CH 8 Visiting Hours Are Over

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SICK BAY

"What the hell did you two do to her," Bones demands gruffly setting three shot glasses down with a clink. He unscrews the bottle of bourbon filling each cup. "It is not normal for a twelve year old kid to go on a bender."

"I corrected her," Jim does the shot in a quick gulp signaling for another one. "And he became her first drinking buddy." Jim points a finger at Jack. "And no bitching when I teach the boys how to cuss you out in Andorian. Fair is fair Jack."

Jack typically doesn't drink the hard stuff but downs the shot set out for him. "I was building rapport," Jack's excuse sounds weak even to him.

"Well from where I am standing you dipshits have caused me a week of paperwork on one crew member," Bones holds up a finger shaking his head as he downs his shot.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm in trouble Bones," Jim tries to joke rolling the shot glass between his fingers.

"What happened in the Brig." Bones' question is direct and to the point. Jack does a second shot before summarizing the events from several hours ago. "You gassed them? In front of her?" Bones demands hotly.

"They did something to her and Ensign Moto. Be damned if I can prove it but they did. I will not let them hurt anyone on this ship," Jack defends his position. "Okay maybe not our best decision," Jack admits, "but she was going to do it one way or another. We thought it would be better to control the situation than let Kate control it."

Bones stares at the two men as if they have lost their minds. "You two take your head out of your ass and listen to me. They are her allies. If we were separated on an away mission would you demand to see us?" Bones doesn't wait for a response from Kirk. "Especially if we were shot as you were dragged from the room." Bones word settle like a lead weight on Jack's shoulders.

"Man's got a point," Jack does a third shot then stands to leave. "On that note I am going to bed. Put this damn day behind me and start fresh in," Jack looks at watch, "four hours. Gentlemen… goodnight."

"Night Jack," Jim murmurs before turning his attention to Bones. "Are you sure Spock hasn't given you lessons in logic." Jim pours a fourth shot. "Why are you making sense?"

"Because we are not drunk enough my friend," Bones takes his fourth shot and caps the bottle.

"She keeps insisting she a Solo," Jim spins the shot glass on the table. Bones can tell that Jim is hurting. He may not think he wants to be a father but McCoy has known Kirk long enough to read him. He just needs Jim to see what he does. Jim is jealous.

"Well that because she is," Bones begins easing Jim into the conversation.

"No she a Kirk," Jim snatches the bottle back needing the fifth shot.

"Just because you want her to be won't make it happen," Bones plays devil's advocate. "Where were you for 12 years."

McCoy's statement angers Jim. "I am her father. You told me that and I didn't know about her. I can thank my lovely wife for that," Jim spats.

"No I said you were her biological father. Her dad is the person who raised. Who took care of her. Who loved her." Bones sees each word is almost physically painful to Jim. He needs Jim to see his point but also know this is not his fault. "Jim she is healthy and strong and smart. Someone educated her and held her when she cried. You will do that but you have not done that yet. Spend some time with her."

"Dammit you're sounding like spock again," Jim leans back in the chair.

"Jesus help me then," Bones laughs before getting serious. "Right now Han is her father and you are not. Demanding it is so will push her away."

"Look what the hell do you want me to do. I am trying to be her father," Jim demands angrily. "I am trying to keep her safe."

"Remember how you felt when your mom married Frank," Bones shoves Jim to a place he doesn't want to be. "Did you want him to demand respect from you? Did you want him to replace your father?"

"No I wanted my dad," Jim leans forward driving home his point, "but I am not Frank."

"No you're not but would you have acted differently if she had married someone like Chris Pike?" Bones can see Jim stiffen.

"That's different. Chris is a nice guy. Frank was a dick," Jim corrects.

"No it's not. Think about it," Bones pushes Jim.

"If I do you'll be right," Jim tries to take the bottle from Bones but McCoy is quicker. "So what am I supposed to do?" Jim slumps back in the chair.

"Hell if I know. I never thought we would get this far in the conversation," McCoy places the bottle and glasses back in his bottom drawer.

A high-pitched cry comes from Kate's bed. McCoy is surprised how fast Jim made it to Kate's side. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine," Kate repeats breathing heavily. McCoy sees Kate clutching Jim's hand in a death grip. Whatever Kate was dreaming about has scared her to death. McCoy knows it is something more than today.

"No you're not," Jim sits beside her in a chair never letting go of her hand.

"I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine," Kate repeats repeatedly attempting to self-calm.

