The young woman's feet came to a sliding halt just before a round of applause rose up from the audience. The sky was steely gray and fat flakes whizzed in the air but the stadium lights flooded the arena with light.

"Number 18 from Minnesota, North America scores middle range," an announcer's voice blared over the stadium.

The audience watched the slim pale figure skate over to the judges' box and bend her head forward in respect. One of them pinned an Orengian flower on her tunic as a symbol of good sportsmanship. She touched the large purple blossom in one hand while the other waved faintly out to the audience.

The Intergalactic Winter Solace Festival was a tremendous event that drew in visitors from around the galaxy but never had they imagined the shy unknown human from a corner of world would stand on the rink and perform in the skating competition. She had no professional training or elite social privileges to stand out at the start of the festival but the graceful footwork on the ice had impressed the judges.

While the other contestants lavished in the praise of the audience, the young woman had quietly slipped away back to the training room to change into her street clothes. She was almost done when she noticed a dark figure in the doorway. He stepped closer and the flash of silver on his chest reflected against the lights.

She recognized the attire of a Starfleet officer and quickly rose out of respect but Christopher Pike lifted a hand in the hair casually to dismiss the formalities.

"Congratulations on your honorary award, Ms. Chapel. You did very well out there."

The frankness of his voice and confidence in his stature took the fidgets out of the shy girl. "I didn't know Starfleet participated in the Festival," she murmured softly. "But I hope you enjoyed it."

"It's been a pleasure after having drills all week." Pike took a seat on the low bench across the girl named Ms. Chapel and studied her while she continued to fiddle with her skates. Realizing his cool gray eyes were still fixated upon her, Christine unknotted the laces and stood up.

"Is there something else you wanted to know, sir?"

"Yes, there is as a matter of fact." Pike kept his hands clasped together. "Starfleet has been surveying academic reports across the Midwest this semester including the Minneapolis District-and your educational background."

Pale eyebrows arched up in surprise. "Why does Starfleet want to know?"

"Because Starfleet is looking for new recruits." Captain Pike rose from his seat and walked over to Christine. "I'm offering you a scholarship to the San Francisco Academy with all student liberties included."

The slender hands that cradled her winning purple flower trembled in surprise at his generous offer. "M-me? Why me?"

Pike shrugged as a half-smile graced his face. "Why not? You're a smart kid, you have straight marks in Biomedics and Space Health Studies, and you just spun across freezing ice. I'd say you qualify as much as any other candidate."

Christine's mind swiftly calculated the pros and cons of Pike's offer. Starfleet had never crossed her mind. Her life had been a simple one after pulling through a fatal disease at the age of six. Since then she had been a quiet but diligent student with occasional skating for a hobby and a desire to help others.

Christine was skeptical about Starfleet. She had seen several cadets at the start of the Winter Festival. They were all loud noisy people in bright red uniforms with big brash attitudes. They'd take one look at her stringy hair and a pasty complexion, both results of the Proxi-Atom virus, and step on her with their shiny black boots, laughing all the way.

A Federation academy isn't the sort of place to find friends, she thought to herself.

"No, I don't think it's a good idea," she replied while glancing down at her toes.

"Why not?"

"I..." her voice grew low and uneasy while she fiddled for an explanation. "I got sick when I was a child."

"I know about the Proxi-Atom virus," Captain Pike spoke up. "And there's no need to be ashamed of it. You're very brave to survive something like that and I'm sure it would make you a worthwhile candidate for active duty."

"It's not that," Christine defended herself. She tried to fold her arms over her chest in an attempt to feign confidence.

"Then what is it?" Captain Pike's voice was ever-so-polite but unwavering as he waited for an answer. "Don't you think you've got the academics needed to become a cadet?"

"No, I mean yes!" She nodded her head quickly. "I'm sure I can pass any courses you give me. But I'm..."

Christine swallowed the bile in her throat while one finger nervously twirled a lock of wispy blonde hair. "Just look at me, Captain Pike. I'm not exactly fit for duty."

It sounded like a foolish thing to be worried about but truth be told, physical appearances would always play a part in judging a person's character.

Whenever she looked into the mirror and saw the painfully thin young woman with sharp cheekbones and icy blue eyes, Christine would shudder inside. It was alarming how one virus could deplete so much life from a person. The taunting remarks of more attractive girls and muscled boys did nothing for her self-confidence. She would dismiss her looks as bad luck and retreat back into her studies and skating.

