November 2256
Academy Shuttlebay
"Keptin Pike, eez your daughter expecting you?" Pavel Chekov, who had just recently turned 15, asked as he followed Chris out of the shuttle and into the Academy shuttlebay with bags in his hands.
Chris shook his head and quickly took his bag from Pavel's shoulder, "No, Arianne's not expecting me to be back in San Francisco until December," he replied in a gentle voice. "However, when Admiral Barnett told me that Admiral Archer was forcing Arianne to do her Kobyashi Maru on her birthday…"
"Aye keptin," Pavel stated in an understanding voice. "You vanted to be here to support her."
Chris nodded, "I vorry, keptin," Pavel continued. "Vill my fazzer be able to find me?"
"No, Pavel, he won't," Chris replied in an unsure tone. "You will be safe at the Academy from all of that."
Pavel nodded and self-consciously looked down at the clothes he had been forced to escape from his father's house in Russia in; worn boots, oversized jeans, and a thin shirt. He looked like a beggar.
"I am grateful for you carrying my things in your bags, keptin," Pavel said in a nervous voice as he gazed around the large shuttlebay filled with nice looking transportation vehicles. "Is it alvays so quiet here?"
Chris smiled at Pavel as a father would a curious child, "It's only 0430, so not much is happening yet," he said in a gentle tone. "I think the only shuttle out right now is—"
Suddenly, the roof hatch opened and a shuttle began to descend into the bay only yards from where Chris and Pavel were standing. The shuttle quickly touched down and its engines died immediately.
"What in the world?" Chris muttered, confused as to why a shuttle was out so early in the day.
Pavel gasped and took a few steps back, but before Chris could intervene, the shuttle door slid open and Arianne came down the ramp with an arm around Leonard, who was pale and trembling uncontrollably.
"Father!" Arianne said in a shocked voice as she and Leonard touched the ground. "You're home!"
Relieved to be back on solid ground, Leonard moved away from Arianne and immediately frowned when he caught sight of the poorly dressed, slightly battered young man lingering next to Captain Pike.
"I came to watch your Kobyashi Maru," Chris replied in a gentle tone as Arianne gave him a gentle hug.
Leonard, meanwhile, had walked over to Pavel and had opened his med-kit, "Where'd you get the bruises and black eye, kid?" Leonard asked as he scanned Pavel with his medical tricorder.
"Keptin Pike?" Pavel asked, nervous as to why some strange human man in blue was scanning his body.
Chris sighed, "Pavel, it's all right," he said in a gentle voice. "You can trust Doctor McCoy to help you."
"I-I cannot," Pavel replied in a trembling voice. "Это является слишком открытым из места."
Having learned Russian among many other Terran languages at the school in Iowa, Arianne frowned and then sighed, "Вам не будут вредить здесь," she said in a soft voice as she gazed at Pavel. "Есть место по имени Starfleet Медицинский, где Вы можете быть вымыты, даны некоторую хорошую одежду, и есть люди там, которые могут помочь Вам."
"You vill come with me, yes?" Pavel asked, immediately trusting the gentle nature that Arianne showed.
Arianne nodded and extended her hand in a gesture of goodwill. Pavel took her hand and tried to stop his body from trembling as he tried to move. "Valking is too hard for me," Pavel said in a tired voice.
"What's your last name, kid?" Leonard asked as Arianne helped Pavel to sit on some empty cargo boxes.
Pavel gazed at Leonard silently for a moment before speaking, "Chekov," he replied softly.
"Aren't you some famous Russian scientist or something?" Leonard asked in a confused tone. "I read about you in one of my class textbooks. I don't know what you'll find so fascinating about California."
Without warning, Pavel began to tremble and cry, "Вы читаете о моем отце, Андрее Чекове, в ваших книгах," he sobbed, still holding to Arianne's hand. "Андрей был замечательным ученым и имел счастливый дом со мной и моей матерью много лет. Однажды, однако, наш дом подвергся нападению неизвестными людьми, и моя мать была убита в защищении меня. Андрей стал обезумевший от гнева после этого и..."
"Pavel, stop," Chris said in a concerned voice as he reached for his communicator. "I'll call Starfleet Medical and ask them to transport us directly there. Just relax; you're going to be all right."
His eyes glistening with tears, Pavel nodded and released Arianne's hand to hug himself tight, "Captain Pike to Starfleet Medical," Chris said as he took his communicator out of his pocket and opened it. "Four to beam directly to the patient bay. Inform Admiral Archer that I found the one we were looking for."
Leonard suddenly looked to Arianne, "Happy birthday," he said in a gentle voice. "Thanks for the ride."
Before Arianne could reply, Pavel suddenly dropped to the floor and the four of them dematerialized.
Starfleet Medical Psychiatric Center – 0600
"Pavel, it is not forever," Arianne explained in a gentle voice as she sat down in the visitor's chair next to the bed where Pavel was resting with his legs in a stasis field. "You need the time to rest and heal."
After the group had arrived at Starfleet Medical, Dr. Puri had taken control of the situation and had sent Leonard off to tend to Pavel under Arianne's supervision.
