A/N: Please excuse grammatical errors.
Disclaimer: Not Mine.
"Christmas in the Room"
USS Spock | Admiral's Log- Star Date 54668.00
Mission accomplished. It's been an exciting year. Even more exciting is that we have already been commissioned for another mission. My commanding officers can't get enough of the exemplary work being done by the scientists on this ship. Unfortunately, we will be losing some notable and distinguished officers who are going off on new adventures of their own.
First and foremost, my dear friend Number One, Captain Saltzman has been given his own boat, The USS Endeavor. After his daring rescue of the Spock crew trapped in a wormhole and capture of the Kai Evok they could not deny his credentials any longer. Everyone involved on that mission has been promoted at my recommendation, and I am happy the Federation granted my request. I am humbled that they saw fit to make me an Admiral as well.
I couldn't be prouder of my crew and of Captain Saltzman, even if he is stealing my security officer, operations officer, and science officer. I would be offended, but Saltzman and Commander Mikaelson are like brothers. He needs someone he trusts to have his back on his brand new boat. I am also aware that Commander Petrova is more than capable and beyond ready to step into Mikaelson's giant shoes. I was delighted to give the Orion her third commander pip. She'll be a captain before we know it.
Zhu is enjoying her new rank as captain. The officer has not decided whether she wants to be called Doctor Zhu or Captain Zhu. I, however, am happy to call her my oldest friend.
I am sad to lose Commander Sommers, but Saltzman needs an experienced translator for the missions he will be sent out on. I must admit I don't miss being a first year captain and having to pull second and third contacts. Lieutenant Commander Forbes will fill in for Sommers until I am ready to start interviews next month. I hope to see her application on my desk. I understand that she is not sure if she wants to have to cut back on her research to do administration duties. I forget that everyone doesn't crave command like I do.
As for Commander Cassidy, I can hardly blame her for wanting to follow her fiancé, Commander Mikaelson, if she has the opportunity. So few of us get to serve on the same boat or even planet as our loved ones. It's a testament to how much we love this life, but when I can help make it happen, I will. Young love needs to be nurtured so it can grow strong roots. The tests will come, and I hope their time together on the Endeavor will prepare them for it.
It seems my test is already here. Saltzman and Gerard have recommended Lieutenant Commander Mikaelson for Cassidy's job. He's certainly qualified, but the question is does he want it?
I have no question about his partner. I have decided to promote Commander Connor Jordan to first officer, which means our newly minted, Commander Bonnie Bennett will be taking over engineering. My boat couldn't be in better hands, which is good, because when I told Gerard he was my second officer, he decided to do a Crazy Ivan.
They are still scraping bits of Yeoman Gheyak off the ceiling. I'm glad the Ipiva can absorb the material back onto his person. Gerard is in charge of cleaning the pieces and delivering it to him along with an apology.
So, we are going to end this year with a bang. Celebrate our promotions, say goodbye to dear friends and family, kick off the holiday season, and toast to a brand new voyage. And then we are going to take some much needed R and R. Shore leave for the holidays is just what I need before we head back into the black. If only I could pry everyone out of the ship and bolt the doors until January after tomorrow's party. Bennett would lead a revolt, and Mikaelson would help her for the chaos of it all- she's got his nose wide open.
=/\=
Nik groused at her. It wasn't her fault his parent's named him Klaus. She kissed him on his cheek, and then fixed his hat and fake beard as Caroline moved around them making sure their Christmas scene was accurate. Caroline tried to get her to wear ears with her elf outfit, but they decided against it since it was considered derogatory against Vulcans now. Nik wasn't happy, but he did it for her, and really for the kids. Some kids have never experienced a Christmas celebration. They had Santa, and Martin and St. John had volunteered to dress up as Joseph and Mary and read the nativity story.
Bonnie was looking forward to all the scenes being set up in ten-forward. The traditional music Caroline had piping in from somewhere was getting her in holiday spirit, but it really didn't take much. She loved Christmas, and this Christmas she was a Commander and being handed the reins to engineering. It was the best gift ever!
Lockwood was helping Edelstein set up her Hanukkah display. He mostly stood back, and let her set up the menorah and other traditional items. Caroline had already informed Bonnie that they would be playing dreidel and trying the latkes and sufganiyot. Bonnie was fine with any form of a doughnut. Caroline had candy canes to give out and Edelstein had chocolate gelt.
Gerard had dried fruit and nuts at his Kwanzaa scene. Counselor Addai was helping him set up his Kinara with red, green, and black candles. Bonnie had a holovid of Gerard, Salvatore, and Nik trying to whittle airplanes and paint them for the kids on the ship. The toys were roughly plane shaped. The paint job is really what sold it. The handmade toys sat in a giant basket on Gerard's display. It was sweet what they did for the kids and to celebrate African American culture. Bonnie told, or rather showed Nik how sexy she found it.
Nik wasn't the only Mikaelson getting shown some love for his holiday spirit. Finn had a giant box filled with small candies and treats he was going to hand out after the celebration was over. He was kicking the festivities off by leading the children on a hunt around the ship. Nik had been commissioned to paint a wren for them to follow around on a pole. Her man was already tired and his hands were cut up, so she built them a cobot that would chirp and flap his wings and lead them into the ten-forward scenes where they would learn about all these traditions.
Saltzman's twins were here for the event and to help him pack. He was finally going to let them live with him on the Endeavor. Bonnie smiled watching him and his girls set up their booth. He was in charge of the Omisoka scene. His girls' mom was of Japanese descent and they celebrated when she was alive. Every year they continue the tradition with soba or udon noodles, which is great because after all this sugar those kids are going to need some real food. The bells on display were beautiful, and once the kids cleared out. The adults were going to fall in on the amazake, the libations at the Kwanzaa table, the eggnog Caroline cooked up, and the open bar Petrova had going on for Orion Independence day.
Petrova said the holiday involved illicit drugs, gambling, fistfights, and orgies, but Admiral Washbourne vetoed all of that except drinks and friendly games of chance. Besides, Salvatore had mistletoe all over the place. There were plenty of opportunities for romance. There was even a Yule log to put your wishes into. Davina promised to burn it later as she danced under the moon during earth's winter solstice. Caroline was so excited, she even almost said yes to Davina's invite, but Petrova reminded her that she already had plans next week. Bonnie's tri-corder went off. The Wren bot was on its way with a parade of youngins behind it.
Caroline clapped with glee. "Alright folks, twenty children, three saplings, two kittens, and a cria are almost upon us, get ready and Happy Holidays!
=/\=
"I'm never having children," Marcel groaned. Bonnie laughed, eating her fourth Christmas cookie. They were supposed to be watching the New Year's fireworks display, but the kids had worn everyone out. Nik and Gerard were sharing the Kwanzaa wine. Bonnie was partial to the eggnog and Rivera's coquito.
"So, you nervous man?" Gerard asked. Bonnie stopped poking Caroline with a candy cane to hear her boyfriend's answer. A comm came in during the celebration. The Betazoid needed transport to an undisclosed location. He had been cooperating with the Federation on a few issues that they had in common. He requested the Spock, specifically Lt. Commander Mikaelson as his escort. Bonnie was sure her grandfather had a hand to play in that. Admiral Washbourne really had no choice but to agree, but she was sending Petrova as extra security.
She and Nik were supposed to be spending Christmas in Virginia with her entire family. Now Nik, wouldn't make it for three days. Bonnie fixed Silas right on up. She decided to wait on Nik, so they could arrive together. He was nervous enough meeting the whole family, besides she had some things to rearrange in engineering. She wanted her department ready to go the day they shipped out again. She felt weird changing stuff around while Jordan was technically still Chief Engineer.
"Why would I be nervous? It's an VIP escort," Nik said. Marcel and Bonnie eyed one another.
"It's your dad," Marcel tried.
"It's my sperm donor. Speaking of dads, how psyched is yours about the tickets?"
"Extremely. The whole family can't wait to watch the game on the fifty-yard line. We're going to tailgate before and after too. I rented a cabin and hired a holiday decorator."
"That sounds great, Gerard!" Forbes chimed. She giggled, and then laughed at her voice, snorting. Caroline had way too much pink goo from Petrova's scene.
