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Chapter 5 Unavoidable Complications

JIM'S OFFICE

"Captain I have reviewed the current information and feel we have a significant gap in our intelligence," Spock begins before Jim even has a chance to drink the coffee Rand left for him.

"What kind of gap Spock," Jim asks settling into his seat. "Aside from the obvious one where we don't know what they want or how they are going to get it," Jim jokes dryly.

"Sir I have come up with the most logical course of action to figure out what our persons of interest want," Spock's voice contains some hesitancy. Jim can tell his Vulcan First Officer is trying to ease him into something. This is far from Spock's normal, direct manner which makes Jim worry about how much he is not going to like the plan.

Jim braces himself before asking, "Okay what are you suggesting that I let Jack beat it out of them," Jim tries to deflate the unease settling between him and Spock. He takes a large drink of his coffee waiting for a lecture from Spock. When he doesn't get it Jim turns serious. "Tell me your plan Spock."

Jim sees Spock shift slightly in his seat before speaking. "The only logical way for us to gain any information would be to arrange a meeting between Katherine and the Jedi," Spock says as if it is the most obvious conclusion in the world. Jim sharply draws back processing what Spock has said. "She is young and impulsive. There is a highly probability she will slip and give us valuable information," Spock drones one but Jim can't believe what he is hearing. He holds up a hand to stop Spock form speaking.

"Did you just propose Kate be allowed to see the Jedi? You are asking me to endanger my daughter for information," Jim can tell his voice is rising and tries to control it. "Is that what your suggesting Spock because I know I have missed something?"

Spock does not refute Jim's statement but continues with his assessment. "Col O'Neill said they are secure correct," Spock needs Jim to see he has not come to this decision lightly.

"He did," Jim confirms getting edgy. He grips his coffee cup tightly waiting to hear the rest of Spock's plan before he thrown the Vulcan in the Brig. Even if Kate wasn't his daughter he would never put a child in that situation.

"And did Colonel O'Neill also state the cells were ready to be flooded by halogenated ether should they try to escape?" Spock reiterates Jack's report on how he has secured the prisoners.

"Yeah but I'm not going to put her in danger even if they are secure. This is ludicrous Spock. Come up with something else," Jim demands.

"You may not like it but there is some form of trust or bond between them. Logic dictates they need her for something and will not hurt her until they get it. Kate has not left Sick Bay since her arrival; therefore she does not have whatever they seek," Spock tries to show Jim his reasoning. "The longer she is aboard this vessel, the more time she will have to find what they came for. You daughter appears to have the genetic predisposition to act impulsively when challenged. She will be stressed by your presence at the meeting increasing her chance for errors by 82%. This may be our only chance to use her anxiety to our advantage. Once she sees we will not hurt her, Kate will push back harder."

Jim gets up from his desk pacing. "I get it Spock. I get it. Kate needs them for some reason and yes they need her but I am not willing to put her in that position."

Spock decides to try one last argument to convince the Captain of his plan. "Sir, in the past four hours she has dislocated her shoulder and made the first of what will be successive escape attempts to contact them," Spock points out.

"Which is every reason why we need to keep them separated," Jim replies back stubbornly. He hates that Spock is right. They will be at Star Base 11 in 48 hours. If the Jedi or Kate is going to make a move it will be before then.

"Because she has shown a distinct lack of respect for authority and no loyalty to us, logic dictates she will try again. The only reason I feel she was not successful was due to O'Neill's presence in Sick Bay," Spock says honestly.

"So you want to cut her off at the pass. Is that it Spock? Use her to gain intelligence under our supervision," Jim is trying to find Spock's angle in involving Kate.

"Assuming she has the Kirk tenacity you often display, she will succeed at some point," Spock's words leave no room for doubt. They know Kate was testing the waters in Sick Bay. She showed she has decent fighting skills and the determination to use them. "Probability suggests she will not be able to free them if in the presence of security and yourself so the risk should be minimal."

Jim continues to pace the room. "Tell me you at least have a handle on that language they are using. That Uhura or some other communications officer can decipher it," Jim prays the answer is yes but knows it is no in his gut.

"No sir it is unknown to us," Spock confesses.

