Present – Day 1

Enterprise

"Yes," Matt replied and then continued, "She was scared."

Hearing it out loud was like a punch in the gut. Adrenaline flooded Pike's body as his protective instincts roared and demanded he take action.

Matt continued, "But Aalin never, not even once, wavered from her choice to remain behind and escort the children to safety. Actually, she suggested it."

"That's unsurprising. She frequently leaps first and then thinks about the risks." Pike sounded mildly exasperated.

"Really? How frustrating for you." Matt countered in an ironic tone.

Behave, Isak thought to Matt.

Pike glanced sideways at his head nurse and shook his head, amusement trickling through his concern as he thought, Subtlety never was Matt's strong suit, except with his patients. Just like Phil. Pike's tone was lighter when he responded, "Tell Phil you have made his point well. Isak, schedule a series a battle drills for tomorrow and send the announcement to all parties. Let's remind the Aschaski who they will be tangling with if they misbehave."

Shenzhou

Georgiou briefed her first and second officers on the situation with the Noohran orphans when she returned to her ship, cautioning them to hold the information close.

Lieutenant Commander Saru, the product of a people preyed upon by a species with superior technology, settled into his lab intent on finding a way to do the improbable and track the group without exposing them to the enemy.

Noohra

What would Chris do? Keep or ditch the Federation supplies? Chris … when did I start thinking of him as Chris rather than Captain Pike? Not the time or place, think about that later.

Aalin reviewed the Varian mission and Pike's decisions during its complicated and tense moments. Chris always considers whether to act or not as one of his choices. He never allows another or fear of what might happen to force an irrevocable response. She heard his resolute, calming commander's tone of voice in her head, "Leave your options open until you cannot."

And, she added to tame her inner critic, once the decision is made, he doesn't endless question it. He moves on and deals with the consequences as they come.

Choice about the supplies made, she stood and called to the children. "First group to the lake gets to choose tonight's story." Once they are asleep, I will rehearse my explanation for why we are carrying food and water from the Federation.

Enterprise

Pike had one more task before he could retreat to his quarters.

"You requested my presence sir?" Spock asked as he entered the ready room and stood at attention.

"At ease, Lieutenant."

Spock remained ramrod straight, using it as a shield against the inner turmoil he could not quell despite his Vulcan training and mindfulness practices.

Best get straight to it. "My decision would have been the same as yours. You made the correct choice, sending the children south with Lieutenant Matthews."

The young officer flexed his fingers and exhaled ever so slightly. "But was it the right choice sir?" He asked pensively.

People awed by Spock's mature, honed intellect often miss his still maturing and very tender heart, Pike thought his protective instincts again roused. "That judgement requires context, which we don't yet have. Which we may not have for days or even years. Or may never have. It's one of the hardest aspects of command."

Spock decided to sit in the chair on the opposite side of the table. "I should have anticipated a problem at the orphanage and planned for it."

"I dispute that conclusion," Pike said and then smiled knowingly, "but I doubt that will change your mind."

"You are correct sir."

Over the years, Pike had learned one of the most effective ways to connect with and care for his crew was to give them the space to speak when and if they were inclined. He and Spock sat in silence for several minutes. He's not ready yet, not willing to ask the singular question on his mind, the one that is drowning out everything else. Because he fears the answer, Pike thought before saying, "You took the only option any of us could live with. We, you and I that is, will carry any burden of the result together."

Spock nodded almost imperceptivity.

Did I see relief in his expression, Pike asked himself. "That's all Lieutenant. You're dismissed."

Noohra

They made camp near the lake in the lower foothills of the mountain range. Exhausted from the terror of yesterday and the walking today, the children resisted eating dinner and fell asleep before reaching the end of the story Aalin started. Not knowing any children's fairtales native to Noohra, she was translating one of the anecdotes about Enterprise Chris told the children that night in the Gileseian refugee camps, amending it to fit Noohran culture and surroundings.

Was that night really only six months ago? Sitting side by side on the dirt floor of the school for hours was … natural. Comfortable. Cozy. Nice. She recalled the secure feeling of his large strong hand wrapped around her smaller one. A subtle PDA, its warmth and fondness stood out due to its nuance.

She also remembered how she had allowed herself to imagine, for a few moments that night, those solid hands caressing her body, that soft voice that held notes of amusement and tenderness whispering endearments in her ear, those long fingers tracing circles around her …

Wait … whoa … stop! One, don't read more into that few hours of hand holding than is reasonable. The intimacy was due to the circumstances, the surroundings, and it was a friendly intimacy, not an intimate intimacy …

Two, Is intimate intimacy even a term?

Three, Chris has been nothing more than a kind commanding officer since then. Yes, he's been attentive, but that was, is, and will continue to be solely due to the mission and my inexperience.

Four, I don't date Starfleet Officers. Never. Ever. For good reason.

Five, how would you even have a date with the Captain on his ship … it would be like taking over four hundred parents, siblings, and friends along with you …

Her itemized listing slammed to a halt when she looked down and realized their second mistake.

Enterprise

John couldn't stop thinking. Nor relax. Nor sleep. A run didn't calm his frustration. A wrestling match with a fellow security guard didn't push back his worry. He had sent his sister into danger, yes, all the crew, even its newest member, were his adopted family; his inattention to detail during the rushed preparations would expose her and those children to strafing runs on the high plains by even the most inexperienced and incompetent pilot.

Those are bad odds. Ones I am not willing to accept.

Half an hour later, he, his boss Isak, Spock, and Una crowded into the Chief Engineer's office and discussed possibilities.