"My dad is actually going to get to see snow that isn't lavender," Marcel said, proudly. He was able to afford the holiday vacation of his dreams or rather his father's dreams now that he had been promoted and given a raise.
"Tell him I said Happy Christmas," Nik said. "Buy him a few beers on me."
"Me too," Stefan said behind them. He and Zhu had been making sure the mistletoe tradition was alive and well. Forbes and Petrova as well.
"I'll do that. Sally, are you still going skiing on Andor at the famous Aon Dos Resort and Spa?" Marcel teased. It was an exclusive getaway for diplomats and very important people. Salvatore's dad was loaded and even he couldn't get through the doors of Aon Dos.
"Knock it off. You know I wanted to come with you, but like you said it's an exclusive getaway. I'm going to tell Pearl I don't want to go? So yeah, it will be the wife, Captain Washbourne, Admiral Washbourne, and me...skiing," Stefan finished with a grimace.
"Good luck," Nik snickered. "Make sure not to fall on your ass in front of your boss. Your well connected boss."
"Shush," Salvatore said, stealing the wine bottle from Nik, and taking a swallow.
The group watched Cassidy and Finn walk over. "Hey, we've decided to head out tonight," Finn said, pulling his brother up and giving him a hug.
"You going to be okay without your big brother, Lt. Commander Mikealson?" Cassidy joked.
"I think I can manage," Nik said, hugging his oaf of a sibling.
"I'll believe it when I see it, Brother. Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Finn asked. Nik rolled his eyes.
"It's a VIP escort," Nik repeated.
"And I'm James T. Kirk," Finn said. "I know you have Gerard and Salvatore, and you think you know everything, but remember, I'm a comm away," Finn said, poking him in the chest.
"Unnecessary, but good to know. Safe travels, Brother. Lock Cassidy down before she realized what an idiot you are," Nik suggested.
"I would say the same thing about Bennett, but I think she already knows and just takes pity on you," Finn returned.
"Well, at least you're right about something. Commander Cassidy, it was a pleasure serving with you, Sir." Nik responded.
"The pleasure was mine, Mikealson. You eggheads try not to show us up too bad," Cassidy said, winking at her former crew.
"I would agree, but I can't promise anything when it comes to Forbes and Bennett. They like to show off."
"Hey!" Forbes interjected, smacking Bonnie on the arm. Bonnie grabbed her stinging bicep, looking at her blond friend. "Deliver that to your boyfriend," Caroline instructed.
Bonnie smacked Nik. "You're the biggest show off," Bonnie slurred.
"That I am," Nik smirked.
=/\=
Nik stood at attention waiting for the Betazoid to board. Petrova was beside him in her dress uniform. After everything settled, his mom told him everything. Answered every question he wanted to know. Ansel and Ester were in love and had an illicit affair, but his mom had three children and an ex that was on the right side of the law. She gave up Ansel so her children could have a stable family with a new edition.
Mikael was an ass to everyone and he pushed most people to their limits, but Nik always felt like he had special disdain just for him. He was there though, that was more than he could say for his birth father. Mikael tied his ties. He went to his games. He yelled at him when he broke curfew and occasionally mentioned when he did something right. He was a quasi role model. If nothing else, Nik wanted to prove Mikael wrong about him and be the officer Mikael wished he were, but he died before Nik could. He died sacrificing himself for a whole planet of people. He was fearless and unrelenting and could pull determination out of you when you wanted to give up. What could Ansel do besides fuck with people's heads? He was certainly fucking with Nik's for the past six months even though his psychic abilities were out of range.
"I will be doing inventory while we are in transit," Petrova said beside him. That was grunt work. The Chief Security Officer of the Scientific Flagship of the Federation didn't do grunt work.
"Sir, you don't-" Nik began, humbled that she would even suggest it.
"I'm aware of that Mikaelson, and yet, I'm going to do it anyway," Petrova said.
"What did she promise you?"
"A phaser modified to my specifications."
Nik was trying to come up with a counter offer that would rival Bonnie's when the doors to the shuttle bay opened. The senior officers accompanied the Betazoid. "Mr. Fuhrer, I leave you in good hands," Admiral Washbourne said, bowing to the man.
"Thank you Admiral, and Osdal Pioepji," Ansel said. It roughly translated to happy beginning or Happy New Year. The Admiral eyed Mikaelson in warning. He would try not to embarrass her.
Petrova was true to her word. She made an excuse and then disappeared to the rear of the small craft. Ansel declined VIP seating, plopping into the seat next to Nik as he flew the ship.
"Are we going to ignore one another the whole trip," Ansel asked thirty minutes into their flight.
"I'm sorry Mr. Fuhrer, is there something you wished to discuss?" Nik said, charting stars. Space was always expanding. Charts that were more than ten years old could be significantly off if they weren't updated. Most of the Federation fleet stayed out of the rebel sector of space, his birth father's kingdom. Nik was going to take this opportunity to update the maps.
"Niklaus, please. You don't have to be so formal," Ansel said, staring over at his son. He was just as stubborn as his mother. "I followed her wishes you know. I loved her, and I knew she was too good for me. I couldn't give her what she wanted. I did what was best."
"For who?" Nik asked. "A wife and kid is a liability."
"Exactly. I would do anything to protect both of you, including abandoning my only son."
"Touching, however you're a bit late. I needed that little speech fifteen years ago."
"I don't know that you did. Look at you, you're twenty-eight and being considered for a senior officer position. Your beautiful girlfriend is a senior officer, and you were awarded Star Fleet's Artist Laureate. If I raised you, you'd be on some smuggler ship surrounded by people who wanted to kill you."
"You sound as if you object to your lifestyle."
"Of course, I object. You think I wanted to be a criminal overlord. Where do you think your painting comes from? I had to help put food on the table. My father was a louse, my mom sickly. It was just I looking out for my sisters and brother. There are no decent jobs where I come from. No academy. I had to get down in the muck and carve a life for myself and the people I love. You can't play in filth without getting dirty. I didn't want that for you or your mother."
"I grew up in the pristine shining halls of the Federation. I never felt like I belonged. It was perfection...they wanted perfection. To see a little dirt would have done me some good," Nik admitted. "Some part of me always knew, longed for a life out of my reach."
"Well, you sure found it in the pits."
"I did that for fun."
"After abandoning you, I have no right to tell you how to live your life, but damned if it didn't piss me off when I saw you on the Arena Planet. I'm a very powerful man, but Gui gives me pause. I was going to have Irina, snatch and ship you where you belong. Luckily, she figured out you were undercover."
"Irina?"
"Your baby sister."
"So you raised a girl in the rebel sector, but I was too good."
"I hope your not inferring your sister's sex has any bearing on her abilities. Irina's mother died giving birth, unlike you, she had no one else. I tried to send her off-planet to the best schools, bring her up right. She would get expelled to come back home. She's a crack jack, you see. Smart as a whip. It's frightening how good she is. If I died tomorrow she would pick up my mantle and rule uncontested," Ansel said, smiling.
So, he had another sister. Freya was way older than him and married by the time he was walking and talking. He only saw her during family occasions. Rebekah though. Rebekah was his shadow. Sometimes he felt like she was the only person in their family that loved him unconditionally. He wasn't a screw up in her eyes, and now he had lost her to a mad man. He visited as often as he could. He sent her letters and trinkets to brighten her spirits. It wasn't the same without her. He missed her terribly. He missed the tantrums. Her smothering. He even missed laughing at the tube wreck that was she and Gerard. He wasn't ready for another sister when he was still heartbroken over the one he had. He found he might not be ready for any of this even though he asked for it.
"What did you paint?" Nik said, changing the subject.
"People," Ansel answered. "Because Betazoids can read minds, a lot of our people become counselors, healers, guides. We try to suss out the motivations and thoughts were bombarded with. I took our sacred gift and used it for personal gain, but I'm still fascinated by people," Ansel admitted.
"They're beings who are scared shitless, but they face down threats like they're the monsters, and sometimes they are. Others hide who they are to move easier in the world, and my personal favorite, those who pretend to hide who they are to move in the world. So many people with different motivations trapped behind masks or cowering behind shields. When I paint I can clearly see their dual nature. It fascinates me."
