A/N: Ambassador Shran is a direct descendant of General Thy'lek Shran (from Star Trek:Enterprise), one of the founders of the Federation and frenemy of Johnathon Archer.

Nine Months Ago

Earth

"Varia is a non-aligned planet located on a busy traffic corridor at the crossroads of sectors claimed by three Klingon houses, the Federation, and the Conglomerate which is a loose association of mercenaries, pirates and local warlords. After careful overtures by Ambassador Shran, Varia has agreed to negotiations for hosting a Federation outpost. Varia's military runs their government, therefore Starfleet, and, more specifically, Captain Pike will lead the talks rather than the diplomatic corp. The State department will provide technical staff and an interpreter …"

Una glanced at her Captain and raised an eyebrow. It was subtle, so she was probably the only one in the conference room who noticed, but her commander's full attention was not on the briefing. His eyes kept wandering to the woman sitting at the other end of the table. Yes, the speaker was repetitive and mind numbingly boring, but still this was unusual behavior from a man with iron-clad discipline.

Pike glanced again at the other side of the room, moving his eyes without turning his head. The corner of his mouth ticked a bit, as if it wanted to smile, while he considered how perfectly her cheek would fit in the palm of his hand. Realizing his executive officer had caught on, Pike shook his head almost imperceptibly and refocused on the presentation.

"… direct rather than computer-based interpretation is required once discussions begin between the principles. A database of their language for our universal translator should be complete within the week," the speaker looked to his assistant for confirmation, "yes, within a week. It will be used as a backstop ensuring our translations are accurate. I have been studying the Varian's language. It is simplistic and therefore can be mastered easily. For such an advanced species, their vocabulary is quite limited. I'll play a sample."

Though the meaning of the words was unknown to those in the room, the consistent, repeated use of several words, over and over and over, was obvious.

Pike's attention was drawn back to the woman, now appreciating how her wrap dress hugged all the right places as she stood and walked to a side table. Appreciating her graceful movements. Appreciating how her eyes crinkled when her brow creased after placing a wireless receiver in her ear, as if she were listening intently for something important. He indulged himself for a few seconds, picturing those pretty eyes sparkling with amusement as she smiled at him over a private joke.

A jarring thought hit him abruptly and broke the charm of the moment, this is the first time I've felt an attraction for anyone since Talos …

Her comment interrupted his thoughts. "It sounds like something is missing."

The voice was soft and melodic and the thought of hearing her sighing and murmuring his name as he slowly untied the belt and ran his hands over … "Wait, what do you mean?" Pike asked as the Captain in him came roaring back and took charge.

She held up her hand silently asking for quiet and listened again. "It's … incomplete. Like an orchestra performing without an entire section of instruments." She shrugged before adding, "Sorry, I know that is imprecise, but it's hard to describe. I can't point to a concrete example, but the recording of their language … seems … off."

Pike turned back to the speaker, "Have we missed something Nicholas?"

"No, that is not possible," he answered confidently.

"Nicholas is our best and most experienced language expert," she added supporting him.

Dismissing that nagging voice in the back of his head urging him to keep pursuing this observation, dismissing it as a response to the woman rather than the data, Pike concluded the meeting, "Very well. We're done here. Those making the trip will report to Commander Chin-Riley by 18:00 tomorrow." He motioned to Shran, the Andorian Ambassador to the Federation, requesting that he stay behind, asking after the others left, "What do you think?"

Shran's antennae curled slightly which in Andorian speak telegraphed exasperation. "The boy, Nicolas, is ambitious and talented and on a fast track for an ambassadorship. He is one of the finest translators in the building and has spent several weeks studying the Varian culture and language. He is, as Ambassador Sarek would and did drone on and on and on endlessly, the logical choice. He is also the golden boy at State and receives all the plum assignments. And Enterprise is the plumiest of them all."

"But?"

Now the antennae waved with amusement. "Aalin Matthews, who you were appreciating so intently …"

Damn, Pike thought, as always, Shran misses nothing.