Pike usually relished the solitary time in his quarters. Though he never refused a request for facetime with any member of his crew, few broached his privacy here unless the circumstances were time sensitive and important.

Again tonight, the silence was oppressive rather than welcomed. Because you know it's time to admit the truth to yourself rather than continue obfuscating.

Again tonight, his thoughts drifted back to the second time he and Aalin met.

It was dawn when the last child left the school. He helped Aalin stand. Realizing their hands remained clasped, the atmosphere turned awkward, and they simultaneously let go of the other.

She spoke first. "Thank you. That was, well, extremely generous of you. They will be repeating those stories for weeks. In Federation standard. You've taught them more in one night than I have in the past couple of months."

"I have little to offer other than my time, so if it helps in a small way, then ..." his voice drifted, the need in these camps was enormous and his words felt self-serving and inadequate. "Is there somewhere we can talk alone and without interruption?"

"My roommate started her shift at the hospital, so my tent should be empty." Aalin gestured and he followed.

Once inside Pike realized there was no place in this area teeming with people that offered the required privacy. He pulled out his communicator and flipped it open. Without warning and without asking for permission he ordered, "Two to beam to main transporter room."

Before Aalin could protest, she felt the dematerialization process take hold of her body. Once on board she refused to leave the transporter platform. Pike's instant shift from last night's man to impatient commander used to having his instructions followed immediately and without question jarred her.

She glared at him through narrowed eyes, "Did my father call in an insane number of favors and send you for me?"

The expression he gave in response was genuinely confused. "What?"

"You heard me."

Pike held out his hand in an effort to coax her off the platform. "No. I, we, Starfleet need your skills."

Aalin blushed. "Ah. Sorry. I jumped to conclusions. My bad. My decision to leave the State Department is a sore spot with my family. They … it's an old argument … since I gave up … sorry again … none of this is relevant." She took his hand. "OK. I'll stop talking now. Sorry." She winced. "And I'll quit apologizing."

You're adorable when you get flustered, Pike thought. "They must worry about you. This planet can be a dangerous place, especially with the unrest in the outlying camps," he said, already planning ways to keep her from returning to pack her things after remembering a security bulletin from last month. "Please come with me."

Responding to the authority he naturally exuded, she answered instinctively, "Yes, sir."

He masked his smile quickly, but Aalin saw that her reply amused him. Pike nodded to the transporter operator as he ushered her out of the room and into the crowded hallway. He was several paces ahead before realizing she had stopped. He was at once pleased, watching as her eyes took in every detail his ship and she smiled appreciatively; and also cross with himself, watching her smooth back her disheveled hair and try to straighten her wrinkled shirt and shorts, as if she felt out of place among and intimidated by those hurrying to duty in their crisp uniforms.

Noticing she held the Captain's undivided attention, Aalin hurried to join him.

"Is this your office?" She asked once the doors closed.

"Yes. Starfleet adopted mostly nautical terminology, so colloquially it's known as the ready room. Would you like coffee?" Noticing her small frown, Pike put coffee on the mental list he started of things she dislikes.

"Tea please."

Beverages in hand and seated, Pike began. "This briefing is classified. I have reinstated your security clearance. I need an interpreter for a mission to Varia."

"Then you should seek out Nicholas, he is the one who learned their language."

"That mission failed, due to an erroneous translation that insulted the Varian Commander General. They've agreed to give us a second chance … with a different interpreter. Shran recommends you."

Aalin looked at him incredulously. "It is unlikely Ambassador Shran remembers me or my name."

"You're unforgettable." Real smooth there Christopher. He continued quickly, "We need a permanent military presence in that sector. The fourth moon of Varia is an ideal location."

"I no longer work for the State Department, and they have many who are as qualified or more qualified for this type of work."

"You warned us there was something missing. In that briefing months ago. No one else caught that."

"I observed the recording of their language sounded off. You can't extrapolate any conclusions from that," Aalin protested.

"You used the word missing. And I didn't follow-up on your comment. That makes the first failure my responsibility and I intend on fixing it." Pike stated firmly.

"And I wish you well with that."

"This base is important for the security of Federation ships and personnel in that sector."

Even Christopher Pike sometimes chooses the wrong tactic. "Important?" Aalin echoed in a soft voice.

Missing the significance of her quiet tone, he affirmed. "Yes, crucial."

Her voice grew quieter and was almost a whisper. "I see." She stood. "As I said, I no longer work for the State Department and I am uninclined to assist the Federation's military aspirations at the moment. I'm sorry you wasted a trip. Your help, the supplies and the repairs, is truly appreciated. I would like to return to the surface now."

Pike stood and spoke with sincerity. "My apologies. That was insensitive. This military base isn't more important than the refugees. But the help I can give the Gileseians is limited. And a Federation presence near Varia may prevent a similar disaster. Please reconsider."

Aalin sank back into the chair. "I don't know. Here in the camps, I can make a difference. And if Nicholas couldn't unwind their language, it is doubtful I can."

Pike flashed his most charming smile with dimples fully deployed. "I disagree. Just think about it. We'll be in orbit until this afternoon. Stay on board while you consider. I'll assign you quarters."

She tilted her head and looked up at him. "With a shower that has hot water and doesn't have bugs? That could steal a girl's heart."

Pike resisted the temptation to reply with 'then I will shower you with showers.' Instead he said, "Give me a few minutes to get things organized and I will escort you."

"That seems below a Captain's pay grade." Aalin mused.

"In this case it's the Captain's privilege."