CH 6 EXTRA GALACTIC LOWDOWN

.

BRIG

"Come on kate," Jim groans watching her make a break for it. "Where do you think you are going to go?"

"Dammit I hate it when they run," Jack mumbles following Jim in a sprint after her.

Kate was just fast enough that she was able to slip into the turbo before either man could reach her. "Shit," Jim yells slapping the closed door with his palm. "Spock," he says sharply into his comm. "Re-route turbo lift 9 to the Brig." Fifteen seconds later the doors slide open revealing an empty tube. "Spock what floors did turbo lift 9 stop on before returning to its present location," Jim can barely keep the anger out of his voice. He does not have time for her childish games of hide and seek.

"Upon checking the computer, it appears the turbo opened on deck E before being rerouted to you. Katherine Kirk's signal places her still in the turbo however."

"She took her comm unit off Jim," Jack hands him the triangle device that was previous attached to her shirt.

"Jack I swear to god I am going to kill her," Jim pouts pacing in small circles.

"She will probably try and get to a transporter," Jack surmises, "or maybe the hangar?"

"Jim," Bones' voice comes through Kirk's comm unit.

"Those areas would be my first choices," Jim replies before turning his attention to his comm. "Yeah, Bones… little busy here," Jim replies curtly.

"I have Kate," Bone informs his friend laying a supportive hand on Kate's knee. He nods to Kate like it is going to be okay. Kate wants to believe him but Bones doesn't know how pissed Jim is.

Jim snatches Kate's comm out of Jack's hand. "On my way Bones," he says stepping into the turbo.

.

SICK BAY

Jim enters Sick Bay seeing Kate sitting on sitting on a bed swinging her feet in small circles.

"Don't be mad okay," Kate asks in a calm tone. "I did what I had to do."

"What the hell Kate? Don't be mad? How can I not be mad," Jim yells closing the distance between her and him in several strides. "Dammit kid you almost caused lock down on the ship. Don't ever take this off," Jim affixes the comm to her shirt. "This is a big ship and this tells us where you are."

"I didn't know that you track every member of your crew twenty four hours a day. Don't kriffing blame me for you ignorance," Kate fires back at him.

Jim slaps the table next to him expelling as much anger as he can before speaking. His action causes Kate to jump. "Watch your language little girl. This is my ship and I will not tolerate this behavior," he threatens but is interrupted by Kate.

"You are my enemy and I will fight you with every ounce of breath I have until the day I die. Now release my friends!"

"Enemy?" He slaps table again. He is more pissed than Kate ever wanted him to be. "We are not your enemies. They are. Now you may not like it but I am your father and I,"

"In my office," Bones pulls Jim away from Kate. He needs to defuse the situation before either of them says something they will regret. "So what happened," Bones tries to play mediator as Jim sits down in a chair.

"She bolted from the brig. Those damn Jedi were manipulating her and getting violent. She passed out," Jim recaps the event of the Brig in three sentences.

"She passed out," Bones demands growing concerned. "You didn't let them touch her did you?"

"No," Jim fires back as loud country music begins playing from Sick Bay. Jim's face grows dark like a summer storm. "Dammit…her and I are going to have a real falling out," Jim grumbles opening the door. The sight before him stops him cold.

"I'm telling you this song will so grow on you. It took him a while but he loves it," Joanna claps her hands and bobs her head to the beat.

"Oh yeah," a blonde guy behind her admits smiling at her but then crossing his eyes while making a gagging face to Kate behind Joanna's back. "I'm Cameron Mitchell Montgomery. Scotty's son. Nice to meet you."

From across the room Jim can see Kate looks more terrified at the thought of listening to this crap for the rest of her life than she did coming aboard the Enterprise. "At least we have one thing in common sweetheart," Jim thinks getting a small smile on his face. Bones tries to push past him to throw the kids out but Jim bars his path with an arm. "Give it a minute," Jim suggests. Jim has never seen Kate speechless or with such a deer in the headlights look.

Kate can barely comprehend what is going on around here. The past eighteen hours are blurring into a massive dream slash nightmare to her. She looks around the room searching for a way out. Kate sees Jim and Bones watching her from the door to his office. Kate raises a finger to signal she needs one of them as three more kids burst through the door of Sick Bay. "Oh my god I love this song," a dark haired Asian girl squeals happily hearing the tail end of the song. Joanna replays Andy Grammer's Honey I'm Good generating groans from the guys with them as the girls begins to sing the lyrics. Jim sees Kate's mouth actually drop open as she watches Ronin, John, and Cameron make fun of the song clapping their hands like they are at a hoe down. The girls, knowing the boys are making fun of them, sing louder adding impromptu arm gestures and dance moves.

