Disclaimer: I own nothing Star Trek-related…though I might consider the idea of beaming Kirk, Spock, Khan, and the actors who play them to my house, once I manage to construct my own transporter. Until then, nothing is mine except original characters.

AN: Just so everyone knows: this story is almost over. There will then be either a long one-shot, or a short sequel to this; I haven't decided yet. After that, I might head back and do another story for my Captain America/Avengers series, but it kind of depends, since I've already messed with the characters in that category already. We'll see.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter, and please don't forget to review! Thanks!

Chapter 8: Home Again:

I woke to the familiar sounds of a sickbay. The sterile air filled my nose, and I could hear nurses muttering and moving around as they worked.

For a moment, I tensed, wondering if Khan had found me and brought me back to his ship. I listened carefully for the impassive voices of my abductor and Dr. Thomas, but the sounds that reached my ears were warm, friendly tones using Federation and Starfleet terminology. That meant I was on a Federation ship!

Sighing in relief, I allowed myself to relax a bit. If I was on a Starfleet vessel, that hopefully meant I'd find a way back to the Enterprise!

"Ria?" a familiar voice whispered. "Ria, can you hear me?" Funny, it sounded like…

I cracked an eye open, and saw Bones' hazel-green ones looking down at me. When he saw my response, he gave me one of his lop-sided smiles. "That a girl! Welcome home. We've missed you."

I managed to find the energy to smile. "Thanks," I whispered, a sense of relief settling in. At least I wouldn't have to spend weeks or months finding a way back to my friends!

A nurse came up with a tray of soft foods and a kind smile. "A little something so that you can get your energy back," she said before heading off again.

My stomach gave a loud growl, making me wonder how long I'd been out. When I voiced my question to Bones, he shook his head. "I'm guessing seven days, at most." He paused a moment to give me a serious look. "What possessed you to take that much sedative?"

"I didn't have a choice," I retorted. But since I'd been unconscious for so long, it came out in a much softer voice than intended. Clearing my throat, I opened my mouth, but shut it when I saw Bones was silently laughing at me. "You're an ass."

He chuckled and patted my arm. "Now, now; save those insults for another time. You're going to have visitors in a little bit, so save your strength."

Visitors? Was he serious? I probably looked liked I felt (which was hell), and I was going to get visitors? What was he thinking?

"Can I at least get a shower first?" I asked, one hand going to my face. There was probably nothing there, but you can't blame a girl for being worried.

Bones chuckled and motioned a nurse over. "Please help Ensign Drake to the showers."

In twenty minutes, I was in a clean hospital gown, and was just settling into a comfy sickbay bed when a group of officers flooded into the room. Looking up in surprise, I barely had enough time to brace myself before Carol tackled me in a hug.

"I'm so glad to see you," she said, right as Uhura came and joined in the hug.

"Same here," Uhura muttered, giving me a squeeze and taking a step back. "You had us scared to death!"

"Okay, ladies, back up," Jim said as Carol did as he asked. "Now, these are for you, Ensign. I hope you realize how special you are, to receive a get-well gift from your Captain."

I took the offered flowers and grinned. "Believe me, sir, I do feel very special."

The others chuckled (with the exception of Spock, who stood stoically nearby), then presented me with their own gifts. By the time I was done, I had a nice stack on the table near my bed, and was nibbling on a treat from the small box of chocolates Uhura had given me.

Once everything settled down, Bones shooed the nurses out, and provided chairs for everyone. I could tell from their faces that they wanted a story and explanation, so I swallowed my mouthful of chocolate and leaned back onto my pile of pillows.

"Well, I guess I should start at the beginning, when Khan took me off the Enterprise," I muttered with a sigh.

For more than an hour, I talked and everyone listened. In more than one instance, the guys muttered swear words and got hostile looks on their faces, particularly Jim and Bones. Chekov muttered something in Russian occasionally, while Scotty swore under his breath in his charming Scottish accent. Spock was the only one to appear completely unfazed by what I was saying, though I could see his hands grow tense once in a while.

