Ch 7 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
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ENTERPRISE FORMAL DINING ROOM
"I think it is going well so far," Jim remarks to Spock and Jack draining his glass of wine. "No one is dead yet at least."
"Captain has only been ten minutes. That is hardly a sufficient amount of time for hostilities to reach homicidal inclinations," Spock is unsure if Jim is serious or using humor.
"You have never been to a dinner with Chandra, Lui, and Komack then. Thank you," he says grabbing a new glass of wine from a passing tray. "Hey sorry about earlier in my office," Jim apologizes to Jack while scanning every inch of the room. "Everyone is running on hot. I know you are just trying to do your job."
"Water under the bridge my friend," Jack takes a swig of his Guinness.
Jim can tell the "fight" between them is not over but he needs to keep the mood light. "So we are agreed that you stay here," he grins playfully at his COS. "See they are as tame as kittens," Jim makes gestures around the room.
"With teeth this long," Jack makes an exaggerated motion with his hands. "And don't worry Jim I will stay right here by your side today, tomorrow, and always," Jack quips scanning the room for signs of trouble.
Before walking to the table to begin dinner, Jim playfully punched Jack in the shoulder. "Behave," Jim says with fake sternness.
"There is a regulation against physical abuse of your crew," Jack jokes watching Jim cross the room.
"You are correct Colonel O'Neill. Star Fleet regulation 39 states," Spock drones on as Jack stares at him dumb founded. With each passing week, Jack is seeing why Jim finds Spock's company so enjoyable. Spock may not think he has a handle on humor but sometimes he is the funniest man in the ship. "Fascinating Spock," Jack regrets his decision to humor Spock five minutes after making it. His eyes scan the room for a way out. "Ronin," Jack randomly says looking at his son standing across the room before walking off. This evening will be difficulty enough. Jack doesn't intend to spend the evening debating Star Fleet regulations with Spock. "Whatcha doing?" Jack asks approaching Ronin, Tanas, and several Klingon children staring intently at a PADD.
"Watching the Simpsons," Ronin laughs staring at the screen along with everyone else.
"I have seen several of your Earth shows but not the Simpsons," Tanas admits bursting into deep laughter as Homer begins to strangle Bart.
"They've been around for a long time," Jack comments getting a smile as the TV cartoon continues. "Which one is this," Jack asks solely to make conversation. He knows all of them by heart.
"The Outlanders," Ronin says between laughs as Maggie recreates a scene from Thunder dome.
"And this is my Hech," Kate introduces John to Torak. John hopes he hides his surprise at being called Kate's intended.
Torak smiles warmly at the kids in front of her. "Your use of Klingon is quite remarkable Katherine Kirk. Tell me do all you speaking it so fluently," she asks making a mental note to inform the others of Kate's answer.
"Yes but they are so much better than me. I just started learning it several months ago but John and the others have been learning it for what…about a year?" Kate looks to John. He nods affirmation getting a thin smile from Torak.
"You are very lucky Mr. O'Neill. Your laH'e'mate (soul mate) is beautiful in appearance and quite intelligent. She is a great choice for a mate." She tells John. "Have you presented her with the Jinaq formally," Torak's fingers lift the small pendant up from around Kate's neck.
Kate's face turns bright red. "No this was a gift from my mother," Kate informs the counselor. "John and I have many battles to fight before we settle into life. No Jinaq until I am thirty my dad says."
"You are smart beyond your years Katherine Kirk," she compliments. Kate hears her dad request everyone come to the table.
"You are insane Sparkles," John whispers Kate's pet name in her ear. "You won't tell your dad you like me but you tell the enemy of the Federation we are a couple?"
"I think he already knows about us," Kate murmurs winking as she takes her place beside her dad at the table.
"Nuq'nuh," Jim opens up the dinner with the traditional word for greetings in the Klingon culture. "I would like to thank all of you for coming. Please let's eat."