"I am not sure Kate has ever seen another kid before judging by the expression on her face," Bones laughs.

"I could have saved a shit ton of headaches if we had just turned the kids lose on her earlier," Jim remarks. "I never thought of our kids as a form of torture before but Kate looks like she would say anything to get away from them," Jim grins from ear to ear. They watch as John walks up to Kate whispering something in her ear.

"So what do you think of our only form of music Sparkles? It's got a catchy beat don't it," John 's expression is so serious Kate can't tell if he is pulling her leg or not. "I'm kidding," he nudges her in the shoulder. "Cam find something else. Kate here thinks this is the height of our musical achievements in the Milky Way galaxy."

"I'd bail this galaxy if that was the case," Cameron picks up his mini-PADD scanning through his music library. "Oh yeah," he says firing up AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long. Kate maintains the stunned expression as Cameron begins to rock it out. Joanna wrinkles her nose as Cameron serenades her.

"See we could live together," Jim comments about Cameron's musical inclinations to Bones bopping his head slightly to the beat.

"Where the hell was he then during our academy years," Bones reminisces sadly.

Cameron lets the song roll into another one of his AC/DC favorites called T.N.T. John leans into Kate's ear whispering, "This is a pretty good song but so not you."

"Thank you," Erika pulls the PADD cutting off the song. Suddenly MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This begins to play. "Now this is music," Erika exclaims.

"Dude I still can't believe that Sulu listens to this is shit by choice," Ronin laughs.

Erika breaks into a bad imitation of MC Hammer's dance moves while telling everyone, "and we dance to it also." Kate finally lets a laugh escape which she quickly tries to stifle. John doesn't miss her smile though.

"Okay getting closer," John says eyeing her up and motioning for the PADD.

"Dude you playing Nirvana or Imagine Dragons," Ronin asks hopefully.

"Uh…no," John shuts him down. "There is no way in hell she is into your garage grunge." John searches youtube on the galactic computer network before settling on Mackelmore's Thrift shop. John sees a half smile cross her face as she tries not to enjoy the music. "Sorry Mr. Jim. I will get the clean version," John apologizes as the first curse word comes out loud and clear followed by several more "fucking awesome" lyrics follow. "Yep sorry again," John calls out.

"Yeah let's work on that John," Jim hollers good-naturedly from his spot leaning against the door frame. "God help me if this is what she like," he murmurs to Bones. "She will have to live with Sulu."

John likes seeing Kate smile. She has looked so unhappy all day. He is hell bent on keeping her smiling. "Or maybe it is just snappy lyrics you like. How about this one," he begins to play Train - 50 Ways to Say Goodbye.

"This is the official break up song of the galaxy just so you know," Cameron informs her. "Saves face but gets out all your hostilities against you ex."

"Okay Mr. Read Me Like a Book what do you like," Kate finally speaks. John gives her a half grin making her heart pound. John begins to play Nickelback – Rockstar. Kate really likes the beat and for a second closes her eyes imagining herself back home with her friends. For the first time today Jim gets a glimpse of what Kate could be.

"Captain Alpha crew is assembled and awaiting your arrival in the ready room," Spock comments. Jim thinks he hears a bit of impatience to his voice.

"Go Jim. I got her. Let her hang with the kids for a while. They seem to be calming her down. Today has been just as hard for her as it has been for you. Maybe harder, " Bones goes back to his desk to finish paperwork.

"Yeah maybe but not by much," Jim agrees. "You sure she is fine here."

"Go before that green blooded hobgoblin comms you again. She will be fine," Bones replies without looking up.

.

READY ROOM

As Kirk walks into the room Spock begins the briefing. No one mentions he is late. They proceed like it is any other meeting. Kirk takes his seat. "From our interrogation of the prisoners we have learned much," Spock's formal tone fills the room. He brings up an image of the blue-skinned alien on the wall PADD. "The female, is Zala Tsu Shala, from a race known as the Twi'lek originating from Ryloth. She appears to be the leader of this mission but Da-Mu-Unka claims they are equals." Spock changes the image to the cone-headed alien with the long goatee and mustache. "Da-Mu-Unka is Cerean from the planet Cerea. He provided much of the information detailed in my meeting. From basic life scans he appears to have a binary brain allowing for him to focus and think about multiple issues at once."

