February 2257

Vulcan Medical Institute - Shi'Kahr, Vulcan

T'Pol sat on the edge of the bed where Lorian, who was suffering from an influenza-like illness brought on by his intolerance to Vulcan's outdoor climate, lay asleep with driplines in his arms and a blanket covering his clothes. Despite his young age, Lorian hadn't put up a fight about being in the hospital.

While T'Pol stayed by Lorian's side, she thought about how she had inadvertently created a mental-link with James Kirk during the times when she had been involved with his torture. In her view, James was ignorant and the link wouldn't affect him so long as he stayed in his current routine and didn't allow emotions to begin controlling what decisions he made. However, if he allowed emotion to control him…

The door suddenly slid open and T'Pol looked towards it, "Mister Reed, what is the reason for your visit?" she asked in as toneless a voice as she could muster. "How did you ascertain my location?"

"That is irrelevant," Lucas replied in a sharp voice. "You are aware of Elizabeth Dehner's arrival at this facility a few days ago for trial, correct? She is currently here undergoing a competency assessment…"

T'Pol sighed, "How do these facts concern me?" she asked tonelessly. "My child is ill and resting and…"

"You've been emotionally compromised since your last encounter with James Kirk," Lucas replied, a small smirk on his face. "I have asked your colleagues about you and they attribute it to the problems you have had with Trellium-D in the past, but I know better; you are distressed by your mind-link."

T'Pol frowned, "Meditation and distractions help with the distress," she replied. "You cannot tell…"

"If you wish your little issue to remain secret, I want a favor," Lucas stated coldly. "Use your influence among your peers to keep Elizabeth Dehner from prison; get her sent to a mental hospital instead."

T'Pol raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything, "I suggest you work quickly," Lucas continued coldly.

Before T'Pol could reply, Lucas promptly dematerialized, "T'Pol to Ambassador Sarek," she spoke as she opened the communicator that she always kept on hand. "I request a meeting with you immediately."

MURDERER EXTRADITED TO VULCAN FOR TRIAL: VULCAN EMBASSY SEEKING LIFE SENTENCE.

Arianne sighed and clicked off the Starfleet Gazette button that was on the screen before leaning back in the cushioned chair that sat behind her tiny desk. Classes had just ended for the day and Arianne had quickly retreated to her counseling office at Starfleet Medical to do some work before the rush.

Seeing as it was Friday, most cadets would rush through their homework before changing into civilian clothes and going off campus to take advantage of the late weekend curfew.

However, this Friday was to be the announcement of who had made the crew that Professor Khan was going to take into space on the USS Farragut on a training cruise as part of a joint effort between him and Commander Harriman.

After the final list was out, Arianne silently thought as she looked through a PADD she had to read for Advanced Diplomacy, there would no doubt be waves of emotional cadets coming to her for reassurance of their worth to the Fleet. There were more experienced medical staff that would no doubt be happy to be of help, but a lot of cadets were reassured by her combination of youth and maturity.

The door chime suddenly sounded, "Come in," Arianne said pleasantly, setting the PADD on her desk.

To Arianne's surprise, the door opened and her father came into the room, "What are you doing in here?" Chris asked in a surprised voice. "I thought you'd be at the pavilion with the rest of the cadets."

"If anybody I know is or is not on the list, I'll hear about it when they come to my office needing to speak to a counselor," Arianne replied softly. "I think some people will be, so that's why I'm in here."

Chris sighed, "You could be among those chosen," he stated gently, leaning against the open doorway.

"I don't expect to be, Father," Arianne admitted somberly. "I am not at the top of any of my classes, nor am I a social butterfly. Professor Khan is going to choose those who can grow to be leaders and I…"

A look of surprise crossed Chris's face, "Honey, you've come so far since you were a child and struggling in civilian schooling," he commented gently. "You are lauded as a hero by many who are still struggling with their feelings from what happened in December from both Starfleet and the Vulcan Embassy."

"Father, Vulcans do not struggle with emotions," Arianne replied softly. "No Vulcans have come to seek counseling over this incident; they would not seek counseling from an imperfect Human such as myself."

Chris pursed his lips, "While it is true that the Vulcans have alternate methods of grieving, it is not true that they wouldn't seek your assistance on important matters," he stated firmly. "You are very unique."

Before Arianne could reply, Spock came into view and stopped in the open doorway with a stylus in his hand, "I apologize for interrupting your conversation, Captain and Lieutenant Pike," he said in a toneless voice as he held the stylus out. "However, Professor Khan's list has been revealed to the cadets and…"

"Spock, please, I will hear about it soon enough," Arianne replied abruptly, cutting him off as she stood up. "I think I'll close the office for a few hours and go do a bit of aquafit at the pool. "I need a release."

