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Book Two

Chapter One

The Starfleet Academy assembly hall was full of graduating cadets along with their families, at least those that had them, and were able to make it to the once in a lifetime event. The family and friends of those graduating were in the back area set aside for just them. Today, they would become part of the vast space fleet that is Starfleet as ensigns, cadets no more. All of the cadets in attendance to graduate wore their new uniforms. Many of them would spend three years in service before going up in rank. Those whom distinguish themselves may even get main shifts as bridge officers.

Waiting at the podium that was on the stage was a Human women that looked to be of middle age, she had straight brown hair that ran down her back, and her face was roundish and not unattractive. As everyone got settled the stage light came on, she leaned over slightly and spoke, out of the loudspeakers came her voice, "Thank you everyone for attending the graduation. I will now introduce the head of Starfleet Academy, please give Commandant Windal the welcome he deserves."

Walking onto the stage with a torrent of applause he took the stage with such dignity one could almost think he was alone with whomever was watching. As soon as he got to the podium the applause died at once, almost as if it was on cue. He spoke quietly, but it still carried enough that everyone was able to hear him with ease, "We are gathered here today to welcome the graduating cadets into the Starfleet of the United Federation of Planets. I thank you all for making this graduating class year one of the best in recent memory. You have all worked hard to make it this far, and I am proud of you all. Today we will start with those with the most distinguishing records. I look forward to watching you grow into your careers and a few of you will someday get your own ship to captain."

He paused and looked around the room before looking off to the side as he said, "I will now graduate those on my list, and to start out with tactical and command track. Welcome Cadet Matthew T'Vork Anthosnsen."

He waited for Matt to arrive to receive his pip that was inside a small metal box with its lid open. Matt took the box into his hand and waited as the Commandant took the pip out of the box, to pin it on his collar as he said, "I now welcome Ensign Matthew T'Vork Anthosnsen."

They both saluted, first Matt, then the Commandant before he said in a quitter voice, "Good work son, I will be keeping a hopeful eye on your career in Starfleet."

From the crowd someone yelled "Way to go Matt!" He turned and walked back the way he had arrived only now he stood just a bit stiffer, and taller his face was as if it was made of stone, his Vulcan training taking over.

When he got off the stage he continued, "In the tactical and security track welcome Cadet Lursa K'Ehleyr Ritter."

He did the same for her, as he had done for Matt, after he pinned the pip on her neck, she saluted formally and he returned it. She had a big smile on her face, unlike Matt who had no expression when it was his turn. He could not help but smile back, but it was for just a split second before he announced, "I now welcome Ensign Lursa K'Ehleyr Ritter."

Very formally she turned and walked a few steps before breaking into a more relaxed walk as she pumped her right arm a few times in the air. That same voice could be heard over the quite, "Great going Lursa, you go girl!"

After all the other department tracks were went through, Thomas had started to doubt that they did make it to the list. He had been so sure too, after more than acing all of his classes over the past four years.

Though just as he thought that the Commandant announced "Last but not least, we have two in the engineering track specializing in warp core physics. They will be brought up together because they do so well as a team. Welcome Cadet Thomas Sigmund Hauer and M'Sara D'Khatarr."

He just about hopped out of his seat, catching M'Sara by surprise, as he said, "We did it!"

He took her hand in his and with much less dignity then she had, pulled her along to the stage. After they walked up the stairs he waited for her before walking in step beside her to receive there pips for graduation.

The Commandant holding two boxes open before him for them to take told them as they took them softly, "You two have a very bright future together, it has been an honor meeting you both."

After pinning each of their pips to each of their collars he turned back to the rest and made his announcement, "Welcome Ensign Thomas Sigmund Hauer and Ensign M'Sara D'Khatarr."

Leaving the stage they both had a light bounce in their step as they walked side by side back to their seats.

On the stage he continued with more authority, "That marks the end of my list, I am hosting an after party in the main hall for them as well as their family and friends. This has been one of our best years, with my longest list in recent history. Great job everyone, now give them a welcome applause." With that he started clapping and soon the hall was filled with applause. After he walked off stage the applause finally subsided.

