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McCoy caught up to Jim as he exited the Engineering building; his expression clearly indicated to the young Captain that something was wrong.

Indeed, McCoy didn't even bother with pleasantries, before demanding Jim do something about his medical staff.

Frowning, Jim guided the doctor to an out of the way path, before he asked what the issue was.

McCoy scowled. "Arada. That woman has no idea what she's doing."

Jim raised an eyebrow. "What's brought this on?"

McCoy huffed. "I've made it clear in her evaluations over the last year that I don't think she has what it takes to be a doctor on a starship, but there wasn't too much we could do out in the black. She's going to kill someone through sheer incompetence, if we don't do something about it. I just had to sit through a meeting with her and M'Benga, and I can barely tell if she graduated medical school. I've had it with her incompetence; she should never have been accepted to the Academy in the first place. Damn it, Jim, I can't work with her anymore!"

Jim reached out and rested a hand on McCoy's arm sympathetically. "Send me all of her evaluations and records, and I'll take a look. If I agree with you, and based on what I've witnessed over the last year, I think I probably will, I'll talk to the Admirals. It shouldn't be too hard to get another doctor assigned to the Enterprise."

McCoy bit his lip, his expression suddenly nervous. "I think I might have someone in mind, but it's complicated."

Jim furrowed his brow in thought. "April?"

McCoy glanced at him sharply. He still hadn't gotten a good answer for how those two knew each other. "She wants to enlist and work on a starship, she just hasn't actually officially enrolled yet. Is there a way to get around that? She's got the experience, she just hasn't completed the Academy requirements."

Jim nodded absentmindedly. "I'll talk to Pike and Archer. I'm sure there's a precedent, especially since she has taken some classes at the Academy, and she's worked on a Starfleet base, as a civilian contractor. I'll let you know."

McCoy nodded, relieved. "Thanks, Jim. I don't mean to make things more difficult for you, but Arada just isn't working out, and I really don't feel comfortable having her in my Medbay."

Jim smiled softly at the doctor. "It's your job to look out for your department, Bones. It's my job to give you the tools you need to do your job. We'll sort it out. I'd like to have April on board. I trust her."

McCoy really wanted to continue that line of thought, but knew better than to push. More than likely, Jim would just shut down, make an excuse, and disappear. McCoy probably wouldn't see him much before they shipped out, if he continued with that road.

So instead, the doctor just smiled and nodded, and the two made their way towards the cafeteria. "So who was that blonde I saw you eating with the other day?" he asked curiously.

Jim blushed. He actually blushed. McCoy almost stared, but forced himself not to make a big deal of it. "Her name's Carol," the Captain admitted softly. "I met her a couple weeks ago."

McCoy smirked. "Seems like she's into you. Anything going on there?"

Jim shrugged. "Not sure yet. She's nice, though. And smart."

"Beautiful," McCoy added helpfully.

Jim glared at him. "And that. I've been looking at her records. She's done a lot in a short amount of time."

McCoy raised an eyebrow. "Doing some snooping?"

Jim shook his head. "She wants to work on a starship, but can't seem to get placed into a science department. I told her I'd see if we had a spot for her on the Enterprise." He saw the look McCoy was leveling at him, and hurried on. "I'm not going to make the request unless I think she will actually fit with our crew, no matter what my personal feelings are."

McCoy nodded approvingly. "Good. Do you think she'd fit in?"

Jim inclined his head. "Based on what I've read, I think so. We could definitely use her."

McCoy smiled. "Well, I'm glad." Jim threw him a sharp glance, and the doctor shrugged. "You look happy. She seems to have something to do with that, so I'm happy. You haven't really dated anyone since you and Gaila broke up."

Jim shrugged. "Being Captain of a starship in space for a year severely limits the number of prospects. Every woman I see is under my command."

McCoy rolled his eyes. "If you really wanted it, you'd figure out a way. Besides, this Carol woman, if she comes on board, will also be under your command. You telling me you won't pursue anything with her if she's on the ship?"

Jim shrugged again. "Technically, she'd report to Spock."

