3.7.a - Licking Our Wounds!

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

OOC: This is just an interim mission. We're basically going home to SB Assailant for repairs and resupply until the new mission kicks off. Don't expect much R&R though. We should be getting on our way shortly again. Sim anything you want here. Have fun.





IC:



Things had finally settled down a bit. The bridge was half way back in decent order, as were the repairs to the rest of the ship from the Borg attack. Zhukarak was impressed with the new crew members. They had integrated well and were performing their jobs outstandingly.

Admiral mc7_of_9 had received his orders to return the ship Starbase. The fate of Captain Jira was unknown as he too was ordered to debark as soon as the Nevada docked. It didn't seem like he would be joining them on their next mission as he had to attend some sort of tribunal about his ability to command. LtCmndr Jamey Gaz was debarking as well for personal business on Trill.

It seemed like command of the Nevada for the time being was inevitable for the next mission.

"ETA to the Assailant?" Zhuk asked from the chair as the Admiral was taking a break in the Ready Room.

"Four hours and thirty two minutes!" Came Frek's reply.

[Deleted]

Cyle stood back and wiped his brow, he had been working the last few hours down in sickbay helpng to clean up and dress wounds when he was needed. The look on his crewmembers faces would remain with him for his entire career. They looked at him with more respect and admiration then anyone ever had. He was used to getting yelled at and smacked around by his drunken father.

"is there anything else i can do?" he asked the CMO as he took a few deep breaths and wiped his hands. <Tag Melain>

Cyle went about doing what she had said and left afterward, heading back towards the armory, where he was sure to find Nick. He entered the armory and walked over to him. "what you doing?" he asked as he leaned over a desk and fiddled with stuff on it. <tag Nick> "well, whatever, you up for a quick drink and bit to eat?"

Edit: Color tags fixed.

[Deleted]

Cleanp in Sickbay was going smoothy, better in fact then Melain expected. This was partly due to the quick expulsion of the borg and the helping hands of both Toledo Javell and (much to Melain's initial surprise, although not as much now) Cyle Johnson.

"Is there anything else I can do?" Cyle asked whiping of his hands. he'd been helping treat some of the minor injuries.

"No, I think that's it. Most of the patients have returned to their Quarters. Crewman West is still in intensive, there is nothing you can do for him but pray. Crewman Narra will be transferd over to the Assailent once we dock. They have better facilities there do deal with an assimilation." Melain replied, Narra's body had not yet fought off the nanoprobes, things would be alright though once he got into better hands. Melain hated to admit it, but when it came to Borg problems, she was out of ideas fast. As for Crewman West, they has preformed most of the necessary surgery and we starting to look better. But a body that damaged didn't heal in a day.

Rachel strolled over with a PaDD and a tired look on her face. "Tom's cleared out Ward two, l we have left apart from West is Mury, the Marine with the burns. We've done most of the reconstructive surgery, but he's going to need to stay for observation."

"Thanks Rachel." Melain took the PaDD, it outlined all the patients Tom and Rachel had looked after, their injuries and treatment given. "I'll stay here, go and get some rest you look exhausted. Oh, and could you take Massally back to my quarters, the room will let you in and she seems to be falling asleep as she works."

Rachel took Masally by the hand "Sure thing Doc, call me back if anything goes wrong."

"Hey, that's my line." Melain smiled. After the nurse and child had left Melain headed to where Crewman Andrew West was sleeping. He'd awaken a few hours ago, only to be given a sedative for the surgery and go back to sleep. Startled she saw he was already being cared for, by Toledo whome she thought had gone back to his quarters.

"Has he waken up yet?" she asked, the sedative would be wearing off soon, they wanted to wait awhile to see how he responded to the last treatments before continueing.

"No, not yet. I played cards with him last week. He's a buddy of another of the lower deck pilots and they've been playing a weakly game of something called poker since being assigned here. They invited me to play, he's a great guy." Toledo sighed.

"he'll pull through Javell, he's not there yet but you'll see." Melain reassured him.

