CH 17 An apple a Day Keeps the Admiral Away

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STAR BASE 11 MEDICAL CENTER

"The more you struggle the harder it will be for the doctor to complete his exam," Komack's tone is stern as four orderlies restrain Kate in the bed.

"No, no, no, no," Kate struggles against their iron grip. She will use the Force as a last resort. They are obviously trying to find out what makes her a Jedi. Cold fear runs through her body at the thought of what will happen when they discover the midi-chlorians living symbiotically in her cells. Kate may not know exactly how they plan to test her, but it can't be pleasant if they need to secure her to a bio bed. As the first restraint is applied, Kate goes into flight mode thrashing and bucking her hips. Her strength surprises the men as two of them lose control of her limbs. "Get the kriffing hell off me you mother fucking spawn of a Hut," Kate wails leaning to the right. She sinks her teeth into the arm of an orderly drawing blood.

"God dammit! The little bitch bit me," the orderly smashes Kate in the mouth mashing her lips into her teeth. His action causes her to see stars. Her head snaps back releasing the orderly's arm as Jim and his crew enter the room.

"Get the fuck off her," Jim lunges at the man closest to him holding Kate's leg. Jim's right hook connects to the orderly's jaw snapping his body around. Jack pulls out his phaser picking off the other three like ducks at a shooting gallery.

"What the hell are you doing," Komack demands watching the chaos in the room but moving far enough back so he won't' get hurt.

"I don't play games when it comes to our kids," Jack lowers his phaser. Seeing the shock on Komack's face he adds, "Oh don't look at me that way. It was set for stun this time."

"And why are you out of uniform," Komack demands noticing Jack' jeans and 'Teach and Man to Fish and You Will NEVER see Him Again' t-shirt. Komack wishes the shirt's slogan was true for all the men in the room.

"Casual Fridays," Jack shrugs turning his attention to the bio bed.

Jim sweeps Kate into his arms as she buries her face in his neck. "Daddy I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Kate whispers repeatedly shaking in his arms. Jim calms Kate alternating between shhh's and 'you are going to be okay' as his men secure the room.

"What the fuck were you doing to her," Bones hauls the one orderly that wasn't stunned to his feet.

"Some of these procedures are not pleasant. It was suggested we keep her calm," he responds in a neutral voice.

"By man handling the patient and scaring her half out of her mind," Bones yells with a savage look in his eyes.

"Bones move and let me stun his ass," Jack motions with his phaser. The callousness of the orderly's comment makes Jack wish the setting on the phaser was higher.

"I don't want to be here anymore," Kate whimpers realizing there are worse places than the Enterprise in this galaxy. "Please take me back to the ship. I won't cause you any more problems. Please, I will be good and listen," Kate begs saying anything she thinks the crew needs to hear to get her out of this place.

"Hey baby bug," Kirk takes her face in his hands to calm her down. "We're going. I am taking you home, but you have to calm down." Kirk needs Kate to not panic and use whatever powers she has. "You are going to be fine. I am not going to let anyone hurt you. I am not leaving you, but you need to settle down for me okay kiddo." Kirk kisses her forehead before letting Kate slide back into his arms. She molds to his body like she is a piece of clothing.

Komack decides to restates what is going to occur for both Kirk and the child's benefit. For the first time since accepting this assignment code-named Operation: Akvan, from Section 31, Komack's resolve wavers. Komack doubts that this child is anything resembling the mission she was named after. Akvan, as Komack discovered, was a supernatural demon of Zoroastrian mythology. Akvan's powers prevented people from fulfilling their moral duties. All Komack sees is a scared child clinging to an adult. If she had any powers, surely she would have used them by now. His distractors can claim he is only in Star Fleet for power and glory, but Komack will defend the Federation at any cost. Komack clears his throat restating the intent of his orders. "Jane Doe you will submit to a full medical battery designed to determine the legitimacy of Kirk's claim of paternity." His voice softens slightly using more child-friendly vocabulary seeing Kate ignore him. "Honey we just need to know who your father is and then we can decide what is going to happen. Captain Kirk is right…no one is going to hurt you."

