Thanks to my co-author Lone Wolf O'Neill for helping me write this. To Cuban Pirate Princess and Ladycrow67 thanks for following me. Please enjoy and review.

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Deceptions Ch 2 What do we know

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ENTERPRISE READY ROOM

Jim enters his ready room coffee in hand. By now all of Alpha team knows the subject matter of the meeting just not the specific details. Jim prepares to answer their questions and have them find any loophole he missed. He takes his customary seat at the head of the table. "Okay people I know you are not completely in the dark. Tell me what you think so far," Jim asks taking a sip of his coffee. He gives it several seconds as each voice calls out drinking his coffee, leaning back in his chair. Slowly everyone begins to stop until only one is speaking.

"An' Star Fleet expects us to trust the bloody bastards," Scotty's voice rings out. "I dunna trust 'em nor their leader Gorkon." Scotty points a finger at Kirk, "but the Enterprise will be able to beat any Bird of Prey they send at her. Aye can promise ya that sir."

"I'm counting on that," Jim says seriously. "Okay so now to make it perfectly clear we are all on the same page, I am going to detail my conversation with Admiral Pike and Admiral Archer. What I am about to say doesn't leave this room. All communications will be verbal and the point of contact with Star Fleet starts and ends with Uhura. No other shift will be privy to anything discussed until the day of the mission, understood." Jim's tone is sharp and to the point.

Sulu cuts to the heart of the issue bothering all of them. "Sir does this have to do with Kate?" The team sits a bit straighter waiting for Kirk's response.

Kirk attempts to exhale his anger before speaking in a loud sigh. "I am blaming no one but myself at this table but Kate found a way around just about everyone here through sheer luck. Yet again MY lovely daughter has found a way to embroil herself in another galactic incident. It seems she used my work PADD to pen an e-mail to Gorkon when we were in orbit around Deneva." Jim turns to Jack with a smirk, "Nice babysitting there guys. Somewhere between you and Bones she managed to piss off half the Klingon Empire." Jim rolls his eyes at Jack and Bones as both men stare at each other.

Bones is shocked to hear his name. "I never let her out of my sight," Bones swears with a small chuckle. "If Jack wasn't with her I was."

Even though Jack knows Jim is joking, Jack does not find it as humorous as the Captain or doctor. The fact this fiasco started with either him or Bones leaves a bad taste in his mouth. "Sir, would it be possible for me to ground her for the past offense. Say on nights you have bridge duty?" Jack says dryly. Communications is not part of his job but Kate's antics have again put her and Jim in a position of danger. Protecting the Captain is his job and not one he takes lightly.

"Take a number and get in line. I have her this week and it gets better," Jim laugh mirthlessly. "She sent it through the concealed sub carries lines off the Enterprise."

Uhura sits up straight tossing her ponytail over a shoulder. "No…no way not when I was on this ship," she says crossing her arms. "Nothing or no one transmits off this ship without my knowledge especially her. She has a no contact communication subroutine except for immediate Alpha crew, the kids, Admiral Pike and your brother as requested by you. Anything sent by her comes to me and then is forwarded to you. Nothing was sent from her account."

"That's because she sent it from my account," Jim says nodding yes as Uhura slowly puts the pieces together. Jim explains for everyone else. "Kate wrote the following email using my work PADD to piss me off," Jim indicates point at the large PADD affixed to the wall. A mixture of throat clearing, stifled laughs, and stunned faces greet Kirk as his staff reads the e-mail. "Not knowing how our communication system worked she placed it in my outgoing box which was,"

"sent as a data dump as we left Deneva," Uhura looks like she is ready to either be sick or kill someone. She still can't believe something like this slipped her attention. "And this happened when?" She asks stunned.

"Six months ago…but it took that long for the Klingon's to decide to act on it," Jim tells the group

Chekov is glad he is not in the hot seat this time. He has his share of Kate Kirk headaches. Beaming her off an exploding shuttle and missing her beaming off the Enterprise have been his highlights. Still he is shocked she was able to send the email without help. "Sir, six months ago but she could barely work ze replicators. Are you sure she did not have help?"

On one hand Jim wishes she had been given help. "Yes. At each point she was able to, using Murphy's Law, bypass all our safety systems. I believe her when she said she did not ever intend to send the message. This issue is it was sent."

