CH 31 Running in Circles

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ENTERPRISE GYM THE NEXT DAY

"Thanks for coming down Jack," Bones says taking a long draw from his water bottle watching Kate run around the track. "Joanna said things have been off with Kate for the past couple of days especially with John. He is the only one on the ship that she seems to have made a real connection with and by that, I mean says more than ten words to." Bones watches Kate intently as she makes her way past them on the track again. As a doctor, he is used to bringing up uncomfortable topics but this is one for his personal journal. "Joanna said Kate came by to apologize a day or so and John accepted it WWE style by body slamming her into the floor. I'm not saying I wouldn't be pissed in your shoes or his, but I am more worried about Kate. Any chance you could get John to accept her apology in a more civilized fashion?"

For the first time on the ship, Jack doesn't know what to believe. There is no way his son would just attack Kate, but Joanna is not prone to lying or exaggerations. Something happened and he will find out what. "I'll talk to John. I know he was pissed but then I can't blame him. She did break his nose twice," Jack holds up two fingers to emphasize it.

"I would never ask you or John to do this except Kate is crashing. She has lost five pounds in a week. She doesn't sleep. She doesn't talk to Jim. I mean he is trying but she is less than willing. We see her arrival as a positive but in reality, she has lost everything and everybody she has ever known. " Jack watches Kate intently as she circles the track listening to Bones. "She is displaying the clinical signs of isolation disorder. Paranoia, depression, anxiety, difficulty with impulse control, anger, deficits in attention and verbal reasoning," Bones drones on. "In my clinical opinion, the only thing keeping her mentally with us is that she belongs to that Jedi organization. If it is anything like the military, she is holding on to the belief that her robed buddies are planning her extraction. All she has to do is hold out and is occupying her mind with that thought. That's what they teach you right. No man left behind, hold out and your buddies come no matter what. "Typically I would applaud this view but I don't think it applies here do you?"

"That's the way we work but, in this case, your right. Those Jedi are not honorable," Jack puts his hands on his hips studying Kate with the eye of a military commander. McCoy's assessment is right on the mark. Kate is running not for fun but with the determination of a POW. Keeping her muscles strong and her mind active. It has not escaped Jack's attention that Kate is silently memorizing the ship and its crew. He would not be surprised if she had a rudimentary layout of his patrols and when they occur. He makes a mental note to randomize the walking patrols. This will, at least, make her more cautious in her next attempt to escape which he knows is coming. He would have to be blind to think it wouldn't.

"So how do we get around it. How do we convince her we are her friends and the world she knew is the villains. Keep saying don't worry, you are safe, no one is going to hurt you. In her eyes, we are the enemy that is hurting her. And that is what the enemy does when trying to break you right Jack." Bones sighs deeply. "I just have never seen us as the enemy before. Got any snarky wisdom to help me out with this."

"I'll talk to John about the proper way to accept an apology from a girl that has dicked you over. He is 12. That life lesson is one he needs to learn like all men." Jack's comment brings a small smile to McCoy's face. "For our part we need to be reassuring but not overly. Be nice and welcoming but use an inside agent to further gain her trust," Jack looks at the situation for what it is. Not only is he tasked with the job of keeping the Enterprise safe, he now has to deprogram and flip and an enemy agent. The thought leaves a bad taste in his mouth. Kate is a scared kid and yet again they are treating her like she is a highly trained enemy combatant. Jack has to be extremely careful on how he proceeds. Kate is street smart. If they move too fast and she realizes what they are doing, they will never win her trust. If they do nothing, she will get hurt. Bones is right. They have to use the kids. The Enterprise kids are good kids with solid morals. They keep trying to hang with Kate not to accomplish the adults mission of making her fit in, but only to become their friend. John, Ronin, Cameron, Erika, and Jo see the situation far simpler than the adults. To them, Kate is just the newest arrival on the ship and they want to be her friend.

"I have downloaded a ton of parenting manuals. You and I both know that stuff is crap written mainly by people without kids but, either Jim reads it or there will be a double homicide on E-deck," Bones laughs humorlessly.

