Set after STID, where Admiral Pike survived
Jim Kirk entered the Star Fleet Headquarters, summoned by Admiral Pike. He looked around, always surprised at the quick recovery of his beautiful home in the wake of Khan's brutal attack. Shaking his head, he continued to the lift. Arriving at the Admiral's office, he discovered the room was empty. Rolling his eyes, he strode back out and caught a cadet by the shoulder as he walked by. "Cadet, do you know where the Admiral has gone?" The Cadet snapped to attention, and replied "Yes Captain, he's in the research and development center". Thanking the cadet, he left the Command wing and headed down to the 4th floor.
"Pike! What, am I supposed to wander around headquarters till I find you?!" Pike held up his hand, deep in discussion with a slim woman who had her back to Kirk. He held back, watching the conversation curiously – It looked like the woman was arguing quite intensely with Pike, and he raised his eyebrows – not many people would dare to address an Admiral in such a way. The woman turned to leave, and Pike protested – "Come on Zo, be reasonable. You know why I'm not ecstatic about this". Her stiff posture softened a little, and she turned back to him, pausing slightly before she said "Chris, I didn't come for your permission" Her posture softened, and she walked back towards Pike. Grasping one of his hands in hers, she said "I'll call you. Don't worry so much, it's making your face all wrinkly". He narrowed his eyes as she walked away.
"Walk with me Kirk" – The scars from his injuries permanently etched on his face, he leaned heavily on his cane as he walked towards the lift. Kirk grinned as he glanced towards his superior. "She is PISSED. Who the hell was that?" Pike shook his head – "no one you know. Though evidently you're about to". A thought seemed to cross his mind, and he snapped his head towards Kirk, "and mind your manners when it comes to this one, Kirk!" – knowing that his admonishment was not necessary. Kirk had left his womanizing ways behind; he had grown up a lot in the wake of the destruction caused by Khan's attack. Still a merciless flirt though… Shaking his head in amusement, Kirk asked "why did you want to see me sir?" "Well Kirk, its actually about Dr. Xosa. Against my better judgment, she's going to be joining your crew for your next mission. She's an extremely talented doctor and xenoimmunology research specialist – she'll be working in the sickbay and developing cures for intergalactic diseases. I had hoped she would have the sense to change her mind, given the apparent danger in space these days, but she's never been one to turn her back on danger…" Kirk, checking his crew manifest on his PADD, looked towards him curiously – "Sir, I trust you when you say that she will be a valuable crew member – but am I just supposed to take her on without any additional information? This file is secured. There's nothing here except her credentials – not even a given name. Dr. Xosa? That's all I get? What is this Pike?" "She doesn't go by her given name. Never has. She's a good friend. The rest isn't important." Kirk shrugged – "Okay. Shuttles leave at 0800 tomorrow morning, if she's on one she's in."