Jack is more concerned about what the Klingons want. Right now he could care less how Kate actually got the message out. "Bottom line this Jim. What is going on and what do you mean the Klingon's have decided to act on it."

"People the bottom line is this," Jim takes a deep breath. "The Klingon's feel this e-mail was not a childish act of defiance against me but against the Federation. They see it as a feat of bravery to sue to peace when both the Federation and the Klingon Empire have a large faction clamoring for war. Plain and simple it is a PR move," Jim has every pair of eyes riveted on him. "We have been order by Star Fleet command to meet a Klingon delegation on an uninhabitaed planet. There Kate will be given the Bat'leth award by Chancellor Gorkon himself." Jim can see Jack leaning forward to voice concerns. "Before you start Jack," Jim holds up a hand, "the initial proposal was Kronos itself countered by beaming over to a Bird of Prey. The uninhabited planet is not favorite my choice but the best out of the three options." The room stays quiet letting Jim continue uninterrupted. "This will be a two day event. There will be a dinner aboard the Enterprise for the all senior staff prior to the award presentation on ground the next day. I am hoping the ceremony only lasts an hour and then we are on our way. Our orders are play nice then leave." Jim sums up the event and waits for the comments.

"Play nice?" Sulu asks sarcastically. "Do Klingon's even know how to do this?"

"Doubtful laddie," Scotty says shaking his head.

Jack is instantly going over ways to handle the dinner and ceremony. "I will issue phasers for each member of the crew going dirt side. I have a gut feeling the Klingons will make their move on planet. The dinner will be,"

Scotty whips his body towards Jack. He can't believe Jack is not screaming about the Klingon's boarding the Enterprise. "Dinner laddie? Really Jack, ya think the bloody Klingon bastards are actually just coming for the haggis and not to cause trouble there," Scotty says pissed.

Jack trains a WTF look at Scotty. "They are going to cause trouble anywhere they can but they will probably enjoy that crap and eat before raising hell," Jack's sarcasm draws a look of annoyance from the chief engineer. "Of course I think they have a darker plan than sampling our cuisine."

"Then what are you 'tended to do 'bout it," Scotty snaps back. "The Enterprise'll hold off any Bird of Prey but if we blindly open our door we're gonna have a wee bit more problems than who is sitting next who."

"Whom Mr. Scott," Jack corrects his biggest grammatical pet peeve. "Who is sitting next to whom?"

Jim can see this discussion getting out of hand quickly. "Look I get it. Everyone is on edge. I know that," Jim takes a cleansing breath before breaking the part of his plan no one knows about. "So I am going to be the only one accompanying Kate to the ceremony. Everyone else will stay on the Enterprise and at the first sign of trouble depart the system."

"Um no sir," Jack is loudest protestation in room and his voice cuts through the others like a knife. "I am your chief of security and as such I will be there with you. It is my job to protect you." Jack can see his pleas are falling on deaf ears. "Spock back me up here," Jack urges turning to the First Officer.

Jim was waiting for this and sharply cuts Jack off. "Uh no your job is to protect the ship Jack."

Spock swivels in his seat staring at Jim. "I mean no disrespect Jim," Spock uses Kirk's given name to make his response more personal. This is not missed by Jim. "Colonel O'Neill is correct Captain. Star Fleet regulation 4.261 states the chief of security is tasked with the safety of the captain."

Jack has never been so happy to hear the pointy eared bastard quote a regulation in his life. "See you have no choice in the matter according to Star Fleet regulation four point something, something, something." Jack has never seen a reason to memorize the countless regulations of Star Fleet. They are easily accessible on line if he needs one but they are never been any help in a fire fight.

Jim tires to keep the mood light. His crew is already under enough stress and they are not anywhere near the Klingon ship. "Fine if we are under fire…take a phaser hit for me," he jokes, "but you are NOT a personal body guard. I know this rankles the hell out of you but I am the Captain so." Jim shoots him a warning glance before adding, "does it need to be an order Jack? I am not risking any more lives than necessary. My decision stands."