"I sketch people, paint visions," Nik responded. "I try to capture the essence of who they are."
"Their motivations," Ansel smiled. "Charcoal brings out the shadows in all of us. It's an honest medium. I would like to see some of your sketches. Maybe you can meet the other side of your family?"
"I'm allowed in the rebel sector now?" Nik asked.
"I won't stop you. I've seen what you're capable of now, Hybrid, but I own a home on Betazoid. I brought it for your grandmother. She has been waiting a lifetime to meet you."
Nik realized he was serious. "I'll have to think about it."
"Do that, and bring Silas's progeny. You're less sullen when she's around. From what her grandfather tells me, she could relax more herself. The compound is nestled in a forrest. We live five minutes away from hot springs and cooling geysers."
"Do yourself a favor and never tell my Bonnie she could relax more," Nik responded.
=/\=
Bonnie and Caroline spent all day shopping to decorate their new quarters. Caroline was going all out, because her and Petrova were going to try to share quarters. Her and Nik were finally on the same page, but she wasn't ready to live with the man. They would be buried in sketches and spare parts. He and Petrova had only been gone one day, and she missed him. They were supposed to be ice-skating or making cookies right now.
Caroline tried to more than make up for it. She was reading up on the history of broadcasting for an article she wanted to publish. She stumbled on a trend in the 21st century. Apparently, movies about Christmas traditions were popular during the period, especially romantic movies. Of course, she dug through the archives and made Bonnie watch with her. Luckily, Bonnie could update the roster at the same time. Martin was going to be stoked when he found out he was her A-chief.
"Didn't we already watch this one?" Bonnie said, crunching on chestnuts.
"No, I don't remember this woman. She has a long cranium and a protruding brow ridge. There are theories that the Neanderthals assimilated into our gene pool instead of dying out, and this woman makes a pretty convincing case."
"She's pretty, but this plot is repetitive. Big city workaholic goes home for Christmas, and falls in love with a hot everyman."
"Ssh, it's different," Caroline insisted.
"Are all men hot in little towns? And Come on Forbes, there's no difference. They changed like two details." Bonnie said, picking up the list to read what movie was next. "It's the same plot over and over, but in this one, they're in Micronesia?" Bonnie asked.
"Operation Christmas Drop! I did a report on it in 3rd grade history. They still do it, you know. I'm so glad the islands re-emerged after Earth got their climate issues under control."
"Yeah, I wonder why they let that one section Flerida sink to the ocean floor?"
"It's Florida, and the research is pretty vague. I'm guessing...budget cuts?"
Caroline and Bonnie watched the couple make out after the woman fell off the stepladder into the bachelor's arms while they were decorating the house. Bonnie sighed, "That's supposed to be me and Nik right now."
"Don't worry, Babe, two more days and you can fall into his arms," Caroline said wistfully.
"And you are going to be drunk off your ass having an orgy," Bonnie returned, taking a sip of coquito. She had to bribe Rivera to give up her abuela's recipe.
"I'm not participating in an orgy."
"Mm hmm, you're just going to watch."
"It's for academic purposes."
"Okay, but there is nothing wrong with letting Katerina and her suitors jingle your bells. When in Rome..." Bonnie said.
Caroline blushed, thinking of the possibilities. Great sex and research was a win. Sharing it with Petrova- taking part in her girlfriend's culture- Caroline was psyched. She loved her parents, but her dad and mom were going to work all holiday. Her dad was researching some new cell they found on Saturn. And her Mom was the constable of Deep Space 5. To spend Christmas with an entire family celebrating traditions was going to be great. She could hardly wait. "God, when are they coming back?" Caroline sighed.
"In 47 hours, 32 minutes and 36 seconds...35….34….33," Bonnie answered.
"We're hopeless. I don't like this one, it's making us sad," Caroline declared. "Let's watch this Christmas Calendar one."
=/\=
Nik and Petrova helped Ansel unload his luggage from the ship. Several men and women stomped forward to grab the bags and crates Ansel had stowed. One auburn headed young woman glared from the sidelines. Petrova eyed the woman, her hand resting on her hip close to her phaser.
"It's my daughter. She's just anxious to meet her brother," The Betazoid said. "She's waiting for you Nik to be open to the idea." Nik eyed his birth father. "Yes, she's reading your mind. Nothing too intrusive, though. We can all see from your expression you are unsure that you want to be here."
"It's a lot. Very quickly, and we have somewhere else to be," Nik replied.
"We understand," Ansel said, nodding. The man grimaced at his daughter.
Fuck. Nik could tell Ansel was disappointed. Irina's eyes lowered. Bloody hell, mate. It's Christmas, Nik's conscience rallied. "Sir, do we have time for a quick introduction? We can classify it as a fourth contact?" Nik asked Petrova.
"I will need six minutes to readjust and clear the plasma generators to make it back through the gas cloud and debris. We depart in ten minutes," Petrova said to Nik. She turned to his father. "On behalf of the Federation we thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Fuhrer. My superiors have asked me to relay our desires for future collaborations and a strengthening of our diplomatic relationship."
"Please relay that I look forward to future collaborations as well, Commander Petrova. Thank you for accompanying me safely home."
"It was my pleasure, Sir. The Lt. Commander will deliver you safely to your border," Petrova said, eyeing Nik and boarding the shuttle.
"Shall we?" Ansel asked. Nik nodded and followed the Betazoid to the invisible line that marked his territory. Ansel's men stood around all gawking at Nik. They must be aware that the prodigal son had returned.
Nik glanced at his sister. Her hair was a brilliant red. It cascaded down her back in a shocking contrast to her matt black armor. Of the lot, she definitely looked the most dangerous. She had intelligent eyes and her stance was on the ready. The man surrounding her used size and ugly to try to intimidate Nik. Petrova could take them all out in a minute with her pinky. Nik wasn't so sure about his dear sister.
"Lt. Commander Niklaus Mikaelson, this is my Battle Captain Irina Ivanov-Fuhrer. She's quick with a sword, but deadly with her mind," Ansel introduced, kissing the woman on her forehead.
"I assume you mean both her intellect and telepathic ability," Nik said, shaking his sister's hand.
"You assume nothing, you intuit it, Big Brother," Irina answered.
"My ability has been atrophied by disuse," Nik said. "It is a pleasure to meet you Captain Fuhrer."
"He's too polite, Father. He definitely needs to spend some time in the RS."
"Another time, perhaps. He has other business to attend. He has said he will give serious thought to visiting us on Betazoid," Ansel answered his daughter.
"Serious thought? What are you afraid of, Brother? We don't bite...much," Irina joked. The men and women around her smirked.
"I am just learning of all of you. I am trying to process-" Nik said. It even sounded weak to his own ears.
"Process?" Irina said, smiling. The men around her laughed. "Is this how you wanted to raise me, Father? Polite, and afraid of anything I am not used to."
"Irina, behave," Ansel chastised.
"Behave, Irina. Aren't you tired of behaving Niklaus? Where is the man I saw on the Arena Planet?"
"Oh no, Dear Sister. You don't want to meet him," Nik warned.
"But, I do," Irina purred. Nik smiled at that. His comm badge pinged.
"Yes, Commander," Nik said, turning from his family.
"You have three minutes," Petrova informed him.
"Right away, Sir," Nik said into his badge. He turned back to his father and Irina. His sister was grinning at him.
"In a month or so, I have leave coming up. Will that suffice, Irina? Or will you bully me into abandoning my girlfriend during Yule?"
"Is she pretty?" Irina asked.
"No. She's exquisite."
"Ah! I can see now you wouldn't abandon her for all the gold latinum in the verse. We'll see you in a month, to welcome you home properly. I would like to have a friendly match after dinner."
"Irina, you know your grandmother hates that sort of thing," Ansel interjected. He was enjoying watching his children tease one another- their matching of wits.
"We'll go into the woods. Like the beasts we are," Irina said.
Nik smirked at that. "I must go," Nik said.
"Thank you, Niklaus, for seeing me safely home. I'll see you in a month's time," Ansel said.
