" Jim grinned, "Contact the Prudhoe Bay...we're going to need to borrow their holodeck." Ana heard Porter chuckle on the other end, "I already have, Captain. The transporter room is waiting for you and the Admiral."

"Good man. Get yourself there as well, I know that we'll need a few witnesses to make it legal." Porter nodded to his communicator, "Where do you think I am, Captain." Jim grinned, but before he signed off, Porter spoke, "And Captain, might I suggest that we have the Coral Reef send over one of their nurses...I know she'll want to be there for this." Jim looked at Ana, "Who is it?" Porter stalled, "Someone that we'll need, for legality." Ana grabbed Jim's arm, "Family? Porter, I thought that's what you..." he was shaking his head at the communicator, and grinning like an idiot, "No, I'm there for the Captain. She is for you." Ana's brows knit together, "But I don't..." it hit her, "MELINDA! What the devil is she doing out here?" Porter cackled, "The same thing you are, Admiral. Trying to save her people." Jim said their arrival time and closed the communicator, "Are you sure about this?" she asked, looking up into his clear face. He smiled and brought his arms around her waist, "I've never been more sure about anything in my whole life." with that he kissed her lightly one more time, then led her from the deck to the transporter room.

They were met by Porter and Scotty. "Ready, Captain?" Scotty asked, his eyes bright and a smile on his face. Jim nodded, "Ready Scotty." Lights appeared around them and soon they were on the Prudhoe Bay. Ana was met by a few fellow crewmen, mostly officers, but the one that she was most relived to see was Captain Marcus. His arm was wrapped in bandages, and he looked a little worse for wear, but he was alive. "Princess." he said, bowing to her grandly. She smiled and brought a hand to his shoulder, "Marcus...never bow to me. You are as much my equal as my brother." Marcus smiled, and took her shoulders in his hands, "You've been like a daughter to me, Ana. I'm glad you've chosen this one." she was a little taken aback. Before she could ask anything, Melinda appeared on the pads behind them and let out a squeal of joy. "Ana, oh Ana I knew you'd do it!" she came racing forward, and threw her arms around her friend. Ana returned the hug and stared at Jim in surprise; he just shrugged and gave her his 'I don't know anything' smile. Melinda broke their hug and grabbed her hand, "Well come on! We've got to get you in a better dress then that!" she led Ana haphazardly through the crowds of personnel to the holodeck. Jim was right behind them, and quickly pulled Ana away from Melinda. He was followed by Porter and Marcus, who had volunteered to play the part of the brides father. Melinda gave the specifics of the Eldarian Merging chamber, and the doors opened on a grand cathedral like room, with towering ceilings and protective angels. The walls were covered with tapestry's and paintings similar to the ones in the main church on Eldaria. Once the group was inside, Melinda turned her attention to the group. "Sorry," she said to Jim, "but Sophie'd kill me if I don't do this right." Jim shrugged and Melinda again took over, dictating the men's attire. Soon Jim wasn't in his uniform anymore, but crisp white pants with a silver stripe up the side. His jacket was also in silver, a lighter shade than that on his legs and his chest was bare. Ana barely had time to process this before Porter shoved the man away, "You've got to wait for her over here." he was saying, and Ana watched as he led Jim to one side of the bed like altar. "Melinda, you forgot the Priest." she pointed to the empty spot where he should have been standing. Melinda gasped in horror and brought the man to life, complete with red robes and towering hat. "Satisfied?" she asked, turning around. Ana nodded, then whispered, "Let me do my own dress." Melinda nodded, and pointed to a small corner, hidden from view. Ana thanked her, then smiled as Melinda went off loudly to discuss the ceremony with the men. "Computer, find all files for Analise Vloomre." the computer processed and found four. Ana smiled, "Display all four as though in a shop." Four dresses appeared before her, each gorgeous in their own right, and she put a finger to her lips. "Computer, create new file, Analise Vloomre 5." the computer then followed her instructions as she removed pieces from the four dresses and made one of her very own. "Computer, apply Analise Vloomre 5 to person."

Her shoes were of a soft white leather, so as to make little noise on the flagstone floor. The dress was a sheath, of the softest silver hue, with a two foot train and halter neckline. Across her back were strings of pearls and diamonds, hanging loose so as to not mark her skin. Her hair was swept up into her trademark braided crown, while what was left was brought forward over her shoulder in a mass of ringlets. "Melinda." she called, and the girl came back to her, "Oh you're gorgeous!" she exclaimed, then paused, "But wait..." she activated the computer and called for a file of her own. Ana looked at her confused, then had to swallow tears as a tiara appeared in Melinda's hands. It was an imitation of her favorite, the one given her by her mother, with slight alterations. Where colored jewels had once been, there was now only diamonds. It glittered in the simulated sunlight coming through the many stained glass windows. "Melinda..." she breathed, waiting as the girl set it just right on her head, then grabbed her into a tight hug. "How can I ever thank you?" Melinda smiled, "Come on, we have to get you married...to the right guy." Ana caught her arm, "Mel," she was worried, "What if it's a mistake?" she glanced at the pillar, wanting to see beyond it, "what if he dies..." Melinda sighed, "Then it will be all his own fault. He choose this ceremony, didn't he?" Ana swallowed hard, and nodded. The girl waited another heartbeat, then took her hand and led her to the group.

