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Sam stares up at the Enterprise through the Starbase 1 window.
He had thought about it, rejecting Pike's offer and carrying on with his career, with his relationships, with his life.
Somehow, Sam hasn't found the words to say no.
Serving on the flagship was not his idea of an ideal Starfleet career; it was, however, his father's. He can still back out—Pike would be understanding—but it's imagining that understanding response from Pike that convinces him.
Sam turns away from the window and heads towards the docked ship.
Pike would have worn him down in the end anyways.