"Right next door to me… great," Jack bends down to tie his shoe. "Go I got her for a while. Your right the last thing she needs is to be alone." After a few quick stretches, Jack lets Kate pass before running onto the track. Samantha would win a parenting contest any day of the week against him, but Jack is not completely hopeless. In fact, he feels uniquely qualified to handle this kid situation. Kate is acting just like Ronin when he is upset. Back in Colorado, Jack dealt with this by throwing the tent in the back of the truck and taking his son out overnight. With no electronic devices to hide behind, it wasn't long before Ronin began to talk. He has a sneaking suspicion that if he just keeps pace behind Kate, it will force her to talk opening up the conversation. Classic interrogation technique is to get the person talking so Jack increases his speed until he is just behind Kate.

It only takes a quarter of a lap before Kate responds. "I am not going to run away Colonel," she puffs out while running.

"Good because we like having you here," Jack says. Kate turns her head giving him a dirty look before increasing her pace pulling ahead. Jack lets her but matches it.

"Can you do something for me," Kate asks Jack sweetly as they round the curve.

"What is it kid," Jack struggles with the pace. It is way too slow for him. It is barely a run but not quite short enough to be his natural walking stride. He would challenge her, but after all the laps Kate has done already, he can tell her body is wearing out. He wants her to talk not drop dead of a heart attack.

"Leave me the hell alone," Kate snaps. "If I had wanted company I would have ran with the good doctor but I told him like I am telling you to get lost. I am grumpy and not in the mood to trade trivial niceties that we both know are lies." Her words come out short and choppy as she fights to keep running.

"You know you could try the social niceties even if you are lying. I mean I do it all the time. Yes, dear, I love your cooking. No Captain, I do not mind extra shifts. Why Kate you are exceptionally happy today? Did you take over a ship? Things like that. Tends to make me more pleasant and may sweeten your disposition. You should try it."

Kate abruptly stops on the track. Her legs feel like jelly and she needed a break; however, with Jack joining her run, Kate will not show any weakness. Right now, they don't know what she is capable of and she needs that to continue. Taking on a defensive stance, she changes her expression to a cold and serious one like the one she has seen on Han when the stakes are high. She has to scare Jack into believing every word that comes from her mouth. Keep the element of surprise is the only weapon she has against this man and the rest of the crew. "I have learned something about you, Jack," Kate says in a neutral tone full of conviction.

"Oh, and what is that my charming ray of sunshine," Jack says sarcastically.

"You won't hurt me. I mean really hurt me," Kate doesn't raise her voice or break eye contact with Jack. "But I don't have any qualms about hurting you. So know that I will use that against you when I need to."

Jack has had enough. He has to defuse this situation. Kate looks like she is ready to attack. Her voice may be neutral and calm, but her eyes burn with anger. Jack wants Kate to talk not fight. Bones was correct in making the connection of Kate being a POW in her mind. If he were in her position and has been, he would be playing his cards just like her. The difference is they are not at war. Kate has nothing they want. Their only concern is for her welfare. He has to make her see this as reality and not the warped one she is imagining. "What is your damn problem," Jack lets a hint of authority creep into his voice. On some level, Kate respects authority when it comes under the guise of a chain of command. He uses this to his advantage. As Jack, Kate sees him as an equal. As Colonel O'Neill, she does tend to keep her shit together.

"I tried to be nice and tell you to go away. I tried to explain why I did what I did but as usual, you didn't want to hear it. Now that you do I don't care about talking to you anymore," Kate says in a tone like she is talking to someone of lesser rank. Her tone also indicates the conversation is over in her mind. Jack can't let this slide. He has to make sure Kate understands exactly who is in control.

"Your explanation and apology weren't good enough and I don't have to accept it," Jack uses a fatherly tone. Kate's features soften slightly shocked at his words. Her family back home was probably some soft squishy liberal type that would accept a half-assed apology and praise her for it. "Sorry kiddo but it's true. And I will not play along with your pity party. Yes, you are a having a bad day or days but get over it because this is the way things are and you had better get on board with the program," he stares at her. "Come on Kate. Break just a crack for me so I can stop riding your ass honey. No one wants to be this hardline with you. You are just making us this way. We only want to help you, not make this worse. Everyone knows how bad you are hurting. It is in your every action and word. Stop fighting us and we can make you feel better baby," he thinks to himself.

"Only for as long as I have to," Kate says in a snippy tone. "One day I will be gone and you all will be a bad memory. There is not one of you that is worth a second of my time or interest." Just as she finishes speaking Paulson, Michaels, and two other crew she doesn't recognize lap them on the track. She looks down embarrassed as the men offer polite greetings and smiles calling out Colonel and Kate making her cheeks burn brighter. She had no desire for them to overhear her and the Colonel speaking. Her icy words were meant to sting Jack, not them. Paulson and Michaels have only been following orders and even then they were nice to her. In an impossible situation, they were always friendly and kind. She has never felt like a bigger asshole. Kate resists the urge to yell out a greeting in return to make them see she wasn't talking about them specifically. She has to remain aloof even if that makes her the most hated person on the ship. The minute she starts liking these people, she is betraying her own family. They are searching the universe for her. The least she can do it not make her stay be a vacation.