"Til we meet again, Big Brother," Irina called, leading her crew away.
=/\=
Bonnie leaned into the kiss. She hadn't even let him off the ship. Caroline had pulled Petrova to their quarters a half an hour ago. She wished she and Nik had that kind of time, but they had to get underway to make it to Earth by Christmas Eve.
"I missed you so much," Bonnie said, pecking his lips one last time. "Caroline made us watch all these Christmas romance movies." Nik wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back into a kiss.
"Maybe we should watch them every year if this is the results," Nik growled into her mouth. Bonnie sighed, her eyes fluttering closed as Nik lavished kisses on her exposed shoulders. She had been degreasing an engine when they returned and was out of uniform. She could wear a tank top and cutoffs when no one was on the ship except Bonnie, Nik, Forbes, and Petrova. Nik's hands were rubbing against her bare stomach.
"We have to stop. We need to go," Bonnie said against his lips. Nik pouted. Bonnie whispered into his ear, "Once we get on the way. We can turn on auto pilot and start our shore leave off right."
"What exactly did you have in mind, Commander Bennett?" Nik smiled.
"You tell me Lt. Commander Mikaelson. You're the one that's psychic," Bonnie teased. Nik narrowed his eyes and then grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I'm going to get my bags so we can go."
"You do that. I'm going to clean up here," Bonnie said.
Bonnie cleaned up the mess she made getting the other shuttle ready for their trip. She checked the fuel levels. Made sure her bags were secure. She peeped out the open shuttle door when Forbes and Petrova entered the shuttle bay.
"That was fast for you two." Bonnie observed.
"My father called. I have a new sister. We are leaving early to help welcome her to the nest," Petrova informed.
"I didn't know you had a sister," Bonnie said, eyeing Caroline. The blond shrugged.
"I have 93 sisters and 39 brothers. I have not met most of them since they have gone on to start their own nest. Since I joined Starfleet, I am still considered a part of my father's nest. Most of my known brothers and sisters are very young. We do not share much in common."
"I didn't know that, Babe," Caroline said, hugging her girlfriend.
"I have not felt compelled to share it until now. I have been focused on fitting in and performing my duties to the best of my abilities," Petrova said, crossing her arms over her chest. Caroline was the body language expert, but it didn't take a behavioral degree to figure out Petrova was anxious about going home.
"Well, I'm an only child," Caroline declared. Bonnie nodded.
"And I was raised by my strict grandmother and crazy grandfather with a cousin who was five years older. No wonder all I care about are engine parts."
"And I was raised with a truckload of imbeciles and idiots who I have just found out are my half siblings. And I have another sister. I just met myself," Nik said to Commander Petrova. Bonnie was stunned. Nik nodded and put his bag on the shuttle.
Bonnie recovered from her boyfriend's confession. "So, I say you fit in just fine around here. You may be going back to the place you were born and raised, but Spock is home and your family," Bonnie smiled, hugging her friends.
"My sister from another mister, my warrior bae, and brother in law," Caroline beamed. Bonnie skewered her friend with a look. Nik chuckled.
"Happy Christmas," Nik said. "I'm going to start the shuttle. I'll let you ladies have your goodbyes."
"Caroline!" Bonnie hissed when Nik had disappeared inside the craft.
"What am I supposed to call him? He's your soul mate."
"You watched too many of those stupid movies," Bonnie said, pulling her into a hug. "Listen, you guys are always welcome to come home with me, if you're not feeling it Katerina. I know of a few clubs you guys can hit up for Orion Independence Day on Earth."
"Thank you, Bennett, but my father is expecting me. I have put this off for too long. Caroline, I do not want…"
"Don't even think about it. I know what I signed up for Petrova," Caroline said.
"And that is?" Katerina asked.
"You," Caroline said, marching off to the other shuttle.
=/\=
Bonnie put the shuttle on cruise control. She pulled up some romantic Christmas music, and then went and sat on Nik's lap. He was in the Captain's Chair. "Whew. De ja vu," Bonnie said, shaking her head.
Nik brow rose. His hand spreading on her thighs. "You dreamed this?" Nik asked.
"Honey, I lived this," Bonnie said, lifting one of Salvatore's mistletoes over Nik's head. She moved into kiss him. Nik moved back.
"Darling, when you say lived this-"
"In the alternate universe," Bonnie said, trying to kiss his lips again. Nik turned and she got a cheek instead.
"You had sex with my alternate self?" Nik asked.
"No, my alternate self had sex with your alternate self, but I have her memories."
"I don't remember that being a part of your story," Nik said.
"Because it had nothing to do with you. Do you want to discuss the sex lives of our alternate selves or-" Bonnie said, dropping to her knees. "Do you want me to lick candy cane?"
Nik sighed. Bonnie thought she was distracting him. He would circle back around after her attempt to seduce him. "Well it is Yule time, love." Nik said, smirking down at her.
She started off slow. Her tongue flicking the head of his cock. The pink organ circled his tip. She got her hands around his family jewels and rolled them between her fingers. Nik's eyes closed at the sensation, but popped back open when she swallowed him whole. Bloody hell, he could feel the back of her throat. She pulled off of him and swallowed him again, her cheeks hollowing out. He watched her bob up and down on his shaft, her eyes staring into his mischievously. Gods, he loved this woman. He almost came right then, he opened his mouth to warn her, and the stars in heaven, she started humming around him. The vibrations were too much, and he filled her throat.
She was laughing at him, while she rose, wiping her mouth. "Petrova taught me that," Bonnie beamed. "Merry Christmas."
"Where are you going?" Nik said, grabbing her and pulling her back into his lap.
"Don't you need a minute?"
"Does it feel like I need a minute?" Nik said, grinding into her. He yanked off her shirt, sucking at her nipples. He licked, pulled, and bit until she was begging.
"I'm so fucking wet, fuck me."
"Since you asked so nicely," Nik said, standing. He watched her shimmy out of those shorts, and he bent her over the navigation panel- how appropriate. She was sopping wet when he spread her legs. He couldn't help it. He had to have a taste. His tongue plundered her, lapping at her glistening folds when she was coming on his tongue he relented, and plunged his dick into her. He was never going to get used to this. To be inside her felt like falling through space. It felt like diving in the ocean. It felt like the warmth of a sun after the cold dark. He was addicted. He was being held prisoner, captured by his love, lust, and pure adoration of the woman goddess he was inside of. He crashed, spilling his wants, desires, dreams, and hopes inside of her. He crashed knowing that she would keep them safe. He crashed wanting nothing more than her forever.
They lay in each other's arms, sweaty. They kissed lazily when the mood struck them. Nik was running his knuckles up and down Bonnie's back while she was humming along with the music. The proximity alarms went off. Bonnie and Nik jumped up. Bonnie ran to the helm as Nik went to the weapons station.
"There's a Kumari vessel off our right bow. They're just sitting there," Bonnie said her brow furrowed.
"Kumari is a battle vessel. What do they want? I know they see we are Federation," Nik Said.
Bonnie opened the comm link. "This is Commander Bonnie Bennett, Chief Engineer of the USS Spock, the flagship of the Federation's science fleet. We are a peacekeeping vessel. Please identify yourself and state your business here." Bonnie eyed Nik. He shook his head. They got nothing back and the readings were normal. The ship shouldn't be following them this close. Were they trying to intimidate them?
"I don't like it. We should send a warning shot," Nik suggested.
"Nik?" Bonnie said. "They haven't technically done anything."
"They're not behaving like a Federation vessel. They know this posturing is against Federation protocols."
"What if we change course?"
"No, That's what they want. We stay on course. We're Star Fleet. We don't give in to bullies."
"Why are they just sitting there? Three more hours and we would be home," Bonnie said, pulling on her underwear. She popped her lips. She wanted some more Christmas nookie before she was under the same roof as Silas the Q and Sheila, the nosy. They both dressed watching the screens closely.
Bonnie saw the blue haze dancing in front of the Kumari ship's nose. She cut the propulsion to their shuttle and they came to a stand still. The enemy ship's phaser fire flew past them.
"Those arseholes," Nik said, warming up the phasers.