"Her name is Kirk…Katherine Kirk you asshole, not Jane Doe." Bones' use of profanity brings a hint of a smile to Kate's face. "Jane Doe is reserved for someone without an identity and she has one. She is the daughter of Kirk, James T, Captain of the USS Enterprise and a member of our crew. You mess with one of us you mess you mess with all of us. We have taken down Kahn, Marcus, Nero, and never flinched. You think four boys in white are even going to give us pause." McCoy's eyes narrow as he speaks. "I am a doctor and can kill you ten ways from Sunday claiming it is a medical complication due to some strange space disease. You want try me."

Jim matches Kate's smile with one of his own. "And that is why you never miss a medical eval," Jim whispers in Kate's ear roughing up her back with his palm. For the millionth time in his life, Kirk thanks God he sat by the doctor all those years ago on the Star Fleet recruitment shuttle.

"Wow! Go McCoy," Jack thinks flabbergasted at the boldness of the doctor's words. He knew the doctor had some bite behind his Southern manners. Jack clears his throat adding, "and I do remember we have that medical review next week. I will be sure to be on time. Can I bring anything, coffee…tea,"

"This is no laughing matter," Komack bristles at the rebuff and open death threat.

"I stole a drink from your bottom drawer and broke a shot glass," Kate admits wide-eyed. Jim, Jack, and Bones can't tell if Kate is attempting to be comically funny or actually admitting to a deed. Kate doesn't give Kirk time to question her. "I was just mad at you and being an asshole. I know you are my dad," Kate looks into his blue eyes. She finds her calm looking onto them. They remind her of the ocean or a clear blue day.

Smiling softly, Jim kisses her forehead. "I know baby and so does everyone else."

"Enough of this. We will proceed. Comm me when the doctor arrives I will be waiting in my office. Col. O'Neill…dressed or not you will bring the child to me regardless of the test results," Komack orders attempting to leave the room. He doesn't have the nerve to watch this. He also needs to contact his superiors. How Kirk found her so quickly was a surprise.

"Don't have the stomach to watch the dirty work for yourself," Jack blocks the door with his body. "I suggest you grab a seat and stay put. If she is staying so are you." Jack's voice, laced with malevolence, makes Komack shudder involuntarily.

Kate is smart enough to know this is not about a blood test. Zala Tsu might be Sith, but she has read the actions of the men in Star Fleet accurately. If they discover the midi-chlorians they will take her way. "No, no, no, no," Kate pulls away from Jim realizing they are not leaving. "You said we were going home. I will not let them touch me. I will stop them. You know I can."

Kate is smart, brilliant even in thinking tactically, but she is only twelve. A show of the Force is not what they need right now. Jim watches as the fight or flight response slowly takes over her body. "Katherine," he barks snapping her wildly darting gaze back to his eyes. "I told you I am going to take care of this. Now settle down." Kirk's sharp tone stops Kate before she flies into her panic. "You are twelve not two. Everyone hates hypos but get used to it. Bones is hypo happy and that is a fact of life with him as CMO. He is going to draw a few blood samples and then we are done. We can go home and put this fucked up situation behind us understand." Kate buckles under Jim's authority allowing him to slide her back down to the table's edge. "Oh my god baby I am so sorry. None of this is your fault. I know you are scared but keep holding it together for me kiddo," Jim silently prays Kate doesn't give Komack a first-hand view of her powers.

The door opening to the room directs everyone's attention to the CMO of Star Base 11. "Hypos aren't so bad Katie," a dark-haired doctor with a friendly voice approaches her and Kirk. "Did you know they actually have a class at Star Fleet where they train you to give a hypo so the patient never knows it. Dr. McCoy here failed it, but I was valedictorian." The doctor produces a small beagle stuffed animal, which he hands to Kate.

"Carson Beckett," McCoy's face lights up into a broad smile. "How the hell are you?" Bones embraces the doctor in a hug while shaking his hand. "And I never took that class because I am that good. I just have a ship of infants that whine incessantly every time they get hurt. The kids are tougher than the senior command." Jim is relieved that Bones has a relationship with the doctor performing the exam. "Kate this is my good friend Dr. Beckett," Bones eases Carson into an introduction with Kate.

"Hi," Kate manages a smile. Jack marvels at the way McCoy and Carson are effectively cutting Komack and his cronies off from Kate. McCoy, Beckett, and Jim, have isolated Kate so that the only thing she can focus on is them. "Do you know Scotty," Kate asks. The slight crinkle of Beckett's forehead makes Kate explain. "Your voice," she points to her throat. "You have the same accent and he is the only one who calls me Katie. Cameron says it is a Scottish thing and to just go with it."

