It had been years since there had been a celebration at the castle, but this was a special occasion. There was a Starfleet captain and his crew coming to see if the people were worthy of their precious Federation. The king only hoped that their great secret wouldn't be revealed...too soon.
"TIBERIUS!" Uh-Oh, Mother was angry. Ty was running as fast as he could, he didn't want to wear that itchy suit. It wasn't that he hated the suit, it had been given him by his father...and that made it special. He wouldn't wear it for any old space captain. He'd promised his father that he'd keep it safe, and this wasn't special enough to wear it for. He'd made it up the stairs in the throne room and was about to hide behind his grandfather's seat when she walked in and saw him.
"Ty, why are you running from me?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips and staring at him. "Ty, darling...what is so wrong with wearing your suit? You look so handsome in it, and I would like you to look your best for our guests." Ty glanced up at his mother, and she saw the tears in his eyes. "I promised Father...I promised the Captain...."
Analise watched her young son struggle as he tried to hide his pain. She truly felt for the boy, she knew it wasn't easy for him. He'd lost his father at such a young age, and then had to be the man of the family from then. He was only seven years old, but already he had his father's piercing gaze, and his smart wit. "Oh Ty..." she wanted so much to take him in her arms and hold him forever...she could have to, her species was long lived. Surely her son had inherited some of those traits. But holding him would have hurt his blossoming pride, and that was something she couldn't bring herself to do.
She did move towards him, and sat on the raised dais. She herself was not ready yet, still dressed in a simple pair of pants and tunic. 'It was easier to chase after three kids that way' she said all too often. Truth of it was, she didn't really like the way she was supposed to dress. In gowns that brushed the ground and hair swept up. It made her head hurt, and she much preferred to have it loosely tied down her back and in more comfortable, movable clothing. Ty sat next to her, and folded his arms tightly. "I know you promised your father about this suit, but I'm only asking for a couple hours. You won't have to do anything, I promise, just stand next to me and keep me sane. These initial meetings are all the same, Ty. I need someone there to help me get through it, and you're sisters are too old to be an excuse any more."
"Mother...I promised Father..." Analise nodded, "I know, Ty, I know. I made promises to your father too. But even I have to break those promises...eventually." she took a heavy sigh, and dropped an arm around his shoulders. "Ty, there are a lot of things I wish hadn't happened. Your father made his own choices when he sent us away. He made a strong choice, the right choice. If we'd stayed a moment longer, all of us would have died that day." she looked down at him, and gently brushed the hair on the top of his head. "You're as stubborn as your father, you know that?" she chuckled softly, "I could use your help tonight, Ty. I'll let you make your choice, as your father did. Just let me see how he's changed you." She put the clothing on the dais next to him, kissed the top of his head and stood up. "Whatever you choose, Ty, know that I love you." In walking away, Analise prayed that she'd done the right thing, letting a seven year old chose whether or not to attend a boring affair.
She didn't even want to be there..how could she make a child?
"The Federation's envoy, the captain and several ranking officers of the Starship Enterprise." Analise started, her knees almost giving way. The Enterprise?! She should have known...she glanced down at her son, and saw the same shock on his face. "I'll explain it later Ty." she whispered, kneeling to catch his ear, "For right now, act as thought you've never heard of them before." Ty nodded, and looked back at the main doors. If this Enterprise was manned by the same crew, then she knew who would be coming through those doors.
The chamberlain was just turning aside, allowing the visitors entrance as Ana stood back up. She kept her back straight, and her eyes glued to the entrance. There he was, leading the pack, his eyes darting back and forth across the assembly, finally resting on the royal dais. The Vulcan to his left walked in as though he was used to royal appearances. There was a mix of people behind him; each glancing around like they were cornered animals. She'd been doing stuff like this for years, she'd gotten used to the sick look people got when they entered the hall.
"Welcome, visitors. May we offer you our best food and lodging for your stay here on Eldaria." Her father was speaking to the group, stepping down from the dais and grasping the leaders hands in friendship. "We thank you for coming, and hope that your visit here will reflect warmly on our application to join your Federation." The captain was nodding, and responding in kind. "Thank you. I hope so as well. We've heard many good things about your people. I don't see any reason to prevent you." he looked past her father and was staring at her.
Her father looked back at her, and was smiling, "I see you have noticed my daughter, Analise." She lowered into a royal curtsy, and raised herself slowly, never once breaking eye contact. "And with her is my grandson, Tiberius." Analise felt a burst of pride as her son bowed grandly to the group, mimicking her actions in keeping eye contact. Her father chuckled, "I see they don't trust you, Captain..."
He moved in response, "Kirk, James Kirk." he made further introductions, "This is my first officer, Mr. Spock, chief medical officer, Dr. McCoy." Each man bowed in turn as he was introduced. The Vulcan was Spock, and the medical officer had a permanent sour look to his face. "And this is our communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura." The woman nodded politely, and Ana smiled gently in response.
They were just as she remembered them...sort of. The men she knew had more of a friendly look to them, men she trusted with her whole being. She knew these men...or at least, had known them. The Bones she knew had delivered her three children, and Spock was best man at her Earth wedding. He and her husband, James T. Kirk, had been friends since before she'd met them, and had continued that friendship throughout her marriage. Spock still had that skeptical look in his eyes, as though he was just waiting to tell someone 'it's illogical'. McCoy looked sick to his stomach, as though this whole thing made him ill. Ana smiled to herself, and shook her head. 'of course it would make him ill, McCoy never really like star travel in the first place.'
She'd been noticed, her father was looking at her as though she was going crazy. "Ana, would you care to share your humor with the rest of us?" he asked, and she smiled at him. "No...not really." that set her off, she had to laugh now. Her father nodded, and motioned for her to come forward. "well then, shall we move to the dinning hall?" she stood next to him, and looked this Kirk in the eyes. She was just short of his six feet and four inches, and had to raise her face to his. She raised an eyebrow, and waited for her father to lead the group away. She fell into step, Ty holding her left hand, behind her father, with Bones on her right. "You seem ill, Doctor." she said, trying to make conversation.
"I'm not, I just don't like the idea of coming down here with no knowledge of your people."
"I suppose I could understand that," she whispered, looking at her son and shrugging. "I wouldn't want to offer my captain up on a silver platter either." she looked at him through the corner of her eye, and watched him straighten his back a bit at that. "You assume a lot, Princess Analise."
She chuckled at that, "Don't call me that. Ana will do just fine." They had made it out of the throne room, and were walking down a grand side hall to get to the dinning hall. "Excuse me, Doctor. I need to drop off my son." she pulled aside, keeping to the side of the party. Ty wasn't supposed to come to the dinner. It would be far to long for his short attention span and the conversation would be dangerous. He couldn't give away their real identities just yet. After the party had passed, she and Ty just stood where they were, staring at each other.
She spoke first, "I don't believe it... Ty, I just don't believe it!" he shook his head also, "Mother, I don't understand. Why does he have the same name as Father?" Ana knelt next to her son, and held his small shoulders in her hands, "I'm going to try and find out. You go upstairs, change, and help your sisters get into bed. I'll, hopefully, be up in a bit. You're dinner plate should already be up there." she smiled at him, "Keep your fingers crossed, darling." With that, she gently swatted his backside as he moved away. "Love you." she whispered, watching her precious boy walk away.
Subconsciously, she rubbed the bracelet that wrapped around her right wrist. It was made of Earth silver, flattened into an intricate design of a weave. It was only an inch in width, but it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. There were four lines to the weave, and each was perfectly smooth The interior was engraved, "For the most beautiful woman in the universe. May your years be full of happiness, and grace." It was followed by their names and the stardate that they had married. James had given it to her on the birth of their twin girls, Moria and Amanda. When she'd opened it, she hadn't felt particularly beautiful, but what James had said; "Ana, you will always be beautiful to me. No matter what you've been up to." they'd had a laugh at that.
She looked down at her left hand, and saw the diamond ring on her finger. He'd given her that when Ty was born. They'd only been married a few years by then, and he had yet to give her something to symbolize it. "I think you've earned this." he had said. It was the biggest understatement she'd heard yet. She'd been in labor for over twelve hours, when Ty finally decided that he needed to be born. The band had a similar weaving pattern to her bracelet, but in a more delicate way. The diamond was set low, a perfect clarity. Shaking her head, she straightened, and walked into the dinning hall.
The spread before them was excellent. A great sampling of foods from across the galaxy, of course the majority of which were human. Ana entered just as the party was beginning to eat, and her not-so-subtle entrance interrupted that. She had handled the door herself, and turning back to the main table, saw them all watching her every movement. Fear caught in her chest as she walked forward, but she'd been royal too long to show her feelings. Walking in front of the whole court, she approached the high table. Her seat was reserved, to the right of her father, and across the table from Kirk. Grasping her skirts in her hands, she climbed the short stairs and moved to her seat.
"Is your son, well?" It was McCoy, on her right. She glanced at him and smiled, "As well as any seven year old boy." she responded, putting potatoes and gravy on her plate. "he's gone up to care for his sisters now."
"You put a lot of faith in a young boy." Kirk spoke now, and his voice made her skin tingle. It was a voice she had just been remembering, and now here it was coming from a man that she barely recognized. Shaking her head, she looked at the young captain. "He's a lot like his father, headstrong and terribly prideful. But I've put my faith in that boy ever since his father died two years ago. He's smarter than he looks, Captain. Believe me, my son can handle just about anything." Kirk watched her put a spoonful of potato in her mouth before saying, "I was curious. The name Tiberius. Where did you get it from?" She paused, for only a heartbeat, then swallowed. "It was a name of his father's people, a human from Earth. We thought it proper to give it our son." her gaze never wavered, she would be a tough one to crack. Kirk nodded, and returned to his food.
McCoy spoke next, "you said he was taking care of his sisters; how many would that be?" Ana's eyes lit up, and she looked at the doctor over the rim of her drinking glass, "I have twin daughters, aged five and less of a handful than their brother." she smirked, "Sometimes I feel as though I spend more time running after children than I do assisting my father in preparation for the Federation acceptance." There was a ripple of laughter across the table for that, all except for Mr. Spock.
"I find that your eagerness to become part of the Federation...interesting." he said, his eyes glued to Ana's face. She returned his gaze, levelly. She had yet to be disturbed by the Vulcan, and wasn't about to set a precedent. "What is so interesting about it, Mr. Spock? Is it not logical for the weaker species to want protection from the stronger?" he nodded, "yes. But is it not also logical for that weaker to provide something in exchange for said protection?" Ana smiled, "And that is precisely why you are here, Mr. Spock. What can we Eldarians offer the Federation?" The group had gone silent except for the scraping of utensils against plates. "I'll tell you. We are a long-lived race, maturing quickly and aging slowly." she took couple bites of food, letting what she had just said settle on the group. McCoy spoke first, "So you're like the elves of our mythologies." She nodded, "very much so. However, where your elves lived for a few hundred years, we can live for several thousand."
It was a bombshell, and she knew it. It had taken James several days to get over the fact that she would outlive him....significantly. This James Kirk was taking it better than hers had, but it was still a shock. She was ready for it when he asked, "So how old are you?" she smiled, "I knew you'd ask that. I am sad to say I am only one hundred ninety six years old. My father," she looked at him now, "is approaching his third millennium. And about to give over the throne to the next generation."
"You." McCoy said, raising an eyebrow at her. She nodded, "or perhaps my brother...Kendrick." She looked longingly past the table to the main doors. Her brother was off on some trek or another, and had no time for this meeting. She'd begged him and begged him, but Kendrick couldn't be disturbed. His ship was doing some investigation near their fourth colony. "I'll make it as soon as I can, dear. I promised that boy of yours." Ana had understood of course. Both of her father's children had his 'itchy foot' and neither really wanted the throne, although both would take it if need be. Father had put off his stepping down for as long as he could, but it was an impossible strain on his nerves. Ana had taken as much of the load as she could, but with the children she couldn't really do much. She stayed within the castle walls, and managed the mountains of paperwork. It wasn't much, but Ana had seen the change in her father, the worry had been replaced by hours spent laughing as his grandchildren toddled around the main hall.