Jim becomes more concerned when he sees the look on Bones' face. If Bones is worried this isn't just a simple nightmare then Jim knows he should be also. "Want to talk about it," Jim asks closing Kate's hand in both of his.

"No I want to forget it," Kate stares into his eyes before lying back down on the pillow. She turns her body so that she is facing his but closes her eyes. Bones sees that Kate is getting some comfort from Jim because she has not released his hand. Kate wants to cry but holds back the tears. Ever since the Vong destroyed her world five years ago Kate has not made it through the night without having a nightmare. Seeing her world destroyed would have been bad enough, but each Vong encounter seemed to be worse and worse. The horrors inflicted by the heavily tattooed and pierced Vong invade her mind every night. Some nights they would only force her awake but other night she would walk screaming.

"That's okay but I'm here if you need it," Jim tries to be soothing.

"Whatever," Kate grumbles, "but I don't need a babysitter." With her eyes closed she wills the hand she is holding to be Han's and not Jim's.

"Maybe but I am here," Jim repeats running a hand over her hair. "Kate you are safe and warm here so try to sleep sweetheart." Before he realizes it, Jim has leaned over and kissed her head. Kate doesn't flinch at his touch accepting any form of comfort to make the pain go away.

"Jim she should get some sleep. It has been a long day for everyone. I say we start fresh tomorrow," Bones suggests gently.

"Yes it has," Jim says quietly pulling a chair up next to Kate's bed. He kicks off his shoes and settles back as comfortably as he can.

"I'll be back tomorrow," Bones says before leaving.

Kate sits up hearing that Bones is leaving. She isn't scared of Kirk but doesn't want to be alone with him. "You are not staying tonight," Kate's voice has a panicky quality.

"I have my own place with Joanna but the Captain will stay all night," Bones' voice should be reassuring but it is not.

"I will believe that when I see it," Kate gets defensive pulling her hand from Kirk's. She childishly stuffs it under the pillow. "You can go to. You haven't been here for 12 years. I don't need you now."

Bones gives Jim a slight shake of the head indicating Jim show ignore Kate's words. Jim slumps in the chair attempting to fall asleep.

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O'Neill Quarters

Jack enters his darkened quarters the same time he left twenty-four hours earlier. This had been one of the longest days of his life. Out of habit, Jack sticks his head into John and Ronin's room to check on the boys before going to sleep.

"So dad that girl…Kate, she's really the Captains daughter," John asks scaring the shit out of Jack.

Jack takes a calming breath before entering the room. "It seems so son," Jack takes a seat on the bottom bunk by his youngest son. "And why are you not asleep. It is 3 AM."

John ignores his dad's question but proceeds with more of his own. "Is she staying with us? On the Enterprise I mean."

"I assume so. We were allowed to keep you," Jack jokes. John is not in the mood for joking but for answers.

"Where is her mom? Kate blew us off when we asked about her this afternoon," John asks propping himself up on his elbows. "I never knew Mr. Jim was married."

"Me either but maybe we shouldn't bring up that conversation right now," Jack suggests gently. Jack makes a show of standing up and looking to see if Ronin is sleeping. "Look if I tell you a secret I may have to kill you. You want to take the risk," Jack teases his youngest son. John rolls his eyes and smiles. This was his dad's response when he or Ronin would demand to know what he did at work. "Between me and you…I think Kate is really scared and lonely. It would mean a lot to Mr. Jim and me if you kids were extra nice to her. Maybe take her to the Rec Deck tomorrow. John remember how scared you were to leave Colorado? You had mom, Ronin, and me. She is alone."

"We can do that dad," John agrees for the group. They enjoyed hanging with her. John doesn't need the adults telling him how scared she must be. If he had been kidnapped, with no way home, he would be freaking out just like her.

"Good so get some sleep," Jack kisses his head and adjusts the blankets as John slides back down.

"Oh dad," John says as Jack is leaving the room. "Here," he pulls his mini-PADD from under his pillow. Jack crosses the room taking it from John. He is about to lecture him on what go to bed means but then John speaks. "You're going to see Kate in the morning right. I figured she must be bored sitting there all day."

"I have no doubt. I get bored at my office all the time." Jack is proud of John for thinking about Kate on his own. "You don't need this?"

"I can use Ronin's if I need to." John tries to look casual. "Anyway you um...you think she will like it?" Kate fascinates John. She is adventurous, smart, pretty, and was almost able to beat his dad in hand-to-hand combat if the rumors are true.