Raising an eyebrow, Spock walked over to the desk and extended the stylus to her, "I doubt you will have time for swimming, Lieutenant, with all the preparations you are required to participate in before the training cruise on Monday," he commented tonelessly. "I offer my sincere congratulations…"

Frowning, Arianne peered at the stylus and was shocked to see her name on the list of the select hundred who would be on the Farragut. Next to her name was written 'Assignment: TBD by Prof.'

"What does TBD by Prof mean?" Arianne asked as she returned the stylus to Spock. "Is that bad?"

Spock gazed at the stylus briefly before looking at Arianne, "It means you are to report to Orbital Spacedock by 0600 Monday morning with the others who were chosen," he replied tonelessly, giving her as much of a reassuring look as he could. "The cadets assigned to Engineering and Operations will be required to report to the Farragut by tomorrow evening to learn how the equipment operates."

"I see," Arianne said in a quiet voice. "Am I right in assuming there is to be a celebration of this?"

Spock nodded, "Professor Khan is in the process of putting together an elaborate gathering that will be held in the ballroom at Starfleet Command at 1900 hours," he replied tonelessly. "He has requested that all cadets on the list, all Academy instructors, all members of Starfleet Command, and any available personnel from the various Embassies attend the gathering. The code of dress is dress uniforms…"

"Understood," Arianne replied, not intending to attend the party. "Thank you for informing me."

Chris studied Arianne's expression for a moment and then nodded to Spock, "Commander Spock, you and I should go make our own preparations for this evening's event," he said, knowing that Arianne wanted some time alone. "Lieutenant Pike, what you do with the rest of the afternoon is your choice."

Arianne nodded and stood at attention until her father and Spock left the room. Once the door was closed, she sighed and stepped away from her desk. She badly needed a distraction from the sudden stress she was feeling about attending such a prestigious event; it wasn't just because of what had happened in December, it was also because large social gatherings had always been difficult for her.

Nearly half an hour later, Arianne slammed the door of the locker where her cadet uniform hung and strode out on to the pool deck clad only in a light blue, one-piece swim suit instead of the standard black wetsuit she usually wore when swimming with her hair in a loose ponytail that trailed down her back.

The pool was completely empty and for that, Arianne was grateful. It took her only a few seconds to climb into the water and begin a slow jog across the width of the shallow end while doing slow breathing and hand exercises that were part of the meditation that Sarek had instructed her in.

Several minutes of quiet passed when there was suddenly a chuckle, "I'm so looking forward to this party tonight," Arianne heard an amused female voice say. "I have been looking forward to spending time with Spock outside of our study sessions. Marla, I bet you'll be happy to see Professor Khan."

"Even if I will be, it's inappropriate to have such feelings for an Academy instructor," Arianne heard Marla say in a very reluctant voice. "Nyota, look; Lieutenant Pike's already in the swimming pool."

Arianne turned just in time to see Nyota glare at her before assuming a neutral expression and also saw that Marla, Christine, and Gaila were also standing on the deck, "I promised Spock I wouldn't antagonize her anymore," Nyota hissed. "Let's just ignore her and go lounge in the hot tub and sauna, okay ladies?"

Swallowing hard, Arianne turned away until she was sure that Nyota, Marla, Christine, and Gaila were gone and then she swam back to the other side of the pool. She slowly got out of the pool and suddenly noticed that her cadet uniform was hanging on a towel hook and was completely covered in soap.

There was a small note attached to the collar with a safety pin, so Arianne picked up the note and scanned it.

Consider this a reminder of your place.

A quick glance around the aquatic area told Arianne that Nyota, Gaila, Marla, and Christine were all in the sauna and obviously not guilty of damaging her cadet clothes. Fighting the urge to panic, Arianne dug her communicator out of her pocket and was relieved to see that it hadn't been damaged.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Lieutenant," a deep voice said as Arianne suddenly felt a knife pressed against her throat and a gloved hand around her neck. "Elizabeth Dehner says hello and so do I."

Immediately recognizing the voice as belonging to Lucas Reed, Arianne shuddered, "Elizabeth Dehner's been extradited to Vulcan for trial," she replied anxiously. "How could she have contacted you?"

"Section 31 has their ways," Lucas replied coldly. "Now, Lieutenant, you and I are going to take a walk."

Arianne silently waited until Lucas moved his hand away from her neck and then belted him hard in the stomach. As Lucas sank to the floor, Arianne blood oozing down her neck and she immediately covered the spot with her hand, "What are you going to do now, Lieutenant?" Lucas asked as he sat on the floor clutching his injured stomach. "You could always kill me and do away with one of the greatest agents…"

"It would not be right to commit a cold blooded murder," Arianne replied shakily as Lucas slowly got to his feet and advanced on her with the knife pointed outward. "Even for Section 31 agents, it would…"

Lucas chuckled as he slowly drew the tip of the blade across the bleeding area, "Section 31 has done worse things than kill people in cold blood," he replied smoothly. "I could kill you right here and…"

Suddenly, just as Arianne closed her eyes in defeat, she suddenly felt Lucas being pulled off of her, "Don't even think about touching her again," Arianne heard Leonard's angry voice say. "Got it?"