Jack is ready to explode. Jim's stubbornness may have saved his life Iin the past but it is not putting it in jeopardy. "I cannot do my job from up here," Jack tries to keep his tone non-confrontational. Jim may allow a more than expected amount of leeway with his crew; however, calling his boss a stubborn asshole is not appropriate with others around.

Jim tries one last time to smooth things over with Jack. "And that is why I need you up here to get me out of any shit down there if it comes to that," Jim punctuates his words by stabbing a finger on the table. "Any other questions?" Jim signals the end of the meeting. One look at Jack tells Jim this is far from over. Jack is a good man and good at his job. Jim would not tolerate being dismissed if he were in Jack's position. He won't do it to him. "Everyone dismissed unless you have something to say off the record," Jim adds solely for Jack. There is a lot of work to be done. Alpha crew does not need to be stuck in a conversation that doesn't pertain to them. Jack leans back in his seat getting comfortable. Jim stares directly at the colonel as he adds, "or by all means stay seated." The room clears except for Jack but Jim had expected that. He tries to deflect the anger he sees simmering just below Jack's calm exterior. "Jack, Jack, Jack, you are not making my job any easier," Jim tires to sound breezy and care free.

Jack returns Jim's forced smile brushing a non-existent piece of dirt from his uniform. "Nor you mine. Can I ask you a question without you getting mad?" Jack queries looking up at his commanding officer. Jim nods a yes response waiting for Jack to hit the roof with his typical witty remarks. "What the fuck are you thinking?"

His response catches Jim off guard drawing a small laugh. "Wow not what you typically say," Jim shakes his head acting like the word fuck is the worst thing he has ever heard. "I pegged you more for the are you nuts response."

"Would you prefer bonkers?" Jack uses his more laid back terms but the anger still laces each word. "I figured fuck described the situation of you going into a hot zone without back up better than golly. Especially when your idea of back up is your twelve year old daughter?"

Jim knew this was going to be a battle but his nerves are raw. He doesn't care that Jack is speaking freely but Jim Kirk has been lectured once to many times today. "If I had any other god damn option here I would take it but I am bunk," Jim confesses trying to keep a cool tone.

Jack is astounded by Jim's sudden death wish. "Gorkon will have guards and so should you?" Jack cuts to the chase.

"Maybe," Jim concedes the point trying to hide his unease from Jack.

Jack gives Jim a withering look. "Maybe? Have you thought this might be a set up and they want you dead and Kate as a hostage?"

"Of course I have but maybe…just maybe they don't. Maybe they are suing for peace. Gorkon is not an idiot." Jim does miss the annoyed huff that comes out of Jack. "The Klingons are in no better position to start a war then we are," Jim states hotly as Jack slumps back almost childlike. "What you think they can win a war?"

"I'm not referring to war. I am referring to you being an idiot. When have you ever know a Klingon NOT to seek revenge on a real or imagined slight to their honor? You really think you daughter is worthy of the Bat'leh over saving 10 Klingon kids?" Jim knows Jack is not being insubordinate or trashing Kate but looking at the situation with a calculating eye.

Jim leans forward on the table. "Jack, what if by some chance this is legitimate? That Gorkon wants to give Kate the award as some sort of peace offering."

"Great," Jack says with false merriment. "Let's throw a party afterwards. I don't care," Jack yells. Jim can see he is highly agitated. Jack never loses his cool. "But if this is not meant to be peaceful…your life will be forfeit and Kate will be gone before I can react."

Jim knows he is right but he is not in Jack's position to just flat out refuse. "Let me think on it. No promises," he tries to appease his security chief. "I am to get more intell tomorrow. Maybe it will change our perspective."

"More intell about a fucked up situation is not going to make it better. You have a beautiful daughter Jim. She needs you not a memory or vice versa. I'd think real hard about how sincere Klingons can be." Jack gets up. He knows Jim's hands are tied but it doesn't make him any less pissed off. Jim sits alone in the ready room going over the events form both meetings.

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DENEVA MINING CORP HEADQUARTER'S

"Hey boss man," Kowalski says sticking his head in to Sam Kirk's office door. He was voted the most likely to survive delivering this message to Star Fleet's Beta quadrant head of Section 31.

