Hey EVERYONE! This isn't my first go at fanfic, but definitely my first try with Star Trek. I'm a HUGE Trekkie and have had this story in my head for literally years. It was time I shared it with the world.

A couple things-this story is VERY AU, and you will see elements from both the original timeline and the Star Trek 2009 timeline. You will also see names and places that have never been discussed in any version of Star Trek. So please just try to follow along and enjoy the ride!

Prologue

This really wasn't her scene. She felt so uncomfortable around all these people-but it was the Admiral's Birthday party, and as his only daughter she felt obliged to be there. Plus, her father was the sole reason she had taken leave to come to the star base. She could suffer through a few hours of immense boredom.

Oh well, at least she looked good. Her lightly tanned skin and kind green eyes perfectly accented by the off-white dress she had picked for the occasion. Her round face was framed beautifully by long brunette curls. She was a short 5'3, but refused to wear heels, citing they were impractical and unhealthy.

She sat at the bar alone in the lounge where the party was being held, drinking her non-alcoholic beverage. She was 25, but as a current cadet at Starfleet, it was her own opinion that she must maintain the sharpest mind possible at all times.

Let's face it, this party sucked.

He stood across the room staring at her. He was a Starship captain, and a good friend of the Admiral's. It was an honor that he was invited, plus it gave his crew some much needed shore leave.

Drink in hand, he leaned over to his first officer and asked "Who is that?"

"That is the Admiral's daughter, Captain," the first officer replied.

A crooked smile spread across his face, "I'll be right back." He handed his half empty glass to the bystanding waiter, and started toward the girl.

"Captain, as your friend it is my duty to make sure you heard me. That is the Admiral's daughter."

"Your point being?"

"Your way with women is concerning, Captain. I advise you against this for the sake of your friendship with the Admiral."

"Dually noted, Commander." The captain acknowledged. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back."

He quickly made his way over to where she was sitting. He cleared his throat, "Excuse me..." He began.

Her eyes shot up to meet his, "Let me guess, you're going to ask if that seat is taken." She quipped.

"Well is it?" He shot back, grinning slightly.

"Well that depends, are you a psychotic serial killer?"

"Um, no."

"An android?"

"Pretty sure I'm human."

"Are you going to hit on me?"

"Probably, yes."

Now it was her turn to grin. "Pure honesty. I like it." She motioned toward the empty stool next to hers, "have a seat, captain."

He took his seat, and smiled at her, "What I was going to say, was that you look like the most depressed person in the galaxy right now."

"Um, thanks?"

He smiled, "this party's not really your thing?"

"Ha, no, not really." She chuckled scornfully.

His curiosity was piqued, "What is your thing?"

"Oh me? I'm an engineer." She said.

"You don't say!" He exclaimed.

She smiled, "yeah, I graduated from the Interstellar Academy of Science and Engineering three years ago, and now I'm set to graduate Starfleet Academy in the fall."

He shook his head, "wow, you must be really smart."

"I guess," she shrugged, "but mostly I just love the work. Those engines, if you listen, they'll talk to you, they'll tell you if they're sick, or if they just need a little love, and I sound like a total loser nerd crazy person right now!" She chuckled, embarrassed.

"No, no not at all," he laughed, "it's not often you find someone who is as devoted to their work as you are."

"I suppose you're right," she agreed, "but as you can see, this-" she waved her hand toward the crowded room, "not really my element. When it's just me and the machines, that's where I feel most at home."

"Then why are you here?" He wondered aloud.

"It's my dad's party," she sighed, then her eyes got big, "which reminds me, I never introduced myself-I feel so rude!" She extended her hand for him to shake, "I'm Danielle Duvall. And you are?" She trailed off.

He put his hand out and took hers, "Jim. Jim Kirk. Pleasure to meet you Miss Duvall."

Reviews are appreciated! Thanks!