Ch 12 SHIP TOUR CONTINUES

.

MESS HALL

"So how many people are on the ship," Kate asks stepping off the turbo. She is a bit surprised that Kirk is being so free with the information. This is not a move she'd make but Kate will take any help she can get to explore the ship.

"431 now to be exact," Jim ushers her into the large main mess hall. At this time of day it is packed. "This is the main mess hall. There are two others but I like to eat here. It gives me a chance to catch up with the crew not as their Captain."

Kate looks around the room. "Where do you make your non-humans eat?"

"Non-humans?" Kirk asks suspiciously.

"Species that are not human," Kate says sarcastically. From what she can tell, they only have humans on the ship.

"Um we don't segregate people here. Human and non-human have the same rights everywhere in Federation territories," Jim explains feeling slightly uncomfortable with her question. "We have several non-human crewmembers but it varies from ship to ship. Just because a planet decides to join the Federation does not mean it's citizens are conscripted into service Kate. Star Fleet is the official exploration division of the Federation but each planet retains its own military and fleets. In fact, you can even join Star Fleet if your planet is not a member of the Federation. You just need a desire to explore the galaxy."

"You sound like a recruitment holo," she giggles. "So it is just you and the Vulcan's in this Federation."

"No," Jim gives Kate a basic overview of the Federation. "Humans, Vulcan, Andorians, and Tellarites, founded the Federation but we have close to 130 worlds that hold a seat in the government."

"So you are a Republic with an elected official to govern you," Kate asks highly interested.

"Yes. The Federation is a representational republic with an elected president. Star Fleet is the peacekeeping and humanitarian armada of the Federation," Jim explains.

"Just like the Jedi are the peacekeeping forces of the New Republic," Kate can't help but make the comparison. "We also have an armada that has teeth. Of course, you are like a mini-version of us. We have over a 1000 members in the galactic senate with everyone having a say."

Jim is ready to pull his hair out with the 'I am better than you attitude' but he holds his tongue. Kate is supplying valuable information whether she realizes it or not. "So how does anything get accomplished with 1000 members? Every gets an equal say in the Federation and with only 130 members is takes months to get things passed."

"You're right but that is the price of liberty. No one will ever agree on everything but when you take that fundamental right away, you are left with a dictatorship. Some issues may not be ever resolved but no one is forced to live in tyranny or as slaves," Kate says passionately.

Jim leans back in his seat. Maybe the jokes about Kate being a mini-diplomat might not be that far off the mark. "Wow I would never have taken you for a liberal my little break all the rules smuggling friend," Kirk teases.

Kate looks like she is going to be physically sick. "Liberal? Hell no I am not a liberal. I am a capitalist through and through." Kate leans forward like she is telling him a grand secret. "I am a firm believer that you can have anything anyone else has if you work hard enough for it. Even if working for it means you needs a vibrowrench and a diversion."

Jim is not quite sure how to address Kate's blatant reference to stealing. He goes with, "I'll make sure everything is welded tight then aboard the Enterprise." To his surprise, Kate lets out a long laugh.

"I would not steal from you Jim," Kate says with a grin. "I wouldn't have a way to get it off the ship for now."

"So you ready to eat something," Jim walks over to the replicator.

"Pizza's fine," Kate replies heading straight for the table next to the window. Jim watches Kate sit at the table he reserved before he turns his back to replicate their lunch.

"You are going to turn into a triangle with pepperoni for eyes," Jim remarks sliding a tray in front of her.

"And your crew is going to hate me if I am treated special," Kate holds up the sign that says RESERVED.

"Rank does hold privileges," Jim laughs taking a bite of his pizza. He sets it down waiting for Kate to steal it but to his surprise, she eats her own.

"Like reversing decisions," Kate swallows her food before diving in to the conversation. "You need to let the Jedi back aboard when we find them. We won't hurt you Captain. Yesterday was one just gigantic misunderstanding."