Much too Jim's dismay, Kate has rearranged the seating chart. The adults, especially those from the Enterprise mill about in confusion looking for their new seats. Instead of the Klingon's on one side of the table and the Enterprise on the other, she has placed a Klingon between each member of the Enterprise crew. Kate has made sure that the kids were surrounded by kids and the adults by adults. "You uh…changed the seating chart," Jim whispers in Kate's ear as she spreads a napkin on her lap.
"Yeah I made a few adjustments," Kate smiles as she whispers through her teeth. "You had us facing off. Your arrangement visually showed the tension," Kate informs him.
"Visually showed the tension," Jim repeats taking a sip of his wine as he places a hand on Kate's leg above the knee. He may have said it with a smile but Kate knows he is not being funny. "There had better be no more…adjustments young lady or you will physically not be able to sit for breakfast," Jim smiles back like they are having an intimate father daughter moment. Kate squirms as he squeezes her leg hard emphasizing his point.
Torak is the first one to formally speak at dinner. "So Colonel O'Neill is it true your children will be the only ones not attending the ceremony tomorrow? As COS I would think the rest would follow your lead?" John's eyes snap to his father waiting his response.
Kate is instantly reacts to alleviate the tension Torak has created, "I think you are mistaken Counselor Torak," Kate corrects her. "That is…"
"A decision I have left to each family Counselor. The children, although allowed to voice their opinions, must follow the commands of their parents." Jim's eloquent words are like daggers for Torak and Kate. In layman terms he just told both Torak and Kate to shut the hell up and stay out of their business. Kate drops her eyes while John levels a heavy glare at this father.
"Why is Jack not letting the boys go dad," Kate whispers to Jim.
"Umm, let me think… because it is his business so mind yours," Jim scolds her with a smile. All conversations abruptly end by Jim's public admonishment of his daughter.
Kate can see this dinner is disintegrating around her second by second. She attempts to find a way to explain the adult's hesitancy with the ceremony if her father won't. "Chancellor Gorkon is there any particular reason why you chose Upsilon Cerberus IV," Kate asks resting her chin on her hands. She knows he can't answer her but etiquette dictates she speaks to the one she is addressing. In diplomatic terms, Torak is only here as Gorkon's translator. Kate looks at Gorkon waiting for Torak's response.
"Elbows," Kirk mutters nudging Kate gently in the side. She is by far the only one relaxed at this dinner. Jim conceded she has an extraordinary grasp on the nuances of intimate politics for her age but her table manners could use some work.
Kate suppresses a huff and eye roll using her napkin as a distraction to remove her elbows from the table. "I mean of all the planets out there you chose one called Cerberus. According to Greek legend Cerberus was a three headed dog that guarded the entrance to the underworld preventing the dead from escaping hell. I would have gone with something more fun like Happydale Prime or Friendlandia. Or better yet just a planet with a number designation. Titles and names can be unnerving. That whole reference to hell really has freaked out my dad and the adults," Kate says smiling before Jim tightly grips her knee signaling her to shut up. Kate regrets not placing herself father from her dad. When this is all done she plans to explain the game of politics to him in private.
Torak cocks her head at Kate inquisitively. "You have quite the way with words young one. You speak in riddles but your meaning is clear. Your daughter is quite a diplomat for her tender age Captain Kirk. Tell me, is politics your future path Katherine House of Kirk. If so the Klingon Empire might just be taken down with words," Torak's silvery voice compliments.
Kate seems the way Torak is underestimating her diplomatic skills. "It is just that several of my father's senior staff doubt you intentions. They feel you are either lying or going to double cross us," Kate admits the reason for Jack's refusal to let his kids attend even though she doesn't use his name directly. Ka'Ak stands abruptly feeling he was just insulted. "I did not mean it as an insult but only fact," Kate uses words to deescalate the angry Klingon. "I am not sure why everyone is so afraid of different cultures. You have been a model of grace and dignity and yet there is still resistance and I do not know why. From where I am from one must be open and willing to embrace others. In fact in our Senate we have over 1000 sentient species," Kate proudly informs Torak forgetting to conceal her past.