Bonnie opened a comm. "This is Commander Bennett. You fired on a Federation peacekeeping shuttle and committed an act of war," Bonnie ground out, moving them into a defensive position. Gods, she never thought she would think this, but she wished Gerard were here right now. Nik couldn't pilot and handle the weapons. She got an A- on her flight simulations. She would have got a B, if Salvatore hadn't shared Marcel's notes with her.
Static came over the comms. "We do not care about your war Federation dogs. Since, you are begging for our mercy. Give us the heir and we will leave you be."
"The heir. What heir?" Bonnie asked, looking over to Nik. It could be either one of them. Her grandfather was S and his father was The Betazoid. Nik shrugged.
"Do not play with me little girl. We know The Betazoid's spawn is on board," crackled over the comms.
"Identify yourself," Bonnie gritted out, her hands flying over the panel to try to scan the invading ship's schematics.
"Give us the Betazoid," was all that was returned.
"You claim you are ready for war, but cower behind shields and black screens," Bonnie jeered. Nik was proud of his girlfriend and commanding officer.
"You have them, Commander," Nik said.
"On Screen," Bonnie said. A large man in black matt armor came into view. He had brown curly hair streaked with gray that was pulled away from his face by a leather strap. He had no right to a Kumari vessel. It was stolen. He was Betazoid. Bonnie had no idea who he was, but looking at her boyfriend she knew he recognized him.
"As I said girl, give me the heir," The man commanded.
"And to whom am I speaking?" Bonnie said.
"I am Andrus Genestra. My job is to protect my captain and this man is a threat to her livelihood. You have five minutes, and then I am going to blow your ship to pieces."
"I will not give you-" Bonnie began.
"I will beam over momentarily," Nik said. He cut the comm screen.
"Excuse me, Lt. Commander? Don't you ever-"
"Forgive me, Commander Bennett, but my most important title in this moment is your partner. I will not allow anything to happen to you," Nik said.
"Niklaus Mikaelson, I swear to gods if you try to pull that chivalry bullshit right now. Who is that?"
"From what I gather, one of my sister's minions. So, much for a happy family reunion."
"What? You just met her," Bonnie said, rubbing her temples.
"She's a bit competitive. I think she's afraid I want her inheritance," Nik said.
"Which is?" Bonnie asked. Gods, Nik's sisters were getting on her fucking nerves.
"The rebel sector."
"The stars in heaven, I just wanted to bake cookies and drink hot cocoa with my boyfriend," Bonnie complained.
"I'm sorry, baby," Nik said.
"For what? You didn't do anything," Bonnie said, turning back around. "Fire on my mark."
"Bonnie-" Nik gritted out.
"My name is Commander Bennett, Lt. Commander. If you want to out rank me, you know what you have to do. We have plans and I intend on making them. Now, turn your ass around and fire on my mark."
"Yes, sir."
"Times up, Commander Bennett," Andrus sneered into his screen.
"If you want him, come get him," Bonnie said. The ship swung to it's left. "Now." Bonnie said, targeting their engines.
"Direct hit. They're shields are down to 35%." Bonnie looped around aiming for the same exact spot in their shields. "Now!" She shouted trying to stay in the same vicinity but dodge the returning fire.
"Their Shields are down to 3%," Nik said. After dodging phaser fire and a few torpedoes, Bonnie did an Immelman to get them back to the same spot in the opposing ship's shields.
"Photon Torpedoes," She shouted, doing a barrel roll. She was glad she hadn't eaten much when she had to do another one to get back in position. "Now."
Nik and Bonnie watched as the Andorian Ships engines exploded. They didn't have time to celebrate because Andrus and a woman beamed aboard. The woman grabbed Bonnie by her hair and slammed her face into the control panel. It hurt, and Bonnie was sure her nose was broken, but the biopod slicer opening the Betazoid intruder's Gexyoal artery wasn't too fun either. What do you know? Helping Salvatore study for Advanced Xenobiology actually paid off. The Betazoid warrior collapsed to the floor, her green blood, flooding the cabin. When she blacked out, Bonnie used a laser to close the wound and transported her to the locked storage room in the shuttle. Bonnie looked over.
Nik had transformed into the hybrid. Andrus was taking a mighty walloping. Nik grabbed his head in pain. Was Andrus attacking him psychically? Bonnie didn't have time to react because Nik headbutted the man. When Nik bit his ear off, Bonnie decided to intervene. "Niklaus," Bonnie said, out of breath. Nik pummeled his opponent with his fist. "Nik," Bonnie pleaded. Andrus' leg broke as Nik drove his elbow down into the bone. "Lt. Commander Mikaelson," Bonnie snapped. Nik looked over to her. Andrus pulled a grenade from his satchel. Bonnie leapt to the control panel and beamed the man and his bomb outside of the ship. The bomb exploded, but pushed shrapnel from the Kumari vessel towards the shuttle. Bonnie's piloting abilities were too slow to dodge the hundreds of pieces cutting into there already battered shields. Some debris knocked into their hull. The lights blinked for a moment, and then went out. They were dead in the water.
=/\=
Marcel smiled when the gray door slid open and he saw her. She looked beautiful, a rose under a glass lid. Was that a tattoo on her wrist? What was his British Barbie getting up to here? Despite her communications, she looked fetching in her orange jumpsuit.
"Happy Christmas, Marcel," Rebekah said, sitting down in front of the screen.
"Merry Christmas, Beks. You good?"
"I'm okay. Better now that my old friend is here."
"Good. I hear you got a book deal."
"And their auctioning off the holovid rights. Elijah is close to a final offer."
"Of course," Marcel said, shaking his head. "What are you going to do with all of those credits on your books?"
"Start a foundation," Rebekah said, seriously. "The girls want a gardening club in here. The warden says they don't have the budget. We also want books that don't fall apart when you read them. Elijah's first years will participate in a legal clinic funded by my foundation, and I want to start a blog about the lives of women imprisoned. You should hear some of their stories. It's horrific. I deserve to be here, some of these women do not."
Marcel swallowed, his eyes filled with tears. "Always the humanitarian."
"Well, it's not all noble. I'm afraid I'm addicted to Taki's now. I need cigarettes to buy some ladies off and for protection, and I have my eye on some very lovely slippers in the commissary."
"How much are the slippers?" Marcel asked, picking up his phone.
"No. I want to get them for myself. Also, you just already spent a boatload of money on your family. How was the game? Tell me about the outside world," Rebekah said, batting her eyelashes.
Marcel smiled, "It was crazy. I couldn't have asked for a better game to take my dad to. They kept tying it up. They went into overtime. My Dad stood for half the thing. We met all kinds of people from all over the verse. We got smashed after. Everyone was dancing in the parking lot- celebrating, even though we loss. They're at the cabin now, still hung over. I spent my college years trying to keep up with your brother, so I'm spry as a kitten."
"When do you open presents?" Rebekah asked.
"Tonight," Marcel answered.
"Did you bring Leila?" Rebekah asked.
"No," Marcel said. "We're still pretty new, and I knew I was visiting you since we were spending the holidays on earth."
"I wouldn't have minded."
"I bet she would have."
"Marcel, I am grateful that you comm and visit, but…"
"You're my friend Rebekah, one of my closest. So, what are you getting up to in here? Is that a butterfly tattoo?"
"I met a few friends," She smiled. We're having a get together in Big Jeanie's cell for Christmas. Everyone is bringing they're best snacks. Mum brought me a new phone. Nik sent a lovely parchment set to help me write my biography. I got a shit ton of credits on my books from the rest of the family. And I got nice pictures from my ex to decorate with. Thank you for including the Vulcan Natural Springs, Eiffel Tower, Jem'Hadar Nebula, and Taj Mahal."
"You're welcome."
"Can you send me some nudes? I think they will go over better than the cigarettes," Rebekah smiled.
Marcel snorted. His heart seized. He grabbed his chest. He didn't feel great.
"Hey, are you alright?" Rebekah asked.
Marcel bent forward trying to breathe through the tightness in his chest, pictures flew through his mind. Memories of him and Nik? And then, the sensation was gone.
"Shit, that was weird," Marcel said, sitting up.