Jim lays down the law efficiently and without question. "That is never going to happen so do not ask again. I don't trust them. They are a danger to this ship and everyone on it." Kate is a little scared by Jim's tone.

"But you say you trust me. I am one of them. We are the good guys. We are here to save," Kate chokes on her words. Rogan told her not to speak of the mission. "We…um…we are the last chance," Kate struggles lying. She can't admit it but in her core she knows she can trust Kirk.

"Save what," Jim leans back crossing arms.

"Please don't pretend that you have no idea what I am talking about," Kate tries to keep her temper under control.

Jim is losing the battle in controlling his. "Pretend what Kate. I have no idea what you are talking about. Everything about you is an enigma."

Kate sees Jim is not going to be able to be reasoned with right now. Maybe she can talk to him in private about letting the Jedi back on the ship. "I like music," she offers a neutral topic of conversation. "That is one mystery solved."

Jim follows her lead. He really does not want to fight with her. He enjoys their moments of calm. "So do I but I tend to favor hard rock like ACDC, Metallica, Linkin Park," Jim drinks his coffee. "What about you?"

"Doesn't matter does it," Kate says with a frown. Kate wishes everyone on the Enterprise would realize how hard it is to have a conversation with them even about the simplest things. Food, music, sports: They are all so different in the Milky Way. "You wouldn't know my bands like I have no idea what you just named."

"That is something I can fix," Jim smiles pulling up musical groups on his PADD. Jim begins playing various genres of music. "Your mom loved the show tunes," Jim says before thinking. Kate still has not brought up Lauren. Instead of causing tears or an argument at the mention of her name, Kate actually chuckles. Jim can see that by the far off way she is staring, Kate is recalling a fond memory. "Tell me about it," Jim probes hoping Kate will let him into her private world. Like it or not she did have a life before him. Jim knows he has to accept that if Kate is ever going to accept him. "What reminded you of back home?"

To his shock, Kate shares her story. "Well we had a skills show one time and I did this singing thing with my brother. We were really bad," Kate rolls her eyes, "but we won."

"When you sucked you won," Jim queries hoping she will continue.

"It was fixed. The judges were all my family and friends," Kate confesses. "And it was against my other brother and sister. Anakin and I were the best of the worst. The other reason was no one wanted to do it first. So after fifteen minutes of waiting and us bickering about who would be first, the judges said that whoever sang first would win. That the first one to sing was smarter and braver than their opponent because it is a done deal."

"Will you sing it for me," Jim asks.

"Uh no," Kate throws her napkin on the table.

Jim baits her. "Well I can sing," Jim lies but before he can continue, Kate gets a panicked expression on her face.

"Don't sing," Kate says between her teeth.

Jim knows this expression well. Joanna constantly has it around Bones and sometimes with him. It is the 'oh shit my father is going to embarrass me look.' He decides to have a little fun with Kate. "Why not? My crew loves my singing isn't that right Ensign Thompson." Kirk leans across the aisle to the next table.

"Yes sir we do," she plays along. "I'll give the winner a prize. I dare one of you to go first. Who's smarter and braver?"

"Oh god don't encourage him," Kate shoos the ensign away. "They are only saying that because you are the Captain and can transfer them," Kate pulls no punches with Kirk praying he doesn't draw any more attention to them.

Jim is actually having way too much fun with Kate right now. He clears his throat like he is ready to sing. Kate's mouth drops open in shock. Jim begins to laugh loudly. "You thought I was going to break into a song and dance right here," Jim continues to laugh even harder. "Gullible is not a word I would have associated with Kate Kirk until this minute."

"I don't put much past you," Kate replies finishing her food.

"Smart girl," Jim compliments sucking down the last of his coffee.

"No smart is always underestimating your opponent. I never lose any bet or a dare once challenged." Kate stands up and starts to sing a song loudly. She is a little off key but probably because she is trying to show Kirk who has the bigger balls. She stops before the chorus.