"I know he will, you're his Doctor I trust you." Javell stood up strait and gave her a weak smile.

"Please don't, I don't want to feel like I've failed you if something goes wrong." Melain protested.

"As long as you've tried your best you won't have failed anybody. There is a temple on the Assailent, do you think you'd be able to tear yourself away from here long enough to go to a service with me?" Javell asked.

Melain felt two emotions at once, excitment and fear. She had not been in a proper temple for... well since she left Los Angelas for the Academy, would she remember how to act. "I'll... I'll go, call me up when you are ready to leave."

[nickgrayson]

With everything calming down, Nick handed over his station to another Ensign and then headed down to the Armory. He wanted to make sure everything there was going smoothly. People were hustling and bustling around, getting all the weapons reset to standard settings, as well as making sure everyone was accounted for.

Most of the work was done by the time he got there, and so he ordered everyone to take some time off, except for the most necessary of duties. He knew they'd appreciate it. There were a few more rifles, including the one slung over his own back, to be put away. And he also wanted to review all the files of his Section. So he began working on this alone, to give himself some time to think.

There was the problem with Danara. That was far from over, and he knew it would last a long while. Once things calmed down a bit more, he'd have to talk to Doctor Melain as well as Counselor Grace to see what he should do.

One thing he was happy about: he seemed to be making friends better here then he ever had before. And, as if on cue, Cyle strode into the armory just as Nick was finishing up on the 3rd Crewman File he was reading.

"What you doing?" he asked as he leaned over a desk and fiddled with stuff on it.

He turned the screen off and looked up at the Marine, "Just reviewing the Files on my crew." He chuckled slightly at the thought of "My crew." "Other than that, nothing else."

"Well, whatever, you up for a quick drink and bit to eat?"

Up until this point, Nick had yet to think of food or drink. But now that Cyle had mentioned it, his thoughts were drawn to the subject and his stomach began growling at him. "You know, I think I am." He stood up, straightening his uniform as he did. "Let's go."

The two of them walked through the ship's corridors to the Mess Hall. During the mission earlier, the replicators had been put on low power to allow the weapons and engines and shields to have more of it. So to allow people to eat in the meantime, the one working replicator had been used to make several cold cut sandwhiches (along with a few vegetarian choices for those who were opposed to eating meat) which were quick and easy to eat on the run. But now that it was all over, they were all back on full power, and they were able to get what they wanted.

Nick felt like a big platter of French toast, a favorite of his, no matter that it wasn't breakfast time. So he ordered that, with yogurt and jam instead of syrup. A glass of milk is what he got to drink. He waited for Cyle to order his, and then the two of them went to sit down.

The French toast tasted wonderful as Nick took his first bite. And it only served to arouse his appetite even more, and he knew he would be ordering seconds. Or at least a big dessert. After a few bites, he looked up at Cyle, who was himself eating, and spoke: "I've been reviewing my own Section's Files to get to know them better. But what about you? Where you from, and what made you decide to join the Marines?" He shoveled in more food as he waited for Cyle's response.

<Tag Cyle>

[Jamey Gaz]

The bridge was calming down, however it was very busy with its own repairs and busy being the hub of the repairs to the whole ship. OPS was really busy. Jamey had spent the first hours of his shift trying to just manage the power requirements needed by each repair crew; some request calling for shutting off the power to sections for safety. There had been an EPS conduit that lost integrity on deck 12; the same area the Borg had boarded. Alarms were sounding and Zhuk had walked over to stand over Jamey's shoulder.

Seeing that Jamey had the event under control by shutting down the power to that section allowing the EPS conduit to cool Zhuk said, "send a message to the crew in that section that power will be out until that EPS can be secured." Looking a Jamey he added, "do you think this was caused by the Borg?"

Jamey thought for a moment and replied, "they had the time to either set or beam in something to jeopardize that EPS ... however ... that is also the area that I increased the power to during the invasion hoping to blind the Borg with interference. It is more possible that caused a weakness in that EPS." Jamey felt as if that idea wasn't as good as it seemed. If that EPS failed, several people could have been hurt.

