Last Letters

Standard Disclaimers Apply

Part One: The Promise

"I swear Kirk you better have a really good reason for waking me up at 0200. Not all of us can survive on no sleep." Lieutenant Commander Christopher Pike tried his best to glare at his best friend though sleep deprived eyes. "I'm going to kill you the next time we're both dirt-side."

The blond man on the other side of the subspace connection let out a heartfelt laugh and grinned bigger. "There's no need to get you panties in a twist Chrissie! I come bearing the most amazing news."

"What the hell is so important that it couldn't wait a few more hours? Oh, and don't call me Chrissie farm boy."

"Farm boy?" The amazing blue of George's eyes sparkled as he shook his head. Never mind, we can trade insults later. I have the best news ever."

Kirk's happiness was always infectious. Pike found himself beginning to smile. "Better than becoming First Officer of the Kelvin?"

"Way better." The blond was practically vibrating. "Wy's pregnant! I'm going to be a Dad. Can you believe it?"

"Considering the fact that I've met the rug rat that you already have then yes I can believe that you're a Dad." Pike hesitated. "Do you need help getting Winona reassigned?"

A stab of guilt hit Chris as George seemed to physically deflate. "Winona doesn't want to be transferred. I'm trying to convince her that it will be safer but you how Wy can get. It doesn't help that the Captain has already given her permission to stay onboard. It's…never mind I don't want to talk about anymore. I didn't call you to complain about my crazy wife."

Pike chuckled. "It's ok. Is there anything thing else you wanted to tell me or did you just wake me up at this ungodly hour to tell me you're bringing another you into the universe?"

George seem to hesitate for a moment. He got a faraway look in his eyes and Chris felt something heavy in his stomach. Whatever George was thinking about it wasn't happy. "Chris I need you to promise me something." He paused. "I'm a Father and a Husband, but I'm also a Starfleet Officer on a dangerous mission."

"George…"

"We lost three men yesterday. One minute they were alive and there and the next minute they were dead and gone. It was so quick. It got me thinking, what if something happens to me?"

"Nothing is going to happen to you George. You to stubborn to die." The words sounded hollow to Pike and he hated himself for not being able to help his friend.

"Yea… Look, Christopher I need you to promise me something." The look in George's eyes was slightly frightening.

"Anything."

Kirk smiled and took a deep breath. "If something happens to me I need you to take care of Winona and the kids. Don't look at me like that. I want to know that when I'm gone my family will be taken care of. Winona trust you and Sam adores you. You're my best friend! Please promise me."

Pike didn't hesitate. "I promise."

"Good." A smile. "I'm also sending you two letters. One is for Wy the other is for the baby. If I die out here I want you to deliver them. Can you do that?"

He nodded. "Yes I can, but George nothing is going to happen to you. No for a very long time."

The blond man's smile got bigger. "Thanks Chris. I'll send you the letters now."

A ping sounded as two documents were transferred to his padd. "I got them George. I'll keep them safe for you. Oh, and congratulations on the whole baby thing."

"Thanks." Kirk's happy smile turned wicked. "You better go and get some sleep Chrissie. You look like hell."

"Shove it Farm Boy. I'll see you dirt-side."

The subspace connection cut off and Pike laid down in bed. Thinking back on his conversation with George he felt his body go cold all over. He looked over at his padd that carried Kirk's last letters. It wasn't like his friend to be so morbid. Maybe he should comm Winona? Chris shook his head and rolled over. George would be fine. If he still felt uneasy about it in a few day he would try and contact the man. Pike put the bad feelings away and concentrated on going to sleep. Everything would be fine.

Seven Months Later

Lieutenant Commander Christopher Pike sat quietly in the transport clinging to the padd in his hands. He felt a strange sort of numbness that he knew would break into pain any moment now. He still couldn't believe that George was dead. It didn't seem fair. Pike shivered as the transport began it descent and happy voice echoed over the loudspeakers.

"Now arriving in Riverside, Iowa."

Hmmm… What did you think of that?

Review please (insert puppy dog eyes.)

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