"You have a real attitude problem Katherine," Jack reprimands her rudeness to the crew. It takes every ounce of his control not to drag her to a bench and bust her ass. If she was a real recruit, jack would have her do laps until she puked.

"I do. I know I do," Kate responds in a snarky tone.

Jack cracks his knuckles. He needs something to do with his hands. If he doesn't he will wring her neck. "You should be ashamed of yourself Kate. Everyone including your dad has treated you with respect and you treat us like dirt." Kate looks like she is about to cry at his words. Seeing Jack has struck a nerve he continues. "You're a good kid deep down but you're not my equal so drop the "I'm a badass" routine. I get you are mad but the teenage tantrum thing you got going makes you less than likable. Oh and buck up Princess. With your steely determination to be an asshole, you can do six years here in a snap. Then you can have your wish. Turn 18 and I will gladly escort you off the ship. Hell, I will pay for your bus ticket to anywhere you want to go. Now got sit your ass down before you fall over and hurt yourself." Jack takes off running again but at a pace, she can easily match and pass. "Come on you little firecracker. Take the bait and follow me," Jack hopes half jogging half walking around the track. Kate is not as complex as she thinks she is. If there is one thing Jack knows, it is that women always want the last word. As if on cue, Kate pulls up next to him.

"What do you mean buck it up Princess," Kate glares at him. "And for the record I am likable. Everyone likes me. I am fun Kate. In fact, I got a shirt for my life day last year that says I am not short but fun size. I am fun, happy and an utter joy to be around. You just don't appreciate my quick wit and snazzy brand of humor," she retorts increasing her pace so she pulls ahead of him. There is no way she will let a middle-aged man beat her at anything. Especially this middle-aged man

"Good girl. Take the bait," Jack thinks. The more he can keep her talking, the more engaged she becomes with the crew. This is a classic intelligence-gathering technique. Relying on his experience, he uses the methods he learned in Section 31 to break Kate. Breaking her is not the correct term Jack would use to explain his actions. He needs to get into her head to learn about the Jedi. The more he knows the better he can protect her. With every conversation, no matter how mundane, information is learned and information means power. It may seem trivial to learn what the POW's favorite's foods are but this can be then used as a way to reward someone thereby earning their trust. "Fun size huh," Jack says. "I don't see it. Now I could see you in a shirt that says I'm grumpy and deal with it." Kate gives him a stunned expression that makes Jack want to break out laughing. Under the bravado and cynicism is the kid she is claiming to be and Jack can't wait to really get to know her. Jack pulls ahead slightly. He can't go too fast because Kate is at her limit but he has to increase his pace because the current one is killing his knees.

"Hey, I am talking to you. Who is being rude now," Kate yells watching Jack run away from her? Throwing her hands up she chases after him

Although she easily caught up with him, Kate quickly tires from the burst of speed it took on her already drained body. Jack hears her gait becoming sloppy. Instead of a rhythmic thump, her sneakers beat out a flopping sound. "You don't need to keep up with me and wear yourself out. I can do this all day," Jack says. "Well at least for the next hour or so," he adds in his head. Infuriated at what she perceives as an insult, Kate surges ahead to put as much distance between Jack and her. She gets three strides ahead before her knee buckles sending her skidding to the pavement. Jack is immediately at her side bending down to check for injuries. With as hard as she is pushing herself, a twisted ankle is not out of the realm of possibilities. "You okay sweetie," Jack rubs her back as his eyes give her legs and ankles the once over.

"Don't act like you care because you have an audience," Kate snaps. If she doesn't get angry she will start to cry. Based on her previous experience with the crew on this ship, the Colonel will hold her and try to comfort her. If he does, Kate might start crying and never stop.

"Look, kid we are not your enemy," Jack snaps at her like he does his boys when they are being buttheads. "The faster you…dag nab it. You have a head harder than your fathers," he rubs his forehead.

