Christopher Pike was wired, and unable to sleep. Next to him, his mate Sylvia was sleeping soundly, so he pulled the covers over her so she wouldn't be cold. However, he did permit himself a long, appreciative view. He was rather partial to women with curves and he could pride himself on managing to exhaust a much, much younger woman.

Exhausting Tilly was an ego boost as she was becoming more comfortable with being loud and appreciative. And yes, he even enjoyed how she was becoming a trifle bit demanding in ensuring her physicals needs were met. Hearing her moan, mooorrrre, was a delight. Unlike their first time together when a very timid Tilly had been so quiet that he had kept having to stop and ask her if she liked what he was doing and if it felt good, now at least he had some idea.

However, Chris hadn't been joking when he had declared chronic insomnia an occupational hazard for a Starship Captain. There was a PADD that he needed to review plus a bottle of Scotch that he might like to enjoy.

Just a dram, or so.

Plus, he needed to review his relationship with Tilly to confirm that he kept it emotionally healthy, well, as healthy as it could be considering he was her commanding officer and she was a junior officer under him. (Good God, what a Freudian slip).

First things first, he found some pajama bottoms to wear because while he was working on Sylvia being more comfortable with a naked human body (his), it didn't mean that he planning on being skyclad at all times in their quarters. He just wanted Tilly to stop announcing that he was naked when they woke to the latest crisis.

Really, he didn't look forward to looking Singh in the eyes if the kid ever caught Tilly screaming "OMYGOD YOU'RE NAKED" during one of their early morning chats. Ylsa, being a Deltan, would probably appreciate it very much, but not so much Singh.

"I'm sorry, Captain, the Warp Core's Blown to Kingdom come."

"OMYGOD, YOU'RE NAKED, CHRIS! MY EYES! MY EYES! THEY BURN!"

Bad.

Bad.

Very Bad.

But first things first, he needed to remember to say Thank you to his anonymous benefactor as upon reviewing the bottle label, he had determined that it was exceeding good Scotch, (Phil would have approved… and damn him if he knew who the hell Phil was, only that he was sincerely grateful that and the Scotch weren't in the same quadrant because there would have been a pitched battle for it, and he wouldn't have fought fair.) and he decided that he'd have a second glass to savor after the first one went down smooth as silk.

If they decided to poison him, he'd thank them as the Glenmorangie was really outstanding Scotch. Light and citrusy, with a little bit of honey.

"Computer. Message for Reed as follows – 'Thank you for the Scotch, Reed or should I say 'Tinker Bell'?"

Computer acknowledged that easily, which confirmed that Reed/Tinker Bell/DelRosso (As Singh, the next likely suspect, seemed to lack the sheer snark required for TinkerBell but anyone who programmed those boatswain whistles to piss off his captain had snark to spare so that pointed to the supposedly nonverbal DelRosso) had been anticipating his response, and was possibly about to zing him with a comment.

"Message for Captain Pike."

Well, hello there, DelRosso. Speak of the Devil and the Commander shall appear, complete with a whiff of brimstone and the twirl of a pitchfork.

"Who is it?" Pike asked as he began tapping on another PADD. Like he didn't know who it was because the computer voice sounded a bit snarky. When Singh contacted him, it was usually bad news so the computer's voice held an edge of fear to it.

As in please, don't hit me, Dad.

He had to break the kid of that habit.

Break – bad word choice there, Chris.

"There is no information on the envelope." The female voice serenely informed him.

He tapped "RECORD" and stated, "Voice only. Proceed."

Voice distortion filter again. The best way to find out if you can trust someone is by trusting them.

"Is that a threat?" Chris softly questioned.

I've saved your life twice already. Don't make me regret it, Pike. I may regret giving you the Scotch already though.

"Very chatty tonight, Tinkerbell," snarked Pike. "Or should I say Commander DelRosso?"

Burst of deep laughter.

Well, Hansel, you picked up the breadcrumb trail. Care for a visit from The Ghost of Officer Past and Present? The Ghost of Officer Future is yet to be determined.

"Why not?" Chris offered. "Just don't wake Tilly."

I haven't used the hologram in some time. I wonder if it still works. However, I don't think Tilly will wake, she's … exhausted.

Chris's smile was forced and not at all amused at that last comment.

Then, appearing in the chair across from him with a sparkle of fairy dust combined with a whiff of brimstone, was a shadow of a bearded man. (Mental note to self, you better confirm that nothing was smoldering, as it really did smell like brimstone, Chris) The ghost was wearing the Fed uniform and Pike saw that he was wearing the rank of a Captain. (Naturally) His wavering image was diffused and ambiguous but where his eyes should be were patches of solid black.

