Okay hope you enjoy this new story. Please review to keep me motivated in writing it.

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CH 1 A Past Mistake

Spock enters Jim's private office off his ready room at exactly 1230 hrs as Jim replays Archer's message. "Kirk what the hell are you doing out there? Trying to cause the third intergalactic incident in less than a month," Archer demands. "Or just trying to create a new record for shit storms that I have to deal with. I want you and your XO in your ready room at 1230 hours to discuss this Klingon PR nightmare your daughter has gotten us into. Archer out."

Spock listens to the message before approaching Jim's desk. This is the first time he has heard it in its entirety. "Sir do you know which intergalactic incident Admiral Archer would be referring to this time," Spock asks.

Jim sees the barest hint of a smile at the corners of Spock's mouth. "Is that humor Spock?" Jim mocks his first officer. "Because if it is…it's not funny." Jim leans back in his chair flipping a stylus over and over in his fingers.

Spock can tell that his Captain is highly agitated. "Do you have any idea why Admiral Archer would refer to your daughter in the communiqué?" Spock brushes off the brusque remark of the Captain. "The last incident that involved both Katherine and Klingons was on Deneva and…"

"I have no idea Spock. I thought we left that damn mess a thousand light years back," Jim exhales looking at the stars. Spock gets a serious look on his face as a thought strikes him. "What?" Jim demands. Even though Vulcans are not supposed to show any emotion Jim is recognizing some on his First Officer's face.

"If I recall the events correctly, Katherine was awarded the Order of the Bat'leth for her actions on Khitomer," Spock explains. Seeing the 'yeah and' look on Jim's face he continues. "Sir you realize that according to Klingon tradition you are to escort Katherine to Kronos to receive the Order of the Bat'leth." Jim gets stiff hearing Spock's words. Jim was assured after Deneva that the Federation Diplomatic Corp would handle any situation that arisen from that event. He and Kate were to have nothing more to do with it. Spock continues with his line of thought like the Diplomatic Corp doesn't exist. "Archer may be indicating that Kate's presence is required for the award. This may cause problems. Based on our limited information of the event, the recipients must partake in three days of revelry. Each day includes hand to hand combat, the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol, and a feast before the award is even presented," Spock explains like he is teaching a course at the Academy.

Jim leans forward in his chair string at Spock like he has two heads. Jim knows the details of the event just like Spock. "You're kidding me right. This is just another attempt at Vulcan humor?" Jim asks with little humor in his voice.

Spock struggles with Jim not understanding he is serious. "Did you not read my summary? I thought I was very clear on the significance of Katherine receiving this award. To date there has been no other individuals not of the Klingon culture to receive it. Her presence there…"

"Will be like taking a candle into a gunpowder factory to quote an old Earth saying," Kirk finishes Spock's thought for him.

Spock turns his head slightly processing Jim's last statement. "You have clearly stated that this is not a time for humor. Yet your statement indicates you find some form of amusement in our current situation. This is why Vulcan's have difficulty understanding a human's sense of humor," Spock primly answers.

Jim can't help but crack a small smile before turning stoic again. "This ceremony is yearly?" Jim's question is answer by a small nod from Spock. "Well then we are fine. It's been...what 6 months? We still have another six before we should be crossing this bridge. Kate going nowhere near Kronos even if I have to step down," Kirk threatens. "Besides I'd give the Klingon's six hours tops before they exile her and the rest of the human race from their borders if we showed up." Jim attempts to use levity to disguise his fear. Uhura comms Jim signaling the transmission is ready to be connected. Spock walks around to take a seat next to Jim in front of the subspace monitor. "Ready?" Jim glances at Spock before activating the connection. "Admiral Pike, Admiral Archer, what can we do for you?" Jim begins the conversation as politely and as naively as possible.

"Do for me? Do for me?" Archer bellows from halfway across the galaxy. "Kirk your email really screwed us over one good. It has taken all of Spock Prime's diplomatic skills to contain the situation. I think you have done enough," Archer blasts Kirk.

The news about an e-mail surprises Jim throwing him temporarily off balance. "Begging your pardon sirs what email are you referring to," Jim hopes for clarification.