McCoy glared, and Jim smirked a little.

"Infant," the doctor muttered, shoving Jim lightly before he waved a farewell with an offer to join him and Joanna for dinner that night, and headed back to the medical building.

XXX

Jim met with Archer and Komack a few days later; he would have preferred to just deal with Archer, but as Komack was the commanding Admiral of the Enterprise, he had to be brought into everything.

Archer, in charge of 'Fleet Operations, tended to oversee placements on starships, bases, and outposts, so he was automatically a part of the discussion. Jim just counted his lucky stars that Garovick, who as head of the Academy would normally have some input in these matters, had other obligations, and was therefore unable to spend this meeting glaring at Jim and belittling him every chance he got.

Jim stood stiffly at attention as he passed Komack a PADD. "I have selected my choices for Cadet placements, sir," he informed them. "I believe that all ten Cadets will do well on the Enterprise."

Komack looked over the list briefly, before turning the PADD over to Archer to approve.

Jon looked at the records as well, and nodded. "I agree," he said. "These Cadets are all at the top of their respective classes, and will do the flagship a credit."

Jim inclined his head. "Thank you, sir."

Archer was about to dismiss Jim, but something in the younger man's gaze had him asking if there was anything else he wished to discuss.

Jim nodded. "Yes sir. I recently became acquainted with Lieutenant Wallace. She has informed me that she has put in a request with you to be assigned to a starship. After looking over her records, I believe that she would do well on the Enterprise. I would like you to approve her request, and assign her to the flagship."

Archer glanced at Komack, before nodding austerely. "I am familiar with Lieutenant Wallace's work. She would certainly thrive on the Enterprise. Very well, I will approve her request."

Jim smiled slightly. "Thank you, sir."

Komack looked a little upset that Archer hadn't asked for his input, but didn't contradict the placement, and dismissed the Captain.

A few minutes later, Archer finished making a few notations on his PADD, and nodded a farewell to his fellow Admiral, before making his way to Chris' office.

As expected, Jim was there, with Chris and Richard. The three were talking about the newest placements to the Enterprise.

Archer quickly took a seat in the open chair. "You made good choices," he approved, smiling at the young Captain. "The flagship deserves the best, and I think the Cadets you selected will give her that."

Jim nodded slightly, smiling at the praise. He didn't even question the Admiral's reference to the ship as a 'she'. After all, he often did so as well. The Enterprise really was a beautiful lady.

"Jim, you should tell Jon what we've been discussing," Chris said abruptly, looking up from the PADD that Jim had given him.

Jim bit his lip, glancing at the Admiral. On his questioning look, the Captain sighed. "Doctor McCoy has informed me that one of his subordinates, Doctor Arada, is unsuited for life as a doctor on a starship. He reports that her work is shoddy at best, and unsuited for the fast pace and excellence that the flagship demands. She hasn't been handling the stress of our missions well, and he believes that she may seriously harm someone if left where she is."

Archer nodded, frowning. "None of your Cadet choices were on the Medical Track. We can certainly look at the potential candidates, and you can choose –"

Jim shook his head, cutting the Admiral off. "I don't want another green doctor."

Archer pursed his lips. "Then what do you want? We can't just pull a doctor from another ship, or a starbase, just like that. It takes time, and we don't just reassign people because we feel like it. There have to be extenuating circumstances, and this just doesn't qualify, no matter how strongly Doctor McCoy feels."

Jim bit his lip. "I already have a candidate in mind. However, it's a little complicated."

"How so?" Jon asked.

Jim sighed. "Technically, she's not Starfleet. She's worked as a civilian contractor on a Starfleet base, and she's taken several classes at the Academy, but she hasn't graduated."

"Who?" Jon was curious now.

"Doctor April Vanderbilt. She's currently working at Starfleet Medical, while also acting as an instructor at the medical building. She wants to work on a starship, but she hasn't had a chance to fully commit to the Academy, which is why she's only taken a few classes." Jim smiled slightly. "We could take her on and train her in the field, same as we're doing with these Cadets. She can continue to study throughout our mission, and when we return to Earth next, she can take the required tests to graduate."