Jim's breath caught in his throat when he saw her. She was a vision! The dress was one thing, but there was something about the look on her face...she was at peace. Jim had seen this woman happy, sad, angry, even royal, but never before had he seen perfectly at peace. That settled it, this was the right thing to do, what they both truly wanted to do. They stood across the altar from each other, their eyes locked. Melinda, Porter and Captain Marcus stood off to the side, waiting for their part in the ceremony, while the priest came forward, looked at both of them, then said, "Are we ready to begin?" the couple nodded, and the priest put out his hands to the altar, "Then lay yourselves down, and we'll get started." Melinda helped Ana arrange herself as she lay down, while Jim simply hopped onto the thing without a second thought. Once satisfied with their position, the priest came forward again, and put two fingers on their foreheads. He began chanting in the Old Language, the one reserved for ceremonial purposes. Jim felt himself drifting off to sleep, and soon closed his eyes.

They were both out cold, and the priest began his work. He motioned for Porter and Melinda to come forward, and had them each stand next to their respective family member. "I will hand you each the portion remaining with the person, I want you to handle it with care...their life is quite literally in your hands." the two nodded, and Porter couldn't help but wink at the girl. She didn't even blush, just stared at him like he was some kind of fool. Feeling shot down, he focused on the man lying in front of him. The priest wove his hands above the couple, and soon two orbs of light appeared above them, making Melinda gasp. They were the exact same color! It had shocked Porter as well, because she heard him say, "That's only a myth!" She grinned, it was what every woman wished, that her soul be the same as her husbands. It made the merging that much easier, and was rumored to show that they were meant for each other.

The priest quickly set about separating the portions, and giving that which stayed to Melinda and Porter. He then motioned for Marcus to assist him in putting a complete soul together for Ana. Marcus took the remaining portion of Ana's soul and held it gently in his hands. The priest, holding Jim's contributing, looked him in the eye, and asked, "Do you, as her father and guardian, freely accept this mans soul, to protect your daughter even at the cost of his life?" Marcus nodded, grateful that this wasn't his first marriage, having played this part before for his eldest daughter, Sophie. Smiling, the priest took Ana's soul from him, and held the two pieces together. They spiraled around each other for a moment before becoming still and melding into one complete soul. He then let that rest above Ana's body, and performed the same with Porter for Jim, only changing the words to 'brother and friend' instead of 'father and guardian'. Porter nodded, and the priest again held the two pieces together, again they swirled and danced, settling into a complete whole. Once both were resting above their respective bodies, he put his hands above them, and lowered the orbs into the couple.

Now came the tricky part, if one or both of them didn't wake soon from the sedation, the priest would have to work quickly to separate them again, and restore the original. He put his hands on their foreheads again, and said another chant in the Old Language, then stepped back, waiting. After a few anxious seconds, Jim rolled his head to the side away from Ana, and opened his eyes. Porter had to think that he wasn't the most welcome sight, but at least Jim was awake. That was a good sign. Melinda and Marcus waited...and waited...and waited, but Ana didn't move or open her eyes. She just continued to look as though she were sleeping. The priest was about to put Jim back under, when he put up his hand, stalling for time. Carefully, still trying to wake up himself, he rolled over to her. Propping himself up on his elbow, he brought his hand up to caress her face, "Ana..." he whispered, "Ana." she still didn't move, and he knew that the priest had to save her. Letting out his breath in defeat, he lowered his face to hers and gave her one last kiss, in case he never saw her again. Before he could pull away, a hand came up and held him to her, her mouth was working against him. The dang girl had waited for a kiss! Jim pulled away, wanting to be angry, but Ana's eyes blinked and she just grinned sheepishly at him, "You may now kiss your bride." she whispered, and winked at him. Jim didn't know if he should be angry that she waited this long or glad that she was awake. He settled on happily annoyed. Giving her a look, he pushed away from her and got off the altar. Ana sat up as well, and slid off with all the grace she could muster. The priest then raised his hands, making Jim and Ana walked towards him. They each offered a hand to him, and he put them together, clasping tightly. "May this soul-marriage withstand the tests of time..." he waited for them to repeat it, then said, "Forever yours, forever mine."

The morning dawned bright and clear, and found Kendrick Vloomre standing at the entrance to his secret hideaway, watching the sun rise over the small valley. His son slept on the anitgravity unit a ways behind him, and was snoring like a giant. He couldn't help but smile at the gumption his son had shown. To take him out of the castle and hide him away...The boy would become a great king some day, Kendrick only hoped he would live long enough to see it happen. Ethan stirred behind him, and he turned around to talk to him. They had a lot of planning to do, tomorrow was the end of the week that Ethan had said Ana would take in getting back.