Arianne opened her eyes and was surprised to see both Leonard and Jim standing there in Academy-issue wetsuits with Lucas against the wall, "Well, Bones, we came in for a swim and ended up stopping a murder," Jim commented in an abrupt voice as he walked over to Arianne. "Arianne, you're bleeding."

"I'm fine, Jim," Arianne replied, not willing to meet his gaze. "Lucas just had a message for me."

Ignoring the murderous look in Leonard's eyes, Lucas chuckled, "Yes, I must now be going," Lucas replied as he quickly belted Leonard in the jaw and pulled free. "May you all have a pleasant day."

To Leonard and Jim's surprise, Lucas tapped a device on his wrist and promptly dematerialized, "Jim, honestly, I'm so scared," Arianne whispered in a faint voice as she began to feel tired from blood loss.

"Don't be," Jim replied softly as Leonard turned his attention to them. "Why don't you sit down?"

Too shocked to argue, Arianne allowed Jim to help her to sit on the deck, "They're minor cuts, so I'll be able to treat them with the stuff I have in my student medkit," Leonard explained as knelt down and studied the cuts on her neck before standing up again. "It's in my locker; I'll just go and get it."

As Leonard hurried off into the boys' locker room, Jim wrapped his towel around Arianne's shoulders and helped her to lean against the wall, "Lucas said Elizabeth sent him, but Elizabeth's imprisoned on Vulcan awaiting trial," Arianne whispered in a soft, but anxious voice. "He threatened to kill me."

Before Jim could reply, Leonard returned with a medkit in one hand and a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt in the other, "I always bring spare clothes to the gym so that I don't have to wear the clothes I sweat in," Leonard explained gently as he knelt down and opened the medkit. "I have to clean these cuts and then bandage them up before you can get dressed. Maybe you should call it an early night…"

"I'm Captain Pike's daughter, a Starfleet counselor, and a member of the training crew," Arianne replied in a gentle, yet very firm voice. "If I didn't show up at the gathering tonight, it would be very rude."

Leonard sighed, but said nothing as he cleaned Arianne's cuts with antiseptic wipes and then put small bandages over each of them, "Thank you for your help," Arianne said in a shaky voice as she slowly stood up and hugged herself. "I've got to go and get ready for this evening's gathering. I'll see you…"

"Maybe you shouldn't be left alone," Jim piped up in a concerned voice. "Because of blood loss."

Arianne smiled and gently hugged Jim, "I'll be fine, Jim," she replied softly. "See you later."

Letting out a sigh, Arianne took the clothes from Leonard and disappeared into the girls' bathroom before anyone could stop her, "I'm going to do some laps," Leonard said in a quiet voice, deeply shocked about how angry Arianne being assaulted had made him feel; he needed to blow of some steam badly.

Jim nodded and wandered off towards the spa and sauna to see if there was anyone he could bother until it was time to go get ready for the gathering. As he approached the now-empty hot tub, he heard the splashes that indicated that Leonard had dived into the pool and was now swimming very fast.

Nobody noticed, through all that had happened, that a security camera had recorded everything.

"I would like to speak with Scientist T'Pol," Lucas replied, glaring at the Vulcan who had answered the call he had put into the Vulcan Science Institution upon returning to his apartment. "It is urgent."

There was silence as the Vulcan looked off screen, said something in a low voice, and looked back at him with the same stoic expression on his face, "Scientist T'Pol has resigned and moved off planet with her son due to personal reasons," he replied tonelessly. "She did not leave any forwarding information."

Lucas snarled, but managed to keep from smashing the scree, "I would like to know the status of Elizabeth Dehner's judicial review," he continued in a professional voice. "I am her brother and I…"

"Elizabeth Dehner is set to stand trial tomorrow morning for the murder of the Vulcan Ambassador Soval," the Vulcan replied tonelessly. "She was declared competent for trial by Matriarch T'Pau…"

Lucas was shocked and promptly hung up without saying goodbye; in one stroke, his plan to assassinate Arianne for her role in Elizabeth's arrest had fallen apart and now Elizabeth was going to stand trial.

Now, on top of his failures, T'Pol had betrayed him and had fled Vulcan with her young son in tow.

Lucas gritted his teeth in fury; there was nothing else left to do but report back to Section 31 with news of his double failure. However, before he could leave his apartment, he needed to think over the words he would use to explain his failures. Section 31 was a very unforgiving group, especially to their own.

