So this is it! Hard to believe that I posted the first chapter about 6 months ago. And it's especially nice to have actually finished it! I have too many works in progress that just never seem to get done.

For all those that stuck by even through the delays and took the time to read - THANK YOU! Your reviews were especially motivating. And for everyone who did make it through all 35+ chapters, I hate to beg, but I would really love to hear your overall thoughts on this...even constructive criticism is appreciated.

And as I am happy that this is done...I think that I'll miss working on it. I hope that you all enjoyed reading it as much as I had writing it. SO without further adieu -

Not in a hundred years could Carol Marcus fathom who she was to escort. Her first thought upon Uhura's message was just how odd it was that the captain had even asked for her. But when she reported in to him, barely getting her words out as her eyes fell upon the hulking figure next to Loki, she found herself smiling foolishly when she was introduced. And when Thor gently took her hand and kissed it with his gratitude, she gushed even more, her face turning crimson.

And now as she led them down the corridor that she was certain was familiar to the dark haired brother, she found herself wanting to ask questions but had no idea where to start. She caught the glint off the cuff that Loki now wore and his stern expression so she stayed quiet other than to explain a little of the starship and where they were going.

Although Thor was mostly focused upon the upcoming talk, he did acknowledge the information he was given with small nods and minimal smiles. And upon reaching their destination he waited as the door slid open. "Carol Marcus, I would be happy to converse with you once I and my brother have finished."

Her mouth dropped with his insight before she smiled elatedly. "I would appreciate that," she barely managed to get out before he entered the observation lounge behind Loki.

Loki didn't wait but went straight to the large window overlooking the stars behind the ship. Their movement was already slowing, an indication that they were closing in on their destination of the starbase. "Why do you bother?" he demanded.

"I thought it only fair that I was to hear your side of the story." Thor joined Loki overseeing the view that was not all that different from the starry nights on the edge of the Bifrost.

"My side? Since when did you become all gracious enough to consider that there could possibly be another perception outside of your father's?"

Thor turned his back to the stars having expected nothing short of a confrontation rather than a discussion. "You were free to do whatever it is you wanted…"

"I was not free!"

"…within the realm of Asgard."

Loki set his lower jaw scrutinizing the God of Thunder. "If that is what you regard as being free, then perhaps I should be thrown back into the dungeons. It is all the same."

Thor growled under his breath. "It is not. Why Midgard? After all this time, you return here when you know it is not allowed."

"Maybe that is why."

In a huff, Thor turned and paced the length of the observation window, not noticing that that they had come to a complete stop, the stars twinkling upon the backdrop, no longer blurred by the movement. "How much truth is there to your attack upon those mortals?"

Loki contemplated before answering. "Which ones?"

Thor's mouth dropped. "Which ones? How many did you attack?"

Again, the thoughtful consideration. "How many did they say?"

The look Loki received warned him of impending violence possibly to the closest bit of furniture. But he held onto his feigned innocence having no intention upon adding anything to what his brother may have already heard or guessed.

"Loki, you can be so maddening at times," Thor snapped.

Although his intent was not to escalate his brother's reaction, Loki muttered, "I try."

Thor glared anew, his eyes scanning the room as if to draw his conclusion elsewhere. He then straightened as his gaze fell upon the door. "I will have my answers," he finally breathed through clenched teeth, his finger up enhancing his point. He then turned and stalked to the door, causing it to open before him revealing Marcus standing outside to ensure no one would interrupt them. "Lady Carol."

The lieutenant looked up in surprise and turned to face him. "Yes? Are you done already?"

Ignoring the question he asked, "How well are you aware of my brother's actions within your realm?"

Her eyes fell upon the other who only glared on in annoyance. "Well enough I suppose…" she said hesitantly. The last thing she wanted was to take sides or pit one against the other.

"Good." The thunderer smiled; stepping back he held his hand out beckoning her into the room. "Please join us. I should like to know more."

"Captain, I must commend you," Spock said falling in beside his senior officer as he left the docking bay.

Puzzled, Kirk looked to the Vulcan. "For what? Not letting the Admiral know how I really felt?" He had just endured a dressing down from the senior officer from the privacy of the shuttle for his perceived insolence in his handling of the gods. In fact, Talon had reminded him of his right to take over the ship had he felt the insubordination been unfavorable enough in the eyes of Starfleet.