Sophie held her son Samuel close and rocked him to sleep. It was nighttime in the holographic world, and Samuel was having trouble falling asleep. "I miss Annie!" it was his name for Auntie Ana, and it made her smile. "Shhh, my darling. Ana will be here soon, and she'll help us." Samuel nodded, and nestled his head in her shoulder, "Scared, Momma." Sophie smiled, but kept rocking. "I know Sammy. I am too."

Joshua was sitting on the kings throne, his eyes thinned against the morning light streaming through the windows. He'd had too much to drink last night with his holographic queen. He couldn't wait to get back into the dark confines of his bedroom, with the real thing, willing and welcoming. The servants around him went about their normal business, careful to give him a wide berth. One woman was fool enough to drop her bucket of water, spilling its contents everywhere. Joshua glared at her, and put a hand over his eyes. Today he would let a few things slide...if only to save his energy for that night, when he would finally have his queen...his real queen.

Analise Kirk took a deep breath and brushed through her hair one more time, and again found a knot. Closing her eyes in aggravation, she bit her lip and pulled. "OW!" she growled, but it came out! She was almost to the point of just pulling out a knife and cutting it off. But she doubted that her new husband would have liked that...then again she didn't really know what he would have liked. After the ceremony, he'd been rushed back to the Enterprise while she'd gone around to the injured Eldari on the Prudhoe Bay, and then gone with Melinda back to the Coral Reef to speak with those there. She and Melinda had then called the other ships, and they'd given Ana a conference with all of her remaining crew. She had learned who had died in the Vengeance explosion, and who had died on the medical ships. Ana had done what she'd thought best, offered words of encouragement to those still alive, and reminded all of them that this was part of the life when at war, "Death happens. And while we may not understand why someone has been taken from us at the time, let us do better next time, and fight that our loved ones won't have to mourn us." it was two days later that she'd returned to the Enterprise, they were just outside of the Gregoran sensor range, and she was needed.

She stood and straightened the uniform that had been given her. She looked at herself in the mirror, and tried to smile, but she knew she'd be that much more comfortable in a pair of pants, the danged skirt was so short! Then an evil thought came to mind...she and Jim hadn't consummated their marriage yet...he had to be burning with the same want she was...she tried not to giggle like she wanted to. She finished braiding her hair, and exited the room, headed for the bridge.

She reached the turbolift when the ship bucked, nearly throwing her to her feet. As the ship steadied again, she called for the bridge, all intentions of bothering Jim gone. This was serious. The doors opened and she saw three ships squaring off against them. She lost her footing as another hit rocked the ship, throwing her to her knees, and she gasped in pain. Jim turned in his chair and saw her, "Ana!" She waved him down and stood, holding onto the railing for support. She looked out the screen again, "Gregoran warships." she said, making Spock look at her, "Yes. It appears that they have the superior fire power." Ana shook her head, "No they don't." she moved to stand by Jim, grabbing the arm of his chair, "Do you trust me?" she asked him, and he gave her a 'don't be stupid' look. She grinned and looked at Porter, "Relieve Sulu, we're going to pull an Orthansho." he looked at her as though she was crazy, "Are you sure, Admiral?" she nodded, her grip on Jim's chair tightening. Porter maneuvered them into the exact middle of the three ships. The Enterprise was taking hit after hit, but her shields were holding...barely. "Porter...NOW!" Porter threw a switch and the Enterprise dropped a hundred kilometers straight down, and the new shots that had been aimed at them took out two of the attackers. Ana smiled, "Bring us around and behind the other before he can find us." As the Enterprise rose behind the monster, Spock turned to Jim, "Captain..their rear shields are down." Ana grinned, "Fire photon torpedoes...up their tail pipe." Porter smiled and obeyed, the Gregoran ship exploding in a brilliant hail of light and debris. "We got them!" Chekov murmured, making Porter laugh. "So it would seem, Mr Chekov." Jim said, retaking his ship, "Take us behind the first moon, Mr Sulu. I want to hide from any more attackers." Sulu acknowledged and helped Porter out of his seat. Jim turned to Ana, "We should be able to beam to the station from here?" Ana nodded, "Without any problems." Jim grinned and turned to Spock, "Mr Spock your with me. Porter, with your experience fighting these ships, I need you here." Porter nodded and took Sulu's seat again as Sulu moved to the command chair.

The doors to the turbolift closed and Jim looked at Ana, "Who else should we take with us?" she thought about it for a moment, "Hansen in Engineering, Thughal in Transport and Jacobs in Security." Jim wrinkled his brow, "Why them?" she smiled at him, "They've lost family in this venture, I think they'd want a little justice for their fallen." Jim nodded, "Security to transporter room, we're going to the Orbital Station first." When they reached the transporter room, the three that Ana had suggested had also been called and the group stood ready to fight. "Phasers on low setting, I'd prefer to take this back with minimal bloodshed." she said to them, gripping her own weapon. The transporter lights appeared and the Enterprise room vanished, replaced by the darkened hallways of the Orbital station. "They'll most likely be on the main bridge," she whispered to the group, getting her weapon ready and stalking forward. Jim was quick to grab her arm and pull her to him, "We'll get the bridge," he said, motioning to Spock and the few security men he'd brought along, "You get to the communications center." she smiled, brushed his face with her fingers, and took the three Eldarians with her.