"Didn't think so," Jim sits back down in his chair clasping his hand in front of him on the desk. "This is a bad idea Spock. Are you sure there are no other alternatives?" Jim sees they logic in Spock's proposal but hates to admit it. If it was an adult and not Kate, this would be the exact move he would suggest.

"Captain you asked me to come up with solutions yet I cannot without more information. Your daughter is the most direct way to achieve this," Spock sees Jim mulling the idea over in his head. "I would not suggest this if there was another option Captain."

"I just don't like the idea of using her as a pawn in an adult chess game. It is not right and we both know that." Jim leans back in his chair feeling a headache forming between his eyes.

"Have you not done this since she arrived," Spock raises an eyebrow concerned he has missed a piece of what has been occurring.

"Sure throw it in my face but your right I have done it," Jim admits guiltily. "Every conversation he has had with Kate revolves around the Jedi in his Brig. "Well hell," he flings the stylus he was absentmindedly been fidgeting with. "I have painted myself into a corner then. I am either her father or the Captain. Dammit," Jim spats pissed.

"I understand your concerns but unless the Jedi request another conference with us I do not see how we will learn anything more until they make their move."

"And they will make a move," Jim curses himself for thinking Spock's plan is correct.

"Maybe you might require Katherine to use English as a condition for the meeting. This would negate the issue of us not understanding the conversation," Spock says.

Jim huffs a laugh. "Nice though but we both know that won't happen. She'll agree to it but never follow through. That kid is stubborn to the end."

Jim activates his comm to give Jack a heads up on their new plan. "Jack, where are you," Jim says sharply. "I am bringing Kate down in ten minutes to see the Jedi. I need you to make sure they are contained and that she will be protected."

Jack sits up in his chair stunned. "Say again Jim. Did I hear you say you're bringing Kate to see the Jedi," Jack needs what he heard to be clarified. A knot begins to form in his stomach.

"You heard me. Are the prisoners secure?" Jim gets up from his seat walking to the door. If he doesn't do this now he will lose his nerve. She may not realize it yet, but Kate is in danger form the Jedi. Jim can read them from a mile away. They will use her and then discard her leaving him to pick up the pieces.

"I'll make sure they are sir but for the record this is a really bad idea," Jack begins to list all the reasons why before "Kirk out" rings through his comm. "God I hope you know what you're doing," Jack holsters a phaser to his belt. "Dawson, Hendorff with me." Jack doesn't wait for the men to catch up but walks directly to the Brig.

"Damn he actually does follow orders. I owe Sulu 20 credits," Jim comments to Spock before his XO as they leave his office.

His comment causes Spock to stop walking. "Sir you are his superior officer. It is only logical that he would follow a direct command."

Jim gets a small smirk. "Yes I am but this is Jack. Have you read his file? His last CO said and I quote 'he kinda follows orders'." Jim wants to laugh at Spock's expression. Jim has specifically chosen this crew because they don't follow orders when necessary. Each one of them has shown the ability to have faith in Jim but also in themselves. Jim trusts each of their insights as if it was his own. If Jack could not guarantee Kate's safety, he would have said it. "Run a video feed from the Brig to the Bridge. I want your eyes and ears there while you run things up here. I'll go get Kate. She is going to be way too happy about this. Wish me luck," Jim finishes as the turbo doors snap shut.

Spock takes his seat in the Captain's chair wondering why humans have the propensity to wish for events to turn out in their favor. Events will occur one way or another. Wishing will not change it. "Lt. Uhura I need everyone in communications at their post in the next ten minutes. We need to translate the language the Jedi are using to communicate," Spock gives the first of several orders. Uhura brings up the video feed for the Brig on the main viewport.

.

SICK BAY

"The Captain is on his way back down Kate. You can wait in my office if you want," Bones says good-naturedly. "I have a telepresentor in there. I also brought you breakfast again. Eat something. Doctor's orders," Bones' smile is infectious causing to Kate give a small smirk.

She has no idea what a telepresentor is but needs to distance herself from the crew. The food smells so good that it makes her stomach hurt but Zala was right. They have drugged her once why not again. She is here for a job not to make allies or go to lunch. Hopefully by tonight she will be back on the Beacon of Hope heading home. "I'm good," Kate says going back to her bed. Someone has made the bed since she left for her shower. Hopefully this means they will be letting her leave soon. Kate sits on the bed with her legs crossed closing her eyes. "Maybe if I meditate," Kate thinks, "the Force will get me out of this." No sooner does she close her eyes than she hears a voice yelling in Sick Bay.

