"Well, speak up then Ryan" said Pike as Ryan approached his desk and
took a seat. "You look terrible, have you had any sleep?"
"Not a lot, no"
"So what did you want to talk to me about."
Ryan decided that the best thing to do would be just to come straight out with it. "I want to resign my comision" he said.
Pike stared at him hardly able to believe what Ryan had just said. "Excuse me?"
"I wish to resign" Ryan replied simply.
"Why exactly?" asked Pike.
"Believe me Admiral, I don't want to resign, but it's the only way."
"Only way for what?" asked Pike curiously
"Admiral, as I understand it, it is against Starfleet regulations for a Captain to be involved with a member of their crew. Well, I would rather not be a part of starfleet than have to see her everyday and know I can't be with her."
Pike laughed softly at what Ryan had just said and got up and ordered a coffee from the replicator.
"What's so funny?" Ryan asked.
"Ryan, have you actually bothered to read Starfleet regulations, you would know that there is nothing to stop a Captain becoming romantically involved with a member of their crew."
"But... in the academy... we were always taught that it was against regulations."
"You were taught that in the hope that Captains wouldn't become involved with crew members. In reality, there are no real problems. The only foreseeable dangers of this from Starfleet command's point of view is that it may impare the captains judgement in certain situations and complicate certain matters."
Ryan sat there dumbstruck, not able to believe that the last few days had all been for nothing.
"Do you mind if I ask who it is?" enquired Pike.
*Should I tell him?* thought Ryan *Why not.. he'll find out soon enough anyway!* "Karissa Bentara" Ryan replied.
"Commander Bentara?" asked Pike with surprise. "I'd never have thought..." he said.
"Nor would I Admiral..." said Ryan "If you don't mind then, I need to be on the bridge."
"Not at all Captain. And Ryan, good luck with Karissa" grinned Pike.
"Thank you Admiral" said
Ryan as he happily marched out of his office.