"The god damn email that you sent beginning with Yo Gorkon and signed Jimmy Kirk and the Enterprise gang," Admiral Archer thunders.

A hum begins to fill his ears as Archer drones on and on. Jim snaps out of his daze almost as quickly as he entered it. "Sir, I did not send a message using Jimmy Kirk," Jim defends himself as a sickening feeling begins to grow in his stomach. There is only one person stupid enough to pull a stunt like this that he can't exile to Delta Varga.

"I know you did not send it. Do you think I am an idiot?" Archer's face is turning red as he unsuccessfully tries to control his anger.

"No sir far from it," Kirk clears his throat buying time. Jim tries to think when and why Kate would do such a thing. It does not make sense to him.

Pike lays a hand on Archer's arm trying to unsuccessfully calm the Admiral down. "But I am beginning to question your ability to control a ship if you cannot control your own house hold!" Archer regrets the word the minute they leave his mouth. Jim is a good guy and a hell of a Captain. Kate was a wild card months ago but now has settled. From all the reports crossing his desk, Kate has fallen into step and is now under control.

Pike takes over the conversation. "Jim I am sending you a copy of the email now." Pike sends the e-mail and Jim sees the message pop up on his inbox. Jim's eyes grow wide as he reads it.

Yo Gorkon,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I would love to have

the entire Klingon reception party over for the presentation of

the Bat'leth Award to Kate. We can do it either here or there.

We'll call it a party! Comm me when you are ready!

Jimmy Kirk and the Enterprise gang

"Yo Gorkon?" Kirk reads raising his eyebrows uncomprehendingly at the juvenile wording in the message. "Jimmy Kirk and the Enterprise gang…sir he cannot have possibly believed that I would have sent this." Kirk's temper is about to blow. Of all the irresponsible and ludicrous schemes Kate has pulled since she boarded the Enterprise this tops it. Her childish antics have made Jim look like a fool and he has worked too hard for his career and reputation as Star Fleet's youngest Captain for something like this to happen. "I can assure you that this was a mistake. A mistake she will never repeat again," Jim's temper flares as he read it for a second time.

"It was sent via Star Fleet comm systems so only John and I are privy to it being the highest ranking officers present when it was sent. John burned the data base and deleted all references to it. Luckily it was highly classified so the trail was not hard to follow. The Klingons assume that Kate sent it and see the act as one of bravery and courage defying the superiors above her." Pike explains calmly although Kirk knows he is as pissed as he is. "I don't know why she,"

"Let's find out," Kirk says in a forced calm tone the does nothing to hide the anger he is feeling. "Kate" he says crisply through his shirt comm.

"Yeah, what do you need I'm in math right now?" Kate says innocently completely unaware of the hell about to befall her. Math is her hardest subject so she really doesn't want to talk. If she doesn't pass the test on Friday she can't keep her B average. Not keeping her B means no job.

"I need you in my office immediately do you understand me? " Kirk demands in a calm tone.

"Uh I guess," Kate says in a questioning tone. She hears the comm unit abruptly click off before her dad even says the customary Kirk out. Joanna and Erika look at her for an explanation along with everyone in the room.

"Miss Kirk you are dismissed," Dr. Jackson says not brave enough to tell the Captain she should really remain in class.

"What did you do?" Erika says in a dreaded voice. "I have never heard him like that before." Kate wrinkles her forehead in confusion and knows he is not just mad about something but furious. He has been mad at her plenty of times before but only when he spanked her over the Jedi shuttle incident and threatened her with destroying the Holocron did he have that much anger in his voice. Kate shrugs her shoulders slightly and slides out of her seat. All the way to the conference room Kate tries to think about what she did wrong. Kate wonders if he had found Smugglers Run. She dismisses this because he would be calling all of them. Besides they only had half a bottle of whiskey and a pack of cigarettes hidden here. He couldn't actually be that pissed about only that. Zala Tsu's light saber is there but Kate realizes even this could not push him over the edge. She reaches the doors to his office and stops. For the first time she is actually scared to see Kirk. Kate pulls the sleeves down on her shirt so she has something to fiddle with and the door slides open. Kate sees her dad and Spock sitting behind his desk looking at the subspace monitor. Kate instantly knows why she is in trouble. He found out about her on line gambling account. Kate feels a sick ball in her stomach. She had set it up a month earlier form the email her Uncle sent her. Kate only wanted to try it but she has made so much money since Deneb II that she never stopped. Kate thinks of all the excuses she can use to explain it: she needed some money, it is fun, hell she might even blame her Uncle Sam. In the end, Kate decides to play dumb.