Damnit, Chris counted on being able to look into a man's eyes and judge his worth.

There was a hologram glass in front of his visitor, as though they were two old friends meeting for a drink.

"Commander DelRosso?" Chris stated, stressing Commander.

I prefer Captain DelRosso, if you don't mind, as I am the surviving senior officer of the USS Janus and I have not relinquished command to you or anyone else.

"Why should I trust you, Rafael?"

He wasn't playing games with rank as there was only one Captain on the Janus. That was Christopher Pike. So sorry you didn't get the memo, DelRosso. There had been a party complete with a band and dancing, and there had even been cake. Yes, cakes, and Chris pondered about that stray thought because there were no cakes to be found on the Janus.

You've forgotten your Kautilva, Chris. The space captain who is situated anywhere immediately on the on the captured spaceship is termed the enemy. The space captain who is likewise situated on the starship, but reporting to the conqueror, is deemed the friend of the conqueror. Unless the original captain deems otherwise. That's me, in case you're confused. So Friend or Foe, Chris?

"We're discussing a military treatise written in Sanskrit?" A disbelieving Pike questioned. "Because you seem to have taken extensive liberties with the Kautilva."

Fascinating, a rogue Tolerian warlord who recognizes the Kautilva. Who'da thunk it? I had a professor that made me read it in the original Sanskrit. He'd be delighted to know that it has reached this section of space.

"I read a lot," Chris admitted. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend? I don't think so as the Breen are not my enemy."

Do you really think the Breen are going to let you live after you get this ship functional, Chris? You saw what they did to Emerson. It wasn't even a clean death, Chris. They hacked him to death. And what your buddies did to Tanaka? I don't think you want that happening to your… what word should I use? Ah… your… assistant, Chris?

They'll make you watch… while she… begs… you to kill her.

Christopher attempted not to react, but he knew damn what DelRosso meant. The idea of that happening to Tilly, to having to watch it made him very angry.

I'm offering a pact of mutual protection. I have eyes and ears everywhere on this ship. I can keep you informed of any pending mutinies or issues with the Breen.

"Like the sabotage attempt the other day? Really good job there, Rafe." Pike didn't even bother to hide his scorn.

And point to Pike. However, DelRosso easily smiled.

I stopped the fire from spreading further. I let it go that far so you'd get a crash course in your bosses and their politics from Nirav. Singh knows his stuff, he's just too scared to breath at times.

"So, what I get from you to cement our deal, Rafael?"

I gave you the Rosetta Stone to the ship. I've saved your life twice, what more do you want from me? You're not getting another bottle of scotch.

"Your ass on the bridge the next time I try the warp engines, Captain DelRosso. Your warnings would have prevented us from nearly blowing out engineering."

The figure shook his head.

No.

Absolutely not.

I risked too much by being there the last time, and I'm risking the lives of my crew right now just to talk to you. The Breen realize that I can say more than Glitch, I'm dead. You'll lose any control of the ship then and my crew gets slaughtered.

No. no. no. Nonnegotiable, I will protect my crew to my very last breath. I would die for them. Willingly.

That last statement earned a grudging respect from Pike.

Here's my conditions. You protect my crew from the Breen as much as you are able. If I give you a suggestion, you will listen to it as that way I can keep your ass alive long enough to get this ship functional. When I die, you will take care of this crew as though they are your own.

"They are my crew." Pike said that mildly, but inwardly, he wanted to growl that they were his crew.

No, they are not. You haven't earned the right to be their Captain yet. You can't just saunter in and expect them to follow you into hell.

And GAME to DelRosso.

"There seems to be a touch of desperation here, Rafe," Pike pointed out. "You've admitted you're taking great risks to talk to me, which means you have a very poor poker hand. You've given me the schematics and I haven't agreed to one damn thing."

You forget, I can kill you easily. And they will replace you, and I will kill them. It won't be the first I've killed.

"You don't sound like much of a Fed officer," spat Chris. "Aren't they supposed to be honorable? I don't remember their officers bragging about murder."

Snort of laughter.

Well, one of my former Captains informed me that I was a sorry ass excuse for an officer, so I'm sure he'd agree with you.

Wild grin as though DelRoso found that thought very droll.

God knows I wish he was here, because he would have pulled a miracle out of his ass. I'm sure he wouldn't have let half his crew get butchered. He certainly wouldn't be hiding.

Think about it. You know how to contact me. I'll give you 48 hours to decide and a sign of good faith, I'll protect you during that time. As an added incentive, I'll fold Tilly into my crew, so they'll protect her.

She has gentle hands, as you are well aware. The Janus appreciates her soft touch very much.

Much like you do.

Too deliberate a comment to be anything but a way for DelRosso to see how he'd react when provoked.

