McCoy nearly choked on his whiskey when Jim let that bomb drop. "Your what!? Your daughter?!"
Jim nodded. "I told you it was complicated." You better top me off if you want to hear the whole story. McCoy silently filled Jim's glass and sat back in his chair expectantly. "Annie's mother, Kendal and I had a relationship, much to her parents' dismay. I wasn't exactly the kind of guy most parents wanted to see their daughter with. When we were nineteen, Kendal got pregnant and her parents forbade us from seeing each other. They sent Kendal to Des Moines, Iowa until after the baby was born. They didn't let her come back home until I was twenty one. Well, at that point I was getting ready to join Starfleet. I hadn't heard from Kendal in that entire time. I got one picture of Annie when she was a year old. They didn't bring Kendal back until after I left. I wanted to be there for them, but Kendal's parents wouldn't hear of it and there was nothing I could do. Shortly after I left and Kendal and Annie came back to Riverside, Kendal's father got sick and died. Her mom was so upset, that she...well…"
"Suicide?" Bones spoke softly.
"Yup," Jim sighed and rubbed the back of his neck and launched on. "So Kendal was alone and had no idea where I was. She taught music lessons, and I never knew if she moved back to her parents' house. She'd send my mom a picture every year or so from the school address and I would mail Annie gifts from wherever we went. I tried to get in contact with Kendal through letters and such, but she never responded."
"But Annie wants to see you now? How old would that make her?" Bones asked as he refilled his glass.
"Fifteen, and there's more." Jim frowned a little.
"Kendal was in an accident three years ago and died. Annie's been living with my brother Sam and his wife for the last three years. Kendal was an only child and she named Sam and Melissa legal guardians. My brother…not me." With that Jim dropped his face into his hands. He wasn't really crying, but McCoy noticed his friend's shoulders shaking. Not sure what else to do, McCoy reached out and put a hand on Jim's shoulder.
"Jim, she's reaching out to you now." McCoy observed.
Jim raised his face to look his friend in the eye. "I know, but is a Starship any place for a fifteen year old?
"Maybe you could request some shore leave…"
"I can't do that now," Jim sighed.
"Okay…well, just think, Chekov was only seventeen when he started serving on Enterprise." Bones pointed out.
"She's never left Iowa, according to Sam," Jim pointed out. "Melissa called back and said Annie was excited about coming on board. She plays in her school band, prefers to eat non-replomat food only and wants to see me for her sixteenth birthday. Melissa had to point out that this is during Annie's school break so she would have three months."
"I'm not saying it wouldn't be a change, but damnit Jim, she's your daughter." Bones argued.
"You're right." Jim gave in easily. "We'll be in San Francisco in a week. My couch is pretty comfortable…"
"For you, give her your bed." Bones directed.
"I sure hope Annie knows what she's in for." Jim handed his empty glass back to Bones.
"Everything will be great, you'll see." McCoy promised, but silently added to himself, 'I hope'.
"Thanks Bones, I knew I could count on you." Jim stood up and made his way to the turbo lift.
"You should talk to Uhura about planning some sort of sweet sixteen birthday party," McCoy suggested as he put the bottle back in the cabinet.
"I'll do that," Jim nodded. "Good night."
"Good night Jim."
A week later, Jim was anxiously waiting in the transport room. It felt like they would never get there. Bones stood beside him and Chekov was at the computer. Although Jim had the utmost faith in Ensign Lor's ability at transporting, he wanted the absolute best for Annie.
"Alright Captain, here they come," Chekov said as he worked with the levers in front of him. Within
moments, three figures materialized before him. At first Jim was stunned by what he saw, until he felt Bones jab him in the back.
"Annie!" Jim smiled broadly. The girl was still holding Sam and Melissa's hands and still seemed a little shaky and unsure of herself.
Melissa helped her off the transport pad while Sam picked up her bags.
"Hi…dad," Annie finally spoke.
"See Anne, I told you transporting is perfectly safe." Sam threw one of the bags over his shoulder and tossed the other one to Jim.