Christopher Pike, on the other hand, had become acquainted with many people during extensive career as a Starfleet captain. His second insight could perceive those rare individuals overlooked by social peers. He noticed that her blue eyes were large, gentle, and full of compassion. The small pink mouth did not seem to smile often but he suspected she could smile beautifully when she tried. Bony knees and arms could always be fleshed out with proper nutrition and exercise. And sunshine could warm more than an apprehensive visitor's heart.

"We receive candidates from all over the world, Miss Chapel," Pike replied. "Starfleet is not an institution to judge a person based on looks or origins. I know you can rise above that."

He placed a hand on her slim shoulder. "Humility is an admirable trait but lack of self-confidence isn't good for you. The west coast could restore what was once lost."

Perhaps it was his tone of voice but something about his sincerity caused the corners of Christine's mouth to start pulling up. Maybe the thoughts of California sunshine or sparkling bay waters where beginning to tempt her. Or maybe it was just the wisp of confidence she needed to hear after years of being isolated and shunned from society.

"You're serious. You think I can do it?" she asked wistfully.

"I don't think you can. I know you can. Whether or not you believe in yourself is your choice, Ms. Chapel."

He handed her a small crystal-infused disk. "There's a shuttle craft leaving Pittsburgh in two weeks. Bring basic identification and medical information with you."

She took the card from her with slim fingers and turned it over thoughtfully. Inside was a holo-vision with Starfleet history and basic regulations.

As Pike turned to go, he glanced over his shoulder with a wry grin. Christine thought he might say something but he didn't, just gave her a knowing nod. There was the padding sound of boot steps marching off…and then he was gone.

A-A-A

The Proxi-Atom virus had finally been conquered years ago thanks to a cure by Federation scientists. Unfortunately, the victory was too late to save Christine's parents and left her one of several survivors from the epidemic crisis. The 5-year-old girl was quickly whisked away to the largest sanctuary house in the Midwest where she could recover and be provided for.

Most 23rd century sanctuary houses were defined as public education homes and dormitories for unfortunate orphans and delinquents. But the name resonated back to earlier times when outcast humans found solitude and tranquility within the walls of religious institutions. Such was the case of Christine Chapel. Twice when she was seven years old a private agency had attempted to place her up for adoption. But even though she was no longer contagious no one would take her in for fear of the virus.

Christine didn't mind while she was growing up. The Federation financed the basic needs of their home but a local donor had generously donated a bulk of his estate to the development of their sanctuary house. Their home now boasted an indoor heated swimming pool, ice skating rink, two libraries, a greenhouse for botany lessons, and an electromagnetic telescope for examining the night sky. There were no set regulations for religious or spiritual beliefs but they did have mediation sessions and occasions to mark popular holidays. Whether busy in studies or playing sonic soccer in the recreation center, the children were well-cared for and provided by a superb staff.

"Lemme see! Lemme see!" A lithe brown-haired girl came skipping down the hallway to where Christine had just arrived and was sitting inside the lounge. She began tugging on the older girl's skirt excitedly. "Christine, you got them, didn't you? I knew you would!"

Christine unwound the scarf from her neck and pulled off her cap revealing ears that were hard and red from the cold. "I'll let you see them but just be careful with them, Amber." The little girl bobbed her head up and down obediently.

Christine gently laid a heavy case on the table for Amber to examine before unhinging the clasps and opening it up. By now several other children in green tunics had come running into the lounge to examine her prize.

The top candidates of the Intergalactic Winter Solace Festival had each been granted a pair of custom-made skates as a token of acknowledgment to their talent. Christine was especially proud of the exquisitely designed achromatic metal blades and Andorian leather gracing the boots. Turning them over with one hand, Amber studied the Parthian crystals adorning the heels and Christine's name printed on the skates in permanent vision-ink.

"So cool," gushed little Barry. "Can I try 'em on?"

"I don't think they'll fit," Christine smiled at him. But she let him peel off his socks and slip his feet into the skates. His ankles wobbled loosely when he tried to stand up, causing everyone to burst into giggles of pleasure.

