AN: So to start off, thanks so very much to the 23 of you who have favorite-ed this story, I really hope you continue to love it. And a big thanks to my 35 people who have this story on alert (I'm aware some of you overlap, so double thanks :D). Hope you like my attempt at action.

2258 – August 3rd

Chris lounged in her chair on the Bridge beside one of her closest friends when the soft beep caught her attention.

"Capitan," Uhura said, grinning just a little too much, "We're receiving a message from StarFleet Command. Would you like to view it here or in your ready room?"

Jim shrugged. "Eh, might as well see it here. I don't think I've done anything to deserve a chewing out." Chris snickered and felt the amusement of the entire bridge crew. Everyone knew all about the calls Jim got once in a while by some Admiral telling him off for one stupid mistake or another. Usually for him going on Away missions when he probably shouldn't.

The face on the screen made Chris smile though, and she knew it wasn't a chewing out message. Her Father had been as impetuous as Jim in his early years too. "Hello Enterprise Crew. Jim, you better be taking café of my girl, if there's a scratch on her when you get back I'll be deeply annoyed." Chris blushed as Jim shot a glance at her, snickering. Spock lifted a brow in his curiosity and she made a quick 'later' motion with her hand.

"You next mission is to return to the Gemini Base, collect the new mining and medical equipment for Vulcan II and deliver it safely to the Colony. There's been some spotty reports about piracy in the area and we can't take chances." The indignant fury that had slowly been building in Jim dissipated slightly at the word 'piracy'. Her friend grinned like an idiot. "Once there see to the Colony, make sure they have everything they need, then see if you can substantiate these claims about pirates." He saluted them and grinned. "Be Safe. Admiral Pike out." The screen went black.

"Well then!" Jim said exuberantly, looking excited. "Lets go hunt pirates." The crew chuckled. "Sulu, set in a course for Gemini Starbase."

"Aye Aye Capitan." Chris watched as the cute man's fingers moved swiftly over the console. Why was he single? She wondered, he's cute enough, and smart as a whip, and not nearly as awkward as Chekov… "Course laid in, we should arrive at the StarBase in two days, and then at Vulcan II four days after we depart from Gemini."

"Wonderful. Good work Sulu. Lets shake a leg. Pirate hunting sounds like fun." Jim said happily. "Miss Uhura, could you please get ahold of Gemini and let them know to expect us? Ask them how long it should take to get all the supplies on board."

"Yes Capitan." Uhura said, turning to her console.

Jim turned to Chris. "How do you like your dad reminding me not to let you get 'a scratch'?" He teased.

She grinned. "Oh, I think it's sweet. I keep sending messages to his doctor reminding him that if he fucks up he's got the legendary Enterprise crew more than willing to visit Earth and kick his ass." There was a series of soft words of agreement.

"How is de Admiral doing, Chwis?" Chekov asked.

"He says he's good but I think he misses us. He keeps dropping hints that he'll be back on a ship as soon as he can." She said, smiling fondly, remembering the transmissions from her Father. She got them once a week, of not more. He really was a worry wort.

"He's a lot like his daughter." Jim said grinning. "Too much wanderlust to settle."

"I disagree, Capitan." Spock said blankly, everyone turned to look at him. "I believe that he is simply not used to being able to relax. As you pointed out, he is Lieutenant Charis' father." She shot her friend a quizzical look. "It could not have been a relaxing, stress-free occupation."

Jim burst out laughing as Chris spluttered for a moment. "Oh God… someone get Bones up here. Spock made a JOKE!" Jim roared and the crew began laughing. Spock remained impassive but Chris saw the amusement in his eyes.

"I did no such thing Capitan." Spock said. "I simply expressed my opinion as to his desires to return to active duty."

Chris huffed, faking hurt. "You are all so mean." She pouted at the screen. "I mean I only blew up the house that once…" She let the sentence trail off and the crew simply laughed harder, Chris joined them, smiling. THIS was her home, This was perfect.