Jim is amazed Kate has made this connection. She truly has an ear for languages. "Aye lassie I am from Scotland but I only know the 'mazin Montgomery Scott by reputation," Beckett lays on his accent comically thicker. "Do ya like prefer Katie over Kate lassie?"

Kate giggles breaking the tension in the room. "No, it is just the name my family uses. Everyone here used Kate so I went with it," she admits. "And also because they are not my family and don't deserve to call me Katie," she adds to herself.

"Katie?" Jim looks at her oddly. Since Kate's arrival, she has been very vocal on her likes and dislikes. It seems odd to Jim she would hide this.

"New home, new start, new name," Kate shrugs it off.

"Enough with the chit chat. If you can't get this medical evaluation started I will find someone who can," Komack threatens standing.

"Calm down Jimmy," Carson's voice turns uncharacteristically harsh. His use of Komack's given name causes the Admiral to bristle.

"You will use my proper rank I and," Komack's face turns a deep shade of red. He is quickly losing the upper hand in the room infuriating him.

"Sorry Admiral I was referring to the Captain," Carson winks at Kate letting her know he just wanted to piss off Komack. Carson pretends as if Komack is not even in the room directing his attention to Kirk. "Or do you prefer to be addressed as Captain."

"Jim will be fine," Kirk takes Kate's hand grinning. If McCoy ever leaves the Enterprise, Jim Kirk will move heaven and Earth to replace him with this Carson Beckett. Anyone that will stand up to Komack and his cronies will be a welcomed member of his crew.

"Now let's start with some easy questions first. "Name?" Carson really doesn't need the answers but wants to relax Kate and get a handle on his medical orders.

"Do not touch her," Komack bellows. "I don't want him coaching her on any answers." Komack stands preparing to break up the game Kirk is playing.

Jack hooks his left foot behind Komack's ankle. When the Admiral shifts his weight to take a step, Jack swipes Komack's foot out causing the Admiral to tumble unceremoniously back into his seat. "Damn you must have been good at musical chairs as a kid. I was going to sit there," Jack stands in front of Komack menacingly.

"Striking a superior officer will end your career," Komack's rage causes spittle to fly from his lips.

Carson drags his foot across the floor several times until his shoe makes a squeaking sound. "I constantly tell housekeeping they use too much wax on their floors. Someone is going to slip. Your name sweetheart," Carson says again as if nothing out of the ordinary occurred.

"Don't answer that until he is away from Jane Doe," Komack leans around Jack's body to see Kirk.

Carson Beckett has had enough of this circus. "Adults are so difficult sometimes aren't they," Carson smiles warmly at Kate leaning on the edge of her bed. "I bet this one," he points a stylus at Kirk, "can make you as crazy as that one is making me."

"Every damn day," Kate grins.

"Hey! Language young lady. You can joke, but Dr. Beckett is an adult and you will respect him," Kirk points a finger at Kate. Kate rolls her eyes. Even her Kirk is all about the rules thing.

"You think you can talk to me with your Dad over there," Carson holds a hand out for a high five. Kate slaps his palm tucking her hands under her legs. "Excellent. Oh and for the record this is being taped from every angle possible except internally. That was the only procedure NOT mentioned in these orders." Kate answers each question with single word answers. Kirk is amazed at how carefully and thoughtfully her answers are. She gives only the simplest, most direct responses, adding nothing extraneous. "Well I guess the only thing left is the blood test," Carson sets the PADD down going to a cabinet for the required instruments.

"I don't see why you won't use McCoy's results," Kate pouts letting an impertinent tone creep into her words. Kirk lets it slide only to not stress her out any further than she is.

"And I don't see the need for anything other than a blood test," Carson states for the adults in the room. "Aside from some immunizations she is behind on, Katie here is as healthy as a horse. I assume you have her scheduled for the ones she is missing, Dr. McCoy?" Carson is shocked Kate has never received an immunization her entire life but keeps this to himself.

"I didn't want to be considered hypo happy," McCoy growls staring at Kirk. Jim gestures widely as if he was not the one who started the nickname.

