Thank you to everyone who read or reviewed/left a comment for the last chapter. Also, thank you to everyone that favorite this story or gave kudos.

We have another classic Motown song for this chapter. Again, I was completely stuck on how I wanted to write this chapter until I heard this song again.

Inspired by Reach Out and I'll Be There.

Performed by the Four Tops

Now when you're lost and about to give up

'Cause your best just ain't good enough

And you feel the world has grown cold

And you're driftin' on your own

When you need a hand to hold

Darling, reach out

Reach out, for me.

I'll be there to love and comfort you

Chapter 4: Reach out for me

There are certain calls that no one in Starfleet likes to make. Anything involving the illness or death of a family member usually falls under this category. Admiral Pike made a lot of those calls over the course of his long Starfleet career and it never got easier. He was secretly thankful for his incapacitation during the Vulcan catastrophe, because it would have killed him to have to make that many calls to unsuspecting mothers, fathers, siblings, or lovers. The one he received about his former first officer was hard enough. The tears always got to him. It broke his heart every time.

Yet, it was worse when he had to tell one of his crewmembers that a family member died. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that in Starfleet death was expected. It seemed like once a week, a redshirt managed to get him or herself blown up. But those living on planet were supposed to be safe, partially because of what they're doing in Starfleet. When something happens that shatters that illusion, it is disconcerting at the very least. The body of a teenager who died of blunt force trauma, most likely at his stepfather's hands, shattered that illusion into a billion pieces.

Christopher wasn't looking forward to telling Jim Kirk that the body found buried in his old barn was that of his brother who disappeared nearly 15 years ago or that the experts are sure he died a very violent death. Chris was trying to delay it as long as possible, but he was already getting pushed from Amanda to just man up and do it. (Don't ask him how she knows, because the woman could get him to confess to the things that the Romulans could not.) He was half tempted to let her call her son-in-law and tell him but technically she wasn't even supposed to know. This would be so much easier if she was with him.

He couldn't wait any longer when he started getting 'special' emails from Jim. The first was a basic status report regarding the massacre on NC17X. Not exactly what you want to read first thing in the morning, especially when Jackson was already pounding on his door. The guy was furious that Jim sent everything to him. He wasn't happy, but Pike reminded him that Enterprise was his ship and anything that happened would be reported to him and not Jackson. Personally, he would love to know how Jackson found out about the report, but Chris is sure that it was probably illegal and would induce a headache. The completely distasteful encounter involved lots of fighting and several unpleasant orders that he now needs to convey to Jim personally, because he sure as hell wasn't letting Jackson do it.

After the meeting with Jackson, that made him want to run over the guy with his chair, he really had no choice but to contact Jim. Due to the sensitivity of the issue a 'live' chat was necessary. Of course, a 'live' chat would be a red flag because everybody in Starfleet knows that when that happens usually somebody is dead.

Of course, he wasn't expecting to see Commander Uhura on screen when he told the junior communications officer to put him through to the captain. The last time she was acting captain, Jim and Spock were kidnapped during a First Contact that went badly and he had to deal with an hysterical Amanda.

"Do I even want to know why you're acting? You'd think after three years they would remember the regulation about not participating in the same idiotic 'guaranteed to get you killed or greatly injured' mission. Jim I understand, but I thought Spock had more common sense than that. Just tell me they're not dead," he said with a sigh.

In the last three years Jim and Spock have been simultaneously incapacitated 14 times. There's a reason why Commander Uhura has most of the traditional roles of first officer. Mostly because he and the majority of the admiralty believe that Jim and Spock will do something on a mission together that will get them both killed eventually, and they needed someone to be in charge. Don't get him wrong, they are a great team, but the two were responsible for the gray hair not caused by Amanda's teenage daughter.

"I'm glad you don't want to know why I'm acting, because I'm not even 100% sure why I'm acting captain right now. Jim just said it was my turn, after a really bad 'call' with Jackson a couple of hours ago." In his head, Pike is almost positive that Jackson visited him after yelling at Jim. That just made him suspicious of Jackson's motives. Also, if Jackson ordered what he told Pike to order, he had a pretty good idea why he was now talking to Acting Captain Uhura. Only Jim would try something like that to circumvent a direct order. Of course, this made Chris wonder why Jackson even showed up at his door this morning, unless he already knew that Jim wouldn't listen to anything coming from the man.