"Hey dad," Kate says nervously playing with her sleeves. "You wanted to see me?"

Kirk indicates the seat across from him and Spock. "We have some questions to ask you," he says swiveling the subspace monitor so she can see Admiral's Pike and Archer. From the background behind them Kate knows they are at Star Fleet headquarters. She feels oddly happy that this can't be about the on line poker account. Star Fleet would not be involved with that.

Kate slips into the seat biting her lip. If it is not on-line poker she is now back to square one. "Um okay but I was in the middle of math and you know how hard that is for me," she says slowly buying time to think. "Admiral Pike, Admiral Archer," she greets them politely. Kate looks back and forth to them and her dad. "Is there a problem?"

"Yes Kate there is," Christopher Pike says in a steely voice Kate has never heard. She looks at Kirk for support but he says nothing. Kate swallows nervously playing with her shirt sleeve under the table. She stares back and forth waiting for someone to say something. After what feels like forever Pike answers her. "Kate why did you message Chancellor Gorkon," Pike asks in a level tone. Kate does not miss that his face and body are tense with anger.

"I…..I didn't," she says completely confused. "How would I even get in contact with a Klingon let alone someone as important as Gorkon?"

Jim knows Kate is as lost as he was when the conversation began. He can see it on her face. He brings her up to speed quickly and succinctly. "Kate an official message from me went to Gorkon on Stardate 2259.268." Jim knows Kate is still struggling to figure out stardates so he clarifies further. "It was sent on October 12 just as we were leaving Deneva."

Kate tries desperately to put the pieces of information together in her brain. "I didn't send any e-mails back then. I didn't even know how to do email until like a month ago," she protests vehemently. "This has got to be some mistake. I swear I never," Kate silences herself noticing her dad does not believe her.

Kirk has been staring at her face the entire time she has spoken looking for any indication she is lying. Jim sees Kate has no recollection of the email or event. He downloads the email onto his PADD flinging it across the desk. It stops in front of Kate. "Read it." Kirk says. When she doesn't reach for it he repeats his command in a firmer tone but still does not yell, "Read it."

Kate removes her hands slowly from under the table and opens up the message she typed in at Sick Bay several months ago. As soon as she reads "Yo Gorkon" Kate feels like vomiting. At this point she is now on the same page as everyone else. "I didn't….I wrote it but…..I…I didn't send it." She stammers and when she sees no one believing her she turns to Kirk. "It was a joke," she says weakly with her bottom lip trembling slightly, "to get you to come home. I was mad. I wanted you to stay with me and not go to Deneva. This was from like months ago."

"A joke?" Kirk leans on his desk closing the distance between them. "A joke!" He roars once causing her to jump.

"I…..I..I..I was mad. I wanted to get your attention. I was never going to send it." Kate's eyes are starting to brim with tears. "I…I copied it to my account and I was," Kirk slams his palm on the table loudly trying to expend the anger coursing through his body. His action makes Kate jump in her seat.

"Whether or not you thought this would be funny is not the issue. The message was sent from my account to Chancellor Gorkon. Do you realize what a fool you made me sound like?" Kirk uses a neutral tone that carries all the weight and authority of a Star Fleet Captain behind it. He carefully and deliberately turns to the subspace monitor clasping his hands together on the desk. Kirk scares Kate more like this than if he was screaming at her. Kate reads people very well by interpreting their body language and tone of voice. Aside from being pissed she can't tell if this is ramping up or winding down. Pike, Spock, and Kirk are mad but giving her nothing more to go on. Not having control of the situation is really freaking her out.

"Katherine all Star Fleet classified documents are not able to be copied. You never moved it to your account. You moved the document to outgoing transmissions, which for Star Fleet senior officers are automatically sent at designated time intervals. This is standard operating procedures for all senior level positions," Pike explains, "and would not have been known by you."