Torak has heard the rumors that Kirk's offspring is not from this galaxy but until this moment has dismissed them as propaganda. "Your senate?" She poses the question to Kate staring at Jim. "I thought the Federation's Council was composed of 150 fifty seats?"
"The Federation Council yes but I was speaking of the senate," Kate explains but is dismissed by Torak.
"Is the Federation that large? Have you swelled your ranks to 1000 species," Torak remarks drinking her wine.
"No counselor it's not quiet that large," Jim takes a long drink from his glass thinking of how he plans to fix the damage Kate's statement has caused.
Torak is intrigued why Kate's comment is causing the human adults to become uncomfortable. "Is this Senate located on Earth or another planet…hidden away from prying eyes," she taunts.
"I was referring to the Galactic Sen…owwwwwwww," Kate tries to not squeal as she leans to her right side.
Tanas sees that something is wrong asking "Are you hurt Katherine Kirk?"
"Um…no pulled a muscle last week and it acts up from time to time," Kate lies pulling Jim's hand off her leg he which he has a death grip on.
"Children are imaginative but do not live in the world as we do," Jim discredits Kate's statement in a single blow. "They do not understand the intricacies of life as adults. They tend to make up fantasies about their world rather than seeing it for what it actually is." Kate hides the stinging blow to her ego with a false smile.
"Yes," Torak agrees. "We too have a willful, imaginative streak in our children at this age. They are the dreamers of a culture." Everyone laughs nervously not knowing which way this conversation will go.
Kate is infuriated to be dismissed. "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination," Kate quotes Einstein locking eyes with Torak. Her dad may kill her later but Kate can't let Torak think she is a dumb kid.
"Back off Kate," Jim warns masking his mouth with the glass of wine. "My daughter is displaying the willful, imagination to which you refer right now." Taking a drink of his wine Jim continues, "Though I would call it simply challenging authority. I find kids at this age try to be an adult but have no idea just how much left there is for them to learn before they are." Jim sees Kate forming a rebuke and preemptively grips her knee. To her credit, Jim sees Kate has taken his warning to heart.
Ka'Ak uses the lull in conversation to introduce a new topic. "So when will you be traveling to Ty'Gor for the official portrait that will hang in the Hall of Warriors Katherine House of Kirk," Ka'Ak asks.
"I get a picture," Kate perks up playing the silly kid role. She decides this might lighten the mood. "What about a bust instead?" Jim turns to face his daughter with a blank expression on his face. He recovers quickly and glances at Spock
"All recipients of the bat'leth are immortalized in the Hall of Warriors," Spock confirms the information taking a sip of his Vulcan tea. "Did Admiral Archer did not relay that to you Captain."
"Um no. No he did not," Jim says wiping his mouth with a napkin to buy time.
Kate looks at Samantha turning her head back and forth while smiling. "Which is my better side the right or left," Kate jokes.
"Your right side honey don't you think Uhura," Sam suggests with a smile.
"Right defiantly right," Uhura grins happily.
"Do I wear traditional Klingon battle gear or a formal dress," Kate asks already knowing a dress is the more appropriate attire. Once she found out she was to receive the highest award the Klingon Empire can bestow, Kate did her homework. She knows as much about the ceremony as everyone sitting around the table.
"Go for a dress," Joanna squeals excitedly.
"And blue," Erika adds. "Blue is your best color."
"Excellent," Kate says enthusiastically. "By the time I am 18 I may actually fit into something nice," she jokes. Jim nearly spits out his drink as he hears Kate's comment. His assessment of her burgeoning diplomatic skills has hit an all-time low in his opinion.
