Chapter Four
Third Person POV
"Commander!" River heard being called behind her and she reluctantly stopped. She sighed to herself and spun around, surprised to see who was jogging up behind her. "Cad-Dr. McCoy. What can I do for you?" she asked, correcting herself and glad that it wasn't the overconfident blonde. "Well, this gonna sound crazy, but, um...would you...maybe...like to out for coffee sometime?" he asked and River could tell he was nervous, but was a little shocked.
"Look, doctor, fraternization is highly frowned upon in Starfleet," she started to say, but when she saw the hopeful light fade from his eyes, she had to do something. "But I'm sure I can make an exception. How does Saturday at seven sound?" she said, not liking how dejected he looked. A small smile formed on the older man's face and he nodded. "Seven sounds wonderful." he said.
River laughed. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow in your first Pre Psych class, doctor." she said and spun around to head towards the officer dorms.
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The first week wasn't as bad as River had thought it would be. Sure there was the occasional goof off, but most of the cadet's that were in her class seemed to want to be there. But, of course, when James T. Kirk showed up in her class, things became more difficult. Luckily, the good doctor River was quickly becoming fond seemed to keep the blonde in line and out of too much trouble.
"Alright, boys and girls. You've got your weekend homework assignment and don't forget, you're off next week for Christmas. Be careful and you're all dismissed." River said, shutting off the holoprojector and cadets started filing out of the lecture hall when she dismissed them. "Your classes seem to be going well." came a monotone voice from the stairs off to the side of the stage.
"They are. And yours, Mr. Spock?" she asked, turning around to see the Vulcan standing at the edge of the stage. "Well, thank you. Captain Pike has requested to see you when you have time to spare." Spock told her and with a slight bow of his head, he left. River shook her head and chuckled. "Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Spock." she called, not sure whether the Vulcan had left yet or not.
Putting everything away in her bag, she waited till the last cadet had scurried out of the lecture hall before leaving herself. The walk to Captain Pike's office wasn't too long, but it seemed so much of a hassle since she was supposed to be going in the opposite direction. Stopping outside of the door, she pressed the chime and waited. The doors slid open and Christopher smiled at the woman on the other side.
"Captain." she greeted. "Commander. Come in." Christopher said, grinning as River gave him an odd look. "Why are you being so formal? What's wrong?" she asked, walking into the office skeptically. "There's nothing wrong. You're just always complaining that I'm not as professional as I should be." he chuckled, following her over to the desk.
River sat down on the opposite side of the desk while Christopher sat in his chair. "Well...I didn't think you'd actually take me seriously. You never do." she said, a little confused by the situation at hand. "Don't think too much into it." he said a little flatly and then his expression became lighter. "So, how is Cadet Kirk." he asked, leaning back in his chair and changing the subject.
"Annoying as ever. I'm not really sure why I let you talk me into this." she said, crossing her legs and relaxing. Christopher laughed and nodded. "You'll get used to it. I have high hopes for that kid. He's a lot like you." he said. River looked to the older man in surprise. "What do you mean 'he's a lot like me'?" she asked, not sure she wanted to know. "Well, when you were younger, your father wanted you to be a doctor like him and like his father before. You broke a tradition by joining Starfleet, deciding to broaden your horizon. Jim Kirk, his father is a Starfleet legend and I feel he's going to be the same. Hopefully they aren't too alike that they end up dying the same way." Christopher explained. "I actually did become a doctor. Just not the doctor my father wanted me to be." River said.
Christopher rolled his eyes and sat up straight. "Did you not get anything I just said?" he asked. "Yeah, but I usually try to ignore it. Anyway, Kirk and I are nothing alike. I joined Starfleet to get away from my family and race. Do you have any idea how degrading it is being the second child to a family of a race where the only reason we get married and have kids is so we can keep a stable population? Kirk joined because he saw a challenge. Those are two big differences." River said, not liking being compared to that narcissistic blonde.
"Look, River, I didn't ask you here to argue with you. I came to ask a favor." Christopher said, holding his hands up in defense. River rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her unruly hair. "Is there someone else you want me to babysit along with Mr. Kirk?" she asked sarcastically and Christopher gave her a pointed look. "Not this time, dear. Actually, I've just gotten word from Admiral Marcus that the Enterprise will be making her maiden voyage in three years." Christopher started and River raised an eyebrow. "They gave her to me and I was told to start picking my senior officers. You, along with Mr. Spock, are among the officers I've chosen." he said and River looked at him in surprise.
"The Enterprise? But she's going on a five year mission! That's never been attempted before." she asked, not believing her ears. "Well, I need a counselor I can trust and know will take care of my crew. If you refuse, I completely understand. After all, you did just come off a two year mission with Captain Gibson." he explained, a knowing smile on his face. River was silent for a moment and then she smiled. "You already knew I'd say yes, didn't you?" she asked and Christopher burst out laughing.
"You're damn right I knew you'd say yes." he said between breaths and got up from his chair. River stood up as well, a smile spreading across her face as she looked to the man she looked up to for years. "Take this week off to relax. You'll need it for mid-terms coming up when we get back." he said as he walked her to the door. "Trust me. I will. And have a wonderful Christmas, Chris." she said and did something she didn't normally do. She wrapped her arms around the older man and hugged him.
"Have a wonderful Christmas, River." he chuckled, hugging her back.
"I'll see you in two weeks." Christopher said as River walked out the door. The gave her mischievous grin. "And have fun on your date tomorrow night." he said and the doors began to shut. "Wait! What? How did you-" River tried, panic in her voice, but the doors shut before she could get her answers. "Damn it!" she cursed, running a hand through her hair again.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait :( but I hope you like what I've written. I know I'm terrible and I'm really sorry! I know Bones is a little OC, but I'm still working out the kinks and it should be better soon. Please don't forget to leave a review. I love hearing what you think!