Kate swallows back the bile rising in her throat. This cannot be happening her mind screams. She has tried to fit in here so hard recently. Kate has to make them see it was only a mistake. "No, no, no, I never sent it I swear it was supposed to be funny," She says as large tears spill over her eyes blurring her vision. Kate feels a burning that starts in her stomach and radiates out from there. She quickly brushes the tears away with a shirt covered palm. "That was a long time ago. This was not me well...not the me now. I was angry at everything back then but not now. I would never do anything like this now. Dad you have to believe me," Kate cries reaching out to touch his hands. She could care less who believes her now except for her dad. He has to believe her.

Jim's expression softens looking at Kate's panicked face. He covers his hand over hers. Regardless of the situation Jim needs Kate to know he is on her side for better or worse. "I understand that and believe you but your sincerity or apologies now won't fix the problem," Jim says calmly.

"Katherine you need to understand the seriousness of your actions. We have contacted Chancellor Gorkon and explained it was an error but if that message had been sent to say Commander Muurgtha events may not have played out so smoothly. Your father's commission could have been revoked or at least suspended until an inquiry board," Archer states firmly and loudly. Although he is not technically yelling, Archer never uses anything less than a loud, brusque tone that always seems like he is on the verge of taking some cadets head off.

Kate flies to her feet, face white as a ghost and says in a voice laced with panic, "Don't take the Enterprise. It is his life his world. I'll go anywhere. I'll say anything. I'll or do anything to make it right but don't take the Enterprise from him. The Enterprise is our home. I am sorry. I am sorry," she repeats over and over to Kirk and the monitor. Kate is trying not to visibly shake she is so scared. If Kirk looses the Enterprise she loses everything: Her way to get back to Sky River, her friends, and ultimately him. Neither Han nor Kirk could suffer the loss of their ship and not have it fundamentally change them.

"Sorry don't cut it young lady. You can't expect an apology to dig us out of this cluster fuck you have created with your childish temper tantrum," Archer reprimands face turning red again.

Kirk can't help but jump to Kate's defense even though she is at fault for the entire situation. "She has gotten the point Sir. No need in beating a dead horse. My daughter is NOT a cadet you can just berate. Yes she did make a mistake but she won't do it again. We need to figure out how to remedy this, not rehash what we already know," Jim's tone is icy but controlled. Jim squeezes Kate's hand letting her know he is on her side for the long haul.

Pike sees what Jim sees on Kate's face. All the men do around the desk. Kate looks on the verge of a panic attack and needs to be calmed down. "Kate no one is taking the Enterprise from your dad," Pike says softly, "but you need to realize what can happen when you blindly react and don't know the rules. We are going to fix this but you need to think before you act impulsively next time. Sometimes things aren't funny later on," Pike says firmly but gently. He has dealt with cadets fucking up for years and can see this conversation has left an impression.

Kate slowly takes her seat looking at Kirk. He was shocked at seeing the terror on her face at the thought of losing the Enterprise. He softens his voice and body, "Sweetie you need to mind your business in matters that don't affect you. Not everything is what it seems sometimes." Kirk sees Kate relax, but her eyes are still desperately searching his for an answer.

Kate swallows visibly getting herself together. "Okay so what do you want me to do to fix this? I have an idea," Kate starts but is cut off by Archer.

"You have done enough already. Let the adults handle this," Archer roars at the audacity of the child sitting across from him.

Kate has the sneaky suspicion Archer just dismissed her. She needs to clarify her skill set to him. "Look…back home my mom taught me how to deal with things like this. I know I can fix this if you just let me try. Gorkon and I," Kate tries again looking Pike in the eyes as she speaks.

"Kate be quiet for now," Jim orders firmly but gently.

Kate turns her pleas to him. "But dad you know I can fix this. Tell them I am good in these situations." Kate rambles quickly hoping he will jump to her side like he did earlier.

Jim can see Kate is not going to give up. "Sirs can you give me a minute," he stands from his desk. "Kate follow me," he orders in a cool, even tone heading for the door.

Kate follows him begging the entire time to let her help. As soon as the doors close and they are in his ready room Jim spins on a dime. Kate stops short of actually running into him she was following so close. "Kate…you got me in deep shit with Archer, with the Federation, with Pike," he lectures.