As they walked into the main hall, most of the other people that had been Cadets just yesterday were already there along with some of their instructors. Mingling among them where other people he assumed were friends and family. The hall was filled with oval glass tables set in a 'U' shape around a stage. The room was dimly lit and above each table was a model of a Starfleet starship of various types and generations, around each model were fiber optics as lighting setup to look like stars. Inside the tables was a tightly knit rug with a giant UFP picture on it for dancing. Behind the back tables was the bar where drinks were served by two bar tenders.

Within seconds he took that all in as he stepped inside and M'Sara beside him pulled him to one side as she told him, "I spotted my parents, let's go meet them. It looks like my aunt M'Reill and uncle S'Kharn are with them too, what a pleasant surprise!"

They weaved their way past everyone else until they got to the table where he recognized her father, and with him was another Caitian he assumed was her mother. Next to her was M'Lar and beside her where two more Caitians he did not recognize leaving two of the seven seats unused on the other side of her father. None of them were in uniform and they were talking amongst themselves, all of them had drinks as he stood there taking it all in. It seemed a bit surreal to him.

M'Sara said loud enough to be heard over the din and with a smile her palm out to each one in turn, "Mom, dad, aunt, uncle I would like to introduce my mate Ensign Hauer."

Thomas could feel himself blushing feeling the four of them gazing at him, as if they were weighing his worth as a person. Even more so when all he could think to say with a slight stutter was, "Hi, gre-at to meet you all."

They all remained seated as her mother turned to them with a her ears perked up and facing forward as a smile and said in a tone that was used to having people follow her, "Thomas, please have a seat next to R'Tar, and kitten, the seat beside your mate's."

Sitting down he looked to his left and saw her father was watching him, he was eye to eye with him and he did not look happy even as he said to him a normal tone though his ears were a bit off to his sides, "It is good to finally meet you Thomas, and I personally welcome you to the family."

He blinked and remained silent, unsure what to say, that was the last thing he had been expecting to hear and he felt M'Sara take his hand from the table into both of hers moving them in front of her to her chest.

After a moment her uncle offered, "I'll grab you two some drinks, this is a moment to treasure." With that he left the table heading for the bar.

R'Tar did not miss a beat, "I have plans for you two, and I intend to have you stew over it as I bait you now, and tell you later what it is."

Thomas looked around the table nervously, and noticed F'elu was grinning, meaning her ears were slightly turned to the side, but up high and she had a twinkle in her eyes. He had learned how to read expressions by watching their ears, tail and eyes. He could read nothing of note from the others. He was able to deduce by their expressions that it was something they were in on together, if not she at least approved of it and he was not sure he was happy about that.

Clearing his throat he got right to the point, "I looked up your record captain, and I must say I was impressed. A very good read with many impressive feats. Your ship is a customized advanced escort, and I must admit I'm intrigued by your changes to it in both design and systems choices."

He looked at him for a moment, his ears twitched slightly before he said to him, "There will be enough time for shop talk later. For now we will keep to the subject of your relationship" He paused when his brother returned.

A glass held by her uncle moved in front of him, and used his free hand to take it as he turned to nod at him in thanks he saw he was whispering into his niece's ear as he handed her one too.

He turned his attention back to the captain and he continued, "with my only daughter."

F'elu took over from there after he was done. "What he means is we will talk of matters of no import while we observe how you two interact with each other for about the next hour. That is when we drop the bomb for you both."

R'Tar looked up as he looked like he was going to say something, his ears pointing forward with interest when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look and it was the last person he wanted to see. She looked very upset, her hand tightened as she exclaimed, "What is this? Are you going to replace your family now?! Why are you not with your family? I went off looking for you when you did not show up at our table."