<Zhukarak>

"Yes sir, I understand ... the Borg was indeed a threat," Jamey felt just a bit better.

[Deleted]

"well, whatever, you up for a quick drink and bit to eat?"

"You know, I think I am." He stood up, straightening his uniform as he did. "Let's go."

The two of them walked through the ship's corridors to the Mess Hall. During the mission earlier, the replicators had been put on low power to allow the weapons and engines and shields to have more of it. So to allow people to eat in the meantime, the one working replicator had been used to make several cold cut sandwhiches (along with a few vegetarian choices for those who were opposed to eating meat) which were quick and easy to eat on the run. But now that it was all over, they were all back on full power, and they were able to get what they wanted.

Cyle listened as Nick ordered french toast and glass of milk, then took a deep sigh annd ordered his own. "Bacon chessburger, with extra bacon on the side, cooked medium, toasted bun, no tomatoe, with a large glass of water"

When the food arrived, Cyle took a few moment to adjust some of the food on his plate, then took a big bite, chomping loudly on the crunchy lettuce. He chewed for awhile then took a drink of his water, taking another bite he looked around, noticing a few people staring at him, he glared at them and smiled internaly as they hurridly looked away.

Cyle was about to take a nother bite when Nick spoke up "I've been reviewing my own Section's Files to get to know them better. But what about you? Where you from, and what made you decide to join the Marines?"

Cyle stopped what he was doing instanly and stared at Nick, his eyes a mioxture of anger and sorrow. "i'd rather not talk about it, ever" he said sternly, getting his point across, and the two stared at one another for a few minutes, then Cyle went back to his food. the remainder of the evening went on in silence.

[nickgrayson]

Nick had asked his question, and was expecting a nice conversation when Cyle stopped what he was doing as soon as he had spoke and stared at Nick, his eyes a mixture of anger and sorrow. "I'd rather not talk about it, ever," he said sternly, getting his point across, and the two stared at one another for a few minutes, then Cyle went back to his food. the remainder of the evening went on in silence.

Nick knew he must have had quite a confused look on his face, but he didn't care at the moment. After a very awkward silence, the two of the resumed eating, and the previous silence was replaced only by the noise of eating. Somehow, his French toast didn't taste all that great any more. *What could have happened to him to make him respond like that?* he thought to himself. He guessed it must have been something pretty bad to make him say something like that. And the thought hit him that whatever it was might have something to do with his gruff attitude, which he had gathered was only a front, since Cyle seemed to be a pretty decent guy, once you got to know him.

The brief thought of saying something to the Counsellor came to him, but that went against how he was brought up: such a thing would be a breach of trust, even if he had known Cyle only a few short days. After wrestling with the issue in his mind, he came to this conclusion: to do as Cyle said, to never talk about it. And, if Cyle ever changed his mind, Cyle would do so, without any say from Nick. And such was OK with Nick. There were things he didn't want to discuss himself either.

One thing he strongly suspected: Cyle needed a friend, and he'd do that. Besides, he himself needed a friend. Ever since his childhood friend Jason had died in the bear mauling, he had kept to himself. It was time to change that.

Nick kicked himself mentally as he said this, but a part of him felt he had too: "Cyle, um, I just want to apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to pry. I won't ask about it ever again." He braced himself for another "stern" comment (or, knowing how Cyle could probably be, maybe even more).

<Tag Cyle>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

"Under the circumstances, Lieutenant Commander, you did what you had to do in order to save as many as you could. The Borg were a huge threat to us. We can count ourselves lucky."

"Yes sir, I understand ... the Borg was indeed a threat," Jamey felt just a bit better.

"Commander Thelev, how much longer!" Zhukarak was ready to receive the added help of repair crews from the station.

Frek looked over his console before reporting back.

"One hour and sixteen minutes, Colonel."

