Co/Authored by Lone Wolf O'Neill. Please read and give us your thoughts both good and bad.

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CH 3 Christmas Guests Arrive

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ENTERPRISE BRIG

"Spock are the kids at the rendez vous coordinates," Jim asks as he, Lauren, and Jack exit the brig and head for transporter room twelve.

The term kids cause Spock to raise an eyebrow in confusion. "The Jedi Masters Corran Horn and Undali are at the designated coordinates if that is the information you are requesting Sir but I do not know if they are children sir," Spock tries to clarify who the Captain is referencing.

"Great. I'm on my way there now. Have Chekov wait to beam them aboard on my mark. Kirk out." The trio enters the turbo shaft. Jim is deep in thought about whether this is his best command decision of late. Lauren is so happy she is smiling from ear to ear. Jack is wondering if he should have ever taken the assignment to the Enterprise.

"Sir are you sure we should be doing this. Last time we had three Jedi beamed aboard it didn't work out so well," Jack remembers the night Zala Tsu and the other Sith came on board.

"Huh," Kirk replies not paying attention. "Yeah, they are kids Jack. How much trouble can two sixteen year olds and a fourteen year old cause?" The turbo doors open and the trio begin to make their way to transporter room twelve.

"You obviously need more experience with kids Sir," Jack laughs. "Sam used to throw these obnoxiously large birthday parties for the boys back on earth. Ever spend the afternoon with 26 kids? Even with my combat training they almost overwhelmed my defenses."

Lauren laughs out loud at Jack's comment. She may not have had experience with Name Day parties but she has been trapped in a room of younglings for several hours alone. Jack's assessment is on target. Jim stops in the hall to address the COS. "We already have six kids on board. What can three more do?"

Lauren suddenly stiffens. She can feel Kate is close. For as much as she has wanted to see her daughter, Lauren is scared. Kate has every right to hate her. Lauren has accepted that Kate will not give her a warm greeting. She prepares what she will say as the turbo doors open.

Kate comes out of the turbo laughing with Joanna and Bones. Over the past two weeks, Kate has felt so much better. Her dad letting her work in different departments on the ship after school has given her purpose and the need to improve her time management skills. Kate knows Kirk is not sold on this internship idea but the deal was if Kate kept her grades up, minded her manners, and obeyed her father she could keep the job. She can't imagine not interning for the 90 minutes every day so she is working extra hard to be perfect. As soon the trio step out of the turbo they realize they are on the wrong level. Bones presses the button to get the turbo back. Kate glances down the hallway as she waits. She sees her dad coming back from the away mission along with Jack, and a woman in a red dress.

"Let's go," Bones shoos them in as the door opens. He can't believe that Kate will be late because of him.

"Hey my dad's back," Kate says surprised and take off at a jog towards him. "Dad! You are back early you," Kate's words get stuck in her throat. She can't believe who her father is standing next to. Her heart beat increases and she needs to remember how to breathe. Her dad looks like he is about to shoot something. Kate knows he did not mean for Kate to see her mom this way. Kate looks at her mom for the first time in eight years and can feel everyone in the hall staring at her. "Wow, when did you go from PTA president and 'oh golly I burned the cookies' to Natasha Romanov with the six inch fuck me stilettos?" Kate challenges staring Lauren up and down.

"Kate," Kirk says in a neutral tone indicating he doesn't want her to talk to her mom like that but also that he is there for her if she needs him.

Kate looks at him dumbfounded. "What? Did she look like this the last time you saw her? Ready to be picked up for the night, because she was in pants and a sweater when she dropped me off at Fairesmere Institute for Education and Humanities." Kate says. "What have you been doing for the past eight years mom," Kate stresses mom sarcastically. "From that get up I can't believe we haven't seen you on Nar Shaddaa or Gargon." Kirk wants to step in and try to make this easier for Kate but she has a right to be mad. Of all the people Lauren has wronged, Kate deserves her chance to confront Lauren more than anyone else. Kirk moves behind Kate and puts his hands on her shoulders for support.

