Huge thanks to Lizzy for the review. I hope you like the rest! Enjoy!

Ch 6 Opinions and Facts

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DENEVA MINING CORPORATION HEADQUATERS DENEVA

The room is temporarily silent but for the ticking of the antique clock. Its monotonous click sounds like a death knoll in Kowalski's ears. Sam Kirk paces like a caged tiger at the far end of the room making everyone nervous. Over the past three days no one has been able to decipher the coded message sent to the Enterprise. Three hours not being able to decode a message is a lifetime in Sam Kirk's line of work. Kowalski waits for his commander and longtime friend to explode. "Okay," Sam Kirk finally speaks, "we are going over this again until someone can tell me something. Let's start with what we know. Exactly five days ago the Klingon Empire sent a coded transmission to the Federation that was routed to the Enterprise. My first problem is that WE did not get wind of this until two days ago. That places us three days behind the eight ball. Now if we were GNN that is not a bad timeline," Sam Kirk jokes but only the new guy Bill Roslyn lets out a chuckle. Sam Kirk is never humorous on the job and zeroes in on Bill. "Excuse me…Bill is it?"

"Yes. Bill Rosyln I just transferred from divisional," he tries to be friendly. Kowlaski averts his eyes at the bloodbath about to befall poor Bill.

"I don't give a damn what hay seed outfit you transferred in from Bill. You are part of my division," Sam Kirk swipes the table flinging data PADD's and loose papers everywhere. "And shit like this does not happen in my division," Sam thunders. Only Kowalski remains relaxed in his seat.

Zander Wallis, head of the code breaking division, adjusts in his chair before speaking. "Sam you can't expect us to work miracles. If we don't have the answers we don't have the answer," Wallis spits back defiantly.

Sam Kirk pretends to relax as a smile creeps across his face. "You know Wallis it is funny." Sam Kirk shakes his head like he is getting ready to scold a small child. "Why is it that you are the team leader for the deciphering division but the first I heard of this came to me from your peon Tom."

"Actually it was this peon," Kowalski hooks a thumb at his chest. "Just setting the record straight," Kowalski throws up his hand after getting a death glare from Sam.

Wallis hates his superior officer and his little friend Kowalski. He is ready to put Sam Kirk in his place. "I was working on something else. A communiqué about a starship is the least of my worries now. I would have gotten to it," Wallis says in a lackadaisical tone.

Sam Kirk scratches his jaw and exhales loudly before drawing his antique Colt 1911 gun firing a shot barely missing Wallis' ear. "That communiqué may or may not start an intergalactic war. You do not get paid enough to make decisions on what is a priority or not. I don't get paid enough to deal with self-serving assholes trying to climb company ladders or make decisions above their pay grade. Everyone in this office is replaceable and expendable." Sam's finger pulls the hammer back to fire a second shot as his personal communicator buzzes. "Hey baby what's up?" Sam's voice changes to a soft, loving tone as he pause the meeting to answer it. No one moves at the table except to steal furtive glances at one another. "Okay but I am working late tonight. I told you that this morning," Sam rolls his eyes as his wife chatters on. "Baby…baby I am in the middle of a meeting right now so what do you need me to do." Kowalski lets a grin openly show in his face. Sam Kirk is scared of no one but Aurelan Kirk, his wife. "Fine I will get a chicken and be home by," Sam checks the wall clock, "7 okay, but I got to go." Sam lets a frustrated sigh and scrunches up his face as his wife continues to lecture on. "Coupon? I am not using a damn coupon. How much is it… five credits? I think I can float that," Sam blurts out. "Look honey I have to go okay. Love you bye," Sam says clicking off the connection. By now Sam's animated conversation and words have instilled a false sense of Sam's humanity in the people gathered around the table. Sam sees the grins and reacts. He shoots a single bullet at each of the people around the table. "If you do not have answers when we next meet I am transferring everyone to places that will make Delta Varga seem like a vacation spot. Wallis you said you don't believe in miracles? I would start. My wife just saved your life and I am blocking her calls for the next meeting. My superiors are not as soft as I am. They will not care if I kill you and leave you in a ditch so long as the Federation remains secure." Sam Kirk sees the reality of their jobs dawning on their faces, especially Bill. Sam gives it half a heartbeat before thundering, "what are you still sitting here for. Move!" People scatter from the table hastily making calls apologizing for cancelled dinner plans.

