Hey guys! I'm back with another chapter and have updated much more quickly unlike last time! This time was pretty straightforward and has a lot of background story and stuff like that. It's pretty much a filler chapter except for the very end. The very end is a special present for those of you guys who were disappointed by the last Spock-centric chapters. hehe. ^^
Also thanks to all you guys who left reviews! Here's a shoutout to Asterria! Your review helped me to keep going and write this chapter as quickly as possible! Anyways more to come so please keep on checking for new chapters!
2258 – June 8 1100 hours
It was a weird and slightly disturbing sight for Christopher Pike when he walked into his daughter's office. Spock and Audrey were sitting across from each other and Audrey's hands lay on top of the palms of the larger Vulcan hands. However, what was even stranger was that Audrey had her eyes closed and the Vulcan seemed to be studying her face intensely as if he were trying to memorize every crevice.
First of all, it's weird to see another man with your daughter. But to see Spock?! He wasn't expecting that at all. Hell, he would have thought Jim before Spock! The two were flirting all the time and it wouldn't have been a shock to him if they had a little thing for each other. Honestly he was even more confused when he saw the concerned look of Kirk's when he glanced behind him. Kirk was worried for sure but for what reason?
Jim and Spock had sorted out their differences and it was mostly due to the effort on Jim's part. He came around to realize that Spock was Spock and he simply accepted him for it. Plus it was fun to poke fun of him with Bones every now and then but when it concerned Audrey, he was on edge. He remembered the last time she fell for him and he also knew a man who was in love with her. No good could come out of this.
"Ahem." The poor admiral coughed hoping to get their attention. Quickly Spock snapped to attention and let go of Audrey's hands abruptly. It took a moment for Audrey to realize that he was at the door. She looked a little dazed and when trying to stand she stumbled a little bit. Pike watched as Spock steadied her with a hand that seemed to linger on her arm longer than Pike would have liked. There was definitely something going on but whether it was one sided or not, Pike didn't know.
"Admiral. Captain." Spock and Audrey quickly addressed the two of them at the same time. While Spock was flawlessly controlled and emotionless, Audrey blushed profusely. She basically just got caught with a boy by her father. No matter how old you get, she would always be daddy's little girl and that meant she'd hear a lecture later or at least a couple of sassy comments here and there. Neither of which she wanted to endure.
"Commander Spock. Commander Pike. The High Command has called a hearing immediately with the two of you along with Captain Kirk here. I had… sent a message to your PADDs but it seems you were preoccupied." Pike shifted slightly in discomfort.
"Apologies, Admiral." Spock spoke crisply. Letting Audrey first through the door, unseen by Jim and the Admiral his hand lightly touched the small of Audrey's back. It was so light that even Audrey wondered if he had truly touched her. The three of them followed Pike each consumed by different thoughts.
Jim was torn between whether or not he should do or say anything. After all, it could be nothing and he could be worrying about this for no reason whatsoever. Was it his place to say anything?
Spock silently followed his emotions still haywire from the moment he had shared with Audrey. Desiring so much to reach out to her and finish what he had begun and yet fighting that desire seemed to be tearing himself apart. It was impossible he knew and yet he wanted to fight against all the odds and take the consequences if it meant that there was a chance. However, logic won over shutting his emotions down immediately when he saw the face of Admiral Pike turn to glance at him with what he perceived to be a pointed and slightly disapproving look. Now feeling even guiltier Spock shut down his emotions to deal with the task at hand which no doubt had to do with the Narada incident and Audrey's disobedience of orders. However even the nature of the issue weighed heavily on his mind.
Audrey was still a little dazed after being roughly pulled out of the intimate mental connection between Spock and her. It took her a couple of moments to realize what her father was saying to her and the nature of the issue at hand. There were so many questions that she wanted to ask Spock but it would have to wait. Noting the serious look on her father only confirmed the nature of the hearing but it also notified her to the fact that her wishes to include the CMO, Leo, along with the Captain and First Officer had been denied and to Audrey's surprise, it was the thought that occupied her mind the most.
"Captain, Commander Spock, please proceed through this door. Commander Pike please stay behind." Pike stood stiffly giving a nod to each of the men as they walked past him into the room. Audrey stood at attention waiting for his next words which begun as the doors shut behind the men. "I don't need to tell you what this hearing is about." Audrey shook her head signifying that she knew exactly what was happening. "I am to tell you that you are to wait here until you are called for. This is a result of your wishes to be excluded from the relaying of information to the Captain and Commander."