"Like a dolphin," Jack jokes from the end of the table.

"A ninja dolphin," Sulu adds with a grin.

Spock continues ignores the interruption changing the image to the last Jedi prisoner. "Rogan Donos is the only actual human in the group. He comes from a planet called Corellia. Dr. Adam Reed conducted a basic medical scan but Dr. McCoy will administer more complete exams at his earliest convenience. From what our person's of interest have shared, they belong to a group called the Jedi Knights. The Jedi Knights appear to be a part of an ancient monastic peacekeeping organization designed to mediate conflict keeping peace within their galaxy. In order to become a Jedi you must be born with what they term "The Force". From what I can infer, the Force is a metaphysical and /or spiritual power that helps guide them in their daily lives. When asked more specific questions Rogan responded that this Force 'enhances their ability to be compassionate, selfless, knowledge seekers and powerful soldiers when necessary'."

"Compassionate kidnapping super soldiers," Kirk says dryly. "Just the people I want movin' in next door but it fits with what Kate was telling me in Sick Bay. She happened to leave out the whole part of being a soldier though."

"Yeah, and get this. They apparently use this Force to 'feel' their enemies out during conflict. It explains Rogan was so fast in the transporter room. I think this Force thing is a way to read someone's mind so you can beat 'em to the punch," Jack comments. "I have my weapons tech trying to figure out that light sword thing but so far all he can do is turn it on. Oh and by the way I need you to approve a new work desk for my department sir. And a replacement floor panel. Botany will probably be calling for a ceiling patch but I told 'em that was something their department head should talk to you about." Kirk looks at Jack confused to why they are talking about budgets but before he can respond Jack answers his question. "It appears sir that the weapon goes through well pretty much any material it comes into contact with. Crewman Reed has assured me that he will proceed with 'the utmost care' the next time he activates the device sir."

"Moving on," Kirk says raising his eyebrows at Jack who shrugs. "Any ideas where they came from? Kate threw out the name of several galaxies that she termed companion galaxies."

"They claim they're from a galaxy known as Sky River. This galaxy is 120,000 light years across with 400 billion stars. It has approximately 180 billion planets with a population of more than 100 quadrillion beings populating 70 million systems." Spock finishes. "Katherine has mentioned they are currently at war but we do not know with who yet."

"They're extragalactic?" Kirk can't believe what he is hearing. "Is that even possible?" he asks Scotty

"Aye Captain in theory but I dunna know how yed even get there sir? The Enterprise is the fastest ship in the fleet and idda take 300 years at warp 10 just to gid us to Andromeda. When we showed then star charts they couldna even point out where they were from given our galaxy as a point of reference."

"Or were just not forthcoming with that information Mr. Scott," Spock corrects recieving a dirty look by Scotty.

"The point is sir, do we believe they've come a helluva long way just to drop a wee lassie to her dad. I dunno if I believe it. But, if that's true and they can just make the jump anytime a kid is lost, why hava we not seen 'em before now?" Scotty proposes.

"Good point," Kirk says and rubs his forehead. "They couldn't have had enough supplies to come in one jump."

"Aye that's where the energy anamoly comes in. I think it was some artificial gravity assistance mechanism but I canna tell you anything else right now," Scotty explains frustrated "If I could getta wee peek inside their ship I mighta had more to report."

"Then how did you get their ship on board?" Kirk asks directing the question to Chekov.

"Vee could not beam directly aboard so I towed it to da docking bay. Vee have a team tryin' to open the vessle but no luck yet," Chekov confirms.

"Perfect." Kirk slumps back in his chair and then leans forward clasping his hands. Looking each member of Alpha team in the eye he says, "So I can subspace message Star Fleet and tell them our ship was almost taken over by super soldiers." He holds up one finger, "from a galaxy so far away we can't even see it." He holds up a second finger, "and they made the journey in a damn shuttle we can't open." He holds up a third finger. Everyone but Spock shifts uncomfortably in their set. "Fuck people," he says slamming his hand on the table. "If they can do this in a little shuttle how are we supposed to deal with their Star destroyers and Star Cruisers," he asks sitting straighter. "Dammit guys step it up and give me some real answers. You are the best minds in the Fleet so let's put together our 1000 point combined IQ's and figure this out." Jim says sarcastically.