"Capitan," Uhura said after everyone had slipped back into a comfortable silence.

"Yes Uhura?" Jim asked, Chris saw the twitch of his lips saying he'd just caught himself before making a less than professional remark.

"Gemini says it should take them six hours to load us up with supplies for Vulcan II. And they'll be waiting for us." Uhura said, then she blushed. "Sir." She added.

Chris grinned. They were all still a little awkward about titles and professionalism. Except for Spock, but that man was one of a kind. Which was possibly a good thing because no one else could stand it if there were another Spock. Chris secretly thought it was funny that there WAS a second Spock and that they were going to see him soon…

She brightened at the thought. She could see the Older Spock! She could talk to him and maybe talk out her damnedable feelings for HER Spock… wait… was he HER Spock? She shook her head. Yes, he was Her Spock in that he was from Her timeline, belonging to the same universe as her, not Hers like she wished he was… If she did, which she didn't… She frowned.

"Alrighty Chekov, tell the crew what's going on." Jim said, forcing her from her confusing, muddled thoughts. She fought a giggle. Chekov and the world Vulcan was a funny mix…

"Mai I haff yur attention please. At oh-swix- hundred hours we receiwed orders from Starfleet Kommand." Chekov said, looking into the little camera. Chris grinned. She adored that kids accent… so damned cute. "We are to return to Gemini Starbase and kollect supplies for the new Wulcan two kolony." She heard Jim snicker under his breath. Jim liked the kid's V's because they became W's. Chris had to agree that the word Vulcan was much funnier when Chekov said it. "After dropping de supplies off at Wulcan two we shall begin a search for pirates seen in the area. We will arriwe at Gemini in two days. Sank you for your time."

Snickering nearly silently Jim said. "Great job Chekov. Dunno what we'd do without you." Chekov smiled under the praise and Chris had to fight back a sigh. The kid… hero-worshiping Jim like that made him so happy to please, but it only made him look MORE like an adorably curly puppy.

August 5th

As always the docking at Gemini was flawless, Sulu was a great pilot (even if he did forget the parking break that one time), and they were exactly on time. It was a great precedent to set, Chris thought, as she dashed to the transporter room. Starfleet Command would get word of their promptness and be pleased. Which was good because even if the Enterprise was their flagship, she was also the black sheep of the fleet.

She reached the transporter room and grinned at Scotty. "I need two hours, Jim said it was okay as long as I didn't take too much longer." She told her older friend.

Spock stepped onto the pad beside her. "I shall accompany you onto Gemini, I require a few things myself." He said, glancing at Scotty. "Energize Scotty."

The Scott muttered a few words about what he could do with his orders and maybe add a please because it wouldn't hurt. Spock pretended not to notice as they were engulfed in the swirling lights and dematerialized. Once on Gemini Spock turned to her.

"Might I ask why you are here?" His brow hadn't risen yet, he was merely making conversation as they wove their way through the crowded corridors toward the shops. "Anything you could wish to buy could also be delivered to the ship."

Chris blushed a deep emerald green. She REALLY didn't want to explain to Spock what she wanted to buy couldn't be delivered because then it would be on the manifest… And well… you just DON'T have vibrators on the manifest. Her favorite had died and she wanted to replace it before they went to the new colony… because… well… Spock plus heavy physical workload equaled a sweaty Spock and aside from great physical labor in the extreme heat there was only one way to make a Vulcan sweat.

She smiled up at him. "I just had to get off the ship. I like it here, always so many people, so many colors, smells, and sounds." A bullhorn went off behind them and she leapt a mile, to Spock's amusement (he lifted an eyebrow at her, his eyes laughing very slightly). "Anyway, I'll be going. I'll see you back on board." She said and tried to dash off, using her smaller size to let her weave through the crowd better.

