Deep Space Guardian: Season III-Episode 43

[Founder]

Captain's log: Stardate 59411.07

It's been approximately a few weeks since the terrible ordeal with the Elerran monster, as it has been coined around here. The station is nearing completion of its repairs, thankfully. The giant surge of civilian activity has declined as civilians realized DSG is just too insane to remain at, repairs or no repairs. I won't miss them, as I am glad that things are a bit calmer around here. I found some time to relax and remembered that our resident parallel universe occupant, Sophia Xaiver, has created a cafe on the promenade. While Governor Al-Firdos is on Elerra Prime and working to repair some of the Federation colony, Sophia remained behind on the station to work on her shop. I invited my old friend, captain Archer, to a drink there. He had recently returned from a mission of mercy at Akiama. We've both earned the break...end log.

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian sat at one of the small tables in the cafe. There weren't too many people here, due to most officers being on duty and civilians being scarce as repairs are being done. Two Bajorans were sitting at one table, an obese civilian captain was at other, and Ian was sitting in the corner. He noticed Sofie, who's relationship he had with her was a bit rocky. She was taking care of the other customers, so he decided to wait until she was done before approaching her. Archer was not there, leaving Ian to simply sit down and wait...

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon turned the door frame quickly, having been nearly scaling the walls of the promenade when he was looking for the new cafe, interestingly named The Rusty Cup. Archer allowed a moment to take in his new surroundings, the cafe was quiet it seemed, save for a couple persons in various seats here and there. Jon recognized his friend imeditly, even though his back was to the door. Walking over, Jon extended his hand, and slaped Ian in a friendly manner on the back as he stepped pass his friend of many years.

"Sorry I'm late, there was a couple of new transfers coming in that I had to welcome on the Oath" he said, using the popular abreviation for the hospitle ship he commanded, the U.S.S. Hippocratic Oath.

[Spellbinder Marik]

-DSG, Turbolift-

Kiris and Cory both were going submit requests for leave time. Cory was wanting to be with Tessa when she had the baby. Kiris�s request was different. He�d promised his grandfather that he�d go to Bajor.
�Tell me again. Why Bajor?� Kiris played with the PADD.
�I promised my mother�s father I would go there.� Cory still wasn�t certain why.
�Yes, but why? What are you supposed to be looking for?� Kiris shook his head.
�I don�t know but I promised I would go and so I shall.�

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Kiris and Cory had tracked Commander Xavier down through the computer. Xavier was speaking with someone. Kiris didn�t mean to be rude but the next transport was leaving in a few hours and he wanted to be on it.
�Excuse me sir. Do you have a moment?�

[Founder]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian stood up from his seat in a polite manner as Archer approached the table and explained why he was slightly tardy. He smiled and shook his head, dismissing the apology. Ian didn't feel that it was necessary by any means.

"It's no problem," Ian said, "I'm just glad that there is still a station for us to have lunch on."

He motioned for Archer to take a seat, then quickly sat down.

"How's Akiama looking these days?" Ian asked Archer.

The crew of DSG had once gone to Akiama during the early days of the Nautolian Wars. It had been hit pretty hard during the Nautolian War, but it was recaptured by Starfleet early on. Even though Starfleet held it for most of the war, it was still pretty bad, even to this day. Hopefully, Archer and his crew managed to assist the civilians there.

As Ian was waiting for a response, Kiris had entered the cafe and opted to speak to Xavier.

"Yes," He said, "What is it, lieutenant?"

[Spellbinder Marik]

-Elerra Prime, Laura�s Greenhouse-

Laura McKnight quietly tended her flowers. When she looked up she was disappointed�again. The G�Tarkin was gone. She�d gotten so used to the sight of that old ship out there that now that it was gone it felt like something more than it was. N�Tran was gone too. He and T�Rell had gone off on yet another crusade. N�Tran had ordered Trip to guard Laura while he was gone.