"And you won with that number," Jim teases causing Kate to laugh. "Don't quit your day job."

"Hey you know what," Kate says leaning back in her chair raising it off the ground. "There is hope for us. We made it through a meal without fighting or me throwing something."

"And trading meals," he adds with a grin. Kate breaks out laughing. She was so relaxed she forgot he was probably going to try to poison her. "You ready," he nods to the door.

"Yeah," Kate grabs her tray following him.

"Hey Sparkles," John suddenly appears behind her making her jump. "Can I have your autograph?"

"Oh my god you were here," Kate turns blood red.

"Yep along with everyone else," John indicates a table with all the other kids.

"I can't believe you saw that. I really don't sing," Kate stammers embarrassed.

"That much is obvious," John winks. "So I need a lab partner and you're it," he smirks. "Don't be late," John says over his shoulder walking back to his friends.

"What did he mean by that," Kate asks Jim who shrugs it off. Jim continues the tour showing Kate the shuttle bay, botany, and recreation decks.

.

SCIENCE LABS

"And this is our science department Kate," Kirk escorts her into what looks like one huge room divided into glass cubicles. "The High Energy science lab, Geology, Ion Study, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics departments are all contained on this level."

"You have a whole department just for science," Kate tries to sound impressed. The slight huff Kirk gives Kate makes her feel bad. "I'm sorry but we had entire ships devoted to each area of study. How thoroughly can you study something or do they just box up samples and send it to the experts." Kate knows she is being snide but can't help herself. The Enterprise is far more equipped as an all-around vessel than what they typically have at home. She is a little bit jealous.

"We have experts on the ship Katherine. In fact many of the most brilliant minds of Star Fleet,"

"Is that John," Kate interrupts Kirk as she looks across the room. "Oh my god this is what the kids do for fun on the ship," Kate murmurs making her way across the lab space.

"Kate wait they are in the middle of class," Jim hollers walking briskly to catch up with her. "Dammit why Geology," Kirk thinks to himself. Dr. Sara Stone is teaching the class and she is a stickler for interruptions.

"Kate you came at the best time," Joanna waves excitedly seeing her friend approaching the room. "We are simulating volcanic eruptions today. Wanna help?"

"Captain Kirk," a tall brunette with glasses and hair wrapped tightly in a bun approaches them. "This is Katherine I presume," Dr. Stone extends her hand. Kate just nods.

"It is. She prefers Kate," Jim introduces her. "Kate this is Dr. Sara Stone head geologist on the Enterprise," Jim pushes Kate's back slightly signaling her to talk.

"Yep that's me," Kate agrees not adding more the conversation.

Jim is going to have to have a talk with Kate about manners later. "So what are the kids doing today with the gem of the Enterprise," Kirk sends Dr. Stone a dazzling smile. His comment receives snickers from all the kids but Kate. "Looks like fun. Who wants me for a lab partner? I aced this in the Academy."

Kate wants to run away and hide. "You are not that funny," Kate rolls her eyes.

"Did he tell you the one about "F" deck standing for "Fun in and out of school"? That was my favorite Uncle Jim," Joanna giggles remembering Jim giving the kids the same tour he is giving Kate.

"Oh no I guess I missed that," Kate can't believe the kids think Kirk is so witty.

"Wait until U," Ronin suggests leaning against the table.

"Why what is U," Kate signs deeply waiting for the silly answer she will get whether she likes it or not.

"Because that is where U," they boys stretch out the vowel and say in unison with Jim, "will have the most fun." The boys bust out laughing at the bad pun.

"Because it is true," Jim pretends to be offended.

"Oh my God help me," Kate thinks to herself not knowing how to respond. It is going to be a long time with this group if that is what passes for humor on the ship.

"We are learning the plate tectonic theory and how it applies to the ejection of magma from crustal surfaces," Dr. Stone gets the class back on track. "You interested in a closer look Kate?"