They didn't make it very far before they hid from an oncoming patrol. Hansen hid her behind his frame against the bulkhead, and waited for the man to pass. Once safe again, they continued on, not making much noise and reaching the communications room easier than she'd expected. "It must be a trap." she whispered to her comrades. Someone off to the side of her laughed, "It took you that long to figure it out?" she turned, phaser at the ready, towards the voice. A great burly man stepped out of the shadows, unarmed. "I'm surprised at you, Princess. I had expected you sooner than this." she raised an eyebrow, "Really, General Matthias?" the Gregoran general laughed, a great belly laugh that made her uncomfortable. "Let me guess, you came here to scramble our communications?" she didn't move. The man shrugged and continued, "Well then I suppose I should tell you that we don't use your little station here. We've brought in our own ships, why use yours?" Ana raised an eyebrow at that, and couldn't help herself, "But you did need an Eldarian officer to get to the planet." that riled him, "We are not as weak as you think! Whatever means we may have used were for our own purpose." That confirmed it, Joshua had betrayed them. Ana sighed and lowered her weapon, "Then I guess it would be pointless to fight you." The men behind her looked at her as though she had lost her mind. General Matthias laughed, "Yes, it would be very foolish for you to..." Ana moved quicker than he had counted on, and he took a shot in the throat. He fell backwards, the four men he'd brought with him lunging forward, firing their own weapons. Ana and her group dove behind some boxes and shot back at them. Hansen looked at her in amazement, "For a moment there I thought you'd given up!" Ana chuckled and patted his arm, just before taking another shot at the Gregorans. "You really thought I'd give up on you that easily?" Hansen smiled and took aim, hitting the last one in the arm, dropping his weapon. Jacobs finished him off, and they continued on their way, more alert than before.

Jim and his group moved forward slowly, hiding in shadows and crevices wherever they found them. They'd happened upon on patrol, a single soldier, and Spock handled that one alone, grabbing the mans shoulder and knocking him out. They were only a hallway away from the bridge when lights went off around them. Jim chuckled as he ducked into a side hallway, "Ana must have kicked a soft spot." thinking of soft spots, he hadn't had one ever since the ceremony, and he damned well wanted this whole business over with so that he could take his bride to some secluded planet and...a security officer bumped his arm and pointed ahead of them. A set of doors opened and they could see just beyond them into the bridge. Jim gave the man a smile and they moved towards it, ducking down behind bulkheads whenever another Gregoran came out. They reached the doors, and Jim motioned for him and Spock to go left while the other two went right, clearing the room of any Gregorans in their way. The other men nodded, and the plan was executed. Jim made the doors open, and the men inside were stunned to see a Starfleet captain at their door. One of them began to holler for help, but was quickly silenced by Jim's phaser. They made quick work of the room, and Spock soon found the controls. Jim went to his side, looking over the complicated computer panel, "Is there anyway to make Ana's way easier?" Spock looked at him, "We can shut off the alarms, that is about it." Jim motioned for him to do so, and as suddenly they came on the red alert went silent.

They waited there for a few moments longer, Spock working some sort of magic with the computer to locate all Gregorans on the station, when Ana's voice came over the intercom, "Jim, I see you've reached the bridge alright." he smiled, "Yes...Where are you?" she looked around her, "We made it to the transporter room, has Spock located the Gregorans on the station?" Jim looked at Spock who nodded to him, "Affirmative." Ana sighed, "Good. I've sent the coordinates of the farthest Gregoran ship we can somewhat safely reach to the bridge. He can get them out of here whenever he wishes." she shut off the intercom and looked at her men. Hansen had taken a hit to the shoulder, and Jacobs wasn't looking to good for the fight, but they'd made it. Now all they had to do was wait for Jim to contact them, and they could move on.

"Done." came his voice over the intercom, and she smiled widely. "Great! We're going to have ships attacking anytime now, I'm setting up the transport shield." Jim's ears perked, "What?" she took a breath to explain, "It's a shield that goes around the planet, preventing anyone from any ships in orbit to the surface. The only place that it can be done from is the station once activated." Jim stared at the intercom in shock, "You can do that?" he heard Ana laugh softly, "Yes, Jim. Why do you think it took three years for the Gregorans to get this far?" Ana glanced at Hansen, who was waving her over. "Admiral, we've got incoming ships, four by the looks of them." Ana nodded, "Jim, we're going to have company." Jim glanced at the computer screen in front of him, "We see them, you get up here. I'm having all ships transport the crew of the Vengeance here to man the station while we go to the surface." Ana smiled, "Good idea," she thought for a moment, then said, "I'm on my way." she looked at her two men, and asked, "Do you want to stay here or come with me?" Hansen looked around at his companions, and said, "We all want to stay with you, Admiral." Jacobs and Thughal nodded their agreement, "Alright then, lets go!" she said, and they took off at a run for the bridge.

