Deep Space Guardian: Season II-Episode 28

[Founder]

Captain's Log, Stardate 58419.31

It's been several hours, maybe less, since the mess with Dicot. After T'Sa had left my office, I literally fell asleep on my desk. My exaustion knew no bounds and would not be sated until I gave up. When I finally woke up, I found myself much more refreshed and in a much more empty space station. All the marines had been evacuated and departed the station a little while ago. The Romulan ale bottle lay sideways on my desk, completely empty. I must have had a more exciting night than I thought I did. I stare down at my blood soaked uniform and realized that I haven't taken it off in a while. I don't mean the dirty uniform, I just mean the uniform itself. It has sat on my body, day in and day out. I don't regret that, but I've come to the realization that I haven't gone on vacation in....nearly two years. I was so swept up with my duties and all of this new mess, that I never took it off. Maybe...it's time to. I woke up to my computer alerting me to an important topic in the FNS. I had ordered the computer to do it whenever a matter of the war was mentioned. Things have taken a turn for the worst apparently. News have come that a Federation outpost was attacked, but not just by Nautolians and Cardassians, but by the former two AND Hydrans. The Hydrans have joined the war on Fito's side. There are rumors that Nautolian's have gone into Gorn space, but it's unknown to do what. I'm so sick of this war. I'm sick of hte problems. I feel at times that I can't breath. Thats why I'm going on shore leave, just for a few days. I've earned it and what with the little going on around here, I think now would be a perfect time. Maybe then...I can finally breath.

Save and end log.

-DSG, Observation Lounge-

Ian sat at the head of the long table, no longer wearing the bloody over shirt. All he had was the red shirt, covering his torso. Blake Robitaille, Jonathan Archer, and T'Sa were the only ones attending this meeting. Ian looked around at the others.

"Thanks for coming." He said.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Observation Lounge-

Archer nodded in response to Ian's words. "Of course, Captain." Out of respect for the meeting and others being around, Archer called his friend by his rank. The recent events with Dicot robbed him of his sleep.

T'Sa sat rigid in a chair closer to Ian then the others. She hadn't yet met the others, and was a bit aprehensive. She had a PADD in her hands, it contained the stations schematcis, and a list of the Senior staff. It was to help her get to know the lay out of the station, and the names with the faces she saw. According to the PADD, the man in the room the one that wasn't Ian, or the other captain, was Blake Robitaille, the stations chief security, and second officer. She'd make it a point to get to know him later on, even if it means making 'idle chatter'. She sighed quietly, the last few hours were busy, having moving from the tiny rental Cabin, to the rather large, extragavant quarters Ian had supplied her with. After that she spent the rest of the time meditating, working on regaining control of her emotions. They had far to easily surfaced in the runabout. "Of Course...." She nodded slightly. The one next to her...She thought she heard the name "Archer" but was not to sure. She wondered why she was called her. No Doubt, she would find out. Why the rest of the staff wasn't here though, Logic did not explain it. Ian must have something to say that other then Mr. Robitaille, no one else was to know of it.

[Valathous]

~ Observation Lounge, Deep Space Guardian ~

Blake was rather pleased. Everything from that even with Dicot had worked out nicely in his favour, including the departure of the much hated marines, and the death of Colonol Harfin Dicot. Blake smiled inwardly at his success.

Blake looked around the table. It didn't even consist of the entire senior staff. In fact, other than the Captain himself, Blake was the only official member of the station in the room. There was Captain Archer and Captain T'Sa, whom Blake had looked up in the Starfleet database upon hearing she was remaining on the station.

Blake nodded to the Captain in acknowledgement of his thanks for the small group showing up.

[Founder]

-DSG, Observation Lounge-

Ian looked around at the different faces around the table. He stopped at Blake's normally blank face. Blake was the type of person not to reveal anything in his mannerisms, facial expressions, or voice. He was an enigma that was impossible to figure out. So what was the point? It was best to just accept Blake and that was that. The man proved he was loyal to the station, countless times. What was there to figure out? He was fully capable of running the station. Ian, after reading many reports, felt that it would not be wise to leave Melina in charge again. Not so much that she did a terrible job, but because apparently, she had let it go to her head.

"Commander Robitaille," He said, "With Major Katran gone, I'm leaving you in charge of the station in my absence."

He knew the others would be wondering where he was suddenly leaving too. Ian didn't immediatly explain, instead, continuing to talk to Blake.

"I'll be gone for only a few days," He explained, "I know you can handle it. The USS Malinche just towed the USS Guardian back to the station. I want you to call a staff meeting and discuss with everyone what needs to be done to repair the Guardian and perhaps fill the void the marines left."