"Stopping the Sith and now the Vong," she says simply. It does not seem like enough of answer for Kirk but Kate pulls from his grasp and runs to Lauren wrapping her arms around her waist. Lauren wraps her arms around Kate and rests her cheek on Kate's head rocking her slowly side to side. Kirk is unsure how to react. He wants Kate to be happy. Feel unconditional love from Lauren but on the other hand he wanted Lauren to be shunned for what she had done. "Hi baby," she says softly to Kate. Kirk crosses his arms and watches the interaction. He is mildly surprised by the fact Kate is not rejecting Lauren more. "I am so sorry angel."

"It's fine," Kate says in a neutral tone. "You had a job to do. I get that. I wish you didn't but dad takes off too." Kirk feels like he has been sucker punched. First off Lauren left for eight years and he only goes away for eight hours at the most before he comms Kate or sees her. The comparison of him to Lauren pisses him off. He calms himself down with the fact that Kate seems happy. He wants her to be happy and will not ruin this moment. It will be hard enough when Lauren leaves again. "I've missed you a lot but I get it. They need you. I can either hate it or deal with it. Just don't leave me again with a lie. From now on when you're going to leave just tell me okay," Kate requests still holding her mom. Kate knows she should be angry but what good will that do. Kate lashing out at her will only make it happen again sooner. Lauren has left before. It is only a matter of time until she does again. Kate plans to try and enjoy every minute she has with her until that time.

Kirk allows his girls a quiet moment. Kate's reaction to Lauren completely shocked him. Even though Lauren has promised Kate will remain on the Enterprise with him he does not know these Solo kids. Meeting them before Kate does was a solid decision. Kate looks like she would take off now if her mom asked her to so the Solo situation could be more dangerous. Kirk needs to separate Kate form the equation. "Kate I want you to go to school. Your mom and I have some things to do and will be there soon." Kirk says authoritatively. Kirk may have given the okay for the Solos kids to board the Enterprise but he wants to make sure they will behave before he tells Kate they are here.

"But dad," she whines looking at him pleadingly. "My mom just got here. Can't you do your stuff later?" Jim exhales deeply. He had hoped to have Kate meet everyone in a controlled setting, not in the middle of a hall.

"No. Go. You will see her before lunch I promise," he tries to be reasonable. A defiant look flashes across her face. Kirk stares sternly at her before speaking. "Look Katie bug I know it is not what you want but it is the way it is going to be. Go to school. Don't make me have to ask you again." Lauren sees Kate sulk but follow her dad's directions.

"Whatever," she says in a smart assed tone but complies walking back towards the turbo shaft. Jim holds in his annoyance. If it was any other day on the Enterprise, her disrespect would have been brought to her attention swiftly; however it is not an ordinary day on the Enterprise so Jim gives Kate some leeway.

"Let's go," he says sharply to Lauren and Jack walking away. He hopes things will be better once the Solo kids are on board. Kate's unexpected challenge to him raises concern it will only get worse. He decides to keep a close eye on his daughter. He enters the transporter room and takes a deep breath. "Energize," he commands. As the white lights appear on the pads, Kirk steels himself for the upcoming encounter. He prays his faith in his wife in not misguided. The Jedi kids match the image he has seen of them once long ago in the ready room when Kate showed the senior staff her presents form the Sith shuttle.

"I am Captain James T. Kirk of the USS," Jim begins introducing himself but is sharply cut off as a young blonde runs off the pad.

"Took you long enough," he says staring at Jim up and down. "Master Shan told us it was fast but we were like waiting forever. Your little transporter device thing broke? I could help you fix it. I'm great with electronics." The boy is smiling from ear to ear. Anakin makes a grand show of checking his body for missing parts. "Still got 'em all," he laughs hopping down the transporter steps. "And they still work."

"Of course you do and the transporter is working just fine. I was about to say," Jim tries to continue with his speech but is interrupted by Anakin's curiosity.

"Ever had someone come up missing parts?" Anakin asks. Jim can't tell if the boy is joking or serious.

"Not since it has been perfect." Jim assures the boy. "You are,"

"And before that?" Anakin presses on ignoring that Kirk is trying to speak. He is fascinated by the transporter technology.

