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Jim's attempt to talk to Carol didn't go very well. Oh, he tried. But already being on the defensive, he probably didn't present his side of the case very well.
"Jim, you can't honestly believe that what you gave me was a real proposal! You just blurted it out like you were asking me for a cup of coffee."
Jim huffed irritably. "I never would have said it if I didn't mean it, Carol, you know that."
Carol shook her head. "I'm not questioning whether or not you love me, Jim. I know you do. But if you can't give me more than that, maybe you're not ready to commit."
Jim wanted to speak, but Carol just kept talking, overriding whatever he might have tried to say. "When you're ready, I will be waiting." She made for the door, opening it and stepping into the hallway. Before the door closed, she turned back around and looked at Jim, who was still standing dejectedly by the sofa. "I love you, Jim. You know that, right?"
Jim nodded once, not saying anything as Carol let the door close. Once he was alone, he collapsed onto the couch and let out an angry growl, rubbing his eyes tiredly with one hand. "Damn it," he muttered.
He really wasn't sure how to fix this. Why couldn't Carol understand that he was ready? Maybe he could have done a better job of actually asking, but she didn't have to question his commitment. As he settled himself back on the couch and grabbed his PADD angrily, he hoped McCoy had better luck.
Who was he kidding, Bones was much better at talking to people than he was. Of course the doctor would do a better job.
XXX
McCoy was definitely doing better. He had reserved one of the smaller rec rooms for him, April, and Joanna to have a picnic dinner after their shift. The room had simulation capabilities, so McCoy had set it to mimic a park. It didn't even come close to the real thing, but considering their location on this godforsaken tin can, it was the best he could do.
April and Joanna seemed to love it, at least. They all ate together, before Joanna went off to explore some of the simulated trees. She had taken a soccer ball with her, and seemed to be enjoying kicking it around, watching it go through the trees, each one winking out of existence for a brief second before flickering back.
April and McCoy watched her, amusedly, for a minute, before turning back to each other.
"So I'm not exactly the most eloquent person," the doctor started, fidgeting nervously. "In my head I thought I'd make some great speech about how much I love you, and how amazing you are… but…" he sighed, shrugging, and then shifted so that he was on one knee, simultaneously pulling a small box out of his pocket. "April, will you marry me?" he looked over at where Joanna had stopped kicking the ball and was instead watching them with a large grin. Turning back to April, he amended, "marry us? I know I come with baggage, and I honestly never thought I'd want to do this again, but I love you. Joanna loves you. And we want you to be a part of our family. Officially."
April's smile could have split her face in half it was so large. She also looked over at Joanna, almost questioning, making sure the pre-teen was all right with this. When Joanna nodded eagerly, she looked back at her future husband and replied, "Yes, Len, I will absolutely marry you!" She shifted to her knees and nearly knocked him back on his ass her hug was so enthusiastic.
McCoy hugged her back, giving her a swift but passionate kiss, before they pulled apart and he slid the engagement ring onto her finger.
April admired it from its new position. She had to admit she hadn't even looked at the ring yet – not that it mattered, she would have said yes no matter what. It looked almost vintage, and sparkled brilliantly in its setting. The band was a plain yellow gold. In the middle was a rectangular aquamarine stone, with two small diamonds on either side. It was gorgeous.
McCoy looked nervous. "It was my grandmother's," he informed her. "She and my grandfather were married for fifty-seven years. When we were on Earth last, I went to visit my mother and she gave it to me. I wasn't even thinking about using it at that point, but she said to hold onto it for when I was ready."
April sniffed softly, overcome with emotion. "I love it," she whispered, looking back up at him and smiling. McCoy smiled back, before Joanna jumped in, obviously tired of waiting.
"I'm so happy for you guys!" she grinned, hugging April tightly.
April returned the gesture, before smoothing the girl's hair out of her face. "Thanks, sweetie," she replied. "It means a lot to me that you were here for this. I love you."
Joanna beamed. "Love you too, mom!"
April blinked, startled. Her smile slipped slightly, and Joanna looked suddenly scared. "Is that OK? I don't have to, I just… I've been calling you that in my head for like, the last year, and I don't want to think of her as my mom anymore. I really don't think of her like that anyway, but –"
April reached out, cutting her off. She squeezed Joanna's hand gently. "I'm honored that you want to call me mom, Jo-Jo," she assured. "And you're welcome to call me that whenever you want."
Joanna's smile returned, full force.
McCoy was also beaming; he knew April wouldn't mind, and he was glad Joanna had broached the subject without his interference.
April bit her lip and looked at McCoy for a moment. "Joanna, if you're interested, and your dad doesn't mind, maybe after the wedding we could make it official."
Joanna looked confused, but McCoy looked stunned. "Are you sure?" he asked. "You really don't have to."