"I'm sure she will," Jack assures John with a soft smile. Suddenly Jack gets an idea. Snapping his fingers he hands the PADD back to John saying, "How about you give it to her."

"I have school tomorrow and stuff," John says a bit uncomfortably.

"Um…I see," Jack instantly sees John is embarrassed. At twelve, nothing embarrasses a boy more than his parents or a pretty girl.

"I bet Ronin will give it to her if you are scared," Jack can't help but to tease John. Of his two boys, John is the more self-assured, outgoing O'Neill. Ronin tends to hang back and watch like Jack.

"Whatever I was just trying to be nice," John pulls the blanket up around his neck. John knows his dad is joking but doesn't want to take a chance. "I will just get up earlier so that I can take it to her before school. Leave it on my desk okay dad," John tries to sound tired but his heart is racing. Jack sets the mini-PADD down where John indicates.

"Night boys," Jack says softly.

"Night dad," John and Ronin say in unison. John stiffens slightly. His hopes that Ronin didn't hear their conversation is dashed in an instant.

"Whatever I was just trying to be nice," Ronin imitates John letting him know he heard the entire thing. "I'll make sure we stay clear of Sick Bay until after school bro. Give you some time alone with Kate," Ronin chuckles.

"Ass munch," John kicks the mattress with his foot as hard as he can eliciting a groan from Ronin. Ronin hangs over the edge whacking John in the face with his pillow. "Why can't they have three bedroom quarters," John grumbles turning towards the wall.

"Go to bed," Jack yells from the other side of the quarters waking up his wife. "Sorry baby," Jack strips off his pants and shirt. Sam is too tired to remind him the clothes do not go on the floor but in the hamper. "I am so damn tired," Jack admits laying on his back so Sam can curl up next to him. He kisses her head after she cuddles up to him. Jack can smell Sam's perfume and is instantly aroused. He lazily begins to trace her arm with his fingertips.

"Ummm that feels so good," Sam tilts her head up. Jack kisses her softly for several seconds. He adjusts his body so that they are both on their sides facing each other. Even exhausted all Jack can think about is making love to his wife. Jack kisses her neck softly as Sam speaks, "but I have an enemy ship in the hanger that we can't get into. You have three known hostiles in the brig and Bones has a kid ninja in Sick Bay." Jack stops and looks at Sam wondering if this is weird foreplay or for real. One look at her eyes tells him she is not interested.

"Oh kay then," Jack rolls over onto his back.

"Night Jack," Sam says snuggling deeper into her pillow.

"Yep. Love you to hon," Jack tries to get comfortable staring at the ceiling. "Yep this day started for shit and is ending like that," he says to himself.

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SICK BAY 0800 Hours

Bones comes in at 0800hrs finding Jim asleep in the chair. He nudges Jim's shoulder with a mug of steaming hot coffee.

"Mmm is that coffee I smell," Jim yawns before dropping his voice. Kate is softly snoring on the bed. Bones nods to his office. Jim follows stretching the knots out of his stiff muscles. "You on shift again?"

"No not until noon but I thought I would check up on you and Kate," Bones takes a seat behind his desk as Jim flops on his couch.

"I should have come in here," Jim laments propping his socked feet up on one end.

"So how did she sleep? Any more nightmares," Bones swivels in his chair to face Jim.

"Good I guess." Jim amends his assessment after thinking about it. "She was up most of the night. Talks in her sleep like Lauren did?"

"Learn anything useful from it," Bones jokes.

"Not yet but if she is like Lauren I will," Jim smiles back. When Lauren bunked over at the Academy Bones and Jim would often study in the room she was sleeping in. Lauren did not just talk in her sleep. She had whole conversations. Sometimes she would even respond to their questions. The fun, they playfully called Pillow Talk with Lauren, never lasted long because their laughter often woke Lauren up.

"You look like shit," Bones gives his expert medical opinion of Jim's condition.

"I feel like it," Jim rubs his eyes. Every part of his body aches. "That chair should be moved to the Brig."

Bones gives a small snort. "Medical secret 101…it's not meant to be comfortable. They are designed to keep visitors at a minimum or from staying too long." Jim tunes Bones out drinking his coffee. A soft trill from a PADD draws Bones' attention. "She's awake Jim," Bones informs Jim watching Kate's vitals go from a calm, relaxed state of sleep to that of someone running for their lives. "She's scared." Bones turns the PADD to Jim. Jim sees her elevated heart rate and respiration rate. He hopes it was a nightmare and not a sign of a fight brewing.