"Annie, I am so glad you are able to visit," Jim said awkwardly. He wasn't really sure what to say. Bones and Chekov both shifted a little nervously as well. "Oh sorry, Sam, Melissa, Annie, this is Pavel Chekov, my chief navigator and Bones, Dr. McCoy, our chief medical officer."
"It's great to meet you both, but we should be going, our transport back to Riverside leaves in a few minutes." Sam said.
"I can take that bag for you," Bones offered.
"We'll see you in a couple months," Melissa smiled and gave Annie an encouraging hug.
"Have fun you two," Sam grinned as he and Melissa stepped back onto the transport pad. As quickly as they arrived, Sam and Melissa were gone. Jim couldn't believe this young woman in front of him was actually his daughter. Her long brown hair was teased; she wore faded blue jeans and a shirt that looked at least a century old. Her face was covered in makeup, but when Jim looked in her eyes, behind all of the paint, he saw her. He saw who Annie really was. Jim recognized the devil-may-care look in her eyes as his own. The soft curve of her chin was just like her mother's.
"Well, let me show you where we'll be staying and then I can show you around the ship." Jim said cheerfully. "Are you hungry?"
"Not really. My stomach is still turning from the trip." Annie replied. She cast a glance out the small window at the far side of the room.
"Go have a look," Jim smiled. He followed her to the window. Annie cautiously took her first look into space down on Earth, looming below them.
"It's so small," Annie murmured. "I think I might be sick," Annie stepped back from the window.
"I know how you feel kid," Bones nodded as Jim gently led her to the bathroom. After a moment he came back out.
"Chekov, will you please let Mr. Spock know we are ready to move out. Let's take it slow, half impulse." Jim commanded.
"Yes Sir," Chekov hurried to the turbo lift to return to the bridge.
Jim and Bones waited for Annie to come back out. "Are you feeling better now?" Jim asked.
"A little," Annie shrugged.
"If you are still feeling air sick later, stop by and I can give you something." Bones suggested.
"Thank you Dr. McCoy." Annie smiled; she picked up the long flat black box that was still sitting next to the pad.
"What's that?" Jim asked as they made their way to the turbo lift.
"My guitar," Annie said proudly. "I saved up the credits from working in the Mix"
"You worked at the Mix!?" Jim asked incredulously. "That was the bar I used to frequent when I lived in Riverside." Jim explained to Bones.
"It's good money and security is tight, so I was always safe." Annie smiled. "You know, you're famous there."
"Probably for starting the most bar fights," Jim laughed ruefully.
"Actually, they named a drink after you." Annie laughed easily. "You wouldn't believe the grief I got back home for being Annie Kirk."
"You took my name?" Jim asked more surprised when Annie mentioned her name.
"Yeah, Mom told me you were a good guy and she told me it was always my choice. She named me after you, you know."
"Oh?" Bones asked confused.
"Annie James Kirk." Annie said proudly. "Grandma and Grandpa didn't like it, but mom told me to ignore them. Your drink is pretty popular. It's sort of like a cross between a Cardassian Sunrise and that old liquor, gin. It's alright."
Jim nodded approvingly. "I just hope you haven't had too many of those, you are still fifteen."
Annie rolled her eyes dramatically. "Most of the stuff at the Mix is replicated anyways so I usually just stick to water."
"Well, here we are," Jim said brightly as they came to the door of his quarters. He hit a button and the door swooshed open. Annie, feeling very timid, followed Jim and McCoy in. While Jim put the bags in the bedroom, Annie glanced around the room. It was pretty basic, nice, but nothing like home.
"Where is this Doctor McCoy?" Annie asked, noticing a photograph hanging on the wall.
"That's Starfleet headquarters in Paris," McCoy answered. "Have you been to Paris?"
"I've never left Iowa," Annie grinned. "I guess I am pretty far from home now huh?"
"Well, hopefully your Dad will be able to show you all kinds of new places."
"What'll I do Bones?" Jim asked, reappearing.