"You're telling me. I almost called the guards," Rebekah said, watching Marcel pull out his comm. She sat quiet watching the man.
"Your brother is not answering his comm," Marcel said, looking at the blond.
"They're in Virginia. Some small town. They're probably out, or knowing them- in."
"Nah, something's wrong," Marcel said, biting his lip, sending a text.
"Okay, call Ms. Sheila," Rebekah suggested.
"Do you have the admiral and ambassador's number?" Marcel snarked.
Rebekah pursed her lips. "Okay, call my Mum."
"Times up Mikaelson!" The guard said, coming into the room.
"Text me, when you know something," Rebekah said, getting up. "Happy Christmas, Marcel."
"Merry Christmas, Beks," Marcel said, putting his comm to his ear.
=/\=
The melody playing through the meadow was light and airy, the rumblings of drums would punch through it with speed, and then subside. The tunes were lively and the musicians put there all into playing their ceremonial flutes and drums. Caroline was surrounded by pastel bubbles that were somehow 2d, 3d, and 4d. She spun amongst them dancing. Sometimes she found a body to move against, and other times she just danced in the wind and let the bubbles surround her- overtake her. Katerina had to shoot her down several times that night before she lifted off into the atmosphere.
The blond would say she was tripping balls, but Katerina did a demonstration for her tribe where she climbed and stabbed several of the floating spheres. Petrova thought she was a disgrace to her father because she had not started her own nest, but Caroline could see the pride in the man's eyes, and his wives and concubines were silently cheering Katerina on. The woman that Katerina guessed was her birth mother wiped away tears of joy when Katerina was done with her martial arts dance. The blond would tell her that one day, when the Goddess of War was ready to believe it or probably as soon as Caroline was sober enough to stand up straight.
Caroline took another slurp of her pink goo. Katerina was laughing with one of her cousins. She had finally escaped her younger siblings that wanted to play. They had spent the whole day in the kid's nest, playing games, braiding hair, drawing, and wrestling.
Now that the younglings were tucked into their nests, the celebration got X-rated very quickly. Caroline was sure she was over the legal limit for every drug known to man. She squealed when Katerina grabbed her and kissed her. "Is it orgy time?" Caroline asked, dreamily.
"I have decided not to partake in that celebration this year," Katerina said.
"Babe, if it's because I'm here. I understand that it is a part of your culture."
"Actually, I do not want you to partake in that celebration," Petrova admitted.
"Oh."
"I love my family and my people, but I am partial to the life I have built with you on the Spock."
"I love you too," Caroline sang, wrapping her arms around Katerina and attacking her mouth. Caroline licked into the woman and then goosed her.
"We should find a nest," Katerina whispered against Caroline's lips. Katerina's old friend Avaok walked over and reached for the blond. Katerina produced a blade that ate into the green flesh at the man's neck.
"I'll find other partners to celebrate with," Avoak gulped out.
"Excellent idea," Katerina said, eyeing her friend. She turned back to Caroline, but the blond was staring off into the distance. Her girlfriend had probably absorbed too much libation. "Caroline?"
"Is that Bonnie?" Caroline asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Maybe we should visit the healing pools before going to bed," Katerina said, turning towards the direction Caroline was looking in. Katerina blinked her eyes. Commander Bennett was floating at the edge of their sacred garden. The women made their way over to her.
"Bonnie?" Caroline asked, reaching for her. Her hand went through the woman.
"Help me!" Bonnie screamed, but no sound came out. Katerina and Caroline eyed one another.
"It is a vision!" Katerina's father yelled. The two women turned to the crowd. They could see it too? They both thought. The partygoers cheered. "A blessing from the ancestors." Katerina and Caroline watched the tribe go back to their delights of the flesh.
"I'll talk to my father. You go pack," Katerina said. Caroline nodded, stumbling off to Katerina's nest in the youngling hut. Now, to not wake 50 children as she did it- high as fuck.
=/\=
Stefan smiled, politely laughing at Captain Washbourne's joke. God, he missed Gerard and Mikaelson. They were eating brunch at the ski resort. Pillowy white globs of snow were falling outside the giant windows. It looked like every winter screensaver ever used out here in the mountains of Andor.
The Captain made another joke about some holovid character. Pearl bent over in laughter. The Admiral snorted. Stefan had no idea. He chuckled anyway. He loved his wife, but her friends were of a different generation. He barely understood what they were saying half the time. They outranked him by a lot. Pearl's best friend was his boss. Hell, his wife was his direct supervisor. He felt like he was at work when they were supposed to be relaxing and enjoying the holiday.
He could tell Admiral Washbourne was uncomfortable too. She couldn't let her hair down because her subordinate was here, and she had to maintain a certain persona. They sucked it up though because they both loved Pearl. "Hey Cap, why don't we go snowboarding and let these ladies have their spa day?" Stefan tried. At least Captain Washbourne wasn't his direct supervisor, and he was a guy. Maybe he would talk about stuff that mattered like the game last night once they were alone.
Fuck, he could have been there with Marcel. And it was the game of a century. They would be talking about it for years. Pearl even offered for them to go, but he could tell she wanted to go skiing or at least sit around in ski clothes and have spa days. He was choosing the destination next shore leave, but right now he wanted to make sure his hardworking wife got a chance to relax with her best friend.
Captain Zhu smiled at her husband, and squeezed his knee. "A massage sounds amazing," Pearl said.
"It does," Admiral Washbourne sighed, nodding. Stefan's phone pinged.
"Babe, I told you to turn that thing off," Pearl said.
"I will," Stefan lied. He wasn't. He needed a lifeline to the outside world, and a snarky or arrogant text from his boys every now and again. His eyes widened at the screen.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Pearl said, leaning over into him to see his screen.
"It's Marcel. He can't reach Mikaelson and Bennett," Stefan said, texting back.
The admiral pulled out her phone. "Bree!" Pearl chastised.
"I know, but look, we need it," Admiral Washbourne said. She let the comm ring aloud. "Hey Sheila. Merry Christmas."
=/\=
Bonnie finished gagging and securing the restraints of their prisoner now that they no longer had power. She dosed her with anesthesia so the woman would not take up too much air. They would lose oxygen in three hours or less depending on their activities, and their dead bodies would freeze solid in eight hours. Bonnie rolled her eyes at the woman struggling against her restraints. "Just got to sleep, you're killing all of us."
If she would have just stayed her ass at home, they could all be enjoying the holidays. Bonnie slowly walked back to the front of the shuttle. Nik was sitting on the floor trying to concentrate. Gods dammit. What is the use of having these stupid powers if they didn't work. Bonnie had called for her Paw Paw no less than twenty times. She even tried the floaty thing with Caroline and Petrova.
She flopped into the Captain's Chair. She didn't even get to technically set foot inside her engineering bay as Chief Engineer. She didn't get to give Nik his Christmas present. She had it shipped to Virginia. When she looked back at Nik, he was smiling at her.
"I'm the pessimist, Love, you're the determined one," Nik said.
"We both know that's not true. You can be as stubborn as a mule. Besides, I've tried everything to get the life support systems to work," Bonnie said with a tear. "My Grams tried to comm me this morning. I was too busy rearranging the supply closet. I thought... I'd see her later."
"You will see her later."
"Nik," Bonnie sighed. He got up on his knees and moved over to her, laying his head in her lap.
"You're going to make me do all of the ridiculous things you planned. And I will groan about it, but do it, because I love you."
"They're not ridiculous," Bonnie pouted.
"Tell me about them," Nik said, kissing her hand.
"We're using oxygen," Bonnie noted.
"Then you better be quick."
"We were going to make cookies, go ice skating, and make or buy an ornament. I hoped we could sing carols, and I rented a room at a bed and breakfast for after Christmas dinner."
"Interesting," Nik said, getting to his feet. He went into the cargo bay rummaging through his bag. Their Betazoid prisoner had finally zonked out. He came out with a tin. He smiled, walking back towards her. He got back on his knees and pushed the tin into her lap. "Open it."