"Morning Kate," Jim says from the doorway to Bones office. When she doesn't respond he walks over to her bed. "I have a staff meeting this morning but I thought after we could get some lunch. Show you my ship." Jim tries to make the day sound fun.

"You thought wrong. Go away," Kate grumbles not looking at him but the wall.

Jim wishes he could have one conversation with Kate that wasn't a battle. He decides to take the direct approach. "I can't go away Kate." Jim takes a seat next to Kate. "I get the part of you being in shock about everything from yesterday but why attitude at 0800 hours? You are old enough and smart enough to know acting like a toddler is not going to fly here." Jim tries to reach out to his daughter. He understands what she is feeling more than Kate thinks. "My dad died when I was young. I was angry at him for a long time. It wasn't right but," Jim opens up about his past.

"Then we have something in common," Kate snaps regretting her words. Her comment was simply curel but Kate can't bring herself to apologize. "Just go to the bridge."

Jim knows Kate wants answers about her past. He is willing to tell her everything he knows if she will listen. "Okay let's talk about what we have in common. You start. Get it out. Get it off your chest as my mom used to say. Why are you so hostile to me?" Jim knows the answer but needs to hear it from Kate.

Kate was not expecting this. She chews her bottom lip and shrugs. Kate has a million questions but is not sure she wants the answers. "Do you want to start the day being pissed off," Kate asks sarcastically.

A smile slowly spreads across his face. Kate's comment was meant to make him mad but she sees he finds it funny. "Won't happen. Generally I am an easy going type of guy. It takes a lot to piss me off," he laughs.

"That wasn't meant to be funny," Kate sits up. "I am serious. I don't like you. I never will." Kate hopes he feels as much pain in his heart as she does but his actions show different.

"Why," he leans back sipping hiss coffee. When he sees Kate is waiting for a reaction he continues to keep the high ground. If Kate needs a punching bag it is the least, he can do for her. "Come on. I'm a big boy. I can take it." Jim settles back hoping Kate opens up to him.

"You represent everything I have lost. You represent the life I will never have. The family I will never see. The destiny I can never fulfill," Kate's says frostily. She wants to be angry but can't control her emotions. She feels her eyes filling with tears.

Now Jim understands. Kate may think the only thing bothering her is the so called Jedi mission but it is not. Kate is suffering a soul crushing loss. Sub-consciously she knows the Jedi have killed her past way of life. Nothing can ever be the same. If she stays with Jim, she loses everything she knows. If she leaves Jim, she will never know her past. Jim tries to make this as easy as he can. "I know I do and I am sorry," he confesses. Kate quickly brushes the tears off her face. "I know you are hurting but you can't hate me for it. Not forever baby girl. If there was anything I could do to make this hurt go away I would."

Kate takes his comment as a sign of capitulation. "You can let us go. Call this a bad decision on everyone's part," she begs looking pleadingly in his eyes.

"Kate I can't do that," Jim firmly but gently responds.

The ideal of selflessness and the Jedi code hits her fully. Kate knows what she has to do. "Then let them go," her voice shakes. Kate tries to stop the tears but with each one she wipes away another fills it's place. "I will remain your hostage. Turn me over to Star Fleet but let them return home. Lives are at stake Captain." Jim sees she is in the bargaining stage of her grief. Anything she can do to get her way she will; however releasing the Jedi is not negotiable.

"First off you're not a hostage and secondly they wouldn't leave without you," Jim announces. If Kate wants to play adult games, she needs to know the rules.

"Yes I think they would. I know they would," Kate remembers her conversation with Da-Mu-Unka. He reprimanded her about being so selfish. "Heroes put others before themselves."

"You think staying here against your will is heroic. That leaving you behind is heroic," Jim sees Kate has a strong moral compass but the Jedi appear to define heroism as martyrdom. This line of thinking scares the shit out of Jim.

"To sacrifice for the greater good of others and not for a selfish desire," Kate begins to get angry. "Yes that is about the most heroic thing you can do. It is what Jedi do." Her voice turns haughty and her eyes harden. "All depends on them returning with the hol," Kate catches herself before telling him anymore.

"With the what," Jim sips at his coffee. He was so close to having her state the Jedi's true purpose.