Carol looked trapped between wanting to hug and give sympathy, and wanting to talk about what terrible things the others wanted to do to Khan, once they got their hands on him.

As expected, Uhura looked like she wanted to take a swing at someone –I had the feeling that she and my other friends would be taking turns using the workout areas of the ship for a few hours, once I was done briefing them. It was almost funny, and if it weren't for the fact that just remembering what I'd gone through was starting to bring tears to my eyes, I would have laughed.

When I finished, the others were silent, all of them taking in what I'd told them. I, too, was quiet, as I waited for someone to react or say something. The person who ended up speaking was the last one I expected.

"You are sure that you wish to keep your offspring?" Spock asked, his intense Vulcan gaze on my face. "You would be within your right to decide otherwise."

I shook my head. "I want to keep him. It's not his fault that Khan's insane." Looking at Jim, I quietly asked, "That is, if I'm allowed to keep my son aboard, sir?"

Jim frowned and crossed his arms. "I don't see why not, though performing your duties and looking after an infant isn't going to be easy. We aren't necessarily a family ship –we're meant for deep-space exploration, and don't have the services you'll need."

"You'd have to set up your own child-care," Carol warned. "And remember, not everyone onboard is skilled with kids, so you should try and find people with patience and the skills to look after them."

Bones cleared his throat. "Actually, I'm more worried about whether or not Starfleet is going to let you keep the kid."

Everyone turned to look at him as my stomach dropped through the floor. "What do you mean?" I breathed, my hands going to my belly.

"Well, think about," Bones said, scowling in thought. "Khan was genetically created to be the perfect soldier. Now you're carrying his son. The boy will have only half of his dad's genetic material, but we still have no idea what Khan's fully capable of. The scientists at Starfleet are going to want to poke and prod at the boy until they fully understand what he is and what he can do."

"They won't touch him," I declared. "If they want to make a science experiment of anyone, they can take me instead. I've had a bunch of stuff pumped into me, so if they want to keep busy analyzing blood, they can take all the want of mine."

Reaching out, Bones took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "That may be the case," he warned. "But I have to let you know that, as a member of Starfleet, it's my job to report you and your experiences to the Medical Council."

Uhura glared at him. "You wouldn't really tell on Ria like that, would you?"

He sighed. "Normally, no, but considering the circumstances, I really don't have a choice. If I don't, it'll be someone else on my staff. At least with me, you'll have someone standing firmly in your corner if it comes to a fight."

"We're all in your corner," Carol firmly said, scowling at him. "Right now, though, you need to rest and get your strength back."

I actually laughed a little. "Actually, I really don't; I think I've slept enough for a month. What I'd like to do is get to work."

"I am afraid that could pose a problem," Spock interjected. "The crew knows that you have been Khan's prisoner for several months, and word is spreading that you have returned. Rumors and speculation have spread as well; many have sympathy for you, but others fear that you have been away too long and that he may have brainwashed you, or turned you against us."

Bones snorted. "Next thing you know, they'll be saying that she's going to murder us all in our beds."

One of Spock's eyebrows rose upwards. "Indeed, some are speculating that is what she intends to do. It would be wise, therefore, to secure Ensign Drake in her own quarters, until we have word from Starfleet Command on the matter."

Everyone looked ready to protest, but Jim stopped them. "Mr. Spock has a point. We can't risk anyone causing trouble for any reason. I'll contact Starfleet and see what they'd like to do about this."

"Go ahead," I agreed. "Just promise me that you won't let them turn my baby into a living science experiment."

Jim smiled. "I'll do everything I can."

After Jim's little chat with the higher-ups, it wasn't long before we got a new set of orders. We were to return to Earth, where I'd have to take part in a barrage of tests, then meet with the Admirals on the Council in order to find out what my fate was.