"Dr. McCoy? Dr. Reed?" Kate turns to the sound of the voice calling out in Sick Bay. A young boy about her age is standing in the middle of the room holding a bandage above his eye. Kate can see a small red stain growing under his fingers. His eyes meet hers for a moment before a tall black doctor appears from the back of the room.

"I got him," Dr. Adam Reed yells signaling a med bed for the young man to sit on. "0800 hours," he says looking at a clock on the wall. "Let me guess Mr. O'Neill? You and Ronin sparing again?"

John looks sheepishly as the floor. "Yeah," John admits with a half-smile. Dr. Reed tilts John's head up removing the gauze bandage. "And I almost had him," John winces as Dr. Reed probes the injury.

"Mm hmm," Dr. Reed murmurs like he has heard the story before. "And last week your brother said the exact same thing. This cut needs suturing," he diagnoses the injury with a paternal stare. "Sit still. I'll be right back." Kate watches the doctor walk over to a cabinet. She lets her eyes drift back to the dark haired boy sitting several beds down from her.

"Hey," he smiles warmly at her. Kate turns away embarrassed she was caught watching him. Kate leans back on the bed pretending to take a nap.

"Stop flirting," Dr. Reed laughs pressing a hypo to John's neck. He then picks up a dermal re-generator placing it above the gash on his eyebrow. As he fixes John's injury, Dr. Reed and John banter playfully back and forth about which O'Neill is best in hand to hand combat. Kate eavesdrops on the conversation but pretends to be trying to sleep. She is shocked to find other kids on a vessel like this. Kirk said there were kids but back home no one had their kids on ships like this unless they were privately owned.

Kate hears Dr. Reed tell John he can go. She waits for a minute before opening her eyes. To her surprise the boy is sitting on the med bed next to her staring. "Knew you weren't sleeping," he challenges her with a half-smile. "So you are Katherine Kirk. I am John O'Neill. Pleased to meet you," he sticks out his hand in greeting. Kate stares at him not saying a word. John decides a new approach when he realizes she is not going to shake his hand. "Okay how about this," John retracts his hand. "Greetings from the planet Earth. You have already been taken to our leader so what is your next move Kirk." He leans forward like he is ready to tell her a secret. "Take us over with your sparkling personality?" John almost wants to laugh at the stunned expression on Kate's face.

"What," she asks annoyed shaking her head. "And it is Solo winbekhia (asshole). Kate Solo," she corrects leaning back closing her eyes. If she wasn't on a mission and on an alien ship, Kate might have found him mildly amusing. He was certainly cute enough to be her next bad decision.

"Well at least I got the sparkling personality part right," John taunts not giving in. Kate sits up. She can't believe he is still here. John laughs out loud at her annoyed expression. "See you around…Solo," John emphasizes her last name before flashing Kate his trademark grin. "Maybe next time you will be in a better mood after that nap you are pretending to take." He hops off the med bed before she can spat back a response. "Later Dr. Reed," he calls out with a wave leaving Sick Bay. Kate lays on the med bed thinking about John O'Neill trying not to smile.

"So I see you have met one of the kids from the Enterprise," Dr. McCoy says softly from the door of his office. He can tell Kate and John are going to be friends. "He's a nice kid. I think you'll like him and the others." Before Kate can respond, Kirk strides into Sick Bay. Kate can tell he is anxious. She directs all her attention on him as Kirk stops in front of her med bed.

.

BRIG

"You have five minutes," Jim instructs Kate outside the doors to the Brig. "I will tolerate nothing subversive. You will speak English. You will not touch or go near the cells. If you do not adhere to these rules the visit will be over. This is your one and only warning." Kate nods in agreement. Kirk can see she is way too excited and planning something. He needs to throw her of balance. Jim turns his tone soft. "Sweetheart you were right. You should have a chance to say goodbye. In two days we will be arriving at Star Base 11. I have orders to turn the Jedi over to Star Fleet security. I am sorry." Kate tries to open up to the Force to see if he is lying but can't establish a connection. This has never happened to her before. It sets her on edge. If the other Jedi are having this problem too they could be in real trouble. Kate blocks it from her mind concentrating on the matter at hand.. She only needs two minutes to receive guidance from Zala Tsu. The extra three minutes she will use to make sure they are being treated well and ask about the Force.