Sam Kirk looks up from the documents he was reading. "What's up Kowalski?" At first glance Sam Kirk looks every bit the Manager of the Science Division for Deneva Mining Corporation. He is handsome, wears a suit and has the picture perfect family. On second glance anyone can see he moves with the precision of an animal stalking its prey. When he is troubled, the halls clear as he strides down them. He rarely issues a command twice and all his orders are met with an expediency not found in any other department. It is a perfect cover for Section 31 to stick their noses anywhere they chose under the guise minerals are found everywhere.

Kaowalski walks into the room taking a seat across from Sam. "I have something that for ya," Kowalski holds a PADD in his hand.

Sam leans back in his seat knowing it is company business and not mining business. "Okay anything interesting," Sam says friendly enough as a scowl begins to cloud his features. Sam hits a sound dampening field isolating his office from any sort of covert spying device.

"Promise not to shoot the messenger," Kowalski jokes passing over the PADD. He has worked with Sam Kirk long enough that Kowalski is fairly certain he will survive the encounter.

"No," Sam Kirk shoots back in an flat tone. Kowalski is acting too squirrely for Sam not to be concerned.

"Damn," Kowalski laughs leaning back preparing for the shit storm that is about to fall on their divisional office.

"What is this? What am I looking at?" Sam demands authoritatively. He does not immediately recognizing why a set of coordinates to a Starship from Star Fleet should concern him.

"This is a message that was intercepted that we can't decipher," Kowalski pauses before going on anticipating Sam's reaction.

"What do you mean we can't decipher it," Sam asks icily. "It is our job to encrypt shit other people can decipher."

"I know and it's bugging the shit out of us. We've tried everything 3 times. Even when old school," Kowlaski picks at an imaginary piece of lint on his dress pants stalling for time. "It took us an hour to decipher the first part of the message. It was something about a Klingon award but what caught my attention was the destination." They may be friends but Sam is not going to take the next part of the news well. "Message one was sent to Star Fleet but as you can see once it left Star Fleet HQ a Trojan program activated re-encrypting the message. We have no idea what message two contains."

"Where was the second message directed to," Sam asks looking at the brilliant piece of coding in front of him.

"It was sent to the Enterprise," Kowlaski says quickly waiting for Kirk's wrath to fall.

Sam Kirk sets the PADD down and methodically straightens his desk gathering his thoughts. "Why is this the first time I am hearing about an encrypted message sent to the Enterprise, involving the Klingon's?" Sam slowly interlocks his fingers and settles a deadly gaze on Kowalski.

"Because it the first I heard of it," Kowalski feels Sam's gaze burning on him. "Sam I just got back from lunch when Tom calls me over to his desk showing me this," Kowalski defends himself leaning forward in the chair. "I saw what you did and brought it to you." Kowalski is willing to take some of the blame off Tom. The guy should have given Sam this message hours ago so Kowalski offered to take it to Sam Kirk for him. Kowalski is not going to take the blame for another asshole that thinks they can take over the Federation or fuck with the Kirk family.

Sam doesn't doubt Kowlaski's story and moves on. "What do our sources say?"

Kowalski clears his throat before speaking. "Word on the street is that your niece is going to receive the Order of the Bat'leth over the Khitomer incident by Gorkon himself. Fringe elements are not real happy about this so they are not doing it on Kronos. They are worried about assassination of…well take your pick we have Gorkon, Jim, Kate, and several key members of the Klingon High Council there. Now Jim and Kate would only be killed to make a point or try to ignite a war with the Federation. But if one of those Klingons were killed," Kowalski slumps back in the chair, "it would change the political landscape." Kowalski realizes he just presented Kate and Jim as not worth their attention and secondary concerns.

Sam waves off Kowalski's backpedaling before it starts. If it was not his family, Sam Kirk would actually be thinking of an angle to use Kate and Jim. He looks back down at the PADD and begins to form a plan. "So the Enterprise was to meet at these cords," Sam Kirk brings up a map of that section of the galaxy stabbing at a point with his finger. "But the actually coordinates could be anywhere." Sam stares in silence at the map. "Why are these people not with us? Recruitment is slacking," he says humorlessly. Sam claps his hands together like he is about to embark on a fun adventure. "I want all projects dropped and this code deciphered ten minutes ago. Contact Vagh'Bar on Ty'Gokor and find out what they know on their end," Sam returns to his seat after calmly issuing his orders.