Kowalski does not move as the room clears out. "You could be a hellva motivational speaker bossman," Kowalski jokes. "If you changed your career there wouldn't be a fat, drunk, lazy unemployed slob left on Deneva."

Sam spins back from staring at the notes on the large wall PADD. "What the hell are you still doing here?" Sam snaps. "I will shoot you to you know that?"

Kowalski stands slowly stretching. "No you won't. If you killed me who would be your assistant coach for Peter's little league. Its frowned upon if you kill people outside the company Sam," Kowalski laughs slowly walking to the door.

"I'd be acquitted if the judge ever had to deal with parents of kids who play sports," Sam's tone is light. "Get to work you lazy bastard," Sam orders turning back to the PADD trying to find the dot he is not connecting.

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SICKBAY

Jim can hear an argument raging outside the door of Sick Bay. It was a good idea that he took the time to come down and deal with the situation himself. "You are being an infant. Have I ever hurt you before Darlin'? Well…have I," Bones demands staring at Kate.

"No but you have never wanted to electronically tag me like belong to a nerf herd. You have a moral and ethical right to not invade my privacy," Kate argues loudly but in a formal tone. Jim tries to keep a smirk off his face. The idea of his high strung, reckless and impulsive Kate being a diplomat was a running joke among him and Alpha crew; however, the more they get to know her, they see the skills she possesses could make her a formidable adversary when she matures. Right now her words are mature but action wise she is throwing nothing more than a good old fashioned temper tantrum. "Star Fleet Medical regulations state you must respect the wishes of your patient if the patient of sound mind and refuses medical care," Kate drones on.

"In McCoy's opinion the worst thing that they have done since Kate's arrival was allow her to learn about Star Fleet's general orders and regulations. McCoy rubs his eyes tuning out her out. "Yeah and if your father finds out you are refusing medical care he will hasten the end of the patient's life," Jim announces striding over to the med bed. Placing a hand on either of her knees Jim continues looking Kate directly in the eyes, "what is the problem Katie-bug."

With her dad showing up this situation has gotten more difficult. "The problem is that I will not be tagged like some animal. Do you know how dangerous this is? If you can find me so can anyone else. Have you thought that through?" Kate gets a small smile, pleased with coming up with another valid point on the spot. Jim bows his head, grabs the modified hyposprayer and in one fluid motion injects the sub-dermal transponder into the meat of her arm. Kate squeals grabbing her arm. She looks at the injection with disapproval.

Bones gives a humorous snort seeing Kate's shocked expression. "See done," Jim announces.

"But you just violated about a half a dozen," Kate begins but is cut off by Jim's flat palm.

"You are a minor and I am your legal guardian," Jim states his position simply. "We discussed this in our quarters. You were not going to go without it and I don't have the time right now for a medical ethics debate no matter how riveting. Go," Kirk hooks a thumb at the door. Kate slides off the table leveling the evil eye at her dad.

"We will talk later," she says. The amount of authority in her tone makes Bones and Jim chuckle.

"I was just about to do that before you walked in," Bones confesses putting the device in a drawer.

"Yeah well we don't have time. Gorkon is beaming over now. Jack is bringing him here now. You ready?" Jim asks as the doors to Sick Bay slide open with a whoosh of air.