Ian then looked over at Archer, his best friend since the academy. Archer had been the one to discover Dicot's sick torture bay. It was thanks to him that it would no longer continue. Unfortunetly, FNS had already caught wind of it, and a huge scandal had broken out. The anti-Federation groups had a strong issue to run on. "The Federation tortures it's prisoners."

"Captain Archer," He said, "I can't really order you around, but I'd like to ask a favor. I'd like for you to assist Grey in repairs for the Guardian. I've seen you work with the other engineers at time and know that you have a good understanding of this stuff. Grey and his engineers have been working around the clock and with the empty marine HQ about to be converted into something else, they'll be even more busy."

He looked at T'Sa, his mentor and confidont. She seemed almost lost, her PADD in hand. Ian felt a twang of pity for her, wishing he could show her around the station. But that would come later. When he returned from his trip.

"T'Sa," He said, "The station is huge, but it is beautiful. I want you to relax and look around. After all the mental stress, you could use it. Oh and T'Sa? Please, please do not start investigating the seedy places on the Promenade. You are not the stiff rigid Starfleet officer. You're on leave and I want you to enjoy yourself....well...a much as Vulcans enjoy themselves..."

Ian was done speaking. Their tasks were given and they all knew what to do. All that was left for him was to leave...

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Observation Lounge-

Archer nodded. "Certainly, I will do what i can for your station and ship. I am sure I can get my engineers to help to." Archer wen quiet.

T'Sa rose an eyebrow. Seedy places? She stayed quiet for a moment then responded. "As you wish...I will be sure I...enjoy my self." T'Sa went silent for a moment. Being useful was preferible, on leave or not. She did notice that recent events in the last several months made the science department rather thin. "Perhaps..." She tensed up. Favors again, and in front of others no less. Still, it was best to come out in ask. "I've noticed you're science department is rather thin, and with the readings that your officers have started to pick up, they may require some assistance." She looked down to the PADD. Seedy places...what does that mean?

[Talking Rain]

DSG, Corridor

Shanna was walking her best friend back to her ship. "Oh Dee do you have to go? Nobody here likes me, well except Captain Jon Archer, but he's the only one. "Well you see, at least you one so far. Don't worry Shann, give them time to know you. Captain Picard sertianly miss this little angle." Deanna said as motioned to her god-daughter in Shann's arms. "Yea I guess." Shann said with a sigh. Both Deanna and Shanna walked by the Observation Lounge, and stopped.

As Shanna looked in she saw Archer standing there his back to her and Deanna. When all of a sudden he turned towards the windows and saw Shanna and little Shondell. He grinned at her mischieveious grin and then gave her a sly wink. Shanna smiled shyly and blushed. "I think sombody likes you?" Deanna said as the finshed walking to the transpoters. "Yea? I really didn't notice?" Shanna said with a look of innocence. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that." Deanna said with a smirk. They hugged one last time then Deanna engaged.

Shanna let a sigh go as she walked Shondell back to their quarters. "Mama." A faint voice of Shondell said as the walked by Observatio Lounge again. "Yes Shoni. Shoni? SHONI?" Shanna screamed as Shanna looked at her daughter. Shanna felt her head. Shondell was burning up. Shanna started running for Sickbay.

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona awoke again from her dreams and stared up at the ceiling before turning over to look at the clock nearby. It was mid-afternoon but for the life of her she couldn't figure out if it was mid-afternoon the day she had returned to DSG with Ian or mid-afternoon the day after, maybe even mid-afternoon a couple days down the road. A groan was all Ziona could muster as she attempted to sit up, grimaced slightly from the wound she hadn't taken care of to her side and then collapsed back on the bed again.

All she could think of was her father now. It was stressful and extremely painful thinking of all that things he had said and done when she was younger. Nothing was worse than feeling like she disappointed someone and her father was the epitome of that disappointment. Nothing she did ever made him happy and then, after she left the marines and went to Starfleet was a security officer, he didn't stick around for anything else.

Ziona moved her hands to her face and covered her eyes as she lay there, wondering what everyone else was up to. She hadn't heard from Ian, but then again she'd been so deeply asleep that he might have come and gone without her even knowing it. She wondered where T'Sa was and if she had ever come back from sickbay and if she was recovering from her mental exhaustion. She wondered if Archer was on DSG again and what he was up to. She wondered about her father...