"Let's just say the test animals weren't always pretty but it is safe now," Jim explains trying to alleviate Anakin's concerns. He waits to see if Anakin had any more questions. No point in being interrupted again.

"So were there like heads where legs should be?"

Jim has to stifle a laugh. "I just heard about it but that was before my time anyways."

"Huh but no problems since," Anakin presses the point once again.

"No problems at all." Jim tries to sound friendly. He remembers how nervous Kate was in the beginning using the transporters. She has gotten better but still is not a fan of using them.

"Not one," Anakin questions Jim like he does not believe him.

Jim tries a new approach. "We have redundant safety features built in to them. Now if someone tampers with them that might be a problem, but again redundancy," Jim assures the boy.

"So you could make a tauntaun with a head for a leg," Anakin proposes. Jim does not even know how to answer that question.

"Anakin let the man talk. We aren't going to get to see Kate until he has the speech he prepared for us finished. I'm Jaina and this is Anakin," she introduces herself and her youngest brother. She looks over her shoulder at Jacen. "The serious one is Jacen but don't let his aloof demeanor fool you. He is a great guy."

Jim is taken aback by the casualness on the young adults. They are acting like he has known them forever. Jim needs to make them aware that although he plans on being friendly there are some lines that will not be crossed. "You are," is all Jim manages to get out before he is interrupted again.

"I am sorry about the Corran Horn thing but we did not know if you were friendly or not until Master Shan assured us through the Force you were a friend. It is so nice to finally meet you," Jaina steps off the transporter pad. "We have been worried for two months about Kate. You know where she was, who had her, was she okay," Jaina rambles. Kirk shakes his head slightly. Maybe Jack was right. Maybe three more kids will make a difference. The Solo kids are not what he had expected. Jim expected to see solemn mini-adults on his transporter pad. What is appears he has gotten in a grown up version of Kate at sixteen and a male version of her at twelve. Jim eyes Jacen who is calmly watching everyone. "Captain," Jaina inquires seeing Jim staring at Jacen instead of listening to her. "I am saying thank you for taking care of our sister."

"You're welcome," Jim says waiting to see if he is going to be cut off again before he begins to speak. After several seconds of silence he tries again. "What I was saying was that you are welcomed guests aboard the Enterprise. I just have a few rules I feel," abruptly he is interrupted by Jacen this time.

"Of course and I assure you that we will not be using these," Jacen pats the light saber at this hip, "while we are on board. Also no Force use, just in case you were wondering. We never use the Force for personal gains or to take advantage of any situation unless it is warranted. You aren't planning on trying to take up hostage now are you?" Jacen gives Kirk a warm smile and extends his hand in greeting. "I can't thank you enough for letting us on board. It is a calculated risk you are taking but well worth it."

"Jacen you may need to hand over the light saber," Lauren warns getting a shocked look all the Solo kids.

"Where is Kate anyway? I thought she would be here," Anakin asks walking to the door. Jim can no longer take the confusion and everyone talking at the same time. He whistles loud gaining everyone's attention. The kids turn sharply towards Jim as the shrill sound fills the room.

"Stop for one minute and listen," he yells not quite in a command voice. "I know you want to see Kate but we have to get a few things straight first." Everyone in the room trains they eyes on Jim. "Kate is NOT going with you when you leave. Get that in your heads now. If you have any plans to coerce her into coming get that out of your heads. Kate has been through a lot recently. I do not want her hurt. Life is very different here than in Skyriver. She is finally adjusting and I WILL NOT allow anything to change that. In several days you will be leaving and it will be hard enough for her to deal with being left without a guilt trip from you. Got it." Jim's voice was firm and authoritative.