"Owwwwww," she groans rubbing the side of her head. In her blind anger at him, Kate turned too fast bashing her head into his. Kate laughs at his comment then gets quiet. Alienating Jack will not further her goals. She has to play nicely. It also feels good to take a break from running. "Did you know my mom," she asks playing with a fingernail.

"No I only heard of her," Jack sits on the track with her.

"You know that is why I stayed on the Beacon of Light. They told me they knew where she was and were going to take me to her. Jim says they were telling me what I wanted to hear. Part of me agrees with him but the other part," Kate gets a far off look in her eyes. She exhales loudly before continuing. "The other part can't give up hope that they were telling the truth so I need you to train me. Right now, I am not strong enough to take on the Abeloth's group but with your help, I could be. If you train me I will do everything you say no matter what. I am a hard worker with a unique skill set. I"

"Everyone has a unique skill set kiddo," Jack interrupts her, "but the only training I can give you is in P.E. Your I'm better than all of you attitude is dangerous. Until you lose it the only thing you are learning from me is dodgeball."

"But Abeloth is powerful," Kate presses. "That little Jedi trick by Zala Tsu is child's play to a full-fledged Sith. They can kill you with a thought break or your bones with a flick of their hand. I have to be ready to defend you…and me when they come back," Kate yells in anger and frustration. Why Jack can't see that she is only trying to keep everyone safe astounds her.

"Don't yell. I am right here yo-yo," Jack pretends she is hurting his ears.

Kate hates that Jack is belittling her. Jumping up she paces the track. "Then listen to me and listen good. I will find her. I will save her with or without your help. Jim might not care but gui," she looks at Jack stopping herself. There is no way she will share that the guilt over abandoning her mom is killing her. Kate doesn't abandon people like Jim and Lauren do. Her name is Solo and not Kirk.

"Think fast," John comes up behind her tickling her side. The strangled yelping giggle Kate makes causes John to laugh aloud. "Gotcha ya Kate," he points a finger playfully at her.

"Ugh," Kate groans taking off running.

"Has she been running since PE ended," John looks at his Dad. "How long is she going to keep it up?"

"Until she pukes, hurts herself or is carried bodily off the track," Jack sighs in frustration. He can't be mad at John but Kate was just starting to share what really was bothering her. At least, he knows to bring up the subject of fighting and her mom then next time they are alone.

"You..um coming for dinner tonight. I know you are busy and I get that but I kinda miss having to fight you for the TV nights," John looks down at his shoe. Jack can tell his son is slightly uncomfortable admitting he misses his Dad. Suddenly Jack feels guilt coursing in his body. Since Kate's arrival, Jack has barely seen his family let alone spent time with them.

"How about me, you and your brother log some ice time tonight. And for the record I have missed you too John," Jack says not being overly sentimental. He remembers what it was like at John's age. He swore he would never slather his son in kisses and hugs like his parents did when he was a teen. It is not that he didn't like affection from his parents, but at 13 guys need it differently than girls. "Right now I need to get the Energizer bunny to burn out her battery."

John smiles and digs his heel of his sneaker into the ground. He has been looking for a way to talk to Kate without all the other kids around. "I can get her off the track if you want. Watch the master and hockey… tonight…don't forget," John yells running backward. Jack takes a seat on a bench caddy corner to the track. If John can't do what he promised, Jack will step in with a more adult method. John sprints until he is next to Kate. Even sweaty and slightly smelly, she is still super cute to him. "So this is where you have been hiding," John breaks the ice. "We haven't seen you in like two days."

"Didn't think you wanted to after you pile drove me into a deck plate," Kate shrugs.

"You broke my nose. I was pissed and I told you to just give me time. I had some time to think about it and now I am good. See I get why you did it. I don't agree with it but I get it," John slows his pace matching hers. "You believed we were your enemy and probably still do. All us kids talked and agreed K.I.P would be what we would have done in your position."

"K.I.P," Kate looks at him.

"Kirk Insanity Process," John tells her the acronym. "Jo said it should be S.I.P for Solo Insanity Process but at least here everyone thinks your last name is Kirk."

Kate could hug him for even acknowledging her name as Solo. It is not that she hates Jim. He is a pretty decent guy when she thinks about it. What Kate has a hard time with is everyone expecting her to act as if her old life doesn't exist. "Can we… start over," she tentatively asks.

"John…John O'Neill," he extends a hand across his body while running.

"Attitude…Miss Piss Poor Attitude," she introduces herself.

"Whatever," John rolls his eyes. "I like Kate or Katie. Either one fits you better."