April shook her head, smiling reassuringly. "I want to," she promised. "This isn't even a spur of the moment thing. I've thought about this a lot over the last few years."
Joanna just looked more confused. "What are you guys talking about?" she asked, sitting down on the blanket between them.
April looked at her and squeezed her hand again. "As much as you've been thinking of me as mom, I've been thinking of you as my daughter." Joanna looked intrigued. "I didn't want to bring it up either, because I didn't want to intrude or step out of bounds. You don't have to say yes, and whatever you decide, nothing will change how much I love you. I would be the happiest person alive if I could spend the rest of my life being your stepmother. But if you want to, and only if it's something you want, I could adopt you, and legally, I would be your mother."
Joanna looked surprised, and glanced over at her father. McCoy smiled and took her free hand. "Whatever you decide, I will fully support, sweetie," he promised. "April and I haven't discussed this at all, but it is completely your decision. Even if you decide not to, Jocelyn doesn't have to be your mom if you don't want her to be. She has no legal rights where you're concerned. April adopting you would give her legal rights, but you could still call her mom either way."
Joanna looked down, thinking it over for a few minutes. Obligingly, McCoy and April let her have the time, not saying anything. Instead, McCoy pulled out some dessert – several slices of chocolate cake that actually looked pretty amazing, though considering they came from a replicator McCoy wasn't entirely certain of the taste. He wasn't a fan of replicated food, not that there were many other options out in the black.
Joanna took her piece in silence, eating with a single-minded determination that indicated she was thinking of anything other than the piece of cake in front of her.
She was halfway done before she looked back up, grinning at April. "I want you to be my legal mom."
April immediately set aside her own slice, and engulfed the girl in a hug. McCoy joined them a moment later, his own smile just as wide as his daughter's.
When they pulled apart a minute later, April commented, "I should probably tell Jim before anyone else finds out, right?" She picked her cake back up and took a bite. "He'd never forgive me if he had to find out through the grapevine."
McCoy looked a little sheepish. "He actually already knows." April raised an eyebrow, and he rushed on, "not your answer or any of this, but I asked him for permission last week."
April frowned. "You asked Jim if you could marry me?"
McCoy nodded. "Well, I grew up in a Southern home, you know. Where you ask the father for his daughter's hand. I couldn't exactly do that, but Jim's the next best thing, right? I know he's like your brother, so I figured…" he trailed off, his explanation sounding feeble even to his own ears.
But April didn't look upset. After her initial hesitation, a beatific smile spread across her face and she leaned over to kiss him. "Thank you," she said, pulling back a moment later. "I love you. And I love that you understand the relationship Jim and I have."
McCoy shrugged, understanding. "I do get it, April." His voice softened, aware of the young child sitting next to them. "I know you two went through something horrible together, and it forged a familial bond that I could never hope or want to infringe on. He's already like my brother, now it'll just be official."
April shook her head slightly, chuckling. "We've got to do something about our wayward brother, Len. He needs some serious help."
McCoy grumbled. "Don't I know it. Kid's got no idea what he's doing."
April sighed. "I'll try talking to him. Did he tell you what's going on with him and Carol?"
McCoy nodded. "Yeah. He was an idiot, and he knows it. They'll figure it out. In the meantime, we're supposed to be celebrating."
April laughed lightly, and obligingly dropped the subject.
XXX
McCoy was halfway through his paperwork the next morning when he was rudely interrupted by a whirlwind in a gold shirt.
He had been enjoying the relatively quiet day thus far, as they had had nothing more serious to deal with than a pair of Ensigns from Engineering whom Scotty had sent up to him to treat the first degree burns from getting too close to a malfunctioning terminal throwing off sparks. He had patched the two up and sent them back to work, and was taking advantage of the lack of urgency to catch up on paperwork he should have submitted three days ago – but then, he had been too busy dealing with a training accident gone wrong in the Security department, and a horde of Navigations and Communications crewmembers, Ensigns, and Lieutenants (who definitely should have known better) trying to set up some sort of prank on the next unsuspecting Science officer who tried to enter the botany labs. He had taken one look at the half dozen contrite and embarrassed men and women – covered in some sort of green sludge and half of them sporting red welts – and decided he was better off not knowing.
So yeah, paperwork had kind of fallen by the wayside. He was about halfway done when Jim burst into his office and dropped unceremoniously onto the small sofa in the CMO's office. "You've got some explaining to do," he said brusquely.
McCoy looked up from his PADD and raised an eyebrow. "Hi to you, too," he drawled back.
Jim crossed his arms, throwing the doctor a mild glare. "Care to tell me why I had to hear from Joanna that you proposed to April?"
McCoy set his PADD down and sighed ruefully. "Damn it, Jo-Jo," he muttered. "Sorry, Jim," he said, louder. "I asked her last night. I was going to tell you today, promise. Besides, it's not like you didn't know I was going to ask her."