"Kate honey stick out your arm can I take a blood sample," Carson gently rubs the inside of her elbow looking for a vein.

"Dad," Kate looks for Jim to rescue her. She knows as well as everyone in this room Kirk is her father but, Kate never saw the actual results from McCoy. If by some chance there was a mistake, Jim Kirk will not be able to save her.

"Let me go first," Jim rolls up his sleeve stepping directly in front of the recording device. Beckett draws his sample placing it into the Deutronic machine. "See a piece of cake," he looks at Kate biting her lip anxiously on the bio bed. "I am right here Kate," he nods. "I'm right here." Jim forces himself not to take her hand. This cluster fuck is almost over and he will do nothing to make Kate go through it again. Kate reluctantly holds still. "Hey you want to check out the city later," Jim pulls her attention to him a second before Carson draws the sample.

"Hell yes…ouch," Kate tugs her arm back, but Carson holds her firm. "Can we go to Adrenaline World? John says it has roller coasters, go-carts, Ferris wheels…all kinds of rides to make you throw up in his lap at the end of the ride."

"We will," Kirk promises as Carson runs the sample.

Turning back to the machine, Carson reads the results. "Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is Jane Doe is officially Katherine Kirk with a 99.99998% genetic match to both James T. and Lauren S. Kirk. The bad news is both your diets are lacking vegetables. I assume you can follow up on this Dr. McCoy."

"This is unacceptable," Komack stands enraged by the flippant banter. Jack could care less now that this ordeal is over and Kate's results are registered with Star Fleet. "I need that neural scan and spinal tap. You will perform the test or I will take possession of Jane Doe,"

"You mean Katherine Kirk," Carson hands Komack a paper document. "I took the liberty of printing out two copies of your daughter's birth certificate. I have sent digital copies to your e-mail, Dr. McCoy's, Family Services, Admiral Porter," Carson lists name after name. McCoy is surprised he didn't send one to every doctor in the fleet.

"You will complete the exams that were ordered or,"

"Or what Admiral Komack…be hauled before the Surgeon General under charges of administrative incompetence or flagrant medical blunders," Carson makes his position clear. "Clearly someone with no medical background signed off on these orders. For instance, microtome testing is only done on cadavers," Carson's voice turns fierce. "If you choose to proceed with this course of action I will personally contact the Surgeon General herself for clarification." Carson narrows his eyes at Komack. "And just so you know Margery Porter and I go way back." Carson effectively shuts down Komack. "Also Captain Kirk is officially her father. These orders cannot be followed without parental consent."

"We are done for now," Komack storms out.

"Yes we are," Kirk helps Kate pop off the table. "Doctor I can't thank you enough. If you ever need anything just let me know. I owe you one," Kirk shakes the doctor's hand.

"Hey," McCoy hip checks Kate playfully. "How is it four strangers kidnaped you and never broke their noses, yet I bring you dinner and end up needing medical attention."

"Luck," Kate says in a smart ass tone. "So Adrenaline World," Kate raises her eyebrows excitedly.

Kirk ignores Kate's questions dropping his calm, playful attitude. Someone is going to pay for this. "Beam us up Scotty," Kirk orders much to Kate's dismay.

"Hey what about Adrenaline world," Kate pouts materializing safely back aboard the Enterprise.

"Bones follow up on Dr. Beckett's reports. I don't want to have to do that ever again. Dawson shut down all transporter requests to and from the ship unless directly approved by your senior staff," Kirk issues orders even before he has left the room.

"I got that," Jack waves off Dawson.

"No, you got your family on the planet. Get down there and that's an order. Uhura send out a crew wide communication informing everyone that transporting will require direct approval from senior staff. Shore leaves will remain in effect, but everyone should be vigilant," Kirk continues without taking a breath. "Mr. Sulu we will be running on full shields until the word is given."

"Sir with all due respects I am," Jack straightens his cap ready to help out.

"Going back down with your family. Jack the boys have been looking forward to it for weeks. Besides, we both know you are not writing a report. If there are any other security measures they can be implemented when you return in a few hours," Jim orders.

"Hello," Kate waves from the transporter PADD finally grabbing Kirk's attention. "You forgot the order about Spock has the conn so we can go too." Kate rolls her neck. She may not like the idea of transporting but it is a damn quick method of transportation. "Hey," she yelps as Kirk pulls her off the transporter pad.