Laura could see that Trip was not comfortable here. She�d even suggested to him that he go to N�Tran�s ship and use the holodeck. He�d refused citing N�Tran�s orders to her. A small computer beeped. It was probably that Admiral from Starfleet again. He�d been the one to order her to report on suspicious behavior by the Romulans. She�d sent the standard reply each time. Stand by�

Laura didn�t know where N�Tran was but whatever it was she hoped he was safe.

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

�Ensign Taylor and I have come to submit requests for leave sir.� Cory stepped forward and placed his PADD on the table in front of Xavier.
�Tessa is going to have the baby in a month sir and I want to be there.� Cory took a step back. Kiris placed his PADD down next.
�This may seem strange sir but I promised my grandfather I would go to Bajor. Now seems as good of a time as any. I believe Mark�Ensign Bengali will have Engineering under control in my absence.�

[Founder]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian felt a tinge of hesitation in letting Kiris, of all people, leave the station. While he was fine with giving Cory leave as his wife was about to give birth, he was concerned with letting Kiris leave while repairs were being made to the station. However, the halfling stated the ensign Bengali could handle repairs and it has been some time since the affair with the Elerran Monster. By now, mostly everything should have been repaired. He wondered what it was on Bajor the young officer was seeking, if anything at all. When Sisko was alive, he raved to many officers that Bajor was a beautiful spot to visit. It could simply be a vacation. After the debacle on Risa that Ian and Ziona went through, he was glad that Kiris chose somewhere else.

"Well," Ian said to Kiris, "If you believe that Mr. Bengali can handle it, then I'll leave you two to your vacation."

After what Kiris had gone through recently, he felt the man had deserved this.

"Have fun," He said, "Oh and Mr. Taylor? Congradulations."

He was of course referring to the baby being born. Ian had no children of his own, unless one counted Demetrius, which Ian did not. With that, Ian allowed both the young officers to leave.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon sat down in his seat, and had prepared to answer Ian when two of his officers had walked in and apparently were both subitting requests to leave. Archer wondered how all of this would play out, the war had ended only a short time ago it felt, with the consenquences still being felt, with many more to be felt in the days to come.

Jon understood Cory, who couldn't blame him for wanting to be with his...what was she? wife? no matter, he didn't blame the man for wanting to be there at the birth of his child. The Lieutenant, on the otherhand...Jon wondered what the true story was, he wanted leave on a promise? With that, Jon decided he understood that to, albiet, much differntly then Ensign Taylor's request.

Jon gave the two a curt nod and looked over to Ian and then glanced around the room, once again taking in the sight of the place. It hadn't been here the last time he had been on the station.

"Akiama" Jon said simply, and shook his head.

"Things could have been better. Granted, they could have been worst, but they could have been better, much, much better, Ian. People were sick, they were starving..."

Jon leaned forward and sighed.

"We managed to deliver food, medical care, that sort of thing. Akiama will have scars that we cannot heal for a long time to come, though. A very long time."

[ILoveHarry]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Sofie worked busily for the customers in her new shop. She noticed the Captains Xavier and Archer but held off approaching them because two other men had been talking to Captain Xavier. When the conversation drew to a close, Sofie approached the table.

"Ian, John, Thank you both so much for giving my little shop a try. What can I get for you, gentlemen?" She waited for the men to make their selections. Seeing how both men were the counterparts of both of her husbands from her universe, having them men together in her shop was still a bit awkward for her. However, she was determined to move on in her new life, and leaving her demons of the past behind, was a part of that process.

[Founder]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian looked up at Sophia and smiled at the woman. He had gone through some rather...unusual events with her, in this universe and the other. Hopefully, that universe was now behind her, as Ian felt it was behind him. He hoped to never see it again.

"We're not sure what is even served here, Miss Xavier." Ian told her.

He still felt weird that she kept the last name of his deceased counterpart, but he couldn't force her to change it. Not to mention, she obviously felt closer to that name then Findlay.