"Oh I was just commenting on this photo here, and the Doctor said, you might show me some new places." Annie explained.
"We've got a couple items of business, but I am hoping to show you some pretty neat stuff. Hey, we've just passed the moon, would you like to see it?" Jim asked as he moved over to the window. Annie cautiously followed him.
"It sure is big," Annie breathed.
"Wait till we pass Jupiter," Jim smiled.
"Well, I'll let you two get acquainted." McCoy backed out of the room. "Call if you need anything for airsickness Annie."
"Thank you Doctor McCoy," Annie turned and waved.
Annie walked back over and started looking at the other photos lining Jim's walls.
"Where are all these other places?" Annie asked.
"These two here, are the new Vulcan colony," Jim came up behind Annie. "This snowy one is Delta Vega, a gift from Spock, who you'll meet later."
"Delta Vega does not look like a nice place," Annie studied the photo. "The barrenness almost reminds me of Iowa in January."
"I went there once," Jim chuckled a little. "It wasn't exactly by choice, and I swore I'd never go back. Spock thought I needed this photo to keep me in line."
"Keep you in line?" Annie turned to look at Jim.
"It's all a joke now," Jim smiled at the memory. Scotty had been right; he'd finally reached the day where he could look back on the Delta Vega incident and laugh. "Tonight, I was thinking we'd eat dinner here, and then I'll show you around the ship and you can meet some more people."
"Okay," Annie crossed the room and sat down on the couch, not taking her eyes off Jim. "You're taller than I expected."
Jim grinned. "Same with you," he said as he sat down on the couch with Annie.
"So tell me everything," Annie pressed.
"Where should I start," Jim asked leaning back.
"What made you join Starfleet?"
"Well, things in Riverside were not exactly going well," Jim started. "Did your mom tell you about her and me before you were born?"
"Yeah, you guys were together and Grandma and Grandpa didn't like it. Then she got pregnant with me and was sent to Des Moines…"
"Des Moines!" Jim crowed softly.
"Yeah…so, then I was born in August and she came back to Riverside in November and Grandpa told her you'd left. She heard from Winona, that you'd joined Starfleet."
"You'd met your other grandmother?" Jim asked.
"I never met her, but Mom talked to her occasionally in town. Winona wasn't there much and then we heard she died, what was it… nine… ten years ago?"
"It'll be ten years in May," Jim nodded.
"Yeah, so that's about all I know of you two pre-Starfleet." Annie shrugged.
"Alright, so the night your mom left, she and I had a date. The day before, she told me about you and we decided that we would get married and everything would be great. She'd do the music thing, and I was working as a mechanic. Well, that night, she didn't show up. I went over to her house and she and your grandfather were gone. Your grandmother wouldn't tell me where they'd gone to, but basically told me, none too kindly, to get lost and not come back ever again. I waited all weekend for your mom to come back. Sunday evening, your grandfather came back alone and told me the same thing your grandmother had. He also told me your mom was not coming back to Riverside at all. Well, I was a wreck, and went to town and got drunk, got into a little scuffle with some Starfleet cadets, a couple of them are actually part of my security team now, and then met the late Admiral Pike and he recruited me…more or less. I figured what the heck, if your mom was gone for good and they wouldn't tell me where, I didn't have anything left for me in Riverside. The next morning, I got on the shuttlecraft and next thing I knew, I was in San Francisco." Jim explained. "A few days later, I called my mom, your grandma, to tell her what I'd done. She didn't exactly take it well, but told me she would support me, and do what she could to find you and Kendal. I hope you know, I always thought about you and wondered about you."
"I know Dad," Annie smiled.
Jim felt like his heart would burst. He loved hearing her call him dad. "So now it's my turn, what have you been up to these past fifteen years," Jim asked as he went over and got some water and a couple glasses. Annie and Jim talked for hours about everything from Annie's school work and love of history to Jim's crazy childhood and his love of exploring new planets. When Jim went to get them some dinner from the replomat, Annie explained her distaste for replicated food, Jim promised her as many opportunities as possible to get off the ship for 'real' food. He told her about a few of the stops the ship would have to make over the next few weeks and asked if there was any place in particular she wanted to visit. As they ate, they discussed which places would be ideal to visit.