Copernicus Village, Luna

The journey from Vulcan had been short, but the first thing T'Pol did was put Lorian into a bed where he could rest while the drip-bags drained the rest of their hydrating fluids into his small body. She then prepared two cups of spice tea from the replicator and had promptly returned to the living room where Ambassador Sarek had waited upon their arrival at the empty house within the small lunar village.

"Here is some spice tea, Ambassador Sarek," T'Pol said, handing him a cup. "To serve as gratitude."

Ambassador Sarek took the cup and sipped it, "There is no need to express gratitude," he replied in a toneless voice as T'Pol sat on a small chair where she could face him and also keep watch on Lorian.

"There was no other choice but to ask for your help, Ambassador," T'Pol stated in a slightly emotional voice as she sipped her tea. "I could not allow myself to commit such a dishonest action; Elizabeth Dehner murdered Ambassador Soval in cold blood and the only logical consequence is prison…"

Ambassador Sarek nodded, "Your logic is sound," he replied tonelessly. "You feared for the safety of yourself as well as Lorian if it ever became known that you failed to commit such an action."

"I worry for my safety even here," T'Pol stated tonelessly. "I have very sacred secrets, Sarek."

Finishing off his tea, Ambassador Sarek rose from the couch, "Your secrets and your presence here will be known only by T'Pau, Doctor T'Pan, and myself," he stated tonelessly. "You both will be safe here."

T'Pol nodded, "I thank you for your assistance, Ambassador Sarek," she replied. "Live long and prosper."

"Live long and prosper, T'Pol," Ambassador Sarek replied tonelessly. "I will keep in touch with you."

T'Pol was silent as Ambassador Spock left her apartment-like dwelling and then she went back to the bedroom where Lorian was sound asleep in bed. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked up at the small ceiling that was decorated with star-like glitter; her hope was that Lorian would eventually come to enjoy living in this lunar village and any thoughts of her link with James Kirk would fade with time.

Outside, in the small, dome-like enclosure that protected the village from the harsh climate of space, Sarek silently headed back to the small shuttle he had used to transport T'Pol and Lorian to Luna after T'Pol had sought his assistance. He would continue to help T'Pol however and whenever he could, as she would need continual counseling over her sudden link and also in how to keep her and Lorian safe.

Now, however, Sarek was needed on Earth to attend a gathering at the request of Starfleet Academy.

Classical music filled the large ballroom and Arianne, who had gone back to her dorm and rested until it was time to get ready for the party, sat silently at a table near the dance floor. It was half an hour into the party and she was content with staying out of the limelight unless someone forced her into it.

Cadets were scattered all over the dance floor and were also gathered around the buffet tables while various members of Academy Command and Starfleet Command were gathered on the upper level, talking diplomacy and politics with those from the Embassies who were able to make it to the gathering.

"Not one for crowds, Lieutenant Pike?" Admiral Archer, who had quickly talked his way through every diplomat and cadet he was friendly with and now wanted to leave, asked as he approached her.

Arianne sighed, "Admiral Archer, I am just staying out of the limelight," she replied in an uneasy voice as she looked up at him. "I've already heard whispers that I must have used my influence as Captain Pike's daughter to get a spot on the training crew, but I was surprised that my disabilities didn't matter…"

"I didn't regard anything but desire to grow, effort, skills, and qualifications in who I selected," Professor Khan's voice suddenly spoke in a calm, smooth tone. "You have all of those things, Lieutenant Pike."

Swallowing hard, Arianne turned her head and was surprised to see Professor Khan standing in front of her wearing a complete dress uniform with a small glass in hand, "P-Professor Khan, I didn't realize that you heard me," she spoke nervously, worried that Professor Khan would take her off the training crew.

"I have extraordinary hearing, Lieutenant," Professor Khan replied calmly. "You do not need to worry about your disabilities, as the training cruise is a learning experience designed for cadets to learn."

Arianne nodded and Professor Khan smiled reassuringly at her, "So, I will see you at 0600 on Monday morning in the cargo bay of the USS Farragut for a crew briefing, then," he said in a tone of finality. "It will only be a three day cruise, with stops on planetary colonies so that various groups of cadets can have opportunities to practice their diplomacy and other Command skills; it will be enjoyable."

"Of course, sir," Arianne replied softly as she stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I'm rather hungry."

Professor Khan nodded and Arianne quickly walked over to one of the less crowded buffet tables, quickly choosing a small croissant that had some tuna mix in it from the many plates of food, "A sandwich for dinner isn't enough to keep up your strength, you know," Jim commented in an amused voice as he walked over to the table clad in his cadet dress uniform. "Bones would go nuts if he knew."

"Are you staying out of mischief, Jim?" Arianne asked softly, grinning at him. "Did you get some dinner?"

Jim sighed, "I'm allergic to a lot of the stuff here, so Captain Pike is having some special food delivered to me from the Academy canteen and it hasn't arrived yet," he replied in a self-conscious voice. "Bones is off talking with Doctor Puri and Doctor Harriman, so I'm just trying to stay out of trouble."