Jim's apparent lack of belief in Kate's dedication to the Jedi infuriates her. She slaps the coffee out of his hands. Her childish, impulsive move centers all Jim's attention on her. "I am prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause. If I have to I will give up everything for those I love."

Jim tunes out her Jedi rhetoric focusing on her actions. Both need serious adjustments but her behavior will be easier to correct. "Kate this is unacceptable behavior. I am finished with you throwing things. Throw something again and you'll get a spanking to help you remember if words aren't enough." Kate's face looks like she was slapped. Jim picks up the coffee mug and starts to leave.

"Where are you going," Kate demands.

"Me… I'm going to work. I will be back at lunch. Maybe you will be in a more agreeable mood by then. If not fake it because these temperamental outbursts stop today. Buck it up Princess cause six years is a long time for us to be at odds with each other," Jim orders walking out the door.

Kate settles back in the bed. She has one day left to complete the mission. Every minute she waits is another world falling to the Vong. Kate pushes her personal problems aside. When the Jedi have the Holocron, Kate will deal with the issues in her own life. The more she thinks about finding the Holocron however, the more she thinks about what will happen if she doesn't find it. Kate can't stay here with Jim. Panic starts to bubble in her chest. "Think Kate think. The device has to be in a secure place. Most probably, it is in their weapons locker. We need to find it and get off the ship. No problem right," Kate talks to herself.

"Knock knock…anybody home," Jack says walking up to the med bed Kate is occupying in Sick Bay.

"Go away," Kate says knowing he will not listen to her. She needs to come up with a plan and not smile politely for a social visit.

"Sorry no can do kiddo," Jack ignores her response.

"Of course not ," Kate signs heavily rolling her eyes at Jack. "Didn't we do this friend thing last night."

Jack ignores her condescending attitude. "Kate this is my son John," Jack introduces his youngest son.

"I know. We met yesterday. Hi Johnathan," Kate says losing some of the attitude in her voice.

"Hi Kate," John comes forward with a shy grin. "Uh it just John though okay."

Kate stares at the two O'Neills. Just before it becomes uncomfortable she responds with, "good to know."

"I have something for you," John walks up to the bed handing Kate his mini-PADD. She is a little wary of why John is bringing her something. Sensing Kate is uncomfortable John keeps talking. "This is it a PADD or Personal Access Display Device. It is a hand-held device that lets you access the ship's computer or GCN." John can see Kate is lost. "The GCN…Galactic Computer Network?" John can't tell if she has no idea what he is talking about or faking it but continues. "You can play games, do homework, play games, watch movies, play games, read books, play games…You know fun things." Kate smiles at him. So far, John has been the nicest person she has met except for maybe McCoy.

"But we got it because it was sooooo going to help you with school right," Jack jokes.

"Sure dad," John rolls his eyes getting slight grin form Kate. "Here I'll show you how to use it." John moves to Kate's side. She slides over so he can sit next to her on the med bed.

"So how does this work? Is it voice activated?" Kate prays his answer is yes. So far no one has caught on she can't read their writing. Kate has always been exceptional at learning languages. Since they speak the same language, learning to read won't be too hard if she can get the phonetics down. Kate doesn't have to be proficient just passable.

"No but you just type in what you are looking for," John types Nickleback in the search window. Several seconds later, a song fills the room. "Here you try."

Kate has seen the older girls use a smile to get their way with boys. John clearly likes her so she tries being sweet to get what she wants. Kate needs to get him to show her an educational program without raising suspicion. "You went so fast. I am more of an auditory learner," she laughs nudging him. "Go slow and tell me what you are doing step by step okay."

"God you are so cute," John thinks to himself. "Okay so first you open a window like this," John takes his time showing her each step.

"Okay so search for the USS Enterprise," Kate commands too eagerly. "Well if I am going to live here I might as well know my new home right?" Kate hopes John buys the phony excuse. John brings up a detailed schematic of the ship. Kate can barely contain her excitement. "So this can be used for education? Adults can take the fun out of every damn thing can't they," Kate shakes her head disapprovingly. If she can get a reading program open, her day will be perfect.

"Yeah but how else can kids get expensive electronics if we can't claim we need it for school," John gives her a half grin. Kate's heart races. John is so unlike any boy she has met: smart and friendly, cute and kind, trusting and requiring nothing from her but friendship. Kate could become good friends with him if she were to stay.