[Spellbinder Marik]

-DSG, Corridor-

Kiris and Cory walked away from the Caf�.
�Does he have any kids?� Kiris shrugged.
�I don�t know but if he does at least he was smart enough to keep them away from here.� They entered another lift.

-DSG, Turbolift-

They called for their appropriate decks and waited.
�When are you having the wedding?� Cory shrugged.
�Tessa said she wanted to wait until after the baby is born now. So I don�t know.� Kiris knew women worried a lot about their appearances.
�I still have to plan the bachelor party. We can get a keg of Romulan Ale, hire a caterer and maybe get some Orian dancing girls�� Cory held up his hand.
�I will drink. I will eat but I will not have dancing girls in my father�s hotel.� Kiris smiled.
�He�s already approved it and since you aren�t interested the rest of us will enjoy them.� Cory didn�t know if Kiris was joking or not. When the lift open they parted ways.

-DSG, Kiris�s Quarters-

Kiris packed a few things. His mother had given him a PADD with things her father usually looked at when he studied religion. Kiris tucked that into his uniform. Kiris didn�t feel comfortable in civilian clothing so he only packed spare uniforms. He�d brought along the PADD on which he wrote ideas for his holonovel. He hadn�t had a chance to work on it in a long time.

-Federation Transport Grail, Quarters-

Kiris looked out the window of the transport. He wondered where or rather when his father was right now. It would take some time to reach Bajor. Kiris checked the time piece his father had given him. It was still tuned to Romulan time. Luckily Kiris knew how to translate the time difference.

-Federation Transport Yellowstone, Quarters-

Tessa and Cory had settled in. She almost immediately fell asleep. Cory was bored and decided to see if this ship had an observation deck. They would be home soon.

-G�Tarkin, Bridge, On rout to Romulus, 2311-

N�Tran reached for the time piece he normally looked at when he was waiting. For yet another time he�d forgotten he�d given it to Kiris.
�ETA?� Lt. Salor checked his console for 23rd time this day.
�One day, 7 Hours at present speed sir.� N�Tran turned over to T�Rell who was presently manning the science station.
�Tell me again why we�re taking it slow?� T�Rell turned.
�The power systems on this ship may be improved but they still took a noticeable drop when we shot around that star. Any faster and we wouldn�t be back at full power by the time we get there.� N�Tran got up.
�I�ll be in the mess hall. You have the bridge.�

[ILoveHarry]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Sophie rolls her eues at herself, "Of course. I'm so sorry." She hads the men a PADD each containing the items on menu.

"It's primarily coffee's, teas, cocos and the like. Though I also have a small variety of pastries and deserts. Real one," she adds. "I try not to use a replicator here."

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon offered a smile to Sophie as he took the PADD. He gave it a quick glance and found what he wanted. It seemed they had offered a rather...large varitity of tea's.

"I'll take a Green Tea" he said.

[Founder]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian took the PADD as she handed it and he scrolled down the list. He was impressed that Sofie had opted to bake the pasteries, rather then use a replicator. A great debate amongst many in Starfleet was if non-replicated food tasted better then replicated food. Ian was of the variety that believed non-replicated did taste better.

"I'll have a Raktajino with an Icoberry torte, please." Ian said.

He would enjoy both not coming from a replicator.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon looked over to Ian in ammusment, both of those items, just hearing the names of them made him felt like he needed a trip to one of the stations Gymasiums. Jon leaned back in his seat a moment and took the time to reflect on the last few months. Much had happened, everything seemed so...different. Jon reflected on the war's end to, thinking over the recent weeks with the relief aid he's been giving to systems such as Akiama.

"Everything is differnt now, isn't it" he asked his friend.

[Spellbinder Marik]

((This is a flashback to cover some ground that would have taken to long otherwise.))


-G�Tarkin, N�Tran�s Quarters-

N�Tran was going over some status reports. He wanted the G�Tarkin completely overhauled and in tiptop shape for their coming mission. It was going to begin very soon and they stood a much greater chance of success if they had a ship that could survive the trip there and back. N�Tran sat the PADD down he�d been looking at. The lights began to flash on and off again. Of course he expected it with all the modifications that were going into the G�Tarkin. The G�Tarkin was accepting some modifications it wasn�t meant to have. N�Tran decided to check on the progress of the upgrades.