Pavel had been cleaned up, given hospital pajamas to wear, and immediately transferred to the psychiatric section of Starfleet Medical for deprogramming and slow integration into the Academy environment. It was a precarious situation.
"I have not been to a hospital since before my mother…" Pavel said in a faint voice as he looked at Arianne and found himself relieved to see her gentle expression. "This is all wery strange."
Arianne nodded and gestured to the driplines in Pavel's hands, "Yes, but you are safe," she said in a gentle voice. "I seem to remember reading some articles about you when I went to school in Paris as a teenager about your taking advanced academics at such a young age. How did you feel about that?"
"I alvays enjoyed learning," Pavel replied in a peaceful tone. "It is easier than trying to fit in vith ozzers."
Pavel sighed and looked to the folded blanket that sat on the bedside table, "Is that for me?" he asked in a tired, yet hopeful voice. "Ze shot I vas given is making me tired. I am glad nothing in me is broken."
Letting out a patient sigh, Arianne picked up the blanket, unfolded it, and covered Pavel with it, "In the next few days, you should be well enough to start looking at what you might want to do at the Academy," she said in a gentle voice. "You have the potential to do anything you want to do."
Before Pavel could reply, the door slid open and Chris came into the room with several styluses under his arm, "Hello Pavel," he replied in a warm tone as he nodded at the young man in bed. "Arianne, Doctor Puri and Admiral Archer want a word with you and then you had better go and get ready."
"I will visit you later, Pavel," Arianne promised as she moved towards the door. "Have a good rest."
Pavel nodded and Arianne was silent as she left the room. Her father would take care of Pavel while she was off at her exam and she would take care of him later so that her father could return to Iowa.
Arianne was so preoccupied with mentally preparing for her Kobyashi Maru that she accidentally walked into Admiral Archer, "Oh, excuse me!" she said in an embarrassed tone. "I'm sorry, Admiral Archer, I—"
"Good luck on your Kobyashi Maru exam today," Admiral Archer stated in a sincere tone. "I know that you're concerned about Pavel, but there's no need to be. Focus on proving your worth today."
Suddenly feeling like Admiral Archer and the rest of the bigshots wanted her to fail, Arianne nodded curtly and balled her hands into fists, "I will exceed expectations today," she said in a firm voice.
"See that you do," Admiral Archer said in a firm tone, secretly impressed by Arianne's stubbornness.
Arianne nodded and walked off down the hallway towards the exit door, spotting Leonard in Dr. Puri's office out of the corner of her eye. Leonard and Dr. Puri seemed to be deeply engaged in conversation.
Not wanting to bother anyone for wishes of luck, Arianne quickly and quietly left Starfleet Medical.
Bridge Simulation Room – 0800
The doors slid open and Arianne, now clad in an exam jumpsuit, entered the 'Bridge' and gazed at the crew she would be commanding for the exam. Some of the stations were occupied by familiar faces.
Phlox was at the Medical station, much to her surprise; Nyota was at the Communications station; Hikaru was at the Helm station; Elizabeth Dehner was at the Science station; Engineering was occupied by Monty Scott; Environmental Control was occupied by Christine, but the other stations were empty.
The door suddenly slid open and Leonard, Jim, and Commander Harriman came into the room, all three of them dressed in exam jumpsuits. Arianne swallowed hard as the three men looked at her silently.
"Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise," Arianne said in what she hoped was an authoritative tone.
Jim and Leonard exchanged a look, but Commander Harriman smiled and handed Arianne the PADD containing her assignment, objective, and what the adjudicators would be looking for from her.
"Kirk, take Operations," Arianne stated in the same tone. "McCoy, take the nav/tactical station."
Knowing that part of Arianne's performance grade was based on how well her 'crew' took orders, Jim and Leonard immediately moved to take their assigned stations. Arianne let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"I object to this simulation," Elizabeth Dehner suddenly said, rising from her station. "I refuse to participate in this farce of an exam with an incompetent commander. May I be dismissed?"
Arianne swallowed hard, well aware that Commander Harriman and the other Admirals were watching her from an observation station above the room. "If you have issue with my command, Miss Dehner, feel free to leave my Bridge," she said in a firm, authoritative tone. "Is that understood?"
Elizabeth Dehner nodded and swiftly walked off the Bridge, ignoring the glares she was getting from the others and Commander Harriman as she left. A moment later, Marla McGivers entered the room and looked around, as if she were slightly uncertain as to where she was. Arianne rose from her chair.
"McGivers, please take the Science station," Arianne stated in an official tone as she gazed at Marla.
Marla nodded and quickly made her way over to the Science station as the lights on the Bridge dimmed.
"10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1," an automated voice said over the intercom. "Simulation initiated."
"Captain, we're getting a distress call from the U.S.S. Kobayashi Maru," Nyota reported from her station as she turned to look at Arianne. "They were on a routine patrol and inadvertently struck a "gravitic mine" in the Klingon Neutral Zone and is rapidly losing power, hull integrity and life support."
Jim looked over at Arianne, "The message included co-ordinates to their exact location," he reported.