Archer nodded slowly. "Doctor Vanderbilt has an impressive record. I remember her interview before she took that placement out in the Delta Quadrant. And she indicated that she wanted to enlist when we offered her the instructor position at the Academy."

Chris closed Doctor Arada's file on the PADD in his hands, and pulled up Doctor Vanderbilt's. He frowned as he looked it over. The picture in the top right corner was of a woman that he was certain he had seen before. He just couldn't figure out…

His eyes widened slightly as it hit him. He remembered the name April. It had been over a decade ago, when he had met the makeshift crew that Jim had put together on that godforsaken planet. April had been the name of the CMO. She had said that she had been interested in medicine.

Chris glanced up and met Jim's bright gaze. "April…" It was part question, part statement.

Jim flinched slightly, but nodded. "Yeah," he replied, much to Jon and Richard's confusion.

When no answer seemed forthcoming, Jon cleared his throat. "Have you spoken to her at all? If she wants this, then I will discuss it with Komack. The only real concern is that she hasn't taken many classes yet. Just the basics, if I remember correctly. I should be able to make the case, but it won't be that easy, especially for the flagship."

Jim shrugged. "I don't need easy. I just need possible."

Jon let a small smile grace his lips as he inclined his head. "It's possible. Just let me know if she's interested, and I'll get into it. We'll have to prove that Doctor Arada can't stay where she is, and that Doctor Vanderbilt is the best candidate to replace her, but I think we can do it, if it's something you, she, and Doctor McCoy all want."

Jim nodded and smiled gratefully, before he left.

Jon's smile dropped as he frowned and leaned forward in his seat. "You recognize this doctor?"

Chris took a deep breath. "Yeah," he admitted. "I met her, about twelve years ago." Seeing his friends' confused looks, he frowned. "She was on Tarsus. She was part of the group of kids that Jim saved."

Jon and Richard looked at each other, startled. They hadn't considered that. While both were aware of Jim's history on Tarsus, neither really knew many of the details, including just what had happened to Jim there. They had reached their own conclusions, but had never brought it up with Jim, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

"He saved…?" Richard looked curiously at Chris.

Chris sighed, his gaze drawn to the window, and the Cadets currently wandering around on the quad outside. "There were about twenty of them, when we showed up. They had lost a few, but most of the group survived. They credited Jim with that. He looked after them, and never let them lose hope. Even when he had, himself."

His voice sounded so melancholy, that neither of his friends really wanted to break the uneasy silence that followed.

After a minute, Chris shook himself off and sat up a little straighter. "You remember hearing about Captain Halloway's witness? I know you heard the stories of the mysterious 'JT'."

Archer's eyes widened, while Barnett's mouth dropped open slightly. Of course they remembered. Halloway had been very eager to push his witness forward, but the boy had disappeared from the hospital before being questioned. But they had been able to figure out a little of what the teenager had done – he had been held captive by Kodos himself, and Halloway had insinuated that he had likely been the one to send Starfleet the documents detailing everything that had happened. The child JT had been a hero to many other colonists, who gave statements detailing the teen's actions against Kodos' guards; how he had saved one group from capture just a few weeks after the massacre. The small family had been forever grateful to the boy they had never met before, or saw again after. How he had deliberately attacked several guards to draw them away from several kids attempting to steal from one of the government's food stores. The name JT had cropped up in several witness testimonies, but other than Chris, no one had known his true identity.

Countless acts, from saving strangers, to giving them food he had stolen from the stores, to alerting Starfleet of Kodos' plans and providing them with evidence of the governor's crimes, all credited to the mysterious teenager who had disappeared rather than be questioned by Starfleet once he had returned to Earth. No one had ever figured out who he had been before the massacre. No one knew what his real name was, or who his family was. Just a few days after his disappearance from Starfleet Medical, all evidence that they had kept on him – injury records, x-rays, tests, blood samples, and everything else, had somehow vanished as well. It had made the doctors and Admirals in the know incredibly upset and confused, but Jon and Richard now understood that Jim had done a very good job of erasing his existence on that planet from the system.