Arianne silently studied Jim's faked expression for a moment and then sighed, "James, what's wrong?" she asked softly, knowing that not all was well with her best friend. "Did something happen?"

"You know me too well," Jim replied softly as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a PADD, which he immediately offered to Arianne, "I haven't even told Bones about this, or anyone else."

Arianne nodded, took the PADD, and silently skimmed it, "I can't believe your mother," she hissed, quickly realizing that Winona Kirk had sent an article into the Riverside Gazette in which she publicly declared Starfleet, her husband, and also Jim as nothing more than mere figments of imagination.

"I just want to get out of here and drink myself into a coma," Jim commented softly. "I know the training cruise is on Monday and I'm excited to show what I can do, but I don't know if I can get to that point…"

Arianne frowned and her counseling instincts immediately kicked in, "This party is doing more harm than good for you right now," she said in a worried voice. "You know, we could always leave and…"

"Hey Jim, there you are!" Gary Mitchell, who had only just been cleared to return to his normal routines the week before, said as he walked over to Jim and Arianne. "This is some shindig, huh? Very classy."

Jim nodded, but before he could reply, Captain Pike came through the crowd and over to the buffet table holding a small bag in his hands, "Here's your food, Jim," he said in a gentle voice as he handed Jim the bag. "I made them tell me all of the ingredients before I even let them cook the food."

Not wanting to face a reprimand from Captain Pike for being drunk, Mitchell quickly sauntered off.

"Thank you, sir," Jim replied, forcing a smile on his face. "Should I eat it out of sight of everyone else?"

Captain Pike shrugged, "Professor Khan's not going to mind if you eat it here, Jim," he replied. "He didn't become aware of your food allergies until after he had ordered the buffet; he apologizes for that…"

"It's fine, sir, no worries," Jim said in an unusually quiet voice. "Thanks for bringing me the food."

Captain Pike nodded, studied Jim's expression for a moment, and then sighed, "Jim, why don't you spend the weekend at my apartment so you can rest and have no distractions while you get ready for the training cruise on Monday?" he suggested, knowing something wasn't quite right with Jim. "When you're ready to leave the party, I'm sure Arianne would be more than happy to walk you over there."

"Yes sir," Jim replied in a tone with less emotion than before. "I'll report there before 2300, sir."

Captain Pike looked to Arianne, his look indicating nobody would know about Jim's problems so long as he got plenty of rest and food for the rest of the weekend. Arianne nodded understandingly.

"I think we could both use something to eat," Arianne cut in, knowing that her father couldn't spend all of his time looking after her and Jim. "Jim, let's go sit at one of the tables and eat, okay?"

Jim nodded and allowed Arianne to lead him over to one of the tables in the corner of the room where, to Arianne's surprise, Leonard and Dr. Harriman were already sitting, "Ah, Ensign Kirk, Lieutenant Pike, how are you both doing this evening?" Dr. Harriman asked in a gentle voice. "Would you like to sit?"

"It'll give me a chance to eat," Jim replied as he sat in one of the empty seats that were on either side of Leonard and opened the bag of food. "Captain Pike got me special food because of my allergies."

Dr. Harriman nodded and smiled reassuringly at Jim as Arianne quickly pocketed the PADD that Jim had given her, "Um, Arianne, would you like to dance with me?" Leonard asked nervously, hearing a slow, very Southern tune suddenly come on over the loudspeakers, ending the classical music. "I'll…"

Arianne looked very surprised for a moment and then nodded, looking surprised when Leonard stood, bowed, and offered his hand to her, "Allow me to lead you to the dance floor, my lady," he said in a confident Southern voice even though Arianne could see nervousness in his eyes and sweat on his face.

"Of course, kind sir," Arianne replied, giving him a reassuring smile as she took his hand, rose, and allowed Leonard to lead her to the already crowded dance floor. "I might step on your feet…"

For the first time since before the destruction of the Cadet Center, Leonard chuckled and allowed a genuine smile to appear on his tired face, "My mother taught me to dance when I was a teenager, so I'll guide you, don't worry," he replied in a gentle voice as he placed his hands on her shoulder and waist.

Arianne smiled as Leonard began to guide her in a slow, yet relaxing dance, "I've wanted some time alone with you for a while," Leonard said in a quiet voice. "Did you know I'm back in counseling?"

"I didn't," Arianne replied softly as they danced through the crowd. "Is it helping you?"

Leonard nodded and inched himself a little closer, "It is," he replied gently. "I just feel so safe with you."

"I know," Arianne said softly as she gently caressed his cheek. "You're the first man I've ever truly cared about in my entire life, Leonard, and I want you to know that. I feel like you needed to know that…"

Leonard sighed, "Thank you," he replied softly. "Would you have a problem with us dating a bit?"