"Jim and Spock are alive and breathing. Due to the bundle of joy we found on NC17X, Jim and Spock may have to actually follow that regulation from now on. They are also preoccupied with said bundle of joy right now," she said with a snicker.

"Bundle of joy? I assume that you're referring to the child that was found. Why would that impact anything?" he asked in confusion.

"Did you get Jim's report?" the acting captain asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes and I have the headache to prove it. Jackson wasn't very forthcoming with explaining why the 2 ½-year-old was at the research facility." Jackson wouldn't answer any questions about that. Although, he did say he wanted the child in Starfleet custody and he didn't consider Enterprise 'Starfleet custody.' That was a red flag right there, considering that any child recovered in such a mission should be placed into Federation custody until guardians can be found, and that would be Jim or Dr. Cruz until they arrived at the nearest Starbase. Something wasn't right.

"I would love to find out the answer to that especially, because he sees David as a science experiment. Check your email for copies of all the messages that Jackson has been sending. Most are direct orders for Jim to stop investigating. Of course, Jim is not in charge at the moment but…" He cuts her off then, knowing where this was going.

"Don't tell me, I need plausible deniability." He also didn't want this to be on the record and unfortunately this conversation was on the record.

"How's the kid doing?" he asked with concern. No child should have to deal with something like that.

"He's sleeping after Spock did what we are referring to as a medical mind meld. It was the only way to calm him down after he found out about his mom and his 'aunt Becky'. It was horrible. He kept crying and throwing his teddy bear at Jim. Jim is now down there sleeping in sick Bay with Spock and his stepson." Okay he wasn't expecting her to say that.

"Stepson?"

"I'm guessing you didn't get that email entitled: 'Congratulate me I'm a stepfather because my husband's ex-girlfriend was a sociopathic bitch that like to play God'," she joked; however, considering this was Jim Kirk, he probably did send Chris an email like that. What followed was a long conversation about the whole sordid situation.

"I think I would've called sooner if I knew any of these details," he said in shock.

"I am sure Jackson intercepted that message or anything else related to baby David. I know what he said to Jim during their initial conversation and the guy wants David away from Enterprise." Chris now understands the strange request involving the child found on the planet. He didn't understand why Jackson wanted the child so badly. Although, it probably has something to do with the fact he doesn't want anyone on Enterprise to look at any of the data files or possibly the child's DNA profile. He almost wondered if the two-year-old bi-species child, created without parental consent, was part of that research.

"I'm not surprised considering the conversation I had with Jackson an hour ago. If I had known this then, I would be asking Jackson harder questions about the two-year-old being at the research facility, considering he was created without his father's knowledge. No wonder he's trying to send his own people to take over the investigation and arranged for Enterprise to be busy playing diplomatic ferry," he said before giving her the details.

He also told her that he was going to do anything in his power to stop that because he doesn't trust Jackson. Most of the new regime didn't trust Jackson at all, so it wouldn't be that hard. He may have also reminded her that Jackson, unfortunately, had applied his orders to Jim, not to the Captain of Enterprise. Therefore, because she was now in charge, she could do what was in the best interest of Starfleet.

"At least, Ambassador Selek will be among the diplomats we will be picking up. That might not be a bad thing," she said, looking away.

"Probably not, considering the situation. He is a recognized mind Healer and that might be needed right now. However, we both know this is just a means to get Enterprise away from that planet. Unfortunately, the connection to Carol gives him enough grounds to justify sending another team to investigate, now that Enterprise has secured the scene, despite the blow to the budget." That was annoying. Jackson nickeled and dimed every other project in Starfleet, but would break the bank for his own special projects.

"Too bad the as-idiot underestimated Jim Kirk. Jim officially prohibited Spock from participating in the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest. Maybe that's why he named me acting captain, to avoid any appearance of impropriety," she said with a twinkle in her eye as she just figured out why she was now acting captain.

"I'm sure that's the reason. Marshall's not back, is he?" he asked, knowing all about that. Other than Richard, he was one of the few that knew how bad things really got during the Nero incident. (That was mostly because Amanda tells him everything.)

"Wait, how do you know about that?"

"You don't think that I wouldn't know if a member of my command team has a history of mental illness?" Chris told her. Of course, the real reason why he knew was Amanda, but he wasn't going to tell anyone that.

"Are you sure it's not because you are practically dating his mom?" she asked so pointedly that he started coughing profusely.