"Spock contact Star Fleet command," Kirk drags Kate by her shirtsleeve out of the transporter room.

"Hey hands off," Kate rips her arm out of his grip. "You said I promise," she crosses her arms and plants her feet. The away team members quietly slip away to complete their assigned duties.

"I said we'll see and we will but not this minute." Kate opens her mouth in protest, but Kirk silences her with a single finger. "Not now. I am warning you I am not in the mood for a tantrum." Kirk looks down the hall before directing his attention back to his daughter. Kirk shoves his hands in his pockets. "I know none of this is your fault and it sucks. I get it. It is unfair and you are pissed, but my day was just as crappy. I have to get some things done and then we can think about going dirtside." Kate slumps against a bulkhead tuning him out. "Pout if you want but this is the best I can do right now. I am the Captain and have responsibilities. Sometimes things don't work out like we plan." Kate continues to ignore him not making eye contact. "Dammit, Kate don't make today any worse for either of us," Kirk thinks sighing loudly. Jim kneels in front of her taking her hands. "Hey, I don't make promises I don't keep. Give me a couple hours okay," Jim swings her hands.

"Fine," Kate groans pushing off the wall. "Can I go back to your quarters?" Kirk doesn't miss her intentional dig calling it his quarters.

"Yeah, I will check in later Katie bug," he kisses her head. If he wasn't so pissed, Jim would probably feel shitter that Kate is disappointed, but her safety is more important than a roller coaster ride. An hour later, Jim hears a knock at his office door breaks the trance he has fallen into after his comm call with Pike. "Come," he commands. "Spock, Uhura…give me something besides a headache," Jim orders rubbing his forehead.

"Captain I have nothing to report that should cause you greater stress or anxiety at this time," Spock stands at the front of Jim's desk rigidly.

"Sit you are making me more anxious standing there like this is a cadet review." Jim motions to the empty chair across from him. After four years of working together, Jim doesn't understand why Spock needs an engraved invitation to relax when they are alone.

"Sir you do understand that causing you extra stress was never my intent. I have attempted to alleviate as much anxiety from your life as possible by extending my duty shifts and completing as much paperwork as allowed by my position," Spock shares taking a seat.

"Yeah, and you will never know how much I have appreciated it," Jim sincerely thanks his XO.

"Well we are about to make your life even easier," Uhura smiles. "Sir you like honesty and well this dad thing…you are doing it wrong."

"Wrong," Jim's face drops. "And this is coming from two people that don't have any kids." Jim polishes off his cold coffee making a sour face.

"Yes wrong," Uhura snaps. Spock gives her a look that is as close to concerned as a Vulcan can muster. He is not convinced Uhura's idea is correct, but he is trying to indulge his human companion like his father did with his mother. Uhura silences her boyfriend with a flat palm. "You can't control Kate because you have nothing to offer her."

"Nyota we have spoken on this at length," Spock intervenes. "Children should not need incentives to complete routine tasks that are expected."

"And I have said repeatedly that human kids need more than their math book taken from them to make a point," Uhura snaps facing Spock. Jim is fascinated watching his two senior officers fight. He has fought with Spock over the years and wanted to rip his hair out. Uhura just shut Spock down with a gesture. Maybe he can learn how to win against the Vulcan from his communications officer.

"And I have repeatedly stated that Vulcan's prize intellect and education," Spock attempts to refute his prior statement but is brusquely cut off by Uhura turning back to Jim.

"Look, Captain, I have far more experience with children than either of you. I have six in my family and babysat for years as a teen. Either of you ever do that," Uhura looks back and forth for confirmation. Suddenly Kirk feels like he is on the other end of the cadet review. He opens his mouth to speak but is cut off with a wave of her hand. "Jim Kirk you never babysat and these kids don't count. They idolize you for some reason. Damn kids would jump off a bridge if you said it." Uhura rolls her eyes in disgust. "You need leverage until, and I can't believe I am saying this, until Kate sees you as awesome. She needs things to reward her for both good and bad behavior. Visa," she says wiggling her fingers.