Bonnie eyed him but pulled off the top. Perfect homemade gingerbread men stared back at her. She sighed. He picked up a cookie man, made him dance in the air, and bit his head off. Bonnie chuckled and shook her head. He held the decapitated body out to her. Bonnie finished him off. "Marcel's baby sister makes them for him, me and Salvatore every year. They're my favorite," Nik said. "I was going to share one with you anyway." Nik said, eating another.
"One?" Bonnie smirked.
"Yes, one, but given the circumstances I will allow you three."
"Ooh," Bonnie said, grabbing another cookie. They crunched in silence, savoring the spicy sweet treat. Nik took out a flask and washed down the confection. He handed it to Bonnie. She sniffed it. Her eyes closed at the strength, but she took a sip or four anyway. "So we had our cookies, shall we ice skate?"
"Nik, we have to preserve- Wait...did you reach someone?" Bonnie said, staring at his forehead. "Did you get it to work?" Bonnie asked.
"I don't know. But, just in case I didn't. I don't want to spend my last moments surrendering. I'm going to spend them making you happy, my love."
Bonnie teared up at that. She pulled the man into a kiss. He tasted of ginger, whiskey, and Earl Gray. "I love you. You're a crazy man, but gods, I love you. Probably from the moment I heard your arrogant voice."
"Well, Commander Bennett. You walked into that classroom and my world shifted. I have never been the same. I am better for knowing you. Shall we skate?" Nik asked, rising again, holding his hand out to her. Bonnie shook her head, but smirked and rose to her feet. Nik put the Christmas music back on Bonnie's comm.
He danced and pirouetted around the room until Bonnie was giggling. He grabbed her suddenly and turned her, pulling her close, bending down. They swayed cheek to cheek.
No parties planned, no place to go
It's just the two of us alone
And in the house we see a light
That comes what we feel inside
"If you could pick one thing from the shuttle, what would your ornament be. I know what it should be," Nik said, spinning Bonnie. She yelped when he dipped her.
"What?" Bonnie said looking him in the eyes.
"You tell me first," Nik said. She thought about it, and then laid her head on his chest.
"You're going to say my bipod slicer. Yeah, that, or a random bolt or nut from the ship. "
"Correct, can you guess mine?"
"Paintbrush," Bonnie smiled.
"You're smart and pretty," Nik wheezed, a chill blew through him. "We better sing carols before it's too late."
"Nik?" Bonnie tried.
"Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen," Nik sang. She laughed. Bonnie could feel the air getting tighter in her chest.
"Let's at least sit," Bonnie huffed. Nik sat on the floor and pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. It was cold. His body heat felt good, but that wouldn't be enough to stop the brutal cold of space from leaking in. She always knew it could end like this. She may have even wanted it- to live amongst the stars forever. Fortunately for them, today wasn't that day.
Nik was barely conscious and Bonnie was gasping for air when Stefan and Petrova beamed aboard. Stefan leaned over to put the oxygen mask on her face. Oxygen flooded her lungs, and then she blacked out.
She came to, floating in space, her grandfather beside her.
"Paw Paw!" Bonnie yelled.
"I'm very proud of you, Bunny. You know I wouldn't have let you die. I wanted to see what you could do. Astral Projection over three light years is a feat. I'm impressed with the Betazoid too. Your friends are loyal to you. I'm glad you have them."
"Me too. They're the only ones who tried to save me," Bonnie snarked.
"You can save yourself, when you let go of your fear. I'll see you at home. I think I'll go buy some gingerbread houses to decorate for my son-in law."
"What!?" Bonnie yelled into the void. "Paw Paw," Bonnie murmured into the mask.
"Bonnie, you're delirious," Petrova said, kneeling in front of her. "Gerard, five to beam out."
Bonnie waited to be taken to warmth, but nothing happened. "Gerard! Forbes!" Petrova yelled into her badge comm.
"There's some kind of-" Marcel squawked over the comms.
"Interference? That would be me," A woman dressed in all black with red hair streaming down her back said. "What have you done to my big brother?" The woman said, pulling a sword from her back.
"Okay?" Petrova said, standing pulling her ax from hers. "I am Commander Katerina Petrova, Chief Security Officer of the Federation Starship, The USS Spock. State your business here."
"I am Irina Ivanov-Fuhrer. You attacked my family, and now you will die." Stefan was searching in his bag for the adrenaline. Bonnie was loopy because of the pure oxygen, and Nik should have more than enough oxygen in his lungs now to wake up. His scans were all clear. Stefan turned the dial on the right hypo spray and stuck it into Mikaelson's neck. Nik's eyes stretched open.
"Bonnie?" He said, sitting up. He grabbed her and hugged her. "I told you," He breathed, clapping Stefan on the back. He looked up and Petrova was squared off with "Irina?" Nik asked, shocked. And then his brain came back on line. "Secure her. She tried to assassinate me. Her minion attacked our shuttle."
"Brother? I would never… I am here to save you. You called to father. Who attacked your ship?" Irina exclaimed.
Bonnie giggled. "This lady," Bonnie smiled. Her hand flicked and the woman's body slid from the cargo hold into the shuttle controls. Stefan and Petrova eyed one another.
"Marisol?" Irina asked, shocked. She ripped the oxygen mask of the woman and then touched her temples. The warrior screamed in pain, backing away from the psychic attack.
"Irina, forgive me. We failed you," the woman cried. She was sniveling on Irina's boots.
Everyone looked to Nik's sister. Bonnie pursed her lips. "I did not command you to attack my brother," Irina groused through her oxygen mask.
"We know, but we are loyal to you Irina, we did not want some outsider, taking your rightful place," Marisol gasped.
"You idiot. He has no desire to take my place. He wants to be a Federation Admiral and husband to this woman. He wants to have five children," Irina sneered at her underling.
Bonnie and Stefan looked at Nik, surprised. "Did I hear that right?" Marcel said over the comms.
"Irina, shut up," Nik growled.
"You want five kids?" Bonnie asked her boyfriend. "FIVE?" Bonnie said, holding up five fingers.
"I know," Petrova tsked. "It's such a small litter."
"No," Bonnie groaned at her friend. Forbes snorted into the comms. She was still inebriated.
"Admiral?" Stefan laughed. "Mr. I hate authority figures."
"Shut it, Salvatore. Bonnie...it's just a fantasy...I know how you feel..."
"I take it they did not know that," Irina winced.
"They did not. I take it you had no idea you had such loyal followers," Nik replied.
"I did not. Marisol will be punished and put on trial. I'm sorry brother. I hope this doesn't change our plans," Nik glared at the woman, unsure. "I will open my mind to you. I have been an only child my whole life, father tried, but I was looking forward to having a big brother."
Nik nodded. "I will see you in a month's time," Nik said. "But now, we have to depart, Sister. We have plans to attend to. Thank you for responding to my call."
"Always, brother. It is nice meeting you, Bonnie Bennett," Irina said, grabbing her vassal. They faded away in blue light.
=/\=
Nik tore another piece of gingerbread off the house. Bonnie narrowed her eyes at him, trying to get the lopsided house to look like the directions. Caroline and Katerina's house was missing a significant amount of gumdrops. Katerina kept feeding them to Bonnie's little cousins. Lucy and Vincent were just straight up eating the pieces. Stefan and Captain Zhu's was crumbling, but Marcel and his sibling's version was perfect. Marcel mostly just handed his sisters, Lissette and Bridget gumdrops when they commanded, and drank Paw Paw's homemade wine. Nik had gone through a bottle himself.
"Okay, times up!" Grams yelled, coming into the room with a pan of brisket. Abby followed with a Christmas ham. "Bree, they are your people. You and Hoban judge," Grams said, uncovering dishes on the banquet. Rudy helped his mother-in-law while Silas inserted utensils into everything.
Bree ignored Pearl's smile and laughed looking at the five gingerbread houses. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Gerard is the clear winner."
Gerard kissed his sisters and did a little dance. "I'll be taking all of your holodeck rations," Gerard laughed.
"And what is Lissette and Bridgette getting out of this, boy? They're the only reason you won," François Gerard, Marcel's father, asked.
"Shopping in Paris!" The girls said, excited. Pierre shook his head. The teenager was happy with the entire series of the Summer Soldier comic book. Bonnie pursed her lips at the man. Nik told her Marcel was planning on taking them to Paris and Haiti this summer anyway.