"As ready as I will ever be," McCoy mutters in a low voice. "Chancellor Gorkon please," McCoy indicates to a med bed. Tre'gok takes a seat on the indicated bed. His pulse quickens but he tries to keep his breathing slow and relaxed. A detronal scanner with easily show he is not Gorkon but Torak has assured him there is no way they have a sample of his DNA. After a thirty minute examination McCoy has his results. "I am truly sorry for your injury," McCoy apologizes. Jim listens to every word intently as does Jack from across the room. "Your medical team was correct. I can't restore your voice now but there is a procedure." Tre'gok's head swims at the notion this human doctor can restore what Torak had dishonorably stolen. When they kill Kirk and the rest of the crew, Tre'gok will demand this doctor's life be spared. He will get back what was stolen from him. Tre'gok nods with a thin smile as Jack comes to lead him back to the transporter room.

"So it is real?" Jim poses the question in a tone caught between hope and distrust.

"Yes. His throat was slit about three days ago and he does not possess the power of speech. An organ transplant may give him a voice back but it will not be his own. I just can't do it here," Bones frowns. Against his better judgment, McCoy is actually beginning to believe a Klingon once in his life.

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HALLS OF THE ENTERPRISE

"And thenhe just injected me," Kate pouts investigating the spot on her arm where the transponder was placed. Secretly she hopes she gets a big bruise so Bones and her dad will feel bad about what they did. John shoves Kate into a side hallway pinning her between his body and the wall. Kate's eyes get huge as she looks to see if anyone is coming from either direction.

John leans down and kisses the spot she has been bitching about for the past ten minutes. "There a kiss to make is feel better," he says softly in her ear. His lips were so soft and the kiss so quick and unexpected, Kate's heart races in her chest. "Come on," he grins seeing the bright flush to her cheeks.

Kate's mood as instantly improved. "So Joanna thinks we should wear uniforms tomorrow to show solidarity but Erika wants to get all dressed up. Since we can't agree they want to vote. I could really care less but with three of us I am the tie breaker," Kate rambles about the upcoming ceremony. John tries to ignore her without looking like he is ignoring her. "What do you think? Wanna see my legs in a short uniform skirt or my chest in a tight strapless dress?" Kate flirts.

"It is an hour Kate. Does it matter," John adjusts the strap of his backpack on his shoulder.

Kate tries to hide her shock. Joanna and Erika keep telling her she needs to be more girly and not such a tom boy. Boys really like girls they can take care of they tell her constantly. Kate has tried since Christmas to be more girly. Especially after hearing what John told Anakin about girls should try to look pretty for boys but no matter what she does, John never notices or cares. "No it doesn't," she agrees looking at the ground.

John feels instantly bad at his snippy comment. "You are always pretty no matter what. Heck you look great in training sweats Sparkles," he teases using his pet name for her when she is being unreasonable.

Kate again smiles that shy half smile that makes John crazy. "So I will just surprise you," she teases kissing his cheek. Kate can tell something is wrong. It only takes a minute to figure it out. "You aren't coming are you?" Kate puts it together based on John's body language and lack of enthusiasm about going dirtside. She looks at John shocked. "What do you mean you aren't coming? Everyone else is John? Why do you not want to come?"

"It is not that I don't want to come," John answers hitting the button on the turbo for their floor. "It's just my dad is being an asshole."

"Tell him you want to go. Just walk in and say Dad I am going period," Kate orders frustration lacing her voice.

"What do you think I have been saying to him Kate…that I could care less about going? The O'Neill's don't run as open a household as you. You don't just walk in and demand my dad does something," John snorts like Kate is the stupidest girl on the ship.

"This ship is filled with xenophobic bigots that can't see past the end of their noses," Kate rants. "They think the Federation should be a homo-sapiens only club that hides their narrow-mindedness by letting a few token races join." Kate can see John feels bad and tries to pretend it doesn't bother her. "It's fine. Like you said it is one hour." John can see she is annoyed. "Of all the people attending…I just thought having my boyfriend there would just have been nice and all." Kate doesn't mean it to come out as a guilt trip but John is too pissed off with the situation not to take it that way.

"Dammit I want to come for you," he almost yells at her before turning his anger on Kate. "You know you are such a big talker. You want me to go to the guillotine for you but you won't even hold my hand in public." John sees Kate is instantly uncomfortable with the truth. "You know what fuck it. I'll be there. Show that one of us isn't scared to tell their dad something that truly matters." Kate stares dumb founded in the elevator as John leaves.