"Well, after that big dinner, I could go for a walk," Jim stood up and stretched feeling a bit talked out. "How about a tour of the ship?"
"That sounds good," Annie smiled. "After hearing about all these people I can't wait to meet them."
As they started the tour, Jim took Annie to the bridge first where she met Sulu and several other lieutenants and ensigns. "I spend most of my time here," Jim explained. "During your stay, I will typically work from o-eight hundred hours until sixteen hundred hours, but we can always meet for lunch and feel free to page me if you need anything."
Annie nodded and gaped at the vast expanse of space out of the main view screen. Stars were slowly floating past as they were still moving at half impulse.
While Annie was looking out the main screen Jim checked in with Sulu.
"We need to reach Betazed in three days Captain," Sulu reminded Jim.
Jim nodded thoughtfully. "Alright let's move it up to full impulse and Mr. Sulu once we reach the Terra Nova remains, warp two."
"Yes Sir," Sulu made the necessary adjustments, and Annie and Kirk went on their way.
Twenty minutes later, Kirk led Annie to the recreation hall. Spock was picking at a Vulcan harp, Uhura and Chekov were playing cards and a few other people were around visiting and playing other games. When Jim and Annie walked in, the game and music were quickly forgotten.
"Mr. Spock, you play beautifully." Annie complimented Spock.
"Thank you," Spock replied. "Are you enjoying your tour?"
"I am, but Dad forgot to mention that this ship is huge," Annie laughed.
"And I have only shown you eight out of fifteen decks," Jim smiled and offered Annie a seat. Annie groaned a little.
"Maybe the rest of the tour will have to wait," Uhura nodded. "You have a birthday coming up, we hear."
"Yup, sixteen," Annie replied proudly. "I can't wait, because I will be able to legally ride my bike then."
Spock raised an eyebrow.
"That's my girl," Jim chuckled.
"You do sound like your father's daughter," Uhura agreed.
"Vat kind of bike do you haf?" Chekov asked.
"A real classic," Annie grinned. "I bought it off some engineer at the Riverside shipyards. He said he got it for free when some guy enlisted. I had to do a bit of work on it, but it purrs like a kitten now. I am actually really excited to turn sixteen because I will finally be a senior and get to start working on my senior project."
"You are graduating early?" Uhura asked.
"Yeah, they skipped me a couple years back. I was bored in my classes and they thought I should be challenged more." Annie explained. "I wish they offered more science classes, but it is Riverside so I won't hold my breath."
"What is the subject of your senior project?" Spock asked.
"I am working with a team of students and we've got a small plot of land, about two acres and we're going to see if we can stabilize and reverse the disease found in some local plants," Annie explained.
"Vhat methods vill you use?" Chekov asked.
"Well, we've looked at several options, but the results are slow to come. We are in the process of trying to obtain a small amount of protomatter, which would speed things up."
"Annie that stuff is in the process of being banned." Kirk pointed out.
Spock's face went dark for a minute.
"What's the matter Spock?" Uhura asked in concern.
"I was simply remembering something I was told by an old friend." Spock said looking firmly at Kirk. Jim and Spock both knew of Spock Prime's actions ten years earlier. It was Kirk's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Annie, you should not use protomatter. It will speed things up, but using it will cause your experiment to fail disastrously." Spock foretold.
"How will it make the experiment fail?" Annie asked, suddenly very serious. It was clear that she cared very much about this project.
"It is very unstable and dangerous." Spock answered firmly. "Many people have died from protomatter accidents."
"Excuse us for a moment please," Kirk smiled thinly and nodded Spock away from the group.
"What did Spock Prime tell you?" Kirk whispered.
"In the alternate timeline, his Jim had a son rather than a daughter…"
"A son!?" Jim mused.