"With my Visa," Jim leans forward confused. Uhura continues to wiggle her fingers like a demanding wife. "Lt. I trust you with my life but not my money. Why do you need my Visa for and how does it pertain to Kate? I know she needs some things but,"

"Jim I have eight hours of shore leave and a shit ton of things to do. I want it to be a surprise. Visa," she demands again.

"I am so going to regret this," Jim hands over his card. "Take as much time as you need. I owe you more than that for everything you have done."

"Thank you. Come on Spock," Uhura snatches the card exiting without a word. Jim chuckles as Spock sits for a second "come on Spock" yelled impatiently from the door before following his feisty girlfriend.

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CAPTAINS QUARTER'S

"No," Kate screams waking from her nightmare breathing heavily. It is the same dream every night since the fall of Dantooine. Kate stands helpless as those around her die with klaxons and explosions ringing in her ears. That was the reasons she took the mission with the Jedi. Kate had believed at the time, if she could find the Holocron and stop the war, she could forgive herself for their deaths. It was a childish idea, but Kate is nothing more than a child. Kate sits quietly waiting for Jim to appear at the door. Since she and he have become roommates, every night is the same. She wakes screaming and he is there to comfort her. When several minutes go by Kate gets out of bed. Hating herself for needing him, Kate walks to his room. "Jim," she whispers in the dark getting no response. When she flips on the light, she understands why. Jim Kirk is nowhere in their quarters. Kate enters her room to go back to sleep but hears a soft beep. Her hand slides under the pillow holding the comlink. "Not now he is he here," Kate whispers turning it off. She lays staring at the ceiling thinking about Rogan's words to her about Brene. Maybe the Jedi were warning her. Kate needs to find Kirk. Opening the door to the cabin, Kate finds two security officers stationed there. She doesn't say a word heading for the bridge, but instead of finding Kirk in the captain's seat, she finds Lt. Rios sitting there.

"Kate are you looking for your dad," he asks with a smile.

"No," she lies. "I couldn't sleep and went for a walk. Kate is relieved not to have Kirk in the chair asking all sorts of nosy questions. "So you keep Sulu's seat warm at night," Kate smiles at Lt. Dawn sitting at helm control. Kate approaches the station. "Is that the long-range scanner display? We just learned about it in school yesterday," Kate lies. She may not know the controls of the Enterprise, but Kate has been in enough ships to know what the readouts mean.

Rios sends Kirk a quick message via PADD letting him know Kate is on the bridge.

"So do you like school," Dawn asks bringing up the long-range sensors.

"Yep," Kate responds maneuvering for a better look.

"See we are clear for miles and miles," Lt Dawn assures Kate.

Kate scrutinizing display doesn't notice Jim enter the bridge quietly observing her. "What are you up to Katie bug," Jim says to himself.

Kate bites her lip in deep concentration. Rogan told her the Intrepid was out there, but the scanners show no sign of the Star Destroyer. Kate desperately wants to get home but not at the cost of the lives of the Enterprise crew. "Now if we are at warp…do the long-range scanners still work," Kate asks.

Jim has had enough cloak and dagger for the day. He silently walks over to Kate bending down by her ear. "Boo," he says playfully. Kate brings her elbow back sharply on instinct. "Whoa," Jim yells blocking her attack. He is more than surprised she reacted so violently at being scared.

"Don't ever do that," she pants grabbing her chest.

"Scare ya," Jim jokes. "Now why aren't you in bed at 0200 hours?" His tone is semi-playful, but Kate knows he wants and answer.

"Why aren't you," Kate snaps back regretting the snippy tone in her voice.

"Evil paperwork," Jim crosses his arms staring at Kate. "What's got you interested in long range sensors the Easter Bunny," he nods toward the console.

"We were studying warp and scanning abilities on Constitution-class starships," Kate knows her time is limited as she continues to scan for the Star Destroyer. It wasn't until this minute Kate even thought about what would happen if she finds the Intrepid. "I came up with a theory to test," Kate lies to buy more time.

"At 2 in the morning," Jim asks sarcastically prompting a sour look from Kate. "What's the theory? What are we looking for," Jim motions for Lt. Dawn to vacate her seat. He wants to tell Kate to get the hell of the bridge and back to bed, but she is obviously looking for something Jim needs to know about. "The Enterprise can scan out to one parsec. Do you need farther than that?"

