Slow Way Home
Chapter 18

[Day 26 of 45]

Gaila was walking through the ship when she caught sight of the Acting Captain up ahead of her, talking to a young Lieutenant in Science Blue. Approaching hesitantly she saw her dismiss the young lieutenant who hurried toward Engineering.

"Captain," Gaila said as she approached and Jim turned, looking composed and all formal until she saw who it was.

"Oh, hi Gaila," Jim said relaxing. "He's good at space walking so he and two other are going to do their best to walk through Deck six and report damage and power leaks so that we can reroute the power manually since doing it automatically didn't help." Jim said and Gaila nodded. She was tech, Science. She knew that.

"Hey, Jim, I have a question," Gaila asked, her mind really going odd places that day and she didn't know why as they headed toward Jim's quarters.

"Shoot," Jim said, people stopping and standing respectfully before moving on. Gaila noticed Jim's eyes noticed each person that did that.

"Why is your name spelt J.A.M.I.E. I mean, the correct feminine spelling is J.A.I.M.E." Gaila told her friend who actually snorted.

"My mom's not the brightest. Dad said he wanted me named after her dad so that's what she did. Masculine nickname for the name James. Jamie. Hence a lot of teasing growing up," Jim told her and that answered a lot of questions. "Mom really is a dumb ass, then again, so were some other people that shall not be named."

"Who?" Gaila asked, feeling like she missed something as they entered the commander's quarters. Jim watched the door close.

"Pike is a dumbass, " Jim said and Gaila did a double take. Jim and Pike were close friends. He doted on Jim, spoiled her and the twins really. Jim looked up to him as a mentor and surrogate father figure. She looked to him for guidance and security. So what the hell happened?

"What did he do?" Gaila asked, moving to sit on the far end of the couch and Jim sat on the other end, knees pulled up underneath her.

"He lied about how well he knew my parents. He was their friend, not just an acquaintance. And he's been molding my life because of some promise to my dad," Jim said and Gaila stood there shocked. That did not sound like Pike.

"Okay, I get them being friends, and him watching out for you from afar. But molding your life?" Gaila asked.

"He has digital receipts for trips I took, which he paid for. Of my schooling transcripts, of clippings of awards I got," Jim said. As she listed the things she knew that Jim wasn't used to somebody older taking an interest. She had no idea how parents reacted, interacted with their children. She hadn't gotten to that stage. The twins were four – and while they were meant to be in daycare they were learning at advanced levels – Jory already in high school, low high school but high school, while she was in elementary to low junior school.

To Gaila it sounded like a dad keeping mementos of their child's accomplishments rather than anything more insidious. Since Pike never married and never had children, Gaila figured watching out for his friend's kid would be the closest he'd ever get to having one of his own. So he would be proud of her.

"Honey, you mentioned a Promise, what was it?" Gaila asked, scooting toward Jim who looked heartbroken. She squeezed her hand as Jim shrugged. "So maybe you should talk to him."

"Hell no," Jim said, pulling away so she could get up and pace. "I am not ready to face that man."

"You do realize, what you described is what a father would do for their child," Gaila said bluntly and Jim stopped pacing. Her back was to Gaila. "Keeping things because they are proud of their accomplishments. Paying for things that their kids want or need. Though the secret about your parents was a dick move."

"Agreed," Jim said. "Change of subject." With that Jim flopped, and Gaila could see that Jim just wasn't ready to deal with anything. So she decided to agree with what she said.

"So… what will you do anywhere from June to August?" Gaila asked, going to another hard subject. Jim looked at her confused. "When Danni gives birth?" Jim inhaled sharply.

"I don't know. If things aren't shit then I will have graduated and be posted on a ship by then, hopefully with my husband and kids. I don't know how I'll handle being on a ship somewhere while having a new baby," Jim admitted.

"Well, maybe they'll have this fixed and you can captain and have all of us," Gaila said with a squeak, arms extended wide and Jim laughed.

"Maybe, doubtful but maybe. I'm not looking forward to the day Danni gives birth," Jim admitted. "I mean… the idea of being a mom again is thrilling but losing Danni…"

"Yeah. You and she had similarities and bonded over being outsiders on your husband's world," Gaila said. Jim smiled. "Have you visited her?"

"Every other day to every third day. She's getting worse so there is no hope anymore that she'll pull through this. They aren't even sure if she'll last until delivery. They may have to operate eventually," Jim admitted.

"I've gone four times," Gaila admitted. "It's hard to see her. She and I… we weren't as close as you and I are or you and she are but… I liked her and… seeing her like that knowing it's because she lost her husband. Makes me worry about you."

Jim looked at her. "Why?"

"Because that could be you… if you lost Spock. I may hate how sad he used to make you but seeing that, makes me worry. And the fact Vulcans have been collapsing from losing their bondmates on the ship makes me worry for him too," Gaila admitted. "No more deep though. How are things going with you two?"

"Good, we've talked, got issues out of the way," Jim began and Gaila booed that.

"I meant have you finally gotten laid yet. You know Sex. Made the beast with two backs. Done the horizontal tango?" Gaila asked. Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. Spock walked into the room and as he entered, his ears went green but he walked by as if nothing was occurring. "So you have. Details, positions, and all the kinky details." Jim chuckled as Gaila watched Spock pick up his pace until he was in the office. Then the pair were laughing nonstop.

[Sorry, I was planning to update when I got seventeen done but I was inspired and continued on to this chapter. Anyways, I would like to thank everyone who has stayed with me this far. And I would like to thank anyone who has favorited and/or followed this story. I would also like to give a special thanks to MirrorFlower and DarkWind, TwilightNewMoonEclipseMidnight, Hikaru Uchida, animechick1998, seacat03, Hina Ata, beauty0102, CHANCEGAMBIT, Riskreader, and Elle for your reviews.]