"You know that sounds like oodles of fun but Kirk and I, we have things to do don't we Kirk," Kate looks to him for an out.

"Awww come on Kate. We're blowing things up. You haven't done that yet on the ship," Cameron teases. Kirk's eyes widen slightly. Maybe the chemistry lab wasn't the best place to bring her.

"Ha ha real funny Cameron," Kate quips but walks up to the table.

"You know you want to Kate. It will be fun. You can help me. I told you at lunch I needed a lab partner," John offers moving over.

"I would but the Captain and I have so many places to be. I don't think he wants to stop," Kate backpedals.

"We have time," Jim claps his hands together. "Go get in there and show us how you do it blind-folded and upside down like in Skyriver." Jim knows his comment is childish but maybe if Kate gets ribbing back she won't be so fast to give it out.

"Kate put these on and wait over by Mr. O'Neill and Mr. Scott," Stone directs handing her goggles and a lab coat.

"Hey Spock," Jim clasps the Vulcan's shoulders. "You here for the fireworks."

No matter how many times Spock tells Jim that Vulcan's typically don't like to have physical contact with others, Jim never seems to remember. "No sir I was completing your report on the lens refraction of the Jedi saber's crystal." Spock hands Jim a PADD.

"You took it apart," Kate storms over. There is no way Spock would ever know it uses a crystal unless he had dismantles the device. "My light saber is in pieces? Do you know how long it took me to put it together? What the hell gives you the right to do that?"

"Whoa!" Jim does not like the tone Kate is assuming when speaking to his First Officer. "Change that tone if you ever want it back young lady," Jim corrects her in front of everyone.

Kate feels her cheeks burning red. "Want it back," she wails. "Of course I want it back you,"

"Come on evil genius," John drags Kate back to the table by her collar. He and the other kids are going to have a long talk with Kate about what NOT to say to adults. "I need a lab partner and since you showed up we are all evenly paired." John hopes he intervened before Jim decided to react.

Not wanting to make more of a scene Jim lets it slide for now. "That works too," Jim is surprised Kate went as willingly as she did with John and stayed put. If she had left John's side, Jim would have put her in her place.

"It seems the other children may be better role models than I anticipated," Spock says in a sure tone. Once Jim sees Kate is under the watchful eye of Dr. Stone and the other kids he motions for Spock to follow him out of the room.

Kate can't hear what they are saying and wobbles back and forth trying to see what is on the PADD Jim is holding. "Don't worry Kate. Spock will put it back together. Probably better that it was before," John assures her.

"I doubt that," Kate hisses annoyed. "Why am I surrounded by idiots and children? No one ever said they had this much trouble on a mission before," Kate grumbles silently.

"Is there a problem Mr. O'Neill…Ms. Kirk," Dr. Stone asks annoyed the pair is chit chatting instead of working.

"No ma'am," John says giving Kate a hard stare. John has one pet peeve. He hates to be interrupted in school.

"I'm sorry," Kate flashes him a smile and ties back her hair with a rubber band. Several strands fall around her face framing it in loose sloppy curls.

"You are going to get me into so much trouble Kate," John mumbles with a smile. He can't take his eyes off. He loves the smell of her perfume. It makes him dizzy when she leans in close. John has to do something. He knows he looks like a love struck kid. "I think I am changing your name from Sparkles to Trouble maker." John hip checks her slightly to make sure she knows he is joking.

"Trouble maker," Kate teases pretending to be shocked. "Well Mr. O'Neill you are just going to have to keep an eye on me."

"Oh I have my eye on you," John confirms pretending to be stern wishing class was over.

"Mr. O'Neill and Ms. Kirk do you need an engraved invitation to join the class," Dr. Stone says snippily. From what she can tell so far, Kate is a carbon copy of her father. Neither Kirk seem to ever be serious.