Standing there was a human female, of about the same age as Thomas, with hair colored red, cut shoulder length falling straight down. She was about one and a half meters tall, and not skinny, she had gained a few pounds of late. She was passable attractive, but it looked like she worked at it. She wore makeup and fancy clothing, a silt top and slacks. As everyone else just stared at her like she had a third eye in her head F'elu asked with her authoritative tone, "Thomas, who is this rude person?"

As soon as he turned his head and opened his mouth to answer, she yelled with an insulting tone, "Rude! You calling me rude cat?! I'm his betrothed! I'm to be his wife! He is coming home with me!"

Just then she yelped as M'Sara forcibly removed her hand from him, and turned her around to face her as she had got up and behind her, and said in a very even and almost too quite tone, "You will take your hand off my mate, you are a deluded human if you think he has any interest in you what so ever. In fact, I know you are one of the reasons he joined Starfleet, to get as far away from you as he could. I also know you are the last person alive he wants to interact with, so I advise you do everyone, including yourself a favor and leave the past, in the past Monika. Leave knowing that you drove him away with your actions, with every action you continue to make is that much further you drive him. You passed the point of no return long ago."

Letting her go, she took a step to the side to give her room to leave. For thanks Monika attempted to slap her in the face, but instead she got her hand caught by her a good foot before it would have landed.

In an even more even tone she said, "Do you really want to do this human? Is this how you deal with constructive advice? I'm pretty sure you are not trained in combat at all, judging by your stance. Don't make the mistake in thinking that your extra thirty centimeters in height and a few kilos gives you any advantage what so ever."

Lucky for her she decided to change her tact, she crossed her arms over her ample bosom and sounding almost hysterical she yelled, "This is none of your business, this is between us! Leave me alone! You know nothing about us! You would never understand anything cat!"

M'Sara almost looked sad, her ears lowering as she softly said, "I know more about him, and his past than anyone other than himself, and that includes your part in it."

It was at this time two people in red showed up, a male and female, on either side of M'Sara. The tall and somewhat skinny female with the Asian features informed them, "Miss, we must ask you to leave, you are causing a disturbance."

Monika burst out as if in triumph, "That is right, the cat is! Take her away!"

Everyone remained silent as the woman smiled, "You misunderstand miss, and you are the one we are here to remove. Please come with us."

As they walked to either side of her, M'Sara moved out of the way watching as they each took an arm in there hand. They could her Monika stammering, "But... but... but..." as they walked away towards the exit.

Sitting down M'Sara took a long drink, she made an "ahhing" sound as she put the empty glass on the table with a loud clink. Thomas had just sat watching and waited in silence, as if he knew how it would play out.

R'Tar broke the silent noise, "Well that was fun, and educational. A nice distraction from our mundane lives."

His wife added, cheerfully nodding, "Too right my love, our lives are so much richer now that we got to experience such rich interaction played out before us."

Thomas was blushing, embarrassed by the incident now. "I wonder how long it will be that I will have to deal with all the barbs. I'm so sorry about that, I told her not to come when she contacted me. I should have known that she would not listen to reason."

He felt his arm being held, and looked beside him to see M'Sara was holding it with both arms to her then she laid her head on it as she told him, "Mine."

He looked back to her father with some fear of rebuttal, but instead he saw his ears were relaxed as he told him, "A fine display, I'm so proud of my daughter. A point in your favor son."

As he blinked in confusion, he heard F'elu add, "Oh yes, we are keeping score. Did I forgot to tell you, oh I think I did. My bad, I was supposed to have done that."

He looked at her in even more confusion and saw her grinning at him, even more so then before. She really was enjoying herself, great just great. Her parents are casual social sadists. Now he knows where that trait came from. At least they were making light of the event, instead of other not so good ways it could have gone. Her aunt and uncle along with M'Lar were just watching, taking slow sips of their drinks, as if this was an everyday occurrence. He decided he liked that and took a long drink himself, then smiled as he looked around the table and let them know, "You guys are all right, thank you for making me a part of your family."

R'Tar rose to stand up, and looked around the table, raising his glass he called out, "Here is to our newest member of our eclectic family. You may be the first Human to join, but you are not the first non-Caitian. You should fit right in."