"Good. Mr. Thelev, you have the bridge. Grace, will you join me to sickbay. I thought we should check on the injured crewmen."

[glow=red,2,300]<Grace>[/glow]

Together they went on down to sickbay. Grace immediately went to a patient to converse and help emotionally. Zhuk went to Doctor Lorre for an update.

<Melain>

"Thank you, doctor. I know they are in good hands. We should be docking in just a little over an hour. We can transfer them then."

Zhuk looked around sickbay one more time before leaving. He left grace behind as she was doing her duty as a counselor. Feeling famished, Zhuk decided to go get something to eat.

No sooner did that thought enter his mind, Theel'Zhiin appeared promptly on his shoulder. He had stayed away for the most part during the Borg incident. Somehow he knew there was nothing he could do to help. Zhuk was glad that he didn't endanger himself unnecessarily.

Entering the mess hall, Zhuk spotted two of his senior staff there. Lt Johnson and Ens Grayson were having a meal together. Zhukarak was surprised seeing the 'cold-as-stone' marine warm up to anybody. It was a good sight. Getting himself a bowl of Bolian soup and some raw bacon for Theel'zhiin, Zhuk decided to join the two.

"Gentleman, may we join?"

They indicated that he and Theel'zhiin could and he sat down.

[glow=red,2,300]<Nick, Cyle>[/glow]

[nickgrayson]

Cyle was about to respond when Lt. Col. Zhuk came up and asked "Gentleman, may we join?".

Nick motioned to Zhuk that he and Theel'zhiin could and he sat down. This would give Cyle a chance to think Nick's apology over before responding in a possibly not so nice way. Nick hoped he would accept it.

Forcing this matter from his mind for the time being (not an easy thing to do), Nick turned to Zhuk, "Sir, I just wanted to say I like serving here aboard the Nevada and with her crew and look forward to serving for a good while longer."

<Tag Zhuk>

"Also, I was wondering. See, on my Academy Cruise, I was training in the OPS position, but now I am in the CTOS position. And I wanted to know, how did I do on my first mission?" He knew he hadn't done as well as he should have, between the problems with Danara, possible problems with Cyle, and who knows what else. But he decided to hear what the XO had to say.

<Tag Zhuk>

[hannah]

Hannah finish replacing the EPS relays while Ensign Terman finished removing the phaser marks of the wall. Once they had finished they replaced the panel and Hannah contacted the bridge and informed Operations they could return power to the relays.

After dropping of the damaged parts in the cargo bay for recycling they returned to engineering. As she entered the room she noticed that the warpcore was online and assumed they were on the way back to the starbase.

“Do you want to get some food?” she asked him as they returned their toolkits to the storage locker.

“I have a report to finish and then I have some holodeck time booked,” he answered.

“Enjoy your self,” she said and headed out of engineer to the messhall.

She walked though the door of the messhall a few minutes later and proceeded straight to the replicator.

“Chicken casserole,” she ordered and it appeared in a small slot a few moments later.

She picked the disk up and turned around and looked at the tables scattered across the room. She noticed the three senior officers seating at one of the table and headed over to their table.

“May I join you?” she asked. They nodded and she placed her dish on the table and sat down.

[Deleted]

Cyle thought about seriously beating Nick to a bloody pulp, but his feelings towards the man got the best of him, keeping him semi calm. Cyle looked up as Nick attempted to apolgise, much to Cyle's surprise. "Cyle, um, I just want to apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to pry. I won't ask about it ever again." Cyle thoguht for a few moments and was about to answer when he was interupted once again, this time by Lt. Colonel Zhukarak, the ships XO. Looking at him, Cyle knew he wanted to join them, and Cyle figured it would be better and he wouldn't beat Nick.

"Gentleman, may we join?"

They indicated that he and Theel'zhiin could and he sat down.

Cyle went back to his food without saying another word, and listened to the conversation going on.