"All right, clear the table. It's time to eat," Grams said to her guests.
"Thanks so much for inviting my family, Monsieur and Madame Salvatore-Bennett," François said.
"Any friend of Bonnie's is family, Monsieur Gerard," Grams said. Bonnie and Marcel glanced at each other, and laughed. They were friends now? Yeah, she guessed they were. Bonnie shrugged, helping Lucy set plates and forks out on her grandparent's giant table and the folding tables that had been added. Bonnie's great uncles were past ready to eat, but they were enjoying the purple liquor and wine Mr. Gerard brought. Her great Aunts Emily and Denise was putting the finishing touches on their deserts.
Bonnie squeezed in between Nik and Caroline. She moaned, tasting her grandmother's mac and cheese. She laughed looking around at all her friends and family enjoying the holiday. Nik even participated in all the traditions without one smart remark. Everyone was enjoying the desert when her Paw Paw spoke up.
"So, Niklaus, I hear you want five children," Silas commented. The table snickered. Bonnie eyed her grandfather, and then her grandmother, pleading.
"Grams!" Bonnie whined.
=/\=
She was wrapped around his waist, enjoying the torturous slide of him in and out of her tight pussy. They were finally alone and in front of a romantic fire worshiping one another - celebrating escaping another adventure. He flooded her, but she wasn't done. She pushed him on his back into the faux animal rug and chased her happy holiday. Her body went liquid and she poured herself over him as waves of pleasure wracked her body. They lay there in the warm glow coming back to themselves.
Bonnie got up for a blanket and for his gift. She placed the box on his chest as she climbed back on top of him. Nik sighed, sitting up. "We already opened presents," Nik said, eyeing her. The necklace he brought her glimmered around her neck. It was a locket with pictures of their first kiss, and first date. He had already tested several kinds of ink on the ancient parchment she had gifted him for making his own maps.
"This gift is private. I wanted you to open it when we were alone," Bonnie whispered, kissing him.
Nik adjusted his position to open his gift, "Is it lingerie? I hope nothing too complicated. I like to get you naked as quickly as possible," Nik said, tearing into the paper.
"It's not lingerie," Bonnie said, leaning back, and taking a sip of her lukewarm cocoa.
"If it's a naughty picture, I'm not sure where I can hang it. Marcel and Salvatore are in my quarters more than I am."
"Hmm. So you want a naughty picture and fancy lingerie."
Nik finally got the box open and stared down at the book. "I love to read darling, but biographies are-"
"It's about your father- your birth father. Open the cover."
Nik stared at the picture of Ansel holding a bundle in his arms. He looked like the happiest man on earth. "How did you?"
"I did some research when you got that comm. There were references to the book, but I couldn't find a copy anywhere. I'm guessing your father had a hand in that."
"So?"
"Paw Paw. And your mum, gave me this," Bonnie said, turning to the back of the book. It was a picture of Ansel and Ester. His mum looked extremely happy and ready to pop.
"From what I can see, it looks like they loved each other very much. He looks like he is the king of the world with you in his arms. I know the feeling," Bonnie whispered, kissing away Nik's tears.
"Bonnie-"
"All I'm saying is, there may be some truth to him loving you enough to give you up, so you can have a better life."
"Is my life better?"
"You tell me Admiral."
"That's a private thought, Bonnie." Nik said.
"What I want to know is who's going to have all the kids and when?"
"I say we start right now," Nik said, turning her over.
"No," Bonnie squealed in his arms.
"Maybe we can do a twofer," Nik said, tickling her. Bonnie wiggled away from him.
"Come here, love. Let me feel you with some holiday cheer."
=/\=
Tomorrow was Valentine's Day, and Bonnie was in the woods watching Nik and his sister wrestle around in the dirt. Ansel handed her a bottle of water. She took the bottle, watching Irina throttle her boyfriend. When Nik said he wanted to visit Betazoid to get to know his father and sister. This isn't what she had in mind.
Dinner with his paternal grandmother, Angola, was lovely, also delicious. Bonnie couldn't get enough of the squash soup she served. Before dinner she fawned over the meticulous photo albums and records the woman kept of her family. Bonnie teared up when the woman finally got to take a picture of Nik, Ansel, and Irina together. Of course the engineer reached for the camera and told, Angola to join her family. They snapped another with Bonnie and her swollen red eyes.
The day before Nik, his mother, and most of his siblings went to see Rebekah. She knew Nik felt guilty trying to get to know Irina. Bonnie waited at the hotel. One day she would forgive Rebekah. Yesterday wasn't that day. Today, Bonnie was worried she would have another falling out with one of Nik's sisters. Why weren't his baby sisters like Freya? Rebekah tried to blow up her grandfather and Irina was whooping Nik's ass. Bonnie inhaled when Irina pulled out her sword.
"That's not very sportsmanlike, Sister," Nik growled. Bonnie glanced at Ansel. He seemed to be fine with this turn of events, and even enjoying it. Nik did a backflip to escape his sister's blows. She was just as fast as Nik though, and the man had to duck to not get his head lopped off.
"You're broadcasting your thoughts to her Niklaus. That's how she knows where you're going to be," Ansel coached. "Irina would have killed you ten minutes ago if she wasn't pulling her punches. You are Betazoid. You called us from ten light years away. Tap into that power."
Bonnie watched her boyfriend block his sister's fist and try to concentrate. "Juouberry," Ansel offered Bonnie.
"No, thank you," Bonnie answered, watching Nik closely.
"You can put away those S powers. She isn't going to hurt him. She's trying to train him, so something like the Christmas incident never happens again."
"What happened to Marisol?" Bonnie asked.
"I broke her mind." Bonnie stared at the man in horror. "I know, but I needed to make an example out of her, now that the universe knows about Nik," Ansel explained.
Bonnie was speechless. She was trying to wrap her head around knowing that piece of information and the ramifications when both Nik and Irina went still, their eyes white. Bonnie stepped forward.
"No, they are locked in a mental battle. This is good. He is learning faster than I anticipated."
=/\=
Nik looked around the field. The colors were too vibrant, bright. This wasn't right. He looked for Bonnie and his father.
"Congratulations brother, you have made it to the mind field. This is where you unlock your true powers."
"Irina?" Nik asked, looking around for his sister. Her laughter filled the meadow.
"Concentrate, where am I?" Irina directed. Nik put his energy into finding her. He watched as Irina appeared.
"Very good. You cannot fight an opponent you can't see. You get into their minds and then you disappear," Irina said.
"Now, kick me out of your head," Irina said.
"No," Nik said, his head tilting.
"Are you afraid brother?"
"This is not my head. I'm in yours," Nik said, looking around.
"There may be hope for you yet," Irina said, doing a forward kick and knocking Niklaus back. He fell in the real world, his body crashing to the ground. When he opened his eyes, Bonnie was hovering over him.
"Are you okay?" Bonnie asked.
"Okay? I'm fucking wonderful," Nik said, kissing Bonnie. He hopped up off the ground. "Again," the man said, challenging his sister.
=/\=
USS Spock | Second Officer's Log- Star Date 54868.00
Due to Commander Connor Jordan's promotion to the commanding officer of Deep Space 45, I have been promoted to second officer, assisting Commander Gerard in his first officer duties while maintaining my Chief Operations Officer roster. I am grateful for the opportunity, and will not let Admiral Washbourne down.
I know the Admiral had a bevy of qualified officers to choose from. I am aware that if Petrova and Forbes were not engaged and focused on starting a nest. I would not be here right now. I am also aware that Commander Bennett turned the job down in favor of staying in the engineering room. She did take the promotion to second commander. It seems I will never catch up. I look forward to serving the Federation and making my family- my mother, siblings, fathers, and wife proud.
The stars have always called to me like a siren's song. I am fortunate to have found a partner who hears that sweet melody that I listen to so deeply- found a family who understands the pull of the chords. And through some miracle, we are traversing the black together.
I never felt like this story was complete without Nik and Ansel. Then I got a review that called me on it. And we all know the crew is too talented to play second fiddle. I had to fix that. I am truly done. I hope you enjoyed it. :-)