"Sir, tell me. Why would this be an asset to the Federation?" Spock asked. While her father laid out the benefits of having such a long-lived race on board a starship, Ana was free to finish her second course, pheasant and steamed vegetables. She was just about done when the conversation turned back to her. "Princess Ana, I see that you've got quite the bracelet there." she touched it, protectively. "I was wondering you might be able to tell me about it?" Uhura was very direct, she'd always liked the jewelry that James had given her. James had once confided in her that it was Uhura that had helped him chose the ring, and had the idea behind the bracelet. Ana smiled ruefully, and looked at the bracelet.
"It was given to me by my husband, when our daughters were born." her voice took on a nostalgic tone as she remembered. "And this," she removed the ring, and held it to the light, "he gave me when Ty was born." handing it over, she let Uhura get a closer look at the intricacies of the craftsmanship. "It's beautiful." she whispered, handing the piece to Spock at her left. The Vulcan was looking at it closely when he spoke again, "Were you aware of the engraving on this inner side, Princess?" Ana's eyes widened, and she reached for the ring, "I had no idea..." once her hands were around it again, she held it to the light, and there it was. On the underside of the diamond, in such small lettering as she could see, was another message. "Well, what does it say?" Kirk asked, shoveling the final course, a heavy chocolate ice cream into his mouth.
Her throat was tight. This short message was almost like receiving a message from beyond the grave. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and repeated what she had burned onto her memory, "May this diamond withstand the tests of time, forever yours, forever mine." her voice had gotten softer as she spoke, and the assembly around her sat still in unknown reverence. Uhura spoke first, "It sounds as though he really loved you." Ana smiled, and nodded slowly. "He had to, otherwise the marriage wouldn't have stuck." that caught their attention. She was off in the memory of her wedding day, and spoke slowly. "we were married in a traditional Eldarian Merging of Souls. In that ceremony, both parties are put into a trance, and their souls are split." The doctor jumped at the reference, "Souls split?" Ana grinned, "I don't think you'd understand the finer points of it, and I may be oversimplifying things, but once split, the pieces are put back together, a whole soul restored, but half belonging to the other. When the two are brought out of the trance, they are asked to repeat vows to the other, 'May this soul-marriage withstand the tests of time, forever yours, forever mine.'"
"That still doesn't explain your comment about love, Princess." Kirk said, swallowing the last of the ice cream. She looked at him, "There are many who can't survive the division, let alone the merging. It takes a strong will and desire to live through it. There are several thousand marriages that fail before they have a chance to begin each year. And those are marriages between my own people, Never mind...others." she thanked the maid that came to remove her plate. "What do you mean, others?" Ana looked back at Kirk, and smirked, "My husband was a human Starfleet captain. Chances were extremely low that he would survive...but he didn't care." she let out a soft chuckle at the memory. "he insisted on it, said that my people wouldn't accept my marriage any other way. And if he didn't survive, then I..." she shook her head in disgust as though she had just smelled something foul. "There was another man that was insisting that I marry him. My husband had noticed how the people preferred this other man to a human marrying their princess, and so left me a way out. If he didn't survive the ceremony, then I would go with...Joshua." she repressed the severe urge to regurgitate her meal. "Thankfully he did, and we were very happy together."
"But what if the spouse is a shorter lived species? Like your late husband." It was Spock's innate curiosity that always caught her in something. "Would you be able to marry another?" Ana shook her head, "I don't know. I was the first among all the Eldari to marry outside the species; I honestly don't know what will happen if I find another. Perhaps the binding may not happen, or maybe my own soul will be so fractured that I lose my own identity in the process." she shrugged, and looked at her father, "I suppose I'll have to find out." her father nodded, and stood. The group followed suit, and dismissed the King from their presence.
"I'd better show you to the rooms available to you." Ana said, moving away from the table, "follow me please." Kirk lead the way for his people, taking up the place next to Ana as she lead them out of the dinning hall and into an access hallway. "This is a side passage that's usually only used by servants, but trust me the last people you want to meet right now are all those Eldarian nobles waiting to get a piece of you." she smiled at her own joke, and they entered the upper hall, where most of the bed-chambers were. . "You've been given a suite, actually." she said, opening the main door.
To the left were two doors, propped open to reveal grand beds and larger fireplaces beyond them. There were two doors on the right, their contents similarly revealed. "Choose what you will. The fires are produced by our computer systems and give off a proper amount of heat for their size. They will be shut off in the mornings, and the windows opened for you." she walked into the sitting room between the bedrooms and motioned to the balcony just opposite the entrance. "It overlooks the central garden." The twin doors leading to it were covered in a thin, gauzy material that let the rather full moons' light through. She turned back to the group and waited, "Is this alright for you?" they nodded, one by one, their eyes roving around the room in awe. Carefully, she moved to a table in the center of the room and tapped a button. Into the thin air before her appeared an image of the Enterprise, as it orbited the planet. "I know how much a ship means to it's captain. I had this installed just before you arrived." She motioned to a small control panel on the table, "You may program these however you wish, but this one," she pressed a green button, and an image of the bridge appeared. Kirk was standing just behind her, looking over her slim shoulder. "shows your bridge. And don't worry, once out of the planets orbit, all connections to this display will be lost and scrambled."
On the bridge of the Enterprise, Montgomery Scott jumped as a holographic image of a beautiful woman, seated, and his captain, standing behind her, appeared in the corner. "Relax, Mr. Scott. My name is Analise, Princess of Eldaria. As you can see your captain is alive and well," she looked back at Kirk, and raised an eyebrow, "Alright?" he nodded, and she stood. The hologram changed as she moved, and soon only Kirk could be seen. He hit the disconnect button, and the image flickered out.
"I'll be going now. If there's anything you need, anything at all. Our night staff will gladly get it for you." she waved at a control panel near the door. Turning back to them one last time, she let herself out of the room.
This was going to be trouble.
Walking into her own suite of rooms, Ana paused against the door and took a deep breath. Kirk was just as intoxicating as he had been to her before, in her own universe. Starting to undo the many braids in her hair, she pushed herself away from the door and went in to her sons room. Ty was sprawled across his great bed, so much larger than he needed as a youngster. Around the bed were hefty books and scattered holo-discs, full of theories and mathematical equations. Ever since they had appeared in this universe, Ty had wanted to return to his father's time...their time. Shaking her head, Ana straightened up a bit, putting the books into a pile and the holo-discs on the small table near the window. She supported her son, secretly hoping that he would find a way back. Moving back to his bed, Ana shifted him around and covered him back up. This dear boy had given her the most trouble when he was born...she could remember it like it was yesterday:
She was in their quarters when it happened; her water broke. All she'd done was stand up, but it happened. Waves of contractions started almost immediately, apparently held off by her slower aging process. The pain hit her like a freight train and she fell to her knees. Thankfully, McCoy, seconded by James, had insisted that she have someone with her at all times; and now, while James was on the bridge, it was a younger yeoman, brought on-board for this very reason. Of course, a years tour with the Enterprise would like very promising on any resume. "Lady Ana?" Ana had looked up at her, half smiling, half grimacing as another contraction started. "We better get moving." she said through her teeth. The girl, Moria, had helped her stand and they got to the door when suddenly the ship rocked violently. Red alert sounded and James' voice echoed across the ship, "All hands battle stations. All hands battlestations, this is not a drill, repeat this is not a drill. All hands to battlestations." Moria looked at Ana and smiled, "Well, I think this counts...don't you?" Ana started to laugh, when another wave hit and she cried out in pain. "Come on." Moria said, leading her down the hall to the elevators, and calling for medical bay. "Dr. McCoy?"
"McCoy here." Ana had taken over, "You better have a spare bed for me, Bones. It's coming now." she'd heard him take a deep breath, "Alright. How close together are they?" Ana waited, and felt another start almost as soon as the last ended, "Less than a minute. Easy." McCoy laughed a little, "Can you get here alright?" it was her turn to laugh, but it again was cut short, "I'll try. You may have to meet us at the elevator." She could see him nodding, "I can do that. Which one?" Moria told him the number and which deck they were at now as Ana grit her teeth against more pain.
The doors had opened, and Ana practically fell into Bones' arms. Moria was filling him in on all the information when another shock hit the ship and the group took a tumble. Ana was again on her knees, gasping in agony. Moria helped her to her feet as Bones' went to a intercom on the wall. "McCoy to bridge."
"Kirk here."
"Jim you've got to avoid those hits for a while."
"It's hard to just dodge out of the way, Bones. What's the problem?"
"It's Ana. She's gone into labor and I've got to get her to the med bay." There was silence for a moment, then she heard James say, "I'll be right there." she shook her head at Bones, and pushed him out of the way, "No. You're the best to get out of this fight James. I'll be alright. This baby's not ready yet; I'll be fine."she could almost see the conflict on his face, and then the ship rocked one more time, She braced herself against the wall, Bones holding her arms carefully.
"Okay...but call me when you need me, understand?" Ana smiled, he would be glaring at the speaker, wanting her to know that she would be in major trouble if she didn't obey. "I'll try, I'm not going anywhere." the ship rocked again, and the trio continued down the hall.
They reached the med bay as another contraction hit, and Ana lost control. She was half carried, half dragged to a bed, where she wanted to curl into a ball and make it go away. Little did she know, that she had spoken true when she said that this baby wasn't ready to meet the world yet. Moria helped her get a little more comfortable, piling pillows behind her and getting blankets ready for the sudden drop of heat that would happen when the baby was finally free. It was a curse of her species that the woman's temperature increased drastically when they got close to their time. When the child was gone from her body, her temperature would drop back to the normal ninety-eight degrees, but it would feel much colder.
The monitor behind her clicked in response to not only her heartbeat, but that of her child's. It was so much more rapid than hers, sounding almost like a hummingbirds wings. "Bones, that can't be right...can it?" she glanced back at him, and he was watching the monitor. "It's steady enough, I'm not going to worry about it too much for now...I'll keep an eye on it though, alright?" Ana nodded, opening her mouth to speak again, but was interrupted by a call on the intercom. "Bones, are you there?"
"Yeah, we got here just as that last one hit. She's alright Jim I've got everything under control, sort of."
"What do you mean sort of?"
"I'm a doctor, Jim, not a miracle worker. Despite how far science has come, there's still a lot about birthing that's just left up to nature!" Bones was agitated. James was slow to respond, but when he did, Ana could hear the strain in his voice, "I want updates at regular intervals, Bones. Anything goes wrong and I'm there in a heartbeat." Bones turned and grinned at her. "You've got it, Jim." He clicked off the switch, and came back to her.
"Those contractions are slowing down...do you know why?" he asked, his eyes glued to the monitor. "No," she gasped, her body adjusting to the longer intervals, "But I don't think it's very good. Aren't Earth womens supposed to get closer together?" He nodded, and Moria gripped her hand tighter. "You'll stay put right here, I want to keep an eye on you." the ship rocked again, and Ana cried out in pain as a wave hit her. Bones checked her out, "You're not even fully dilated yet...but getting there." He put a hand on her belly, and waited. "It'll be here any moment, but those contractions aren't anywhere close to regular. Some are closer than others. You sit tight, I'm gonna look this up and see what we can do for the pain." Ana nodded, taking heaving breaths as she had a slight rest from the contractions.
The fight went on for another twelve hours, each hit rocking the ship about roughly. Jim called in each hour, and each time he got the same response, "Nothing new. She's steady Jim, I'll keep you posted." Then something did change, the contractions evened out; and were getting closer together. "Bones...you'd..better..." she ended the sentence in a scream as the ship rocked one last time, and James' voice came over the intercom. "The enemy's gone. I'm coming down." Bones looked back at Ana, "You'd better run."