A nervous smile crosses Kowlaski's face. "Uh Vagh'Bar is not going to like getting a coded message from us on Ty'Gokor," Kowlaski wants to make sure he understands Sam correctly. Ty'Gokor is a fortified planetoid located in an asteroid belt deep inside Klingon space and site of the Hall of Warriors. If anyone would have the inside track it would be Vagh'Bar but contacting him would be like is Kowlaski's team showing up at Sam Kirk's home for movie night in full battle gear. One false move and they lose this contact. Sam tilts his head to the side not accustomed to be questioned on his decisions. This is the only confirmation Kowlaski needs. He stands throwing up his hands. "Just checking, just checking. I will get it done sir," Kowlaski utters moving towards the door.

"And get me Pike on the line," Sam yells before the door closes.

"Can do sir, "Kowalski hollers from behind the door.

"What is your angle and play," Sam Kirk closes his eyes and tries to see the larger picture from the pieces he knows. This is Sam's skill. He is the best in his field at seeing the panoramic scene given only a keyhole view. He has to be this time. Jim, Kate, and the Federation are depending on his and he won't let them down.

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PLANET BORETH IN KLINGON EMPIRE

"Are you sure he will be ready?" Torak, Gorkon's chief of staff, asks the surgeon finishing the procedure on the volunteer. She looks down at the bloody swollen face. Everything hinges on Tre'gok taking Gorkon's place at the meeting with the Enterprise and then his place on the High Council. Right now Tre'gok only looks like he has been in combat and beaten badly not the Chancellor.

"Yes," Dr. Eric Orleans promises with a snap of the plastic gloves as he removes them. "The swelling should go away in three days maximum well within your five day requirement. I told you I am the best plastic surgeon in the galaxy. Gorkon's own mother would not know the difference. Now where is my money." Eric tries to keep his demeanor calm with four Klingon's glaring down at him. The Klingon's don't scare him as much as not getting paid. "And in case you feel like taking the less honorable way out…I have left enough information to expose your little plan to both the Klingon government and the Federation if I do not return home."

Tanas snarls menacingly as the doctor washes his hands removing the last traces of blood. "And you think your threat will stop me from snapping you neck right now puny human," Tanas snarls menacingly at the doctor.

"Yes I do. I planted a sub-dermal transceiver that is currently linked to my heart," Dr. Orleans taps a small area on his chest. "If my heart should suddenly stop the transceiver will assume I have died," Eric takes slow steps across the room towards Tanas. "At that point a transcript will be sent to Kronos and Earth detailing all of our little activities here," Dr. Orleans explains. He catches the exchange of looks between his Klingon employers. "When my account is credited I will disable the transceiver. Trust me I do not want my less than patriotic activities to come to light either. I figured sending a copy to the Federation was the only honorable thing to do if I was blackmailing you."

Aktah stomps across the room stepping between Orleans and Tanas. The brazen doctor does not understand Klingon honor nor the unspoken challenge he just raised. Too much rides on the plan for a silly murder to ruin it. "Come Doctor, the shuttle with your payment is waiting for you," Aktah wraps his arm around Orleans' bicep and pulls him roughly from the room.

Torak stares down at Tre'gok. "You are going to be heralded as a hero my friend. The spirit of Kathless the Great will fill you guiding your actions in this great endeavor." She hands Tre'gok a mirror.

Tre'gok is stunned. The face staring at him is no longer his but Chancellor Gorkon's . The only part that remains of him is his voice. Tre'gok fears for a moment they will have taken that also. "For the honor of the Klingon Empire," Tre'gok states and feels relief flood his body. His face may be the image of Gorkon but his voice is still his own. Torak smiles at him.

Aktah stands on the small landing pad watching the shuttle with Dr. Eric Orleans lift off. The icy winds whip at his clothes and bite at his skin. He takes a deep breath allowing the cold air to burn his lungs. Being on Boreth instills a sense of duty like no other place in the Klingon Empire. He turns and basks in the magnificent stone monastery before him. According to the Klingon legend, Story of the Promise, Kahless the Great would be reborn from the dead at this place. Kahless would lead the Klingon people to the "point of light" from the planet Boreth and conquer the galaxy. To the Klingons, it is the most sacred location in the Empire. To Torak's group it is the perfect place to start the rebellion. Tre'gok's transformation could easily be viewed as a rebirth. From this point forward Tre'gok and the Klingon Empire will be changed forever.