Kate licks her lips. She has one last chance to convince her father she can help. "I can do this I know it. Give me a chance."

It takes every ounce of self control for Jim to not lash out at Kate. Jim knows she is desperate to make amends but this situation is not one she can fix or be involved in. "Kate be quiet," he snaps silencing her. "What you can and can't do doesn't matter now. Archer is right. I'm sorry doesn't cover this one kiddo."

Kate turns her feelings of helplessness into anger. "Then what will," she raises her voice frustrated. "I mean what the hell am I supposed to do if they won't let me talk to the Klingons."

Jin levels a finger at Kate indicating she had better watch her tone. Kate reads his body language knowing he can go one way or the other. Kate shuts up hoping Jim will stay with a lecture and not a spanking. "THAT is for the Admirals and me to deicide. It is not your job. The email was sent. The damage is done." Jim's words are final and his tone icy.

Kate knows she has no options but can't give up. She has to help them. "But," she stutters at a loss for words.

"No buts Kate," he warns barely able to keep his voice calm. Jim paces the hall room trying to expel his energy. After several laps he can see Kate is near panicking again. "It is going to be okay." Jim exhales walking over to her. He opens his arms as Kate falls into them. "I will fix this. I am going to take care of you always." He kisses her on the head breaking the embrace. "Go back to class. We'll talk later."

Kate looks up into his eyes. She knows he is not lying. "I swear I will never do this again," Kate promises wiping her nose on her sleeve.

Jim grabs a tissue from the center of the table. "I know you won't," he passes it to Kate as she blows her nose. "I will see you tonight. Now go back to class." Jim turns heading back into the meeting. Jim knows Kate is following him but does not have time to deal with her.

"But dad I know if you just gave me one minute," Kate pleads as the door closes in her face.

Jim walks around the desk taking his seat. Spock immediately brings Jim up to speed. "Sir, the Admirals were just explaining their current plan to deal with the situation," Spock hands Jim a PADD with a hardcopy detailing their verbal explanation.

Jim takes the PADD. "Thanks Spock. So how are we dealing with this fiasco?" Jim glances at the written form of the plan as he speaks. Jim's expression goes from anger to shock as he reads the document. "Excuse me Sir…the presentation of the Bat'leth? I thought that was going to be done through the diplomatic corp? Now you are expecting Kate to receive it personally? No. No way in hell," Kirk says confused.

Pike is surprised Jim's reaction is this calm. "Jim, Gorkon is willing to forgo Kate's actual presence on Kronos as dictated by Klingon custom. He can't guarantee her safety there nor any Federation citizen."

"Good because it's not like I'd take her there in the first place," Jim spats. Pike rubs his forehead seeing the uphill battle beginning to present itself.

Archer silently applauds Kirk but has to remember what must be accomplished at this meeting. "Watch the attitude son," Archer warns. "You created this mess when you let her go half cocked down to Khitomer."

"Yes sir," Jim sits ram rod straight biting back the comment he wants to say. "But with all due respect sir, I didn't let her just waltz down to Khitomer. She did that on her own. Had I known what she intended, I would have yanked her off the transport pad and thrown her in the brig."

Archer's sympathy towards Kirk wanes. "But the point is you did not stop her and she did go."

"I wasn't there to stop her sir because I was doing my job on the ship," Jim leans in towards the screen struggling to maintain a civil tone. "I did not know what she was capable of then but do now. A stunt like that will NEVER happen again."

Pike sees this conversation going nowhere. "Gentlemen with all due respect this is not getting us anywhere." Pike sees Jim's posture relax slightly. "Jim the situation on Kronos is unstable at best. The Klingons are clearly divided on a human receiving their equivalent of a purple heart. The bestowing of the Order of the Bat'leth is not sitting well with some factions. We have heard rumors that fringe groups are calling for the resignation of Chancellor Gorkon over it."

"Then why not refuse the award. I do not think Captain Kirk would mind if his daughter was not to receive it," Spock states the logical way to end this situation.

"THAT'S an understatement. Melt it down for scrap mental for all I care," Jim slumps back in his chair fidgeting with a stylus. Spock's proposal does interest him though". "So yeah, why not refuse? Tell them we are honored but," Jim waves his hand hoping someone will finish his thought.