The door had opened only a few moments later, and there he was, breathing heavily and moving right for her. He didn't ask how she was or what she wanted, James Kirk didn't need to with his wife. The look in her eyes told him everything, and he moved to sit behind her, holding her shoulders as their son was born.
Ana stood from sitting next to their baby boy, and the motion woke him up, "Momma?" he hadn't called her that since he was real young. "Yes?" she leaned over him, her now undone hair brushing the bed. "Who is he?" Ana exhaled heavily and sat back down, "Ty, you understand about alternate universes', right?" Her smart boy nodded, sleepily. "Well, when we went through that anomaly in our universe, we were shot through into this time. For all intents and purposes, he is the same as your father, but he isn't your father. Genetically you share traits, but he didn't father you...understand?" She didn't expect him to, not really, but with this one there always was that chance.
"Kind of...barely. He is the same as Father, but not my father." Ana nodded, and brushed her hand across his cheek, "Now, go to sleep, darling. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. Ty was back asleep almost instantly, and she crept out of his room, shutting the door gently behind her. Moving down the wall, she came to her twins girls' door, and listened carefully before opening it.
The two beds were against the facing wall, and both girls were fast asleep. Ana went to each, checking their breathing and making sure they were covered. Moria's blond-streaked hair was spread across her pillow like a halo, making her pixie like face even more precious. Amanda's hair was thicker, like Ana's own, and much longer. The girl had to have her hair braided each night to prevent a rat's nest of knots in the morning. Ana smiled as she went back to the door. These two were so different than their brother, so much more innocent and trusting. It was a trait she'd hoped Ty would return to when they found Eldaria, but it was soon dashed when he asked for the holo-discs on star travel. Ty was so much like his father, had been so close to him...but that was understandable, he'd known him longer than the girls. The twins had just begun to speak when he'd sent them out. However painful the thought, Ana was in a small way grateful that her youngest children didn't really know their father. It would be hard enough to keep Ty from interrogating the captain, but she doubted the girls would have understood as well. Glancing back one last time, she left the room, and closed the door.
Across the sitting room was her room, connected to the small bathing room with ion showers and a tub capable of holding water, and a sink in a similar fashion. But Ana didn't go to bed, instead she went to the balcony overlooking the central garden. Her rooms were only a few doors down from the visiting group, and so she had an excellent view of their balcony, and it's lone inhabitant. Even from this distance, she could recognize the proud set of his shoulders, the subtle tilt of his head as he looked to the stars, perhaps searching for his ship. His stance was protective, thoughtful. He'd been that way as long as she had known him, protective of his family, his crew, and his ship...in that order. Never once thinking of himself in danger, he always made sure that those around him were safe. Ty had tried to emulate that, ever since he was an infant. The pride of his father ran thick in his blood, along with that stubborn streak. She shook her head and went to the banister, and braced herself on her hands.
Her gaze was down in the garden, the midnight rose was blooming now, it's intense fragrance washing over her with the gentle breeze. It was her favorite flower, the petals ranging in all the colors of the spectrum. These that she was looking at were a soft yellow, and beyond them, clumped around the base of a tall oaken tree, were several red bushes. It's natural coloring was a deep blue, and those were tending lovingly along the entrances into the castle.
Nighttime was her favorite time of day. She could look to the stars, and pray that her husband was still alive...somewhere in their universe. Even if it was a long shot, she kept watching, hoping, praying. Her children needed a father...and she didn't like the alternatives. What she had said to Spock that night was true, no one really knew what would happen if she remarried in the traditional fashion. And even if she found someone that could be a proper father figure to her kids...would she love him? Would he love her, and not be resentful of her James? He had after all taken that first piece of her soul, had become a soul-mate to her. A true love.
Standing straight, she wrapped her arms around herself, and looked back to the visitors balcony. He had turned, and was watching her. She knew he'd be able to see her, almost perfectly in the bright moonlight. She nodded to him, and went back inside, completely unaware of the vision that she created. Her dress was made of a silver satin, with a cloud-like lace overlay and sleeves that widened towards the wrist. The overlay cut away at the empire waist, and flowed to the ground where it puddled with the satin into a small train. At dinner her hair had been swept up in a multitude of crown-like braids. Now only one was left wrapped around her head, as the remaining fell in gentle waves to her waist. Her movements were graceful, almost dreamlike. But the click of her door woke him out of his trance. It was late, and he would need to be at his best in the morning. There was a lot to do to prepare them for the Federation's vote on their application.
Dawn broke bright and clear, and found the visitors sitting in their borrowed common room, speaking with their various departments on the convenient holographic view screen provided. McCoy had every intention of documenting the peoples' progress throughout their lifespan, and had the med bay standing by, waiting for his samples. Spock was to assist in that regard, but to see how advanced as a people they were, if they truly would be an asset to the Federation. Uhura was to learn the language, the different dialects and such from across the planet. Maids and waiting men had come through the room, each carrying different breakfast meats and drinks. "So where should we start?" McCoy asked, glancing through the balcony doors to the clear day that called to them. Kirk looked at him, and waved a hand in front of his face, "There should be a database somewhere in this castle. Let's get access to it, and gather information that way." All agreed, but Bones had to say something, "My data can't be found in any database. I need to examine a range of the people in age, gender and so forth." a knock came to the door, and they turned to it.
A young woman entered, wearing a short blue tunic and black pants. Kirk stood as she entered, "Yes?" she looked nervous, as though this was her first task given her, "The king has requested that I show you around the castle and town. You are to be given full access to all databases on our medical, political and scientific histories..." she was waiting for something, as though she heard someone approach from a ways away. Then the group heard it as well, the scuffle of a heeled shoe on the flagstones. Behind the maid the princess peeked her head around, "Captain Kirk, I hear your people have been sufficiently provided with the information the Federation needs. Will you walk with me? I think you'll like what I have to show you." Kirk glanced back at the group, and smiled cockily, "Sure. Just let me see them off..." she nodded, and motioned the maid away, "Their stops are along our way, you can see where they are."
The group had dispersed as they went down into the heart of the city. McCoy had drifted off with the infirmary, Spock with the library, and Uhura with him. It was only Ana and Kirk now, walking down to the docks where there was a great complex of buildings, more expansive than the castle, but not nearly as elaborate. "What's this?" he asked, she waved a security pass at the main gate, and escorted him into the compound. She glanced over her shoulder at him. "Our military compound. That building there," she was pointing and walking fast, and talking about as fast, "holds the land transports. Over there is the indoor dry dock, and as you can see next to it is the main water fleet." It was a stunning sight, and made him stop in his tracks.
"You still employ a water and land based transport?" She turned back to him, grabbed his hand and kept walking, "Yes. It's more economical than the more advanced airships, and those we reserve for our military." The were approaching a hangar, it's great doors open to the morning air. "In here we keep the basics for flight, but with space constraints, it's also where our fleet information is kept." She led him into a back set of rooms, past the group of large jets for passenger transport. She flipped a small switch, and a bank of windows opened. "You'll find that everything the Federation will want to know about our true strength is in here." she removed a small communicator from a pocket and opened it, "Just a moment. Yes?"
As she walked away from him, Kirk walked through the rows of filing cabinets, and looked around the room. On the wall behind him, with the door, was a huge map of the planet, holographic of course, as was most of everything. He glanced down at the cabinets, and picked one labeled "BATTLESHIPS". Opening one of the drawers, he found old fashioned paper files...or so he thought. Removing one, he opened it and saw that it was a completely computerized. A pop-out image of the ship came from the top left corner and a voice began to detail the finer points of the ships makeup. "Battleship JUSTICE. Call number 4576-5970-56K. Flagship of Eldarian fleet. Crew size: 500..."
Turning the page, he found a full roster of the ships crew, and put a finger on the word, Captain. A small hologram of a man that looked about his age popped from the page, with eyes similar to the princess'. His hair was cut short and spiked. The voice was speaking again; "High Rear Admiral Kendrick Vloomre, Prince of Eldaria. Birth Place: Eldaria Castle, Vantruice, Eldaria. Age to date: 1200..." he zoned out as the voice continued telling about Ana's brothers height and weight specifications. So this was one that might take the throne? Appropriate, that he be leading the flagship of the fleet.
"I see you've discovered my brother." she was back and had her head cocked to one side. Her eyebrows were raised as she waited for him to explain. He closed the file as the voice started talking about the mans service record. Ana walked forward and took it from him, and put it back in the cabinet. "A little out-dated isn't it?" he asked, wanting to warm things up again. She shook her head, today she would be all business. "It keeps information harder to find. Would you want to go through all these files just to find out about one man?" she glanced over her shoulder at him, then pointed to the computer in the corner. "I know it doesn't look like much but that the way it's supposed to be. Most crooks who break in here bypass it, and get caught." she sat down in the chair in front of it and slid her security pass into a drive. Images flashed on the screen, and she inserted a holo-disk. "I'm making copies of all the files you'll need to present to the Federation. On here will be the latest listing of the size of our space fleet, how many are in our training centers, how many are currently serving active duty and where they are deployed throughout the galaxy." the disc tray ejected almost on cue and they left the room. "I know I'm walking a little fast, but I have a meeting with the continental governors in an hour, and I need to have a clear head for it. The motion to apply for membership with the Federation passed with just enough votes , and the people want to be sure that the monarchy isn't exerting too much control."
"So how is your government set up?" They were leaving the compound and headed back for the city center. She looked at him, walking tall beside her. He looked like a ships captain alright, there would be no mistaking that amongst her people. "The simplest explanation is that we are a monarchy in the most democratic sense of the word." she could tell he didn't get it. She took a deep breath as they headed into the library to check on Spock and Uhura.
"Like a democracy or republic, our people elect officials to represent them. At the moment there are twelve continental governors, two per continent. Each continent is divided into four regions; north south, east and west. These regions are given four representatives, and each region is further divided into city-states, which have two representatives. The city-states are usually a group of four to five smaller cities that share a common area, like a river section or farmland. The cities are then allowed a representative according to their population." she had just finished as they reached the inner chambers of the library. Spock's pointy ears were a give away in the room full of tables and book piles. Uhura sat nearby, positioned so that she could keep an eye on him. Her face was passive as they entered, she obviously was entranced by something. Ana took a deep breath, and turned to Kirk. "You can find all that you need in here, I assure you. I am sorry, but I need to get back to the castle for that meeting. You can stay here, wander around town or join me at this meeting, although I doubt you'll find it very entertaining." she prayed he wouldn't want to come.
This meeting was actually to be about her finding a new husband, and taking over her father's throne in the absence of her brother. He glanced around, caught both Uhura's and Spock's attention, then said, "I think I'll go wander about the castle if you don't mind..." Ana shook her head, her children would be in school with their tutors until the end of the next hour. Then the mid-day meal would be served and they would be released to play. He wouldn't be an intrusion, as far as she could see. "No, I don't mind at all. Just be aware that my children are in school at the moment, and should you go poking your head in their classroom, you'll never get away." she smiled brightly, and walked out of the library. Kirk walked over to Spock, who was pouring over a book, made in a similar fashion to the ships files he had seen earlier, however without an accompanying voice.
"So what's so special about this planet? Why would they want to be part of the Federation?" he asked, grabbing a book and turning it over in his hands. Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
"Nothing truly remarkable about them; in all my research I would say that they are human, if not for their lengthy life-span. The oldest among them lived to be ten thousand years old, but it is said to be a myth. After that, the oldest they are reported to reach, unhindered, is approximately four point six nine thousand years. There are other slight differences as well; mostly cultural and political. They seem to have effectively created the perfect political system. A monarch oversees a Council of Governors, who in turn oversee smaller groupings."
"Yes, Princess Ana was telling me about it." Kirk said, grabbing another book and glancing at the title. The Law Guidebook by a collection of authors.