"Sir, it is not logical to begin to name vessels we have no knowledge of," Spock retorts.

"Kate told me about them," Kirk confirms and notices everyone leans in slightly at the second mention of her name. "Well, better tell them now as a group and save time," he thinks. "As you all probably know already there was a fourth individual in the group. Kate turns out to be a 100% perfect DNA match to myself and my wife Lauren who disappeared 12 years ago. The logical assumption is that she was pregnant when she disappeared but that just adds to this cluster fuck. See for Kate to grow up in Sky River, means Lauren had access to a ship 12 years ago to make that journey. If you really want a head ache start thinking about that."

"So Lauren is alive?" Uhura asks Kirk. At one time she and Lauren were best friends. Uhura would have bet money Jim would have been the one to skip out not Lauren.

"I don't think so but hell 12 hours ago I didn't think I had a kid. Kate hasn't mentioned her and with everything going on I thought dealing with the Jedi threat trumps my marital status," Kirk frowns. "And if I find out that she is still alive and sent our kid halfway across the universe with mercenaries I'll kill her myself with my bare hands."

"Is she doing OK? Kate I mean." Sulu asks getting Jim off the topic of his wife. He will talk to Uhura later about the details.

"Yeah, I guess. Kids are tough. She'll pull through given some adjustment time," Kirk replies slumping back in his seat rubbing his face with both hands. "In their initial message they said they had a great gift for the Federation. Can anyone enlighten me on what they think this might be? Kate may play a role in the scheme but I don't think she actually knows what they are looking for. My guess is that's why Kate is so desperate to talk to the Jedi. Zala Tsu did allude to the fact Kate is a Jedi. She told me Kate would be one of the most powerful foes our galaxy has seen. I don't know if this is a scare tactic or not."

"Whatever is going to happen will in the next three days, " Spock states. "Da-Mu-Unka told us that they would be gone by then. I do not think he was referencing his transfer at Star Base 11. It would be illogical to turn them out with so many unanswered questions so we must figure out their purpose here by that deadline and act accordingly."

"Ok," Kirk says getting ready to delegate tasks again. "I will get the kid to open up the shuttle. Hopefully Scotty, you can figure out an answer to either the vortex anomaly or how their ships work so I can report something of value to Star Fleet."

"An how ye gonna get the lass to open the ship Cap'n? From what I hear she feels a little more than a wee bitta loyalty to the Jedi," Scotty asks.

"I'm her father. I'll tell her to do it and that's that," Kirk replies indignantly. Suddenly the whole room busts into laughter. "What. What's so funny?"

"With all due respect sir I would love to see it. I can't get Erika to eat her broccoli and I've been her father for years," Sulu laughs.

"Let me handle Kate. You all are doing great with what you have but I need better," Kirk stands signaling the end of the meeting. Jim exits the ready room heading for the bridge. Spock approaches Jim in his Captain seat with concern on his face.

"What else is wrong," Jim asks his XO.

"Captain, I do not feel the bridge is the best place for you now. You should be with your offspring. Even a Vulcan child would need the companionship of their parent at such a difficult time. I do not mind covering your shift nor does Lt. Sulu. We have spoken about this at great lengths today. It is logical for you to be with her and on call at this time," Spock states the obvious.

Jim knows they are right. If it was anyone else on his crew he would relieve them of their duties for the next several days to spend time with their kid. As Captain he does not have that luxury; however, he knows he will not be able to concentrate on anything. Feeling his stomach rumble Kirk decides to take them up in their offer and break for dinner. By the time they get to Star Base 11, Jim should have this parenting thing worked out.

"Thank you. Comm me if anything comes up," Jim says striding to the turbo."

.

SICK BAY

Jim is a little surprised that the kids have hung with Kate all day. "So you hungry Kate," Jim asks strolling over to the group of kids smiling.

Kate's heart crashes at the sound of his voice. It is not that Jim Kirk is a horrible man but he is the visual representation of everything she has lost. Before him she had a family. Before him she was a Jedi padawan. Before him she was happy. "No," she says sharply taking the PADD from John focusing all her attention on it.

Kirk sees whatever happiness Kate was feeling is clearly gone. "Hey kids do you mind um," Jim tries to politely to dismiss them but the John is one step ahead.