They reached it just as the other Eldarians were brought onboard. Porter glanced around himself, smiling, "I didn't think I'd see Eldarain craftsmanship again." Ana chuckled and put a hand on his shoulder, "Porter, I need you to do something for me." He raised an eyebrow at her, and grinned, "What?" 'Get you a private moment with your husband?' he thought, and it made him smile. Ana shook her head at him, "Somehow I don't think you'll be smiling in a moment, I'm field promoting you to Captain." there was a hush that fell over the crowd as she spoke and the color drained from Porter's face, "For the moment I'm giving you command of the Station. We need as much protection as we can get down there. From the records that I saw in the communication panels, they've only begun to overtake the planet. It appears that Gregorans can't swim and hate water. My goal for now is to cut all communication between the ships and the planet, and then retake the castle. From there we can work out a better strategy to get them off our world, but it will have to do. Well, Captain Hanserack, what have you to say?" He looked around him at his comrades in arms, in total shock... "My Lady, I don't know what to say...except maybe thank you." she grinned and kissed him on the cheek. "You never did know what to say when it came to your duty..." she joked, and he jabbed a finger at her ribs. Ana giggled and looked around at her friends, "Get to your stations, We need this place up and running before those Gregorans get here." The Eldarians jumped into action while Jim and his group approached her. "Let's get going." she said, clipping her phaser to her belt and raising an eyebrow at Porter. "I'll see you soon." she said to him, as they were removed from the bridge and placed in the main square in front of the castle. They all drew their weapons and formed a circle, protecting eachothers backs. Ana was facing the castle, and slowly started moving towards it, Jim at her side.

Ethan knew something was going down, he could feel it in his blood. He'd come down from the mountains with his father earlier that morning; Kendrick's strength still left something to be desired, but he's proven he could hold his own against two Gregoran soldiers. They'd encountered them just outside the main military compound, and the scuffle had gotten the attention of the captives. Now as they crept towards the main gate, those inside were distracting their guards so as to make things easier. Well,they gotten all but one...but he was soon no longer a problem as Kendrick snapped his neck. Punching in override codes, the gate opened, giving the captives the courage to overpower their guardians. "MEN!" Kendrick shouted, and the ruckus quieted to an excited whisper as the rightful king took to a small platform above them, "Men, I am alive today because of my son." he motioned to Ethan, who smiled at his father, "At this moment, my sister is returning from her trip to Earth, and is going to walk into an ambush at the castle. For too long have we let these Gregorans threaten our women and children. For too long have we sat back and merely defended our homes, and now they have taken them from us." the crowd was grumbling in agreement, "I say we take back our lands! Take back our homes and our families!" Shouts rose from the crowd, attracting the attention of those in the main square.

Jim heard the shouts and turned his head to see a large group of men, led by a tall man and small boy marching towards them. He recognized the man, and nudged Ana's shoulder, "Look." he whispered, and she turned. "Kenny?" she breathed, her eyes wide, "And Ethan..." she moved forward quickly, and broke into a run as she moved past her landing party. Kendrick saw his sister running for him, and picked up his pace, his already large strides making the rest around him run. The two Vloomre children met each other in front of the cathedral and stopped, staring at each other. "I thought..." Ana began, but she couldn't continue. Kenny nodded, "I thought so too..." Ana smiled, "Then I don't..." Kendrick shook his head, "No.." he looked past her to Jim who was moving to them, "I see you brought a friend." Ana glanced at Jim, and smiled, "A bit more than that, brother." Kendrick's eyebrows raised, then a knowing smile crossed his lips, "I see..." he folded his arms and looked at Jim, "I hear I have a brother now." Jim nodded, taking Ana's hand in his. Kendrick broke out in a huge smile and laughed heartily, "I say it's about time!" He clapped Jim on the shoulder, and nodded to him, "Take care of her." Jim smirked, "Already planning on that." Kendrick was about to laugh again, when something caught his eye.