All around the table glasses were clinking together as he sat back down, and Thomas looked a little stunned as his glass was clinked against several times.

He finished his second drink, placing it carefully on the table, and thought enough time spent on small talk he should bring his new family over to meet his original family, the one he was born into. His two older brothers should be here with his parents. This should be fun, with a smile he clapped his hands to get their attention as they were talking among themselves. After he had it he asked them, "I would hope that you all, if not at least M'Sara and her parents would come meet my parents. They should be here, somewhere waiting for me."

R'Tar was the first to stand up, followed by the rest, he said, "Right, good idea. Lead the way."

With M'Sara at his side, and the rest of her family that had come to the event behind them they searched the room, after spotting his family he had led them to their table. Clearing his throat to get their attention, "Mother, father, siblings, I want you all to meet my M'Sara, and her family."

His father started to stand at the sight of the gathering behind his other siblings, when his mother took his hand and he sat back down. She softly said, "Oh my who have we here? Who are your friends Thomas?"

He took M'Sara's hand in his, "This is M'Sara, my life mate." Turning as he let go and indicated each of them with his open hand as he said, "This is Captain R'Tar D'Khatarr of the Darmstadt and M'Sara's father, his first officer and mate F'elu D'Khatarr, and this is M'Sara's aunt M'Reill and uncle S'Kharn and lastly, Ensign M'Lar T'Racklynde, she is like a sister to M'Sara, and one day I hope to be able to name as friend. I hope we can all get along, as I'm part of their family."

M'Lar smiled a little, her ears slightly more relaxed, but did nothing else after that public announcement. R'Tar gave a slight bow, everyone else had nodded towards his family as there name was given.

He noticed no one was sitting at the table next to theirs, so he suggested, "Why don't we move these two tables together, so we can all sit together, and get to know one another? I'll let you know where you can sit, is that copacetic?"

His mother nodded, and as he looked back, R'Tar answered, "You have the con."

R'Tar helped him move the tables together to make one large square from the two with four seats per side, as everyone else waited standing, and watched. He had his father sit at one corner, R'Tar next to him around the corner on the next side, skipping two seats and going to the next side he had her aunt and uncle sit on the next two, on the next side his brothers, than on the next side M'Lar, her mother, than his mother at the end corner next to his father. He knew his two older brothers would be without guests of their own, as he was sure they were still both single. Finally he took the seat next to R'Tar with M'Sara beside him.

His mother started as soon as he sat down, "This sure is sudden Thomas, I'm glad you made some new friends, but I don't understand, you are part of their family?"

His father adding his say, "How can that be, they are not even Human." His mom gripped his arm and he stopped with a frown, as if he had more to say.

Before anyone else could answer, he not so gently placed his hands on the table as he spoke up, "No they are not Human that is more than obvious, and that is a good thing. Diversity only makes a group stronger and that is well known. That is why the Federation of Planets is so strong. Listen carefully because I'm only going to say this once more. I'm going to be clear and out front, M'Sara is my life mate, she is going to be with me for life. We will be spending our lives together, wherever we go, and do until we grow old and die together. There is no changing that for as long as we live. So you will either accept it or not. Now it would make things easier on us all if you were to just accept that as fact. This is not as sudden as you may think, but the past is as it is."

While he spoke, M'Sara slowly placed her hand over his, on the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. It was good to feel her warm pads of her hand on his. He took his other hand and placed it gently over hers. His mother did not miss that either, but the rest of his family did. His oldest brother was staring hard at him, and his other was staring hard at his empty glass.

R'Tar cleared his throat and stood slowly as he offered, "Say, why don't I get everyone some drinks, draft beer good? I'll get some pitchers." He did not wait for an answer before going off towards the bar.

His father watched him leave and commented, "Well that is nice of him. I sure could use some after hearing that most distressing news."

His mother on the other hand had more questions, "Does that mean I'm not going to have any grandkids anytime soon? I doubt your older brothers would ever settle down and raise a family."