John decides to add his two cents. "They're right. A dress, definitely a blue strapless dress," he smiles and winks. Jack empties his beer in a single gulp. Since Kate's arrival, dinner parties are no longer events Jack can zone out on. Somehow Kate always manages to make them into three ring circuses. The fact his son is also interested in the Captain's only daughter is adding to the small headache forming behind his eyes.
Kate lays a hand on her dad's knee before he causes another intergalactic dispute in one year. "You are aware Torak that we are on a five year mission. I don't see us in the neighborhood until at least 2266 and then I will have at least four years at the academy. Is there a time limit on this," Kate asks sweetly already knowing the answer.
Torak lets a slow smile spread across her face. "You only need to do it before your death," she assures Kate.
"Then I have a few years, "Kate jokes.
"By the grace of Kahless yes my dear I hope you do," Torak replies bowing her head. Jack takes a long hard look at Torak. Her words were meant to be light but the tone felt more like a warning.
"So tell me of your social reforms," Daniel Jackson offers seeing Jack's perplexed look. "I have heard great strides have occurred in Klingon society since you have taken office Chancellor Gorkon." Tre'gok nods allowing Torak to answer. Tre'gok allows his eyes to settle on Bones dreaming of when the doctor will restore his voice. The first thing he will do is tell Torak of her impending death before killing her for her treachery.
Jack ignores Daniel's entirely dull conversation on social reform zoning out until he hears his name being called. "So you are the COS and these are your boys," Lothos asks nodding at John and Ronin.
"Yes on both accounts," Jack confirms. He vaguely hears Scotty and his wife discussing warp physics and decides this topic is more interesting.
"They both contain a warrior's heart but show it differently. The young one there takes in a situation before reacting while the older one is the stronger of the two. He protects the young one. You have raised them well," Lothos compliments.
"You are very observant," Jack remarks taking a large sip of his beer. "I believe that kids should be kids but be able to defend themselves. Never throw the first punch but always finish the fight." Jack's implied threat is not missed by anyone at the table.
A slow smile spreads across Lothos' face. "I could not agree more. Family should be the core to any campaign and yet I still find my boys provoke each other over the silliest thing. Last week I returned to my home finding my boys terrified in their room. I roared son what is this cowardly behavior," he retells the story pointing at his oldest son. Jack pays attention to every element of the story from body language to word choice. "Negihok then informs me he has set loose a snake with the intent to instill fear in his brother; however my wife found the reptile feasting on the evening meal. She turned on our children who fled for their lives. I could hear my wife spouting curses from the kitchen so we promptly left for she scares me also." The table erupts into good natured laughter.
Torak sensing the mood is light uses it to close the dinner. "Thank you for your hospitality Captain," she smiles standing. Her movement is followed by all the Klingons in the room.
Jim stands as well. "You're welcome Gorkon, Torak, and other honored guests. It has been a wonderful and stimulating evening." Jim follows their lead walking them to the door.
"I sincerely wish you will allow your kids to attend the ceremony tomorrow," Torak extends a hand to Jack.
Jim does not give Jack a chance to speak. "They still might. We will inform you in the morning if you require that," Jim says in a formal tone.
"No," Torak hastily replies. "I do not want to pressure you. It should be a joyous event not one where decisions are labored over. I will pray you come to celebrate in the honor and glory to be bestowed on Katherine house of Kirk but understand if you do not." Jim and Jack escort the Klingons to the transporter room while the command staff waits in the formal dining room for their return ten minutes later.
Fifteen minutes later Jim is back in the formal dining room. Undoing the neck buttons on his shirt Jim promptly announces, "Well that was fun," slumping into his chair.
"It was. I haven't been to a dinner party that riveting since mom and dad had to broker that deal on Nar Shadaa with two Hutts and a Transdoshan," Kate laughs slipping into her old life for a second. A frown settles on her face before she apologizes. "Sorry…I forgot there for a minute." Kate looks uncomfortable. It has been a long time since she made a reference to Han as her dad only this time it was not intentional.