On the steps of the castle were several Gregoran soldiers, arming phaser rifles and blast grenades. "Get down!" he shouted, both to his group and Ana's. Jim grabbed Ana around the waist and hauled her up the steps of the cathedral. He pressed her against the sheltering wall, but didn't draw his weapon. This was the first time they'd been this close since the Merging, and it was distracting. His adrenaline was already pumping, but having her this close...he shook his head and she laughed softly. "What?" he asked, looking down at her again. Technically she was beneath him, where he wanted her to begin with, but he couldn't afford to think those thoughts right now. She must have read his mind, because she brought a hand up to his neck, cupping the back of his head, "Don't think." she said, pulling him in for a mouth watering kiss. His eyes widened, they apparently had to work on her timing... Then she pulled away, and grabbed her weapon from her hip. She knelt at the corner and aimed carefully, dropping two Gregorans before he could process that she'd moved. Biting his tongue for acting like this, he pulled his phaser and stood above her, firing when she pulled back. There were a few more shots then they pulled back, waiting for the smoke to clear a little. He looked down at her, head leaned back against the stones, breath coming fast. "You okay?" she shook her head, "That last shot..." she began, and put a hand on her right arm. He dropped to his knees, and pulled the hand away. The sleeve of her uniform was sheared away and the skin beneath was blackened. She hissed in pain when he touched it gingerly, "Don't..." she whispered, pulling his hand away. "You need to get this checked," he started but she was already shaking her head, "I'm not leaving now...We're so close." she put her head back and shook her head, "No...I'm not leaving." He rested his head on her shoulder, staring at the ground, "But..." she put her head against his, "It happens Jim. Don't worry so much." she looked out over the square to where her brother was still taking out Gregorans. The smoke was still thick in the air as the men around them kept firing, "You think we can make it to the castle?" she asked, making him raise his head. "What?" she pointed around them, "There's a back road next to this, and it wraps around to the castle. We're pinned down here, but even if just you and I..." Jim was already shaking his head, "You're staying put." She gave him the look that all wives give their husbands when their being unreasonable, "Jim..." he grinned, "What, I had to try." she shook her head at him, not helping the smile that creeped up. The smoke cleared slightly between her and Kendrick, and she waved to him, motioning in a circle then pointing to the castle. He nodded to her, and fired a few covering shots. "Come on." she said, getting to her feet and edging around the wall. They hit the side street at a run, and made their way around the buildings to the small path that led back to the castle.

After all the fighting, there were only a few soldiers left on the stairs, she was confident that she and Jim wouldn't have any trouble dispatching them. Taking cover behind some debris, she fired, taking out the first without a hitch. The group around him were stunned, and two more were taken out by the main group. That left three, and Jim took out two of them in quick succession. The last dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, raising his hands in defeat. Ana smirked at Jim and moved from her hiding spot, "Ana wait!" he called after her, but she didn't listen, keeping her weapon down, but ready for a fight. When she was close enough to grab, the Gregoran swung at her legs, making her jump reflexively to avoid losing her footing. When her feet landed, he'd grabbed his phaser again, and had it aimed at her heart. Ana's eyes widened and she lifted her hands. On her left, someone was clapping, "Well done, lieutenant. I'm surprised though, I would have shot you down myself." Ana's head turned at his voice, and Joshua came out of the doors of the castle, "Well well, Analise Vloomre...It's been a long time." Ana didn't say anything, just glared at him hatefully. "Not into talking right now? Good, neither am I." his hand snaked out and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her to him. His other hand brought up his phaser, aimed at Kendrick who had stepped forward when she'd appeared. "Ah, uh-uh Kendrick. I wouldn't try it." he took his gaze away from Kendrick and smiled evilly at Ana. "Now, you are coming with me." his winked at her, and she gasped as his hand lowered to her rear. She brought up a hand to slap him, but he caught it in a hard grip, and wrenched her arm behind her, pinning her body to him even more. "I wouldn't do that either, if you know what good for you." He looked above her head, to Jim who was seething with rage. "Oh dear, poor Captain Kirk. Gone and stole your lady fair have I?" he turned Ana around and put his phaser under her chin, "If you want her to live, you'll stay where you are." Jim growled angrily, "You let her go, Joshua. NOW!" Joshua just laughed at him, and Ana's heart nearly stopped,"I don't think so...you see this little one was promised to me long ago. I plan to make good on that." He practically threw her into the darkness of the entry, she was lucky to catch herself on her hands and knees. She scrambled to her feet, turning in time to see Joshua aim a shot at Kendrick. She screamed bloody murder and lunged at his back, trying to knock him off balance.

She didn't weigh enough for it to work. Instead she hit the brick wall of his stance, and he again turned to her, weapon still aimed at where Kendrick stood. His hand came up and his fingers wrapped around her neck. Ana gasped for air as he squeezed, just a little. He lifted her with one arm, her toes scraping the floor. "I told you to be a good girl, and now you've made me angry..." his eyes flashed, and he spoke to the lieutenant next to him. "Kill them all, I have to teach our new queen a lesson in manners." Ana's eyes widened as he walked her inside, kicking the door closed behind him.

The lone lieutenant let out a howl as the doors closed, calling more Gregorans to the square from their various hiding places. Jim ran to join Kendrick's group, his heart racing and his eyes showing an anger that he'd never known before. Kendrick himself looked ready to tear Joshua limb from limb for what he'd said, and nodded to Jim's silent question. "We'll get to her...hopefully she can handle him for a while." The group circled the wagons and began firing right and left, taking out the Gregorans on piece at a time.