"But they are not without their faults. It seems they are as susceptible to disease as humans are, and have had frequent epidemic-sized outbreaks. Technologically, they are very advanced, but prefer to disguise it beneath a layer of simplicity. Like these books for example," he hefted one about four inches thick, "It appears to be heavy and written in longhand, but once opened, it has a computer screen that allows you to scroll through the pages." Kirk nodded again, and stood up, "I'd better check with Bones. I'm heading back to the castle...Also. I was thinking since the people are somewhat inviting to us, I might call for a short shore leave for the crew." Spock thought on this, then said, "There is a docking station, in an orbit counter to ours. The ship should have encountered it by now. Perhaps the Princess can arrange to have the Enterprise put to dock?" it didn't sound like a question, it never did with the Vulcan. Kirk nodded, and left the library.
Uhura watched as the captain left the room, but was turned back to the computer when something very interesting happened. She'd been listening to recordings for hours on end, but this one caught her attention. It was a transmission, from a small asteroid on the edge of the system, from almost exactly two years ago. "Mayday, Mayday...High Rear Admiral Analise...planet Eldaria. Somebody, anybody, please. My children and I...stranded on an unknown asteroid...communications dropped...Enterprise...been destroyed." It made Uhura start; she sounded so sad. Like she had known those aboard the Enterprise..intimately. She looked up and saw Spock looking at her. "Are you alright, Lieutenant?" she shook her head, "No, Spock I think you should listen to this." she held out the headphones as the Vulcan approached. Once on, she pressed the replay button, and waited for his reaction.
All she got was him removing the headphones, raising an eyebrow and saying "Interesting." Uhura sniffed, "What should we tell the captain?" Spock looked hard at her, and said coldly, "Nothing, yet. Let's get more information on this Princess Analise and see what else there is that we don't know." Uhura nodded, and turned back to the console. Spock watched over her shoulder, now thoroughly curious...and hated himself for feeling the human trait.
The governors were waiting as she entered the receiving hall, dressed for the meeting in a blue vest-dress that was edged with wolf fox fur (a gray coloring) and split up the side seam, then tied again loosely with a black ribbon, over a cream under dress. The skirt was shorter, reaching about halfway down her calves, and on her feet were tall black boots that went beneath the hem. The sleeves were longer, but split along the top of her arm, revealing her well-toned muscles. The collar was properly starched and was folded over the low neck line. Around her neck was the signifier of her family, the Eldarian crest of arms. This was the dress uniform of the female High Rear Admiral of the Eldarian fleet. Her entrance sparked movement amongst the governors; their chairs scraped against the stone floors while the occupants stood in reverence. Ana moved past them, holding her salute until she reached the head of the table. Her hand raised, and the men sat back down.
"Gentlemen," she began, "I understand that the nature of this meeting is my re-marriage, preferably to an Eldarian this time, correct?" the were nods amongst them, and she continued, "I see no reason for this discussion, you are here simply as a courtesy. My private affairs are mine own, and desire that they stay that way." there was more whispering amongst them, but she kept going, "I'm sure there are many mothers who would like to see their sons married to me; I am also certain that many of you have certain young men in mind already. If any of you would like to tell me why my marriage has become such a planetary affair, please do. Bear in mind, my willingness to cooperate hinges on what advice is given here." she sat down then, keeping her back straight against the polished wood of the head chair.
A thin man, with a pocked face to her right stood to address the assembly. This was Governor Childs, a well respected man from one of the southern continents. He'd been on the assembly for many decades, and had become one of the kings trusted confidantes. "My associates, I do not see why we cannot let the Princess chose for herself about re-marriage. She already has produced an heir for the Eldarian throne..." Ana glanced around the table as the man spoke.
Several of the northern governors looked at her like she was some brood mare they could put to stud. It was true, she'd proven that she could have children, and the fertile ages for Eldarian women extended well into their second millennium. And it was no secret that she would be a capable wife to any Eldarian man; she was the princess after all. Her duties already included caring for young children and a busy household. The estate dinner last night had been her idea. Any Eldarian would be proud to call her his wife... "The only problem I can foresee, should the Princess decide on another, is the Merging of Souls." Several governors looked a little perturbed about that. One man at the opposite side of the table stood, and nodded in deference to Childs, "If I might interrupt, Sir Childs. Perhaps the princess should have thought about that before she married a shorter lived human!" Childs looked at her, a pain in his eyes, but she waved him down.
"I understand your anger against my first marriage, Governor Kelpson but at the time my choices for husbands were slim and Eldaria needed something stable. If you recall we were on the brink of war with the Gregonan Empire of Planets, and chances were minimal that we would survive. I did what I did to protect my people, your people." she waited for the comment to sink in, then she stood up again, her hands on the glossy tabletop. "I know that my position is different than most. I have to continue the bloodline, in the case that my brother," she smiled tentatively, "In the case that my brother may not take a wife for himself. But do understand this, that in my universe, Kendrick had a wife and a son, two in fact. And both were far older than my own little boy upstairs, more ready for the throne. And also we were newer to the Federation, and a display of trust was necessary. But know this, my marriage to James Tiberius Kirk wasn't just one of convenience, but also one for love. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but we all know that the Merging of Souls doesn't work if the parties aren't truly in love with each other." her gaze washed icy cold over the assembly, staying on each man for what seemed like forever to them. The next comment froze them all in their seats, "I have had enough of this. If you are going to argue the successes or failures of my first marriage, then I suggest that you leave at once. The door is right there," she pointed at it, her stance giving no quarter to them, "I told you earlier that I came here as a courtesy, and I won't have any of you speaking ill of James. He was a great man, a good captain, and a loving husband and father. If any of you came to this meeting intent on showing me error in my past decisions, I suggest you leave now!" her voice rose as she continued on her rant. The men were stunned, never before had she lost her temper before them...they no longer felt like men, but little boys facing an angry mother.
The council of governors weren't the only ones listening to Ana's speech. Outside the doors, frozen in his place on the stairs leading to his rooms, this universe's James T Kirk stared at the cracked door in shock. He'd caught wind of the conversation earlier, when a voice was speaking about the Princess's choice in husbands. He had been about to leave when he'd heard Ana's voice. 'Her own universe? Her husband...JAMES KIRK?' that sent him for a loop, and he had little time to duck into a small alcove before the great doors opened and several men exited the great room. A couple looked shaken, while a few others were positively livid. Kirk heard their whispered remarks as they left, catching words like 'brazen' and 'overly passionate'. Waiting for the men to pass, he went to the doors and looked inside. Ana stood at the head of a great table, it's surface polished into a brilliant shine. Her head was hanging in defeat, while an older man stood next to her, trying to cheer her up.
Ana felt defeated. She'd lost her temper with them, and that wasn't what she had wanted at all. Governor Childs was next to her, but she didn't hear him. Taking a deep breath, Ana turned to the man, and thanked him for staying, "At least someone was on my side." she whispered, and offered a strained smile. She didn't even watch the man leave, just turned her back to the open door and went to the grand chair that her father had sat in for so long. Ana plopped in the chair, and put her face in her hands. Kirk waited, but she didn't move. As silence fell onto the room, he could just make out the sounds of her crying gently. "Oh James," she was saying, "What am I supposed to do?" more sobbing, and Kirk was at a loss. Should he go in an comfort the woman that was his wife in another life? Or stay put, and pretend he didn't hear anything?
His choice was made for him when three young creatures came tearing into the room. "MOMMA!!!!!" It was the youngest girl that had shouted, although he couldn't really tell who was younger. The boy he recognized from the night before, Tiberius. The two girls with him must be his sisters, the Princess had mentioned that she had daughters. Ana looked up from her pity session, and a broad smile broke out on her face. She jumped from the throne and knelt to hug her children. He could hear her talking to them...
"We're you good for your teachers today?" The dark haired one nodded ecstatically, "Yes Momma! At least I was. Moria didn't do her homework last night and got in trouble with Miss Vanrel; and then Ty..." she stopped and looked back at her brother, contrite. Ana looked apprehensive, "Ty...is there anything that you need to tell me?" her face looked stern, but Kirk heard something in her voice. Was it hope? The boy looked down at the ground, and then up at his mother. "Well, Mother you know how I have been searching for a way to get back to our time? Well, I think I found one, but I wanted to test my theory..." Ana was already shaking her head at him, "And so I snuck into the communications center, and talked to one of the engineers on the docking port." Ana put a hand on her sons head and smiled grimly, "Enough. Tiberius I swear if I hear anymore about you trying to get us home..." she let the sentence die, and gave him a good long look.
"Momma, why were you crying?" it was the other girl...Moria. The first one must have been Amanda. Ana wiped her face then, and looked at her children, "No reason, dear one. Now, go clean up before dinner. Go on." she spun them around and gently swatted the girls on the hind end. Kirk watched as the children went past him; turning around he found Bones watching him. "Curious, Jim?" he asked, looking past him to the well dressed woman in the throne room, who was now walking back to the raised throne. Kirk frowned at him, "No...you?" Bones glared at him, "My ex-wife saw to that."
Kirk chuckled, "Come on...there's food!" he put his arm around his friend. The two travelers were about to go upstairs when Ana came out of the reception room, shutting the doors tight behind her. She looked up the stairs, saw them standing there, and stopped moving. "Hello." Kirk said, nodding his head to her. She returned to nod and started moving up the stairs, "I should warn you, eating a meal with my children is just as dangerous as any space maneuver you've preformed." she was even with them now, standing between the men that should have been so familiar. James' arm should have been holding her...then again, if she was in her proper place and time, the last hour may not have happened...and her heart may not hurt so much. She looked up into those eyes, so blue it could make your heart stop, and nearly spilled the whole story; she could have told him about the attack, their escape and how she had ended up in a universe that wasn't hers, with children that needed their father. But she didn't, and she knew she probably wouldn't unless she absolutely had to. "I think we'll take that chance," said Bones, breaking her spell. She turned around to him, and smiled, "Well then. Shall we?" she tried to smile, but even without looking for it, Bones knew it wasn't as heartfelt as she wanted it to be.
The children were already seated, and nearly hopping out of their seats when they got to the smaller dinner hall. "Why aren't we in the main hall, downstairs?" Bones asked her, choosing a seat across from the twin girls. Kirk sat next to him and across from Ty; he noticed Ana's warning look at the boy, but didn't say anything. Ana looked at Bones, "Would you want to service such a large room?" she shook her head, "No. That room is only used for state and special occasions. Your arrival last night was one such event. And also the reason why these two weren't with us." she put an arm around the light haired girl, who was seated on her right. She was seated so as to keep an eye on her younger girls and keep Ty in line. She glanced at the young boy as a serving maid brought out a course of soup and soft-bread sandwiches. Ana let Ty serve himself, but the two girls needed a little help so as to not get anything onto their dresses. Once they were settled, Ana looked at her daughters then back at Bones and Kirk, "I'm sorry. You haven't met my daughters yet, have you?" the men shook their heads, making Ana flush, embarrassed. "this is Moria, the older of the two. And this little one is Amanda." the girls were used to being introduced this way, and nodded their heads at the newcomers. Kirk smiled, and winked at them playfully. Bones just grinned, then continued to eat.
It wasn't long before Amanda found something wrong with her food, "Momma...there's something moving in my food." Ana glanced over at the bowl in front of her, and said "I don't see anything. Finish your sandwich then, and if you see it again, let me know." Amanda lowered her head, curious now, waiting for whatever she had seen to move again, nibbling on her sandwich. Kirk watched the interchange out of the corner of his eye. He was more interested in the youth across the table. Now that he knew that another James Kirk had fathered the boy, he could see the likeness. His own blue eyes and blond hair, and when the boy spoke, his own charm.
"What?" Kirk shook his head, "Nothing...you just look rather familiar..." Ana quickly turned away from them; Amanda had found the thing in her soup that scared her. "MOMMA!" she screeched, and leaped from her chair. Moria stumbled backwards with her, "Momma...." the girls started whining as Ana watched the bowl in fascination. Crawling out of the bowl was something that looked very much like a earth centipede. Ana calmly reached over, removed the creature and turned to her son. She didn't say anything, just stared at him with that motherly chastising look on her face. Ty stared back at her, his own eyebrows raised, as though asking the question, "What?" Then Ana's face changed, into something more angry. Their faces both went through several contortions, as though they were having a conversation.