"I am aware, sir."
"While I am sure that you have already deduced it, it is prudent of me to tell you that the High Command has decided against including the CMO of the Enterprise, Dr. Leonard McCoy. It was decided that the least amount of people aware of this situation the better it is." His face and tone were official down to the tee and Audrey responded similarly.
"I understand, sir."
However, Pike let his official calm demeanor slip for a moment and Audrey saw her father. He grabbed her hand and smiled slightly. "I know this is hard but it's for the best. I tried, you know, to change their mind. It will be hard to lie to a friend."
"It's all right, dad. I expected it." With a smile she reassured him.
"All right then Commander. Please wait here." Admiral Pike took a deep breath one last time before entering the chamber. Listening to the whirring of the wheels of her father's wheelchair to the soft swoosh of the doors closing, Audrey stood very still. She refused to think about anything because she would need a calm demeanor to face the High Command and her friends. They would no doubt be shocked.
Intimidating is how Jim Kirk would have described the cold unfeeling room. The only people in the room were Admiral Harrison and Admiral Pike. Each had on serious expressions that simply did not suit Jim. It felt like he was surrounded by Vulcans unfeeling and desolate. The Admirals sat at a table in which the two were ushered to.
Rising Admiral Harrison shook each man's hand. "Captain James Tiberius Kirk. Commander Spock. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Please sit down." Jim gave Spock a slight glance before sitting in the chair directly across from the Admiral. "You have been called today in regards to reports of Commander Audrey Pike disobeying direct orders." Admiral Harrison sat stiffly with a cold look on his face. Despite his greying hair and the crow's feet that adorned the man's face, he exuded power and charisma as he looked upon the two young officers. "The charges will be dropped and you are ordered to never speak of them again. Everything that will occur today during this hearing and all information is strictly classified and are not to be discussed with others outside of this room. Do you understand, Captain Kirk and Commander Spock?"
"Yes, sir." The two of them spoke in unison both having the common sense to let the Admiral finish before asking questions.
"It would be prudent for me to inform you to the nature of this hearing. It will be a debriefing of confidential information regarding Commander Audrey Pike. It is not to be shared with any other personnel or non-personnel. Now, I will begin with the identity of Commander Audrey Pike that has been classified to most personnel." The two were handed PADDs containing Audrey's information. "As you are aware, she is the adopted daughter of Admiral Christopher Pike and this occurred in 2248 a decade before. Audrey Pike was found abandoned, unconscious, and upon revival without memories of her previous life. The Star Fleet post she was abandoned near picked up on her signal and rescued her before and ill could befall her. However, with no memories and no guardian who claimed her it was decided that she would be put into an orphanage." Admiral Harrison paused to give Admiral Pike the chance to continue should he wish to.
"I was part of the team who rescued her and found that I had developed emotional attachments to the young girl. Before she could be officially processed through the system and most likely shipped to another planet, I had decided to adopt her. She was put under my care and has been ever since then." Pike held the gaze of Jim's steadily who was not aware of her past at all. Jim seemed a little shaken after learning about such a horrible past of one of his most admired role models and dearest friends.
Admiral Harrison continued to speak once again resuming the story. "As per regulation, the child underwent aptitude tests in which she scored remarkably well. By remarkably well, I mean that she surpassed every single mark beyond the expectation of even talented students several ages older than her. Encouraged to join Star Fleet, she was put in a special program."
"Special program, Admiral?" Spock asked glancing up from the PADD.
Admiral Pike answered this time. "Yes, Commander. It was created to train and produce elite covert intelligence officers that would be employed in high risk situations. Such officers undergo training that goes beyond anything taught at the Academy open to all other cadets. One of such officers that have shown to be an exemplary success is indeed Commander Pike. I will not go over the particular missions she has been involved in but they are mentioned in the information given to you on the PADD. However that is not nearly as important as what comes next. You must understand one thing. Despite her apparent humanoid form, she seemed to be more advanced in many different ways. Her blood contains such regenerative properties that most wounds that she may receive will be healed at an accelerated pace to the point that many weapons will be not effective on her. Not only this but as she grew, physically she was stronger than an average human male. To be precise, she is approximately three times stronger than an average human male. Intellectually, the Commander's knowledge of most subjects goes beyond most specialists." Spock and Jim's eyes widened at the new information. They knew Audrey was talented but were not aware of the extent of her intellect or physical prowess.