Arianne nodded, "What is our distance from the Neutral Zone?" she asked, gazing at Leonard.
"We're the only ship in range," Leonard replied, working the console. "ETA is about 5 minutes."
For a moment, Arianne was silent and then sighed, "Ops, relay the co-ordinates to Navigation," she ordered in a sharp tone. "Navigation, plot the fastest possible course to the co-ordinates. Once the course is plotted, Helm; engage at maximum warp. We are about to be in violation of a treaty with my orders, so anyone who chooses to object, do so now and I will make note of it in my personal log."
There was silence and, taking that as loyalty, Arianne sat back in the command chair and waited.
"Course plotted and laid in," Leonard replied in an official tone; he focused his gaze forward.
Arianne nodded, "Engage at maximum warp," she ordered in an official tone. "Communications, inform medical to prepare for possible casualties. Ops, direct all spare power to weapons, engines, and shields. Tactical, raise shields and power up weapons. Communications, send a message that we're coming."
Murmurs of assent filled the Bridge and as the orders were carried out, Arianne took a moment to read over the PADD that Commander Harriman had given her. She then set it on the arm of the chair.
"We have reached the location of the Kobayashi Maru," Jim reported. "Your orders, Captain?"
Arianne quickly got to her feet, "Onscreen," she said as she moved to the middle of the Bridge.
Suddenly, the image of a battered ship appeared on the viewscreen. An alarm suddenly sounded.
"Sensors are detecting Klingon warships approaching from the aft position of the Kobayashi Maru," Jim stated as he gazed at Arianne. "Their weapons are fully charged and their shields are at maximum."
Arianne thought for a moment, "Try and lock a tractor beam on the Kobayashi Maru," she ordered.
Jim nodded and worked the controls, silently swearing when the warships began to fire at both the Kobayashi Maru and the Enterprise. The ship rocked, but Arianne held tight to the nearest console.
"The Kobayashi Maru's shields are down to almost zero," Jim reported in a concerned tone.
Arianne nodded, "Pull the Kobayashi Maru out of the Klingon vessel's firing range as much as possible and then prepare to beam any survivors over to our vessel," she said in a relatively calm tone.
Before Jim could react, however, another shot hit their ship and the tractor beam exploded.
"Weapons are disabled and shields are dropping," Leonard replied in a concerned tone.
Arianne sighed, "Okay, new plan," she said in a commanding tone. "Disable the weapons and divert all available power to the transporters. Lock on to and beam out as many Kobayashi Maru crewmen to the escape deck as you can within a span of two minutes. In two minutes, I'll activate the self-destruct sequence and order a complete evacuation of the Enterprise. You have your orders; carry them out."
Suddenly, the Klingon vessels fired at the Enterprise, causing massive explosions, "Shields have failed and the self-destruction sequence is offline!" Jim yelled. "One more shot will finish us."
"Evacuate the Enterprise," Arianne ordered in a commanding tone; she tapped the order into the conn.
There was a flurry of noise as a ship-wide evacuation alarm sounded. Everyone but Arianne got up from their stations and rushed off the Bridge as if they were actually evacuating a doomed ship.
Once the Bridge was clear, Arianne took a seat at the Helm and tied Navigation into the station. She quickly set a collision course for the Klingon vessels and inputted it. She then took a deep breath.
As the 'Enterprise' surged towards the Klingon vessels, static filled the Bridge, "Captain, our casualties were light, but we've got at least half the Kobayashi Maru crew in pods," a voice filled the air. "Half of the crew succumbed to injuries during the Klingon attack. The last few pods just left the ship."
"Understood," Arianne said in a solemn voice as the ships began to collide. "God speed to all of you."
Arianne watched as the ship slammed into the Klingon vessels and how the impact also destroyed the Kobayashi Maru. However, beyond the debris, she could see a group of pods floating off into space.
"Simulation complete," a voice suddenly spoke over the intercom. "Proceed to the briefing room."
For a moment, Arianne was silent and then she rose from her station. It was time for the grading.
Vulcan Embassy
T'Pol sighed and adjusted Lorian's jacket so that it would cover the boy completely. It was time to leave.
All of her plans about trying to kidnap and study James Kirk and Arianne Pike had been a failure at her own doing. She had developed feelings for James Kirk in the process, as he reminded her of Trip.
No doubt Soval and Serij would see her departure as a betrayal of sorts, T'Pol thought, as she scooped up Lorian and covered him in her robe to keep him warm.
She needed to return to Vulcan, however, and seek healing for the emotional turmoil she had been suffering from since the birth of Lorian.
Not that Lorian was a problem, T'Pol surmised as she picked up the bag containing their few belongings and moved towards the door. Since his birth, however, she had found herself becoming less stable.
Time on Vulcan would do both her and Lorian good; she would be able to get a handle on proper emotional control and would be able to get rid of her feelings for Cadet Kirk.
Additionally, Lorian would be able to grow up in a proper Vulcan environment and someday excel at the Vulcan Science Academy.
Swallowing hard, T'Pol suddenly winced and keeled over; she could suddenly see Cadet Kirk in her mind.