"Maybe you should just let me talk to Jim. These type of calls are not cheap," he said as his breathing started to return to normal.

"Will I need to bring him chocolate or liquor afterward? The fact that you're actually calling and not doing this in an email has me worried. That usually only happens when somebody is dead."

Unfortunately, he couldn't keep a straight face. Her response was to illustrate her vast knowledge of Klingon curse words.

"It's not Amanda?" she asked, worried.

"No." He wasn't even sure he could make that call. It would kill him. Amanda was the most important person in his life right now.

"I didn't think so. You're too calm for it to be her."

"Why does everyone think I'm in love with my best friend?"

"I didn't say love, sir," she said with a smile that he found disconcerting.

"Just put me through to Jim," he ordered.

"Not until I know what I'm going to have to deal with. Jim is my friend and I'm not sure how much more he can take right now. Also, he kind of needs to sleep. He was up for 30 hours straight because of what happened." Considering this was the woman who managed to incapacitate a full-grown Vulcan on the verge of a nervous breakdown for the sake of friendship, he was afraid of her. She may be a subordinate, but she was terrifying. She would do anything for her friends.

"When demolishing the old barn on the Kirk farm property they found the body. A forensic anthropologist has confirmed that the body is that of George Samuel Kirk, Junior." Again, he heard lots of Klingon curse words before he was able to explain the details of what happened. She became extremely detached as he spoke.

"I will tell him," she said sternly without blinking.

"No, I need to," he argued back.

"Not right now. It's been a bad couple of hours. Jim is already upset that he got there too late to save anybody but David. Then, he finds out that the child he rescued is his husband's biological child created by means and for reasons unknown. Finally, we have been having to deal with Jackson, who keeps calling and sending emails like crazy. Which is why your call was sent directly to me," she explained. He was definitely going to have to speak to Jackson earlier than planned.

"I really think I should do it," he argued again. If this was anyone else he would consider this insubordination.

"I'll take care of it, Admiral. Besides, we are starting to lose our signal and you should concentrate on making sure Jackson doesn't get his hands on David or get rid of the research material left behind." He's not surprised that the captain of Enterprise hung up on him. (It wouldn't be the first time.) He's just surprised she did. Considering that she's the Chief communications officer, when she is not acting, he is sure that he will not be able to get back through for hours, if not days.

Of course, he knows Amanda could get through and he probably should go break the news about the grand baby as gently as possible.

How exactly do you tell your closest friend that the body of his brother, who has been missing for the last 15 years, has been found in his old barn? Even under the best of circumstances, that would be a difficult conversation. She remembered all too well making that highly uncomfortable call to her aunt when the paramedics were unable to revive her mom. She hated giving this type of news. She has only had to do it a couple of times in the line of duty and each time it hurts.

Maybe she should have allowed Pike to do it, but she was sure Jim would take the news better from her. At least, he could curse at her and not worry about being brought up on charges. (Of course, she probably will get in trouble for the 'communications malfunction' if anyone will be able to prove what she did. Fortunately, she's friends with most of engineering and they've taking care of it. Besides, it was worth the risk to avoid further communication from Jackson. You can't violate orders that you don't receive.)

She had a very long talk with Leonard, mostly against her will, because he caught her crying in her brand-new bathroom when she moved the first of her things in there. (She's 100% positive Dr. Cruz was playing matchmaker with the room assignment, but she'd rather share a bathroom with Leonard than Gaila.) Leonard pretty much told her that she had to tell Jim the first chance she got. Delaying would just make it worse. Of course, she wasn't expecting that to happen an hour later when she finally had a chance to move everything else out of her old room for David.

"You really don't have to do this," Jim said as he folded one of her many uniforms into a box.

"We can come up with some other arrangement for David. Besides, he won't even leave Spock right now. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be sharing my bed and husband with a 2 ½-year-old for at least the next month." Considering that Jim was not smiling, he was not joking at all. After David woke up this morning, he wouldn't let go of Spock. He has even followed Spock into the men's room.

"Although, maybe you are looking for an excuse to be Bones' new neighbor," Jim said with a lascivious smirk that she wanted to wipe off his face as quickly as possible.

"Is David still holding on to Spock for dear life? I'm personally surprised he managed to maneuver through the cafeteria with a two-year-old clinging to his leg. " She mentioned this to avoid all Bones-related comments, but that really did happen this 'morning'.