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O'NEILL QUARTERS

"Dad you have a minute" John asks coming out from his bedroom. He knows his dad will be gone soon to set up security for the dinner. He needs to speak with him now or it will be too late.

"Sure John, what's up," Jack lays down his PADD with the recent NHL updates.

Ronin follows his brother out of their bedroom and flops on the couch beside John. "Yeah we gotta talk dude."

Jack can tell something serious is wrong with his sons. "Ok boys…hit me with it," Jack says turning his body so he squarely faces them.

John takes a deep breath before beginning. "Okay look I know you are having all kinds of issues with the Klingon ceremony tomorrow but Ronin and I are going!" John says firmly squaring his shoulders and bracing for his father's reprimand.

Jack is shocked and slightly annoyed at his youngest son's tone. "Oh you are, are you?"

"Yes," John replies firmly locking his eyes on Jack.

Ronin is stunned at John's word choice and defiant manner. They had decided the plan was to ask to go not openly demand it. He needs to save this conversation before it ends with groundings or worse. "Dude Erika and Jo are going. I mean come on," Ronin stares at Jack like he should know what this means.

Jack could care less about his boys appearance to the crew in this instance. "And that means precisely what to me?" Jack fires back. He tries to remember what is was like at their age and changes his approach. "Look boys, this could go south real quick,"

John stands up cutting his father off mid-sentence. "It means that Ronin and I are a hellva lot more qualified and prepared to be there if things go south than a couple of girls," John clarifies his and Ronin's point of view. John is not in the mood for a lecture about how much Jack cares about them or how his life is devoted to the boys as his reason to not let them go. "We will look like pansy ass wimps and that is NOT going to happen…sir," John adds the term of respect to the end hoping to soften his statement.

It does nothing to soften Jacks tone though. "Yes John you might look like pansy ass wimps but you'd be safe."

John doesn't want to hear about being safe. In Colorado his dad had no idea what they were doing in their day to day life but now on the Enterprise it seems like he is all over them. "Dad I am going. I need you to respect that," John says

"Oh I respect you for your candor and bravery but that does not mean you get to go. Gorkon is coming across as sincere but," Jack tries to control his temper as he explains it one more time.

"So am I dad," Ronin challenges Jack but in a more gentle tone. "So ground us both but John is right. We should be down there." Jack notices Ronin's message is the same as John's but does not use the defiant language. Ronin is asking while John is demanding.

"Is this out of not wanting to be perceived as pansies or something else," Jack requests.

"Hell yeah it is about not being perceived as being a wimp!" Ronin sits up straight.

"No dad it is about being there for Kate," John corrects his brother's position. Yeah he doesn't want to be thought of as scared to go but he is twelve. Everyone on the ship knows he can't get off without his Dad's permission even if he tried. Jack does not seem swayed so John continues. "Okay so it is always about Kate. I mean can she ever NOT be in trouble or the center of a fiasco? But aside from that she would not sit up here if any one of us was down there. It is about unity and being a crew."

Jack likes John's answer better but would not tell Ronin. Ronin tries so hard to emulate his father. "And you," he points at Ronin, "it's only about appearing to be a wimp?"

"Well after the pansy ass part…yeah we need to stick together," Ronin throws in his support for his brother. Over the years John has fought hard side by side with Ronin for things his older brother wanted which John had no interest in. Ronin figures this is just one time he can pay him back.

"There's one difference son. Your mom and I have the final say not you," Jack begins to settle into the role of COS of the ship and not father. John rolls his eyes in disgust waiting for the long winded reason for the no. Jack clearly is seeing Kate's influence on his son. Kate is a great girl but Jim still allows way to much disrespect and control for his taste. "You had better not roll your eyes at me again John," Jack warns. "And don't ever say you're going to do something against our will."