It had been many years since Commander Tucker, but T'Pol knew that the feelings she had once had for the commander were only present whenever she thought of Cadet Kirk. It was all so very unnerving.
The whole experience at Alameda Station had triggered a frail bond between the two and T'Pol hated the idea of being bonded to someone who didn't know about it. It was better to leave Earth for now.
Unfortunately, as she was about to leave, there was a loud beep over the intercom.
T'Pol sighed, set Lorian down on a chair next to the door, and pressed the intercom button, "This is Commander T'Pol of the Vulcan Embassy," she said in a toneless voice. "State your name and purpose."
"This is Commander Spock," Spock's toneless voice replied over the intercom. "On behalf of the Academy faculty, I would like to make you aware of an assembly that Professor Khan has called for all faculty and Command officials in the Assembly Hall about offering the cadets an education opportunity."
Gritting her teeth, T'Pol tensed, "I fail to see how that kind of information would be relevant for me to know," she replied in a semi-annoyed tone. "I am not a Starfleet Academy instructor."
Before Spock could reply, T'Pol shut the intercom off. She would rather die than come face to face with Mestral's product, Khan Noonien Singh. The Augument was nothing but a harm causing menace according to what she had heard of his work overseas for the last few hundred years.
"Mommy," Lorian whimpered, suddenly opening his eyes and looking at T'Pol. "I'm scared."
Realizing that Lorian was sensing her distressing her thoughts about Khan and Kirk, T'Pol sighed, picked Lorian up, tucked him under her cloak, and left with her bag and son in tow.
The time to leave was now and hopefully there would be someone, anyone, who could help her escape to the safety of Vulcan.
Exam Briefing Room – 1100
"A campus wide faculty meeting has been called, so this meeting will have to be brief," Commander Harriman stated in an official tone as he took a seat at the head of the table where Arianne and her 'crew' sat, awaiting the commentary on the exam. Elizabeth Dehner lingered silently by the door.
Arianne sighed, "Sir, although I understand that the Kobayashi Maru is created to be unwinnable, I feel like I could have done more to prove my abilities," she said in a grave tone. "I do apologize."
"All right, hold it right there," Jim suddenly spoke up in a serious tone. "I don't usually have a lot to say about how other people perform in Academy scenarios. Your actions were something that I've only heard about, but have never really understood until now. Your actions helped me to gain closure."
Everyone stared at Jim for a moment, who quickly stood up. "If you'll excuse me, Commander Harriman," he said in an apologetic voice. "There's something long overdue that I need to go do."
"You're dismissed, Cadet Kirk," Commander Harriman replied gently. "In fact, due to the staff meeting, this debriefing will have to happen another day. You are all dismissed to extracurricular activities."
Without waiting for a reaction from the cadets, Commander Harriman stood and silently left the room.
"It's your fault that I ended up banned from taking it," Elizabeth Dehner suddenly pouted. "After I left the scenario, I got yelled at by Admiral Archer and by Captain Pike for unbecoming conduct. They then told me that I'm not going to be allowed to finish my program in three years; that I have to do four."
To Arianne's surprise, Leonard sighed and gave Elizabeth a look, "I'm too much of a gentleman to say what I really think of your behavior today," he said in a firm tone. "However, I will say that I meant what I said about not being interested in you and the reasons why. The exam was important to Arianne."
Not wanting to be the focus of a negative discussion, Arianne quietly rose from her chair and moved towards the door.
Only Phlox noticed her and she mouthed the word 'counseling rounds' to him and he nodded. She then left the room to allow Phlox to handle the situation with the others in his own way.
What she didn't expect to see in the hall, however, was her father. Chris had a smile on his face and immediately hugged her. "Well done," he said in an impressed voice. "Let's take a walk, okay?"
Arianne nodded and walked in-step with her father down the hallway, "Pavel didn't stay awake too long after I arrived, so I left him some things to read and came to see your exam," Chris explained in a gentle voice as the two emerged from the building. "He's taken a liking to whatever you told him earlier."
"Pavel said he's from Russia, though," Arianne said in a confused tone. "I thought you were in Iowa?"
Chris sighed and led Arianne off the path and under a tree, "What I am about to tell you is to remain confidential," he said in a low voice. "During my time in Iowa, I was made aware of a problem with the Space Agency in Russia and Admiral Archer ordered me to investigate it, despite my work in Iowa."
Arianne nodded, but made no comment, so Chris continued, "When I arrived at the Space Agency, I was informed that their star student, Pavel Chekov, had gone home for the holiday period and hadn't come back at the beginning of term," he stated gravely. "The school gave me Pavel's home address and after getting proper attire and supplies, I got transportation into the Russian countryside. It wasn't difficult to find Pavel's home; it was a small farm that had a dilapidated house and a barn, but no animals.
"Oh man," Arianne replied in a concerned voice. "You found Pavel in the barn, didn't you, Daddy?"