"No ma'am just going over the safety features of the lab with Kate here," John covers for her. "Okay Trouble we need to do this now. Playtime is over. My mid-term grade rests on you being my assistant," John hands Kate his PADD. "Just follow my notes and it will be a breeze."

"Now the decomposition of ammonium dichromate commences at 180°C, becoming self-sustaining at ~225°C," Dr. Stone lectures. "So you need to be fast but accurate."

"Come on Trouble. Give me the CR+ 6," John asks holding out his hand as he adjusts the burner under the beaker.

"Shit…shit," Kate says panicked to herself. This was fun until she had to read. She sounds out the various chemicals until she finds Sodium bicarbonate. They both start with the /s/ sound and are white powders. "Here," Kate hands him the bottle." John dumps the contents in without checking.

"Now the 20 grams of the oxidant or ammonium dichromate and the reductant (N3-) are present in the same molecule," Stone drones on.

"Shit," Kate whispers realizing she did not give John the right chemical. She quickly gives him what has to be the ammonium dichromate followed by the alcohol and sodium nitrate.

"Now do not take your eyes off the beaker after this," Sara says gleefully. "Ignite your wood wands and get ready for a surprise."

"Reade Kate," John waggles his eyebrows igniting the compound in the beaker. The beaker begins to spark colorfully just like the other students around them; however, soon John and Kate's sparks begin to grow while everyone else's sparks begin to die. John steals a peak of Erika and Ronin's projects before looking back at his own. A large black mass is expanding at the bottom of the beaker. He steals a quick glance at Cameron and Jo's before hearing his beaker clink with the sound of cracking glass. "Uh Miss Stone mine is," John begins but stops seeing the look on his teachers face. Something is definitely wrong.

"Oh my god," Sara Stone yells seeing the experiment about to explode.

"Fire in the hole," John yells tackling Kate to the ground. Sara hits the emergency room evacuation button before seeking cover herself. John and Kate's experiment explodes into a shower of sparks and glass, which is simultaneously sucked up by the Enterprise's fire suppression systems.

"I was joking about blowing us up Kirk," Cameron laughs looking at Kate pinned under John.

"You okay," John asks looking into Kate's green eyes. After she nods he adds, "good because you are never going to live this down." His half grin makes Kate's face light up.

"Is everyone alright? Bones medical emergency to the chemistry lab," Jim yells into his comm unit. The ship's computer begins to play the pre-recoded message Emergency Fire suppression systems activated over and over.

"Is everyone okay," Jim asks again. The kids give their various responses to assure Jim they are fine.

"What the hell did you put in there," Dr. Stone demands rising from the floor. Jim stifles a laugh by turning his head as he offers her a hand up. "This is not funny Captain," she replies curtly. Kate erupts in laughter as soon as she sees the teacher. Dr. Stone's hair has been pulled from the tight bun and looks like she was caught in a windstorm. Her glasses are askew on her nose and she has a black smudge on one cheek.

"Jim whose hurt," Bones rushes into the room bursting into laughter.

Dr. Stone grabs the empty bottles on the table reading their contents. "You okay," Jim asks looking at John and Kate. He extends a hand to help Kate up.

"It was my fault Ms. Stone. I guess I must have read the beaker wrong. We um…we didn't actually MIX things back home. It was more a theoretical chemistry class," Kate tries to take the blame. It is the least she can do for John.

"Well this was NOT a theoretical explosion," Dr. Stone fumes. "Do you realize your incompetence," Stone rants causing Kate to hide her face. Jim is ready to knock Dr. Stone down a notch but Spock jumps in first.

"No doctor it is a children's geology class where the only mistake is not learning from one," Spock steps forward. "Many of sciences greatest discoveries were the result of a failed experiment. I believe you should alter your teaching methods to encourage rather than discourage the students."

"Wow I have never seen Spock so cool," John whispers in Kate's ear. "And our volcano was the best even if it was a dud," he smirks.

