It has become more obvious in this chapter that a timeline is needed. This story takes place three years after the events of the 2009 movie. So Avaira became an Admiral one year after Pike did, and Chekov is 20 in this story.

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It was two hours before Feria came to visit me. She was wearing a white chiffon dress that hugged her curves beautifully, and a pair of ankle high boots. Her wavy golden blonde hair was pulled back with a clip, and a few strands framed her face. A light amount of makeup that complimented the outfit covered her face.

"You clean up nicely." I commented as she spotted me and approached the bed I was lying on.

"Thanks. Um, are you alright? I wasn't brave enough to ask Doctor McCoy. You seem really nice, and I didn't want to hurt you. I didn't mean to run into you." I smiled as she babbled out her words quickly.

"Feria. Please. I'm fine, Leo just wanted to keep me in a while longer to make sure I stay that way. Or at least that's his excuse. I think he just likes having me around." She smiled, and we were interrupted by Leo pulling open the curtain.

"Actually, it's because whenever I let you out of my sight, you manage to get yourself hurt." He growled, adjusting my painkillers and looking at Feria. "She's fine. And even if she wasn't, it wouldn't be your fault."

"Thank you." Feria replied.

"So, Feria, what's your station?"

"I'm working on the bridge under the direction of First Officer Spock. He's...well, he's a Vulcan."

"Green blooded hobgoblin, that's what he is." I cast a look at Bones and turned back to Feria.

"He's an incredibly intelligent person, and while his social skills aren't completely brilliant, I have witnessed his ability for human emotion. You're quite lucky to learn from him."

"He's teaching me more than I think any person's brain can contain at once, but I am very glad to have him as a mentor."

"So tell me, has Captain Kirk attempted to charm you yet?"

"He tried, but when he found out how old I am, he stopped. I'm glad, I don't...well...I want someone else." I raised an eyebrow, and Bones chose his cue to leave.

"Firstly, how old are you? And secondly, who would that be?"

"I'm 17." She said, leaving the latter question noticeably unanswered.

"You must be very intelligent to have earned a place onboard the Enterprise already."

"I don't think so. I just...well, I suppose. Some people say I am."

"So, it's Pavel, I take it? The one you want?"

"How did you..." She trailed off, looking nervous.

"He's your age, and I doubt it's Spock. Unless you're into Scotty or Sulu, there aren't too many options there. I just presumed it was someone important on the ship, hence your hesitance."

"I could never tell him. He's too smart to want to pay attention to a girl like me."

"Do you always infer how people are feeling when you have no idea?" I asked, leaning back and moving around slightly.

"Well, um, no?"

"All I'm saying is give Chekov a chance. Maybe he has more room in his heart than you think. Don't rule out the chance before it's even entered the atmosphere."

"I suppose you're right." She replied, looking slightly brighter.

"Have you talked to Chekov before?"

"He and I were friends before he came to the Academy. I lived down the road from him when I was 12."

"And you think that he's had that long to show some iota of attraction for you, the fact he hasn't must mean he doesn't want you?"

"Well, yeah. We've been best friends for nearly 6 years. Surely he would have done something by now?"

"Maybe he is scared he'll lose a best friend. A secret us girls aren't supposed to know is that guys are just as afraid of rejection. Some of them are just better at hiding it than others."

"So I just come straight out and say it? What if you are wrong?"

"Then I've been giving really horrible advice to you. Maybe drop some hints."

"Chekov may be a smart guy, but he's horrible at noticing obvious social things." She laughed, and I chuckled.

"True. The worst that can happen is he doesn't know. Give it a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised."

"I...does this make us friends?"

"Sure. It's the beginning of all good friendships, colliding in empty starship hallways." She smiled.

"Awesome. It's really nice to meet you."

"Likewise. Some girly talk is good for me. I'm getting too used to grouchy old admirals."

"You're young for an admiral."

"Well, like I tell everyone else, it was more luck than earned. What happened that day with the Klingons...I was just doing my job. Doing what I was trained to do. We hit a bad situation and I had to save those people."

"You piloted a ship to safety and protected a damaged ship at the same time, in the midst of 4 klingon warbirds. You took out 5 other klingon vessels and you saved countless lives. It was earned." She replied with wide eyes.

"How do you know all that?"

"I..." She stopped, blushing softly. "I aspired to be like you."

"Really?"

"I looked up to you. You became a captain so young, then an Admiral. You're what I always wanted to be."

"Well you never know, it might come before you think."

"No. I'm happy on the Enterprise. I like it here, with Pavel. The crew is nice, and I feel like I fit in."

"Yeah. I know what you mean. I love it here."

"You like Bones, don't you?" I raised an eyebrow, and she blushed again. "You look at him...like you like him."

"Good eye."

"So I'm right?! You two would make a great couple. And he's so grouchy! Some lovin' might cheer him up a bit." I let out a spurt of laughter, and placed my face in my palm.

"I never really thought about it like that."

"I have to go. I really do have duties to attend to."

"Go on. You might be able to score a dance with the navigator."

"I hope so." She replied with a smile.

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I will be switching POV's between Avaira and Feria from now on.