During the four-day journey to Earth, I was holed up in sickbay. Because there was a set of guards set up outside sickbay to keep me from leaving (a scene I was unhappily familiar with), I wasn't allowed to partake in any official Starfleet business, and no unauthorized visitors were allowed to come inside. I was visited constantly by my friends, but besides that, I was given little to do besides rest and sit around. In the end, Bones suggested that I write up a report on my experience on Khan's ship.

"You never know what kinds of information you might have inside that head of yours," he said, handing me a data pad. "Besides, it'll keep you out of my hair for a while."

Since I'd been plaguing him for things to do, I couldn't help but blush a bit as I went to sit down and get to work.

When we got to Earth, the Enterprise docked at one of the large space stations orbiting the planet. Rather than risk having me as the center of unwanted attention, Jim quickly ordered one of the Enterprise shuttles prepped for launch. Then, to my surprise, he also ordered Spock and Bones to accompany the two of us on the journey down.

Upon hearing this, Carol and Uhura had wanted to go, but Jim hadn't wanted to bring any "unnecessary personnel." Spock was to act as my security guard, while Bones was obviously my doctor. As my Captain, Jim was responsible for me, so he had to go –and as far as he was concerned, that was all that was required on this trip. My female friends hadn't been happy, but since Jim was doing this in his official role as Captain, they could hardly disobey and come anyway.

So, early the next morning, I put on my blue uniform, complete with my ensign insignia, and followed my senior officers out to the shuttle.

I'd like to say that the flight down to Earth was calm and quiet, but it was the complete opposite. In fact, the only quiet one was Spock, who looked as thoughtful and stoic as a statue as he guided the shuttle. Meanwhile, Bones kept trying to check my health and the baby's until I told him I was fine, and that if he didn't stop, I'd set Uhura on him. He rolled his eyes, but thankfully, did stop.

Jim was the only one trying to make things easier on me; from his own seat at the helm, he chatted about some of his pre-Starfleet adventures and the stupid stunts he'd done before finding his path. I found myself laughing for most of the flight, and was even a bit relaxed as we landed in a shuttle bay area near Starfleet Headquarters.

I was shocked and somewhat appalled to find a small group of security guards waiting as we exited the shuttle –there were six, and all of them looked even more serious than Spock, something I thought to be impossible.

"We're here to escort Ensign Drake to the Starfleet Medical Facility," one of the men said, stepping forward with a small data pad, which he offered to Jim. "Everything is in order."

Jim scanned through it quickly. When he finished, he looked up and put on his best Captain face. "As her commanding officer, I'd like to accompany her to the facility," he said, handing the pad back. "It doesn't say that she has to go alone."

The lead security officer nodded. "This way, sir," he said.

Bones reached out and squeezed my shoulder. "It'll be okay," he quietly assured me. "We'll see you soon." Spock merely gave me a nod, though I could swear that he looked a bit uneasy.

I took a deep breath and gave them both my best fake smile. "See you soon," I agreed before turning to follow the head guard.

Since I'd only just gotten away from the treatment of Dr. Richards on Khan's ship, that horrible experience was still fresh in my mind. In the back of my head were the faded memories of the gentleness that came with Earth's doctors and medical facilities, and those were nothing compared to the fresh ones I now unhappily carried.

Thankfully, the Starfleet doctors all knew what they were doing, and all of them had a better bedside manner than Dr. Richards. A few vials of blood were taken from my arm and my baby (painlessly, thank goodness), and I was forced to lie down and be scanned by a dozen machines or so, but nothing more strenuous than that. The doctors were all polite, and I was told about what they were going to do, right before they actually did it. I was even given a sedative when I began getting a bit too restless, which made things only slightly more bearable.

And while all this was being done, Jim stood behind a glass observation window, his face warring between frustration and amusement as I threw annoyed and mocking glances his way.

Finally, after a day of having my body, head, and blood examined, the doctors released me, much to my relief. I was thrilled that Jim was there to meet me, but his serious expression told me that my time here wasn't over yet.