"Essentially yes, but it's been less than 24 hours. Margarita said things should calm down once he is sure that Spock will not just disappear. Spock said his emotions are all over the place and the physical contact is soothing. Once your BFF gets here with his personal effects, maybe he will calm down just a little."

In an effort to honor the letter of the law and not its spirit, they sent Gaila to go down with the security team to retrieve David's things and try to recover as much data as possible. Jackson specifically ordered Jim not to do that, but he didn't say anything about anyone else on Enterprise. After listening to Jim's conversation with Jackson, she knew it was best to not follow these particular orders. Something wasn't quite right. When the lab was attacked, someone initiated the self-destruct sequence and most of the computers were fried.

Under normal circumstances, the research was gone for good. However, Enterprise has three of the top computer minds in the galaxy. Short of incineration, it was still highly probable that they can recover everything.

"I thought Vulcans don't like being touched," she said, sort of confused. "Spock only lets me hug him on my birthday," she joked.

"Not by hostile strangers or horny cadets who have a crush on their professor," he said, referring to her extremely embarrassing behavior at the Academy. "But being held by a parent that loves you unconditionally can be quite comforting. At least, that's what my husband told me and that does explain why he secretly made out with me when I was convinced we were just friends." She laughed at that. Really, it was hilarious that he was completely oblivious to the fact that Spock was hitting on him for about nine months.

"I think it's just easier for everybody if I relocate because I know you're not going to want a 2 ½-year-old interrupting fun chess playing make out sessions," she said laughingly. Maybe if she keeps the conversation light she can get around to telling him about Sam.

"Very funny," he said, folding another of her uniform tops. Okay, she was never going to be able to tell him about his dead brother.

"You know you don't have to help. Don't you have captain things to do?" she asked, because the longer he stayed here the more likely she was going to be forced to tell him about Sam and she really did not want to.

"No, because you're captain now and that means you have to deal with Jackson. May I just say, I think your solution of us having unexpected 'communications issues' is brilliant."

"I didn't do anything to the communication system. You know we have problems sometimes," she said, not looking at him.

"Don't tell me, I need plausible deniability. I don't blame you for avoiding Jackson. Although before your brilliant move he did already order me not to go anywhere near the lab. As you know, despite the exorbitant expense, he's planning on sending his own special team to clean up. Apparently because my husband's ex-girlfriend was one of those slaughtered, I have a conflict of interest and therefore should not take part of the investigation," Jim said with annoyance.

"I know I may have played back that particular conversation after you stepped down to avoid said conflict of interest. Also, I realized he didn't say anything about sending another computer genius down there to recover everything before his cleanup team gets here."

"God, you're good. I'm glad I'm not the only one who does not trust Jackson. Something is just not quite right about this entire situation. For example, why was David even on the planet? The new regulation about kids on missions has not gone into effect yet. Also, why does he want us to turn David over to the security team, when we're going to be carrying a bunch of delegates back to earth anyway, even if he wasn't related to anyone on board?" She has been thinking the same thing. The scientific mission on NC17X is essentially an urban legend of Starfleet. Considering that its scientific designation is very close to the old earth rating for explicit movies, there were a lot of dirty jokes about the mission. It would be highly ironic if it did have something to do with bioengineering or the creation of life. Unfortunately, they're not going to have any idea what's really going on until the team recovers something.

"I don't blame you for being suspicious. I know I am," she told him honestly.

"This whole thing has been suspicious since we got the distress call. One of the scientists murdered everyone else and easily got away. I sent a report about what happened to only Pike and somehow Jackson knew about it before the message even arrived in San Francisco. My stepson is 43% Vulcan, when he should only be a quarter and we're not completely sure what type of project they were working on. Also, Jackson is in charge, which right there sends a giant red flag up. The guy should've been kicked out with everyone else after the great purging, but somehow Jackson gets to stay around because of some ministry project that is so classified that I barely have the clearance to know that there is such a project."

"That still doesn't explain why you're helping me. You really don't have to."

"I feel like I owe you. You're helping me deal with the Jackson thing. Again the communications thing was brilliant."

"I didn't do anything. And if I did, it wasn't just about Jackson. I- where is Spock?" she asked abruptly. She just couldn't bring up Sam.

"Father-son therapy session with Doctor Cruz. I thought I would give them a moment." She translates that as 'I'm helping you pack because I don't want to deal with the big scary therapist and toddler'. "Besides, I should help you turn this into David's room," he said as an excuse.