How had they not made the connection before? Both Jon and Richard could recognize the nickname now, and couldn't believe that they hadn't seen it when they had first learned about Jim's past on that planet. JT. James Tiberius. Of course. So simple, and yet, no one who didn't have it explicitly told to them would ever make the correlation.

"She's not the only one, you know." Jon and Richard looked nonplussed, still amazed at how they hadn't figured this out before. Chris smirked a little. "She's not the only one who seems to have followed him to Starfleet." He tapped his PADD a few times and pulled up one particular record, handing the PADD to Jon, who shared it with Richard. "Age that kid back twelve years, and I would recognize that face anywhere."

Jon read slowly. "Kevin J. Riley, fourth year Navigations Cadet. Jim selected him for his crew."

Chris nodded. "When I met him the kid was about six. He had a broken arm, and the normal health issues that come from being locked in a prison for several weeks. Barely said a word except to beg us to 'find JT'."

It was clear that neither Jon nor Richard knew what to do with this. Chris shook his head helplessly. "You can't possibly imagine the gut wrenching horror at realizing what these kids had been through. When I found Jim…" he winced, his eyes glazing over at the memory. "I honestly thought he was dead at first. I have no idea how the hell he survived."

"You mentioned that he erased any record of his name in association with that planet," Jon recalled, remembering the conversation they had had after he and Richard had overheard Jim and Chris, a year earlier.

Chris nodded. "James Spaulding, the name he went by when living with his relatives, is listed among the dead. As far as the wider public is aware, he was never there. Doesn't mean someone couldn't figure it out by doing some digging – it's not like Winona hid the fact that she had a sister, and it's public record that that sister lived and died on Tarsus. But honestly, why would most people bother to look in the first place?"

He took the PADD back when Richard passed it to him, and glanced down at the picture of Kevin Riley. "I remember doing his entrance interview. I asked him why he wanted to join Starfleet, and his response was to ask me if I had ever had a childhood hero. I was confused, but said that I had, and he told me that he had as well. And that his hero was real. Had really saved his life. He told me that his hero had taught him to hope for tomorrow, to believe that things can always be better; he said that that was why he wanted to join Starfleet, because he had been taught to believe that things can always be better. I didn't recognize him back then, but I'm positive now that he was talking about Jim."

Any other bombshells you want to drop on us?" Jon asked weakly, still processing.

Chris shrugged. "Ensign Chekov's sister was there as well," he offered helpfully. "She died of pneumonia a few weeks before we arrived. I think it hit Jim pretty hard, they were good friends."

Richard sighed gustily. "Damn I really hate myself right now," he muttered. "Why the hell didn't I keep an eye on them?"

Chris' mouth twitched downwards. "We all had our own lives, and things slipped. We made mistakes, Richard. You can't keep beating yourself up over it though. Don't dwell on what you can't change. Jim. Tarsus. It's all fucked up. Just promise yourself that we won't let it happen again."

Richard nodded determinedly. "Sounds good. I should get back to work. Catch you later."

He quickly left Chris' office, and after a moment of awkward silence, Jon followed.

XXX

Jim immediately headed to the medical building. It was nearing the end of the day, and McCoy and April should be finishing up soon.

Sure enough, he found them both in the staff room, gathering their belongings.

"Hey, guys," he greeted from the doorway, causing McCoy to jump and spin around in surprise, before muttering out a string of curses.

April just watched, amused. "Hey, Jim," she greeted. "Everything all right?"

Jim nodded. "I actually wanted to talk to you if you've got a moment."

April frowned slightly, confused, but she nodded and took a seat at one of the tables. Jim sat across from her, and after a moment of hesitation, McCoy joined as well. He was pretty sure he knew what this was about, and if he was right, it did concern him after all.

Jim explained what he had just talked to the Admirals about, much to April's shock.

"You want me on your ship?" she whispered, stunned.

Jim nodded. "I know you haven't taken all of the requirements to graduate from the Academy, but we can work around that, if you really want this."