"Ty...why did you put this in your sister's food?"
"I didn't do it."
"Ty...you tell me the truth. Why?"
"(sigh) I thought it would be funny."
"But it wasn't was it?"
"Yes it was, but you ruined it. I wasn't supposed to get caught."
"And what would you have done if this went to one of our visitors?"
"I made sure it wouldn't."
Ana took a deep breath and shook her head, then stood. She moved to the window, and looked at Ty as she threw the bug out the window. "Don't let it happen again...you hear me?" The girl's were slow to return to the table. Ana motioned for a servant to remove the children's bowls. The tension was thick in the room, but Bones seemed at home.
Kirk spoke first, "So how was your meeting?" he watched Ana's reaction. Studied, as though she was used to being scrutinized. She smirked, "Long and tiresome. There are several governors that insist that we are more than ready for the Federation, and others that think we are stronger." she flicked something off from Moria's plate, and looked back at him. "And what do you believe?" he asked, glancing back to the boy. Ana shook her head, so much the same as her own James, but also so different. "We need the Federation, as much as they protest, and they know it." she looked at the door behind them as the other two of the landing party joined them. She waved to them, and called for another maid to bring additional food and drink.
"Mother, why were you crying last night?" Ty asked, taking a large bite of his sandwich. The serving maid brought another platter full of food, and Ana waited for her to leave before answering. "Ria, you missed a spot." Kirk could see why another of himself would like this woman. She was quick on her feet...and he liked that. "You're avoiding the question." Ty said plainly, staring at his mother as she wiped Moria's mouth clean. Ana looked at her son, then glanced at her two daughters. The girls were fine, eating as carefully a five year old could. She turned back to Ty, and gave him a very serious look, "You promise not to get mad at me?" Ty nodded, "I promise."
The look on her face made Uhura want to hold the woman, as though she were about to stand before the firing squad."The governors think that I should remarry." the girls stopped eating and stared at their mother. Ty dropped is half eaten sandwich on the floor, his mouth agape. Ana watched him carefully as she spoke next, "I haven't said that I will, I just met with them to discuss the possibility. Their worried that joining the Federation will prove disastrous to the... bloodline." Ty jumped to his feet and was about to yell something at his mother when she interrupted him. "You promised not to get mad at me...remember." but it came too late, Kirk could see the anger rising in the boys face.
"MOTHER! You told me once that you made promises to Father that you had no intention of breaking, and now you say that you're considering marrying someone else?!" the boy was flabbergasted, understandably. "Mother, I can't promise anything anymore. You're breaking the one promise that means everything!" Ana stood quickly and grabbed his shoulders, "Ty please. You have to understand. I can't be alone forever..."
"You won't be, you have me and the girls! I can figure it out, I can get us home!" Ty argued, his voice sounding so small. Ana took a troubled breath, their secret was as good as out now, "I know that, but the alone I mean is something so much more terrible. You and the girls need a father, and your Uncle Kendrick doesn't look as though he wants the throne. I can't rule alone, even as regent for you, Ty. I need someone to help me, and that's why I need a husband." she was trying to explain it so that it didn't look like the betrayal that it felt like. Tears were resounding in her voice. She was pleading with the boy now, "Ty please. Try to understand. You must understand."
He wasn't having any of it, "NO! Mother you made a promise, a vow that you gave your soul for. You can't marry someone else, you just can't! Father wouldn't want..." and with that he took off, out of the dinning room and downstairs. "Ty...TY!" she shouted after him, but he didn't listen. Ana made to go after him, but Kirk intercepted her. "No...let him go. He's got some serious thinking to do." Ana wrestled out of his grip and turned to him, "What makes you think you can talk to me like that?" she was hurt, probably worse than when the governors had badmouthed her husband, "What could possibly give you the right...?"
"I felt the same way when my mother remarried." he said, staring into her deep green eyes. Ana was shocked, this hadn't happened to her James. She'd met Wynonna Kirk, had even named a daughter after her. She stepped away from him, their eyes locked. "Your mother..." that must be it then, why she had to come to this time...to have someone talk to her son about how it feels to have a mother marry someone else. "How old were you?" Kirk smirked, "About his age. It took her that long to get over my father." Ana could understand that statement. It had been two years since they'd appeared in this universe, and how often did she dream about her husband? How many times did she call out to him, wanting him to hold her? To just tell her that everything would be alright?
Then a thought hit her; how often had Ty asked those same questions to the stars? All this time, she'd been so focused on how she felt, and getting the kingdom going, and the girls getting along okay; she'd simply trusted in Ty to make it through like he always had. Now she was asking him to give up on the small chance of hope they had to get back to the man they all loved so fiercely, and call an unknown man 'Father'. Ana looked into this Kirks soul, and saw nothing but compassion for her son. No malice or hatred for ruining his meal, just compassion and sympathy for how he felt.
A door slammed somewhere, and a woman was shrieking bloody murder. "Princess! Princess!" Ana shook her head, and called back, "I'm here. What is it?" A young woman, obviously one of the townsfolk came to the doorway, her once braided hair now in shambles and her face flushed from running, "You must come, the young prince...Ty...he's.....threatening....death...." Ana's eyes widened, her face going pale, "Oh no..." she breathed, and hurried out of the room. Kirk made to follow, but was caught by Bones' cough. He turned back to his old friend, "Oh go on...just remember, you owe me!" Kirk smiled, and took off after the Princess. Bones turned back to the girls, "Well, what are we going to do now?"
Ana burst through the front door to the castle, and skidded to a halt. There in the towns main square stood a man that she had prayed wouldn't be in this universe. Joshua Haressd, one of Eldaria's most vile and wicked men. He had once been suitor to Ana in her time, but when she had chosen James over him, Joshua had lost a few marbles. It had been James and the Enterprise that had finally stopped the madman, but not until after he had destroyed two learning centers and an Eldarian Starbase. Twenty thousand lives lost, all because a man refused to accept defeat. "Let go of my son." she seethed, reaching for the phaser on her hip. "I wouldn't if I were you, Princess. Do you really want your son back? Or, and I'm just speculating here, do you secretly wish that he go away from you, so that you may be able to continue in this lifetime, this universe with your two daughters." Ana's nostrils flared in her anger and she took a small step closer to them, "So I see. Take on more step Ana and the boy dies." Joshua turned the boy around to him, and looked into his face, "yes, you are what I think you are." Joshua looked back at Ana, "You want him back? Then come get him." before Ana could move, white light appeared around the pair and they were gone.
Ana let out a cry and raced to where they had been, and fell to her knees. "Ty...Ty..." she began to weep sorrowfully, bracing herself on her hands. Soon strong hands gripped her shoulders, and lifted her against a hard, strong body. Ana turned her face into his shoulder, and held him as though he was the only air left in the world. "He's gone, and it's all my fault." A hand moved to her head, and stroked her hair. "Come on. Let's get you inside." Whatever he could have been, James Kirk was always compassionate. He helped her to her feet and walked her back to the castle doors, his arms supporting her the entire way. Spock was waiting at the door, having followed his captain as he always had, and walked with them into the receiving room. Kirk sat her down on one of the chairs and took one next to her. Tears were rolling down her face as she looked up, and caught those eyes. Eyes that had always held the answer for her; what should she do now? Her son was stolen, by a man that she could barely stand. A man that could very well be threatening him this very moment, killing him in an angry tirade. "I have to go after him." she said, her mind clearing of the sickening dread in her stomach.
"You can't do that. You have no idea where he is, never mind the fact that your daughters would be left unprotected." She smiled at him, "No they won't. The people love them, and will do anything they have to to see that they are safe from any harm. Besides, I have a very good idea where Joshua is... the Roary Station; it's two days from here...and the last place any other Eldarian would look for him." she stood quickly, and went to the intercom on the wall. "Jason, are you there?" A voice came over the speaker, "Here Admiral, I heard about Ty...the Vengeance and crew are ready and waiting at the Orbital Station." Ana smiled, "Thanks you Jason. Send word to Admiral Kendrick on the Justice, I'll need him here..."
"To keep the governors in line. I know and was just sending it off when you called." Ana smiled again, "Ana out." she turned back to her visitors, her face no longer sad, but resolute in her mission. "I can't leave my son with that monster." she looked at them, "Captain, it might be wise for you to have your ship docked at the station and your people put on shore leave. I'll be gone for at least four days, and I doubt they'll want to stay aboard that long with our planet calling them every moment of the day." she raised an eyebrow at him, and he nodded. "I think so too."
It had been done before, and it would be done again; Joshua would destroy the Roary station and all on it, including Ana's precious son Tiberius. He looked over his shoulder at the boy, and grinned evilly. "You aren't scared of me, are you." the boy just sat straight and still, just like his father would have. The thought made Joshua want to scream, but instead he went to the boy and backhanded him across the jaw. "You will be afraid...just as your father was before he died." Ty's eyes glowered at him, but the boy didn't speak, and that infuriated Joshua. "You will learn, young Ty, what fear truly is. You will watch as I kill your pathetic mother when she comes for you. Love is a weakness, my boy. A weakness that your mother should never have fallen prey to." He turned away from the child then, and shouted orders at his crew.
"My mother is not weak." the voice was stronger than he'd thought it would have been from a child. Joshua turned back to him and hid his surprise, "What was that?" Ty straightened his small shoulders, and glared harshly at his captor. "My mother is not weak. When she comes for me, you will learn what true weakness is. Weakness is uncontrolled emotion." It had been his first teacher, Spock, that had taught him that. For all his Vulcan wisdom, it was his human half that had won out in the end; and that half had been right. "Oh-ho. You are your father's son, Tiberius. He spoke to me, as you do. But he was wrong. Your mother is weak, as weak a woman that I have ever known. You never should have been born, Tiberius. You're nothing but a filthy half-breed bastard." Ty restrained himself, gripping his wrists tightly in their bindings. Joshua laughed at him, and walked away from his cell. "You'll stay right there, Tiberius, until I kill you." The door shut loudly behind him, and Ty let the tears loose.
"Momma...Momma, help me."
Ana was standing on the bridge of the Vengeance, her uniform changed. Instead of the skirt and necklace, she now wore a functional pair of black pants and a blue tunic, tied at her waist with a gold band to signify her rank as High Rear Admiral. "Take us to the Roary Station, helmsman. Warp 5." The helmsman acknowledged the command, and she sat in the command chair. Her stance reminded Uhura of the captain, leaned back with one hand brought to her chin, contemplative. She was watching the viewscreen before them, as though she could see the ship..the man they were chasing after. Uhura glanced over at Spock, who was standing behind the Princess, sent on this mission as her consult. Kirk had insisted on it when he'd seen how set she was on bringing her son back on her own. "Keep an eye on her," he had said, "This world needs a leader."
Ana leaned forward when warp hit, the stars going from distinct points into blurs of light. They were going to save her son, no matter what the cost.
Joshua was angry at his captive. The stupid boy had gotten loose earlier, freed by a crewman sympathetic to the Princess. The boy had almost made it to the shuttle bay, but one of Joshua's men had found him, and now held him harshly in a chair. "That was a foolish thing to do, boy." he was seething, contemplating what he could do to the kid. The child didn't deserve to live, he wasn't even worthy of his Eldarian blood...blood? Joshua turned to the boy and swung hard, cracking him across his nose. "Very foolish indeed." Ty took the hit, and glared back at his captor. "no more foolish than you kidnapping me." Joshua roared and hit the boy a few more times.
"I will show you what was so foolish about it." He grabbed the boys right arm and twisted roughly. Ty tried for as long as he could to fight the pain, just as he knew his father would. But the man's grip behind him made it almost impossible; sooner than he would have liked, Ty let out a cry. "You're hurting me!" Joshua grinned maliciously, "That's the point, my little whores son. You're no better than your mother...I've made her scream in pain before. It will be beautiful to hear her cries again." Ty's voice got louder and then there was a sickening snap. Ty was trying so hard to be the stronger one, but when his arm broke, the tears flowed and he began to sob.