Kirk had taken his reprimand in silence which was almost a novelty for him as he had plenty he wanted to say to refute the admiral's allegations. But there was something more he wanted than to have his say, something that would make his silence worthwhile, and it was to leave the starbase still as captain of the Enterprise. And at least for now, he still wore the rank and title.

"Your support of Loki. You felt it important to inform them of the truth even after his attempt to kill you."

Kirk frowned. "Thanks for the reminder."

As they stopped at the lift Spock raised a brow having picking up his captain's sarcasm. "My comment was truthful."

Kirk acknowledged it with a sigh and nod.

Entering the turbolift the Vulcan continued, "It is odd that the admiral didn't follow normal procedures and accompany you on the ship?"

A thankful change to the subject was a quick reminder to the captain the real reason the high ranking officer was in attendance. "He said it was an unofficial visit. He didn't want to disrupt our routine any further than necessary."

"Understood. However I would gather that the admiral's attempts to gain the god's attention and high regard are falling short." Spock set the turbolift to take them to the bridge.

Kirk's mouth dropped and he found himself looking at his first officer in a stunned, yet delighted state. "Mr. Spock. If I didn't know better I'd say that you just said the admiral is kissing up to a god."

Spock regarded his captain. "An odd metaphor to be certain as one kissing…"

Jim couldn't help his chuckle, cutting off his first officer's attempt to break down the correlation of the terms. "Look Spock, it's okay. And since we are going to be here awhile for repairs why don't you notify the crew that they can spend their downtime on the starbase. I hear that it has some great entertainment. I'll stay behind and see our guests off," the captain suggested.

The first officer nodded, but his look was one that appeared to be considering otherwise.

Picking up on it Kirk added sternly, "You too."

Noting the finality of the tone Spock replied, "As you wish Captain."

The Enterprise had been docked for almost an hour when the captain returned to the docking bay having been notified by Lieutenant Marcus that the gods' discussion was finished. The shuttle crew was already onboard with only the admiral and one other crewman waiting by the doorway when Kirk entered.

"Admiral," the ship's captain approached and acknowledged the senior officer. His smile, although friendly, was certain to annoy the other officer. "Thank you for coming all the way out here to meet with us and take the prisoner back." He waited at attention as Talon considered him.

The admiral barely nodded. "I'll be watching you Kirk."

The captain didn't move until after the other officer finally disappeared into the hatchway of the craft. And even then it was to heave a sigh and wonder why it was that more senior personnel than not, had it out for him to fail. Could they possibly be taking bets under the table? He certainly had no intention upon losing his current command again.

Hearing the visitors, or rather Thor's approach outside the docking bay he stepped away from the shuttle in order to meet with them.

When they entered Carol was grinning and laughing from Thor's comments while a reserved Loki followed, his eyes rolling in disdain at what his brother was saying.

The larger Asgardian finished his story only moments later and immediately turned to the captain. "Friend Kirk!" he said in his usual booming voice. "Thank you."

The captain went to shake his hand but his arm was grasped instead and Thor slapped his other arm (most likely leaving a bruise) in his enthusiasm. "You have returned my brother…" He glanced at Marcus, his smile broadening. "…along with the truth."

Kirk nodded reclaiming his bearings giving a quick rub at his sore arm. "Glad to help."

Thor stepped back by the shuttle entrance waiting for his brother to precede him onto the craft. "Loki…" he stated firmly when the younger one didn't move.

After a fleeting glance to the thunderer Loki instead haughtily approached the starship captain, his height giving him a slight advantage over the human, who didn't acknowledge his attempt to intimidate. Even through the mortal's set jaw and unyielding eye, the Asgardian could still tell there was yet a touch of apprehension that the captain tried to bury beneath the hard exterior. Finally with a wry grin he said lightly, "It's been fun."

An understatement, Kirk was certain. "So what will happen to you when you return with your brother?"

The God of Mischief shrugged. "Thor will speak with Odin; Odin will throw me in prison for a millennia; time does tend to repeat itself."

"Loki, I have said that I will not stand by and allow our father to unfairly judge you," Thor broke in having listened to their exchange from where he waited.

With a sigh, the younger brother replied tersely, "No, you will sit idly by with your friends stuffing yourself during your celebration banquets you must surely have missed while here searching for me."