"Sir, I just wanted to say I like serving here aboard the Nevada and with her crew and look forward to serving for a good while longer." Cyle was somewhat intrigued and kept listening. "Also, I was wondering. See, on my Academy Cruise, I was training in the OPS position, but now I am in the CTOS position. And I wanted to know, how did I do on my first mission?"

'Could have been better, could have been worse' Cyle thought to himself as he bit into his sandwhich, glaring at the waitress as she filled his cup of water. Cyle took a drink as he heard what the XO had to say, then turned his attention lightly towards the newcomer as she asked to join them “May I join you?” she asked. They nodded and she placed her dish on the table and sat down.

Cyle was unsure who she was, and at the moment didnt feel like getting to know anyone else. Already he was feeling cramped and wanted to leave, then his stomach grumbled softly, and he looked at his hamburger, taking another bite. He got up for a quick moment and went to get more food. Ordering a plate of fries and chocalet shake, he went back and sat down again.

Finishing his hamburger, he looked out the sideport window and barely listened to his surroundings.

[Deleted]

Melain had just said goodbye to Javell who was heading out for his shift when the doors slid open. Zhuk and Grace stepped inside, avoiding Javell as he left.

"How are they doing?" Zhuk asked, Melain did not have to ask who he was refering too.

"Could be worse, but could be a lot better. Crewman West may have to consider a teaching position once he recovers. Or at least a ship that doesn't get into many fights." Melain guided the first officer over to
Andrew West's biobed. His vital signs showed he would be waking up relativly soon.

"He won't take that too easily." Zhuk replied. "Maybe you should talk to him Grace."

"He will be waking up within the hour, probably anytime now." Melain added.

"What about Narra" Zhuk asked, word of the worst victim had spread quickly and thier names where being whisperd anxiosly in all corners of the ship.

Melain sighed. "He's going to need specialized help. I know the assailent has what he needs, and I'm hoping to have him at least transferd over. As for Andrew, it's up to him really I'm fine either way."


"Thank you, doctor. I know they are in good hands. We should be docking in just a little over an hour. We can transfer them then." Zhuk gave her an encouraging smile and headed out the door, probably bound for the Bridge where his presence was needed.

Grace remained behind. "I've heard a few complaints about your friend Danara, your name was mentioned as well. Is this a good time to talk about it?"

Melain knew this was coming. "Might as well, I can hardly avoid you. Where do you want to begin?"

<Tag Grace>

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak inwardly smiled as he noticed the two polar opposites seated at the table. By Ens Grayson's question it was obvious that he was trying to ensure he made a good impression and wanted to fit in. By Lt Johnson's silence and body language the opposite was true. He could care less if he fit in or made a good impression, much less talk about it to anyone. Just before answering the young ensign, their new chief engineer had joined them, Lt Stevenson.

"I am glad to know that you are happy to be part of this crew. I have no criticisms of the performance of your duties at this point. I am sure that you will do well and that you will learn from any mistakes you make. I assure you, you will make some. It's how you recover from them that will determine what type of an officer you will be."

Zhuk took a few spoonfulls of his greenish-blu soup. Theel'zhiin was perched on an empty chair enjoying the raw bacon that was on his plate.

"Lieutenant Stevenson, how are you coming along in engineering?" It was an open ended question along the same lines as Grayson's. How was she doing, fitting in, adapting?

<Hannah>

[nickgrayson]

Nick waited for Zhuk's answer. And, after Hannah sat down, he got it. "I am glad to know that you are happy to be part of this crew. I have no criticisms of the performance of your duties at this point. I am sure that you will do well and that you will learn from any mistakes you make. I assure you, you will make some. It's how you recover from them that will determine what type of an officer you will be."

Nick nodded in understanding. Learning from one's mistakes was an important life lesson. Thoughts of this whole problem with Danara, and now Cyle, came to him, and he resolved to make sure he at the very least learned from any mistakes he made (while trying to minimize how many he made, of course).