John nudges Kate in the side. "Can we save you a seat in the mess hall? We gotta get going before our parents send out a search party," John states with a smile. "See you around Sparkles," John nods to Kate before following the other kids out. Kate doesn't respond to any of the goodbyes.

"Sparkles?" Jim questions Kate.

"He says I have a sparkling personality," Kate responds instantly irritated. She has a job to do. This is not a vacation. Kate decides at that minute she will distance herself from the kids. It is safer for them anyway. Zala has threatened them so the farther they are away from Kate the better. Also there is no point in getting to know them when she will be gone in three days.

Jim clears his throat not knowing what to say. "So let's go get something to eat. You have to be starving. McCoy said you haven't eaten anything all day."

"I ate before I came here," Kate snips still focused on the PADD. "You sleemo di'kut," she adds under her breath.

Jim pulls the PADD from her hands sitting on the edge of the bed. Kate glares up at him icily as he speaks. "Look I get it. You are pissed off at the world right now and I'm you target. I can handle that. We don't have to be father daughter, or even friends right now, but you will be civil to me and the members of my crew. I will tolerate nothing less. The rest of this will work out by itself over time. So I am going to tell you again. Get up and let's go to dinner."

Kate looks around making eye contact with Bones. He gives her a slight head nod for encouragement. Kate slides off the opposite side of the bed avoiding any contact with Jim. She silently follows him to the mess hall. When the doors open and Kate sees all the people, she turns and exits the room quickly. Jim follows her out waiting for her to speak. "I can't be around that many people right now and stay civil," Kate admits. "I also do not want to be alone with you. Do you have some place that is a happy medium?"

Jim is glad to have Kate says something honest. Although he takes all his meals in the mess hall, tonight he wouldn't mind some place quieter either. "Yeah come on," he says softly walking down the hall. Kate follows him to what appears to be a small officer's club type room. "Better," Jim asks sincerely. It is fairly deserted and has a large window along one wall by the bar. Kate nods and sits down at a table where she can gaze at the stars. Jim brings over cheeseburgers, fries, and cokes. The food in front of her smells so good it makes Kate's stomach hurt but so far they had done exactly as Zala Tsu has said. Kate feels weird and off balance sitting with Kirk. Since Kate normally is happy and relaxed in any situation she assumes they have given her some sort of drug to make her feel this way. After a minute Jim sees her staring at the stars and not eating. "If you don't like this I can get you something else," he offers gently.

Kate quickly comes up with a plan. "I don't' eat meat," she replies softly.

"Well that is one problem I can easily fix today," he says happily. Kate fights the urge to smile at the comforting way he is acting towards her. In any other situation she would really like him. "Be right back." Jim returns with a plate of pasta seeing Kate has eaten the one burger he had taken a bite out of and is working on his fries. Her food however remains untouched.

Kate sees his quizzical look. "I thought I should try something different while I am here. My father, Han Solo," she stresses the word father," says we should embrace new things."

Kirk lets the dig slide. "So you decided to embrace my burger," he gestures to his empty plate before pointing to her uneaten one. "Is eating someone else's dinner some quirky Sky River thing I should get used to," he jokes. His attempt at humor falls short with Kate. "This is not any easier for me Kate. I'm trying my best here."

Kate feels like shit right now. Han and Leia would be livid with the way she is acting to Kirk especially with all the cussing. "So I bet you have a lot of questions for me," Kate drops the attitude. Making him an enemy won't further her plans.

Jim sets down his burger wiping his hands with a napkin. "I do and you probably have some for me. Let's finish our game of twenty questions but this time let's really try to get to know each other. Not pumping each other for information." Jim hopes that by telling her he won't bring up the Jedi she will be more willing to let him in.

"No. I am good with you. I know what I need to," Kate can't keep her attitude in check even if she wanted to.

"How we just meet," Jim almost wants to laugh.

"I know you are the captain," Kate shoots back taking a bite of her burger. Jim sees her face drop as she chews her bite.

"I am the Captain and I have given strict orders not to poison you," Jim reaches across the table taking a bite of her cheeseburger. He eats a fry and takes a drink of her soda. "See. You're good. We aren't going to hurt you so eat. You have to be hungry."

Kate remembers to try and not be hostile but she is still pissed. "You shot and jailed my friends," she retorts taking another bite of her cheeseburger. She is starving and figures the damage was done with the first bite anyway,

"They were a threat but let's talk about something else okay kiddo," Jim tries to find a topic they won't argue over. "So you liked the kids?"