Joshua released the boy and threw him towards the man who'd found him. "Take him back to his cell, and set up a force field. I don't want him getting out again." the man nodded and hauled Ty away. "Yes...you will not get out any time soon."
Two days had past, and Kirk was nervous. Ana had said that it took that long to reach the station. He was pacing in the receiving room, Ana had left him and Bones free range of the castle, her security pass for the military base and her password for the main interbase, where all the information they could possibly need was available to them. Bones had made several breakthrough's in their biology, including a further understanding in the Merging of Souls ceremony that Ana had referenced. Two days...was she at the station now? Was Ty safe?
His crew was enjoying themselves in town, Ana had supplied them with an entire inn for their use. The people had been open and welcoming to them, and had given the crew everything that they could have wanted, all the information, all the hospitality that they could have hoped for back home...two days. Where was she? That boy was only seven years old, he couldn't survive for very long without his mother...on his own...two days...
Bells rang out across the square, startling Kirk out of his thoughts. "The Prince..." Kendrick had sent word that he was on his way back, as soon as he heard about the kidnapping. Kirk waited as he heard the castle doors open, and in walked a man that looked like ancient gods. Kendrick Vloomre was a tall man, easily seven feet, with striking features. His face stern, but underneath the surface, Kirk could see the turmoil that roiled inside. Kendrick's eyes were a striking silver and were boring right into his soul. "Captain James Kirk, I presume?" his voice was deep and full of authority. Kirk could see why the people looked up to this family. Ana was definitely the brains, and this must have been the brawn...Kendrick's arms were as thick as Kirks thighs, and the rest of him was proportionate.
"Yes, I'm Captain Kirk." his voice sounded strange after hearing Kendrick's. Kendrick smirked, "Any word from my sister?" Kirk shook his head, and Kendrick could see the concern on his face. "You're worried about her, aren't you?" Kirk tried to hide it, but Kendrick saw how much it hurt him to think about it, "I'm more worried about your nephew." Kendrick nodded, "Ty's a strong child, but a child none the less... Ana will find him. Don't you worry about it too much." It was Kirk's turn to smirk, "She's gone out half-cocked after a child that could just as easily have been dead before she left the planet." Kendrick nodded, "I can see that. But there's something you need to know about my sister. If her son dies, she will follow Joshua to the ends of the universe and beyond until she repays him the pain that has been dealt her." Kirk looked at him sharply, "I had no idea that the Eldarian's were such a strong felt people."
Kendrick glanced around them, and then back at Kirk, "There is much you still have to learn about us, Captain." Behind Kendrick, Kirk watched as Ana's two daughters appeared in the doorway. "Uncle Kenny!" they shouted, running forward. Kirk watched in amazement as Kendrick's royal demeanor dropped. His face glowed as he smiled and knelt to hug his nieces. "Moria, Amanda! Oh I've missed you!" He kissed each on the cheek, and sat back on his heels to look at them, "My how you've grown up. Look at you!" He touched their head affectionately and stood up, "How are you doing?" the girls looked at each other, and then back at their uncle. Moria spoke for them, "There's a bad man kidnapped Ty and Momma went after him. Don't worry about us, Uncle Kenny, we can take care of ourselves. Father taught us how to fight and scream like nothing else."
Kirk stepped forward, "You remember your father then?" Amanda nodded, "Yeah, what did you think? That we had forgotten? Father's rather impossible to forget..." she was remembering, "He was a big man, tall and handsome...a lot like you mister captain. That's what bothers me, you look an awful lot like my Father..and I don't know why." Kirk knelt down to look the girl in the eye. "What was your father's name?" Amanda looked back at Moria, who just shrugged. "Mother often called Father ...James." Kirk smirked, this girl was smarter than she looked, classic evasion of the question. "Alright, what did you're father call himself when he talked to someone other than your mother?" Moria reacted then, and grabbed her sisters arm. "Don't Minna. Momma said not to." Kirk looked at Moria hard, "What did your mother tell you not to do." the girls dropped their gaze to their feet and shuffled them, "Come on now...what did she say?" Kendrick interrupted, "Captain. These girls aren't going to go against their mother's wishes. Girls, go on upstairs, I'll be up in a moment to talk to you." Moria nodded and nearly ran out of the room, dragging Amanda with her.
Kirk spun around to look at the Prince, "Captain, I understand your interest in my sister and her family. I'm sure you've heard some things that are a bit difficult for you to understand, and I know that it can be rather difficult to get answers from the people, but I want you to know something. When my sister arrived here, she gave me something and told me to protect it with my life. If her suspicions were correct, she was in an alternate universe then her own." Kirk's eyes widened slightly, but Kendrick continued, "She gave me these." in Kendrick's hand were several holo-discs, "And said that if it ever came to it, I should make sure that a Captain James T. Kirk gets these, and it will explain everything from her marriage, to her arrival here." Kirk took the discs, and looked at him, "Everything?" Kendrick nodded, "Although I would recommend that you watch them in your room...the information on them is rather...personal." Kirk looked at the discs in his hands, and closed his fist around them, "I don't know what my sister would want to say to you, but what she would say to her friends is something akin to 'I did what I had to, to save the people I love.'" Kirk nodded, and left the receiving room.
Once alone, Kendrick walked to the throne, beyond the Council table and higher than the rest of the room. This would have to be his chair now...Ana couldn't be asked to take this seat, technically it didn't belong to her. 'Analise...my sister...my friend...where are you?' he thought, sitting on the very chair that he didn't want to claim...maybe it was time for him to get married after all.
"Admiral, we've reached the station. But we've encountered some interference." Uhura pressed the earpiece to her head, and listened closely. "What kind of interference, Lieutenant?" Ana asked, moving from where she stood behind the helmsman to Uhura's station. "I don't quite know, ma'am. It's as though someone is purposely cutting our communications." Ana nodded, "I should have known. Joshua's no fool lieutenant. Keep an eye on it, but I don't think it'll go away quite yet." Uhura nodded, and turned back to face the computer. Spock left his station and approached Ana, "Admiral, I do not suggest that we enter the station without communications up. Should something happen while on board...."
"I'm aware of the risks, Mr. Spock." Ana spat, anger rising to her calm exterior, "But what would you do in my place, if you had a chance at saving someone close to you?" Spock fell silent, and looked hard at her. "I thought you would. Shoran, warn engineering to prepare the transporters. Mr. Spock, with me please." Shoran acknowledged and got on the intercom. Spock followed Ana as she went into the elevator. "I still think this move is illogical, Admiral. We have no knowledge of their strength or what we can expect from their defenses." Ana nodded, "There's that Vulcan logic. You're right to warn me against this move, Spock, but as I said before it's a chance that you and I both would take. He has my son, and I'm not about to let him get away with it."
Spock kept silent, his own knowledge of the woman and her family still incomplete. They reached the transporter room, and Ana hurried to the platform. Spock followed, and the engineer spoke, "I'm putting you as close to the cell deck as I can without letting them know of your presence, Admiral." Ana nodded, "Activate." the engineer pulled the lever, and they were gone.
The two reconstituted in a darkened hallway, with only flashing yellow lights for aid. Ana drew her phaser and walked forward slowly. She knew the layout of this station better than most, she'd helped in the design. They were moving closer to the main cell block; the most likely place that Joshua would store her boy. Ana opened the door, and carefully glanced around. Once the room was clear, Ana went to the control panel, and whispered, "There's more power being used on cell A45, just down that hall." she pointed, "All the others appear to be empty." Spock nodded curtly, and they set off. It was the third door on the right, and had the only light on. Ana went to the far side and nodded to Spock; he responded, and within seconds the door wasn't there anymore. He was the first through it, and the first to see the poor shape of the boy. His face was swollen and badly bruised, with dried blood caked from a bloody nose and one eye closed. "Tiberius?"he asked, and Ana moved quickly. Her maternal instincts were to race for the child, but she couldn't just yet. Glancing around, she walked forward carefully, searching for what she knew he would have installed by now. Her hand went forward, and her body went backwards fast.
"Force field, Momma." Ty whispered, his voice barely audible, "He put it up this morning..." Ana shook her head to clear it of the haze, and moved forward slowly. "Ty...Ty, darling, are you alright?" Spock looked at the woman as though she were insane. To anyone looking at the boy, it would appear as though he wasn't all right. Ty chuckled, roughly, and said, "I'm fine Momma. I just want to get home." Ana smiled, and looked around the room. "Did you see where he put the control node for this?" Ty tried to shake his head, but it hurt too much. "I didn't." Ana stood up and watched her son, "Alright. I'm gonna get you out of this, I promise." she watched him as she said that dangerous word.
"I know Momma...I know." he grinned sloppily at her, and she felt her face moisten. Her boy would be alright, sure enough. He had enough of his father in him to survive anything. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Ty. I've got to find Joshua first."
Joshua waited and watched and simmered. He knew Ana was aboard the station, and he knew that she was coming for him...What a shame that she would never get to him. Without looking, he hit a button, and grinned evilly as the computer started the self-destruct countdown.
"Farewell, Ana. I hope you've found your son...so that he can watch your failure as he dies."
Ana heard the countdown, knew what it meant for her son. She'd left Spock with him to try and find the cut-off switch for the force field. She made her way to the bridge, Joshua would be vain enough to be seated in the commander's chair.
She was right, he was there, and waiting with phaser armed. "Hello, Ana."
"Do you have a death wish?" Joshua smirked, "Your husband said the same thing, Ana, when I blew up the Hunter with him aboard." Ana froze in place... "So it's true then. You aren't from this time-line." Joshua grinned evilly, "You always were the smart one of your partnership. Then again, we the true ones of our people, never really accepted your marriage to the inferior human." Ana was seething, but let him have his say. "You weren't ever meant for him, Ana. I was; I'm Eldarian and high born just like you," he was moving closer to her, his gun still armed and now starting to beep. "I've loved you forever Analise, I always have. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and I couldn't wait to get you for my own...Then you went to that damned Starfleet Academy, and met the insufferable James T. Kirk..." his voice was rising, along with the noise coming from his phaser. "I'm going to make you mine, Ana...forever." The beeping was getting louder, and it clicked in Ana's mind. His phaser was set for overload. "I won't join you Joshua...you know that." her voice was quiet, as though she was trying to tame a wild animal.
There was movement behind him...and Ana knew what was coming.
Joshua reacted violently, "NO Ana. You will be mine, and only mine. You're people want you to marry an Eldarian and have just been waiting for that inferior human to..." His sentence was cut off by a strong Vulcan grip, and he fell limply to the floor. Ana knelt quickly and cut the power to the phaser. The countdown had reached critical, if it wasn't stopped soon, they all would die. "Spock, did you get that field down?" she asked, hurrying to the main computer. She was scanning and punching in numbers so quickly, it made Spock pause for a moment. "Affirmative, Admiral. I had the Vengeance beam him aboard and take him to the medical bay." Ana smiled, and made a few last entries into the computer. The countdown stopped, and she finally took a good breath. "Vengeance," she said into a communicator, "Here Admiral." it was Uhura. "I see communications are back up." Ana joked, and punched in a few more things into the computer. "Lieutenant, tell engineering to lock onto Joshua's signal and beam him into the brig. Have two guards posted at the cell block and keep him there, sedated." Uhura smiled into the mic, and said, "Of course, Admiral."
Ana rematerialized at a run, quickly exiting the transporter room and heading to the medical bay. The Eldarian's moved out of the way, knowing the hurry that this mother was in...her son had been beamed aboard, barely alive, and now she had to see him. Ana made it to the elevator, and punched the button for the med bay. 'please, oh please let him be okay.' she prayed, and dashed from the elevator as the doors opened.
