Disclaimer: Most of what is written is assumed. Yes kiddies, assumed. If the new film leaves continuity for the filmmakers to muck about with, then it probably gives me some leave to make small assumptions. We never really found out what happened to Yeoman Colt... *shifty*
The diner was silent as the day's climax simmered down to an ambient hum of chatter and clanking silverware. A lone brunette stood at her post behind the bar, scratching down equations in a notebook. She was on her break, and need a way to pass the time. As she was finishing the final question, two males enter the diner, dressed in the red cadet garb. The men seated themselves at the bar.
"Two cups of coffee, please." ordered the blonde male. The waitress raised her finger, signalling them to wait a moment until she completed her equation. She finished it, and closed the notebook and returning the pen to her pocket.
"May I help you?" she inquired. The other male, a brunette, cocked an eyebrow in confusion.
"Yeah... Two cups of coffee." Repeated the blonde. The girl pulled two mugs from under the bar and placed them on the table, filling them with black coffee.
"Anything else you need?" she asked.
"Could I get some cream?" asked the brunette. She handed him a handful of miniature creamers. He nodded in thanks. The blonde gave the girl a mischievous look. He strained his eyes to get a look at her nametag.
"So, Tina, why is a girl like you working at a joint like this?" he asked. Tina giggled softly.
"I'm working my way through school," She replied, pulling out a damp rag to wipe down the bar. "The tuition won't pay itself." She said, wiping down a small, dirty section of the bar.
"What are going for?" he inquired.
"Nursing. I've always had a knack for taking care of the people who are in need." She explained.
"Where are you going?" he intruded. Tina turned away in annoyance.
"You ask a lot of questions, Mister, uh,"
"Kirk, Jim." He stated.
"Mister Kirk. Is it your nature to prod into random people's personal follies?" She asked, a hint of anger hanging on her words. Jim smiled.
"Only if they are as good looking as you are, Tina." He said, a playful grin crossing his face. Tina rolled her eyes and dropped the rag.
"I would take physical action, but unlike you obviously, I have a job to maintain and school to pay for." She fumed, picking up the rag again.
"I wouldn't mind you doing that, Miss Tina." Jim snickered, taking a sip of his coffee. The brunette rolled his eyes and took a drink from his mug as well. Tina signed.
"Mister Kirk, Jim, if you will. How old do I look to you?" she said, placing her hands on her hips. Jim gave her a full body glance.
"I'd say, oh, about twenty-two. As many like to say, age is just a number..."
"Twenty-two, huh. Well, let me enlighten you. I graduated high school at age thirteen, I finished university at fifteen in a two-year program, and I am now waging my way through Starfleet Medical on minimum wage whilst living with my aunt. The icing on the cake? I just turned eighteen, therefore making me out of your league, and too young for you." Tina exploded. Jim stared at her wide-eyed. Jim's acquaintance turned to him.
"Great Jim, we go on shore leave and you try to pick up a minor." He said.
"I didn't know, okay! There are some that just look older than they are!" Jim said in a loud whisper, putting him face in his palms in embarrassment. The group was silent for a few moments. The other male broke the silence.
"Starfleet Medical is hard to get into. How'd y'all get in there so young?" Jim's friend asked.
"My parents are decorated officers. My mother is a lieutenant under a very well liked captain. They pulled a few strings to get me in... I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name." She stated.
"No need to be sorry. I'm Doctor Leonard McCoy. If you don't mind me asking, who are your parents?" Dr. McCoy said.
"Lieutenant Mia Colt, Captain Marc Lane. I've been groomed for Starfleet ever since I could say the term." She said, tucking a lock of her thick chestnut hair behind her ear. Dr. McCoy took another sip of his coffee. Jim raised his face from his hands.
"Lane?" Jim questioned.
"Yes, Lane," Tina said. A call from the kitchen meant that she had to leave. "Now, if you both don't mind. I have work to get to. Pleasure to meet you both." She finished, going into the kitchen to pick up the order.