"Sir, that is not our intention," Jacen speaks for the group. "If you know Kate like you are claiming…she will demand to come home with us if she knew the truth about the war." Jacen slowly comes down the pad to stand in front to Jim. Jacen floods the room with calming thoughts through the Force. "That is why she cannot come. She is not ready to take her place with us as a Jedi. She needs a vast amount of training before she is ready." Jim bristles at the assumption Kate would be allowed to run off and join the Jedi IF she was ready. This is why Kate was not allowed to meet them at the transporter pad. He forces himself to remain calm as Jacen continues to speak. Jim can tell Jacen in sincere with his words but Kirk needs to get his gut feeling that the Solo kids are telling the truth. "Lauren told you of the upcoming mission," Jacen looks for Lauren to acknowledge his assumption. Upon getting her head nod he continues. "well Kate can't know Captain. I'd appreciate it if you would stay silent?"

Kirk crosses his arms staring at Jacen. His gut tells him the boy is sincere. "So would I. Kate is enamored with your universe. In her mind the Milky Way is a backwater galaxy still rubbing sticks together to create fire," Jim laughs. "But we hold our own." His last comment is meant as a semi threat of watch out but is lost on the kids.

"Good. We'd like this to be fun and not sad. The upcoming mission holds a great deal of risk and all involved need some time with their loved ones. This is the reason we were allowed to accompany Master Shan." Jacen speaks like a veteran soldier about to be deployed. Kirk feels a pang of sadness that he has grown up so fast. At that moment he has decided Kate will never be giving him this speech at sixteen. Until she is legally able to walk out his door, Kate will not be a Jedi.

"So you want to Jedi mind probe us to make sure we are not a danger to our sister?" Anakin asks sarcastically. "We have traveled three weeks in hyperspace to get here. I'm not ready to get back in the speeder now. Can we see her now?" Although Anakin appears to think three weeks is an inordinately long travel time, the speed of their ships astound Jim. To come over three hundred thousand light years in three weeks is mind boggling.

"For now you word is good enough for me. Jack will need to take possession of your weapons. Hand them over and you can see Kate." Kirk waits to see if the Solo kids comply. To his surprise they do. Jacen collects the sabers and hands Jim three silver tubes.

"Please do not doubt our sincerity. We want this to work as much as you do," Jacen says simply.

"Thank you Mr. Solo?" Kirk is unsure how to address these kids. He wished he had asked Lauren prior to their arrival.

"Please call us Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin Sir," Jacen smiles.

Kirk relaxes slightly. He sees how Kate took easily to their family. So far they have been friendly, warm and gracious. Now it is his turn. Jim looks at his watch. It is 0740 hours. Kate should still be in the mess hall. "Okay wanna go see Kate?" Jim asks with a smile and leads them out of the room.

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MESS HALL

Jim enters the mess hall. Kate and her friends are at their typical table with Bones, Scotty, Uhura, and Sam O'Neill finishing breakfast. He walks up behind Kate who is rambling on. "Baby, I have a surprise for you," Jim whispers in her ear.

"Huh," Kate says spinning around to see the Solo kids standing behind her. "Oh my god!" Kate screams bashing her knee into the tables as she flies up. "Jacen," she cries throwing herself into his arms.

"Hey Katie. I am so glad we found you," Jacen whispers in her ear holding her tight. "How are you? Have they been taking good care of you?"

"Yes," Kate confirms smiling moving to Jaina. "Oh my god I have missed you so much. I never thought I would see you again." Kate's voice hitches but she controls the tears. They are here now. It is not a time to cry but be happy.

"Like we were gonna leave you to terrorize an unsuspecting galaxy. Don't be such a kih bayana (dumb ass)," Anakin laughs picking her up in a hug swinging her back and forth. "Someone had to come tell these guys what they were getting themselves into with you." Anakin finally puts her down. Kate is speechless. She has dreamt of this for so long and now she is with her family again. Kate looks over at her dad. He is standing off to the side watching them. Jim looks slightly on edge surprising Kate. Jim is always the picture of calm except when they are at home and he is mad at her.

"Dad, when did you know about this? Is this why I could not stay with you and mom?" Kate asks walking over to him.

"Only about an hour Katie bug," Jim says with a forced smile. Jim knows Kate loves him but he can't help but be insecure.

