Episode 1: We Have Your Back

"... I want you to find out what happened to Una. You can quit when you get home, but right now I need you back on that horse Captain. That's an order," Robert April said.

Pike remained silent. He looked up at the sky. Minutes passed. Scenarios ran through his thoughts, Una needs us … but others are just as capable, in fact at this moment more reliable … safer … than me … yet she may be in trouble … serious trouble … … … … I can't turn away from that … His attention returned to April. "If it were anyone other than Una or Spock, I'd resign right here, right now. But for Una … yes, I'll go." He gathered the reins, preparing to remount his horse.

The Admiral did not reboard the shuttle.

"Is there something else?" Pike queried in a gruff tone.

April carefully scrutinized his former first officer and good friend. "Tell me what this is … what is going on with you … hell you'll be fleet captain soon." He missed Pike's brief haunted expression: unfocused eyes that rolled slightly, furrowed brow, quick inhalation. "You walking away from Starfleet? That's unfathomable. And a waste of talent."

Pike shrugged. His hand stroked the horse's forehead and muzzle. "I'm reassessing. That's all."

"You're not yourself Chris," Bob observed.

"Hmmm. Are you reconsidering your order?"

"No. Because I am confident whatever needs require will be met capably by a resolute Captain Pike." A pause. "Never thought I'd see you spooked. And you are. Just like a horse running out of a burning barn."

"By the way, don't pull a stunt like this again," Pike warned in a low serious tone, "If Aalin had been on the horse when your shuttle spooked it, it would have thrown her."

His overt change of subject was not lost on April. "Next time answer your damn communicator. Besides your better half is too level-headed to ride in these conditions. So are you going to leave me standing in the snow or invite me to the house?"

"Ah … yes … of course." They walked in silence, Pike leading his horse. Nearing the cabin he gestured, "Go on in, stabling Nizhoni will take some time."

ooooo

Bob embraced Aalin and kissed her cheek. "How's Sarah?" she asked.

He answered with a smile. "Well. And busy at Starfleet Medical. She's trying to coax Phil Boyce out of retirement and into headquarters with her."

"Already? His leave only started a little over three months ago. He's still on that extended fishing trip, our stasis units are already full."

"And Sarah wants to know when the two of you are coming to San Francisco, she's very insistent about seeing you before Enterprise ships out."

Aalin nodded. "Soon … maybe … that's up to Chris. Want coffee? Or something stronger?"

Bob shook his head. "What's going on with Chris?"

"The beard?" Aalin chuckled. "Yeah, it is rapidly moving into Father Christmas territory."

"You too? Are you also going to evade my questions?" Bob asked in a curt tone. His voice softened and held a sheepish note. "Apologies. I'm concerned. Sarah unceasingly reminds I'm a bull in a china shop."

Aalin walked to the window and gazed out toward the barn. "His last mission was … tough. Chris needs time."

"Bullshit." She turned to face him. He continued, "I've known Chris for years, served beside him for years. He's lost people before; he's had numerous difficult, as well as hazardous missions before. He deals with the consequences and moves forward. Always has. Always will. Is he serious about leaving Starfleet?" Bob paused and scrutinized her. "You're not going to say one way or the other, are you?"

"This is Chris' story to tell, not mine. And his decision to make."

Bob sighed. "OK. I'll back off. For now. But you will let me know how I can help."

He heard the sorrow in Aalin's tone as she responded in a quiet voice, "Yes, when the times comes, I will."

ooooo

"Where's Bob?" Chris asked as he shed his coat and boots.

"Called back to headquarters," Aalin replied and offered a mug of coffee. "I'll pack."

He caught her hand and clasped it. "Sit with me." She nodded and followed him into the office. After recalling Spock to duty Chris joined her on the leather sofa. "I don't know if I'm ready."

"I understand, I do. But perhaps once you are on board Enterprise, once you step onto the bridge, you will."

He raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through his hair. "You're not going to unreservedly reassure that I am?"

"Would that help?"

"No. Not really." He sighed. "You know me well."

She brushed a thumb across his cheek.

"So what do you think?" he asked.

"You have legitimate questions. Does possessing the knowledge of what will be ten years from now fundamentally change who you are and how you react? Your assessments and decisions can have life or death consequences for others, you are responsible for the lives of your crew. Does knowing the future unleash recklessness? Or paralyze with too much caution?" She shook her head. "There is no certainty until the choices are directly in front of you and imminently necessary." A pause. "But yes, I think when those moments come you will be the self, the leader, we know and trust.

Chris leaned his head against the back of the sofa and closed his eyes.

Aalin placed a hand on his thigh. "Spock will be there. I will be there. We'll have your back."

He opened one eye and glanced sideways at her.

"Were you are going to suggest I stay behind?" she asked mildly, too mildly he noted.

Chris studied her expression and revised his plan. "Of course not."

"A wise decision. So you're off to a good start."

He stared at her for a few seconds then chuckled. His hand rubbed the beard. "Guess it's time for this to go."