Kate doesn't fall for his topic shift. "No they were just stunned. We were greeted by six men with blasters," Kate reminds Kirk. "We came in peace."

Jim loses his cool. "And I should believe you why," Jim snaps regretting being pulled into this conversation.

"Because I have no reason to lie to you," Kate answers sincerely getting a chuckle from Kirk. The only thing he is sure about is that Kate came with the Jedi. Everything else is debatable at this point.

He decides to put her honesty to the test. "Good then tell me where you're from huh." When Kate doesn't answer he presses. "I mean we know about Sky River from Da-Mu-Unka but even if we didn't the transporters gave you away. Everyone space worthy has transporters."

Kate knows she is caught. "I know about them. Why do you think I don't know about transporters?"

"Your reaction and theirs," Jim finishes off his burger standing up.

"My reaction," Kate wrinkles her forehead in confusion taking another bite of her cheeseburger. Jim realizes dinner isn't over.

"It was one of surprise," he says getting a cup of coffee and returning to his seat. If Kate will eat he will sit here all night.

"Well you were armed and like zapped us when we weren't expecting it," Kate finishes off her burger. Jim is shocked she ate two cheeseburgers and at least a plate of fries. He is going to have to make sure she eats on a better schedule tomorrow even if she is resistant. "I think you would be surprised too right." Kate hopes he buys her excuse. The transporters were a helluva shock. They aren't part of the mission but she is definitely going to steal one for Han as a make-up present. They have to have units that aren't bolted down. Kate finally pushes her plate way. Jim checks his watch as he finishes off his coffee. It is too early for bed but too late to start anything new tonight.

"Wanna go for a walk? Stretch your legs a little." Jim has no idea what to do with her.

"Whatever as long as we don't have to talk," Kate bites back.

"Deal," Jim agrees. He doesn't have anything to say to her anyway. They walk up halls and down corridors in silence for about thirty minutes. Kate knows she should be trying to memorize the layout of the ship but takes each step on auto-pilot, not caring where she is or where she is going. She notices however, how the crew really seems to like Kirk. Every time someone passes they extend a friendly "hello" or "Captain". Kate can tell it is not because of his rank but because they want to. Kirk in turn greets everyone by name. Kate vaguely wonders if he really does know every crew member's name.

Spock's voice breaks the silence between them. "Captain we have an incoming transmission from Star Fleet Head Quarters. Do you want me to take it for you?"

Guiltily Jim is happy to get some time away from Kate. "No Spock I will be there in five minutes. Kirk out." In under a minute Jim has Kate back at Sick Bay. "Look I have to take this but I will be back here in," Kirk is quickly cut off by Kate who is also happy to be rid of his company for a while.

"I can let check myself back into prison Kate replies entering Sick Bay and not looking back.

"Dammit," Kirk yells in frustration pacing several times in the hall before heading to the turbo and ultimately the bridge.

Kate sits on the bed looking around. She would not admit it but Sick Bay is far better than a cell in the detention block. The lights have been slightly dimmed signaling night. Kate also notices the medical staff has decreased. "You should be getting ready to go to sleep darlin'. Jo brought you some pajamas and I replicated a toothbrush for you," Bones indicates to a small bag on the chair. "I also got you a hairbrush and some of those hair tie things." Although everyone has been nice, McCoy is the only one who has taken actual care of Kate since she arrived. Kate wants to throw her arms around him. Not because of the toothbrush but because he reminds her of Luke. In the silence of the night Kate is starting to comprehend how much her life is going to change. The crew is assuming she is going to a permanent fixture here. Kate knows that can't happen.

"Dr. McCoy," a voice says sharply helping a man into sick bay. "One of the substations blew," a red shirted crewman reports helping an injured man to a bed.

"Nurse get me Dermaline patches for the burns and 20 cc's of Hydrocortilene for the pain. Don't worry Thompson. The pain will be gone in few moments. Then I can treat the burns," McCoy reassures the patient gently activating a privacy screen. Kate takes this opportunity. She gets up and walks right out of Sick Bay during the confusion. Kate needs to speak with Zala Tsu in private.

.