"That would be diplomatic death. See the other half of the Klingon Empire, not clamoring for Gorkon's resignation, is heralding her as a saint for saving those Klingon kids. Why couldn't you have had a normal girl Kirk," Archer jokes. "One worried about breaking a nail and not saving the universe." Archer's comment draws a smirk from Jim.

Pike again interjects trying to keep the conversation on topic. "We have tried to refuse it on numerous occasions. The Klingon's refuse to revoke it claiming it is not honorable. The diplomatic corp feels it will do more harm than good if she refuses to receive it." Pike leans back matching Jim's faked relaxed posture. "I cannot force you to do anything. Both Archer and I have agreed to stand but whatever decision you make. This is the best plan we can come up with."

"Thanks you Sirs," Jim nods but Pike cuts him off from further explanation.

"Jim we are at a balancing point here. Just like the Klingons, half of the Federation is pushing for war. Everyone sitting here knows we are not prepared to engage in such a war." Pike's words hold a desperate quality Jim doesn't miss. This has to be of paramount importance for Jim's mentor and father figure to fumble with words. Pike has never pulled any punches before with Jim.

"Bottom line me Admiral," Jim says not caring which one answers. Jim braces as a sickening feeling grows from his stomach. He knows what Pike and Archer want but needs to hear the actual words.

"Bottom line is you will present Kate to the Klingons at a specified location one week from now," Archer orders what Pike can't.

Both men take it as a good sign Jim has not disconnected the transmission. Jim pauses staring at Kate's picture on his desk. "Sir you really expect me to just hand Kate over to the Klingons. She's 12 and a kid. There's got to be another way." Jim directs his words to Kate's picture and not the men on subspace.

Pike's heart is breaking for Jim and the impossible decision he has to make. Although Pike assured Kate Jim would not lose the Enterprise over this, everyone knows what will happen if Jim does not comply. Pike hangs his head shaking it. "Son we have been given assurances that her safety is of the utmost impotance. The Klingon's can't risk the civil instability that would occur with an attempt on Kate. It is as much a concern to them as it is to you. I was told to tell you that the life of one human has never held in balance the lives of so many Klingons. Honor dictates blood will run the street if a single drop of hers is spilled."

"Gorkon said this personally or one of his staff? If I am to trust a Klingon I want to hear that from Gorkon himself. No offence sirs, but he is the FIRST Klingon bastard that I have not wanted to shoot on sight," Jim begins the bargaining process. If he has to do this, Jim will make sure it is planned to his specifications for maximum safety.

"The Klingon council has given us assurances she will be treated as one of their own," Archer says trying to be fatherly. Jim sharply glances at Archer. His look says everything that can't be recorded on the transmission. "Jim I know what you are feeling right now,"

"You can't possibly know what I am feeling," Jim cuts him off. "The Federation has again demanded a martyr from the Kirk family: First my father and now my daughter. I will assure you the latter will not suffer the same fate if I have to start a war to protect her."

Both Admirals have their answer just as Sock Prime predicted. Jim will participate in Star Fleet's plan. Pike tries to lighten the sullen mood. "I did speak on your behalf and explain that hand to hand combat and booze would not be acceptable," he chuckles. "I hope I did not over step my bounds son. With Alpha team and Kate participating in these events I was afraid the Klingons wouldn't stand a chance."

Chuckles erupt around the table except from Spock who does not see the humor in Pike's statement. Jim tosses the stylus on the table. He assumes the relaxed posture of leaning on the desk as he addresses the Admirals. "Not at all. Kate drinking is a nightmare I want to avoid and combat that's a hell no."

Archer begins to second phase of the discussion. He hopes Jim will be as amenable to it as he was accepting this assignment. "Because of the volatile nature of the situation only the four of us and Gorkon's immediate council will know the details of the ceremony."

Jim steels himself for another round of fighting and negotiating. He knew the outcome of the situation before either Admiral began. Jim saved up his anger and hallmark stubborn streak for now. "So what am I to expect?" Jim's mind is sharp and ready to shred every piece of Star Fleet's plan until it resembles the one slowly forming in his mind.

"To avoid any complications," Archer clears his voice, "the location and time will be given so that each party will arrive at the same time. No one will be there first. They wanted you to beam over to their ship," Archer is immediately cut off by Jim.