"Did we all just fail because of those two knit wits," Erika asks pointing to John and Kate.

"No Miss Sulu we can redo the experiment tomorrow when Kate is back full time," Spock is cut off in mid-sentence by Jim elbowing him in the side.

"Time to go," Jim announces loudly.

"Kate back full time? What is she talking about," Kate asks Kirk crinkling her forehead.

"And we are out," Jim ushers Kate through the door. He had planned to break the news to Kate later tonight after piquing her interest in the subjects she will be learning. Hopefully Kate will allow the comments to slip.

"So what do you say partner," John yells as Kate leaves the Science labs. "I'm willing to give it another go."

"Shut up John," Jim thinks to himself closing the door behind him and Kate.

"I would like full time defined Kirk. I mean it was fun but I don't have time to play student. I have things to do right now like help you locate the missing Jedi," Kate tries to come up with a valid reason to skip school. "If you think we were fighting before try to send me to school and see what happens," Kate murmurs.

"We have the Jedi covered Kate," Jim mumbles back. Thank god the Bridge is only five floors above them. He presses the button on the turbo hoping they get to the Bridge before Kate says some stupid comment to set him off.

Kate doesn't disappoint him. No sooner do the doors of the turbo close does she start. "We really need to talk about this school thing Kirk. I am not opposed to learning about your culture but back home school was two to three hours a day. We learned what we were good at and specialize at an early age. I mean we get a cursory overview of the other topics but no classes like that in there. So based on that if I am going to have to go to your school I will focus on language, piloting, and mechanics." This is the longest five floors of Jim's life. "In fact if you want I can run a language class? That might not be too boring."

Jim cannot let Kate think this is how it will be. "That is not the way it works Kate. Here kids go to school roughly seven hours a day and learn a broad range of subjects."

"Kirk this is not going to fly. When am I going to have time to," Kate wails pathetically.

"Time for what," Jim shifts his body to face her directly. He is actually very interested in her response.

"To fit in here," Kate quickly amends her statement. Kirk can be intimidating the longer she is with him.

"Kate you just blew up the Chemistry lab. I think you are going to fit in just fine," Jim explains walking onto the Bridge.

"Captain on the Bridge" a voice rings out.

"I never get tired of hearing that," Jim whispers to Kate springing into his seat. Jim sinks back in his chair. It is his favorite place to sit. He has never told anyone but in the middle of the night, Jim swears he can feel the heartbeat of the ship sitting in his command seat.

"Kirk you are scaring me," Kate kneels beside his chair putting a hand on his arm. "I don't know if I can do this. Live this way with all the rules and time constraints," Kate's tone is so honest Jim almost feels sorry for her.

"Yes you can," he punches her lightly in the shoulder. "I know you can. You're strong, smart, and adaptable." Jim wants to laugh at Kate's face. "Are you going to accept the challenge or wimp out?"

"Save the pep talk for the crew Kirk," Kate resigns herself to attending their school for the next few days. "In the interest of diplomacy I will comply for now."

"How nice of you," Kirk says sarcastically with a twinkle in his eye. "And that was not a pep talk. I can give you one if you want or you can focus that single minded determination of yours on that," Jim points to the Bridge view screen.

"Wow," Kate says slowly standing. She walks up to the main window. Jim gets up and walks next to her.

"There is only one place with a better view. I will take you there after this," Jim enjoys the quiet moment with Kate. "I never get tired of looking out this window."

Kate touches the glass nodding her agreement. "It makes you think about how small and significant you are in the scheme of things. Those stars have burned for millions of years and will burn for millions more. It makes you realize how short and precious life is. I know we are looking at stars but you know what my favorite thing to do on a planet," Kate changes the topic. "To sleep outside."

"Yeah me too," Jim agrees. Maybe they do have more in common than a few chromosomes. "I love sleeping under the stars but the best is when you see a shooting star."

