A/N. The sequel of In this Universe or the Next is now up. Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1 :)

Hermione arrived at the crowded San Francisco spaceport and had only just begun navigating her way through the rush of disembarking shuttle passengers. She cast her gaze around, looking for an exit. She didn't have much in the way of luggage—just her backpack and a very important case in her hands—so at least she could skip the baggage claim and get out of here as fast as possible. After what she'd been through recently, all she wanted to do was settle down somewhere quiet and take a breather.

Before she could take another step, she heard an unfamiliar voice call her name.

"Cadet Granger!" said a tall, burly security officer. "This way, please."

She looked in the direction he had gestured and started in surprise at who she saw waiting there.

Chris? What's he doing here?

Last Hermione had heard before she'd left for the science conference on Betazed, Admiral Christopher Pike had been away on some peace talks with the Klingons. The tensions between the Empire and the Federation were still high, but so far they'd been able to avoid a war—in large part thanks to the admiral's efforts. His past experiences with the Klingons, the knowledge he'd gained from studying all the available information on their people, and his new position in Starfleet Security all combined to make him one of the ideal candidates to negotiate peace. The lack of open conflict indicated he was doing a fantastic job.

Before she could greet him, a commotion further down the corridor drew Hermione's attention. She turned to see several individuals arguing with the security officers and calling her name—judging by the tablets and audio devices they were brandishing in her direction, they could only be journalists.

"Admiral?" Hermione looked to Chris in confusion, but as she opened her mouth to continue, he cut her off.

"Let's get out of here first, shall we?" he said, placing a hand between her shoulders and guiding her towards a set of double doors. "I can take that if you like," he added, motioning to the case she was carrying.