"I understand," Kate says formally entering the brightly lit white room. At the far end she sees the Jedi in three separate cells. Kate tries to take in as much about the room as she can while acting casual. She sees two consoles in sunken floor pits. One faces the door and the other faces the cells. Glancing up she sees two large black eyeballs giving a panoramic view of the room. The security must be decent in this place because there are only four armed guards in the room Kate reasons. Since she does not see a security office within the Brig it must have been the room at the end of the hall they used to get here. If she has to break the Jedi out it is going to be damn hard not to get pinned down in here. Kirk lets her walk to within three feet of the cell before he places a restraining hand on her arm. "That's close enough. Remember the rules. You have five minutes starting now." Kate is not shocked that Jim doesn't leave her side but is not happy about it.

Kate looks at the cell in front of her. There is nothing in the cell but three beds. The back of the cell looks to be equipped with an air lock. If she doesn't plan this right the guards in the security pits will space the Jedi before she can even worry about opening the cells. Hopefully Zala Tsu will give her some guidance about how to proceed. Kate knows Zala Tsu can sense her but lies on the bed until she addresses her. "Master Zala Tsu are you okay," Kate asks in basic.

Zala Tsu gets up from the bed with the grace of a tiger stalking her prey. "Pet," she levels her gaze squarely on Kate. "You could not have found it yet. What are you doing here," she thinks. Zala Tsu sees the Captain staring at her next to Kate. The head of security is leaning on a pole a foot behind them pretending to concentrate on an electronic device but listening got every word. Zala Tsu is going to have to make this quick. "Woy uba boonowa fa (did you find it)," Zala Tsu says in Huttese. She decides to use Huttese to expedite this encounter. She only cares if Kate has found the Holocron or not. She has no interest in how Kate's experience has gone.

Jim expected that the "guests" would use some code or secret language. Jim glances back to see if Jack has the translator program up. It was a dangerous move bringing Kate down to see the Jedi but if the computer can translate what they are talking about the gains outweigh the risks. Kirk keeps Kate close to his side watching her intently. Any sign of trouble he will have her out of there before she realizes what's happening.

"No but I was worried about you," Kate responds in basic not making eye contact with Kirk. She knows they only have about thirty more seconds before he or the Jack demands the Jedi use basic.

"You little fool why are here if you don't have it," she snaps at Kate in Huttese. Kirk can see that this meeting is not what Kate expected but to her credit the kid is hiding it well for the most part. "You have a job to do," Zala Tsu stalks up to the glass. "So do it." Kirk is ready to pull Kate but she doesn't back down from Zala Tsu's intimidation. Kirk is damn proud of her.

Kate tries to control her temper out of respect for the Jedi Master and to not let Kirk know they are fighting. "I am but they shot you. I was worried," Kate tries to keep an even tone while snaking a glance at Kirk, "We have five minutes. Please use basic form now on."

Jim glances briefly back at Jack hoping he will signal that the computer has identified the alien tongue and is translating but gets nothing. "We have no minutes. Go now. Use your talents to complete the mission. People are dying while you mourn your current plight," Zala Tsu orders angrily. Kate's defiant stare concerns her greatly. Maybe she misjudged this Captain. "So I see you are not as loyal as one would think. How would General Solo feel to see you standing proud by your new father? Tell me pet have you already forgotten him?" Zala Tsu decides to test who Kate is more loyal to. "Cohai yikkuensm mo Jee nah babhat uba (Speak huttese or I will not address you," Zala Tsu demands.

Kate allows her anger to flair. "He is not my father," Kate snaps in Huttese attempting to approach the glass. She is stopped as Kirk places a restraining hand on her shoulder.

"Back up Kate," he orders firmly. "Tell her to speak whatever goes for English in your galaxy or we are done."

One look at Jim lets Kate know he means business. "Cohai doyoee Kotka Zala mo Kirk doth meeto toe woy mi jot (Speak basic Master Zala or Kirk is going to make me leave)," Kate says almost pleadingly.