"Hell yes!" April said quickly.

Jim chuckled, and handed her a PADD. "Study this, and learn to love it. It's got all the Starfleet regulations you'll need to be able to recite in your sleep. In the meantime, you'll work closely with Bones; he'll be responsible for training you. You've got the medical background, the only hold up is your Starfleet training, which you'll mostly get on the job. You'll take your course requirements long distance, and when we stop at Earth next, you'll take all the tests to graduate."

April grinned at the doctor seated across from her. McCoy smiled back, his expression slightly more muted, but it was clear that he was happy with the arrangement.

Jim nodded assuredly. "It's going to seem like an avalanche of information, but I think you're more than up to the task." He stood up. "I need to get going, but I'm really glad you're going to join us, April." He paused, biting his lip. "You should join the command crew for dinner some night this week."

April was surprised at the invitation, but accepted willingly. "If you're sure."

Jim smiled and shrugged. "I think it's important to know and trust our doctors. After all, there's no telling what crap we'll get into out there in the black. We need to know that we can rely on you to keep our insides where they belong."

He grinned bashfully, and dodged McCoy's weak slap. "I'll see you both later."

April waited until he was gone before she turned to the older man. "You two seem to have a very strange relationship."

McCoy rolled his eyes. "Infant," he muttered. "That idiot's going to get himself killed if he's not careful."

April frowned slightly, suddenly serious. "I'm sure he only does it to protect his crew."

McCoy was about to reply, when he stopped, swallowing harshly as he realized that April was right. Jim might not always have the best self-preservation skills, but all those heart attack-inducing, self-sacrificial acts always seemed to be in defense of someone else.

With a sigh and a shake of the head, he acquiesced. "I'll give you that." He paused briefly. "You seem to know him pretty well."

April looked suddenly guarded. "We met a long time ago. You could say I've seen him at his best and at his worst."

McCoy frowned, but didn't push any further, even if his curiosity was killing him by now.

"You hungry?" he asked instead. On April's nod, he led the way to the cafeteria. "Joanna's at a sleepover tonight. Dinner?"

April smiled. "I'd love to. Though, you know, I'd really love to meet Joanna sometime. You certainly talk about her enough that I feel like I know her."

McCoy shrugged. "She's pretty amazing."

April chuckled. "You're her father. It's your prerogative to see her as amazing, no matter what. Though I'm pretty sure your assessment isn't that far off the mark. After all, she's got you for a dad, and Jim for an uncle. I hate to think about what might happen when she starts dating though."

McCoy shuddered at that. "She's not dating until she's married."

April laughed, as the two entered the cafeteria and headed towards the replicators.

XXX

Upon leaving the medical building, Jim immediately sent Kevin a request to meet in an out of the way alcove nearby. All Cadets would be receiving his or her orders through official mail tomorrow, but Jim wanted to tell Kevin in person.

The younger man arrived five minutes after Jim, breathing a little harshly, indicating that he had run from his dorm to the requested meeting spot. Jim knew he had probably been in his dorm because Kevin was wearing casual clothes, rather than the Cadet reds.

When Kevin reached him, Jim smirked lightly. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"

Kevin rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You caught me in the middle of changing," he informed his friend. "I wasn't sure what you wanted to talk about, so I came as quick as I could."

Jim gestured for them to take a seat on a nearby bench. "You didn't have to hurry. I just wanted to give you what I hope is good news."

Kevin stared at the Captain, blinking slowly. "I'm on the Enterprise, aren't I," he whispered disbelievingly.

Jim's smile widened as he nodded. "If you want it, that is."

"Are you kidding?" Kevin yelped. "I'd have to be insane!" Suddenly realizing how loud he had gotten, he flushed slightly in embarrassment. With a determined effort, the Cadet forced himself to calm down. "I would love to join your crew, Captain."

Jim chuckled. "We're happy to have you, Cadet Riley. You'll receive your official orders tomorrow, and we ship out the day after your graduation."

