Among The Stars

Part 2

Maggie had quickly settled into academy life - - she had a brilliant roommate named Nyota who was a couple years younger then Maggie (21 to Maggies 23). They hit it off like a house on fire, both studied hard but Nyota helped Maggie to let loose every once in a while, which is how they both ended up meeting James Kirk and recently divorced Lenord "Bones" McCoy. You could see why the two men were friends - much like you and Nyota, opposites really do attract and bring out the best in each other. You and McCoy instantly bonded because of your experience and expertise in medicine. McCoy was attractive, you'd have to be blind not to admit as much, but it also didn't take a ship's counselor to realize he was still recovering from his divorce a couple years ago - his wife had really done a number on him.

As the months wore on and people's comfort levels increased Maggie couldn't help but be grateful for where her life had taken her. The night before graduation they ended up at the same bar where they had met. Maggie looked at her Scotty dog and its stillness - realizing, with a touch of sadness thinking of McCoy, that her soulmate was not among her current group of friends. James was not her type, too blond, too outgoing, too rash and reckless - he needed someone to balance/anchor him. Leo was more up her ally but with his recent divorce and her soulmark lack of movement it was clearly not meant to be; however, a close friendship was blooming between the two that would last a lifetime.

As if reading her thoughts, Len came over from the dance floor and plopped down next to her at the table, ordering a bourbon on the rocks. "Anything for you?" he asked, blue eyes sparkling. You leaned over and ordered a rum and coke. As you waited, Leo gave the eye and asked, "What's on your mind darlin'?" Maggie took a moment before she responded and said, "Just thinking about us and tomorrow and where we will all be assigned. Making friends is hard for me, always has been, and I have this fear that we'll never see each other again." McCoy sat in silence for a moment looking into the middle distance before speaking, "You're right the bond between you, me, Nyota and Jim is unique but you do realize that there is subspace communication that helps people to stay in contact right?" Maggie let out a genuine laugh and said "Oh you!" McCoy joined in the laughter as they clinked their glasses and took a deep drink.
The next day they were all assigned to different ships. Having graduated at the top of the class, she was assigned to the Federations flagship Enterprise with Captain Pike. The night before she was to report she had her bags packed and nerves somewhat under control as she went to dinner with her friends at their favorite restaurant in downtown San Francisco.

Captain Pike had been the captain of the Enterprise for the past seven years by the time Maggie joined the crew. It was easy to see why Pike was the captain of the Federation's flagship - he was kind, patient, and had a spine of steel, he quickly became a father figure to many on the ship, including her. She didn't have to be on the ship long to realize how much the crew loved Pike and how much Pike loved them.

As Maggie began to settle into her role as ship's counselor, she could see how much of a toll being captain had taken on Chris, how much he hated the death, the thousand and one split decisions he had to make hourly, Maggie was glad he had strong people like Spock and Number One to help ease his burden. She came to be the third person he trusted most to help him with the emotional toll it took on him. Only Chris and Maggie knew all the times he spent in her office with tears on his face as he mentioned a mission gone wrong and a life lost.

As time passed Maggie also grew incredibly close to Una, Pikes strong, intelligent number one. For a brief moment she wondered if she and Una were soulmates but her scotty dog remained still. It was because of Una's friendship that Maggie's confidence began to really bloom, she learned what it meant to be strong and also rely on others. With Una she learned to protect those she really loved and cared for. She was making friendships she knew would last a lifetime but had yet to find the one who would complete her soul.
The years flew by and before she realized it, Maggie had served on board the Enterprise for four years. The universe (or was it fate?) had other planes for her and the Enterprise. Those at Federation Headquarters thought it was long past time to advance Captain Pike to Fleet Captain Pike and a name she hadn't heard in years as the new Captain: James T. Kirk.