"… often has a unique perspective. And I dislike purely logical choices … especially those made by Vulcans." Shran mused, "Aalin is as good an interpreter as Nicholas, perhaps better, and happy to give him the spotlight. Most here assume she lacks ambition and see that as a black mark against her. I, being infinitely more perceptive than most, think she is still looking for her place in this universe. I doubt it is here. But I digress."

His antennae straightened and his tone became serious. "The Federation needs this base. No, that is not strong enough. This base is vital for the safety of our citizens in the area, as well as for the Federation's long-term interests. You're going to have to perform a miracle to get it and I have no doubt we will be pinning yet another medal on your chest for it." Shran paused and then added before leaving, "And I think miracles bloom best with out of the box choices."

Present

Enterprise Holding at Station Near Noohra

Spock sat in his quarters, legs crossed in the lotus position, staring at the flame flickering in the small fire pit, trying to complete his evening meditations. A ritual Vulcans devotedly pursued, examining the events of the day, their actions and acknowledging, without attachment or emotional leanings, their successes, and failures.

Today, not for the first time, detachment, and therefore peace, eluded him.

His commanding officer had stopped by earlier and apologized … apologized! … for jumping into a harsh lecture criticizing Spock's decision allowing Lieutenant Matthews to remain on Noohra after the cease-fire began before giving Spock an opportunity to fully explain. And Captain Pike had promised that fair hearing would happen tomorrow, after which, he had finished with a slight smile, the lecture may be repeated.

"When did this crew, these senior officers become my family," he asked himself out loud. "And is that disloyal to my father and foster sister?"

The XO who filled the role of big sister and confidant he craved so much after Michael pushed him away?

The CMO who offered equal measures of kindness, scolding, and advice you didn't ask for and didn't know you needed, like the grandfathers described by fellow classmates at the Academy?

The Chief Engineer who was like a mischievous cousin, introducing Spock to experiences the young science officer would avoid if the choice were left to him? Oh, sometimes those exploits ended badly, but Louvier's favorite saying was time to see the world, time to kiss a girl.

The Security Chief who was like a revered and protective older brother? The one he went to with questions inappropriate for Number One.

And most importantly his Captain and mentor who, with each passing day, felt more like a father than Sarek? Who gently corrected and disciplined without cruel criticism, who openly offered warmth and affection, who appreciated humor and used it as a tool, who … not only admitted to flaws, mistakes, and failures but embraced them? And was that a better path than unemotional distance?

"What if my decision to allow her to remain on the planet was wrong?" He had never lost anyone under his command. "How can I detach from the resulting consequences? And should I?"

The room suddenly felt too small and too hot. Deciding it was time for a different type of meditation Spock left to challenge the Security Chief to a sparring match.

ooooo

Pike liked roaming his ship at night. There was a peacefulness that descended during the late shifts. The mess, gyms, and hallways were still crowded and bustling, but calmly; their rhythm and atmosphere subdued once the lights dimmed mimicking a circadian rhythm needed by most of the species on board.

Tonight those off-duty and still awake were gathered in small groups, talking softly. Here and there an arm was draped comfortingly around a friend or tears were brushed away. Others were excising the horrors, loss, and gore of the past two months by fisting a punching bag. They are exhausted, Pike thought, and he discretely called Number One ordering shifts cut from six to three hours, that only critical stations be manned for the next week. And for the senior officers to watch for anyone who required counselling or other support.

Yet there was one crewmember whose welfare was beyond his care and control. That promised a sleepless night.

Noohra

Aalin quietly walked among the rows of children laying on their mats, checking that each was covered with a blanket and sleeping. They had made little progress and fell well short of the distance they had to cover in order to reach the capital city in time for Enterprise's return. Today had felt like a game to them, especially the smaller children as they ran off the path and explored each new tree or flower or sight that caught their attention. Tomorrow she had to find a way to keep them focused and moving.

On this moonless damp night the task ahead felt overwhelming and nearly impossible. Captain Pike's voice echoed in her head as she laid down and curled around a young girl who was shivering, Focus on the problem in front of you.