She was at the med bay now, and saw her son. He looked so frail on the bed, his face was black and blue, the blood caked on his face a disgusting brown. She wanted to go down to the brig and tear Joshua limb from limb for doing this to her boy. His right arm was wrapped tightly and bound in a sling. She could see the bruises on his exposed wrist from where he had been bound to the chair. Ana slowed at the sight of him, a deep pain rising in her heart. If James had been here, her poor boy wouldn't have had to go through this...but she couldn't think on that now. All that mattered was that they get back to Eldaria, and put Joshua to the courts. The people wouldn't be kind for his ill treatment of such a young boy.
She sat in a chair next to his bed and gently took his hand. "Oh Ty..I'm so sorry." he made a low growl in his throat, and she gave him a small sip of water. "Momma...don't be sorry. I know you came as fast as you could...Father wouldn't have done any better..." Ana felt tears roll down her cheeks, and Ty shook his head at her. "Don't cry Momma. I'm not hurting now."
"I know that. Eldarian pain killers are some of the strongest in the galaxy."
"Momma...I want to go home."
"I know that darling...but it's close to impossible, Ty."
"No it's not. I figured it out. While he had me there, all I could do was think..." he took another drink. "All we need to do is pass through an anomaly similar to the one that brought us here."
"But when we appeared here, we had gone through an explosion caused by the destruction of the Roary Station..." Ana paused as she continued that thought. "Ty... you're as smart as your father you know that?"
"No Momma...I'm as smart as Spock." The look on the little boys face made her laugh out loud.
"I love you Tiberius. You know that don't you?"
"I know Momma...I know, here." he brought his good hand up to his head, "And I know that Father is still alive...here." his hand moved to his heart. "I think you know it too." Ana frowned at him, "Ty...I don't..." something flared within her soul. A heat that she hadn't felt since...her wedding night. "Yes...you're right! Ty, you're right. Your father is very much alive...and worried about us."
When the Vengeance docked two days later, Ana and Ty were greeted by a happy Kendrick and ecstatic set of twin Kirk offspring. "Ana." Kendrick said, hugging the exhausted woman while the girls danced around their brother. "Ty....Ty...Ty! We were so worried about you!" they kept saying over and over. Ana knelt and hugged each of her girls, "Oh I'm glad to see you, Kendrick. What brought you back? Was it Ty's abduction?" Kendrick grinned, "That was part of it, but I was doing some thinking while I was away. I think it's about time I settled down and took a wife." Ana raised her eyebrows, "Well that fits rather nicely."
"For your time line?" Kendrick asked, moving them away from the boarding dock and the transport to the planet surface. "Yes...You met and married a beautiful young Eldarian...I'm not going to tell you who...and had two children before I ever went to Starfleet with our first batch of students." She shook her head, "It was three years later that we were attacked by the Gregoran Empire." Kendrick looked hard at her, "I don't want to know anymore, sister. You've already altered my future by being here." Ana glanced at her son, and then looked back at her brother in this time, "I know. That's why I need to go back. Ty and I think we may have found a way out." They'd reached the transporters, and stood ready. "Activate" Kendrick directed, and their molecules separated.
Seconds later, they appeared on the receiver in the military base. The soldiers there let out a cheer, and watched carefully as the royal family entered a carriage. The people adored them, most especially Ana, with her long, thick auburn hair and striking green eyes. She was as trim and fit as they could expect from a trained soldier, and when they learned that she had been married before, and had young children to care for... their love for her had grown. She was as wise as she was beautiful, and she loved her people with an equal ferocity. They each knew that she would die for them, a hundred times over if it came to that. She was their protector, and their greatest weapon.
They arrived at the castle, and Ana was the first to climb out of the carriage, She found that when she stepped out, word have traveled, and all the castles servants had gathered on the main courtyard to see them inside. Among those waiting for them was this time's Kirk and his landing party. The look on Kirk's face was one that she couldn't read. It was a cross between adoration and curiosity. Kendrick followed and the girls followed him and raced to their nurse, pointing back excitedly at their newly returned brother. Ana turned to her own brother, and whispered, "You gave him those holo-discs, didn't you." Kendrick nodded, noting where her gaze was held. "I don't know if he's watched them though."Ana nodded, and gripped his arm, "Let's get him inside, then we can talk this over." Kendrick followed, cradling his nephew in his great arms.
Ever so gently, Kendrick laid his nephew down on the bed, and kissed his forehead. "Get some rest, Ty. Let's see how you feel in the morning." he left Ana alone with him. Ana sat beside him, and smiled, "So Kirk may or may not know about us..." she leaned back in her chair, and waited for her son to fall asleep. "We can go home...we will see your father again."
Kendrick waited until the castle was asleep, then went to the military compound. Joshua was being held in the cell block, just south of the main transporter for the Orbital Station. Nodding to the guards at the door, Kendrick entered, and stood in front of the cell's shield. "So you're the one." Joshua looked up at him, and shook his head. "And you're the prince, what's it to you?" Kendrick chuckled and looked at the guard next to him, "You're coming with me, that's what it's to me." Joshua looked up sharply, "my trial isn't until tomorrow. Where are we going?" Kendrick smirked darkly, "That's for me to know." At his signal, the shield dropped and two guards entered, grabbing Joshua's arms.
The group crossed the roadway, and entered the transportation building. Once inside, Joshua started to fight them. Kendrick turned to the creep and took his throat in a death grip. "You threatened the life of my nephew, my sister and her daughters. My whole family was almost annihilated thanks to your demented thinking." he swung the infuriating man around, and placed him on the transporter. "Your trial has already been, and sentenced has been passed. Death, by any means deemed fit, by the Royal Family..." A shield was put in place around the transporter. "Are you going to carry out the sentence?" he asked, his face finally recognizing the dire situation. Kendrick raised an eyebrow, "I already have." His head came up, fear on his face, "I wouldn't really hurt the boy!" Kendrick shook his head, and moved behind the transporter controls. "It's too late for that, Joshua Haressd. Your sentence is death, to be carried out as I see fit." Kendrick hit a few more buttons, and Joshua dematerialized.
The next morning, Ty wasn't much better. There was something wrong, terribly wrong with how he was healing. The Eldarian doctors couldn't figure it out...all they knew was that it was a parasite of sorts, eating away at him. Ana was worried, her hopes of going home happy and healthy dashed as soon as they had begun to form. She sat at his side all day, and well into the night, watching her young strong son thrash against invisible restraints. Mumbles and groans escaped his lips... "Momma....not weak...Father." whenever he cried out that name he calmed a little.
The midnight hour struck, and found Ana putting a cool cloth to his head. "Ty, can you hear me?" she whispered, grasping his one good hand as tightly as she dared. "Ty..." he reacted to her voice. "Momma....MOMMA!" he was shouting now. Ana pressed his shoulders against the bed. "Hush, my love, you're home now..." he shook his head, "Not home...not Enterprise...no Father." he was getting more rambunctious, she had to give him the sedative. Ana plunked down in the chair, and put a hand over her eyes. She didn't know how long she had been there, until a hand shook her shoulder.
"Ana...let me try something..." it was Bones. His doctors instincts kicking in. "Maybe it's his human half that's being attacked." Ana looked hard at him, "Do what you can to. My own people cannot think of anything that would do this." her gaze went back to her son, as Bones sat on the bed. "I'm going to draw some blood and see what I can find. It could be a simple infection from his injuries." Ana nodded, and held Ty's hand. There was no response from the boy as the needle entered his skin, he was completely out.
"I'll be in the lab across the hall." he whispered, "And might I suggest that you get some rest too Ana." she shook her head, "No...my voice is the only thing that he recognizes right now." Bones nodded, "I was afraid you'd say something like that." he brought a silver device from his pocket, and injected a sleeping serum into her bloodstream. She slumped, and he caught her before she fell. Carefully, he laid her head on the bed, and left the room. "Sorry, Ana. You need your rest."
"Did you get it?" Kirk asked as the door shut behind Bones. The doctor simply held up the vial, and walked past his captain. "Hey...wait up!"
Bones leaned back in his chair, "I don't believe it...I just don't believe it!" Kirk was pacing behind his friend, arms crossed and shaking his head. "Jim I swear this wasn't what I had planned when I came down here." Kirk nodded, and kept pacing. "Well are you going to say something or what?" Kirk stopped moving and looked out the window. "I had a hunch...and you proved it." he glanced back at his friend, "what else can you tell me Bones? Is the kid as sick as her appears?" Bones nodded, "Yes and no. It's a parasite alright, and it's attacking his human half just as it would you or me...honestly, if that boy were completely human, he would be very dead." Spock spoke up, his eyes still glued to the readouts in front of him, "Perhaps it's his Eldarian half preventing his death."
"Or a disbelief in no-win situations." Kirk murmured. Bones spun to stare at him, "what did you say?" Kirk glanced around, and then settled next to the doctor. "Can you run a paternity test from that sample?" Bones nodded, "Of course, but why do you want..." Kirk interrupted him, "Good. Can you run it in comparison to a sample that we already have?" Bones was still confused, and gave him a 'talk to me' look. Kirk ignored it, and handed him a vial, "compare it to this." and then he left, no further explanation. Bones shook his head, and looked at Spock, incredulous. "Do you know what he's up to?" Spock returned the look, unknowingly, "You're asking me, to explain the actions of that human?"
Kirk stalked the halls of the castle, his mind working furiously. Whatever he thought about Ana and her children, he felt a certain attachment to them. The girls were absolutely adorable, and Ty...Ty reminded him so much of himself at his age, that it was uncomfortable. His hair and eyes were so like his that just watching the boy made him think he was watching home videos. There was something about this family...and their elusive father. He'd heard Ana call him James Tiberius Kirk...but he was James T. Kirk, and he hadn't ever seen the woman before arriving at the planet. His communicator went off, and he answered, "Yeah." It was Bones, "I have the results of that test you wanted."
"And?"
"It's a match...the sample you gave me is from the boys father."
"No it's not."
"What are you talking about?"
"That second sample was from me." There was silence as Bones processed it, "WHAT?" Kirk smiled, "I'm on my way to explain it now. By the way, how long was that sedative supposed to work?"
"Only a couple of hours...she should be coming out of it soon." Kirk looked up the hallway at the infirmary door, and saw the answer.
Ana was staring at him, her hair falling in soft curls around her shoulders. The gown she wore was a gentle shade of green, catching the color of her intoxicating eyes. It fell off her shoulders into wide sleeves and slimmed down to her waist. It split then, into an overlay and underskirt in a soft cream. She was a vision in those colors, and it took his breath a moment to be caught. She walked toward him, clutching her skirts up in order to walk smoothly. "I'm on my way." he said into the communicator as she got closer. He'd just put it out of sight when she reached him. "McCoy...where is he?" Kirk just stared at her... "Huh?"
Ana took a breath and put her hands on her hips, "I asked where McCoy was, and you're going to tell me." her eyes were boring into his soul. He could see how another him had fallen in love with this woman, she was strong and vulnerable at the same time. "He's in the lab down the hall." he finally spoke, pointing to an open door. She was about to turn to it, when she turned back to him and slapped him across his face. "If you want information, next time just ask." She walked away then, her back straight in a regal anger.
Ana moved quickly, and stalked through the open door. "McCoy...You'd better have an answer to my son's illness." the doctor jumped, and looked at her in surprise. "Ana, I...Yes. Your physicians are right, it is a parasite. But it's attacking his human half...I might be able to help him though." Ana smiled softly and moved to him, "Whatever you need is available..." Bones nodded, "Well, actually what would work best is a transfusion of blood from a close human relative." The light went out in Ana's eyes, "That's something you cannot get..." He took a step away from her, and turned to the window... "Actually...I can." Ana reacted to that, her head turning to the doorway. There he was, the one that could save her son...and perhaps save her. "So you know then, don't you." Kirk nodded, and held out his hand. Inside were the holo-discs that she'd given to Kendrick. "We know, but not because of these." he pointed behind her to the vial on the table, "I had McCoy run a DNA comparison test. I've got the same genetic makeup as your husband... Why?"