"No," Arianne stated in a gentle voice as the song ended. "Let's discuss it after the training cruise."

Leonard nodded and, releasing her, he walked her back over to the table where Dr. Harriman and Jim were deep in conversation while Jim ate, "How was your dance?" Dr. Harriman asked softly. "I was just telling Cadet Kirk here that I'll be heading up the Medical Department during the training cruise."

"I was assigned to the Medical Department," Leonard commented. "Will Doctor Puri also be coming?"

Dr. Harriman shook her head, "It was at Lieutenant Pike's recommendation that I be given some opportunity to become comfortable in space again," she replied, smiling at Arianne. "I'm excited for this, as I haven't been on a ship since the Kelvin and I think I'm ready to take that responsibility again."

Jim paled slightly at the mention of the Kelvin, but he said nothing, "Doctor Puri will remain on Earth with the other medical staff to maintain Starfleet Medical," Dr. Harriman explained in a gentle voice as Commander Harriman walked over to the table holding one of his gloved hands out. "Ah, hello John!"

"Lara, darling, would you care to join me for a dance?" Commander Harriman asked in a gentle voice.

Lara laughed and got to her feet, "Of course, darling John," she replied as she huddled close to him.

As Commander Harriman and Lara walked off, Leonard looked at Arianne, "Did you have anything to eat?" he asked in a worried voice. "You should eat a lot, considering you lost some blood today."

"If you want, you can get us both something," Arianne replied softly. "You need to eat too, Leonard."

Nodding, Leonard walked off towards the buffet tables, "Jim, how is it you got access to that article written by Winona?" Arianne asked softly, gazing at Jim. "I didn't think you could access that here."

"It was sent to my personal email address by someone unknown," Jim replied somberly as he finished off the food and gathered all the garbage together. "I'll just ignore it until after the training cruise."

Arianne nodded, "Just let me know when you're ready to go and I'll walk you to my father's apartment," she replied gently as Leonard returned with two plates of food. "You don't need to be anxious, okay?"

"You should eat so that Bones doesn't have a coronary," Jim commented softly. "Hey there, Bones."

Leonard smiled and set a plate filled with various healthy foods down in front of Arianne with some plastic cutlery before sitting down and setting his own plate and eating utensils on the table.

"I'm actually enjoying myself," Leonard commented as he picked up his cup and had a sip of water.

Jim and Arianne exchanged a glance, but said nothing; they decided to just savor the moment.

USS Farragut – 1700 H – Monday Evening

"Personal Log, Lieutenant Arianne Pike recording," Arianne said as she held her private PADD in front of her, resting her arm on the desk in her temporary quarters so that it wouldn't get tired. "The weekend was fortunately uneventful, as has the first day aboard the Farragut been. I spent most of the day assisting others as needed, as I have not yet been given my assignment by Professor Khan, which…"

The door chime suddenly sounded, "Pause recording," Arianne spoke into the recorder. "Who is it?

"Cadet Pavel Chekov," a Russian voice answered softly. "May I come in for a visit, Lieutenant Pike?"

Arianne smiled, "Of course you can, Pavel," she replied gently. "I'm more than happy to have visitors."

There was silence for a moment and then the door slid open, revealing a nervous looking Pavel dressed in combat boots, sweatpants, and an oversized t-shirt, "How was your training shift, Pavel?" she asked.

"It vas hard vork," Pavel replied as he came into the room, revealing a bruised face. "May I talk to you?"

Arianne nodded, "Pavel, may I ask how you got that black eye?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"I vas talking about Professor Khan's rigorous physical training vith Hikaru during our jog around ze Rec floor and some older cadets started following us; zey said I am just a baby and zey started a fight…"

Arianne frowned, "Do I need to file a report on your behalf?" she asked worriedly. "Please sit down."

Pavel sat on the couch quickly, "Ze older cadets vould be in trouble if I vere to file a report," he replied in a worried voice. "I have not even been to ze Sickbay about it yet; it vould cause too much trouble."

"Do you want me to talk to someone for you, Pavel, is that why you came here?" Arianne asked softly.

Pavel touched his face and winced, "I-I am scared of Professor Khan's reaction," he replied anxiously.

Before Arianne could speak, Pavel's nose started to bleed, "Vould you valk me to seeckbay, please?" he asked in a nervous voice as he placed a hand over his nose. "I am wery embarrassed about zis."

"Of course, Pavel," Arianne replied as she stood up and walked around the desk. "Can you stand?"

Pavel nodded and slowly got to his feet, "Sickbay's just one floor up, Pavel," Arianne said in a reassuring voice as she led Pavel out of her quarters and down the corridor towards the turbolift. "Just relax."

"…Professor Khan, you have no need to worry about anything," Arianne and Pavel heard Dr. Harriman say in a gentle voice as they quietly entered the Farragut's Sickbay. "You are doing excellent work."