Kate can see how uncomfortable her dad is. She crosses the space between them wrapping an arm around his waist. Kate leans her head against his side as she speaks. "Well I guess you already know my dad." Kate squeezes him in a side hug. Jim is shocked by the sudden show of emotion. He wraps an arm around her side enjoying it. "Guys this is Jaina, Anakin, and Jacen my family fromm Skyriver." The table nods and murmurs hi's and hellos. "Ok in order they are Bones, Uhura, Sam, Erika, Ronin, Joanna, Cameron, and John," Kate says pointing each person out as she calls their names. An uncomfortable silence falls as Kate does not continue the conversation.

Joanna is the first to speak. "We are so happy to meet you. Kate talks about you all the time. Some of the stories she tells are….well frankly unbelievable," Joanna laughs.

"If they are about this family I don't doubt it. We are sorta famous," Anakin jokes slinging an arm around Jaina's shoulders. "The Solo kids simply rock it."

"I think that is infamous," Jaina giggles and lays her head against Anakin's.

"So how long are they staying?" Kate asks looking up at her dad.

"Well two days I think," Jim states looking at Lauren. This was a question he should have had clarification on before now.

"About that sweetheart," Lauren smiles at Kate. Kate's face falls slightly but she quickly puts on a smile for show.

Jim senses Kate's disappointment. "Well maybe you should go make use of the time you have then huh," he says squeezing Kate tightly. Kate looks at him confused. He never lets her miss school for anything. Jim reads his daughter's expression easily. "Just for today okay. This is a onetime pass. Think of it as an early Christmas present." Kate's face brightens. She hugs her dad tightly.

"Thank you," she whispers. Her head is spinning with the events of today.

"Captain, the USS Kongo is hailing us. What would you like me to tell them?" Spock's monotone voice comes over Kirk's comm.

"Tell them to beam over. Jack will meet their party in transporter room 12 in a moment. Kirk out." Jim releases Kate to address the group. "Well some of us have to work today so have fun and we will meet up for an early dinner okay." Jim kisses her head. "Ready?" He says walking towards the door. Jack smiles at his wife before following Jim out of the room.

The kids stare at the Jedi and the adults Lauren. Without Jim there are a mediating presence, the table falls uncomfortably silent. "Lauren…good to see ya darlin'. You staying this time?" Bones asks taking a sip of his coffee. Kate never thought about how the Enterprise would react to her mom showing up unexpectedly. She knew they were close at one time. Kate stays silent watching the adults size up her mom. She isn't sure whose side she should be on when the fight eventually breaks out.

Lauren could kill Jim for leaving her in the lion's den but she supposes she deserves it. "For a while. Jim is letting me visit for the time being. Who knows what the future will hold." Lauren says cautiously. Lauren lets her eyes drift to Nyota. "How are you Ny?"

"Fine," Uhura replies curtly picking up her tray, "and yourself?" Kate can sense the unspoken hostility between the two women. Before she can interject Uhura leaves the table.

"It's okay Kate," Bones says softly. "If you dad can take her back so can we." Kate exhales loudly. Of all the people on the ship, Bones reads her emotions the easiest. Kate gives him a weak smile as Anakin moves to stand by Kate dropping an arm around her shoulders.

"It's tough for everyone Kate. Give it some time alright," he says kissing her head. Kate rests her head on Anakin's shoulder for support.

"Well I guess that means we should be getting to work and you guys school," Bones says standing up from the table. "Jacen, Jaina, Anakin…welcome aboard." Bones walks around the table and kisses Joanna before saying good bye.

John is instantly jealous of Anakin's arm around Kate. He knows it is stupid. "He is her brother for Christ's sake," his subconscious tells him but the thought of not seeing her today bothers him. "Well I guess I will see you later then." John meant it as a statement but it sounded a little desperate to him. "You ready for the history test tomorrow?" He asks desperate for a topic of conversation. The blank look on Kate's face lets him know she forgot again. "You can get my notes later okay. Have a great day with your….family." John says picking up his tray. "We still up for basketball later?"

"Maybe. Comm me when you are done with work and school," Kate says as they leave. Kate looks at her siblings not sure what to do. "Wanna come see my quarters," she asks smiling.

"Lead on," Jacen says with a sweeping arm gesture.