Chris nodded and sighed, "I first looked in the house and it was a mess, but nobody was inside," he explained in a quiet voice. "When I checked the barn, I found hundreds of destroyed books and Pavel was lying in the corner, sobbing quietly with blood all over him and all over some ripped up pages. His father, Andrei, had apparently forbidden him from returning to school and when Pavel protested, there was a fight and after beating Pavel and destroying his books, Andrei Chekov went off to be alone."
By now, Arianne's eyes were filled with tears, so she didn't say anything, "It's very fortunate that the Russian Space Academy is a sister school to Starfleet Academy," Chris stated gently. "I got Pavel what he needed from his house and we left Russia on the earliest possible shuttle. He spent the entire ride to San Francisco not saying a word to me and forcing himself to stay awake or being sick. When we landed in the Academy shuttlebay, I was pleased that he finally trusted me enough to speak to me."
"I was thinking of going to sit with Pavel so you can go to the staff meeting," Arianne said in a gentle voice as she composed herself. "I know it's my birthday, but what better way to spend it?"
Chris smiled, "Arianne, you have a heart of gold," he replied. "Have fun and be safe today, all right?"
"Captain Pike, your presence is required at the campus-wide staff meeting," an automated voice suddenly said. "All Academy and Command Staff are to be at the meeting by request of Professor Khan."
Chris sighed, "Ever since J.M. retired from Starfleet to raise a family, I've had to rely on automated reminders for appointments and classes," he said in a monotone voice. "Have a good day, daughter."
"You too, Daddy," Arianne replied, gently giving him a hug. "Call me when you want to get together."
As Arianne took off down the footpath towards Starfleet Medical, Chris came back out on to the path just in time to see Phlox escorting Monty, Hikaru, Nyota, Christine, and Marla out of the building.
All of them looked very embarrassed and none of them were speaking to each other.
A moment later, Admiral Archer emerged with an angry-looking Elizabeth Dehner in tow, "After the staff meeting, Miss Dehner, we'll speak in my office," he said in a firm tone. "Is that understood?"
Elizabeth nodded and rushed down the steps and across the grass to avoid being seen crying. "Where's Cadet McCoy?" Chris asked, worried that Leonard had snuck off and was now up to no good.
Before anyone could reply, Leonard came outside and, ignoring the crowd, he quietly made his way down the steps and headed down the footpath in the direction that Arianne had gone minutes ago.
"Cadets, go do something useful," Admiral Archer suddenly snapped. "You'll most likely be debriefed on the meeting after it's over. For now, though, go be productive and don't eavesdrop on the meeting."
Understanding themselves to be dismissed, the group quickly walked down the steps and scattered in different directions. Chris looked at Jonathan, who suddenly looked both shocked and amused.
"Let's get to the meeting, shall we?" Chris said before Jonathan could open his mouth. "Come on, Jon."
Admiral Archer nodded and walked in-step with Chris down the path, both of them extremely curious.
Starfleet Medical Psychiatric Center – Recreation Room - 1200
"I feel so calm today," Lara spoke in a gentle voice as she and Arianne walked along the small indoor track in the recreation area of the center. "This walking is helping me to feel free from stress."
Arianne nodded; she had arrived to visit Lara and had suggested a therapeutic activity to draw Commander Harriman's wife out of her shell. Lara had been eager to do some walking on the track.
"That's good," Arianne replied in an encouraging tone. "You seem so happy today."
Lara smiled and suddenly, her gaze drifted into the next workout room, "Is that the Kelvin baby?" she asked in a surprisingly curious voice. "He looks so much like his father and mother."
Arianne stopped and gazed where Lara was looking; she then saw that Jim was in the next workout room doing sit-ups while talking with Dr. Puri, who was making notes on a stylus and scanning him.
"Yes, that's Jim," Arianne replied in a confused voice. "What on earth is Jim doing here, anyway?"
Lara looked thoughtful, "I would like to meet Jim," she said in a gentle tone. "He seems so brave."
"Jim's a really private person, but I'll let him know," Arianne replied, unsure of how Jim would react.
Lara sighed and moved over to the window. She smiled and gently knocked on the glass with her hand.
Arianne watched as Jim suddenly sank to the floor and began to breathe heavily for a moment before relaxing and saying something to Dr. Puri. She also saw Dr. Puri smile at Lara and talk to Jim briefly.
"I'm foolish," Lara suddenly said in a hollow tone. "I think of myself too much and not everyone else."
Arianne suddenly looked concerned; Lara had been making remarkable progress since they initiated daily visits last month, but would seeing Jim, a reminder of the Kelvin incident, prove to be too much?
"Because of you, Arianne, I can speak in full sentences again," Lara said in a calm voice as she watched Dr. Puri help Jim to his feet and sit him down on a bench. "I want to do what you do; to help people."
Arianne smiled as Lara turned to face her, "I also want to show love to John again, but I do not know how," Lara said in a worried tone. "I am worried that he will leave and take up with someone else…"
"I am not the person that can show you that," Arianne replied softly, her heart aching over the fact that nobody would ever see her desirable enough to want to marry her. "I know nothing about love."
Lara looked very surprised, "I'd love to share some memories I have of when John and I were courting, if you have the time," she said in a gentle, reassuring voice. "Would you like to stay for lunch?"