The steady clap of hands broke their get-together. Erica Donovan, their staff director, was calling everyone in for dinner. The quick mention of pumpkin flan on the menu caused the children to quickly shuffle into line and depart quickly. Once the children were preoccupied tucking away their food Mrs. Donovan approached Christine in the mediation room.

She found the young woman sitting on a mat with a lavender scarf wrapped around her head and face. Christine's chin was upturned to the windows while her mind was deep in thought.

The most striking features inside the room were the vibrant panels of bright blue glass infused into the walls. Their donor had been an admirer of the 20th century artist Marc Chagall and fitted the mediation room with a perfect replica of Chagall's renowned windows, a mesmerizing collage of sapphire-like pieces dotted with symbols such as trees and candelabras in white or yellow glass.

So many times Christine had starred at the labyrinth of beautiful blue pieces and found internal peace. Now she felt discontented after starring at the same shapes and colors year after year.

Mrs. Donovan took a seat on the mat next to Christine. She placed a similar scarf around her head and waited for a few contemplative moments before addressing the young woman.

"We had a visit by Starfleet last week. And the children were hysterical until they could see real officers up in the flesh." Her brief chuckling was cut short when she glanced at Christine's unsatisfied face. "I presume you ran into Captain Christopher Pike at the Festival. We gave him a glowing report of your academics."

Christine's gaze flickered to Mrs. Donovan. "He said they'll take me in."

"I'm not surprised." Mrs. Donovan waited for a response but when there was none she took the initiative. "Do you want to go to Starfleet, Christine?"

"Yes...and no." Her voice wavered slightly. Mrs. Donovan watched Christine wrap her arms around herself defensively. Wispy white eyelashes fluttered as she closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, releasing a melancholy sigh.

"No one ever wanted to adopt me as a child," she confessed to her guardian." I've never had a family outside this home. What if Starfleet is just another disappointment?"

"There are thousands of students in Starfleet so your chances of finding a kindred spirit are very likely," Mrs. Donovan assured her. "And besides, the world has changed much in the last several years. Who knows what you might find there?"

When Christine continued to rock back and forth on the mat with uncertainty, Mrs. Donovan firmly rested a hand on her slim shoulder. The attentive gesture was noticed by the student.

"Look at those windows, my dear. They were created by a brilliant Russian painter who fled his country during World War II. He had to start his life over again in a new country but he always remained true to himself. Despite the turmoil in his life, Marc Chagall continued to inspire millions of people and never relinquished his identity. He was an artist. His legacy continues to thrive through his masterpieces."

Mrs. Donovan fixed her eyes upon Christine who was now paying close attention to her words.

"You can travel to the stars and back or stay right here. You can be rich enough to own an entire planet or have just a small plot of land on Earth. But knowing who you are and taking pride in your accomplishments is the most noble of all prospects, Christine."

She gathered up her pale green robes and began to leave the mediation room. She hesitated in the doorway and glanced back at Christine. "Whoever you chose to become Christine, you must know that you have so much to offer this world…as well as other worlds."

The instructor's words had left an impression on the young woman. Christine picked up the prize skates that lay on another mat and ran her hand over the smooth leather material. She could sell them for a decent amount and take up a hospital course in the city. Or compete in Norway next year.

But what was next? Take up skating forever and go back to ice and snow? Continue reading books and adoring the skates? Sit in the mediation rooms of the sanctuary house and admire the sunlight streaming through the crystalline windows for hours?

She hugged the prize skates to her chest and rocked back and forth in thought. It was a terrifying prospect for a girl who had never been further west than the Mississippi River. The thought of a new city with bright lights and loud noises could drive even the most serene person out of their wits.

Christine gazed back at the windows wistfully.

A-A-A

Two weeks later in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The female security officer was being, to put it bluntly, a bitch. Despite pleas and protests, she wouldn't let the blonde aboard the shuttle. And she was holding up a line of other cadets waiting not-so-patiently to get off the damn dried grassy field and back to California.

"No food or beverages are permitted aboard the aircraft," the security officer barked.

"You nuts or something?" the blonde spit back. "It's two hours to San Francisco and I get really nauseous if I don't eat."

"Take a bucket," came the answer. "Either that or get out of line, Ms. Rand."

Grumbling to herself, Janice Rand forked over her biscuit bar. With a rather tearful look, she watched the luscious bit of buttery baked goodness get pocketed by the security officer. Janice hoped it would give her a rash.