"And breezes and rain. I love getting drenched in a warm rain," Kate breathes deeply like she is actually on the planet she is dreaming about.

Jim puts his hand on her shoulder. He is happy she doesn't stiffen or pull away. "That's what I love about exploring; You never what you are going to find and there is always surprises."

"We went to Torgoria once," Kate stops sharing opening her eyes. She is letting herself get too personal.

"What about Torgoria," Jim asks genuinely interested.

"Nothing," she shrugs. "It was just a planet." Kate turns away from the video screen. "So where are the controls for the ship?" Kate wonders over to where Jim indicates. "So what do you two do for his Imperial highness?" Kate watches Kirk take his seat. "Our captains typically don't have a throne on the bridge. They are actively walking around it."

"Drop the attitude or I will make you drop it," Kirk warns going over his reports. Kate turns red after the reprimand.

"I am Lt. Hikaro Sulu and I fly the ship," Sulu states confidently.

"An' I tell dem vere to go," Chekov replies. "Lt. Pavel Chekov Ms. Kirk."

"You are Erika's dad. Thanks so much for the clothes," Kate indicates to her shirt. "So can you show me how to fly this bucket of bolts," Kate jokes. Jim eyes her but sees Kate is highly interested in Sulu's station. "My dad used to let me fly the Falcon all the time. I love flying." Sulu glances to Jim getting a slight head nod for approval. He spends the next few minutes pointing out the major systems of his station. Kate soaks up every word. "So can you go backwards," is Kate's first question.

"Name a ship that can't," Sulu jokes playfully.

"I only ask because my dad taught me this amazing maneuver. We were escaping from Hutt space. Ships were everywhere chasing us," Kate begins to tell a story. Sulu transfers the controls to Chekov so he can focus on Kate. "Blaster bolts flying all around us. I did not think we were going to make it but dad sees a hunk of junk about the size of this ship directly in front of us. Han throws it into reverse and dead stops. The other ships fly past us and right into the derelict ship." Kate shakes her head smiling. "It would have been perfect if the dead stop didn't blow the hyperdrive motivator. Like always we got it repaired and took off. It was freaking stellar."

"Were you part of a navy or free-lance," Sulu's interest is piqued.

"Both. Han owns the ship but gets involved in military engagements when necessary. I mean WE can take OUR ship anywhere. We don't wait for orders or have to follow them," Kate deliberately rubs it in.

"Must be nice," Jim murmurs under his breath.

"Owning the ship lets Han modify the Falcon with military grade shields, sensors, weap," Kate stops biting her lip nervously. "Look I am not supposed to talk about it. I mean everyone knows but,"

Sulu sense the tension between Kate and Kirk. He defuses the situation by whispering to Kate, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

.

OBSERVATION DECK

"This place is amazing," she admits walking into the star filled room. Kirk saved the observation deck for last and was glad he did. She walks up to the large glass view port and stares longingly into space. A smile starts to creep across her face and Jim sees Lauren in his daughter. "I love this view. I always have. My favorite place on the Falcon was to sit in the pilot's seat in the cockpit. It was better than this because the top was also plexi so you felt like you were floating in space." After a long minute Kate speaks. "Do you promise to tell me the truth?"

"Always," Kirk sits down in a plush chair.

"Are we in the Rishi Maze or Firefist and you don't want me to know it?" Kate voice sounds watery to Kirk's ears. "I'll admit I don't know much about the companion galaxies but no one does. It makes the most sense as to why you don't know about the Jedi." Kate takes the seat across from him.

Jim leans forward resting his forearms on his legs. "Kate honey we are not a companion galaxy to Skyriver. You are in the Milky Way galaxy. We have never heard of the Jedi or New Republic."

Kate takes the seat across from him locking eyes with him. "But you could just be calling it something different right. Like this," Kate takes a mint out of the bowl on the small table beside her. "This is a sparklemint but you call it a…"

"Peppermint," Kirk supplies the word. "Oh baby don't do this. I see where you are going but you are wrong," Kirk wishes he could help her understand without crushing the last bit of hope she is holding.