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CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS ENTERPRISE

Kate finishes getting her things together in her room. For all her complaining she is actually looking forward to spending the night at Joanna's. Kate's nightmares have prevented her from going until now. Joanna's assurances they were not going to sleep finally swayed Kate to the idea. Kate crosses the room with her pillow and blanket. "See you in the morning," Kate says kissing her dad on his cheek.

Jim is astounded Kate would think the slumber party was a viable activity after the fiasco with the email event earlier today. He puts his PADD down and faces her. "Where do you think you're going young lady?" Jim asks in a shocked tone.

Kate stops just before getting to the door. She adjusts her backpack on her shoulder looking at him with an equally shocked expression. For a week now she has told him she was staying at Joanna's tonight. "Um Jo's," Kate says a bit too sarcastically for Jim's current state of mood.

Jim decides to play along for the time being. Kate can't possibly think she is going to be allowed to go. "For what," he asks. Kate can see his forehead wrinkling in confusion.

Kate exhales in annoyance. She is trying so hard to remember to ask and tell him every move she makes. The least he could do is remember when she asks him for permission. "We are having that sleepover thing. I told you like a week ago and you said it wasn't a problem," Kate has a feeling that for some reason there is going to be a problem but she can't think why. "You and everyone else have been pushing it for a while. I finally agreed to go…so I am going." Kate hopes the inclusion of the crew trying to convince her to do something will sway her dad. He typically is quick to agree to anything Kate wants to do that involves being a part of the crew.

"I do remember you asking," Jim says slowly, "but you're not going. In fact I would clear your calendar for the next week." Kate apparently took the 'don't worry I will fix it' comment Jim made early way to literal. "Kate you hacked into my work e-mail and caused an intergalactic incident. That is my private account. You have got to respect my privacy. Did you really think you would be going tonight?" Jim is astounded that Kate actually had thought this. He can see she did by the look on her face and the way her shoulders slump.

"What? Privacy? It's not like you give it to me. Privacy is a privilege not a right or at least that is what you are always saying," Kate squeals. She takes a step closer to him. "In fact you wanted me to go."

"Well as your father I give you the privilege of privacy until you don't deserve it. It is my business to be in yours. If I think you are doing something that deserves my attention your privacy is revoked." Jim almost wants to laugh at the situation. For the past six months he has been forcing her to embrace being a kid. Now he is preventing it. If Jim's learned one thing in his life it is that life is surprising. "And yes I did want you to go but that was before the e–mail incident. When I said don't worry I will fix this it did not translate to you are not grounded." Jim sees Kate's cloud over as his words are registering.

"But that was like months ago and a total mistake. I said I was sorry," she reasons.

"Jesus Kate…even if it never blew up like it did you would still be grounded. I told you not to use my work account. And if you remember correctly this is twice now. You also did it at Christmas when you re-wrote your work shift for the 0400-0600 time slot. I warned you then never again. It just so happened that wasn't the first time like I thought," Jim is calm as he speaks. He sees the realization of Kate's actions dawning on her face.

"Well what am I supposed to do now? I was supposed to be there five minutes ago. I am going to look stupid," she protests.

Jim is not in the mood to continue this conversation. "No Kate you're going to look grounded. Next time," he promises turning back to his work.

"NO," Kate says sharp enough for Jim to glance at her. Kate drops the anger and volume of her voice. "Why?" She tries again to convince him he is wrong.

Jim keeps his attention focused on his work and not Kate. "Katherine…no arguments. You need to learn,"

"What…that I can get in trouble for something from months ago. I swore I would never do it again. It's completely unfair that," Kate continues to protest in a whiny tone.

"That all punishments aren't spankings that last for second and then over. Sorry kiddo I am a firm believer in the punishment fitting the crime." Jim continues to sign off on paperwork as he speaks. "Life is unfair. Argue and it will be longer."

Kate is so mad she can't control herself. She drops everything in the middle of the room as she begins to pout and stomp to her room. "You are just being," Kate wants to call him an asshole but has learned to temper her words, "mean."