"She understands English Kate so you don't need to use whatever language you are using," Kirk reminds her.

Zala Tsu needs to provide sufficient motivation for Kate to complete the mission. She notices Kate's change of clothes. "Are there children here pet," she murmurs sweetly continuing in Huttese.

Kate gets a cold chill through her body. Kirk felt the shiver from her shoulder but says nothing. "Yeah but why does that matter?" Kate does not know how much longer Kirk will permit her to speak in Huttese after his warning but she does anyway.

"Use them to force the adult's hand," Zala Tsu suggests in such a gentle tone Kate has to process what she is asking in Huttese with the actual words she is using.

Kate tries to control her breathing. "Kava (How)?" she demands horrified knowing subconsciously what Zala Tsu is asking her. The icy look Zala Tsu gives her answers confirms any doubt Kate had. "Nobata. Nobata Jee nah woy da (No. No I won't do that.)"

Jim does not have to know the language to see this conversation should not be occurring. He snaps his fingers indicating to cut the comms. Kate looks at Kirk with pleading eyes. "We're done Kate," Jim says simply walking away. Kate has to know what Zala Tsu is planning on doing. These cells are only holding the Jedi because they want to be there.

Kate jumps in front of him as he walks away. "What more can I do? She doesn't trust you like I do," she begs but Jim does not slow his stride. "Let me translate it please."

Jim knows Kate will hide the true conversation. Kate is smart. She will only change a few words here and there to keep up appearances. With only a few words altered but the basic grammatical structure intact Uhura may be able to decipher more. "Kate, she knew the rules and broke them," Jim takes a hard line approach to appear uneager for the conversation to continue. "If you do not use English this encounter is over do you understand Kate?" Kate nods that she does and turns her attention back to the Jedi. This is the first time Kate has noticed Rogan and Da-Mu-Unka are also staring at her from her cells.

Jim lays a both his hands on Kate's shoulders as she speaks. Zala Tsu interprets it correctly as Jim saying she is no longer yours but mine. Kate interprets the gesture as one of hostility until he speaks. "Kiddo I know they aren't happy. You don't have to be scared. We will protect you. When you want this over just say the word."

Zala Tsu can tell the comms are back on. Their time is growing short and she needs Kate to think of nothing but the mission. This Captain is far more dangerous than she has given him credit for. "Then we will kill the children to motivate you," she snaps in Huttese. "You do not have the luxury of time. Our people are dying. You are failing them."

"Kate I am warning you. Tell her English or the next word ends it," Jim threatens.

"Master Zala TSu he is going to cut the lines if you do not use basic," Kate pleads. "She is asking if you are treating me well." She tries to buy time with lies. "We are getting to know each other so it is a slow process," Kate responds back to Zala Tsu being as vague as possible. This is far more difficult than she thought but needs Jim to believe they are talking about herand Jim and not the progress on the mission. "It will all work out. You are right Master Zala, it is just going to take some time."

Zala Tsu ignores the warning to speak only basic and continues with Huttese. "Tell your Captain all the children will die if he does not let you,"

" Zala speak basic," Kate interrupts her sensing Kirk's tension growing with each word she utters in Huttese.

"No," Zala Tsu snaps in Huttese. "You are a stupid, stupid child. He is playing you. He will hurt you once he finds out you are different. Do you not think the midi-chlorians will not show up in the blood test you so foolishly allowed them to perform on you?"

Kate sees Kirk about to cut the comm lines again. "I am translating. Every word," Kate lies looking at Kirk but listening as Zala Tsu drones on and on. "They are just scared of you. She wants to know I am safe. That I am being well cared for. That is all I swear," Kate tries to turn the conversation into something that won't cause the Captain to blow them out of the airlock.

Zala Tsu enjoys feeling the fear coming off Kate in waves. "Yes pet. Fill him with lies. Make him believe every word you are twisting."

"She says for me to be careful. That you may be dangerous. That you might lie to me. Can I respond to her?" Kate hopes that by asking the tentative trust she is establishing with the Captain will not be shattered. Kate almost wants to laugh at her reasoning. They both know there is no trust between her and Jim now matter how much Kate pretends there is in her mind. Jim is only hoping the more she talks Kate will buy time for their computer to translate. "Everyone is using everyone here," she thinks.