-G�Tarkin, Central Bay-

N�Tran walked into the central bay. There were several Romulan officers welding a honeycomb of additional armor plates into place along the bulkheads. Several of the officers present were of those that volunteered for this mission. N�Tran wanted additional manpower as well as adequate protection. N�Tran turned his eyes away as a plasma welder sputtered to life. Good old fashioned workmanship made all of this seem so much more worth while.

A young female officer stopped in front of N�Tran and saluted. She was part of the engineering staff. N�Tran returned the salute.
�Admiral, we�ve managed to increase hull armor integrity by 37%.� N�Tran nodded.
�It�s a good start but I�d like to get that up to 50%, 60% if possible.� The young women nodded.
�Understood sir. I will keep you apprised.� N�Tran continued to pass through the bay into the engineering section.

-G�Tarkin, Engineering-

The hatch slid open and N�Tran stepped through. They�d completely rebuilt the warp core. It was a little more powerful than the one that previously powered the ship. N�Tran watched as several officers strode about doing their work. Lt. Chilnak had proven himself a knowledgeable engineer. He�d talked to Kiris not long ago and seemed to be doing better job of his work since then. N�Tran stopped next to Chilnak.
�How�s it coming Lieutenant?� Chilnak turned around.

�We�ve completed the installation of the new warp core sir. I was about to run some more diagnostics on the power transfer systems. During the last test the disruptors couldn�t handle the amount of energy that was passing through them.� N�Tran smiled slightly. By the time they were done this tiny ship could hold its own against a Warbird for a short time.
�What about the cloaking device?� Chilnak nodded and led N�Tran over to a panel. The cloak was one his proudest achievements.

�We�ve replaced the cloak that was here with a little more reliable Romulan variant. I�ve also installed several sets of transition compensators so we can cloak and
de-cloak rapidly if we have to.� N�Tran allowed himself a smile.
�Have you found a way to mask the higher energy output yet?� Chilnak shook his head.
�I�m sorry sir. We haven�t found a way to mask it by using cloak itself but we have found another way.� N�Tran raised an eyebrow.
�Explain.� Chilnak pulled something off of a nearby rack.


�Power cells sir. It takes approximately 10 hours to charge one and in that time our tests have concluded that the higher energy output is nonexistent during the charge cycle.� N�Tran nodded.
�Batteries that we can reuse?� Chilnak sat the device back down.
�Precisely sir.� N�Tran left Chilnak to his work and continued on his tour.

-G�Tarkin, Torpedo Bay-

N�Tran entered the torpedo bay next. They�d refitted the entire torpedo compliment with warheads of a significantly higher yield. This was not without its risks. There was a time delay between shots and in a combat situation any delays could be deadly. Sub-Commander Satil climbed out from under a floor panel.

�I�ve replaced the photon blast shield with a synthetic polymer used in ultra thin reactor shielding. It should protect against any splash damage when we launch torpedoes.� N�Tran caught the �Should� in there.
�Should?� Satil nodded.
�Yes sir. These modifications haven�t been field tested yet so there�s no way to know for sure unless we test them.� N�Tran knew they were pressed for time.
�I�ll see about a brief test before we leave.�

-G�Tarkin, Corridor-

N�Tran stepped out into the corridor. He knew Laura wouldn�t understand why he had to do this. She�d either try to tag along or stop him and he couldn�t afford to let her. N�Tran pressed a nearby button and activated the com.
�Ditex to the Ferex.� T�Rell responded.
�Go ahead sir.� N�Tran pressed the button again.
�Can you send Trip down here? I need to speak with him.�

Several minutes later Trip materialized next to N�Tran.
�You wanted to see me?� N�Tran nodded.
�I�ll be leaving soon and I need you to do me a favor.� Trip had come to respect N�Tran and the Romulans. In a way they reminded Trip of his own people. They had rules and regulations that he�d brushed with a time or two.
�Anything.�

N�Tran began walking with Trip to the aft hatch. N�Tran pointed to Laura who was working in a greenhouse she�d put up.
�When I leave I want you to keep her from following me.� Trip was confused.
�Why would she follow you?� N�Tran sighed.
�She has orders to report any suspicious behavior from the Romulans.� Trip nodded.
�What makes you think she won�t report you when you return?� N�Tran turned back to Trip.
�If I am successful in my mission she won�t have anything to report when I get back.� Starfleet will probably throw up a ruckus if they find out but I�ve got a cover up in the works for that too.� Trip acknowledged N�Tran again.
�I�ll have to find a place to camp out until the night.� Trip shimmered out of view as he cloaked and walked away.

-Ditex Homestead, Elerra Prime, Several Hours Later-

N�Tran sat at their kitchen table going over a few status reports. He pushed a PADD containing the improved engine schematics of the G�Tarkin and another containing the enhanced hull integrity schematics off to the side. Laura came out and sat beside him.

She placed her head on his shoulder.
�I know what you�re doing.� N�Tran turned his head to look at her.
�Who told you? Was it Kiris, T�Rell, one of the others?� Laura lifted her head.
�Are you hiding something?� N�Tran almost jumped. She didn�t mean his plan to leave. Had he blown his cover?

�I�m just working. That�s all.� She took the PADD he was holding out of his hand and started looking at it.
�Anti-matter mix ratios?� N�Tran took the PADD back and sat it in his pack on the floor.
�It�s for the G�Tarkin. I�m having it refitted.� Laura studied N�Tran for a moment.
�Why are you having an old ship refitted anyway?� N�Tran wasn�t sure how to respond to that.

�I just need to have something to do. I don�t have anything else to do.� Laura sensed N�Tran was holding something back but didn�t pressure him to reveal it. She smiled.
�Come to bed. I�ll need your help in the garden tomorrow.� N�Tran placed a very convincing fake smile on his face.
�I look forward to it.�
N�Tran followed Laura into the bedroom.

N�Tran lay next to Laura for several hours. He listened to her breathe. If he failed in this mission he�d never see her again. Also if he failed he�d create a temporal causality loop. He was surprised that Starfleet�s Temporal Investigations hadn�t found out his plan. They were usually on top of everything. N�Tran looked at Laura�s sleeping face. She seemed so peaceful. She started to move. N�Tran closed his eyes quick to appear as if he was sleeping. When Laura stopped moving he opened his eyes again and looked over to her. She�d only turned over.

N�Tran took a deep breath and slowly slid out of bed. He opened the closet and pulled out an old 23rd century Romulan uniform. The style he wore didn�t come into service until the mid 2350�s. He didn�t like the newer ones that came out in 2379. Everyone else in the empire wore the newer uniforms unless they chose something more to their liking. N�Tran liked the uniform he normally wore. It saw 29 years of service and in his opinion was the one to wear.

N�Tran slid into the uniform. He�d ordered all of the G�Tarkin�s crew to get an old uniform incase they needed to leave the ship. N�Tran knew when they had to go but not precisely where his father would be. He would only be five years old where he was going. N�Tran walked toward the door and crept out. When he reached the kitchen he grabbed the satchel holding his equipment.

-Elerra Prime, The Beach-

N�Tran walked outside and took a deep breath. The air was cool tonight. N�Tran looked up the beach a ways and saw the G�Tarkin awaiting his arrival. They�d left the aft hatch open and it was the only light spilling out of the ship. All of the equipment boxes and supply containers had been transported back to the Salara. N�Tran gave a silent nod to the night and headed toward the ship.

He stopped dead in his tracks when the lights on the house flashed on. He turned around and saw Laura standing there. She caught up with him.
�Where are you going?� N�Tran had hoped he could get away before she woke up. Although fate it seemed was making him have to go with plan B.
�I have a mission with T�Rell I must complete. I will be back soon. I promise.� Laura shook her head in confusion.