Pavel froze in terror, "P-Professor Khan eez here," he whispered, cringing in pain. "I-I should go…"

"Cadet Chekov?" Arianne suddenly heard Professor Khan ask. "Cadet Chekov, what is wrong?"

Arianne sighed and gently led Pavel into the patient bay where Dr. Harriman and Professor Khan were standing at a supply cupboard, "Ze older cadets beat me up and called me a baby," Pavel explained in a somber voice, forcing himself to look both Professor Khan and Dr. Harriman directly in their eyes.

"Doctor Harriman will be able to take care of you, Cadet Chekov," Professor Khan stated reassuringly.

Swallowing hard, Pavel silently walked over to the nearest biobed and silently sat on it, "Am I going to be in trouble for zis, sir?" he asked nervously. "I tried wery hard to settle ze dispute wiz words."

"I have no doubt you did," Professor Khan replied smoothly. "Lieutenant Pike, please walk with me."

Not daring to argue with Professor Khan even though Pavel looked like he could use a friend at that moment, Arianne nodded and silently followed Professor Khan from the quiet Sickbay.

The Bridge was quiet when Professor Khan and Arianne stepped off the turbolift, "I thought you might enjoy spending some time on the Bridge since you are in both the Medical and Command tracks," Professor Khan explained as he walked over to the command chair and sat down. "Look around."

Arianne nodded and silently began to walk around the Bridge; she noticed that Spock was at the Science station, Mitchell was at Communications, Marla was at Operations, Hikaru was at Helm, Leonard was at Medical, and a perky looking Monty was at the Engineering station holding a large cup of coffee.

"Gamma shift, this is Lieutenant Pike," Professor Khan stated as he got up from the command chair and gazed around at the cadets who were currently serving as Bridge crew so that the older cadets could have time to rest, eat, and be off duty. "Lieutenant Pike will be taking the conn for the next several hours so that I will be able to get some rest. Respect her authority and treat her as you would me."

Without waiting for a reply, Professor Khan smiled reassuringly at Arianne and walked back into the turbolift, "Status?" Arianne asked in a commanding voice as she moved to the command chair and sat.

"The Farragut is on a direct course to Jupiter Station to deliver some supplies," Spock replied tonelessly as he turned in his chair to face Arianne. "Gamma shift began approximately two point five hours ago."

Arianne nodded and looked up to the Helm Station, "Mister Sulu, what is our current speed?" she asked.

"Half impulse per Captain's orders," Hikaru replied in a voice that forced him to keep all emotion inside.

Immediately recognizing that Hikaru didn't feel like talking with her, Arianne sighed and pulled out a PADD about Command social skills that her father had given her as a 'good luck gift.' She was well aware that most cadets already scrutinized her as being unworthy of Starfleet, but now that they were in space doing practical work, she knew that every eye would be on her more often than she wanted.

"Captain, may I have a word?" Spock asked as he stood up and walked over to the command chair with a large stylus in hand. "Academy Command has requested that each of the 'Captains' for this training cruise fill out an evaluation of their command experience, how their 'shift crew' behaved while on and off duty, and what could be improved upon for future training cruises. This, I believe, is your job."

Arianne nodded and took the stylus, "Commander, I appreciate you giving me something to do, but I haven't seen enough of the crew in action to give them a fair evaluation," she replied in a low voice so not to attract attention. "Now, to be fair, I'd like to hang on to this until I have a better chance…"

"The evaluations are not due until after the training course is completed, Lieutenant," Spock replied in a quiet, toneless voice. "I just thought you might like to have it on hand for when it is needed."

Before Arianne could reply, the turbolift doors opened and Serij came on to the Bridge wearing his instructor's uniform, "Commander Spock, may I have a word with you?" he asked tonelessly as he approached the command chair. "If you are conversing with Captain Pike, I can wait until later."

"If you need to talk to Commander Spock, Professor, please go ahead," Arianne replied, not wanting to step on Serij's toes because he would report all of her actions to Professor Khan at a later time.

Spock looked at Serij, "If it is something to do with the ship, it is more appropriate to speak to Captain Pike than it is to speak to me about it," he replied tonelessly. "She is, after all, the on duty Captain."

"Captain Pike, I request permission to go off duty until morning so that I may engage in private meditation to calm my mind," Serij whispered in a low, semi-anxious voice. "I am anxious…"

Arianne frowned, "Over Soval's death and Elizabeth's trial?" she asked softly. "That's not unusual."

Serij swallowed hard, "Captain, please, I do not make this request lightly," he replied softly. "I am well aware that I was scheduled to relieve Commander Spock this evening, but I must meditate…"

"If Commander Spock is all right with remaining on duty longer, I will permit you to retire to your quarters," Arianne stated in a calm voice. "I do not wish you to risk your health for duty, Serij."