Spock caught up with her quickly. Apparently a coldly staring Vulcan was creepy and people just moved aside for him, it was like the biblical parting of the Red Sea. "Chris, it would be logical to remain together. It is not entirely safe to be alone." He fell into step with her once more. He looked pristine as ever, she was breathing heavier. Damn Vulcans…

"Spock, that's really sweet of you and all, but I'd rather not have the company." She admitted, trying to fight away the blush. "I… I wanted to buy a few things I don't exactly want a friend… well… ANYONE to see." He looked mildly confused and she fought the urge to cry. "Private things." She said, trying to put the emphasis just right so he'd understand.

Those dark eyes widened minutely but comically (if you were paying attention) and his ears went green. "Ah… I understand. I shall…" He looked at a loss for words and Chris had to fight a giggle. Finally, something to make Spock speechless, the impression of sexy underwear…. 'Oh' she thought, 'now there's an idea. I haven't bought and cute under things for a while…'

But Spock rallied and composed himself, the blush disappearing and his expression returning to normal. "I shall meet you at the Fleet bar" (It was a chain, there was one at every Federation outpost) "in an hour. Is that enough time?"

She saw the slight green blush return to the tips of his ears. "Yes, should be. I'll see you there." And then she all but RAN away from him before he decided his curiosity outweighed his embarrassment and Vulcan sensibility. To her relief he did NOT follow her.

Spock purchased the insense he did not trust to the cargo handlers (it had been shattered and utterly useless last time) and waited quietly in a corner booth of the Fleet bar, sipping on a water with lime. He tried very desperately not to think about the 'private things' Chris would possibly desire to purchase. His mind, unfortunately, kept supplying him with the possibilities that he knew of, underwear.

He knew from the summer he had spent mostly with her and working, that Chris had a very extensive collection of casual and formal wear. Perhaps she was purchasing something to attempt to attract the man she was interested it… He stopped that through before it could fully form, preventing the dark rage he'd been feeling since she admitted to her predicament. He'd realized what the dark emotion was… it was hate. He wasn't sure how one could hate someone one has never met, but he hated the man who had Chris' heart… and he wasn't sure why…

"Hey, pretty lady, what did you buy?" Asked a very loud, very slurred voice. He heard movement and turned to look. He fought a frown when he saw a very large Cardassian standing over Chris as she clutched a bag and glared at the stranger. Spock stood and made his way slowly to them, Chris might not need his assistance. Though his 'heart' was screaming for him to step in immediately he knew, logically, that Chris was both capable and very proud.

"None of your business, Civilian, now please step aside." Chris snapped, trying to step past the man.

He wouldn't have any of that, placing an arm of the bar, blocking Chris' path with his body. "Aw now, pretty thing, lets have a look!" Quick as a wink the alien snatched her bag and opened it for the entire bar to see. Had he looked, which he did NOT, he would have seen a black and white lace bra and matching underwear… "You gonna wear these for me tonight sweetheart?" He asked.

Spock watched Chris vibrate in anger, her blue and green eyes darkening with her rage. "You will give me that back before I reach the count of three, or you will be in serious pain." She snarled, her fists balling up. "One." She said. No one moved. "Two." There were chuckles as the idiot continued to defy her… "Three." She said, smiling a very dark little smile.

Her fists flew and there was a series of cries of pain. Chris scooped up her bag, stepped over the alien, and grabbed Spock's arm. "Lets go." Chris said, "I'm not in the mood for a drink anymore."

"Indeed." Spock said, stepping over the Cardassian. Chris followed, stepping on the alien, who groaned in pain.

"He the one you wear those for?" The alien asked when they were fifteen or so feet from the door. "Pansy let you fight your own battles."

Spock turned and saw the idiot trying to stand. "May I?" He asked Chris quietly. She nodded. He strode forward, caught the man's shirt, and lifted him clean off the floor. "I allow her to beat you because you had a slightly better chance of defending yourself against her. Against me there would be even less of a chance for you." He dropped the alien, who crashed to the floor. "Also it seems that you are the 'pansy' for allowing a woman to defeat you."