"Fine I won't say it but just don't be surprised when I do it," John counters walking into his room. "Look what happened the last time you didn't believe me on Deneb II," It takes every ounce of control Jack has to remain seated. He has to get control of himself before he confronts John.

Ronin's face goes blank and he has to remember how to breathe. "He so did not mean that dad," Ronin covers. "He is just…um…" Ronin can't even come up with a good excuse for John's behavior.

Jack knows there is only one person that stands up to adults like that on board the ship. "How much time is he spending with Kate," Jack asks Ronin.

Ronin squirms uncomfortably in his dad's glare. "Well…what…none…why," Ronin stammers trying to think of the right answer.

Jack stands up ready to take issue with his youngest son. "None my ass that was a Kate thing and I will not tolerate it," Jacks snaps back. "What is going on with those two?"

Ronin cringes caught between having his brother's back and crossing his dad. "Look I can't get involved in the middle of that. I mean I got my own issues dad." Ronin wants to crawl into a ball and disappear. "You so fucking owe me John," he thinks to himself knowing Jack will pursue the 'I got my own issues statement.'

Jack hides his smile seeing his son squirm. He sees admires the way Ronin it trying to help John. "I see. Care to share?"

"No," Ronin snaps leaning back into the couch. Ronin is Jack's stoic son. Ronin doesn't share even when he should. Jack wishes he would confide more in him and Sam but decides not to pry at this time. He knows the statement was probably just to get him off John's back. "Dad," Ronin draws out the word. "Look John and Kate's relationship and us going dirtside are two different things. Let's just focus on the dirt side conversation dude."

"I'm your dad Ronin," Jack corrects. "Your dude is in there pouting about to get his ass kicked." Jack makes a mental note to discuss the John and Kate's relationship at a more opportune time.

Ronin tries desperately to get John of his dad's radar. "No man you are my dude. John…John is just dumb right now. He is so adamant about going dirt side it is messing with his mind. Trust me he is in there regretting every word he just said. I know. I have been his roommate for the past twelve years and we have said some dumb things."

Seeing Ronin sticking up for John makes Jack happy even though he is ready to choke the life out of John. "So explain this dirt side obsession? Is it because of her?" Jack asks point blank. It has not escaped the adult's attention that Kate and John appear to be developing a relationship that is more than neighborly.

"Just let us go," Ronin begs. How he ended up fighting the battle for John is beyond him. "It is the right thing to do," Ronin almost lets his voice rise before getting it under control. "I mean Kate might fuc...dge up things but she did not ask for this to happen."

"Nice save there son," Jack compliments but Ronin pretends he did not make a mistake.

"The bat'leth award is pretty monumental and historical. If she is getting it why not have an O'Neill there in the background picture," he laughs. "Heck have three."

"So you want to be a part of history?" Jack asks. Ronin's arguments are so much more logical than John's which is not typical.

"Sure dad who wouldn't," Ronin says like Jack's IQ just dropped ten points.

"Go get you brother Ronin," Jack decides to try again why the answer is no with John.

John comes out probably a little more defiant than he should. "What dad?"

Jack ignores John's snippy response. "Bottom line your reason for wanting to go dirtside. Ronin told me his so now it's your turn."

"I told you already we are all part of the crew. When one does something the others back them up," John says firmly.

"I believe there is more to it than that," Jack probes for a deeper answer.

"And you already asked that question," is John's only reply.

"John you need to stow the attitude now understand," Jack barks.

John attempts to reason with his dad. He sits down on the edge of the couch. "I can't sit back and let the girls go why I sit up on a ship like nothing is happening a thousand feet below me. The Klingons seem to be honest in their intentions. Kate says so and I believe her. This is important to her and she has so few," John pauses trying to find the right word, "good things to share with us. I mean Sith Jedi kidnappings, the art of pickpocketing, and failed hyperdrives are not much to write home about. Yeah she screwed up but she did save a ton of kids on Khitomer. Her friends not showing just says it was not a big deal and it was. That is why I am going. Why I hope you will let me go," John changes his statement.