"I'd love to take you back to the ship, but I'm only allowed to take you to the cafeteria for a quick bite to eat. Then I've got to escort you to the quarters they've assigned you," Jim said apologetically. "I hope that's okay."

"As long as I'm out of any type of sickbay, that's fine," I assured him. It was a brave front, however –the last thing I wanted was to be imprisoned in a set of quarters again, and from the look on his face, Jim understood that.

"It won't be for long," Jim said, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder. I hoped so.

We ate at the cafeteria, and after we finished, I was led to a nice, spacious set of rooms, far bigger than anything I'd had on the spaceships. In fact, they were the size of my apartment on Earth (which I very much hoped that Lydia was taking very good care of). It was a nice suite, but to my dismay, there was a set of guards standing outside, waiting for my arrival. It was too reminiscent of my situation with Khan, and I did not appreciate that.

One of the men was the head guard from earlier. "Sir, I've been asked to deliver a message from the Admirals," he said to Jim. "You are to return at once to the Enterprise with your other two crewmembers. Ensign Drake is to remain here until the Council has seen fit to release her back into your charge."

Jim clearly didn't like that, but orders were orders; he could hardly disobey. "Any idea how long this confinement of hers is supposed to last?" he asked, looking from one guard to the other.

The one in charge shook his head. "It'll take as long as it takes."

And that was that.

A week later, I was in front of the Starfleet Council. It was a horrible case of déjà vu, one that turned my stomach. My previous visit here had been because the Admirals had thought me worthy of being allowed to serve on the Enterprise –now they would determine whether or not I was a threat to every living person onboard.

While my blood was being tested, I had been ordered to partake in a few hand-to-hand bouts with some of my former instructors. Many were surprised at the progress I had made in the months since I'd graduated –my time with Khan had apparently been well-spent. Now, because of Khan's teachings and my body being modified by his scientist/doctor, I was faster and stronger, which led me to win most of the matches I fought in.

One thing that surprised me was that I had almost tossed one of my opponents clear off the mat before I forced myself to maintain control of my new abilities. Khan had been much stronger than me, which explained how I hadn't realized until that moment that I really had physically changed. One of my opponents, a Vulcan, had commented on it, and since Vulcans were significantly stronger than normal humans, that said a lot.

Then came target practice. I again surprised everyone, this time with the accuracy of my aim –before, I could hit the center of the target about half the time; now it came closer to ninety percent. I couldn't tell if everyone was worried, or impressed.

In the end, I felt like a pet dog or bear, told to do tricks and sit still while they took blood. The physical bouts had lasted for two days; for the other five, I was told not to leave the building. I could eat in the cafeteria, read anything I wanted in my rooms, and walk the halls (with guards in tow, of course), but nothing else. I wanted to contact my friends, but I was forbidden from doing so, by order of the Council.

Now, here I was, waiting to hear about their decision. I could tell there was tension in the air, and a bit of discontentment. My slightly protruding belly was also a concern, since it tended to draw the eye of everyone around me. It was nerve-wracking, and it took a lot of restraint on my part to stay ramrod straight at attention as I waited to hear what they had to say.

Admiral Barnett, head of the Council, looked at me from the central seat. "Ensign Drake, I am afraid that you are a subject that has caused great division amongst the Council. Half believe you to be a danger to not only your fellow crewmates and Captain, but to the general public. The advancement of your abilities in battle is alarming, and the medical community is still pouring over your blood samples, trying to see if it is possible to replicate the serum that the escapee, Khan, used on you."

A female on the Council continued, "Your brain scans have also been the talk of the medical community. Many would like to study how it is some of your brain functions have improved, while other sections haven't. But since that would likely cause you permanent brain damage, I believe they will have to simply wait until nature takes its course."

Wow, there was a happy thought. Somehow, I kept my face expressionless as an image of someone dissecting my brain flashed before my eyes.