Joshua let her go once the doors were shut, and dropped her to the floor. Her legs buckled beneath her and she hit the ground on her rump, biting her tongue to not cry out. He put his hands on his hips and stared down at her, "Now...where should we do this?" he grinned as she pulled herself back with her hands, "Don't go away from me. I need you Ana." Her spine tingled when he said her name like that, and not in the way it did when Jim said it. He knelt in front of her and grabbed her ankle, stopping her progress, "I said don't go away!" He pulled hard, and she slid towards him. He opened his mouth to speak again, but her other foot connected with his anatomy, and he let out a groan. She took the chance to get to her feet, and ran into the reception room, wrinkling her brow. There wasn't anywhere to hide in here! Under the table would be the first place he'd look, and then behind the great chairs of state. Four of them, one for each member of the Royal Family, not including Samuel. She heard him approaching her, his breath coming hard. "Ana, that wasn't a very smart thing to do." he was only a few feet away, and she knew she was in trouble. 'Jim...hurry.' she thought anxiously, and spun into a perfectly executed roundhouse kick. Her foot connected with his jaw, and sent him flying backwards. She landed gracefully, and backed up a few steps, her fists up ready to fight. If she could just keep him busy long enough....

Jim and Kendrick were running forward, the last of the Gregoran reinforcements falling on their right and left. "He'll most likely get her to the throne room." Kendrick was saying as they hit the doors, and pulled them open, the oak scraping against the stones. Jim nodded, then ducked as something flew at his head. He glanced behind him, and saw it was a chair. He raised his eyebrows and looked at Kendrick, "She's keeping him busy all right." There were noises coming from the reception room, just ahead of them; they made their way through the hall to it carefully. Looking inside, they could just make out the shadows of a tall figure fighting off a smaller one. The larger one picked up another chair, and the smaller shadow didn't duck in time. It connected with her chest, knocking the air out of her and her to the floor. Jim heard her grunt as it connected, and lunged forward, not thinking about the consequences. Kendrick followed, making his way to Joshua and Jim peeled off and skidded to a halt. "Ana." he said, throwing the chair aside and putting an arm under hers to help her sit up. "Jim...what took you so long?" He smiled grimly and pulled her into the shadows along the wall. Sitting her against the stones, he quickly ran his hands over her torso, checking for broken ribs. He felt her breath quicken as he did so, and held his hands at her waist as he looked up at her. He could just make out the outline of her face, her eyes catching the minimal light leaking through the drawn shutters. "Easy, Jim." she whispered, putting her own hands on his shoulders, "Easy..." he repeated, a smile widening on his mouth. He brought his face closer to hers, she could feel his breath on her face, "Easy isn't what he would have been on you." She smiled, he could see the shine from her teeth, and kissed her. She let his grip tighten on her waist, then gently pushed him away, "We have to help Kendrick." he rested his forehead against hers, "It's always something." she giggled, then gasped in pain. He began feeling her again, "What is it?" she shook her head, "I don't know...my side..." he brought his hand around and felt something sticky. He brought his hand out and held it to the light, it was red. "You're bleeding." he said, not knowing if it was anger or shock in his voice. She looked up at him, and felt it herself, "Jim.." he took over. He pulled her to her feet, and turned her to the wall, so that he could get a better look at it. It didn't look to be that deep, "We've got to stop the bleeding," he said, tearing a piece of his shirt and holding it against the wound. He stepped closer, keeping his hand over the makeshift bandage. "I wish I could get you to the Enterprise." he whispered in her ear. She shivered slightly at his touch, but stayed solid, "No Jim. Kendrick's gonna need your help." he glanced over his shoulder where sounds of the two other men fighting could be heard, "I doubt that. You need me more right now." she smiled, 'You have no idea.' she thought.

Kendrick ducked as Joshua swung at his head, and jabbed a few punches in the mans gut before kicking him square in the chest. Joshua fell backwards and Kendrick drew his belted phaser, aiming it at Joshua's head, "I should kill you now." he said, trying to catch his breath. Joshua ran his arm across his mouth and grinned, "Then why don't you..." When Kendrick didn't answer, he laughed, "I know why. It's because you value life. That's the difference between you and me, Kenny. I don't put any worth to it, and it's easier to take that way." his smile changed to an evil sneer, "You should have heard your wife's dying cry as I took her." Kendrick's anger flared and he shot just aside of Joshua's head, "If even one hair on her head was harmed by you, I'll have you dismembered in the streets." Joshua shut up, knowing that Kendrick would make good of his threat. Kendrick glared at the man, and called over to Jim, "Is she alright?" Jim answered, "She'll be fine, but she's got this cut on her back." Kendrick growled and stepped on Joshua's ankle, putting his weight on it until the man cried out, "You hurt my sister, you bastard!" before he could do anything more, the doors to the room flew open, and the cavalry came in, lead by Ethan. A small group broke off and went to surround Joshua and Kendrick. "Take him to the compound," he said, removing his foot and turning to his lieutenant, "I want him to stand trial for his crimes." The men nodded and grabbed Joshua under his arms, dragging him from the castle.