Her mind races at him using Katie. That was her name back home. She can't remember if she told him or it was a lucky guess. She stumbles and grabs his arm turning red. "Sorry about that." His easy smile and wink make Kate want to let him about everything bothering her. "John I really am sorry. One day I will tell you about my life before Han and Leia but just know that I don't make friends easily because of it. I truly am sorry. One day I hope you will know how much."

Until he met Kate Kirk a week ago, the thought of talking to a girl for hours never appealed to him. Now it is all he wants to do. "So you wanna go play a video game? I'll let you choose and then kick your ass."

From his seat, Jack marvels at how the sullen, sad kid is now smiling and laughing with his son. "Whatever you are doing keep it up," Jack says in a low whisper as he sees them walk off the track.

"Um maybe but I was training," Kate looks around unsure what to do.

"For what," Jack asks sarcastically, "exhaustion, falling on your face, going to see Dr. McCoy?"

Kate laughs digging her heel into the track. "I would love to but I don't know if I am allowed to?"

"When has that stopped you," John chuckles showing her his watch. "Tick tock Sparkles. What's it going to be? Junk food and video games or a twisted ankle and lecture by Bones. Seems like a no-brainer to me."

"You're right. Let's go," Kate follows John out of the gym.

"That a boy John. Pull her out for us," Jack says to himself watching Kate leave the track with his son. It took John under five minutes to what two adults couldn't in an hour. This is just one more time his youngest son shows he is a natural leader. He makes a mental note to ask John what he said to Kate to get her off the track. Checking the wall clock, Jack heads to the showers. He has thirty minutes to clean up before reporting to the ready room for and an impromptu senior staff meeting. Normally Jack does his best to be busy for such things but the topic can only be about one person.

"Your boy there has a way with the ice princess," a crewman says to Jack as he reaches for a towel. The comment instantly sets off a nerve with Jack. Over the past week and a half, Kate has done her best to grate on his last nerve, but he, along with most of the crew ,see the situation for what it is. Although Kate's actions are adult like, she is simply a scared kid.

"It's our O'Neill charm. Works every time," Jack slings a towel over his shoulder heading for his locker.

"So does a crack on the ass. I'd be careful if I were you. She is likely to fuck him over because that is all she is intent on doing to us," Lt. Dewitt Hyden sneers.

Jack rounds on the security Lt. squaring his shoulders. This isn't the first time Dewitt Hyden has run his mouth. Not knowing when to keep his mouth shut has earned him the nickname Dimwit among many on the security team. "She's a child Hyden and the Captain's daughter. You need to lock that shit down. I have developed an affinity for that kid so watch your step. This is your last and only warning," Jack locks eyes with his junior officer.

"She is dangerous and a threat to the crew," Hyden informs Jack not backing down. "I have no idea why the Cap took the guard off her. From what I hear, she gave you a run for your money in Sick Bay." Aside from the sound of running water, the locker room is dead silent. Jack doesn't need to look around to see all eyes are on them. This has no longer turned into a fight between two officers. Jack has to make his next statement crystal clear to everyone in the room.

"She is a confused kid that has been through a hell of a lot more than you ever will," Jack gets in his face letting his voice carry to every inch of the locker room. "Now you will keep such opinions of the Captain's daughter to yourself understand." The Colonel draws back enough to let his gaze fall on most of the others in the room who are pretending to still shave, dress, and shower although they are staring at him and Hyden.

"Yes sir," Hyden says crisply. "At one time opinions were valued on this ship but seems that is a commodity that is no longer in use here… Sir," he snaps a salute.

"You do not hold enough rank to have an opinion. Now shut the fuck up or I will shut you up," Jack makes Hyden aware he will have no issue knocking him on his ass. The look in Dewitt Hyden's eyes indicates he was too stupid to get Jack's point. "When you are done here Lt," Jack locks a deadly gaze on the man before him, "I need you to report to maintenance. They have some shit they need to be blown out of the airlock. SOP requires that security personnel be present when anything is jettisoned from the ship. I think you are the perfect man for that assignment. You're dismissed," Jack walks past him making sure he slams his shoulder into the junior officer. The impact makes Hyden stumble back a step. Getting into the shower, Jack sees all eyes are still on him. "Unless you are willing to help Lt. Hyden blow crap out of the sewage tanks I suggest everyone get back to what they were doing." The room quickly fills with low murmurs, which Jack ignores. If anyone else wants to take him on, he is primed and ready.