Ooo, the anger in your eyes, not hidden by your bright smile. Interesting, you really do care about her, don't you? Odd for a Tolerian as they are usually fickle and capricious in their physical affections, especially between senior officers and their juniors.

Are you really sure you're a Tolerian, Chris?

Do you ever catch yourself in the mirror and expect to see a different face?

Maybe different clothes?

Maybe a different color? Yellow, perhaps?

DelRosso out.

Fade to black.

"If he was ever one of my officers, I'd space him," growled Pike. "Gladly."

Tinker Bell had been trying to get a reaction from him. While there had been noticeable barbs thrown as that was required between two Alpha males determining who ranked who, Pike was pretty sure that there had been a quieter attack going on, hidden beneath the noise. And maybe even a third, as DelRosso's quip about being declared a sorry ass excuse for a Fed officer by his superior was nagging at him.

"Yellow?" was his next question. "Why would I wear yellow?"

Pike had just settled on the couch with his Scotch and the two PADDs when he realized Tilly was actually awake and in the room. She was wearing one of his T-shirts and it covered the essentials.

"You weren't there when I woke so I figured you were busy captaining," she explained.

"Yes, with a bit of Scotch. Do you drink Scotch?" Christopher asked.

She wrinkled her nose and he smiled. "Good, I don't have to share it then."

Tilly was rewarded with a quick grin and dimples which were quickly replaced by his serious captain face.

"You seem… annoyed?" Tilly asked. "Did I wake you with my snoring?"

"No, no, no. I had a chat with Tinker Bell. I wish I could have fed him to that damn alligator." He patted the couch next to him, and motioned for her to sit. To her surprise, he guided her so she was sitting between his legs. When he was satisfied with her positioning, he covered her bare legs with a blanket.

"Who is he? What did you talk about?"

"He's a Fed, and he seems to be keeping a very close eye on you." His soft whisper in her ear turned her on so fricking bad that she was dire risk of melting into a big puddle. Her inner vixen was moaning, Take me, take me in a thousand different ways. "Should I be worried?"

"N-n-no," she whispered while Chris nibbled her ear. "I'm not even sure who he is. Who is he?"

"Not telling," was his soft retort. "He's younger than I am."

"Well, you make up that in experience." Well, she attempted to say that but he was busy attacking that spot between her neck and her shoulder blade and it came out more of a gasp of pleasure.

OMG, I'm dying here, people! Brainiac Tilly announced as her eyes were rolled back in her head. Don't try to rescue me. I'm taking one for the team.

"Do you want to take a look at the ship's schematics? Or do you want to have a serious talk?" was his next question.

I want option number three, where you rock my universe, moaned Inner Tilly VaVaVoom who was bit of a slut.

Hey! I resemble that remark, protested the Inner Vixen Tilly along with several other inner Tillys.

Her lustful mood departed quickly which made her inner Tillys loudly pout. "We can talk, if you want?"

To her disappointment, his hands stopped wandering. No, they most assuredly weren't wandering at all!

Then he made her sit next to him! Chris turned to face her and he reached out for her hands. He clasped them with his and he tilted his head to give her a concerned look "You look…. Nervous."

"You have your serious Captain face on," Tilly admitted with a giggly laugh. She scrunched her shoulders together and tried to hide her face with her hair.

"When I'm Captain Pike, I'm rather limited. I have only the serious face and the Glare."

He glared at her and she nervously giggled. Then Chris' face softened into a smile before he raised her hands to his lips. He buzzed them, then released them.

"Just want to make sure you're still good with everything. Because of my age, because of my position, our relationship could turn unhealthy for you. There's an unequal power balance that I have to acknowledge and of which I have to be hyper aware. Plus, I haven't had many long-term relationships so we're in an unchartered section of space now."

Long pause. "I just want us to be in healthy relationship before we start talking babies again. I really want that horde of little red headed girls with you but I really worry that one day you'll wake up, hating me for taking advantage of you."

Tilly began to protest but he gently placed two fingers on her lips. "Don't make absolute promises that you may not be able to keep. I know that much."

Quick grin. Then he turned serious. "Just promise me, if I ever make you angry or afraid or uncertain, you tell me. You need to say, 'Chris, you're being a fucking asshole'."

He dimpled, and added, "Just not in front of the crew, please."

That discussed, Christopher waited for to her to speak. "You're really quiet," he confessed. "We good? We bad?"

He waved his hands, and Tilly saw her chance. She grabbed the PADD with the ship's schematics and announced that she was heading to bed.

"I'm feeling rather Bad," she admitted. "Very, very bad. I need hands on remediation from my Captain. Immediately and most importantly, thoroughly."

To her delight, Chris blushed.