"Well your word choice and tone have gotten better," Jack reminds his son who is in charge. "I will talk to your mom but I am not saying yes."

John can barely contain his anger with Jack over this. He is old enough to make these decisions for himself. Ronin wants to avoid another conflict. "See," Ronin grabs John playfully around the neck giving him a nuggie.

"Get off me," John punches his brother like he always does when jagging off but it has a more aggressive quality than normal. Ronin grabs his side groaning.

"John he was kidding," Jack tries to mediate.

"Whatever I got homework," John stomps back in his room.

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STARFLEET HEADQUARTERS EARTH

"It appears Chancellor Gorkon was attacked. A terrorist organization by the name of Warriors of the Three Turn Bridge attempted a coup of the Klingon Empire. They attacked his flag ship using lethal concentrations of Theragen gas," Spock Prime explains. "Their warp engines were engaged with no set end coordinates. The plan was Gorkon would never be found."

Star Fleet Command sits silently absorbing the news. Pike is the first to break the silence. "Is this confirmed by someone other than the Klingons or are we supposed to take their word for it," Pike demands icily. "Pretty damn convenient it happened right now."

Spock Prime understands Star Fleet's position and attempts to quell any rash action. "It would be the most logical time for such an attack. Chancellor Gorkon has kept his people as much in the dark as Star Fleet has kept theirs. If Vulcan's were inclined to commit such egregious acts of violence we would have struck at the same time." Spock Prime's words ring true to everyone sitting in the room. Tactically it was a brilliant move. Start a war by killing each organizations greatest heroes at the time.

"So how did they survive the Theragen attack? From my understanding it is a nerve gas in its concentrated form," Archer asks attempting to understand exactly how Gorkon survived.

"Commander Muurgtah vented the atmosphere from the ship into space. When life support was re-established the Theragen concentration was diluted to survivable levels. Many did not survive the attack though," Spock says sadly. "Several of the children died."

Even with Archer's extreme mistrust of the Klingons no one wants to see children hurt. This news softens the anger in the room marginally. "Offer our sincere condolences for their loss," Archer starts, "but what about our people? Can they offer a way to help us find Jim?"

Spock Prime looks slightly uncomfortable. This concerns Pike greatly because the Vulcan is always so stoic. "They are…investigating internally," Spock Prime quotes Commander Muurgtah. Pike bows his head not wanting to even think about what this means. Spock continues after a brief pause. "Chancellor Gorkon has pledged every resource in the Klingon Empire to finding the Enterprise. With our two great organizations looking I am confident we shall find them."

"Of course we will," Admiral Gretchen Lui smiles motherly. "We all hoped for peace and will strive that the Klingons loss will be remembered." If she was not a woman, Pike would have stood up and punched her out. Her false platitudes make him want to retch up his breakfast. As long as the heat from any political fallout stays far from her, Gretchen is pleasant. When there is a chance she can be burned through her scheming ladder climbing, she turns deadly.

"Keep us abreast of any changes," Pike requests before Spock Primes disappears from the screen. Pike takes a deep breath. "Okay we now know that this is real and not a tactic by Kirk to avoid his duty," Pike levels an icy gaze at Komack's earlier comment. "I suggest signaling to the fleet that the Enterprise is in need of assistance,"

"But not why," Admiral Nensi Chandra adds. "We need to keep this slap in the face private for now. We can't have the Romulans think we lost our flagship."

"Frankly Nensi I don't give a shit what anyone thinks. Let's get our people back before you start putting on your make up for the cameras," Pike says. His blatant calling out of Nensi will cause him trouble later but Jim is his main concern.

"I agree," Admiral Archer seconds. "Captain Bannock spread the word. Let's get our boys back." Bannock nods and everyone scrambles to do what they can to help. Pike goes directly to his office to place a comm. Sam Kirk is always five steps ahead of everyone but maybe Pike can give him something of use. Sam Kirk's "internal investigation techniques" always seem to produce answers. Pike may not approve of it, but Section 31 does have its place in the galaxy.