Come Here Often?

Chapter 6: I Want You on My Ship

Fast Forward - Things change quickly for Leonard & Jessica when Jim Kirk's trial regarding his cheating on the Kobiyashi Maru test is suddenly postponed and the cadets are called into active service.

Notes: My thought process: If the captain of a cruise ship (and anyone else who gets the proper certification online) in the 21st century can marry a couple, then surely a Starship Captain can. And while married couples *can* serve on seperate starships, surely there might be *some* pull if you're married, especially when said starship captain really wants you serving on his ship.

Okay, okay, this might be a little far fetched, but deal with it. :P

**********

One minute, Leonard and Jessica were watching Jim Kirk's whole career flash before his eyes as he went under scrutiny by the Academy higher-ups over his 'cheating' on the Kobayashi Maru test. The next minute, they were all frantically being ushered in groups towards their advisor's for ship assignments. In all the hubub, Jess had lost track of Leonard and was looking around anxiously. She knew Leonard already knew what ship he'd be on. It was a dead ringer that he was going to be Assistant CMO on the Enterprise. He'd been recruited by Christopher Pike with every intention of the Doctor being on his ship after graduation. Ever since their confession of love to each other they'd remained serious the rest of their last year of Academy, but had been putting off talk of making anything permanent. Now, she saw their future slipping away.

"Patton, USS Farragut."

She barely kept her legs under her as she squeezed her eyes shut. She had no idea how long she was standing there before she heard a voice.

"Lieutenant Patton, correct?"

She opened her eyes, instantly recognizing the voice. "Yes, sir, Captain Pike. That is correct."

"Is something wrong, Lieutenant?"

"Oh, um, no sir. Sorry, sir."

He glanced towards where the Commander had been calling out assignments. "You received your assignment?"

"Yes sir, the Farragut, sir."

Pike frowned. "Damn. Carter got his way."

Jessica frowned in confusion. "I'm sorry, sir? I don't understand."

"Captain Carter and I had a little disagreement on what ship you should be assigned to. I'm sorry to say it looks like he won. I'd hoped to have you on the Enterprise."

She looked down. "Yes sir. I'd hoped to be there as well."

"You and my Assistant CMO—McCoy—from what I understand you two are pretty serious, aren't you?"

She swallowed and blushed. "Oh, um—yes sir. How—how did you know about that sir?"

"I keep an eye on my recruits, Lieutenant. I also keep an eye on the best and brightest this Academy has going through it—and you're one of those. Hence the argument between Carter and I. You and McCoy—that explains the way I came up on you, doesn't it?"

"Sorry sir—yes. We had, um—well, we'd talked but—not made anything official. We were close though, I think." She glanced at her ring finger, and Pike noticed. "And, well. I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

Suddenly Pike was scanning the room diligently. After a few moments, he frowned and pulled out his communicator. "Captain Pike to Doctor McCoy. Have you boarded the Enterprise yet?"

They heard some commotion before a familiar voice spoke up. "No sir, making my way to the transport now."

"McCoy, don't board that transport yet. I'm headed that way and need to have a word."