"I'd love to," Arianne replied gently, ignoring the aching in her leg from all the walking. "Shall we?"
Lara nodded and smiled at Arianne as they walked out a side door of the rec area. Just barely a moment later, the main door opened and Leonard came into the room with a med-kit in one hand and a PADD in the other.
He saw Jim and Dr. Puri come out of the other rec room and frowned; where was Arianne?
"Arianne just left the room with some woman," Jim stated, seeing the desire for Arianne that Leonard had in his face and eyes. "Doctor Puri wasn't busy, so we were just talking about some stuff."
Leonard nodded, "She's probably doing counseling rounds," he said slowly. "I just wanted to see her…"
"I believe that Doctor Piper isn't busy if you need to talk to someone," Dr. Puri said in a professional tone. "I need to go to the staff meeting, but Dr. Piper is around. See you later, Cadets; be safe."
Leonard sighed, "Isn't Doctor Piper that guy who heads the AA group you sneak off campus to go to?" Jim asked in a nonchalant voice. "Maybe he can actually tell you to tell Arianne how you feel about her."
"How do YOU know how I feel about Ensign Pike, Jim?" Leonard asked in a defensive tone.
Jim shrugged, but looked amused, "You talk in your sleep about seeing a sunset with her," he replied.
Leonard blushed, "I don't MEAN to have feelings for her," he hissed, embarrassed. "I'm still recovering from my divorce and I never thought I would fall in love ever again. Yet, there's something about her…"
"Let's go grab some lunch from the canteen and you can tell me more," Jim said, suddenly cutting Leonard off with a grin. "It's Arianne's birthday and if you really want to impress her, I can help you."
Leonard sighed, but followed Jim from the room, determined to show Arianne that he cared for her.
Little did they know, however, that Elizabeth Dehner had been in the sauna and had overheard their entire conversation about Arianne. Now, her jealousy and rage against the 'Academy freak' had peaked.
Everyone loved Arianne's words, but what was Arianne Pike like in an actual crisis? Elizabeth wondered as a plan began to form in her mind; one that would expose Arianne Pike for the weakling that she was.
Starfleet Medical Psychiatric Center – Atrium – 1230
"…It was dawn before John and I finally got back to town, soaking wet from the rainstorm," Lara said in an amused voice as she sipped her coffee. "While I rested, he sent a tow truck for the car that had broken down. When I woke up, John took me for a walk by a waterfall and proposed to me."
Arianne smiled, pointedly ignoring the soup that one of the kitchen staffers had brought to her; she had enjoyed the story and suddenly seemed hopeful about her own love life.
The stories that Lara had been telling were also a good distraction from the uncomfortable side effects of nausea and fatigue, Arianne thought as she listened quietly.
"Nyet, I am fine," Arianne suddenly heard a soft, very familiar voice say. "Eez there food here?"
Arianne turned to see Pavel being escorted into the atrium by one of the orderlies, "Ah, Ensign Pike, hello," the orderly said in a professional tone as he allowed Pavel to lean on him as much as possible. "He buzzed for help and expressed a desire to eat when I responded to his room. I deactivated the stasis field on his legs and said that he could come to the atrium as long as someone could watch him."
"I vas tired of being in bed," Pavel finished, his tone tired. "Am I allowed to haff a meal?"
Arianne smiled and nodded, "Pavel, you don't have to ask for permission to eat," she replied, giving Lara a smile. "Lara, I'm sorry, but can I get Pavel settled with some food for a moment?"
"Pavel can sit here if he wishes," Lara offered in a gentle voice. "He looks as if he could use friends."
Pavel nodded and took a seat in the empty chair between Arianne and Lara, "I vas vondering if this place had apple juice," he said in a quiet voice as he looked at Arianne. "Keptin Pike let me haff some on ze shuttle ride from a replicator. My stomach ees making noises, but I cannot afford any of ze food."
"The food is free here," Arianne replied gently. "What would you like?"
For a moment, Pavel was silent, "Eez there any soup?" he asked in a worried tone. "I like soup."
Arianne nodded and looked over to the staffer behind the food counter, "What's the daily soup?" she asked in a gentle tone; she wanted Pavel to be as well-adjusted as he could before being released.
"Tomato soup with macaroni and a side of poutine," the staffer replied. "Would you like to try it?"
Pavel suddenly looked curious, "Da, zat vould be nice," he replied softly. "What eez poutine?"
"It's good, don't worry," Arianne stated in a reassuring voice. "You'll enjoy it a lot."
Pavel nodded and sighed, "Ze work your fazzer left me ees all done," he stated. "How can I get more?"
"I can talk to him about that," Arianne replied gently. "While we're on the topic of work, Pavel; what do you like to learn? Starfleet Academy has a lot to teach anyone who is willing to take the time to learn."
Pavel suddenly looked eager, "I vas at the top of my class at the school in Russia," he said eagerly.
As Arianne and Lara listened to Pavel talk about the school in Russia, they were unaware that Marla McGivers had entered the atrium with an apron over her cadet reds.
She saw Arianne talking with two people who appeared to be patients and suddenly felt guilty of helping bully Arianne all semester.