He turned and strode back to a widely smiling Chris. Taking her arm he murmured, "I did have the correct definition of 'pansy' correct?"

She laughed softly as they exited the bar. "Yes, yes you did." Her hand tightened on his arm. "Thanks Spock."

"No thanks is needed, Chris. As I am sure you would say, 'what are friends for?'" He answered, feeling both light at earning her thanks and her beautiful smile, and heavy for a reason he couldn't quite place.

2258 - August 9th

Chris was ecstatic that Jim declared that Vulcan II was simply "too damned hot" and he wasn't going to require the Starfleet issue uniforms. She dressed in workable clothes, a generic white cotton tank top and jeans, but under them she couldn't help but wear her favorite bra (deep, bright green that showed through playfully). It was a fantastic thing, wireless but still the best thing for support, and it was incredibly comfortable.

She all but jogged to the transporter room, her regulation boots thumping out a quick rhythm through the halls, her long ponytail bouncing. She wanted to speak to Sarek, to both see how he was holding up and ask a quick favor, as well as to the Older Spock, to chew him out and then ask a WORLD of questions. She stepped into the transporter room and saw Jim and Bones. Both looked her over and she saw the playful heat in both their eyes.

"Good morning boys." She taunted, stepping up next to them.

"I will have you know Chris," Bones said, "I am a man, not a boy."

She rolled her eyes and grinned. "Mhmm, prove it. Say that while looking me in the eye." Spock walked in and she half noticed him hesitate, his eyes on the three of them, before stepping onto the platform and standing behind her, on the available pad.

"But you have such nice, pert breasts." McCoy said, ignoring Spock. No one noticed the Vulcan's hands tighten slightly before straightening out into a too tense relaxed stance. "I like to look at them."

Chris rolled her eyes again. "I also have very pretty eyes. You should like to look that them too."

Jim deliberately looked her in the eye. "Yes, you do." And then his eyes dropped again, to her ass instead of her chest. "And quite a lovely ass, if I do say so myself."

Chris fought the urge to smack them both on the backs of their heads. "Keep it up boys, I'll find a way to make you regret it." She flashed a smile at Spock. "Spock could tell you what I did to the stupid Cardassian in the Fleet bar at Gemini. I might be so inclined to reenact it for you." Spock's hands relaxed, still unnoticed by everyone.

A few particularly burly security members joined them on the pad and Jim looked at Scotty. "Beam us down, Scotty."

"Sir, yes sir." Scotty said playfully, waving at them. Chris wondered why the Scott was so adverse to taking Spock's orders but not Jim's… They appeared on Vulcan II and Chris tipped her head back, letting the hot sun's rays caress her cheeks.

"Holy Hell, it's hot." Jim groaned.

Chris spread her arms. "Yes…" she hissed in pleasure, like a cat in the sun she rolled her shoulders. "Isn't it heavenly?" She looked up and realized she was getting four dark glares and one amused Vulcan look. She promptly proved her age by sticking her tongue out at the humans.

"Greetings, Capitan Kirk." Came a familiar voice and a warm, familiar flavored set of emotions, friendly and pleased at their arrival.

"Greetings Ambassadors." Jim said, smiling at the older Spock and Sarek.

Chris felt the wash of HER Spock's sudden dislike and nearly shuddered at the conflicting emotions from the same (but different) emotional sources. Why didn't her Spock like Older Spock? She nodded politely to both men when their eyes turned to her, Sarek's distant but not unkind, Older Spock's open and friendly… loving.

"Greetings Ambassadors. It is good to see you both well." She said in perfect Vulcan, she felt Jim's mild annoyance and the shock of the security team.

"And you, Caris, daughter of Admiral Pike and Granddaughter of N'Kalia." Sarek answered. Chris fought a flinch at her Me'Me's name. "You may wish to know that N'Kalia has survived and is residing here."

She forced a smile, sensing the worry from both her Spock and the Older one… and in fact from Jim and Bones… Wait… how did they understand? She wondered before realizing that Sarek had spoken in Standard English. "I thank you, Ambassador Sarek, for the information." She replied in the same language.