He stood up and held out his hand. Kevin immediately jumped to his feet and took the offered hand. "Welcome aboard, Cadet."

Kevin's smile could have lit a room as he nodded eagerly. "Looking forward to it, sir."

"Well then, Cadet, I will talk to you later. Go enjoy the rest of your evening." Jim held his serious posture for a moment longer, before he grinned. "I'm really proud of you, Kev."

Kevin felt like he could fly at that moment. Jim was his hero. At fourteen years old, he had led them through hopelessness; he had had nothing to give but himself, and had done so willingly. Jim was the kind of man Kevin wanted to be, and to hear him say that he was proud… it was all Kevin could wish for in this moment.

Jim gave him one last farewell, before he went to go find Carol. They had plans for dinner tonight, and he didn't want to be late.

XXX

Carol was just as excited as Kevin to learn that she had a spot on board the Enterprise, and didn't even think about her actions as she flung herself at Jim with such force that he nearly collided with the wall behind him.

Embarrassed, the Lieutenant stepped back, blushing furiously. "Sorry, Jim. I'm just… I can't believe it!"

Jim chuckled good-naturedly. "Hey, I'm happy for you. Archer didn't need any persuasion, and just looking over your records assured me that you'll fit in brilliantly on board. We're happy to have you." He reached out and took Carol's hand. "Now, I think we had dinner plans, and I've got the perfect place where we can celebrate."

Carol beamed, and followed Jim as he led her towards the Academy gates. Her stomach was fluttering with both nerves and excitement. She wasn't quite certain what was happening between her and the flagship Captain, but he made her feel like a lovesick teenager. He was so sweet and caring. He seemed to really want to get to know her, and if it weren't for the subtle glances she caught him throwing her from time to time, she would think he was just interested in friendship. But those looks kept her hope alive.

She suspected that Jim hadn't been in too many serious relationships before. Either that, or maybe he was getting over a big break up or something. She hoped she wasn't a rebound.

But then Jim turned to look at her with such a sweet smile, that she cast all doubt aside, and decided to simply enjoy the evening.

XXX

The next few days were busy, as Cadets prepared to graduate a year earlier than planned, while instructors tried to fit in as much as they could in the minimal amount of time they had left.

The crew of the Enterprise were similarly busy, preparing for departure in just over a week. Scotty had teams finishing up the upgrades on board going around the clock. Jim was grateful that his teaching gig had only lasted a few weeks, as he was now spending most of his days on his ship, making sure every department would be prepared for departure. Some days he barely remembered to return to Earth at night.

Fortunately, he had a good friend in Bones, who never failed to send him a scathing message reminding him that he wasn't actually Superman, and therefore couldn't work twenty four-seven.

It was Saturday evening when Jim actually managed to get the entire command crew together for dinner – they had all been so busy over the last few weeks that they really hadn't seen each other that much, which shouldn't have bothered them as much as it did, but they had all spent the last year practically living on top of each other, so suddenly not seeing each other every day was just strange.

Each and every one of them would readily admit to being eager to leave Earth once more. The shore leave had been nice in the beginning, but none of them really wanted to stick around as long as they had. They were the type of people who enjoyed doing, not teaching.

Jim assured them all that once they shipped out in ten days, they wouldn't be back for a while. Their five-year mission had started off slower than normal, due to the young and inexperienced crew, plus it being a new ship. But he had received promises from the Admiralty that they wouldn't be called back again unless it was an emergency. Jim didn't expect to set foot back on Earth for at least two years, and potentially not even until their mission was over, depending on how things went.

A tentative cough drew their attention just as they had all sat down. Jim looked up and greeted April with a large smile. "Hey, glad you could make it."

The rest of the command crew looked confused, as April took a seat next to McCoy. "Well, you did invite me."

Jim nodded. "True. Guys, this is Doctor April Vanderbilt. She'll be replacing Doctor Arada in Medical."

April smiled a greeting as Jim introduced the command crew. Everyone seemed to be welcoming, and if she wasn't mistaken, relieved that they were getting a new doctor. Just how bad had Arada been?