"However, she is a covert intelligence officer and maintaining her identity as a tactical officer of Star Fleet and nothing more is of utmost importance. I cannot stress this more. She will have not shown any behavior that would have compromised her position if she were not forced to." Admiral Harrison shifted his gaze between the two. "In your report Captain Kirk, you witnessed the Commander being shot at with a phaser set on stun but was barely affected by it."
"Yes, sir." Kirk replied quietly. Spock's eyebrow rose as he listened intently. It was not possible for this to happen. Even Vulcans were susceptible to phaser fire.
"These are some of the abilities that Commander Pike is capable of and it is exactly why she is so efficient at her tasks. The Commander has been called upon for many missions but has recently been stationed on the Enterprise as it is the flagship of Star Fleet. Before only the Captain of the ship was to be notified of the nature of the Commander's identity and purpose however it has come to our attention after the Narada incident that it is prudent to inform the First Officer as well. Commander Pike was given orders from the High Command which she used to override your own Captain. It is why the charges have been dropped." Taking a deep breath, Admiral Harrison leaned forward slightly. "Captain, Commander, she is under your command to be utilized as you see fit. However, her identity is to be under the strictest confidentiality. If her identity was to be leaked, her life and many others would be at stake. There are many who would gladly take her life and those around her if they knew her identity. You two must be sworn to secrecy. Do you understand, Captain Kirk? Commander Spock?"
The two were silent for a while trying to process the information that the Admiral had thrown at their feet. The girl they've known and trusted for these past few years had been carrying a secret around like the entire time. They had both known practically nothing about the girl. Each hurt in their own separate way as they listened. Jim hurt for his mentor and friend who held the responsibility and burden of so many lives while carrying such a sad past. Spock hurt for the same reasons but also hurt when it struck him that he knew nothing about Audrey. It was illogical since she was under orders and unable to tell him but it still hurt nevertheless. How do you deal with such illogical feelings, he wondered?
Jim was the first to recover as Spock struggled to keep his emotions underneath his fragile control. "Yes sir, we understand. Her identity is to be of the strictest confidence. We will not tell a soul." Spock nodded sharply in agreement. To others he would seem to be just distant as a Vulcan should be but to the trained eye, he was a mess.
Admiral Harrison leaned back into the chair. "Alright, Captain. Before the two of you are dismissed, there is one more thing to see to." Standing he left towards the door. The moment the doors shut close, Admiral Pike began to speak. He saw the shock and hint of betrayal in both of the two officers sitting in front of him.
"Jim, Spock. You must understand that she didn't tell you because she couldn't. This has been weighing on her mind for a long time. There are things that she has done that she can never forget. Her gift is just as much a curse. Remember that."
Spock looked at the Admiral with unfathomable eyes while Jim's bright blue ones were so clearly full of emotion. The door opened again to reveal Admiral Harrison followed by a built security ensign and Audrey. "There will be a small demonstration in order for you to understand fully the extent of the Commander's abilities. Admiral Pike, it would be best for you to leave." About to protest, Christopher Pike opened his mouth but upon looking at his daughter's face that clearly told him to follow orders, Pike had no choice. Shaking his head and sighing, he replied.
"Yes, sir." He was torn between his duty as a father and as a Star Fleet Admiral. Knowing what was coming next, how could he just stand by and watch? But his duty was to follow orders. His duty was to allow his daughter to undergo this demonstration no matter how he felt. As he left, he couldn't help but feel like a puppet and a failure.
After the departure of Admiral Pike, Admiral Harrison sat once again in his chair. He then waved the two to the center of the room standing a few feet apart from each other. "Begin."
The security ensign was easily twice the size of Audrey and towered over her. Powerfully he sauntered over to her. Knowing what was to come, Christopher Pike looked away with a pained look on his face. No matter how many times this happened, he couldn't stand it. Spock noticed Pike turning away and felt his gut clench. Audrey had not moved or even raised her hands in preparation for a fight.
It was then the large ensign delivered a powerful punch to Audrey's gut. With a grunt, Audrey hunched over but seemed to not be particularly fazed and stood back to normal. Spock's fists clenched until his knuckles were white and his brow furrowed with every thud he heard. Unable to watch, Spock also turned his face away. The ensign continued to deliver blow after blow to Audrey resulting in the same outcome. After the first three, Jim tried to stand up and stop the ensign but Spock grabbed Jim's arm tightly and shook his head. Audrey must do this and they must watch. Admiral Harrison was known for his… efficiency. He would have his way no matter what and if they were to stop him, it would only lead to further elongation of pain for Audrey.
