Jim stared around him at the admirals, captains, and family member of fellow Star Fleeters and never felt so alone. Sam was long lost to the stars and his mother didn't even answer the com. He hated these social gatherings and formal addresses but thought he should at least show up since one of the reasons this was taking place was because of him being awarded Captain.

He gazed at fathers and mothers celebrating with their sons and felt the familiar sadness at being no one's son. Jim walked away and headed towards the balcony and gazed at the stars that were always different and yet always the same.

"Jim?" he turned to see the man who was responsible for the medals on his chest. The one he could always go to with his question. Whose words made him feel like he was on top of the world or like he was two feet tall. The one who always scolded him when he did something stupid besides Bones. The one who was responsible for keeping him away out of some prison in Iowa. Admiral Christopher Pike wheel out into the balcony.

"Sir?"

"I saw you leave. Are you alright, Jim?"

"Of course. I'm Captain James T. Kirk after all." Jim tried to go for the arrogance he was known for but in the end he failed miserably.

Pike raised an eyebrow in a "Are you sure?" before rolling closer.

"Can't lie to you can't I?"

"No. Now why the long face? Shouldn't you be jumping for joy? You made captain in three years like you said."

"I Know. I guess it's because I see the families out there and can't help but…think I'm nobodies son."

Jim waited for laughter but after a few minutes Pike surprised him. "That's not true. You are somebody's son."

Jim turned to stare at the older man. "Yeah? Who?"

Pike stared back. "Mine. "

For once in his life Jim was speechless but Pike turned his chair around and headed back into the room. He paused.

"I think they are going to do another toast. Come on, son."

He waited for the old anger to rear its head but felt only peace and what he expected was love for the old man. Then he realized he was right. He was somebody's son. Pike's.

"Yeah. Wait up…dad."