Jim is happy that Kate is finally thinking before she speaks. "There will be a next time. Pick up your stuff," Jim says signing his name not looking up.

"Why," she stomps back. "I hate this."

Kate little temper tantrum is losing it cuteness. "Because I said so," Jim stands up at his desk. Six months ago Kate would have held her ground but now she knows the consequences of open defiance.

Kate walks back to the pile. "You always just say so but never explain why or what will happen," Kate begins to ramble and mutter under her breathe. She is so mad at Jim and just wants to get the last word in.

"Want me to explain it with the palm of my hand," Jim threatens. It has been several weeks since he has had to use corporal punishment but will again if Kate needs a refresher course of who is in charge.

"No," she says quickly backing down from his challenge.

Jim takes a seat back at his desk before following up with, "then do it now."

Kate gathers up her mess tossing it into her room into a heap. She flops on the couch and mutters "happy now." Rogue lays her head on Kate's knee whining. "I could care less about their stupid texting, and instagrams and picture taking. Doesn't matter. I really didn't want to go anyway. I could care less if they know I am grounded," Kate continues to ramble like her not spending time with her friends is going to make Jim feel bad.

Jim is ready to strangle her but thinks back to all the parenting books he read when she first arrived. A crazy passage from Peter Jones' book, How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen, pops into his mind. When they didn't listen Old Petey suggested that punishment should be personal and that not all kids react the same. In order to have a lasting effect, a parent needs to make punishments a statement that the behavior will not be tolerated. Jim sees Kate's confiscated mini-PADD, picks it up, and snaps a picture of Kate pouting on the couch. "Let's see how you like your life flashed to the world," Jim thinks taking a picture.

The click snaps Kate out of her pout. "What are you doing?" she demands staring at the camera.

Jim reads aloud as he types the caption, "THIS IS KATE GROUNDED", before sending it to Joanna.

"What did you just do," Kate asks again with a sickening feeling growing in her stomach.

"Since you don't care if Jo or Erika knows, I am just sending them a picture of you grounded. Guess I shouldn't be playing around in your e-mail huh," Jim shrugs his shoulder looking at the picture of Kate. Even mad she is the prettiest little girl he has ever seen. He doesn't care if he is biased.

Kate's eyes grow wide. She plays off grounding all the time but them seeing it really bothers her. "That's not funny," Kate tries to keep a check on her volume when speaking.

"Neither was the email you sent. Whether or not you knew how to send it is one thing. But you knew what you were doing when you wrote," Jim reprimands. "The fact it was sent was the mistake. You writing it wasn't. You deliberately wrote it with every intent to piss me off. That is why I just took your picture and why you are grounded."

Kate flings back into the couch. She can't believe he is still on about the GOrkon e-mail. "Ughhhhhhh! Are you serious? This really is all over that darn email!"

Click. Jim takes another picture with the caption he again reads aloud, "Kate realizing why she is grounded."

Kate is really pissed. Her dad is right. She didn't mean to send it to Gorkon, but she had every intention to send the e-mail to him hoping to piss him off. Kate hates when her schemes back fire. "Stop it. Give that back. You don't' even know how to insta-gram." Kate wishes her dad could just be normal like any other parent.

"I'll learn," he says scrolling through the images on her account. "Now it a good time to practice since it is mine until you are un-grounded in five days." Kate yells into a pillow frustrated. "Hey Erika just texted back. 'OMG Mr. Jim you are so funny. Kate must be really mad'," Jim reads the response. "Want me to tell her anything. Opps she is signing off to watch a movie." Kate lifts the pillow from her face. She hates that she is even caring about the movie. "Dude they got the Maze Runner." Kirk smiles and takes a picture of Kate glaring at him. "KATE SO WANTED TO SEE THAT," he captions the picture and sends it to Erika.

Kate stands furious. "I get it. I will stay out of your stuff. I hate this. I'm going to bed 'cause there is nothing else to do." Kate trying to keep an even tone while sputtering her angry words sounds comical to Jim.

"But I LOVE YOU," he reminds his daughter. "Sleep tight katiebug." Jim glances at the clock. 1945 hrs. He gives her ten minutes before she is back out.