Spock nodded and Serij bowed gratefully before leaving the Bridge in silence, "Serij's parents were killed when he was young and, like myself, he is half Human with a Vulcan appearance," Spock explained in a quiet voice. "Professor Khan took him on as an educational assistant at my mother's insistence."

"Captain Pike, we are approaching Jupiter Station," Hikaru replied in a toneless voice. "ETA, 10 minutes."

Arianne nodded and Spock promptly moved back to the Science station, "Mitchell, please hail Jupiter Station and inform them that we are going to arrive with the supplies in 10 minutes," she said in a commanding voice. "Scott, please lock on to the earmarked supplies and prepare for transport…"

"Aye sir," Mitchell and Monty both said in unison. "Executing our orders right now, Captain."

Arianne sighed, "Thank you," she replied in a commanding voice as she made notes on her stylus.

As the Mess Hall's chronometer switched to 0700, Arianne yawned and picked up the cup of lemon chamomile tea in front of her and began to slowly sip the tea. The dropoff to Jupiter Station had taken about an hour and there had also been a drop off of supplies made to Mimas during the night shift.

Other than co-ordinating the three drop-offs, Arianne had spent the duration of Gamma shift reading her PADD, evaluating herself, and making small talk with the Bridge crew to help them stay awake.

Around 0600 that morning, Professor Khan and other senior members of the training crew had reappeared on the Bridge and had retaken their stations. Arianne had quickly filled him in on the drop-offs and had explained about Serij's health issue. Professor Khan had thanked her and dismissed her.

"You know, tea's not really a balanced breakfast," Jim commented as he sauntered into the Mess Hall in his cadet reds and over to where she was sitting. "I could report you to the Acting CMO, you know."

Arianne scoffed tiredly, "I don't have much of an appetite this morning," she replied tiredly. "I took my meds just as soon as I got off duty and they make me lose my appetite for a couple of hours."

"Maybe you should talk to Bones or Doctor Harriman about that," Jim said as he sat beside her. "I know you want to be a wife and mother someday, Arianne, but if it makes you this sick to even try for that…"

Arianne sighed and, setting the cup on the table, she leaned against Jim, "I'll be fine with some sleep," she replied softly. "Besides, I think I agreed to start officially dating Leonard when we get back to Earth and I think it's best for both of us right now if we just take things slowly. Anyway, Jim, I'm tired."

"Okay," Jim replied as he stood up and offered his hand. "Come on, I'll walk you to your quarters."

Smiling tiredly, Arianne nodded, stood up, and allowed Jim to lead her from the Mess Hall. They walked past other cadets who were also switching shifts in silence and eventually, they reached Arianne's temporary quarters. Both Arianne and Jim were surprised to see Leonard standing outside the door.

"Rough night?" Leonard asked softly, smiling at both Jim and Arianne. "I thought I'd check on you two before I went to Sickbay to relieve Doctor Harriman. You both look as if you could use food and sleep."

Arianne nodded and punched in her door access code, "You're right, Doctor McCoy," she replied in a tired voice as the doors slid open. "I could definitely use some sleep, so I bid you both good night."

"Um, Arianne, hold on a sec," Leonard said in a nervous voice as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small disc. "I, uh, had a CD of your favorite music made as sort of a Valentine's Day gift."

Arianne smiled, took the disc, and rewarded Leonard with a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you," she replied softly before giving Jim a goodnight hug. "Happy Valentine's Day to both of you. Good night for now."

Ignoring the impish look Jim was giving her, Arianne silently went into her quarters. Leonard sighed happily and then walked off down the corridor with Jim, quietly insisting that they both get breakfast.

Back at the Academy, Chris smiled as he read the report from Spock about how Arianne was doing on the training cruise so far; she hadn't let her disabilities stop her from being nothing short of exemplary. She was actually better than most had expected.

"I'm assuming by the look on your face, Chris, that Arianne's doing well on the training cruise?" Jonathan asked as he entered Chris's office and sat in the visitors' chair. "You expected her to, though, so her success is not really a surprise to you."

Not bothering to ask Jonathan why he barged right into the office, Chris nodded and turned his chair to face him, "If Spock keeps sending me reports like this one, I'll be asking Arianne to join the Enterprise when she's graduated from the Academy."

"Well, the Enterprise will need a counselor with people like Spock on board," Jonathan replied coldly. "Spock's so cold…"

Chris sighed, "Spock is exactly what I need in a First Officer when the Enterprise is done," he replied stiffly. "When it's done…"

"When it's done, I'll get the run of the Academy until Doctor Puri thinks I'm ready for the old folk's home or the grave," Jonathan replied in an amused voice, cutting Chris off. "Chris, in all honesty, I think Arianne would do well on the Enterprise."

Chris nodded, "I know," he replied gently. "I've always hoped the best for Arianne; she's always been very special and deserves the absolute best."

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