Jim reaches over putting her in a head lock. He pulls her to him kissing her hair. "I know baby and I have told you I am good with it. They were a part of you for a long time," Jim whispers in her hair. Kate leans into his body resting her head on his chest. "Hey maybe later we can call Leia and she can tell me what is an appropriate punishment for lippy kids who re-arrange change seating charts." Kate looks up trying to see if he is joking or not. "Oh yeah we are so talking about that later kiddo and it will be long and painful I promise." Kate decides now is not the time or place to discuss Kirk family politics. She sits back in her chair waiting to be a part of the after dinner discussions.
"Sir, they did seem open and honest tonight. I hate to say it but I trusted them as much as any other diplomatic party," Sulu remarks pouring himself another glass of wine. Jim senses Kate is eager to join this topic. "Well taking into account they are Klingon's of course."
Jim sees Kate stiffen slightly. He can tell Kate is ready to defend the actions of their guests. "Okay so I suggest we dismiss the kids and finish our assessment of the evening," Jim pours himself a shot. He watches as the five other kids get up but Kate makes herself comfortable. "That means you Kate," Jim snaps seeing his daughter is the only one needing the engraved invitation to leave.
Kate is sick of being dismissed all night. She opens her mouth to protest but sees she is on thin ice. "Fine. Good night. Fill me in on your wondrous plan in the morning," she stands kissing Kirk on the cheek before following the kids out.
The door does not close before the adults begin to talk business. "Daniel give me your thoughts on the Klingons.
"Well sir they seem on the up and up and body language was peaceful. None of them talked about honor or glory. If I was forced to make a call I would say they were sincere in everything tonight," Daniel gives his assessment of the Klingons. "Sir I would ask you to reconsider your no one is coming tomorrow policy. This could be the first steps at peace."
Bones lends support to Daniel's assessment. "Ahktah was explaining to me that Gorkon is hoping to open an actual medical school on Kronos by the end of the year," McCoy says downing a shot of bourbon. "How a race as powerful as the Klingons ever became a warp capable species with only triage medicine is beyond me." Bones toyed with shot glass not daring to look at Jim as he continues. "I told him if he needed any help to contact the Surgeon General of Starfleet and I could assist."
"Looking for a transfer to Doctors without Borders Bones," Uhura laughs. "I thought there was plenty of adventure for you here."
"Too much in fact," Bones grumbles downing a second shot.
Jim downs a shot second and final shot. "Well that makes me feel so much more relaxed going down there tomorrow." Spock will be in command and the ship will remain on yellow alert until I return." Jim leans his head back in the chair. He wonders if everyone is as bone tired as he is. "I'm bushed. If you'll excuse me I am heading home. Night," Kirk says wearily getting up from his seat.
"Jim dammit man you are as stubborn as hell. Every one of us knows the risks associated with going down tomorrow and we are willing to accept them. If you thought for one minute that there was a real threat to Kate you would never be taking her down. Part of you must think this on the level," McCoy reasons. "Even our resident paranoid, conspiracy theorist here," Bones hooks a thumb at Jack, "has changed his mind."
It takes Jack a minute to realize Bones is pointing at him. "Me," Jack croaks stunned. "I am not paranoid."
"Yeah…yeah kinda are Jack," Sulu laughs good naturedly. "But hey lets me sleep at night knowing you are worried about every port and ship we come into contact with. It is not a bad thing."
"I too sleep vell knowing that you can defeat renegade Jedi and an entire rebel army by yourself," Chekov says sincerely. "Like Ivan the Terrible but in a friendly, cuddly, sarcastic vay."
Jack has to stifle a laugh. He has been called many things in his life but never a cuddly Ivan the Terrible.
Jack can't believe they think about him this way. "I took this gig because it was supposed to be making duty rosters and hauling crew out of jail on shore leave. I never thought I would be battling extragalactic terrorists or quelling rebellions. That was my previous job. "
"Then you did not read the prerequisites for assignment to the Enterprise Colonel O'Neill," Spock mocks him in an uncharacteristic display of humor. Low laughter fills the room. Jim is happy to see everyone somewhat relaxed after all the tension the past few days.
