Hey guys! So I've noticed that a lot of you guys are reading this am I'm really really hoping that one of you will drop me a review. I'm going at a fast pace here to crank out all the ideas I have and I really would like to know what you guys think.
Thanks!
2258 – May 24th 0900 hours
"Daddy! Congratulations on your becoming Captain of the Enterprise!" Audrey wrapped her arms around Pike's neck and kissed him on the cheek. "I knew you could do it."
Pike chuckled as he held his dear little girl tightly. "Thanks, sweetheart. I heard about your friend Jim Kirk's stunt on the Kobayashi Maru test," he said in a reprimanding tone.
Audrey pulled back to look into her father's face. "Don't you dare pull that on me, dad. As I remember he was YOUR recruit before he was my friend," Audrey said in a joking manner.
Pike sighed as he said, "You're right. He's going to get caught, you know and I'm not sure how the Board is going to rule. They've declared it a breach of academic integrity and you know how seriously they take that sort of thing."
"I know Dad. I know. Jim doesn't like to follow the rules. He likes being ahead of the game, but I don't know how long he'll be ahead especially… with Spock as his adversary."
"I had hopes for that kid. He just doesn't learn, does he?" Pike shook his head. Jim was just too headstrong and although he still believed that the kid could become something great, he knew that Jim had to trials to face before he could get there.
Audrey giggled a little bit before replying, "Well he learned from the best, didn't he daddy?"
Pike flicked Audrey's nose and smiled at her. "You little squirt."
1500 hours
Dressed in her black uniform she sat next to Spock as the Academic Board called upon Jim regarding the Kobayashi Maru test.
Slightly confused, Jim responded by saying, "I believe that I have the right to face my accuser directly."
Audrey lightly touched Spock's arm to show her support for him. Although Jim was a good friend of hers, she knew that in order for him to advance, he needed to understand the important lesson that the Kobayashi Maru simulation presented. In the face of true danger, a captain must stay calm. Through the simplest of glances they exchanged, Spock understood Audrey's feelings.
Spock gracefully approached the podium and began his argument against poor Jim. While Audrey supported Spock, the words that came were less than… friendly.
"You of all people should know Cadet Kirk. A captain cannot cheat death."
Spock's words struck deep not only in Kirk's heart, but Audrey's as well. It was a fear she kept deep within her for her father. Her father must never show fear and it is a quality, as Spock said, expected in every Star Fleet captain. She feared for her father who is still alive, but she couldn't imagine how it pained Jim who didn't even get the chance to know his father.
Suddenly, then all Cadets were ordered to Hangar One to report for duty and Audrey rose to her feet. She walked towards Spock who seemed to be still in shock after hearing the distress call to be from Vulcan. It may not have been apparent to others, but to Audrey, she knew better. There was little that Spock considered precious in this world but his home, his mother were more than just precious. He needed them, her more than anything else but he would never admit it.
Truth be told, he was shaken.
However, at Audrey's light touch he was brought back and he looked into her eyes. She didn't have to say anything to convey her worry for him and he reassured her with a simple nod. Spock began to walk away and with him Audrey followed behind.
Both equipped with their PADDs, each began giving out their orders to the cadets. Just as Audrey finished giving out the last of the assignments, she spotted Jim being dragged away by Leo. She was sure something was up between the two of them but didn't have time to give it more thought. In order to finish preparations in time for launch, Audrey needed to hurry and get on the shuttle. Quickly, she boarded the shuttle and they were off to the Enterprise.
Others would be greatly burdened by the fact that their father was the captain of the vessel they were serving on, but honestly, Audrey found it a relief. There were two reasons why she preferred her father as captain. One was that she felt safer in his hands than other captains. However, the other more important reason had to deal with the real reason why she was a Commander at such a young age. From the earliest of her memories, her aptitude tests were off the charts and she was gifted in almost everything she tried her hand at. Physically and mentally, she was beyond that of an average human. Her physical strength and mental capabilities rivaled that of a Vulcan's, however she had lacked emotional restraint. In some situations, her past captains, who knew of her status as a top covert intelligence officer, described her as… ruthless. Audrey hated that part of her but if that was needed to complete the mission, she would do what it takes. Of those who knew, some saw it as an advantage and others saw it as a danger.
For Audrey, if she could use her abilities to keep her friends and family safe, she would gladly use them. Even if she didn't know the origin of her talents, she had no desire to find out. She closed the chapter on her past long ago and had no reason to open a closed wound when she was so happy. At least, for now, no one needed to know.
Audrey waited patiently for her captain to as she checked the weapons and shields status of the Enterprise.
"Commander Pike." She felt a reassuring pressure on her shoulder and she briefly squeezed the hand.
"Yes, Captain. Engineering reports that the ship's weapon and defense systems are fully functional."
"Thank you. Mr. Spock."
"Captain. Engineering reports ready for launch." Spock replied catching Audrey's eye.
"Punch it."