Ana smiled, "It's a long story." she turned back to McCoy, "Save my son, and I'll tell you everything."
They were going home, Ana could feel it in her blood. While Bones had preformed the transfusion of blood from this Kirk to her son, she had told them her whole story; from her meeting James Kirk at the Starfleet Academy, their secret marriage ceremony to the births of their children and how the family had ended up in this universe, without it's illustrious head. Bones was finishing up as she told them about the fight for Roary station, and the ensuing explosion. "We'd lost all communications with the Enterprise, and I was getting worried. I did everything I could, but I just couldn't find them. It was as though they had gotten caught in the explosion of the Roary Station. I landed as soon as I could, and sent a distress signal."
Kirk nodded, putting pressure on his arm, "I heard about that from Spock...Uhura found the signal in the communication logs." Ana smiled, "I should have thought as much...we were found maybe a few days later, by my brother and his crew." Bones smirked, "I should think that was interesting." Ana shook her head, "No, Bones...My people are more accustomed to...time travelers, as you would call them, then most other species. We've learned to roll with the punches, and because of that, we've been rather stable. I never existed in this universe, my father having never remarried to my mother. Kendrick was overjoyed at having a younger sister, and then when I showed him my children..." she smiled, more genuinely than she had before, "the look on his face. I should have known that it would put me in charge here." she shook her head, "Kendrick was born with a wild spirit, and loves his ship...I do pity any woman he finds worthy of him." The three sat in relative silence for a moment, Ana worriedly glancing over her son, running a hand over his forehead. "When will his fever break, Bones?"
"I really can't say. Hopefully soon. His temperature is higher than I'm comfortable with." he moved to sit on the other side of the boy, and ran a triquarter over his body. "It's coming down fast now, that transfusion must have worked." Ana ignored the surprise in his voice, and waited anxiously. Soon, Ty's eye opened, and there was her little boy...her precious, lovely little boy. "Ty?" she whispered, putting her hand on his head and looking into his face, "Ty, darling." his eyes jumped about the room, resting on Bones, then Kirk, and lastly his mother...his mother!!!! "Momma? Momma!" he cried out and sat up into her arms. "Oh Ty..." she felt tears rolling down her cheeks.
Bones nudged Kirk's shoulder, and tilted his head to the door, "Come on. Let's leave them alone." Kirk nodded, but didn't move. Bones nudged him gain, then grabbed his arm and was about to drag him out of the room, "Bones...Jim...wait." Ana called after them. She helped Ty lay back on the bed, and came over to them. "I can't thank you enough for what you've done. You've saved his life..."Bones nodded, "Not a problem, Ana. Call me if he has a relapse." Ana bobbed her head once, "Yes of course." The two were about to leave when Ana grabbed Kirk's arm. "Jim...I owe you an apology." before he could react, she stretched to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek where she'd hit him earlier. "I'm sorry for acting like that...I was only trying to..." Kirk put his hands on her shoulders, "I know. I know...The Federation needs our reports from this week, and I need to deliver them in person. I was wondering if you and your children would like a ride to that asteroid you found...and maybe we can get you home." Ana's eyes brightened, and she threw her arms around his neck, "Oh thank you! Thank you so much!"
"There is a rift Captain, the sensors are just picking it up now." Spock said, turning to wait for orders. Kirk looked at the woman standing next to him, and nodded to her, "Is that it?" Ana shrugged, and walked closer to the viewscreen, "It has to be. It's the only anomaly out here." Kirk nodded and said, "Mr. Chekov, have the shuttle prepared for flight into that thing."
Once certain that her kids were tightly belted into their seats, Ana turned back to Kirk and smiled, "You've given us a chance at life again, Captain." Kirk smiled back, "I hope that you find what you're looking for." Ana chuckled, "I hope so too." she seemed almost timid now, as she glanced behind him to be certain that no one would see them. "I have an odd request, Captain."
"What?"
"May I kiss you?" Kirk was taken aback, then without thinking nodded. Ana stepped closer, and put her hands on his shoulders. Her face came closer to him, and he leaned in. Their lips met, but nothing happened. There wasn't any spark, any flame within her soul as there was with her James. But for him, it was like his entire being was on fire; his heart surged with a desire he couldn't put a name to, and it was all he could do to not be swept away in the current. Stepping back, she brought a hand to her lips and waited. His eyes opened slowly, and he was watching her carefully. Ana smiled mischievously, and whispered, "You most certainly are James T Kirk...Good-bye." she waved to him, and entered the craft, shutting the door behind her. Glancing into the interior, she saw her son glaring at her. "Momma, what happened?" Ana just shook her head and waited for clearance.
Kirk walked away from the shuttle, and that amazing woman. She'd gone through something that would have torn anyone else apart, and yet she'd held together. Putting his hands in his pockets, he found his hand hitting something cold. Removing it, he saw it was a holo-disc. Grinning, he stopped the elevator and called for his quarters. Once inside, he sat at the small computer on his desk and inserted the disc. A holographic image of Ana appeared in front of him, "Hello James. If you're looking at this, then you've sent me and my children away...hopefully to our own time and space." she paused for a moment, and then continued, "James there are a lot of things I wish I could tell you; like how to win a court case against a computer, or what to do when your best friend goes crazy, but the truth is that I can't...you need to learn those things for yourself. It's what make you the man I married in my time. You're a strong man, James, with a stubborn streak that will come in handy in the years to come. Don't give up on Spock either, he'll soon learn what it means to be human, if he hasn't already..." she glanced behind her, and nodded at someone he couldn't see, "I need to go now, James. Thank you again for letting us travel with you, to see your Enterprise, and mingle with your crew. It's thanks to you that my daughters have some idea about their father. If I don't contact you within two hours, go on and leave. There's no point in waiting longer than that..." The transmission cut out, but before he was able to remove the disc, another image came on the screen, "Steady as she goes, James, and I'll be watching you."
He smiled, then hit replay.
Ana had waited for two hours, before sending out a distress call, "Enterprise, Shuttle to Enterprise. Come in Captain." there was only static and she resent it. The children were asleep on the floor behind her, Ty cradled between his sisters; the twins not wanting him to leave them. Ana turned back to the console, and resent the distress call. Again, only static in response and she set the console to automatic transmission. Ana went back to her son and woke him gently, "Ty...Ty." The little boy moved and groaned, "What Momma?" she whispered, "I'm going outside to take a look around, and gather some firewood. The power-cells aren't going to last much longer, and we should save them for communication. I'll be back in one hour, Ty. Don't open the door for anyone but me, understood?" he nodded, and went back to sleep.
She had to find something to keep her children warm, and soon; their power cells would only last a few more hours before they completely gave out. Opening the door, Ana left the shuttle and shut it, taking one of the two keys to it's lock. The asteroid they'd landed on was in a steady orbit around a sun, and as such, had a variety of plant life. There was a small water stream only about three yards from their landing zone, and a veritable treasure trove of berry bushes on its banks. There were tall trees that looked like oaks, and fallen branches around their trunks. Ana was careful not to lose sight of the shuttle, and began to pile branches and leaves next to it. The shuttle would be perfect for a shelter, with it's locking door, and the stream would provide water. She started in a circular pattern, moving further and further away from the shuttle. Her children were safe inside titanium walls, and Ty had his orders...
There were footsteps outside, but they were too heavy to be Momma's...and there were too many of them. At least three people, maybe four, Ty couldn't be sure. He'd woken up at the first sounds, but had yet to move. Amanda had her arm over him protectively, while Moria always had been a light sleeper. "Ty...do you hear that?" she whispered, snuggling close to his arm." he nodded, and rolled out from underneath Amanda's arm. Momma had left a spare phaser underneath the pilots seat, and he knew how to use it. Setting it for stun, he held the gun ready and waited.
A knock on the door, and then a voice, "Hello? Hello in there!" That voice...it couldn't be. "Hello? Is anyone in there?"
"Doctor McCoy?" Moria whispered, crawling to her brother. "McCoy, is that you?" she called out, making Ty shush her. "Moria?! Moria, are your brother and sister with you?" Ty rolled his eyes, "Yes...I'm here, and Amanda too." There wasn't any noise on the other side of the door, and then he asked, "Can you open the door, Ty? Are any of you hurt?" Ty looked at his still healing right arm in the sling, "Not really...but how do I know that you're really you?" He heard the man chuckle on the other side of the door, "You're just like your father, you know that Ty? Stubborn as a mule in a mud pit." Ty looked at Moria and smiled broadly, "Hang on, McCoy. I'm opening the door."
Hitting the switch, Ty watched his sister leap from her spot next to him and into the doctors arms. "It's really you!" Behind McCoy was another familiar face... "SPOCK!" Ty shouted, and rushed to greet his old tutor. "Where is your sister, Amanda?" he asked, looking the little boy in the eye.
"She's inside. Ty wouldn't lie about them." Both children stopped rejoicing, and stepped back to stare behind their well known friends. Neither could speak for the shock, the joy that erupted inside them...that is until they heard Amanda scream from the doorway.
"FATHER!" the little girl leaped from the doorway and ran to him. James Kirk dropped to his knees and enveloped his youngest in tight hug, "Amanda...oh Minnow you're alright." Moria was quick on her sisters heels, and grappled her father around the neck, "Ria, darling." his strong arms wrapped around them both and he held them. He'd been so afraid that he'd lost them, forever. He looked over their heads at his oldest, his boy. Ty hung back, waiting for his turn. He was trying so hard to not cry, but tears were rolling down his face. For so long, Ty had had to be the man of the family...and here his father was, alive and well. His beloved, and well admired father. Carefully, James set his girls aside, and went to his son, "Ty?"
Ty's face erupted in a smile and he grabbed his father close, "Father...Father! I thought we'd never see you again." Ty was crying hard now "I thought so too, son... It's alright now. I'm here." James pulled back and looked at his children, his treasured children, "Where's your mother?"
Ana made her way back to the shuttle carefully, picking her way through the underbrush. She'd found a large quantity of animal life on her trip. Her family would at least have food for a while, until they were found at least. Glancing at the sun, she picked up her pace, no longer caring if she made a loud noise. Her hour was up, and Ty would begin to worry, maybe even set out after her. She couldn't let that...
The door was open. She could have sworn she'd closed it. A shiver ran through her as she broke into a run. "Ty! Ria! Minna!" she shouted, getting to the door and finding the shuttle empty. "TY!" she shouted into the trees, standing in the doorway. Her spare phaser was sitting on the chair..moved from its place beneath it. Ty was the only one who knew how to use it, Maybe the girls woke up and had to use the restroom. Ty wouldn't have let them go alone, but what could he do with his injury? "Ty, where are you? Moria, Amanda...answer me!" she called once more. There was movement in the bushes to her right, and made her jump a little. "Ty you'd better not be toying with me." she said, staring down the bush.
"No one's toying with you, Analise."
Her heart stopped. That voice...that teasing tone... Slowly, she turned around, and saw a sight she'd all but given up on seeing again. His eyes were that same shade of blue, his hair only slightly grayer with worry over them...his mouth set in the same cocky grin... "James?" she whispered, and took the smallest of steps forward. His eyes brightened, his mouth widened into one of his captivating smiles, "JAMES!" She ran to him, and clung to his neck, never wanting to let him go. "Ana..." his voice was full of unsaid emotion. The pain of losing touch with his family, the years of worry, and the unspent love for his wife. "Ana." his arms wrapped around her, gripping her tightly. "Oh, Ana." She pulled back slightly, to look into his eyes, "James...where are the children?" he smiled, "Safe. I had them transported to the Enterprise when we found them." Ana's eyes hazed slightly, "The Enterprise..she's okay?" He smiled, and brought his forehead to hers. "Yes, the Enterprise is fine." his breath was coming quicker now, as though he had just run a race, "Ana..." she smiled, "I know, James. I know."