Admiral Barnett took up the conversation once more. "The other half, however, has seen the advantage of having someone of your skill set aboard the Enterprise. With the far-ranging, dangerous missions we have in mind for that particular ship and crew, you would prove invaluable in protecting your Captain and fellow crewmates. We have also considered the reports provided to us by your crewmates, and have taken their recommendations to heart."

After giving a swift look around at his fellow admirals, Admiral Barnett focused on me once more. "Scans of your brain have caused the doctors to believe that you have not been brainwashed to turn against your own people –as far as anyone can tell. You are superior to humans in many ways, but not to the extent of Khan and his people. So, if worst comes to worst on a mission and you turn against them, we've given your people permission to take you down in any way possible."

I blinked at him. "I'm sorry?"

Barnett gave me a weak smile. "We've decided to allow you to return to the Enterprise. You will return to your old position, and continue working with Dr. McCoy, under the leadership of Captain James Kirk."

Swallowing hard, I struggled to ask a very important question. "And…my baby?"

"Ah, now there's a touchy topic," Barnett admitted. "It is human, but with Khan's genetic material, there is very little we know about it. However, it would be morally and ethically wrong to separate a mother and child, no matter what the age of the youngster. You may keep your child and raise him aboard the Enterprise –with one condition."

I swallowed again. Here it comes…

"We require that Dr. McCoy keep a constant eye on the child, and that he maintain a medical file on it. He will need to take blood and brain scans on each significant achievement the boy makes, and send his results to our medical staff, for them to analyze and study. The results might prove beneficial, or they could prove pointless, but we would rather be safe than sorry."

I almost collapsed in relief. "Thank you, Sirs. I very much appreciate all of this."

Admiral Barnett nodded. "Captain Kirk and his second-in-command will arrive within the hour to retrieve you. Please fetch anything you wish to take with you, then proceed to the shuttle bay. You're dismissed, Ensign."

Taking a deep breath, I saluted, turned and left, relief flooding through me as I hurried down the hall. I was finally going home!

Sitting in his quarters, James Kirk stared out his window and wondered about his present situation –namely Ria and her baby. She had been given permission to return to duty, much to the thrill of her friends, and the surprise and dismay of the rest of Jim's crew. Of course, there was a particular reason she had been allowed back aboard.

"With the constant traveling the Enterprise will do, it will be far more difficult for Khan to find her, if that's his intention," Admiral Barnett had told him privately. "A moving target is harder to hit, after all, and we truly do believe that with what enhancements that have been made to her, Ensign Drake will be an asset to you and your people, and be able to hold her own in a fight."

While Jim had no problem with having Ria back aboard, it was her infant that was troubling him. His own close group of friends and officers were uneasy about Ria having Khan's son, but if Ria herself didn't want to give up the child, they wouldn't try and persuade her otherwise. They would try and help her in any way they could, like good friends did.

The rest of the crew was another matter. They remembered what had happened the last time they had encountered Khan, and to have Ria aboard, pregnant with that madman's baby, was a topic of hot discussions.

Mostly, Ria herself was regarded as a victim of Khan's madness, and the crew were willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. No, the talk was about how the child would turn out when it grew up. Many hoped that the boy would be like his mother, but with half of Khan's genetic makeup, Jim had a feeling that any temper tantrums the kid had were going to be interesting, to say the least.

Then there was the matter of Khan himself. If he was any kind of father, he would no doubt want his child back, and if he found out where it was, Jim was going to have a fight on his hands.

'Not that I'm one to run from a battle,' he admitted. He was fond of Ria, and was more than willing to take Khan on again to keep her safe. 'And if it comes to keeping her son safe, I'll put up the best damn fight possible.'

What a mess. Still, it was too late to change his mind –orders had been given, and he had to carry them out. Besides, they could use a constant bit of excitement aboard, to keep them on their toes.

AN: Longer chapter this time. More to follow next week!