�Tell me where you are going.� N�Tran sighed and shook his head.
�I cannot. Every moment I delay I lose valuable time.� Laura moved closer.
�Do you trust me?� N�Tran paused for a moment. By nature Romulans were suspicious of anyone that wasn�t Romulan. N�Tran trusted his wife. Though she was one of the few Humans who had his trust.
�Laura, trust is not the issue here. I have to go now. I will see you when I return.� N�Tran turned and walked toward the ship again. Laura placed herself in his path once more.

N�Tran lowered his head in disappointment. He hadn�t wanted to do this but it seemed he had no other choice. He looked into the trees behind them and saw one sagging a bit farther back then the others.
�Trip!� The tree he�d been looking at rustled and seconds later two foot prints appeared in the sand between them. Trip de-cloaked.
�Hold her.� Trip grabbed Laura by the arms. N�Tran turned and walked toward the ship.
�N�Tran! N�Tran!!!� Trip was careful not to hurt this frail being and looked toward her mate now boarding the ship.


N�Tran turned.
�Make sure no harm comes to her!� Trip gave an acknowledging nod and pulled Laura away from the ship.
�Let me go!!� Trip didn�t budge.
�Damn it, I said let me go!� Trip looked up when he heard the G�Tarkin�s engines come to life. The ship was lifting off. Laura stopped struggling for a moment. They noticed the landing gear retract and felt a brief gust as the thrusters propelled the ship toward the atmosphere.

-G�Tarkin, Bridge-

N�Tran entered the bridge.
�Status report.� Lt. Salor checked his console.
�All systems functioning within established parameters Admiral.� N�Tran sat down and checked his time piece. It read 22 hours, 50 minutes. Hopefully Kiris was ready and hopefully Laura wouldn�t call the station before he got what he needed. They arrived into orbit with no problems and headed toward the station.
�All stop. My son will contact us as soon as he can.� Seconds later the com chirped.

�Admiral, encrypted communiqu� from the station. It�s your son.� N�Tran hoped all had gone as planned.
�On speakers.� The com crackled.
�Father, It�s Kiris. I have the data .� N�Tran looked around and nodded even though Kiris couldn�t see him.
�Standby for transport.� A moment later Kiris stood on the bridge next to his father. Kiris held the PADD out to his father with a shaky hand. He still didn�t feel entirely right about this.
�You�re sure I can�t talk you out of this?� N�Tran would respond to Kiris in a moment.
�Officers, clear the bridge.� Understanding exactly why each of the men in the surrounded stations got up and waited outside.

�No, you can�t. I�d like to have one last adventure before I take up the rocking chair. � Kiris was surprised at himself. He was as near to tears as he�d been since his father had left all those years ago. Now his father was leaving again.
�You know dad I�I�m glad I got to know you again.� N�Tran could feel the emotion emanating from his son. This was as close to a father-son moment as they ever had and N�Tran didn�t want to waste it.
�I might not have another chance to say it. You�ve made your old man proud.� N�Tran reached into his pocket and pulled out two objects.

N�Tran handed the first one, his time piece, to Kiris.
�What is it?� N�Tran smiled.
�It�s a Romulan time piece. It was my fathers.� Kiris clipped it to his belt.
�Thank you father.� N�Tran handed a PADD to Kiris next.
�If I don�t come back that goes to you and your mother. Spend it wisely and you�ll want for nothing the rest of your lives.� Kiris looked down at the PADD. It was N�Tran�s personal bank account and there was more in it than one might figure.
�Where did you get this?� N�Tran didn�t respond to the question.
�Go on, get out of here before they notice you�re gone.� Kiris tucked the PADD into his uniform and transported back to the station.

