(A/N: Uh, so yeah. I knew this whole just-reading-not-writing wasn't going to last. Please review, constructive criticism needed and welcomed. WARNING: IMPLIED ABUSE, DRUNKNESS AND DADDY-ISSUES. )

"My dad," the Scotsman slurred, breaking the companionable silence. "My dad was great! He taught me everythin'. Reason I wanted to learn engineering." His voice was laced with fond pride. "Still sends me booze," he added gleefully.

Uhura flipped her hair over shoulder, grinning slightly. "My dad was strong; not overbearing, but he knew how to handle a houseful of killer women." She shot a reproachful look at Kirk. "You could learn a thing or two from him."

The truth was Uhura's father had been the perfect mix of talent and respect to fit in amongst the strong, spirited women of his household; he had the rare gift of empathy mixed with just the right amount protectiveness.

"He used to take me outside when it was nice and help me study." She continued with a smile. "Man, I miss him."

Sulu glanced at her in sympathy. "I miss my dad too. He was the one who introduced me to fencing. My parents were like yin and yang; he was the calm to my mom's craziness. A really chill guy, y'know? Nothing got him down."

Sulu's grin widened slightly. "This one time, after I had gotten into trouble, he was being yelled at by the angriest principal I had ever seen. Instead of getting defensive, he just said 'You may have to repeat yourself, I have trouble understanding you when you use that tone.' That shut the guy right up. I could've sworn there was steam coming out of his ears. What about you, Spock?"

"My father also defended my honor on many occasions." Spock answered shortly. They all waited a bit before realizing that was all Spock was going to reveal.

"My dad," McCoy slurred, having drunk a little too much, "He was a real southern gentleman. And a damned good doctor, may he rest in peace."

The group bowed their heads in a moment of drunken silence, only slightly ruined by the occasional hiccup emitted.

Chekov finally broke the silence. "My father was wery, wery supportive. He was, how you say, a mother-hen of sorts," Sulu repressed a giggle with some effort, "and vas compassionate and kind. I miss him wery much."

Sulu gave Chekov's shoulder a friendly squeeze. "Sounds like a great guy."

In the somewhat awkward silence that followed, everyone suddenly became aware that Kirk had not spoken for quite some time. "Jim?" McCoy asked quietly.

The realization seemed to hit the crew simultaneously. The near identical looks on their faces might have almost been funny, reflected Kirk, if they had been anything but pity.

Feeling the weight of their collective gaze, Kirk sighed. "Look guys, its fine. Plenty of kids grow up without fathers."

Sulu swallowed. "Well, what all do you know about him?" Sulu asked, treading carefully. Kirk's childhood had never actually been spoken of, but he could sense that it hadn't been a happy, carefree one.

Kirk sighed again, looking exhausted and strangely fragile. "George Kirk was kind taboo in my house." He lets out a short, bitter laugh. "Besides, the only story I know about my father is the one you've all heard a million times."

"I want to hear it," Sulu said quickly, as the rest of the crew nodded. "I mean, if you don't mind." Best not to push, he had decided, but he really wanted to know.

Kirk smiled quietly, a real smile, before starting.

"Well, it all started with a lightning storm in space..."

(A/N: R&R, thanks for reading. Hey, I couldn't decide what rating, if anyone disagrees with my rating, please tell me! )