Jim shook his head slightly and smiled. "I know. Jo-Jo came to see me last night. I think she was just so excited about it. She also thanked me for telling you about the whole 'mom' issue. She's thrilled that April's going to adopt her."
McCoy grinned, his eyes lighting up. "April and I hadn't talked about that at all. I love the idea but would never have suggested it on my own, and it wouldn't change how I feel about her if she didn't want to."
Jim shrugged. "April loves that kid just as much as you and I do. She loves being a mom, Bones. I think she'll draw comfort from the legal aspects. She knows that she doesn't have to have a piece of paper to be Jo-Jo's mom, but if she does, no one can just snatch her away. It might not make sense, but it's just a layer of security."
McCoy nodded. "I get it, and I'm touched that she even offered. I'm just as excited as they are about it." He picked up the PADD again. "Now get back to work. I've got paperwork to complete." Jim grinned and stood up. He was almost at the door when the doctor spoke again. "I really am sorry she told you before I could."
Jim was about to reply that he had only been slightly serious about being upset, when April chimed in from the now open doorway.
"I guess you'll just have to settle for walking me down the aisle instead."
Jim turned around so fast, McCoy was actually surprised he hadn't overbalanced. "What?" he asked, stunned.
April rolled her eyes. "If Len had to ask for your permission before he proposed, then it's only fair for you to give me away as well."
Jim pointedly refused to acknowledge the stinging in his eyes. He was not crying. "I'm honored," he said, when he was sure he had control over his voice.
April beamed and gave him a tight hug.
McCoy interrupted the moment as he asked in a voice that definitely had more of a Southern drawl to it than normal, "Is the best man allowed to walk the bride down the aisle?" Jim pulled back and looked at McCoy. Continuing on, the doctor followed up with, "And on that note, who's going to marry us then? Can we tap you for that too, or do we need to find another captain? My parents raised me Catholic but I'm not really one for religion, not sure I want to go that route; though April if you want to, we can definitely talk about it."
April was already shaking her head. "I've seen too many horrible things in this universe to believe in a higher power."
McCoy grimaced, while Jim looked at her understandingly. It was hard to live through genocide and believe that it was all part of some grand plan, or that somewhere out there in the universe was an all-powerful being who let it happen.
A soft chime interrupted their conversation, and Jim pulled out his comm. It was Uhura, informing him of a Priority One communication coming in from Command, and his presence was requested on the Bridge.
Jim said he'd be right up, and then put his comm. away. "Looks like my break's over," he shrugged.
McCoy rolled his eyes. "Good. I need to finish this paperwork."
Jim grinned cheekily. "I know." McCoy raised an eyebrow, and the Captain shook his head slightly, still smiling. "Who receives your paperwork, Bones? I'm still waiting for those reports you were supposed to send to me days ago."
McCoy threw a stylus at him, which Jim dodged, chuckling. "Then get out and let me get back to work," he growled.
Jim didn't bother to respond, and just ducked out of the room. April followed, also smiling, as she headed back to her own tasks.
XXX
Uhura immediately directed him to his Ready Room when he entered the Bridge. Jim was surprised to see a panel of Admirals on the vid screen when he walked in. The door swished closed behind him, and he came to a rest at attention in front of the screen.
There were five Admirals, including Jon Archer and Richard Barnett. The others he wasn't quite as familiar with, but he recognized them as being among the top tier of Admiralty in Starfleet.
"Captain Kirk, thank you for joining us," Admiral Kawaoki said, a slight edge to his voice as he leveled a stern look at Jim through the screen.
Jim inclined his head slightly. "I apologize for the wait, Admirals. I was checking on a few things in Medbay."
Archer cut off any other potential griping about Jim's tardiness. "No worries, Captain. We understand this communication is unexpected, but a situation has recently presented itself, and we wanted to bring you in on it."
Jim frowned minutely, intrigued and confused. "How can I be of service?"
Jon shuffled the PADD in front of him, looking suddenly uncertain. Jim was immediately on edge. "We received a rather interesting and slightly alarming communication from the Klingons a few days ago." Jim didn't respond beyond raising one eyebrow, a silent invitation to continue. Jon smiled slightly. "We thought you might be best to take point on this because of your… cordial relations with them in the past."
Jim shifted slightly, weight alternating from one leg to the other. "What exactly did this communication say?" he asked.
Jon sighed. "In basic terms, they want to reopen the peace treaty. They want to renegotiate a peace with an eye towards working more harmoniously with the Federation in the future."
Jim leaned back slightly, startled. Without realizing what he was doing, he dropped into the nearest chair. Admirals Kawaoki and Livingston frowned at the lack of decorum, but Archer, Barnett, and Admiral Nogura all looked completely understanding. This had thrown them for a loop as well.