"Tell her hurting you is the last thing on our minds and to speak basic," Jim warns. His patience with this situation is wearing thin. This was not a good idea. He can see the tension growing in Kate. This is wrong and needs to be stopped. They can find out what they need to know without involving Kate.

"You fancy a dark haired boy and girl. They will be our first targets," Zala purrs in Huttese. She is no longer worried about the comm lines being cut. They had planned for this. Rogan will take care of the man working the station now that the Captain has shown who it is.

"Stay away from them or I will tell Kirk," Kate threatens in Huttese. "I will not let them be hurt." She has to make sure Zala Tsu know this and had better come up with a different plan. Jim sees Kate is not translating but having a private conversation. Kirk shoots Jack a glance. Jack indicates the translators are still not able to decipher the alien language.

Jim is calling it. Nothing is being learned and Kate is becoming upset even though she is doing a great job at hiding it. "Okay that's it. You can't follow the rules Zala Tsu then we are done here," Jim turns indicating the comm lines be cut permanently with a slicing motion of his hand across his neck.

"Wait please I am holding up the end of the deal. I am translating. What more do you want," Kate begs grabbing Kirk's arm.

"Kate you might be playing by the rules but they're not," Kirk points toward the cells. "I also know they are not being as nice as you are claiming. Can't bullshit a bullshitter remember?"

"One more minute. One more word please," Kate's voice is laced with desperation. She plays the only card she has left. "We both know you are never going to allow this again Daddy. Just let me find out how to get home," she begs her eyes filling with tears. Kate quickly brushes them away. "Please," Kate's voice sounds weak and foreign to her ears.

Jim knows the use of Daddy was only to give him pause. He ignores it. "Sorry kid," Jim firmly but gently replies turning around.

Rogan Force suggests for Ensign Moto to change the security code locking the comms open. It will be circumvented quickly enough but the Jedi in the cells only need a few moments. Once done he speaks. "She's going soft," Rogan sneers staring at Kate. "Gave up everyone for a safe life. She is a traitor," he says in Huttese.

Jim turns back towards the cells hearing Huttese before directing his anger at Jack. "Why are the comm lines open," he barks.

"She has no loyalty. A warm bed and the promise of peace makes her forget her friends, family and those in need," Da-Mu-Unka remarks. "Let them die by the hands of the Vong so that she feels no pain or burden."

"That is not true. I am committed," Kate yells back in Huttese.

"I repeat why are these lines still open," Jim thunders walking over to the security station.

"Moto cut the comms," Jack hollers sharply making it to the console a half step before Jim. She is easily pushed aside by Jack who sits down at the controls.

"Then do your job pet," Zala Tsu orders sternly in Huttese. "Find the Holocron or I will kill the children. Starting with you. You are not as vital as you think." Zala Tsu does not give Kate a chance to respond. Instead she raises her hand placing Kate in a Force hold cutting off her airway. Kate's eyes get wide as she realizes she can't breathe.

"Security overrides have been put into place," Jack explains working frantically to bypass the security measure.

"Do your job pet or die like the rest of us," Zala Tsu says. "This is a taste my dear of our power. Do not attempt to cross us again. We are leaving in two days with or without you. These cells can't hold us and we are your only way home. I would carefully think about whose side you want to be on."

"I want these lines closed," Jim demands watching Jack try to override the commands.

Kate continues to face the cell but can no longer breathe. She can't scream for help or move her hands. Terror fills her eyes as her chest burns for a breath. Kate drops to her knees in front of the cell unable to keep her balance as dark spots begins to fill her vision.

"Why the hell did you turn them on Ensign Moto," Jack barks but she stands as still as a statue.

"Jack get the comms off now. Kate out of the room," Jim roars. "I thought you said you had control of this?"

Spock's voice suddenly comes over Jim's shirt comm. "Captain," Spock says rapidly.

"Not now Spock," Jim tersely cuts him off.

Jack hates surprises and with these Jedi it has been one after another. "I did. I can't explain it…yet."

"Captain… Katherine appears to be in trouble," Spock pulls Jim's attention from the console and onto his daughter.