She bent her head low to avoid collision with a metal beam when entering the shuttle and dropped herself into a seat. It really was like cramming sardines into a can, judging by the amount of cadets already strapped in. Janice squirmed in place while fiddling with her hair, an arrangement of four thick yellow braids wrapped stylishly around her head.

"You had a Philly Cheesesteak before we got here, Rand. What gives? You pregnant or something?" joked a fellow officer.

"Shut up, Ben," she snapped before throwing a pin at him. Janice shoved the buckle compartments together across her waist with more force than necessary. The last she wanted was to go flying across the shuttle and collide with Ben when they took off.

The officer attending to the cadets was about to close the doors when she spotted one last red figure running, or at least trying to run, across the field towards them. She was so slender that the officer wouldn't be surprised if a gust of wind blew her down.

"I'm here! I'm here!" Christine came to a halt in front of the aircraft and gasped for breath. Her precious skates and some other sentimental items were safe in the canvas bag strapped over her right shoulder. It had weighed her down considerably but she wasn't going to Starfleet without at least a few possessions from the world she was leaving behind.

She was wearing her new cadet uniform, a harsh red sweater and matching skirt complete with knee-high black boots. It was the smallest size they could find to fit her skinny waist based on the measurements she had sent to the uniform department. The collar made her neck itch fiercely but she didn't mind how it felt just so long as she was on that shuttle.

Christine handed her identification cards to the officer who quickly looked her name up on a PADD. She glanced and for a brief moment, nodded in approval. "Go on ahead."

Ben, who had been preoccupied with teasing Janice, now had his attention fixed on the new girl who was fidgeting herself into one of the last seats in the shuttle. She was kind of pretty in a delicate sort of way...but a little too shrimpy for his tastes. Nevertheless he couldn't resist a smart wink in her direction when she looked at him.

Christine's cheeks flamed up, causing him to laugh. She quickly fiddled with the straps across her waist and tugged her skirt down, hoping it would cover her knees. It didn't. The commotion caused Janice to glance her way.

"Trembling like a leaf and pale as a ghost. Poor kid,"she thought.

The officer slid the shuttle door shut with a loud ear-vibrating BANG just before it rose from the ground.

The shuttle took off with a lurch that almost caused Christine to scream. Higher and higher the shuttle climbed into the sky while the blood began to drain from her face. Her hands tried to firm up into tight fists but were too shaky to do anything. She began to see dark spots flicker in front of her face as her head rolled heavily off to—

CLUNK!

"Uh oh," Janice thought. "Not a good sound." She looked over to see what had caused the commotion: the skinny blonde's head had hit a side bar and she was now slumped forward in her seat.

Janice leaned over and spoke in a loud clear voice, "Something wrong, miss?"

Christine's head jutted back agains the seat when the shuttle shivered to the right. Her eyelids fluttered uneasily and she mumbled incoherently.

"Hey hey, give her some air!" Ben shouted. He reached above his head to turn on the inset fan. The blowing breeze fanned Christine's brow and flicked strands of hair off her face. She moaned and lifted fluttering eyes up to the sudden newcomers who had surrounded her. Ben was wrestling to get his jacket off while Janice fumbled through her pockets.

"You okay, kid?" Ben inquired.

Christine's eyes fluttered as her vision and senses slowly began to return to focus. She managed a weak smile. "I'll be fine. I guess I'm not used to these aircrafts." A loud gurgle escaped from her stomach.

"I think a drink or two could actually improve you," Ben suggested. Glancing around to be certain the pesky officer wasn't in sight, he nudged Janice. "Got any vodka on you?" he whispered.

"Just this." Almost by magic, Janie produced a small aluminum bottle from somewhere on her body and handed it to Christine. Her fumbling fingers managed to unscrew the cap before bringing it to her lips. Cool wet water touched her parched lips, trickling down her throat. Christine swallowed down two mouthfuls before looking back at Janie.

Janice nodded at her. "Finish it all. You'll feel better."

Grateful, Christine tipped her head back and finished the rest of the water. "Thanks," she said as she handed the bottle back to Janie. She wiped a stray drop drop off her chin with the back of her sleeve.

A quick glance out the window assured her they were already reaching the appropriate altitude as puffy white clouds drifted past the shuttle. Even the bumpy takeoff has smoothed into a calmer journey, though she had to strain to hear voices above the roar of the engine.