"You're kidding. I hope you're kidding," Jim sits straighter.

"No I am not. I don't know what fat assed liberal bastard in the Klingon Council actually thought that was a viable option but I know the one stupid enough to propose it." This is the Archer Jim knows and loves. Archer leans towards Jim like he can actually shorten the distance between the two men. "I don't think that one will be speaking to me at the next reception." Jim lets a laugh escape. Only twice has Jim been on the receiving end of a pissed off Archer. They are events Jim still has the occasional nightmare about and the bar to which Jim measures all ass chewing's to.

Pike is more diplomatic than either Jim or Archer. He attempts to get the meeting back on track. "So Spock Prime made a deal using a non-habitated planet for a dinner reception and the presentation of the award," Pike proposes what he hopes Jim will agree to.

Jim begins the bargaining process. "One day and it all occurs on the Enterprise. "Finger foods, small talk, here's the award, and done." Jim counters knowing he is going to have to give somewhere. This is the highest honor the Klingons can bestow and not the divisional trophy for intramural baseball at the Academy.

"Jim…you have to be serious," Pike admonishes. He should have known Jim was two steps ahead of them from the beginning.

"Fine I will feed them dinner before I boot their ass to the curb," Jim offers deadly serious.

Spock tries to reign in his Captain as diplomatically as possible. "Captain I concur with your assessment of not boarding the Klingon vessel." Spock's statement draws a nod from Jim, "however, it is logically that they would have the same reservations about boarding a Federation vessel."

"Not if they are that sincere about Kate's safety. I mean where is she the safest but here," Jim politely explains.

"That being said Captain I am not sure we can convince them to turn their ceremony into a one hour affair. The presentation of the Order of the Bat'leth is a most sacred event. This one, of historical significance, because Katherine will be receiving it," Spock tries to convey the significance of a non-human receiving the award but Jim doesn't care.

"Then it will be significantly short and easy to report on," Jim gives Spock a face indicating he will not budge.

Spock gives Jim a withering gaze where Jim pretends to buckle. "Fine we will do it over two days if the Klingon's appear to be on the up and up. We will have dinner on the Enterprise followed by a quick ceremony on planet to get the award," Jim compromises. "But if I have any inclination that any detail is not going to be honored or that something feels off…I pull the plug. At any time I reserve the right to pull the plug," Jim clarifies his response to make sure with absolute certainty Star Fleet and the Federation know what to expect from him and his crew.

Archer does not indicate that Spock Prime is already putting together this plan with the Klingon ambassador. It scares him how much he and Jimand the elder Vulcan think alike. One day Archer will ask Jim why Spock Prime specifically requested to be assigned to this diplomatic team. Spock Prime had prepared Pike and Archer for this meeting with Kirk like it had already happened. "Jim can you do this," Archer asks the young Captain sitting across from him. He is not sure he could if he was in Jim's place.

"Yes sir, as long as the Klingons follow their end of the bargain," Jim assures both Pike and Archer with dead seriousness.

Archer admires Jim more than he will ever let him know. He tries to find at least one bright spot for the young Captain. "Well at least Kate is not incapable of taking care of herself given those Jedi skills. From what I hear the rumors of her skills are quite,"

Kirk feels his chest tighten. His protective father instincts take over. "Just basic stuff nothing to brag about," Kirk says tight lipped. "And those rumors are just that. Rumors. She is a smart mouthed street kid that has learned a few tricks over the years. No different than her father," Kirk tries to deflect and play down the rumors. "Will there be anything else? I have a daughter to yell at."

Pike knows far more than Archer about Kate. He gives Jim is way out. "Yeah we are done here. I will contact you as soon as I get any information. Good luck Jim…Pike out."

Kirk lets out the deep breath he has been holding slamming his fist on the desk. "We're in deep shit Spock."

Spock forces Jim to focus on the Klingon situation directly and not Kate's involvement although both are intertwined. "Captain, I think we should contact Alpha team and apprise them of the situation."

Spock issuing orders snaps Jim out of his daze. "Good idea and have readiness drills scheduled all week long," Jim says striding to the bridge. "I will not get caught with my pants down against these Klingon bastards."