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ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

Jim exits the turbo. "Lt. Sanders put me through to the USS Kongo please," Kirk says taking his seat. A nod by Lt. Sanders indicates the comm is open. An Andorian male in a Star Fleet uniform fills the view screen. "Captain ch'Raazhi," Jim says formally, "I am sorry I was late but I had a pressing matter to deal with. Your arrival was earlier than expected."

"Captain Kirk," he nods, "we were closer than Star Fleet estimated. I also have a special delivery for you from Admiral Pike. With your permission I would like to beam it over to your ship."

"Admiral Pike?" Jim says surprised. "Know what it is?"

"I am only the delivery man," Captain ch'Razhi laughs. "On a more serious note, was your guest much trouble?"

"No, we kept him in the Brig since we apprehended him. He has been demanding a lawyer. Star Fleet was made aware of his request. He wants to cut a deal," Jim shares. He leaves out the part where Lauren used the Jedi Mind Trick to get him to confess.

"Jim, we are in the transporter room with Kendricks and Severt from the Kongo with Runo and his cropnies. Permission to transport the prisoners over," Jack asks.

"Did you copy that Captain ch'Raazhi?" Jim looks for confirmation at the viewport.

"Beam them over on your mark Captain Kirk," ch'Raazhi confirms.

"Jack energize at will." Jim hears Jack give the command through he open comm line. "They should be arriving now. " Jim waits for ch'Raazhi verification.

"We have them. Godspeed on your journey Enterprise. Ch'Raazhi out." The screen goes black as Jim relaxes back in his chair. One problem solved and three more will disappear in two days. So far they have not been as difficult as he has feared but it has only been a few hours. Rand shoves a cup of hot coffee and his PADD in his hands, which he accepts gratefully. As he opens the PADD Lauren strolls onto the bridge.

"Jim totally forgot but I need you to beam me back down to the moon colony so I can get my X-wing." Lauren says in a tone like she wants needs Jim to drive her to the store.

It takes him a minute to process what she is saying. "You have a second ship," Jim asks shocked. So far his wife has not been forthcoming with every detail.

"How do you think I got down there?" Lauren's tone is condescending.

"The Endeavor," he responds like it is the most logical answer.

"Jim," Lauren looks at him like he is a small child. "A YT-1300 transport ship is not exactly inconspicuous. So I need you to take me back and get my X-wing."

Uhura can't take it any longer. She thought she had seen enough of Lauren as she left the mess hall. "Bitch you did not just ask to walk back into our house like you belong here," Uhura says turning around from her console. Sulu and Chekov never having met Kirk's wife in person at the Academy are stunned.

"Ny I know you are pissed but now is not the time. We can discuss how I also won the world's worst roommate and best friend award twelve years in a row after I get my ship okay," Lauren says calmly. Lauren wants to make it right with Uhura. They were good friends once. Lauren misses her and wants to try and make it right.

"Sulu do you know what is going on?" Chekov says looking like he is caught in the middle of his parents fighting.

"Um…. I'd say that is the Captain's wife and Uhura is going to kill her. Best guess," Sulu says having to remember to close his mouth as Uhura totally unloads on Lauren.

Uhura crosses her arms while staring her best friend. Lauren will never know how bad she hurt Bones, Spock, herself and Jim; however, Uhura will try to make her understand the first time they are alone. "NO you don't just get to walk back in our life like your shit doesn't stink and expect us to…"

Jim's world is spiraling out of control and he needs to fix it now. "Enough both of you," Kirk says like he is breaking up a fight between two teenage daughters. "Mr. Sulu please turn the Enterprise around so Lauren can get her bird. Lauren didn't your mom teach not to leave your toys out," he waves a finger in front of her face. Lauren stares at Jim like he is a petulant child.

Uhura watches Lauren go before turning her seat back to communications. She is there for about three seconds before she throws her earphone at the wall shattering it. Lauren was her best friend and roommate at the academy before Galia. She warned Kirk that she was trouble but that man could never make a decent decision when it came to her. Uhura can't decide if she is more upset that Lauren hurt Kirk or that she left without saying a word to her.