"So that's why you're here. I'll be fine. Go and find your husband. I'm sure he can use you. Have you even talked to him about everything?" she said poignantly.

"I'm not trying to avoid him." Nyota just gave him the look again. "I'm not. Okay, I may be trying to avoid Margarita, but she scares me with the parenting books and other things. Spock and I talked a little this morning before David woke up and was discharged from sick Bay. We don't want to say anything around David that will upset him." That would sound logical to anybody but her. She knows that Jim and Spock talk to each other in their heads most of the time.

"Yes, but you guys don't always need words."

"It's a little hard even psychically with David around. He kind of picks up on everything right now. He's essentially psychically eavesdropping without even trying," Jim explained with a sigh.

"Everything?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure, but I do not want to find out. I think we traumatize the child enough. Also, he keeps throwing his teddy bear at me." She laughs at that before she notices Jim sad expression and shuts up quickly.

"Why?"

"I personally think he's mad at me for not saving his mommy or more likely his 'Becky'. The first time was after Spock and I told him about everything." She remember that.

"Yet, that's not the worst reaction you have received from a grieving person. Didn't someone punch you once?" she said, looking poignant. She hoped his reaction wouldn't be that bad when she told him about Sam. She knew he would never hit her, but the wall was fair game. How was she going to do this?

"Yes, and I really don't want to find out how strong a two-year-old Vulcan is," Jim said with a shiver.

"You're freaking out for no good reason. He's two!" she exclaimed.

"My brother blamed me for my dad dying and two-year-olds are even less rational than four-year-olds." Her face fell as soon as he mentioned Sam. She hoped that he didn't see that.

"I doubt your brother really thought that." It took all of her inner strength to repress the desire to cry as she spoke.

"That's what Sam said when we were little. It's not like I can ask him about it now. He's been gone for a long time. I kind of wish he was still around so I could ask what it's like to lose a parent from the perspective of a four-year-old." Her only response was to hug him. She couldn't tell him the truth. The words were stuck in her throat. "A part of me hopes that someday he will pop up on one of these distant planets alive and happy." She wanted to cry but couldn't because that would tell him too much. "I have no idea what I'm doing right now. I just wish I had a mom or a brother to talk to."

"You still have a mother-in-law who is currently raising a four-year-old. You'll be fine. You're good at jumping in headfirst," she said, pulling out of the hug as she put on a fake smile.

"I don't want to be Frank." The name made her shiver. After her talk with Pike, she had a pretty good idea who killed Sam. It was probably the same bastard who killed his mom. She felt sick.

"You won't be. Go play with your stepson before you have captain things to do. You know I hate taking over for you longer than absolutely necessary," she said, literally pushing him towards his own room.

Once he was gone, she was halfway tempted to break into her emergency alcohol stash, but she remembered that was already safely in her new bedroom. She needed a drink and therefore decided to take the things already packed to her new room. Considering she was acting, she probably will get called out again at any moment. She was glad nobody saw her in the hallway because she was already on the verge of tears. She barely made it to the safety of her new room before she was crying. She was too distraught to engage the privacy lock and Leonard walked in on her. Because she knows how thin the walls really are, he must have heard her crying.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

"I couldn't tell him," she said with another sigh

"Who is this 'him' you are referring to? 45% of the crew self-identifies as male," Leonard joked as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Jim. I couldn't tell him about Sam. I tried to and I just couldn't do it. For some odd reason, during our conversation about how much he is terrified of his new child, he mentioned how much he wishes he could talk to Sam about the current situation with David and I almost lost it. I barely got out of the room without crying or throwing up," she told him, sobbing again.

"It's okay," he told her as he held onto her.

"No, it's not."

"We can try again in a few days." She noticed his 'we' instantly.

"Will you go with me this time?" she asked.

"Of course, darling," he said as he placed a kiss on her forehead. She didn't want to think about the traitorous part of her mind that wishes he would've kissed her lips instead.

Kids scared the hell out of him, and not just in the hypothetical. They didn't like him either. Okay, that wasn't true. Nyota can probably produce dozens of cute cuddly pictures of him posing with small children hanging on his every word. Bones little girl absolutely adores him along with his baby sisters-in-law. Although, the two oldest were at that age where the admiration was taking the form of a little crush.