Ben nudged Janice in the ribs. "What other naughty secrets do you have hiding on you, Rand?"

"Can it, Benjy boy."

"Don't call me that!'

"Benjy boy! Benjy boy!"

The verbal battle made Christine recall pillow fights in the Sanctuary House and she smiled inwardly to herself. Feeling much better now, she watched the other blonde fold her arms back over her head and glanced up at the ceiling.

"Agh, another hour and three quarters stuck in one of these metal cans. I'll go mad." Her gaze shifted back to Christine before declaring her name. "Name's Rand, by the way. Janice Rand. From New York City."

"Benjamin Harrero. Miami Beach."

"Christine Chapel," she said between apple bites. "Minnesota."

Ben and Janice exchanged looks. "Cool," Ben said at last. "What courses do you think you wanna take? I'm gonna grind gears into my head but damnit if I'm not an engineer on a starship there'll be hell to pay!'

"Basic operations," Janice announced. "And hyperdrive channeling."

"I'm not sure yet," Christine said slowly. "I was thinking of galactic medics."

Ben shifted dark brown eyes back to Christine. "You sure you can sit through medical school without upchucking, Chapel?"

The realization of her words, along with the apple core in her lap, made Christine realize the irony of the situation. Janice and Ben tried to be polite but couldn't contain themselves when they fell into giggles and chuckles. They were of course, laughing at her comment and not at her personally, which took the fidgets out of Christine. A small smile of gratitude graced her lips.

A-A-A

"All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites."

-Marc Chagall

A-A-A

Starfleet Academy was not considered a ruthless institution but it did carry out policies with a firm hand. Cadets were expected to arrive on schedule at classes, turn in completed assignments, keep their uniforms tidy, and maintain a proper code of conduct. These no-nonsense regulations ensured students that hard work and diligence would be worthwhile in the long run while the glamorous appeal of officer promotions and starships kept wayward cadets from throwing in the towel.

After a brief orientation and being signed to separate dormitory rooms, Christine, Janice, and Ben departed ways. The blonde girl shook Christine's hand vigorously and encouraged her to stop by from time so that she could show Christine her art sketches. Christine assured her that she would take advantage of the offer.

Balancing her bag in one hand, she used her other free hand to slide the security card through the door lock and push it open. The sight of a cool airy room was a welcomed relief after the noisy shuttle ride across the country. She shut the door securely behind herself and examined the interior of her new living quarters.

The room was clean and simply furnished with gray furniture and chrome desks. Two neat narrow beds had been set up with crisp white sheets folded so perfectly that Christine could not locate a wrinkle as small as a pin in them. She detected a slight smell of disinfect chemicals in the air but knew it was temporary.

Christine knelt on one edge of the bed and kicked off her pinching boots. She massaged her left foot in relief while taking in the scene around her. The efficiency and order of the dormitory room made the homemade paper lanterns and painted ceilings of the sanctuary house look bohemian in comparison. The sudden relapse of her former residence caused her throat to constrict painfully. Not wanting to relent to homesickness already, Christine forced it down.

She rose and went over to the window, hoping some air would take out the alcohol smell of cleaning fluids. No sooner had Christine slid the panel of glass open then she gaped in awe out at the view from her bedroom window.

The sky overhead had faded to light lavender in the early evening light. The sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean were brilliant as aquamarine gems and murmured a soothing sound into her ears. Dividing sea from sky was the Golden Gate Bridge, in an impressive display of orange and brass metallic stretching from one landmark to another.

Off in the distance she could see craggy mountains and hilltops aiming for the sky where shuttles and anti-gravity cars whizzing to and fro in the air like busy bees flocking to flowers. Closer by were cadets strolling and chatting among themselves, their bright red uniforms contrasting against the smooth emerald-green lawns.

Christine stood there enraptured, taking in the magnificent scene that lay before her. Was this only a small sample of what Starfleet had to offer?

She remained in place for over an hour to watch the sun finally descend into the horizon. The sky gradually melted from midnight blue into black. Stars appeared overhead, twinkling brightly and beckoning excited young explorers to come visit the unknown celestial worlds that lay above their heads.

Space would have to wait. She'd keep her feet on the ground for now.