A rage built up within Ziona and she grabbed a nearby pillow and hurled it across the room, smashing it into something else, which fell and shattered on the floor but she didn't care. Instead, Ziona rolled over and buried her face in her pillows. Maybe if she stayed like this long enough she'd suffocate herself. But she didn't even have the willpower for that and she simply passed out and fell back to sleep...

Something's gotta be wrong with me... She managed to think right before her concious mind disappeared into the darkness.

[Talking Rain]

DSG, Corridor

Shanna sifted Shondell in her arms and started running for sickbay. People were giving her queer looks. But Shanna didn't care, this was her baby that was sick maybe even dying. She was just caring for her baby and she didn't want anything to happen to her.

Sickbay

"Julia." Shanna yelled as she got into sickbay. She looked around trying to spot Julia. "JULIA!" Shanna shouted. She placed Shondell on the bio-bed. "Julia where is everybody?" Shanna was starting to pannick. "Shoni please looked at me." Shanna said as she desolved into tears.

[Founder]

-DSG, Observation Lounge-

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona woke up again and this time managed to pull herself out a bed and head over to the replicator to get some food. She hadn't eaten since before they were captured by the Romulans and her stomach was beginning to turn into a small, hard mass. She groaned as she took a seat on a nearby chair and touched the wound to her side gingerly. Luckily it seemed to be healing on its own.

After a few moments, she took a tentative bite of food. It tasted.... like nothing to her but she ate anyways, knowing that if she didn't she'd find herself in a worse position than she was in already.

[Founder]

-DSG, Corridor-

Ian approached the door to Ziona's quarters and his hand hovered over the chime. He immediatly pulled it away and began to pace.

"Wait a minute," He said to himself, "This is stupid. What am I going to do, just waltz in there and ask her to come on vacation with me? "Hey Ziona, I know we've just been through hell, but wanna come to Risa with me?" Oh thats just stupid Ian..."

An officer walked past him, noticing that he was talking to himself.

"Sir." He said politely and rushed off.

Ian sighed when he noticed the crewman rush off due to his insanity. He looked back at the door and wouldn't look back. His hand tapped the chime.

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona looked up at the sound of the chime. She hesitated a moment. Who could be calling for her at this time of the afternoon? Certainly everyone else was busy with the marines crawling all over DSG. Unless it was her father...

Ziona swallowed hard at that but got up and crossed over to the door, hitting a button to have the doors open. She stood face to face with Ian. A sigh of relief escaped her lips and she leaned against the nearby wall.

"Oh, hi Ian." She smiled faintly at him and motioned for him to come in. "What brings you down here today?"

[Founder]

-DSG, Ziona's Quarters-

Ian stepped in as Ziona had beckoned him to with her hands. He looked around the room, never really being in there in the past.

"You do actually," He said with his hands clasped behind his back, "We have a lot to talk about...and...well...I'd like you to come to Risa with me. Just you and me. Not as Starfleet officers..."

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona moved over to a nearby chair and motioned for Ian to take a seat. She paused, a flash of surprise brushing across her face, as he asked for her to join him on Risa.

"Risa..." She repeated, turning her eyes on him a moment. "I've never been there before." There was a heavy moment of silence. "I... I'm sure you'd much rather go by yourself... have some time by yourself since you've been so busy lately..." Ziona laughed nervously, wringing her hands together.

She wanted to go more than anything in the world... but it just seemed strange to her.

[Founder]

-DSG, Ziona's Quarters-

Ian walked over to the chair, unsure if he should sit or not. He had envisioned this to go much differently. She was supposed to immediatly say yes. Then again, life isn't always like the holo stories.

"No," He said firmly, but gently, "I want you to come with me. I can't think of any other person I'd want to go..."

He took a seat, hoping that she would decide to go with him. It was rare for the two to even have a moment alone. Ian was surprised that crewman, civlians...the Borg hadn't come to her quarters to interrupt this.

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona looked up at Ian instead of studying her hands and smiled gently.

"I'll go with you, Ian." She whispered, keeping her eyes locked on his. "I'd be... be very happy and honored to go with you."

There was a silence between the two as Ziona went back to studying her hands.

[Founder]

-DSG, Ziona's Quarters-

Ian immediatly stood up, happy that she agreed to come along.

"Great!" He said a little too enthuiastically.

He looked down with an embarrassed look.

"I just have to change," He said, "I'll meet you at the docking port in say...a half hour? There is a transport heading to Risa. A festival cruise is happening and I think I can squeeze us in. sometimes...it's good to be the captain."

With that, Ian turned to the door and headed out, but turned back.

"Don't worry," He said, "NO runabouts."

[Ziona]

DSG, Ziona's Quarters

Ziona smiled at Ian and laughed lightly at his joke.