However, Jim raising his own children was a completely different story Yesterday's little fiasco showed him that. David showed him that. That wasn't the strangest response he has ever gotten from a grieving crew member, but this was a lot more painful. The fact that David asked for his aunt Becky again this morning, made it a lot worse. (He has yet to have time to analyze why baby Spock has not been crying for the wicked witch that will not be named.). He just couldn't bear to see that look that said 'I hate you because you couldn't save my mommy'. He knew that look. He received it every single time they had visited the new Vulcan colony in the last three years. Of course, coming from his stepson it was a lot worse.

He was avoiding his own quarters because he can't deal with a baby Spock (big Spock said that he can't use mini Spock anymore) looking at him like he shot his puppy. That was why Jim was hiding in Nyota's room next door. Besides, thanks to Margarita's brilliance or insanity, and his need to outsmart Jackson, Nyota was in charge for the next 48 hours and was being forced to move to another room. She needed his help and maybe a little push for her to jump Bones in the bathroom. He was almost willing to put money on the fact that something would happen before they made it to earth in 5.2 weeks. Of course, Nyota being Nyota, she was forcing him to deal with his fears. It was so hypocritical of her. He was so going to get her back. Maybe as soon as the 'communications malfunction' was over he will make her call her father.

He walked into his bedroom to see Spock with purple paint on his nose and Green paint in his hair. He had to stifle a giggle when he saw little handprints all over the plush white couch that Spock just had to have for their quarters. He was going to let Spock explain to the budget people why that needed to be replaced. David was currently sitting in front of Spock drawing something involving lots of black and red. That's probably not a good sign.

The fact he was getting an 'I am an absolutely horrible father' vibe from Spock was not making the situation any better. He was picking up a lot of frustration and confusion.

"I thought finger painting would be considered a cultural taboo for Vulcans?" Jim asked as he kissed his husband chastely as a means to break the tension. He remembered from his own childhood that he didn't like seeing Frank practically molest his mother, so he was keeping the PDA use to a minimum to keep the future therapy bills from getting completely outrageous.

"Dr. Cruz suggested art therapy as a means to help David deal with the situation at hand. I felt it is in our best interest to raise David by human social norms rather than Vulcan norms since that is what he is most accustomed to." That was Spock Speak for 'I will raise my child anyway I feel like and if my kid wants to finger paint, he will finger paint'. He has a feeling there's probably a story there. Especially considering the image of Jim currently on his nightstand that was obviously painted by someone older than two.

"Shouldn't Margarita be here to monitor David's efforts?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to talk to the doctor. He liked Margarita, but not when she was trying to analyze his daddy issues.

"She was here until she asked the question about…" Spock started, but he was unable to continue.

"You know who?"

"I despise that moniker."

"Yes, but neither one of us want to use her name, especially because of baby Spock," Jim told his husband.

"That may be best considering David's response of pouring purple paint on her." Jim laughed and Spock gave him the 'you're being an idiot' look. He could also tell that Spock completely feels like he felt because of what happened.

"David has just resumed painting after a 15 minute timeout." Okay he and Spock will definitely have to work on coming up with creative punishments. He was picking up more vibes of frustration and disappointment from Spock.

"You're not a complete failure. Neither one of us has parented a small child before. We were expecting at least nine months to practice. We can get through this. If we can take on Romulans, we can deal with a small child. As long as we are together, we can do anything," Jim told his husband mentally, more for his sake than Spock's. Maybe if he said it enough, he will actually start believing it.

"I know you're upset and angry at just about everyone right now, but throwing paint is not appropriate and you shouldn't have done that, David," he said, walking over to the small boy and sitting down beside him. He uses a kind tone, not the screaming that the evil stepfather used. His only guide for this situation is to do the exact opposite of what Frank did. The two-year-old was currently beating up a piece of paper, as paint splattered everywhere. He wondered how Margarita found drawing paper and old-school finger paint.

"I don't want to talk," the two-year-old said, going back to his painting.

"You don't have to. We can just paint," he said, grabbing a sheet of paper.

"Sorry I threw Mister Bear at you," he said, looking at Jim with Spock eyes. They were adorable on the two-year-old.

"It's okay. Someday you're going to have to ask your daddy what he did to Cupcake when his daddy died." Of course, David's response to that was to get up and give him a hug, resulting in child size hand prints being on the back of his uniform. Spock's response was to mentally reassure him that they would get this parenting thing eventually, and that he has already found several ways to get ancient finger paint out of uniforms.

To be continued.