BRIG

Kate exhales as the turbo doors open. With each step towards the Brig her confidence increases. No one stops her from entering the Brig or approaching the cells. Kate eyes Zala Tsu standing behind the force field with caution. She remembers there is some kind of sound dampening device preventing the Jedi from speaking. Kate walks over to the young blonde security officers' console. He stares straight ahead as if in a dream. Kate doesn't have the time to figure out the controls. Taking a chance she commands, "open comm systems." The security officer complies wordlessly as if in a dream. "You plan to strangle me?" Kate takes several steps towards the front of their cells. "Cause if you are I am not going down that easily again." Kate stares back at the Jedi Master with calm confidence. Rogan sees Han's Corelian swagger in her walk. They are losing control of her.

"Padawan, watch your tongue," Rogan snaps.

"My tongue," Kate says incredulously. "Are you serious Master Rogan? Tell Master Zala Tsu to watch those Jedi hands of her. Force strangulation is not particularly pleasant." Kate looks back at the red shirts manning the security stations before walking up to the cells. She taps the force field with a finger getting a mild shock. "Damn that hurt," she says shaking her finger. "So you're stuck in there without me, aren't you," Kate asks. "Well maybe not me but you need someone to lower the field and until I find it…you can't play your hand."

Zala Tsu wishes she could slowly strangle the child. "Pet, how are you? Have they taken care of you," she tries the soft approach human children seem to crave.

"How am I? Did you just seriously ask me that," Kate feels her temper spiking. "You don't care. You only need me. There is no love lost between us. You knew coming here he had it. You knew he was my father. You knew I would be the only one in the position to find it," Kate's voice rises with each question. "And now you're wondering how I've been," Kate shakes her head in disgust. She hops up on the edge of the console.

Zala Tsu doesn't need the Force to sense Kate's defiance. It is written all over her face. Kate needs to be put in her place. Zala Tsu stares at Kate like she is an insect about to be squashed. She decides to play on the one thing Kate has no defense against. "Jedi do not make the emotional connections like others. We have a job. We protect the weak. Your delay is causing the deaths of thousands. Find the Holocron. You have one more day before it is too late."

"Why the timeline? We have the Beacon of Hope. We can leave whenever we want so why the rush," Kate asks. Zala Tsu has misjudged how smart Kate is. She changes the subject to one Kate can't ignore.

A mewling choking sound begins to grow behind Kate. A quick glance shows Kate just how far the Jedi are willing to go. "At least you got smart and didn't pick me this time. Kirk would be pissed if he found me dead on the floor," Kate hopes her panic is being hidden by the false bravado she is demonstrating. "Kriff me. I have to end this," Kate says to herself. Kate decides she will give it twenty more seconds before she comms Kirk. She pulls the comm unit from her back pocket concealing it in her hand. The thought of the person behind her slowly asphyxiating is making Kate insane. "End it now Zala or you get nothing. They are innocents here. I won't let you hurt them," Kate tries to emulate the powerful voice of Kirk. "I am gaining their trust. I will have it by the deadline. Release him now!"

Zala Tsu throws her head back laughing as she releases Lt. Michaels. He sucks in a lungful of air before sputtering coughs emerge from his mouth. Kate will find a way to make it up to him somehow. "They are coming for you. Go," Zala Tsu orders. She waits until Kate has almost exited the room before addressing her. "Pet, why is it you are unable to access the Force? Seems we both have issues on this ship don't we. Maybe you have will have to use sweet words like your father to save them because you obviously can't use the Force." Kate leaves the room without responding.

Her head is spinning as she enters the turbo. She can't figure out how Zala Knew about her Force issues. Kate needs somewhere isolated to figure out her next move. She gets off on a random floor remembering to unclip the comm from her shirt. She drops the two comms in a corner of the turbo before selecting multiple floors. This will not stop them for long but Kate just needs to find a place to regroup alone. Kate looks up and down the hallway but every way looks the same. White walls with black floors.

.

SECURITY CONTROL ROOM

"I know she was in there. I need you people to figure out why we did not know about it and what she said to them," Jack rants displaying uncharacteristic frustration with his team.

"Sir we don't know that she came here," Peters suggests looking at the film footage. "There is nothing to show her entering or exiting the room."

Hendorff rewinds the footage pointing with his finger to a barely perceptible flicker on the screen. "This is not live but looped. We have a four minute window where someone interacted with the Jedi that we did not authorize," Hendorff fumes. "If Dawson had not run a systems check we would not know anything about this. Find a way to bring back the missing date."

Jack knows it had to be Kate. He comms Sick Bay just to make sure their newest guest is still there.

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