"Half an hour then." She nodded to him and watched as he left before she started packing her things. About twenty minutes later, she stepped out into the docking port and waited for Ian.

[Founder]

-Cardassia Prime-

Two Cardassians discussed the prospect of this "alliance" with the Nautolian empire. Their views echoed the views of most of Cardassia. The general population did not like it at all. It was simply due to the Obsidian Order's brutality they feared really speaking out against it. A dissident movement was created but it was led off world by Natima Lang. Many had rallied to the cause, not willing to become slaves to another power. They didn't care how much imperator Obsidian, ironically named, was offering them. The Dominion offered them the entire Alpha quadrant and the Cardassians knew how well that went. Every Cardassian saw Oyet Bocal as a puppet and tool for the Nautolians. The only ones who truly rallied to his, or rather Fito's, banner was Obsidian Order members. The massive viewscreen that was attached to various buildings on Cardassia, suddenly activated. The familiar visage of Gul Oyet appeared on it, as it did every week. The man was really the head of the Cardassian empire, but liked using the title "Gul" because he felt it was much more hands on.



His voice spoke out over the massive comm. lines spread across the various cities. Every single entertainment unit, comm. lines, radio unit, all changed to Oyet's visage or his voice, or both.

"My fellow Cardassians," He said in a calm voice, "I speak to you now because I have heard disparaging rumors. Rumors that my beauitful Cardassia has...felt it's been treated unfairly in this glorious alliance. Imperator Obsidian has given us so much. Pushed the Federation, Klingons, and Romulans off our world. They've given us Bajor and the wormhole. They've rebuilt our fallen cities. We're now equals in the Alpha quadrant, no longer refugees for other's to pity. I understand your aprpehension after the Dominion war, but please, believe me when I say I have our deepest interests at heart...."

Soldiers stationed on Cardassia stared at the leader, whispering rather rude comments to each other about Oyet. They too, did not like the alliance, just as much as the civilians. An uprising would soon spring up if things don't change in the favor of Oyet.



"Now," He continued, "While the death toll is on the rise, I ask you to consider what enemies were are fighting and how difficult this war will be. We all knew it would be. I also ask you to consider that we have allies springing up, joining our noble cause to rid the quadrant of the Federation's corruption, the Klingon's barbaric code, and Romulan's paranoia. The Hydrans, the Gorn, and even...the Remans. Our alliance will be made by those who have become forgotten. We will remind the Alpha quadrant that we are still here and that we are forces to be reckoned with. I implore you all to not push the Nautolian empire away...but embrace it. You will find it to be....in our best interests to do so. Peace for Cardassia. Glory...to Cardassia."

The screen cut off and the image of the Obsidian Order's symbol appeared. A reminder to all of Cardassia of who was in charge...

-Bajor, Hill Province-

A group of Bajorans were huddled around a small portable viewscreen. They had hacked into the Cardassian net and managed to access their media. All of them watched, in disgust and horror, at Oyet's speech. The Bajorans looked like they were members of the Resistance during the Occupation. But this was a very different Resistance, because some of it's members were in fact Cardassian. Two Cardassians watched the speech and turned away, unable to hear anymore. When it was finally over they returned to the group and began to discuss a way to attack Terok Nor, Oyet's base of operations. They were standing around the dirt, making markings in it. Mei Ijal, the Bajoran resistance leader in this province, made a crude drawing of Terok Nor in the sand. The thing that is unusual about this resistance leader was that he was a Bajoran monk...



"That it," He said, "If we can attack that..."

One of the Cardassians, Molek, shook his head.

"How can we even get close to it?" He asked.

Mei drew another drawing next to "Terok Nor." Molek stared at it, not understanding what it was.

"What is that?" He asked.

The Bajoran monk stared into the sky as he spoke.

"The Celestial Temple," He said, "That is how we will make our attack. The Prophets will assist us. The Emissary will not abandon us."

Molek rolled his eyes rather rudely.

"With all due respect to your...superstitions," He said, "Your Emissary is gone. He won't save us..."

The other Bajorans began to chatter in an angry tone. Mei rose his hands to silence them.

"Calm down," He asked, "We have nothing to fear. The Emissary never left us. He is simply with the Prophets now..."

The other Cardassian replied in a snide way.

"Yeah," He said, "On Cardassia? Joining the Prophets, means your dead."

Before any more could be said, a Bajoran led a squadron of heavily armed Cardassian and Nautolians troops. Mei stood up, quickly kicking dirt over the drawings. He was shocked to see a Bajoran leading them.

"What is the meaning of this!?" He demanded.