"Be that as is may, McCoy is right," Jack admits. "Look it is my job to watch out for this crew and you. We can sit and sling regulations at each other all night Jim but the truth is I may have been wrong. I don't trust the Klingons and can list a million things wonky with this meeting but I can also list the positives. If I was trying to be sincere I would be following Gorkon's handbook. John got a wild hair up his ass and explained quite vehemently how much it means for him to go. Now his language and approach need some work but his sentiment was understood. I may not agree with everything he said but I am willing to let him and Ronin go." Jack waits for Jim's response. "Look Captain it is going to be real awkward for you to write us all up for gross insubordination when we show up tomorrow. I mean when you have to write up your entire command staff I think it is mutiny not insubordination."
Jim shakes his head in frustration before groaning loudly. "The shuttle is leaving at 0900 hours. Since you all seem to have a plan that I am not privy to I will see whoever is coming in the hangar. We can't all go so draw straws or whatever the hell you were planning to do. I'm going to bed," Jim mutters leaving the room.
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O'NEILL QUARTERS
"Look Sam I am going to go come hell or high water!" John yells continuing the argument from earlier in the night. John had hoped his early conversation would have changed his dad's mind but he learned at dinner that nothing had changed. Samantha O'Neill draws back slight by the use of her first name. She looks at Jack trying to figure how this situation got so out of control.
Jack is astounded that John is still throwing a tantrum about going dirt side. Jack had planned to tell the boys he had changed his mind but John started on him the second he hit the door. "He's calling me Jack too," Jack says stunned. Sam tries to stifle a giggle. She is finding this far funnier than her husband. Her giggle enrages John more.
"This is not funny mom," John says trying to control his anger. He is mad at his dad and not her. She doesn't deserve his attitude.
Sam bites back her smile trying to be serious. "I know."
"No you don't know because you and dad are too narrow-minded to give anything chance. You think that Klingons are only out for war," John lets his voice rise slightly.
"I do not," Jack denies but knows if he expects the truth he should give it. "Well not all of them but most of them are."
"Your narrow minded bigotry is what has perpetuated the myth that we cannot be friends. Your xenophobic view of the world is poisonous and I will not be a part of it anymore. I don't want to be part of the homo-sapiens only club which is how the Federation is perceived by half the galaxy," John spats.
Ronin's eyes grow three times their normal size. "Whoa dude your channeling Kate big time," he sputters.
"Kiss my ass Ronin," John shoots at his brother. "She is right though. You people can't see past the ends of your nose. We are supposed to be exploring and embracing new cultures," he continues his tirade before Jack swiftly cuts him off.
"That's enough John," Jack snaps losing his cool. "And lower your tone now."
John ignores his father for the first time in his life. "But only if you are human. Only if you look like us or act like us are you considered and equal."
"That's not true," Sam says softly. She can't believe that John is taking Jack's decision to not attend the ceremony so hard.
"The hell it's not," John yells at her.
"Spock is Vulcan and we don't treat him any different," Sam gently tries to explain.
"Spock is a human only with pointed ears," John protests.
"Don't tell him that," Jack tries to deflate the situation with a little humor.
"Okay John convince us why this is so important to you," Sam is desperate to find out why John is so emotionally charged right now.
"What do you think I have been trying to do all night," John yells flinging a glass into the sink. "Yet you won't listen."
Jack is done with John's tirade. He can no longer tolerate his youngest son's behavior. "Well I have," he stands crossing the room, "and the first thing that is going to happen is to cut your time with Kate."
"You won't do that," John states. His tone is firm and not pleading. He is challenging Jack but Jack will win.
Sam sees this situation has escalated too far to be repaired. John and Jack need to be separated. "Jack stop," she commands stepping between him and John. "Go…go somewhere and cool off." When he doesn't move Sam orders him again. "Now Jack. Get some air."