After Kiris had gone T�Rell stepped from behind a corner.
�I thought you didn�t keep the latinum?� N�Tran resumed his seat but answered before he called the officers back.
�It�s the only thing I kept from that mission.� N�Tran called the officers back.
�Course setting sir?� N�Tran looked to T�Rell who�d designed their flight plan.
�Set our course for Gamma Eridon, Maximum warp.� Lt. Salor double-checked the course.
�Sir, Gamma Eridon is a Klingon Star. I thought we were going to Romulus?� N�Tran spoke now.
�You�re right, but once we breach the temporal barrier a Klingon ship appearing in Klingon space won�t look suspicious now will it?� Salor nodded.
�Good plan sir.�

[ILoveHarry]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Sofie nodded with a smile. "Right away gentlemen."

She crossed behind the counter to start the drinks and to select a torte for Xavier. A few moments later she returned to the table of the two Starfleet Captains.

She carefuly placed the Icoberry torte and Raktajino in front of Ian. She then placed the hot green tea in front of John. She also placed a small plate in front of the man.

"I know you didn't order a dessert but it's my opening day, I need to get the word spread. It's just a chocolate brownie, but I challenge you to find a better one in the galaxy."

[Founder]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Ian was about to respond to Archer's comment, but Sofie swiftly came back with the items, another plus about her cafe-fast service. He bowed his head in thanks and was genuinly impressed with Sofie's new business. She seemed to take it seriously and was working hard to ensure it's survival. Ian took a sip of the Raktajino and found it to be very sweet.

"Very nice, miss Xavier." Ian said to her.

With that, he turned to Archer to finally address what he had been saying. It seemed, according to him, that Akiama was in terrible condition. After all this time, it was that bad. It was a testament to how utterly destructive the Nautolians were.

"I guess all the damage across the quadrants is Fito's final legacy." Ian told Archer.

[Sam Kenobi]

DSG, Brig

Derek rolled over on his cot in the brig for the eleventh time since waking up. He'd make twenty before he got out and did some PT to feel like he was still active and in shape, even though he knew he wasn't. He was nearing his third week in the brig, at least according to his own records, but he couldn't know if those were even close to accurate anymore. He tried basing them on the shifts of the guards, but soon realized that the shift changes were more irratic than he'd deem acceptable for his own department. or what used to be his department.

On his twelfth role, his eyes landed on the Klingon in the cell across feom his. The man had been in lock-down for nearly as long as he had, but the two had never exchanged words. Derek was frightened of him, he'd admit to himself, but didn't want to have to take the chance to admit it to the brute. He blinked a few times and rolled over to thirteen.

His silence wasn't reserved for the Klingon. He'd stopped talking to the guards, trying to figure out why he was in the brig some days ago. Before that, he'd exchanged a few words with the cute nurse, Callie, when she came in to check up on his head injury a couple of weeks prior. He quietly wondered if he could still talk. Stupid thought....

On fourteen, someone had approached his cell on the other side of the forcefield. Derek didn't try to discern face, figuring it was probably just another orderly who brought his lunch early.

"Get up," the figure said in a low voice.

Derek stayed where he was, not finished with his late-morning ritual. When he rolled over again, he heard the forcefield go down and the figure step quickly inside. Before he knew it, he'd been pulled forcefully off his cot to the floor. The man, the figure, bent down.

"You need to start thinking about what you're going to say when you get in front of a Starfleet judge, got it? No lying. No giving us crap. We've already got you pinned, but this the law. A 'fair' trial."

The man, who he now recognized as the guard he tried to talk to from his first day in the brig, pulled him up by his collar and pushed him back to the ground again, hard. He closed his eyes tightly in pain, his head having whiplashed against the hard floor. He heard the forcefield close and looked up.

"Trial's in a few days, James," the guard said before moving to walk away.

"Why am I here?" Derek finally spits out from the ground, surprising himself with the sound of his own voice. "I haven't done [i]anything[i/] wrong."

"Save it for the judge," the guard says back forcefully, looking for a moment like he might come back in the cell and finish his beating. He walks away, however, leaving Derek on the floor, facing the Klingon who's silently watched the preceedings.

