Shore Leave Part 2

The room is filled with light from the large bay window that overlooks a lush, green garden. Family photos line the walls, a testament to years of happy memories. A model of the USS Enterprise sits proudly on a shelf. Jamie was spending her shore leave like her colleagues, even if they were unaware of it. She is dressed casually in civilian clothes, and stands near the fireplace, examining a photograph of herself and her brother Sam, from their youth. Two kids who had made it out of Tarsus IV and had gotten through Frank.

Sam, a bit older but with a similar build and the same piercing blue eyes, enters the room carrying a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and glasses. He places the tray down. "I still can't believe you managed to get shore leave. The mighty Captain Kirk, taking a break."

Jamie grins broadly, "Even Starfleet captains need a breather occasionally. How've you been, Sam?"

Sam sits down, "Busy, as always. But good. How about you? How's the Enterprise?"

Jamie sighs and sits across from Sam, "She's holding up. We've seen a lot out there. Sometimes it's good to be reminded of what we're out there protecting."

The sound of children laughing echoes from the hallway. Jamie turns her head to see Sam's wife Aurelan entering with their two young sons, Peter and Marcus. The boys rush to Jamie, tackling her with excited hugs.

"I'm surprised they're so good with me. I don't get to see them much."

Peter was turning five and Marcus three. The boys ran back outside again moments later.

"The photos help," Aurelan explains.

Jamie pulls out two small, intricately carved figurines from her bag, handing them to her. "For the boys when they get older. Brought a bit of space back with me."

"It's been so nice having you home and for the whole of your shore leave this time. Who is he or she?"

"I'm sorry?"

"The person who has helped you relax this much. You've never been able to stay longer than three days before. You get frustrated and head back. So who are they?"

"No one."

Sam snorts. "I don't believe that for a second. You've never truly left your Captaincy before. You've always had your badge or your PADD, yet it's nowhere to be seen. You haven't touched them once."

"Haven't got my comm badge on me -"

"Ohh, now that is interesting!"

"You're acting like I've never done this before."

"Because you don't!" Sam exclaimed.

"The last time you did, you left Leonard in charge so you could be here for Peter's birth. And we all know that was a favour so that you could." Aurelan went on.

"Pike made me -"

"What a bunch of popcorn!"

"Popcorn?"

"Little ears are present Jamie. They wander through at any given time."

"Oh, yeah of course. Forgotten about them."

"Wish we could."

The family sits around a large picnic table, enjoying a meal together in the garden. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the scene. Laughter and conversation flow easily.

"So, tell us about your latest adventure. I have been dying to hear it."

"Alright, but you have to promise not to tell Starfleet Command I'm giving away our secrets."

Jamie begins recounting one of her many escapades, her brother and his wife listening intently.

As the evening progresses, the conversation turns to more personal matters.

"Do you ever think about... settling down? Having a family of your own?"

All the time since Spock. Jamie thought.

"There is someone -"

"Fine there's someone, is that what you want to hear?"

"Do they make you happy?"

"We're not - we haven't!"

Sam and Aurelan share a look.

"You haven't told them. How you feel have you," Sam stated.

It was annoying when she was around someone who knew her so well. Jamie shook her head, "No. Can't tell if they feel the same way. I think they do - we almost kissed."

"If you almost kissed what's stopping you from going for it? You've never -"

"I've had flings in the past. I don't want that with him. I want what you two have: a shared connection, not something meaningless."

"I want to meet him,"

"Sam it's too early to bring him home. We're not even dating! So you can't go all overprotective -"

"It's not about that. It's the fact that he has made you want more. So I need to meet him and thank him."

Jamie smiles to herself and shrugs her shoulders.

Fireflies dance in the air as the family finishes their meal. Jamie leans back, looking up at the stars. "Sometimes, I forget how beautiful it is from down here."

"You always were the dreamer, Jamie. Pike was right about one thing. Being up there, helping others it's in our blood."

Jamie nods, a contented smile on her face as she enjoys this rare and precious time with her family.

The cavernous hangar bay is bustling with activity. Starfleet personnel and families are scattered throughout, saying their goodbyes. The iconic insignia of Starfleet is displayed prominently on the walls.

Sam lets out a low whistle.

"I know, I'm just glad to see her in one piece,"

"Is there a reason she wouldn't be?"

"Scotty!"

The hangar bay doors slide open, and the crowd parts as her First Officer strides through. His presence is commanding and calm. He approaches the Kirk family with his usual stoic demeanor.

"Captain, the Enterprise is ready for departure," he says handing back her comm badge.

"Thank you."

Sam watches the exchange, clearly intrigued by Spock. Spock is currently looking between the two of them. No doubt wondering why they looked similar. It's Bones who answers the question for him.

"Sam Kirk as I live and breathe, it's been too long."

"Good to see you, Leonard." Sam shakes his hand. "Thanks for keeping this one alive for me all these years."

"Don't add to his ego. I'm the one that has to live with it -"

"And this is what I have to put up with. Be grateful you work on the ground with humanitarian aid instead of with her. You're welcome by the way, it's not easy keeping her alive sometimes. So a bottle of the good stuff never goes amiss. I see you've met the newest member of our space family -"

"I hadn't quite got around to introductions," Jamie said. "Sam this Spock, he's my First Officer and Science Officer. Spock this is my older brother Sam."

"Nice to meet you. Guess I should be thanking you as well for keeping this one out of trouble."

"It is my duty, Mr. Kirk. Rest assured, your sister is in good hands."

The moment of levity passes, and the reality of the farewell settles in. Jamie is swept into a hug before she can utter a word.

"Come home in one piece."

She tightens her grip and hides her face, fighting back tears.

"I love you."

"I love you too sis. You're welcome back at ours anytime," Sam then whispers into the shell of her ear, "Bring your First Officer with you next time."

Jamie flinched.

"I know you. He seems decent for a Vulcan."

Sam ends the embrace, standing tall and saluting her quickly, "You've got a ship waiting for you Captain Kirk."

Jamie laughs. "I'll keep in touch as often as I can. Look after that family of yours. That's an order by the way."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Jamie and Spock turn and walk towards the shuttle that will take them to the Enterprise. As they board, Jamie looks back at Sam one last time, waving. The shuttle door closes, and Spock places a hand on her shoulder.

"You seem... conflicted, Captain."

"I don't do goodbyes usually. Sam, his wife, and his kids are the exception." Jamie explained.

"Human familial bonds are... intriguing."

"What about you, Spock? Did you take some time to relax while I was away?"

"I utilized the time to further my studies and to keep an eye on Mr. Scott -"

Jamie groaned, "Please tell me my engine is whole. I knew seeing a completed ship seemed too good to be true."

"Mr. Scott did become over-engrossed with his engine research whilst you were off base. I however managed to resolve the matter. The engine is whole Captain. I checked all the calculations myself."

"Thanks, Spock," Jamie could have sworn that his gaze was softer than normal.