Kate slowly sinks lower and lower to the ground until she is lying flat on the floor. Jim looks up to see her sprawled on the floor. He flies to her side trying to bring her around. "Kate. Kate, honey wake up," Jim begins to snap his fingers in front of her face. He is about to give the command to open the airlocks as Kate gasps for air. "Kate," Jim feels relief as he sees her greedily suck air into her lungs.

"I'm okay. I'm okay," Kate repeats like a mantra while she catches her breath. Jim is very calm holding her hand but that will not be the case if he learns the Jedi did this. Kate steals a glance at the Jedi in the cells. They are back to meditating like nothing happened. Slowly Zala Tsu opens her eyes and smiles menacingly before letting out a small laugh.

Kirk feels Kate involuntarily shiver. He can't prove they did anything to Kate but knows they did. "Gas them," Kirk orders staring at Zala Tsu. Her smile falters momentarily as the sound of compressed Halogenated ether fills her cell.

"No," Kate scrambles to stand up pulling herself together.

Jim's strong hands help her as he explains what is occurring. "It is only sleeping gas they are fine," he says with little emotion.

Kate does not believe him. "You kriffing bishwag. I will kriffing kill you if you hurt them," Kate threatens everyone in the room. "Do you understand me? I am done with your attention deficits. We come in peace. Let us go! I won't say it again."

Kirk is instantly irritated. If this petulant, demanding behavior better is the norm for Kate, she is going to get an attitude adjustment immediately. "Do not raise your voice to me little girl," Jim warns crossing the room.

"I am so through and done with listening to you. I have wasted five hours of my life sitting in your make shift hospital," Kate begins her tirade but is cut off by Kirk's icy glare.

Jim raises the tone but not the volume of his voice. "No you will listen and listen good. You are not going anywhere near the Jedi again until I have some real answers that don't involve tauntauns, fake religious organizations, or false translations."

Kate tunes out Kirk as he rambles on with his lecture. Thinking on her feet she blurts out, "We claim asylum." She tries to hide the smile at her ingenuity. Any civilized society has asylum or some form of declaration of sanctuary. Kate goes with what she has learned from Leia. "By law you have to allow it or turn us over to a governing body to make a decision." Kate can't tell if he is taking her serious or not. "In the transporter room we were talking about seeking asylum. I was shocked because I had no idea what you people were like. I didn't think we should jump to making requests but they see something good in you."

"Asylum granted," Jim says disgustedly. "We are on route now. The sooner they are off my ship the better."

"What," Kate squeals shocked by the turn of events. She thought Jim would fight her more on the asylum idea.

"I told you. We are arriving at Star Base 11. Star Fleet will process the request," Jim motions towards the Brig's exit. "And for the record, the last time I spoke with Zala she mentioned nothing about asylum. In fact she acted like she could care less if she stayed or left."

Kate stops dead in her tracks. She can't decide if he is bluffing or not. "Prove it," she repeats icily. "I am the daughter of the Chief of State of the New Republic. Their job was to make sure I am safe. We are at war. They are deserters. Their job was to get me on your ship and then leave but I told them it will be okay. That they do not have to go back," Kate desperately tries to lie her way out of this.

"I don't believe you Kate. In fact I have not believed 100% of anything you have said in regard to the Jedi," Jim confesses to her.

Kate sees she has no control of this situation. "Prove it," she screams desperately trying to salvage the situation. "Do you not have laws protecting refugees? They are refugees."

Kirk can't take the lies any longer. "God I know you are lying," he laughs in frustration, "and it stops now." He is going to make sure Kate knows to tell the truth or face the consequences. "They have lied since they beamed about my ship. They are not refugees. They are threats to my ship and crew."

"Master Zala Tsu says you are lying to me about everything," Kate challenges Kirk about telling the truth. "She says that I should be smart. I should not believe you," Kate screams being semi-honest. Kate sees she is losing Jim and blocks his path. "Look I will tell you anything. I am caught between both of you. You two are at war not me."

Kirk side steps her heading for the turbo at the end of the hall. In a panic Kate takes in her surroundings. There are doors at either end. Kate prays the door opposite Jim is another turbo and not the security office. She turns and bolts for the one away from Jack and Jim.