The Bajoran pointed towards the monk with an accusing finger.

"Thats him," He explained, "The leader of the resistance here."

One of the Bajoran rebels stood up and spat out in anger.

"Collaborator!" He screamed.

The Cardassian leading the regiment smiled and nodded to the Nautolian. The Nautolian cut down the Bajoran quickly with his lightsaber. A pathetic whimper escaped his throat as his body was cut in half.

"Yes he was," He said, "But not the only one..."

The other Cardassian with Molek walked away from the group and joined the Imperials.

"I'm sorry Molek," He said, "But this...working with the Bajorans. It was a sickening thing. I'm not standing for it."

Mei ignored the traitor and faced the lead Cardassian.

"It doesn't matter if you kill us," He said, "Our idea will live on. You can't kill an idea. The Prophets have taught us this."

The Cardassian Gul smirked and pulled out a Cardassian phaser.

"Well," He said, "I'm going to give you an oppurtunity to thank the Prophets for being such...good teachers, in person."

He fired the disruptor and the Bajoran monk immediatly evaporated into nothingness. The other Bajorans fired, including Molek. The phaser fight was over faster than it began. Only two Cardassians were killed and one of them included was Molek. The rebels lay dead, the wind blowing dirt over their dead bodies. The traitor Cardassian, unsympathetic to his friend's demise, pointed towards a nearby cave.

"There are nearly seventy Bajorans and twenty Cardassians in there," He reported, "All of them members of the dissident movement..."

The Nautolian deignited his weapon and pointed towards the cave.

"Kill them all!" He ordered.

The regiment immediatly rushed into the cave, weapons firing. Molek, who sat in the dirt, dying from a hole in his stomach could hear the screams and weapon's fire. His death was imminent and his vision of a free Cardassia would not be seen...not by him at least. He wondered...if the Prophets accepted Cardassians...

-DSG, Docking Port-

Ian was walking towards the busy docking port, a big slung over his shoulders. He had stopped in his quarters and changed, also remembering to shave his stubble. His hair was slick back in the usual style he kept it. He walked past many different species as they either boarded DSG or left it. Ziona was there waiting for him, already prepared to go. Ian had spoken to Risian officials and managed to get them a spot on the cruise for the festival. They were a very accomadating people, just as rumors had stipulated. As he made his way towards the docking port, he noticed T'Sa walking around. She must have been confused. Ian felt bad for her and approached her. The station was massive and it was easy to get lost. Then again, T'Sa had served on stations for most of her life. No to mention, she was Vulcan. They never really "got lost". She no doubt came to see him off.

"Looking for me T'Sa?" He asked, sneaking up on her.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Docking Port-

T'Sa turned and responded. 'Yes..." she glanced at the PADD quickly and then looked to the floor. "I.." She looked up and squinted momentarily. "You..." She sighed and steped closer to Ian. "The...absance of your pressence will be...noticible...." This was T'Sas vulcan way of saying he will be missed. Not something a Vulcan would say in any type of wording. She looked down and twitched ever so slightly. Her meditations would need several more hours of work. She looked to Ziona. "It is....agreeible to see you again Ms. Andreas...."

[Ziona]

DSG, Docking Port

Ziona nodded to T'Sa.

"Captain T'Sa." She smiled gently at her. "I hope you're feeling better after the incident with the Romulans."

[Founder]

-DSG, Docking Port-

Ian smiled, knowing full well what T'Sa meant. Usually, it was hard to read Vulcans, but not when you were raised by them.

"I'll miss you too T'Sa," He said, "But we'll have plenty of time to catch up now that you'll be living her."

He noticed Ziona standing there, ready to go as well. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Ian was in civilian clothing. He had a shirt that was grey and matched the grey pants. His coat was a lighter shade of grey and had no sleeves.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, Docking Port-

T'Sa nodded to Ian and placed her hands behind her back. "I am...decent," she started in response to Ziona, and letting Ian know of her situation. She was sure he'd want to know. "I sttill have several hours of meditating to do...how ever I will." T'Sa paused, remembering Ian's words. Have...'fun'. "Make sure I go to the Promenade..." T'Sa looked to Ian, then Ziona.

[Founder]

-DSG, Docking Port-

Ian winked at his old friend, who possibly looked younger than him.

"Good," He said, "See to it that you do."

He looked over at Ziona.

"Ready?" He asked.

[Ziona]

DSG, Docking Port

Ziona smiled at Ian and nodded.

"I'm ready." She shifted the pack she was carrying on her shoulder and quickly nodded to T'Sa. "Take care of yourself while we're gone."