"Damn the glare is bad," Kate lies. John is not her servant. She can't have him search for every topic she needs without growing suspicious. "Can this open multiple files?" John nods and shows her how. "Okay so if I am going to school I might as well brush up," Kate tries to sound like she has accepted her fate. "Bring me up one of your school programs. Let's see who is smarter," Kate teases. John brings up his current lessons. Kate pretends to skim them over. "So you are cute and smart," she flirts embarrassing John. "My biggest problem will be the differences in vocabulary. So far not everything has the same meaning."

"Then just go back until you find where the discrepancy starts. The program can take you back a year," John scrolls back to fifth grade material. "Or all the way back," John teases opening up a preschool reading program.

Kate snatches the mini-PADD form his hands playfully. "You are not THAT much smarter than me," she playfully shoves him tucking the PADD beside her. Kate needs to get rid of John so she can create a plan to free the Jedi. As much as she wants to hang out with him, Kate has things to do.

.

AT THE SAME TIME JOHN SAT DOWN TO SHOW KATE THE MINI-PADD…

"Jack," Bones motions to his office. "Did you do that or him?" Bones gestures Jack to have a seat. "Jo tried but Kate wouldn't take her PADD. Kate said she was fine. That she wouldn't be here that long but thanks."

Jack adjusts his body so that he has a clear view of the kids. "It was John's idea to bring it but he pretended he didn't want to come."

"I bet he didn't," Bones shakes his head laughing. "Why would he want to come see a cute girl?"

Kate's laugh snaps Jack's attention to the kids. He can't hear the actually words but the tone indicates Kate is happy. "This is a good idea," he points at the kids. "I don't know how the hell it is going to work but she needs to get out of here. Be around people other than the medical staff."

"Jim and I agreed today is her last day here assuming she let's me run a full medical intake. She is healthy but according to her bloodwork, Kate hasn't been immunized against a single Earth disease. I need to give her a full induction battery but she doesn't always cooperate," Bones explains. "Maybe when John leaves she will be in a good enough mood to say something other than the equivalent of fuck you."

"She'll learn worse the longer she stays," Jack confirms. "Hey John." Jack quickly changes the topic off Kate as his son fidgets in the doorway.

"So um I will see you later dad. Bye Bones," John hangs at the door.

"Leaving already," Bones says a little surprised.

"She um...said she was sick. Had a headache and I didn't want to bother her," John says dejectedly kicking the floor with his heel.

"She's having a hard time right now," Bones says sympathetically. "Don't worry you'll have five years to get to know her."

John gives Bones a confused look. "She said she would make sure you would give me the mini-PADD back if she doesn't see me before she leaves. I told her I would probably see her around."

"You will," Bones assures John in a soothing tone.

"Yeah Kate's not going anywhere except to school in the near future," Jack adds. "Jim just found her. I don't think he's going to let her go anywhere alone for a while."

While Jim and Jack are worried about security, Bones is more worried about Kate's mental state. "Did she say where she was going," he asks gently.

John comes in taking a seat across from the doctor. "Home. She said her ship has enough supplies for the round trip. From what I gather it took a while for her to get here." John turns to his Dad like his next thought is the most logical in the world. "Her stuff is still on board. Can we get it for her? I said I would ask you."

"Maybe later," Jack instantly goes into COS mode at the mention of her ship. "Did she say how long the trip was?"

"Um no but she did say they had just enough supplies to make it here and back and that her ship had two months' worth. That means she lives close right?" John's question changes the adult's perspective some. Two months is a long time at warp but feasible. Maybe this is just some elaborate plan designed to fool everyone on the Enterprise. Bones is positive that to travel as Kate has suggested they would need stasis pods. "Anyway her family is going to be looking for her so she will get her stuff soon enough."

"I would be," Jack pretends to care. "Did she say the name of her home system?"

Bones sees John looking uncomfortable. He knows John is smart enough to know his dad is only using him for information now. "John you have gotten more than Jim and your dad in two days. We are just trying to help her but she won't talk to us," Bones explains.

"I can ask her," John says eager to be of help.

"Do it and see if you can get a medical history while you are at it," Bones hollers as John walks away. "What," he protests as Jack stares at him. "She either has Tourette's syndrome or selective mutism with anyone over 6 feet." Bones' medical diagnosis brings an easy grin to Jack's face.

John comes back laughing. "Okay dad she said you know where she lives. Kate said she told you last night. It was the second star to the right of Corellia?" Bones rubs the bridge of his nose while Jack exhales loudly. John can clearly see the frustration in the two men. "So are we going there?" John asks a little disappointed to drop her off.