However, the ensign seemed to be breathing heavily and tiring quickly. With one last punch to her face, Audrey's lip ripped and blood dripped down her face. At the sight of blood, it was enough for Spock to throw the table and rip apart the ensign. His control was on the verge of breaking and the only thing keeping him from jumping was Admiral Harrison.
"Enough." The Admiral raised his hand and all could be heard was the heavy breathing of the security ensign. "You're dismissed ensign." Nodding his head, the large man gave Audrey a brief glance before leaving. Jim ran to Audrey's side and took her face in his hands. There was a look of concern on his face but it turned into a face of shock as he realized that the tear had already stopped bleeding. "Captain, please sit back down." Unable to say anything, Jim simply stood there. "Captain." Admiral Harrison called more forcibly and it was only when he laid a hand on Jim's arm did he move. "Commander, we will continue with the demonstration."
"Yes, sir." Audrey walked farther away from the Admiral and stood at attention. Neither Jim nor Spock knew what was going to happen next but it shocked Spock more than Jim. Taking out his phaser, the Admiral aimed at Audrey and shot at her. Repeatedly.
Unable to contain his shock and anger, Spock gripped his chair's armrests and it resulted in the disfiguration of them. This was a brutal demonstration if you could even call it that. Never would he have expected this to happen to him or to his t'hy'la. As he watched Audrey double back over and over again without going down, he could not stand it any further. Logic had held him back to this moment and allowed his superior to continue with his ruthless actions but no more.
"Admiral, that is quite enough." Spock's voice was raw and carried an almost wild anger.
"Commander, I am demonstrating to you the extent of Commander Pike's abilities."
"We understand, Admiral Harrison. I think that we've both seen enough." Jim stepped in still slightly shocked at the ruthlessness of Admiral Harrison.
Holstering his phaser, he simply waved off the comment and dismissed the three. Spock all but ran to Audrey's side and put his arm around her to help support her. Jim came around to also check on her. Silently the three left the room quickly and were met by Admiral Pike. He led them into his own office and it wasn't even a second after the doors had closed that Jim began to rage.
"HOW COULD HE DO THAT?"
"Jim, it's fine. I've done this multiple times. Often times Captains will not understand the extent of my abilities and the Admiral has realized that this is the most efficient way of getting them to understand. Otherwise they'll make assumptions about the fact that I'm a girl and things like that to not use me to my full potential."
"That gives him no right to do that! There must be another way."
"Captain Kirk, what she says is true. I know it's hard to understand but think of it this way with her being stationed on the Enterprise permanently these sort of demonstrations will not occur as often as they have in the past." Admiral Pike stepped in.
The two continued to argue about the actions of Admiral Harrison but Spock had little use for such conversation. Instead he kneeled in front of Audrey who was sitting in a chair. "Should I call for a doctor?" He touched her hand and she felt a wave of concern from him.
"I'm fine, Spock. There are no injuries…" Spock then felt fear within her. Fear that he and Jim would find her disgusting. Fear that they would hate her for hiding her secret.
"I do not hate you nor fear you, Audrey. I am your friend and will always be." Spock reassured her to the best of his abilities. "These thoughts of yours are illogical." Audrey smiled a little bit as she looked into his deep dark eyes. They were bottomless and seemed to only express his genuine concern for her. It was Spock's unique way of reassuring her.
"I really am sorry for not telling you." She hung her head slightly.
"That is also illogical and not needed. You were under orders, Audrey." He hesitated though knowing that those were not necessarily the words she needed to hear. "However, I will accept your apology. You once told me that you would accept me for who I am and for anything I may do. Let me extend that courtesy to you."
She smiled and squeezed his hand. Looking up to the two men still fighting, Audrey called out to them. "Enough you two! I've never seen two grown men bicker like old women more than you two!" Audrey smiled mischievously. Watching the two men's face drain of anger and be replaced by slight embarrassment and relief, Audrey walked over to the two and gave each a hug. "I'm fine… but thanks for everything you two. I'm sorry you guys had to go through this."
Jim held her tightly relieved and to show her that he still cared. "Audrey, in there they said a lot of things and they expect me to act differently towards you but first and foremost you are my mentor and friend. I care for you and no matter what or who you are, that comes first."