Kirk failed to hide his grin, a brother's banter was like no other. Something he missed since last seeing his own brother hitchhiking along the road when he blew by him in the "borrowed" car.

Loki scowled. "A picture you see as humorous?"

Kirk shook his head, smile intact. "You remind me of my brother and me when we were younger."

The thoughtful look returned. "So where is this brother of yours?"

A deep sigh escaped the captain. He hoped he wouldn't regret even bringing up the thought of George S. Kirk.

Reading between the lines, or rather the silence Loki answered for him. "You don't know." The so-called god's indifference was annoying but appropriate for him. "Perhaps it is all the better."

Jim Kirk didn't agree and he felt an earlier anger threatening. "No. You should consider yourself lucky to have a brother that cares and stays in contact."

Loki nodded with a look of resignation. However, his sarcastic reply was anything but. "So now I should extend my gratitude to you for pointing out just how wonderful and satisfying my life really is."

With this Thor came up between the two in conversation to answer, "Of course Loki. And I, as well, am fortunate to call you brother. But come, we should go."

"Yes, Loki. It seems your fun has to end. However, mine will continue," the captain added dryly.

With the 'stab' Loki almost lost his smug look, almost but not quite. Instead he caught himself and added softly with the slightest of nods, "I'm sure it will."

With that he turned on his heel and entered the waiting shuttle. Thor waved briefly before joining him, the door closing behind them.

"Captain?" Marcus joined Jim Kirk who had settled, his arms crossed, to watch the shuttlecraft leave.

"Yes lieutenant."

"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to meet Thor."

"You're welcome."

As the shuttle slowly lifted and made a 180 degree turn, Kirk couldn't help his thoughtful grin.

"You're happy they're leaving," the lieutenant noted his expression. There was a touch of disappointment in her voice as the shuttle left the docking bay.

Kirk quickly dropped the smile. "Yes…well, actually…" he pursed his lips, a bit uncomfortable at being caught in his personal triumph. He turned to Marcus, whose eyebrows rose awaiting an answer.

He finally sighed with a chuckle. "I was just thinking of the admiral trying to explain to Thor why he didn't tell him the truth from the start."

Understanding Carol Marcus now smiled. "Not a situation I would like to be in either," she agreed. "Thor knew very little of what his brother had done."

"So will everything be okay once they return home?"

"I believe so. Thor is certain that he can convince his father that even though Loki came to Midgard against his expressed command, he did help and save a lot of lives. He thinks he will be lenient and allow things to continue almost as they were."

Kirk's brows knitted together as he chewed thoughtfully upon this. "Midgard? Lieutenant…" he finally said quietly. "You have spent way too much time with your Norse gods."

Marcus smiled with a touch of embarrassment. "Sorry sir."

Starbase 12 was one of the larger hubs that catered not only to Starfleet but civilians and contractors. It boasted one of the best outer world maintenance facilities for starships supplemented by large accommodations for the crew. With food grown within or shipped in by the closest supporting planets, the abundance of good food and drink were always available accompanied by a smaller number of games, music and entertainment that continued well into the 'evening'.

With the crew taking their turns to enjoy some time off at the starbase the hours passed quickly while their ship underwent the major repairs overseen by the chief engineer, who refused to leave the ship.

According to the time the station used in conjunction with its closest planet, the following noon had come when the door chime awoke a sleeping James T. Kirk. Lying on his stomach and parallel to the hardly existing headboard, he barely opened his eyes to look around, trying to get his bearings after feeling like he had just dozed off. They eventually fell upon a pair of unfamiliar black panties lying next to the bed. Rubbing his eyes, he contemplated its origin, not certain if he really wanted to remember the late night.

The door chime sounded again and he groaned before calling out, "Just a minute."

His eyes returned to the lacey underwear and he again rubbing at his face trying to rouse it from the sleep. "Bones wasn't kidding about the potency of Romulan Ale," he muttered pulling the covers back only to find that he had slept naked.

"Damn."

He stood, glancing briefly around the room, not seeing his uniform and with several more expletives, pulled the blanket from the bed and wrapped it around himself.

He went to the door half expecting his guest to have shut herself out of the room by accident. Pressing the pad next to the entrance caused it to slide open allowing him to face his first officer, impeccably groomed and fully dressed.

