So, I'm finally diving back into my series, and this is my spin on the events in "Into Darkness". This will be a series of vignettes from the point of view of different characters. This takes place after "Two Cups of Tea and a Bottle of Bourbon."

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"Admiral, there is a young lady here to see you."

Pike pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. "I'm not seeing anyone else today…" His voice trailed off as the door swung open and Carol Marcus blew in with a nervous aide on her heels.

"I'm sorry, sir, she just – "

"It's alright," he assured her waving her off. "Close the door."

The aide backed out and Carol barely let the door shut before crossing her arms and hissing, "You took the Enterprise from him?"

"I had nothing to do with it, I wasn't allowed to be involved," the admiral defended. "Though it's one of the few decisions your father's made that I agree with."

"Jim is the best captain in the Fleet!"

"He is a reckless, thoughtless boy with a lot to learn."

"From what I heard he saved an entire planet."

"Do not use blind luck as an excuse – "

"Don't use Starfleet regulations as an excuse," Carol countered boldly.

Pike stiffened and rose to his feet. "You remember who you're talking to, young lady," he warned.

"I'm trying, she answered honestly, softening. "Sir, I joined Starfleet with the belief that we were more than all that…bullshit."

Pike hid a smile.

"And it's a not a belief I got from my father," Carol continued raising an eyebrow pointedly.

Pike sighed and cocked his head. "For someone that has spent the last year running in the other direction, you've come running to his defense rather quickly."

Carol touched her belly. "It's complicated."

Pike raised an eyebrow wryly and knew he wouldn't get anything else out of her. When Carol was done talking about something, she was done talking about something. He came around his desk and perched on the edge. "Jim is a lot of things, Carol. But he's not a captain yet."

"I know what Jim is capable of," she whispered, stepping forward. "I know what he is willing to do for those around him and what he's willing to give up. He is more of a captain than any of those other salty war dogs you know." She smiled sadly, without malice. "He's an explorer, Pike. I know you believe in him. I'm not asking you to excuse him, I'm asking you to give him an opportunity to earn his stripes."

Pike smiled at her affectionately. "You've got your Dad's balls and your Mom's heart." He sighed. "I'll see what I can do."

Carol smiled and turned to leave but Pike's voice stopped her. "You know, you're right about him. You should take that to heart. Give him a chance to earn his stripes. He's a father, Carol."