Tears welled up in Audrey's eyes in happiness. She couldn't ask for better friends… no family that's what they were. She would do anything for them.
2258 – June 8 2000 hours
Leo was working on a report at his office desk. Although, he was not officially working, he wanted to catch up on some paperwork. But after working for a few hours, he was at the end of his wits. Jim was driving him crazy lately like usual but it was that green blooded hobgoblin that was really on his mind. Leaning back into his chair, Leo sighed. How he wished that he had the confidence to just waltz up to Audrey and ask for a date. It was never this hard before.
Suddenly he heard a knock at the door. "Hello? Anybody home?" Audrey poked her head through the doorway and smiled warmly at the doctor.
"Hey there beautiful." His gruff voice echoed in the small room. Light on her feet, Audrey practically bounced over to his side of the desk and leaned against it. "What do I owe for the pleasure of this visit?"
Laughing, Audrey said, "Had a little time on my hands and thought I'd come to see you. I haven't seen your handsome mug in a while."
Leo looked at her in suspicion. "Hmm. Something's not right here. Is Jim up to no good again?"
"Can't a girl just want to see a man without being persecuted?"
"Not one like you." Leo stood up and tapped her nose. "Do you want a drink?" Opening his cabinet, Audrey saw his stash of various alcohols and mixers.
"Yes, please!"
Laughing at Audrey's enthusiasm for alcohol, he motioned for her to sit while he made a drink for her. Audrey watched his swift hands work with an envious accuracy. Concentrated on the drink, Leo missed the look in Audrey's eyes. She was sad. While Jim and Spock were able to accept her full heartedly, Audrey could not tell Leo even though she desperately wanted to. As he turned around to glance at her though, she smiled softly making sure to keep him unaware.
"Mmm. A mint julep?" Audrey happily took the drink from Leo letting their fingers touch.
"Mmhmm. You like it?" Leo asked while pouring himself a whiskey. "It's a drink close to my heart and home. Thought you'd like it."
"It's delicious! There must be a secret ingredient. It doesn't taste like a regular one."
He grinned roguishly. "Family secret. Ya gotta be part of the family to know." His southern drawl becoming more pronounced with every drink. She laughed and took another appreciative sip.
Giving a soft moan as she savored the taste, Audrey closed her eyes. "Just to get this recipe, I might just marry you Leonard McCoy." The moan sent a shock through his body lighting his nerves on fire. He quickly took a swig of his whiskey to mask the deepening look of desire in his eyes.
"Hmph. Who said that I'd say yes?"
Audrey pouted putting her drink on the table. "Not pretty enough for you?" She stepped forward to be closer to him. Now she was dangerously close to the point that Leo found himself unable to stop from touching her. Tucking a fallen strand of hair behind her ear, he took in the beauty of her face. His eyes landed on her pink luscious lips and his hand cupped her cheek. The delicious heat from her body radiated sparking the desire in him.
His low voice rumbled deep within his chest. "Not even close." Finally closing the small space that separated him, his lips met hers. Audrey closed her eyes in bliss as she let her hands lay on his broad chest. Pulling her closer to him, Leo put the glass of whiskey on the table and wrapped his arm around her waist. Granting him access, Leo's tongue met Audrey's in an intricate heated dance where both fought for control. Wanting to pay Leo back for his teasing comments, she refused to let him win.
Fireworks burst in Audrey's head at the first touch of their lips. Leonard McCoy was a man wanted by many women in Star Fleet despite his gruff demeanor. She never thought that it would be her who would he would be kissing. The kiss grew more and more intense as they lost themselves in each other's touch. She let her hands move into his hair and he let his toy with the little bit of skin showing underneath her shirt. Moaning softly, Audrey's tongue teased Leo's causing him to growl possessively.
They parted needing to breathe air and Audrey leaned against his chest. Relishing in the feeling of her in his arms, Leo leaned back against the wall. "Good god, woman. Are you trying to kill me?" He said with humor in his voice. There was no reason now to hide his affection from her or any reason to not express his appreciation.
She giggled. "Hey, you called me ugly and told me you wouldn't marry me. I'm just showing you what you're missing out on." Teasingly she stuck her little pink tongue out. Chuckling good-naturedly, Bones kissed her gently.
"You're beautiful beyond words."
I know that this one was a lot of background stuff that's kind of boring but hopefully there was enough action to keep you reading! This little bit at the end was for all you Bones-shippers out there. Hope the chapter wasn't too bad!