With a sigh, Marla moved back into the kitchen to grab her personal PADD from one of the counters and text Christine about giving Arianne the right combination to their dorm as a birthday present in a text message.
Assembly Hall – 1400 H
The last bell rang as Arianne slipped into the hall and took a seat in the very back. Every seat in the hall was filled with those in red or grey outfits and Professor Khan was standing at the front of the room.
"Greetings to all the cadets, Academy staff, and Starfleet Command people who have gathered themselves to this meeting," Professor Khan stated in a smooth tone. "Instead of sharing the idea in such a large group, however, I will give Starfleet Command the courtesy…"
Suddenly, a side door opened and Serij came into the room, not stopping until he got to Professor Khan's side. He handed Professor Khan a stylus, whispered something to him, and then left the room.
"Ah, it seems my assistant has come up with a clever idea of how to share the idea I have already shared with the staff," Professor Khan stated as he looked at the notes on the stylus. "Starting in January, there will be a range of training missions available to any student who is doing well in academic work."
A wave of chatter suddenly broke the silence and Commander Nogura quickly got to his feet, "SILENCE!" he shouted in a voice of demanding irritation. "Please show Professor Khan the appropriate respect."
The entire room fell silent, "The students who meet the academic criteria will be divided into groups and placed under the command of either any instructor volunteers or the top student in their group," Professor Khan calmly explained. "I will be taking recommendations from instructors into account."
Professor Khan then fell silent and gazed at the crowd of students and instructors, "The training missions will consist of opportunities to apply survival techniques and also the different aspects of your chosen field," he stated smoothly. "For those in my class, I will be demonstrating hands-on survival techniques and having hands-on classes for the remainder of the semester. That is all for now."
"Students, you are dismissed," Admiral Barnett said as he stood up. "Classes will resume tomorrow."
Letting out a sigh of relief, Arianne stood up and quickly left the hall before the many other students who were trying to push their way outside to enjoy the free time.
As she was leaving, her PADD vibrated and upon checking it, she realized that Admiral Archer wanted to see her in his office immediately, despite the meeting taking several hours.
What Arianne failed to notice, however, was that Marla had pushed her way through to the floor level to talk to Professor Khan. She had been enamored by him for weeks, but lacked courage to say so.
"Professor Khan?" Marla asked in a quiet voice as she approached Professor Khan timidly.
Professor Khan smiled, "Yes, Miss McGivers, how can I help you?" he asked in a smooth tone.
"I just wanted to commend you for going forward with your idea," Marla said in a nervous voice. "The instructors here are not often open to new ideas. It was very brave of you to put yourself forward."
Professor Khan nodded, "I thank you for your compliment," he replied. "Enjoy your day."
As Marla moved away, Spock rose from his chair and immediately shot Professor Khan a look that indicated that there would be trouble if he flirted with any more students for his personal gain.
"Professor Spock?"
Spock turned and saw Nyota standing there, "Professor Spock, I was wondering if you wanted to assist me with some Romulan dialects this evening?" she asked in a quiet voice. "I could use some help."
"I have a video call with my parents this evening," Spock replied tonelessly. "Maybe another night."
Before Nyota could reply, Spock turned and quickly disappeared into the sea of students and instructors who were heading outside.
He planned to vid-call his parents on Vulcan, meditate, and then send Arianne a message asking when she would like to meet for another counseling session. To him, there was no time for romantics, even if they were with Nyota Uhura.
Admiral Archer's Office – 1700 H
"Ah, Ensign Pike," Jonathan said as he rose from the chair behind his desk. "Please come in."
Arianne stepped inside the open door and was very surprised to find T'Pol sitting in one of the visitor's chairs with a large cloak around her shoulders and a bag at her feet. To her, T'Pol looked scared.
"I don't know if you remember T'Pol, Arianne," Jonathan said, suddenly finding himself referring to Arianne as he did when she served under him. "Your memories of your first life may be distorted."
Arianne sighed, "Professor Spock has assisted me in regaining and coming to terms with most of them," she replied, not wanting Jonathan to know that she knew of their romance. "You wished to see me, sir?"
"I am in need of help in leaving the planet discreetly," T'Pol stated in an anxious voice as Arianne moved closer to the desk and gazed at her former colleague. "Earth is not the place to raise Lorian again."
Arianne frowned as T'Pol opened her cloak and revealed Lorian, who was leaning against her; he was sound asleep and dressed in a gray pantsuit. "Lorian is Commander Tucker's son, but nearly dying in an accident during a shuttle flight, I was forced to deage him," T'Pol explained in a solemn voice.
"Has something happened that you wish to leave the planet without anyone knowing?" Arianne asked in a concerned voice as T'Pol covered Lorian back up. "Vulcans can come and go without trouble."
T'Pol sighed, "I cannot explain it," she lied. "Earth is not the place where I wish to raise Lorian."
"If you were to do this, Ensign Pike, it would go a long way in terms of the extracurricular activity section of your Academy service record," Admiral Archer said in a firm tone. "You could be offered a promotion to Lieutenant by next summer based on that. Since you're doing the three year program despite having disabilities, you'll want to do everything you can to stand out in the eyes of Command officials."