His own attire was quickly noted by Spock with a raised brow, but was otherwise not commented on. "Captain. The technicians have completed their inspection and repair of the computer system. The hidden programs have been found and deactivated. Our major hull damage has been repaired as much as this station can manage."

Kirk tried to understand, really tried through his haziness…but it failed as he was barely able to wrap his numbed brain around what was even said.

When Spock didn't receive any answer or orders he continued. "The Enterprise is ready to continue its mission on your command."

Of course, that's what the Vulcan meant. Kirk smiled with relief. "Understood Mr. Spock. Has the rest of the crew…" he started then paused as his first officer's attention focused on something behind him.

Kirk turned and the whole of the night before came back to him in a flood. A fully green woman with burning red hair had just stepped out of his washroom wearing the gray and burgundy uniform of the personnel assigned to the station.

Feeling he owed some kind of explanation the captain motioned to the young woman. "This is Gaila. We attended the academy together. She's now assigned here to Starbase 12."

The young woman started over then stopped reaching the edge of the bed. "I wondered where these had gone," she commented as she retrieved her intimate apparel from the floor with none of the embarrassment that she had just inadvertently subjected the captain to.

Spock continued to be impassive even when she paused beside Kirk with a quick hello to Vulcan, her panties still in hand before she nonchalantly left down the hall to return to duty.

Kirk was too mortified to even introduce his first officer.

"I'll await your arrival at the transporter Captain," Spock said as soon as the woman was out of sight, his lack of emotion both appreciated and despised at that moment.

When Kirk arrived at the main transporter room on the starbase, Spock quickly informed him that the rest of the crew was already in place back on the ship. They would be the last to beam out.

However, before the transporter chief could send them, an incoming communication from the Enterprise was received.

"Captain…" Commander Scott's voice came over the speaker.

"What is it Scotty?"

There was silence for several seconds before the chief engineer made any kind of answer. "We have a wee problem here."

Kirks eyes fell upon his first officer. "I thought you said everything was fine."

Spock had no answer and instead asked the bodiless voice, "Commander Scott, what is the nature of the problem?"

Again, there was silence and Kirk frowned, his patience being tested.

"Jim," Doctor McCoy replied in place of the engineer. "Maybe it's best you take some more time before you come over to the ship."

The captain sighed, shaking his head. "Is this some kind of life threatening emergency?"

"No…"

Tired of not receiving straight answers Kirk turned to the transporter operator. "You have your coordinates. Energize." In moments he felt the tingling and pull of the system that would almost instantaneously send him to the transporter pads on his ship. There, he knew he would get his answer.

And he did, just not the answer he was expecting.

Solidifying on the raised pads, Spock showing up at his side, he turned immediately to the standing doctor and seated engineer behind the glass divider manning the controls if there had been any problems from the other end. The small ball of fur in McCoy's hands caught his attention which was then directed around the room, the entire floor covered by a mass of fur balls of different shapes and sizes and colors in the brown, grays and even white.

"Bones…" Kirk started feeling like he was going to be sick. "What happened while I was out?"

The doctor shuffled out from behind the divider, parting the sea of fur with his feet to keep from walking on them. "The tribbles…" he started. Heavy concentration plagued his face as he searched for a way to explain the inexplicable truth in front of him.

"You only had one that I remember and you were hardly feeding it so we wouldn't end up with more."

McCoy shrugged. "And I didn't."

"Then how is it possible to have obtained a roomful of these?" Spock asked even as his senior officer took in the additional tribbles that were slowly making their way onto the terminals and the walls.

The engineer stepped up gingerly beside the doctor. "Um, we dinna have just a roomful of these creatures."

"So what do we have?" Kirk asked pointedly.

The doctor and engineer looked at each other, silently willing the other to answer. Finally McCoy replied with a scratch at his head. "Somehow this one tribble started reproducing at an alarming rate as did its offspring. My guess would be that they have been having baby tribbles virtually nonstop for the past 18 hours since we beamed over to the starbase."

The captain's brow furrowed in total disbelief, already realizing the nightmare was yet to be heard.

"The entire ship is full of tribbles. I have all available crewmen trying t' contain them as we speak," Montgomery Scott finally admitted.

Kirk and Spock looked at each other in revelation before the captain groaned, "Loki…that sonofabitch."

Again, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to read! PLEASE review. :)