Jack locks eyes with his wife. Sam knows John is in the wrong but she can't let Jack deal with him right now. "I will not have him disrespecting us like this. We deserve respect."
John's free speech tirade has made him bold. "Give some and get some," John taunts.
Jack tries to push forward. Sam has seen John has pushed her husband past the point of no return. "John go to your room now. Jack take a walk," Sam orders.
"Gladly," John storms out to the room.
"Go Jack. I will deal with John. We will all talk when you get back but everyone needs to calm down," Sam says authoritatively. Jack knows if he is around John he will do something at least one of them will regret. He turns on his heel and walks out of their quarters.
"What just happened," Ronin says frozen on the couch.
She looks back shocked at her oldest son. "I don't know," Sam admits placing a hand to her forehead.
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DENEVA MINING CORPORATION HEADQUARTERS DENEVA
"Kirk," Sam responds tersely. He knows the call is not legitimate business because it came through his private work line.
"Sam it is Pike," Chris replies.
Sam drops the pen he is holding. "Pike do you know anything?" Sam sits up straighter. He knows Pike can't know more than he does but admittedly Sam Kirk is low on information.
Pike's heart goes out to Sam. Even if neither Kirk brother admits it, Pike knows they care for each other deeply. "You probably know this already but Spock Prime found Chancellor Gorkon alive." Sam leans forward in his seat as if this will give him the answers he seeks faster. "It appears a group by the name of the Warriors of the Three Turn Bridge tried to start a coup. They are investigating internally from what we understand. Gorkon survived and has the Klingon fleet searching for the Enterprise in their neck of the woods. We are doing the same." Pike waits to get a response from Sam.
Sam Kirk's head is spinning. He knew of the terrorist group from Vagh'Bar but is stunned the Klingon informant did not notify them of Gorkon's survival. Sam Kirk has been in the business long enough to know that internal investigations can be ugly. Sam has no loyalty to Vagh'Bar but the man's love of money makes him a good source of information. He hopes that Vagh'Bar survives. Finding informants against one's own government is not as easy as people think. Sam decides to share what little information he has. "I was about to contact you with what I have found out. I knew the terrorists group's name but nothing else." Pike waits to see if Sam knows more. "Since Star Fleet is sending out the troops I will contact some of my shadier sources. Maybe a few of the smugglers I deal with will have seen something. My guess is the planet this is going down on is off the beaten path. I will comm you with anything I get," Sam promises.
To Pike, Sam's voice sounds thin and childlike. From this point forward Pike decides to keep in better contact with him. Jim might be his favorite of George Kirk's sons but Sam could use someone to watch out for him even if he doesn't know it. "We will find your brother Sam. I promise I will make it my mission get him home one way or another," Pike swears in a soft but firm tone.
Sam is glad his office is shielded. At this moment Sam Kirk feels as helpless and weak as he did when he was a child. Pike is not his father or uncle but he is a man that for some reason has chosen to protect the Kirk boys as if he was. Sam takes a minute to steady his voice before speaking. "Thank you Chris. Let me talk to my contacts. I will comm you later tonight even if I have nothing to tell you," Sam promises him.
"I will wait to hear from you son. Pike out." Pike reclines in his chair thinking about how the hell he is going to make this situation right.
Sam Kirk stares at the comm letting the word 'son' ring in his mind. It has been a long time since anyone but his wife showed genuine affection for him. He leans back closing his eyes processing the new information. Several minutes later a thought strikes him. If Gorkon did not show up at the rendezvous Jim would not deal with a third party. Following this line of thought, Jim is either the victor of a battle or dead. He pushes the latter idea from his mind and focuses on the battle idea. If Jim was the victor they would be hearing from him sooner rather than later so this can't be right either. In Sam Kirk's line of work, there is always a third option. Sam lets his mind wander trying to find it.