Derek rolled to sixteen on the floor before letting out an exasperated yell.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon nodded to Sophie and took the items that had been sat down in front of him, now that he thought of it, a snack would do just fine. Jon considared Ian's words for a moment then nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it would seem so."

There was a strange silence in the room for a moment, as if the entire station had taken the time to reflect on recent events in silence. Jon looked down and touched the tea cup in front of him, pondering over the elegant design of the ceramic when he looked back up.

"We haven't really caught up here, what's been going on around here? The aftermath of the creature, and what not."

[Spellbinder Marik]

-IRW Varix, Bridge, 2311-

Levek checked his time piece. They�d been gone 7 months and were only now returning to Romulus. Levek had to find the perfect place to hide his wife. Unfortunately it took longer than he expected. He had missed N�Tran�s birthday yet again. Levek hadn�t been able to attend any of them. Not that he didn�t want to but his work wouldn�t allow for the time.

His 5 year old son wouldn�t understand that. Not yet.
�General.� An officer called out.
�We�re home sir.� Levek looked toward the screen.

Romulus, in all its glory. He had finally come home but it didn�t fill him with joy as it should have.

�I want updated system reports and repair schedules by morning cycle.� Levek left the bridge. He now faced the difficult task of telling his son that his mother wouldn�t be coming home.

-G�Tarkin, Mess Hall, 2311-

N�Tran ordered a small meal from the replicator and sat down. N�Tran noticed several other officers enter the small mess hall and make orders. He�d had additional crew brought along for this mission. Most were volunteers, other�s T�Rell had handpicked from a list of officers. N�Tran had spent a long time planning this mission and now that it was underway he just wanted it to be over�

[Ziona]

DSG, The Rusty Cup

It had been one of those weeks that left Ziona feeling almost completely drained of energy. She wasn't due on bridge for a while yet and she felt that some holodeck time would suit her nicely. The thought of a coffee before heading to the holodeck sounded good to her and, by word of mouth, she had heard that a new shop had opened up and was being run by Sophia Xavier. Ziona decided to grab something quickly on her way through.

Heading towards the new cafe of sorts, Ziona contemplated the last few days in silence, her eyes turned towards the floor, watching it as she walked, as if afraid it would fall away from beneath her without a moments hesitation. She shifted a pack that she was carrying on her back before adjusting her civilian clothes she was wearing. It had been a long time since she'd be able to relax and she was taking it all up. For now, she wore a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt. It felt nice to not have to be formal for once.

She paused a moment, looking around before she found the Rusty Cup. With determination, she made her way towards it, entering the room without even noticing Ian and Jon sitting at once of the tables enjoying their food. She moved to the counter and waited for Sophia Xavier to notice her.

[Lord Borg]

-DSG, The Rusty Cup-

Jon had sat in silence, sipping at his tea as Ian seemed to think over his words. Most likely, there was much to say, and Ian had to find a way to...condense it, or they'd be here for weeks. Jon noticed that someone entered the room and looked to see it was Ziona. He stood out of respect and spoke out, thankfully, he didn't have to hollor.

"Ziona" he called, "Ziona over here."

Jon used her name, as she was in civillian wear, he figured it'd be safe in this crowd to, anyways.

[Ziona]

DSG, The Rusty Cup

Ziona turned as she heard her name and saw Ian and Jon sitting nearby. She smiled slightly and walked over to them, nodding to Ian and Jon as she approached.

"Captain," she said referring to Jon. She turned to Ian. "Captain."

[Lord Borg]

DSG, The Rusty Cup

Jon returned the smile and waited politely for her to sit first.

"Ziona" he said, "We're off duty, it's Jon."

Jon pushed his cup and plate tothe side slightly, to allowed Ziona space at the table.

[ILoveHarry]

-DSG, THe Rusty Cup-

Sofie was wiping down a table when Ziona entered her shop. She quickly joined the captains at their table. Sofie walked a menu PADD to Ziona and handed it to her. 'Welcome. do you know what oyu are in the mood or or do you need a moment?"