"Captain…"
"Sorry, go on," Jim nodded.
"Jim's son was killed in an accident involving protomatter." Spock said simply. He didn't want to have to give too many details. Luckily, this little bit of information seemed to be enough for Jim. A pained expression flashed across Jim's face, but it quickly vanished. He straightened his shirt and turned back to the group.
"Annie, we can talk about your project more later," Jim declared. "What would you like to do to celebrate your birthday?"
"I hadn't really thought about it much beyond getting to see you." Annie smiled sheepishly.
"When is it exactly?" Uhura asked.
"August first, about a month and a half away," Annie answered.
"We could visit Riza," Jim suggested.
"Not for her sixteenth birthday sir," Uhura shook her head. "How about a big party on the ship?"
"That would be fun, we could have everyone on board come," Annie perked up. "Maybe it could be a dance!"
"Ve could get a band to play," Chekov suggested.
"I also brought all of my music from back home," Annie was growing more and more excited.
The comm system buzzed to life just then. "Chekov, your presence is requested on the bridge." The computer announced.
"It seems I cannot lef ensign Maddock for one hour." Chekov sighed and pushed away from the table. "Annie it vas nice to meet you. I vill see you again later I am sure."
"You too Lieutenant." Annie smiled and waved.
"A dance sounds great," Jim agreed after Chekov was gone. "Everyone can come dressed in their finest."
"Oh no," Annie shook her head.
"What?" Jim asked.
"No Starfleet uniforms," Annie continued. "Girls in dresses and guys in suits or tuxedos. Could we have like a formal ball?"
Jim glanced at Uhura for her reaction. She was grinning broadly. "I think that would be okay, but they may have to be replomated. Also, some of the non human races on board may have issues with wearing such clothes."
"Okay, if you are non-human you can where whatever constitutes formalwear on your home planet, as long as it is non-Starfleet."
"Why are you so opposed to Starfleet?" Jim asked gently.
"It's been in my face my whole life. I love you Dad and I know Starfleet is doing great things, but one night where there is no Starfleet would be nice. One night where Jim Kirk is my dad, not a Starfleet captain would be amazing."
No one said anything for a few minutes after that. Jim could only nod in acceptance.
"I'm sorry you guys," Annie looked down at her hands. "I didn't mean any disrespect."
"There is no reason for you to apologize," Spock finally spoke. "Your feelings towards Starfleet are understandable."
Uhura nodded in agreement.
"Lieutenant Uhura, I brought a nice pant suit with me, but no dresses. Do you think you could help me find one," Annie asked tentatively.
"I would be happy to," Uhura smiled warmly.
"We should be arriving at Betazed by tomorrow afternoon and we'll have some time to spend there." Jim reminded Uhura. "Perhaps before we pick up the Ambassador, we will have time for sightseeing and shopping."
"An excellent idea sir," Uhura nodded in agreement. "I believe I will retire for the evening, if you will excuse me."
"I must get back to the bridge as well," Spock also stood to leave.
After everyone left, Jim noticed Annie's gaze was shifting to a group of young men playing a game.
When Annie realized her father was watching her she blushed slightly. "I'm sorry to stare," Annie murmured.
"Riverside doesn't get many alien races," Jim patted Annie's hand. "Lieutenant P'Jat there is from Andoria." Jim explained softly. "He's talking to Ensign Ranjen who is from Bajor, and ensign Kinney is the one facing us."
"How many different races are onboard now?" Annie asked.
Jim thought for a few moments before responding. "About twenty five different races, but as you can see here, most of them are humanoid."
"Most of them?" Annie squeaked.
"Yes," Jim smiled. He then noticed they'd caught Ensign Kinney's attention. He wasn't expecting the feelings of protectiveness he had in his chest when he realized Kinney was looking at Annie, his Annie. "Are you ready to go back to our quarters?" Jim asked.
"Sure," Annie nodded. "I am getting tired."
They got up and walked out, but as they were leaving Annie turned to glance over her shoulder at the ensign who was still watching her as well.