"She wishes to see you." He continued. She couldn't stop the frown that pulled on her lips. "I shall accompany you there if it is alright with your Capitan." He glanced at Jim.

Jim looked at her, frowning, his eyes worried. She nodded minutely, letting him know she'd be alright. Jim frowned more, probably at the look in her eyes, but nodded. "Sure, but we need her back quickly if we're to stick to the schedule."

"I shall return her shortly." Sarek promised, turning to guide Chris. After a moments hesitation she squared her shoulders and walked after him.

Once out of hearing range of both Spocks she turned to her guide. "Sarek, I wish to ask a personal question." She said in Vulcan.

He glanced at her and she opened her empathy. "Go ahead," he responded in kind.

"How are you… without Amanda?" She asked gently.

She felt the flash of hurt, of loss, of loneliness. "I am…" he hesitated, obviously trying not to lie. "…surviving."

She offered him a wan smile. "That is all we can hope for." She answered sagely, knowing the feeling of total and complete loss.

"How is my son?" Sarek asked, his worry only obvious to her because she could feel it, overpowering her own mind for a moment until she shut down her gift.

"He is also surviving. Jim and I keep the senior crewmembers busy with both work and crew bonding activities. We're trying to give him something to hold on to, to take his mind off of it." She frowned slightly. "But I feel his sadness, at night, when he thinks us all asleep." She saw the flicker in Sarek's eyes. "He is surviving. I won't let it destroy him, I need him, he's my closest friend."

Sarek looked at her and she was startled to notice his eyes glittered not with sadness but something else. She opened back up her gift and was startled to feel his joy, his relief. "Amanda was right about you." Sarek admitted. "You are very good for Spock. She was very fond of you."

Chris felt the bitter tears spring to her eyes at the thought of Amanda. "I was very fond of her, too. She was… very much like I imagined my mother would be, had she survived."

"You also miss her." Sarek said, outwardly totally unaffected by her tears but she could feel his worry, his shock, and his… envy? Did he envy her in that she could cry?

"Very much so." She admitted. "But I try not to think about it," she admitted as she scrubbed the tears that fell onto her cheeks, "Otherwise I'd cry constantly."

"I understand." The older Vulcan admitted and Chris decided that… maybe Vulcans weren't so bad after all.

"Could I ask you a favor?" She asked Sarek as they came into view of a beautiful house.

"I may not agree, but you may ask." Sarek answered diplomatically.

"Do you… have any pictures of Amanda? I know she was really OCD about carrying Data disks with all the important information."

"Yes, we each had a copy of all our files. I do have images of her stored."

"Could I get a copy of them? Just the images of her, you, and young Spock."

"Might I ask why?" Sarek asked, stopping and looking at her.

Chris smiled softly. "Christmas gift for Spock. I'm working on something to help him remember her, always." She tipped her head to one side, contemplating the Vulcan before her. "I could send you a copy of the finished product."

Sarek's eyes actually SMILED very slightly at her as he nodded. "I shall have the files copied and give you the disk before you leave for the night." He looked at the house they stood outside of. "Shall I wait for you?"

Chris looked at the building and frowned. "No… I think I can find my way back. And I suppose this is one visit I ought to make alone."

"As you wish." Sarek said, spreading his fingers in the traditional Vulcan salute. "Live long and Prosper."

Chris copied the gesture. "Prosperity and Long Life, my Friend." She answered. Sarek turned and left, leaving her alone outside her Me'Me's house. She wondered if she could make a run for it then she the line of thought down. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she walked up to the house and knocked.

AN: My doves! I love you all! Last night we broke the 400 hits a day marker and I am just ESTATIC. We have officially doubled the number of reviews I've ever had for a single story, and I've gotten TONES of story alerts since I started this yesterday morning. Hope you enjoyed this update.

And remember, review = PREVIEW!!!