He rolled his eyes and with a chuckle said, "You never know what the future holds mother. Right now we have our careers to think about. We have lots of time to worry about that at some distant future date. Our lives have barely just started."

His mother, of course had other things on her mind as she made clear, "M'Sara was it? Did you know when he was about five, he had run away from home, he had me so worried. We found him with a neighbor kid, hiding in the bushes."

With a grin M'Reill's ears turned forward as she had a story of her own, "When M'Sara was about six she wanted to help by getting some food for dinner, she volunteered to go to the store for me. She was so adamant in helping, that I caved in and gave her a list of what to get, and sent her off with money. Do you know what happened? When she came back, all she had got was snacks! Nothing I had put on that list had she got!"

Thomas chuckled at that, and M'Sara grunted and jabbed him in the side of the arm with her elbow, that only got him to laugh harder. That seemed to break some of the ice even his mom had a smile and his dad was no longer frowning.

M'Reill was not done, she had another one, "Later when she was about ten she loved to climb trees, she was such a good climber too. Though, on one of the trees some neighbor kids were building a tree house, and they had left nails in the tree. She came home, blood drops trailing her from a cut in her inner leg. She tried to pass it off as nothing, and it did not stop her from climbing trees." As an afterthought she added, "We raised her as our own while her parents gallivanted around the galaxy."

By that time, R'Tar had returned with three pitchers and about twelve glasses on two trays. He sat the pitchers down on the table, than went around placing glasses in front of each person. After that he moved the pitchers so they were spread out between everyone before taking his seat once more.

Just than Matt appeared, "Thomas, I found you."

Thomas turned his head around, then he got up to stand behind the empty seat beside M'Lar telling him, "Here we have a seat for you." He turned back to the table, "This is my friend Matt, mother, father you remember him?" They nodded as he went back to his seat, Matt sitting in the indicated chair.

Matt looked around the table, "I see you are introducing your two families to each other, how goes it?"

His older brother filling his glass with beer grumbled, "Well at least I have a reason to stay now."

That was when he felt an arm around his shoulder just as a voice said, "Well that took longer than expected. We finally found you."

He turned his head to find Sam and Lursa behind him. He stood up and gave them both a hug before asking, "Would you like to join us?"

Sam answered, "We would enjoy that, thank you."

"That is great" He turned to face the table, "Everyone, these are friends of M'Sara and I, Ensign Sam Addison and his wife Ensign Lursa Ritter." After introducing everyone else he then walked over beside S'Kharn and pulled out the two seats. "You two get to sit here. Help yourself to some beer." After they took their seats, he walked back to take his.

F'elu stood up this time, "I'll get some more beer. Our little gathering is turning into a party of its own."

As she turned and walked away to the bar R'Tar answered, "Indeed. I think everyone is here now. I've kept you in suspense long enough. I have requested that Ensign Thomas Sigmund Hauer, along with Ensign M'Sara D'Khatarr be assigned to the USS Darmstadt effective first thing tomorrow."

That was when Thomas dropped his glass, it tipped and spilled its contents on the table.

M'Sara blurted out, "Is having my father as my captain going to be an issue with Starfleet?"

He gave her a stern look, his ears forward, "As long as you remember while you are on duty, I am your captain, and not your father. Your transfer has already been processed and approved by the admiral."

With a twitch of her ear, she asked, "Does the rest of your crew know I'm your daughter?"

With a slight nod he answered, "The senior staff does, the rest should not concern themselves as it is no concern of theirs. You will soon find out I treat everyone on my ship as one of my extended family. My crew is very loyal to Starfleet, and to me. I'm not one of those stiff strict captains, however I expect a high amount of efficiency just the same."

F'elu had returned while he was talking and quietly placed the beer pitchers on the table and took her seat. After he was done she commented, "I see you told them about our little family, and their expedited additions."

R'Tar nodded his ears forward as he gazed over at Sam and Lursa when he said, "Well looks like you already know two others that will be joining you. That should make your transition easier."