Kate pops it in her mouth. "See," Kate chews the candy hoping he understands. "It's the same thing but with a different name."

"I understand Kate but," Kirk is cut off by a desperate Kate. She can't give up the argument so easily. She has to make him understand.

"So why can't this be Firefist and you don't know it,"

"Because it not," Kirk stops her cold. Kate looks a little sad but Kirk presses on. "You're the first Jedi we have met but you are not the only people with extraordinary powers. There are Betazoids that can read minds and feelings. Vulcans can mind meld," Kirk tries to explain.

"Shit he knows I am a Jedi," Kate's mind races to come up with a plan. "I can't do that stuff. I'm not special just well trained," she says too quickly. Kirk makes a mental note at how she is now denying her Jedi skills. Less than three days ago, Kate would not stop talking about being a Jedi and now she is distancing herself from them. It is just another question to fill his already sleepless nights. "What is a mind meld," Kate tentatively probes for an answer.

"That's were a Vulcan links with your mind. They see and feel what you feel. They use it to help many people that are hurting or in pain,"

"Not me. I don't need that," Kate leans back as far as she can go in the chair. The thought of someone poking around inside her head terrifies her. She has too many secrets. Too many things she is ashamed of.

"I never said that was going to happen," Kirk leans back in the chair turning his gaze to the observation window. Jim decides to press how far she will deny her Jedi skills. "I am just trying to say that the universe is huge. We have met many different species but have yet to encounter anyone with telekinetic powers until you showed up." Okay so it is a bold face lie but Kirk bluffs.

As if on cue, Kate begins her denials. "I don't have telekinesis. I am just like you. I can't do any of that stuff," Kate feels like the air is being sucked out of the room.

"Well if you could it wouldn't be a big deal to me or anyone else," Kirk doesn't make eye contact. He can see her reflection in the glass. She looks terrified. Kirk needs to calm her down before she overreacts. When Kate is scared, she is unpredictable like a caged animal. "So wanna go try out something on the U are going to have fun deck," Kirk looks at her like he is bored. He hopes he appears non-threatening.

She looks longingly out at the stars for moment like she is searching for something. "Whatever," she stands up. Kirk sees her shoulders sagging some and her step no longer has a spring. Kate is unusually quiet as they walk back to their quarters.

As they approach the room, Kirk snaps his fingers shaking his head. "Dammit I forgot my PADD. Be right back."

Kate enters the silent quarters thinking about how nice they day was with him. He seemed proud to show her off and he obviously loves the Enterprise like Han loves the Falcon. He tried so hard make her laugh and fit in. Han would like Kirk if he met him. They might even be friends. Maybe she could visit Kirk after she goes home. All of a sudden, she starts to become angry with herself for enjoying her day with Jim. She sits down on the floor to wait for him. "That's not my home. It's his home." She says aloud like she is looking for confirmation somewhere.

Jim jogs to the expected meeting place seeing Jack. "I gotta tell you sir I was surprised how open she was. The physic department has not left their lab since she explained how they achieve hyperspace," Jack says leaning against the wall on one shoulder with his feet crossed. "I can't believe she told us everything about their weapons, shields,"

"Why?" Kirk asks wrinkling his forehead. "She thinks they are undefeatable. We apparently are out gunned; not to mention out shielded and will be eating their dust in a firefight. Yes it was a huge violation of her trust but I cannot stop being a Captain because I'm scared she is gonna find out I'm pumping her for information on how to blow Jedi ships to smithereens." Kirk puts his hands on his hips and paces in a small circle before turning back to Jack. "As her father my first job is to protect her not be her friend." Jim defends his position. "Tomorrow she's going to school so tell Uhura, Scotty, and Spock they have all night to come up with some answers by 0800 hours." Jack watches Kirk walk away.