Human's day dream. As a species it is something they do more often than any of them would care to admit. Even those whose days are numbered, find themselves drifting away.

Pike shook his head side to side in an attempt to bring himself back into reality, he looked down at his small glass and downed the last swallow of whisky. He was about to get up when Nurse Chapel approached his table.

"Captain, sorry for interrupting you" He looked up to see her holding two whisky glasses. "You just look like you could do with a friend".

She plonked herself down and pushed a glass towards him.

Truth is, Pike didn't really need a friend; He was at somewhat peace with the things that gave him nightmares. Chapel, on the other hand, looked like her tormentor was still keeping her awake.

"A man can never have too many friends" He raised his glass in a cheers motion before taking a sip.

"What's bothering you Captain if you don't mind my asking?"

"Carpe Diem"

"Pluck the day?"

"You know the true saying? I'm impressed"

"You're not doing enough...plucking?" She laughed at the last word.

With a smile Pike replied.

"Oh I'm plucking good thanks. Really good in fact. But, the long arm of destiny is still there".

Chapel look puzzled, Pike waved his right arm away. "Mindless, narcissistic thoughts, sorry. What about you Nurse Chapel? There is a whole bar full of people tonight, why are drinking alone?"

Chapel stared down at her drink. Her upcoming fellowship was playing on her mind; she had to leave the crew, the ship, Spock….

"I don't know if it's the same arm, but I certainly feel a long arm of destiny pulling at me also".

They looked into each other's eyes.

Could Pike tell her he was destined for a grizzly end? Could he tell her no matter what he achieves in this life he knows the ending, he knows the nightmare finish?

Could Chapel tell him she believes in her destiny and she believes in her love for Spock but she knows Spock isn't her destiny?

The stare lingered.

Pike raised his glass.

"Carpe Diem?"

Chapel raised hers to meet his.

"Pluck it" The glasses tapped, they both drank the last of their glasses. "I best leave you to your thoughts Captain".

Nurse chapel stood up and started to walk away, the conservation was short and Pike got the feeling that was because Chapel didn't really want a conservation as much as she just need somebody to have a drink with, so he called out to her.

"Nurse Chapel" She stopped and looked back "That long arm of destiny pulling at you, grab it with both your arms and take control of the thing."

"Thanks Captain" She said with half a smile before continuing to walk away.

Pike looked at his empty glass.

"One for the road" He thought as he got up to walk toward the bar.