"Can the Enterprise perform long range scans while in warp," Kate studies the screen as Jim studies her.

"Where are you you bastards," Jim thinks staring at the screen. There is only one reason Kate wants to scan space.

"Scanners and shields are up," Kate asks leaning over Kirk's shoulder for a closer look.

After a few more minutes of scanning quadrants, Kirk decides they are finished for the night. He will leave this to Rios and Dawn. If anything is out there they will find it. "Okay kiddo enough for tonight. Bedtime," he says firmly.

"Good," she says faking a yawn. The scans came back clean for tonight. Kate will check again tomorrow but fighting Kirk will only raise more suspicions. "You coming back to your quarters?"

"My works done so yes," he motions for Lt. Dawn to take back her post.

Jim sees Kate lost staring out the main view port. "Nice view huh. I never get tired of it," Jim wraps his arms over Kate's shoulders.

"Hey, can I check out the view from your seat. I missed that part of the tour," Kate looks up at Jim hopefully.

Jim likes Kate taking an interest in the ship. "If my daughter may have the seat Mr. Rios," Jim asks with a smile.

"Yes sir," Rios replies vacating the chair for Kate.

Kate sits running her hands over the armrests feeling safe and powerful. "I could get used to this spot," Kate grins.

"I bet you could, but you might have to fight John for it one day," Jim kneels beside her.

"Whatever. He is XO material like Spock. John follows the rules too tightly to be a captain," Kate sincerely believes what she says.

"Oh, you have so much to learn little one. So much," Jim laughs taking her hand. "Bed time let's go."

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ON THE BEACON OF HOPE

"Damn her," Zala Tsu curses flinging the comlink across the room. For the past eight hours, Zala Tsu has tried in vain to contact Kate. "I should have been the one to go. She fears me."

"Yeah a blue alien with lekku wouldn't have drawn attention," Rogan cracks open his bottle of Whyren's whiskey. "The Solo brat will comply. She believes we will destroy the Enterprise," Rogan downs a shot, "which we will. Why don't you sit down and have a drink?"

"Because Abeloth wishes a report you fool." Zala Tsu slinks seductively behind Rogan. "Do you wish to tell the Lady of the Sith that we chose to sit and drink instead of answering her call," Zala Tsu whispers in his ear before kissing his neck.

"No, but I will tell her we were busy fucking and couldn't answer the comm," Rogan slides an arm around Zala Tsu's waist pulling her onto his lap. "Don't fuck with me unless you plan to fuck me," he growls.

"Nesanto (bastard)," Zala Tus hisses getting up. She makes her way to the cockpit for the holo-com call with the Sith Master. Zala Tsu sits in meditation waiting for the trills indicating the Master is ready. After an hour later, Abeloth appears in holographic form on the console. "Kam buti tujenti vaeka nuyak meistras (What is thy bidding my master)," Zala Tsu bows reverently before the shimmering image.

"Do you have the Holocron," Abeloth's voice sounds like fingernails being drug slowly down a chalkboard.

Zala Tsu suppresses a shudder as gooseflesh rises on her skin. "We will have in within a few days," Zala Tus falsely promises.

"And the child? Where is she?" Abeloth asks.

"Securing the Holocron your grace," Zala Tsu keeps her head bowed in reverence.

"You have neither the Holocron nor the child in your grasp then," Abeloth's voice allows her disapproval to be known. "We need the Holocron to ensure the Sith will destroy the Jedi. I need the child to complete my transformation. She is the only way to get close enough to Grand Master Skywalker to kill him. He will not kill her, but she will destroy him on my command. She is young but powerful. The Force runs strong in her family. Not having a formal training in the Force will allow me to take over her mind and body with ease. Return with both or do not return at all," Abeloth thunders cutting the comm line. Zala Tsu raises her head after the comm has ended. She will pay a visit to Kate and explain the urgency of the mission in a way Kate will understand.

END OF NEWEST CHAPTER. I HAVE GOTTEN SLIGHTLY OFFTRACK OF THE ORIGINAL SO IT WILL JUMP BUT THE I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL POSTED AS THE LAST CHAPTER. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED COMMENTS ON THE RE-WRTIE. I AM LOOKING FOR A BETA FOR MY NEXT STORY. ANYONE WANT A TEST RUN OF IT?