Jim ran a hand through his hair absentmindedly. "Why now?" he mused. "I mean, I know things have been at least less tense between us in the last year or so, but for them to be coming to us with this request… there has to be a reason."
Admiral Nogura cleared his throat. "You are correct. Apart from a few minor raids among a half dozen or so colonies near the edge of the Neutral Zone, the Klingons have been oddly silent. Your visit to Qo'noS did a great deal to ease tensions between us. We were all rather surprised at the forwardness and apparent lack of strings. They're not demanding anything right now; all they want is to open a peace talk, and their only request is that the Enterprise attend as Starfleet's official representation."
Jim had to refrain himself from raising his eyebrow again. "They want us there."
Archer nodded. "You, Jim. Whatever you did when you visited their home planet must have really resonated. They want to make the peace treaty better, and they want to actually abide by it. But they want you there to negotiate."
Jim let out a long breath of air. "Ok, so what happens now?"
"We begin the process," Admiral Kawaoki said brusquely. "It will take time, but we will reach out to Federation representatives, and begin an official dialogue with the Klingons. We will form a panel of representatives, of which you will take charge." Kawaoki paused and gave Jim a stern look. "Understand, Captain Kirk, that you will be in constant communication with us at every step of the way. You may be whom the Klingons want leading these negotiations, but we will have input."
Jim nodded immediately. It was nothing he hadn't expected. He was still just a young Captain, no matter how many world – or universe – saving missions he had under his belt. "Of course, Admiral. I will put together a small team on the Enterprise, and we will begin working on an outline immediately."
"And we will send you details on the other Federation representatives as soon as they sign on," Archer replied. "At the very least, expect Ambassador Sarek to join your team. I'm anticipating Ambassador Shras from Andoria and Ambassador Maab of Capella may also be interested."
"We want to see how far they want to take this," Admiral Nogura chimed back in. Kawaoki and Livingston looked annoyed at what their colleague was revealing, but didn't try to silence him. No matter the difference in rank, however, James Kirk had proved his loyalty and his usefulness; if he was going to play such a pivotal role in the negotiation, Nogura wanted to make sure he had all the facts. "The Klingons have provided us with an opportunity, Captain," he continued, noting the way Kirk immediately straightened in his seat.
"Opening talks with the Klingons could give us an outlet to reach a lot of Federation races," Jim mused, nodding thoughtfully. "We can put together a small team to work with them, but there are thousands of species in the Federation. We've been fractured lately – ever since Vulcan, really. If we could bring representatives together, it could pave the way to renewing those bonds."
"It could also give us a chance to acknowledge any grievances, concerns, or issues our Federation members may have," Barnett added. He and Jon were the only two who didn't look surprised that Jim had immediately caught onto what they were hoping to achieve.
Jim nodded again. "Makes sense," he replied. "You want to put together a conference?"
Archer shrugged. "We're not there yet. Right now we need to sound out the Klingons. See what they want, how much they want for it, and how far they're willing to go. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves."
"Of course," Jim replied quickly. "Let me know when you have the other representatives on board, and we will start working on this immediately."
"Expect an encrypted communication within the next twenty four hours," Nogura said. "We're keeping this quiet for now, for obvious reasons. If and when it turns into anything more, there will be an official announcement, but until we reach that point, we would like to keep this on a strictly need to know basis."
He waited until they had Jim's acknowledgement, and then ended the call. Jim sat there in silence for another few minutes, mind still grasping all the various ways this could impact the Federation, before he shook himself off and sent out a private message to a few key personnel, requesting a meeting the following afternoon.
Spock, Uhura, and two Lieutenants from Communications would be enough, he decided. He was wary of overbalancing the team. Spock and Uhura were givens, but he felt confident with the two Lieutenants as well. Shraeter was Betazoid; her telepathic abilities may come in handy, as would her steady calm and seeming inability to ever anger – though that was more a personality trait, and not indicative of the entire race.
Lieutenant Vlox was the son of the current Tellarite ambassador. Jim had personally witnessed his diplomatic skills on several occasions, and knew he had learned a lot from his father before he had joined Starfleet.
Messages sent, he quickly made his way back onto the Bridge.
Uhura and Spock both looked intrigued when he reappeared, having received his message, but neither one commented. Chekov asked if they had gotten a new mission, but Jim shook his head.
"Just a few things the Admiralty wanted to make sure we were aware of," he replied vaguely. "Nothing important."
Sulu and Chekov definitely looked like they wanted to call BS, and Carol was trying very hard not to turn around and show her own interest. She and Jim hadn't really spoken since their last argument a few days earlier. Spock and Uhura remained determinedly silent.
Jim just shook his head slightly. "Seriously, if and when it becomes anything worth worrying about, I'll let you know. For now though, let's just get back to work."
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