Takes place at some point in the future after the events of the Red Angel

Notes: Head Tactical Officer is a made-up position as far as I'm aware, Alina just needed to be high in the chain of command, ya know? also, surely the loading bay is the only place large enough for a party for the whole crew? like, Discovery is a big-ass ship

"You're starting to be ridiculous, Captain."

"First of all, Osborne, I hardly call it 'ridiculous'. Secondly, most tactical officers refrain from insulting their superiors."

"Now you're just avoiding the conversation."

Pike just rolls his eyes and resumes reading the holopad before him.

"Because that's any better?…Sir."

His exasperation is accentuated by a small sigh, "I'm just not sure it's a good idea."

"It's just a party!"

—

I'm not exactly sure who first came up with the idea but the ship was abuzz as soon as whispers of a 'social gathering' started. I first heard of it from Tilly, in her usual manner.

"You'll ask the Captain, won't you?"

"Hello Tilly.

"Yeah, hi Alina. You're going to ask about the party? I was talking with the others and we all reckon you're the best bet because you're totally Pike's favourite and if he's going to say yes to anyone, it'll-"

I raise my hand to stem the flow of words, "Tilly, I'm going to need to some more context. What party? And I am not the Captain's favourite, we're colleagues, and you need to stop saying that, you're going to get me in trouble."

"…Sorry. So, someone had the excellent idea to have a party on Discovery! With everything that's happened, a party is what everyone needs! We're not at war anymore and most of us didn't even get a real break between expeditions, so why not have a little fun?"

As a tactician, a party sounds like an unnecessary risk. As an officer, I can see the benefits of giving the crew a break. As a person who has been looking at the world through a paranoid lens for a long time, a respite sounded like paradise.

"…I won't make any promises, Tilly. It will be totally up to the Captain's discretion. If he says no, that's it, we move on."

The air whooshes out of my lungs as she tackles me into a bear hug, "Ah, you're the best, Alina! I know you can convince him!"

With a smile, I hug her back and then turn to resume walking. I move to wave my goodbyes but Tilly responds with a wink.

"After all, how can the Captain say no to his favourite!"

"Tilly!"

—

Pike still doesn't seemed convinced, "Look, I would love for my crew to relax, but surely you of all people understand how this could go wrong."

Aha, I'd prepared for this.

"Captain, it'll be no more risky than when the ship's running in night mode. The computer will be the first line of information and there'll be a rotating skeleton crew monitoring the situation. Also, Commander Saru has already volunteered to remain sober should a commanding officer be required. Then, worst case scenario is a bunch of hangovers and some embarrassing memories. We have fun, then move on and get on with the job."

He sighs again but this time I can't miss the amusement in his eyes. The Captain's eyes search mine for a moment and I try to ignore the prickling sensation that nosedives along my spine. Finally, his face breaks into a smile that I return before I can even think.

"You're not going to let me say no, are you Tactical Officer Osborne?" Pike's tone is joking and gentle in a way that electrifies my heart.

I give a little bow, "Captain, I'm glad you know me so well."

He laughs quietly and shakes his head a little, reminding just how easily he can mesmerise me. There is something about the way that even soft laughter lights up his eyes which leaves me entranced. I blink and shove the emotions back to the pit of my stomach which is so full of unwanted feelings that it's bound to overflow any day now. Crap, don't think about that.

"I'll oversee everything, Captain. It will be fine."

Pike takes a moment to respond, "I know…I can always rely on you, Alina."

I nod and turn abruptly to leave, hopefully hiding the blush rising up my neck.

I can always rely on you, Alina.

Shit.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly. I quickly ran through a mental checklist.

I sent a memo to all the heads of the departments, reminding them to keep their people reasonably in line. Some of the ensigns, lead by Tilly, have done their best to make the loading bay look festive. The music is being handled by Owosekun and Detmer, who apparently have a shared passion for the music scene. People seem to be enjoying themselves. I jus-

"I thought everyone was supposed to be taking a break, Osborne."

I flinch, knocking over a thankfully empty glass, "Captain!"

He rights the cup before responding with a smirk, "Good to know that I have such an effect on you."

If only you knew.

"I was lost in thought. You surprised me, Captain."

He sighs in joke exasperation, "Alina, you're the one who talked about the importance of 'the intermingling of ranks to dismiss ideas of social supremacy and create a consolidated sense of unity'. I think we can all each other by our first names."

I had said that, word for word, during some pitch to the other officers. It's the fact that Pike even remembers the conversation that catches me off-guard.

He mistakes my pause for shyness, "Seriously, I can't have my officers calling me 'Captain' at a party."

"Of course, Ca-Chris…"

A gentle smile finds his face before he turns to study the crowd. I admire the line of his jaw and imagine running my fingers along its edge before I catch myself.

"So, are you enjoying yourself, C-Chris?"

Chris looks back at me for a moment before returning his gaze to the crowd, "Our crew looks happy and a red alert hasn't been called; what more could I ask?"

There's something incredibly fatigued hiding under his cheery tone that leaves me unsure. As a crew, we treat him as this resolute and invulnerable figure that holds us all up when everything else is falling apart. But…Maybe the captaincy was weighing on him far more than he normally let show. After all, this job leaves its scars on all of us.

"You realise this party is as much for you as it is everyone else? Saru offered to be on call so that you could have relax, Chris. Even captains need to take a break sometimes."

This time, Chris swings around entirely so that we're face to face. His eyes are puzzled but kind, and his forehead is wrinkled in uncertainty. I feel my hand move as if to smooth the worry from his bow but I quickly catch myself.

I gesture towards the crowd with the offending hand, "C'mon Chris. Go laugh, drink, dance. Your crew cares about you, and we want to see you enjoy yourself."

I just hope he doesn't catch how much the 'we' sentiment had been meant as an 'I'.

Chris continues to stare at me, and for a second it seems like something important is going to happen. Then the moment passes and the expression on his face clears. He extends his hand towards me and I give him a look of confusion.

Chris smiles, "I only go if you go."

I jokingly roll my eyes but step towards him. He swings around to place a strong hand on my shoulder, gently tucking me against him and guiding me towards the crowd. Chris keeps lightly brushing against me while he talks and every touch is setting my nerves on fire.

Why do I get a feeling this is going to be a long night?