Smaller conversations broke out as Scotty, Chekov, and Jim began discussing the upgrades in Engineering, and Uhura drew April into a conversation about her last appointment on a starbase, and how she was joining them without formally graduating from the Academy.

Jim was listening attentively to Scotty's explanation when a flash of blonde caught his eye. He grinned and waved Carol over, offering her the solitary empty seat at the table. Carol was hesitant, but set her tray down as the group focused their attention on her.

Jim smiled. "Lieutenant Carol Wallace will also be joining us. Carol, meet my command crew."

Carol felt strangely like she had just been brought home to meet the family. She smiled and nodded greetings to everyone, as Jim introduced them.

Spock leaned forward minutely, his expression showing something she thought was interest. "Doctor Wallace, your article on antimicrobial resistance was quite fascinating. I would be amenable to further discussion on the topic at a later date, if you agree."

Carol blinked, trying to dissect what the Vulcan had just said. After a moment, she nodded. "I'd be happy to, Commander," she replied. "Though I have to admit, that paper was not some of my finer work. I've recently been researching electropermeabilization, and would welcome your inputs."

Spock inclined his head. "That is agreeable."

Jim snorted. "Can't you just say yes like a normal person?"

Carol lightly kicked him under the desk. "Be nice," she admonished, to McCoy's amusement, and Uhura's surprise. The way the blonde seemed to be looking at Jim indicated more than just a professional relationship. Did the two know each other in a more personal manner?

The rest of the evening passed quickly, as the group of friends talked about the adventures to come. April and Carol quickly meshed with the others, and Uhura was very happy to no longer be the only female in the group. Though neither new addition was part of the command crew, after spending just one evening with them, she suspected they would be spending a lot of time together. Both women seemed to be important to Jim, even if he wasn't saying how. Uhura was an unmatched linguist, and she could read the body language. Jim felt protective over April, for some reason Uhura couldn't fathom, and with Carol, he just acted like a lovesick puppy.

Not that anyone else could pick up on that, but Uhura prided herself in being at the top of her field, and it was obvious to her that Jim had more than a passing interest in the British woman.

And unless she was very much mistaken, which she knew was very unlikely, Carol felt the same way.

By the time the cafeteria was closing down for the night around them, both Carol and April were excitedly looking forward to joining this crazy but brilliant crew on the rest of their five year mission.

It was amazing for Carol to watch, as she observed the interactions of these people around her. Even when they were all caught up in their own smaller conversations, there was a weight, sort of like gravity, that continued to hold them all together.

And at the center of that pull sat Jim Kirk. Carol wondered if Jim even realized how loyal his crew was, how much they seemed to rely and depend on him. Even just sitting around, she could see them all keep one eye on their Captain, as if waiting for orders, or just to make sure that he was all right and didn't need anything.

The way they did it spoke subconsciously of a deep seeded trust that could only come from Jim leading them through the impossible. She knew that was pretty much right on the mark, when she thought about it. Jim had done the impossible; combating Nero had been a one in a million shot. And perhaps his crew had doubted the plan, but they had cast aside their fears and followed Jim willingly, and he hadn't let them down. Carol was certain that each and every crewmember on the Enterprise would follow Jim to the ends of the universe, because they knew without a doubt that he would always protect them.

It was a testament to Jim's character, that his crew was so willing to follow him, to protect him the way he protected them. It wasn't just hero worship or professional respect; it was a crew that honestly loved their Captain and would do whatever they could for him. Because in their eyes, he had earned it. Carol knew that most of the Enterprise's crew had been on board when they had faced off against Nero last year, so they had seen firsthand just how far Jim was willing to go for those he cared about. And through his actions, they had seen that they, as his crew, fell into that category.

So how could they not do anything for their Captain, when he in turn was so willing to do anything for them?

It was food for thought, as Carol said her farewells to the command crew, with promises to meet up with Nyota the next day, and allowed Jim to walk her back to her apartment. She studiously ignored the knowing looks that Nyota and McCoy traded, as she quickened her pace to match Jim's long strides.

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