The ship battles raged for another few days before the Gregorans accepted that they had lost, and limped home in shame and disgrace. Those that had been captured were returned, the slave ships re-routed to Eldaria and the death camps destroyed. Joshua had been put into an Eldarian prison, awaiting his trial for treason. Jim had left on the Enterprise a week later to return to Earth to report to the Federation...and tell his parents that he was getting married. They had agreed that something should be done for those who missed their merging, but that also entailed him having to wait another two whole weeks before he got to see her again. But there were things that Ana had to see to. Her promotion of Porter for one thing. There was a great gathering held on the main square, when Ana formally gave him his Captains stripes. "For unknown courage and unquestionable valor, I hearby award Captain Porter Hanserack with this," she said grandly, holding up a diamond circlet with an ivory inlay in the design of a sword and shield, "The Eldarian crest of arms, and grant him a place in the Order of the Defender." the crowd cheered as she laid the circlet on his head. Porter stood next to her, and waved to the crowd, "I hate public functions like this." he mumbled to her, his lips barely moving. Ana smiled, then turned to lead him inside. "I know, but trust me, you wouldn't want this next part said in front of a crowd." he looked at her, perplexed, "What is it?" she waited for them to be alone in the reception room before she said, "I'm giving the Vengeance to you." Porter's mouth dropped, "You're what!" Ana smiled, a little sheepish, "Kendrick's drawing up plans to have a second Vengeance built, and I want you to have her." Porter was at a loss for words, "But, but why? The Vengeance and your name have always gone together." she put a hand on his arm and looked int his eyes, "And now your name and the Vengeance will be that way. Porter, I'm married. I'm not going to command my own ship, heaven knows where, and be away from my husband. Jim and Kenny have already arranged for me to become part of his crew on the Enterprise." she raised her eyebrows and shook her head, "Goodness knows what I'll be doing, but that's where I belong." she put hand on his cheek, "You've earned the Vengeance, my friend, and the right to command her." Porter's shoulders slumped, "I guess." Ana laughed, "Don't look so glum, my friend. I know of a particular nurse that's volunteered to become part of the crew." Porters head snapped up, "Melinda?" Ana nodded, then looked around, "But if I hear one bad thing about you from her..." she let the empty threat hang in the air, and they both grinned. "Alright, I'll take her...but not because you're making me." Ana cocked an eyebrow, "Oh no?" he shook his head, "Because that's the only way I can get that blasted girl alone for five minutes!" Ana threw back her head and laughed, "Good luck, Porter. She's onto you by now, and I'm sure won't make chasing her skirt that easy." Porter grinned, "Oh just you wait, Ana Kirk. I'll have that girl eating out of the palm of my hand before a month is out." Ana shook her head and clapped his hand in hers, "I'll wait to hear from you, then."

That had been two days ago, and now Ana paced about the throne room, anxious for Kendrick to get ready to leave. He and the Justice were taking her to Earth for the real wedding. Sophie sat on her throne, her mouth raised in a smile. "Don't worry you'll see him soon enough." Ana glared at her sister in law, but smiled all the same. "I was just thinking this is how you must have felt before your wedding." Sophie nodded, "A little, only I was more scared than anything else. I mean look at your brother! The first time I saw him he looked like he could strangle a tree!" Ana burst out laughing, "Yes, I suppose he could have...but I'll let you in on a little secret." Sophie leaned forward as Ana came closer, "He was scared of you that first time too." Sophie leaned back, "No...Kenny?" Ana grinned mischievously, "Yes, our Kenny. He told me that you looked so delicate that he thought just a touch on your shoulder would send you into a thousand little pieces and he wouldn't know how to put you back together again." Sophie was nearly rolling out of her seat now. The doors behind Ana opened, and she had to stifle a laugh at the look on Kendrick's face, "What's going on here?" he asked, dressed in his functional uniform. Ana sputtered, "Nothing...nothing." she hurried from the room, holding a hand to her mouth and her eyes bright with mirth. Kendrick watched his sister leave, then turned on his wife, "You ready?" Sophie nodded, they were leaving the planet in the care of her father, now Admiral Marcus while they took Ana to her husband and wedding. "We should be back within two weeks," Sophie had told him as she'd packed. "Don't worry about it. The people are ecstatic that the Princess is getting married, I doubt there will be much else to do than celebrate." Sophie had smiled and looked at him, "How did she look?" she asked, and Marcus just smiled, "As beautiful as we all wanted her to look."

The ceremony was being held outside in Jim's mothers' grassy fields. There were several Federation dignitaries present, along with a host of Eldarian nobility, including most of the newly appointed Council of Governors. Spock stood off to Jim's side as best man, followed by his brother, George. Ana's feet were bare this time, with a gown of the purest white they could find clinging to her frame. It had a lace overlay that fell away from her hips and created a train. Her mother's tiara was wrapped in her hair, while the rest hung in loose curls to her waist. She was led down the aisle by her brother, his towering frame making the women in the audience swoon. Jim was waiting for her, his dress uniform pressed and medals across his chest. When they reached him, she looked up at him through her gauzy veil, and smiled brightly. Kenny put her hand in Jim's, and the priest began to speak...