Jack looks at John as if he is crazy. "Um no… not unless Star Fleet says so." Jack's words give John visible relief.

"Okay so I would love to stay and chat but my dad is a real dork when I am late for school," John teases. Jack shakes his head chuckling. "Unless you need me to skip 'cause I can," John jokes but has a hopeful tone in his voice. Jack just hooks a thumb at the door. "Bye bones...dad," John says leaving the office. "Bye Kate."

"See ya John," Kate replies not taking her eyes off the mini-PADD John has left her.

Bones stands as if he is ninety years old. "Here's where the fun begins," he grumbles getting his medical PADD.

"Hey darlin' how are you feeling? I see John came by," Bones tries to be sociable.

"Go away," Kate pulls the PADD close to her chest and opens up a random game.

"Aw come on Kate, Bones here just wants to talk," Jack tries to help the situation. Last night he saw the terrified kid side of her as she sobbed for her dad. As much as he doesn't want to admit it, Jack regrets treating her like a prisoner.

"Did you bring the Smirnoff? Makes me incredibly chatty," Kate says tartly not looking at either man.

"He didn't and wont," Bones' tone is sharper than Jack usually hears with the kids. "You're 12 Kate. Try that stunt again and you could be in real trouble. You could have died from alcohol poisoning," Bones begins to lecture her. He never planned to but Kate's flippant attitude has pissed him off.

"Pity. I was so close last night to reaching enlightenment before he showed up," Kate responds not in the mood for a lecture. "Hey," she squeals as Bones rips the PADD from her hands. "I was playing with that."

"The medical term for your enlightenment is called a coma," Bones corrects her. "When we are done, you can have it back. Now what's your middle name," Bones begins to fill out the lengthy medical form. Kate just sits and stares. Bones exhales deeply. "You can't ignore me."

Using a civil tone Kate gives Bones his answer. "Oh I bet I can. I am good at ignoring things especially when I don't like someone. Hoth has nothing on me baby," Kate crosses her arms defiantly. Bones just waits for her to respond to his question. After a long minute, Kate sees McCoy is just going to wait her out. "You don't expect me to do this right. Become your friend because we went on a bender," Kate points to her and Jack. "It doesn't work like that."

"Hey we," Jack rapidly points back and forth, "did not go on a bender. You ran away and I found you." Jack makes it perfectly clear to Kate what happened.

"Middle name," Bones repeats waiting patiently. The whole reason he did not want Jim here was that Kate can't seem to go thirty seconds before fighting with him. It appears she has the same relationship with Jack.

"Don't blur the lines," Kate focuses all her angry and frustration on Jack.

"Oh the lines are crystal clear Katherine. You just need glasses," Jack does not back down.

"Middle name," Bones asks one more time. He is rapidly losing patience with both of them.

"You don't know anything about me," Kate's voice is rising. "Why I am here? Why the Jedi need to be released? You are stopping us from comple," she stops before finishing her statement. The less they know why she is here the better.

Jack snaps his fingers sarcastically. "Yes let's talk about why the nice lady tried to strangle you," he changes the topic. Jack will never believe Kate just fainted when she was talking to the Jedi.

"I choked," Kate seethes.

"On air… that's a first," Bones rolls his eyes at her stupid explanation of events. The tricorder clearly showed signs she passed out due to lack of adequate oxygen in her blood.

"Does it matter," Kate is tires to change the topic.

"Yes," they say in unison.

"Please go away," Kate's tone is desperate. She sees neither man moving. She tries hostility to get them to leave. "I know something you could do for me. Think you could arrange for me to get one of those little cells in your brig," Kate asks condescendingly.

Jack knew Kate's request would be nothing they could supply. "I'll tell you what," Jack claps his hands together. "We have a waiting list but I could pull song strings. Get you in next Thursday at 1300."

Kate rolls her eyes. "I won't be here then. Sorry."

Jack is tired of her games. Kate is a spoiled brat who needs her tantrums and mouth remediated the old-fashioned way. "I bet you will," Jack stares her down. Kate leans back in the bed. The mini-PADD was an incredible stroke of luck. In the fifteen minutes she has used it, Kate has learned the basic vowels and consonants of the language. She has even been able ot sound out a few words form the room. Kate can't take a chance that Jack or Bones will take it away as punishment for a piss poor attitude. She decides to let them run their stupid tests.