Swallowing hard, Arianne nodded, "How soon do you need to leave for Vulcan?" she asked.
"If you can arrange adequate and discreet transportation, I would like to leave immediately," T'Pol replied tonelessly. "I have managed to get in contact with Ambassador Sarek and I will be working as the professional assistant to him and Lady Amanda. Lorian can receive proper education on Vulcan."
Arianne nodded, "I know a pilot who can take you there, no questions asked," she said, thinking of how much Hikaru would love the opportunity to test out his flying skills if he was still talking to her.
"Excellent, can you contact him right away?" Jonathan asked in an impressed tone.
Nodding, Arianne pulled her personal PADD from her pocket and quickly sent a message to Hikaru, asking if he had the time and desire to do her a favor. Almost immediately, her PADD vibrated.
Arianne,
First of all, happy birthday. Secondly, what's the favor?
Hikaru
Arianne quickly typed in a simple explanation that an important Vulcan diplomat needed discreet transportation from Earth to Vulcan that evening If possible. She then sent the message and waited.
A few moments later, Arianne received a reply from Hikaru that he would enjoy transporting a diplomat and that he was grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate his excellent piloting skills to others.
He also said for the diplomat to meet him in the Personnel shuttlebay after normal hours of operation.
"The pilot will meet you in the Personnel shuttlebay after normal hours of operation tonight," Arianne said as she looked at T'Pol with a smile. "Is there anything you'd like to do until you leave?"
T'Pol sighed, "May I wait in the shuttlebay with Lorian?" she asked, worried that Serij would find them and try to stop them from leaving. "I would feel safer waiting near the shuttle with my son."
"T'Pol, you and Lorian can wait in my office," Jonathan offered. "You will be safe here."
Arianne stood up as T'Pol nodded, "I will see Ensign Pike out," Jonathan said as he rose from his chair.
T'Pol nodded and was silent as Jonathan led Arianne from the room. A moment later, Jonathan returned with a tired, solemn look on his face. "Arianne said that she was meeting up with friends," he said. "I was hoping to talk to her about the past."
"If you desire to talk to Ensign Pike, I can wait," T'Pol stated as if sensing his desire to talk to Arianne.
Pursing his lips, Jonathan nodded and silently hurried from the room to catch up with Ensign Pike. He missed her very much.
Canteen – 1800 H
"Jim, can you please take this thing off my eyes?" Arianne asked as she felt herself being led into a building by Jim; he had caught her on the footpath from the Command building and blindfolded her. "I don't really like surprises that much."
Jim chuckled, "Okay," he said as he stopped her in her tracks and untied the blindfold. "Just relax and trust me, okay?"
"Why are we standing in the dark?" Arianne asked as she opened her eyes to see nothing but blackness.
For a moment, Jim was silent and then a light suddenly flashed on, revealing Leonard lingering at a table that had a nice tablecloth on it, china dishes, polished cutlery that was wrapped in cloth napkins, and crystal glasses that were filled with water.
Leonard was wearing his Starfleet Medical shirt over black attire and he was clean shaven and smiling gently.
"I heard it was your birthday," Leonard said in a nervous voice as he walked over to Arianne. "Are you up to dinner?"
Arianne looked at Jim, "This was your idea, wasn't it?" she asked in a semi-amused tone. "Does my father know where I am?"
"Actually, Bones thought of all this and asked me for help," Jim replied nonchalantly. "Yes, Captain Pike DOES know about this and I'll be eating dinner with him in his office while we talk about my next few semesters. Have fun and happy birthday."
As Jim left, Leonard offered his arm, "Let me walk you to your seat, my lady," he offered in a gentle Southern drawl.
Arianne nodded and took Leonard's arm, fighting the urge to laugh as he led her over to the table and helped her to sit, "Before you ask about the decor, I've spent the last few weeks running around campus in my spare time, borrowing replicator credits from anyone who would lend them to me," he said in a gentle voice. "Are you okay with fried chicken and sweet potatoes?"
"Yes, but who's going to be making them and serving them to us?" Arianne asked. "The canteen's usually closed at night."
Leonard suddenly blushed, "Jim sweet talked the canteen staff into letting me use the kitchen and its supplies," he admitted in a semi-sheepish voice as he sat down next to Arianne. "I haven't cooked my own food in a while, so I had to make something easy for me to cook and easy for us both to digest. I just wanted to give you something nice for your birthday, Arianne."
"Oh Leonard," Arianne said, her voice an awed whisper as she gently touched his face and suddenly ended up kissing him.
For a moment, Leonard was surprised and then relaxed, enjoying the simple passion of a kiss he never thought he would get.
As Leonard and Arianne continued kissing, they were unaware that Admiral Archer, who had come looking for Arianne, had seen them through the window.
Thoughts of what could be instantly left Jonathan's head as he observed the two pull apart and begin talking softly to one another like lovers should.
Jonathan sighed and left; the past would be better off left in the past. The future would play out how it was meant to.