He looked over at Cyle, and could see a fire in his eyes. Nick figured he was still trying to figure out whether to bash Nick's head in, or let him go with only a broken limb. He knew apologizing was a bad idea. But, maybe it would end up being a good one, now that Cyle had time to cool off while others talked. He considered trying to include him in the conversation, but discarded the idea when he noticed how Cyle was just staring out the window. *At least,* he began to think to himself, *we are gonna work closely on this ship, so either my death or his acceptence of my apology is bound to happen.* With a slight smile playing across his lips, *Probably not gonna be the latter choice...*

Nick looked up in time to hear Zhuk's question to Hannah: "Lieutenant Stevenson, how are you coming along in engineering?" It was an open ended question along the same lines as Grayson's. How was she doing, fitting in, adapting? Since Nick knew her a little, he was interested in how she was doing, so he decided to listen, and deal with his troubles at a later and more ideal time.

<Guess it's your turn Hannah!>

[gracemitchell]

"Thanks Melain. Danara can come across as a little angry at times, but I know that is just her way. Now, she is becoming insubordinate. Has she exhibit any of this anger towards you? Nick told me she requested not working around you anymore and he ordered her back to her station during this last mission. If you could shed some light on this for me before I talk to her again. She is being very closed mouth with me, right now."

<Tag Melain>

OOC: Sorry I have been quiet this week, time has been in short supply for me!

[hannah]

Hannah hadn’t realised how hungry she was until the smell of food filled her senses. She took a spoonful of the casserole unable to listen to rumble of her stomach any longer and then listen to Zhuk talk to Nick.

Then Zhuk turned to Hannah. "Lieutenant Stevenson, how are you coming along in engineering?"

She noticed Zhuk and Nick eyes were on her now while Cyle continued to stare out of the window. She thought for moment uncertain of what to say.

“I am settling in well and slowly getting to know my team, they seem like a good group of people,” she paused for a moment taking another spoonful of the casserole.

“I have caught up on all current projects and have a few ideas to implement which should improve the running of the section,” she continued. Hannah was actually looking forward to making these improvements even though she was slight nervous about them not working out. But she was the chief engineer and wanted to make engineering her own and make it run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

[Deleted]

gracemitchell said:

"Thanks Melain. Danara can come across as a little angry at times, but I know that is just her way. Now, she is becoming insubordinate. Has she exhibit any of this anger towards you? Nick told me she requested not working around you anymore and he ordered her back to her station during this last mission. If you could shed some light on this for me before I talk to her again. She is being very closed mouth with me, right now."

Melain sighed. "I'd like to say that it's just Danara being Danara, but I can't. She's always been a little edgy, quick to get involved in conflicts, but not like this. Granted I have not known her for that long, just since the academy, but you do get to know someone well enough to figure that kind of thing out."

"I understand, please continue."Grace urged.

"I think Danara is being botherd by something, or maybe someone..." Melain paused. "By the Prophets, surely that can't be it. I thought her skin was thicker then that."

Grace put her arm around Melain's shoulder "What is it Melain, please tell me."

"I've been... cold to her. Since my trip to Bajor after Graduation I've been avoiding her, giving her the cold shoulder. We didn't like each other during our training. We had to share a room, and with our history... The point is we became friends during the final training mission. I figured she did not see at somehting to last, so I thought that cutting her off wouldn't hurt her." Melain admited. "Then she became edgier and I avoided her more, I geuss we've been building on each other."

"Why have you been avoiding her." Grace asked the question Melain did not entirely feel ready to answer.

"On Bajor I did some investigation on my familie's past. To make a long story short, I found out my fraternal father was executed by her grandfather. Danara loves her grandfather, she's always talking about him, It doesn't seem right for me to associate with someone so close to the man who killed my dad... and almost me." Melain added the last bit as an after thought. It was true, if her aunt had not lied about being Reval's wife then the pregnant Lenary would have been executed along with her husband, and Melain would have never been born.

"Does Danara know this." Grace asked.

"No, I haven't told anyone who didn't know already." Melain replied. 'I'm not sure how she'd going to take it, I don't want to put her in a position where she has to chose between her Grandfather and me. What should I do?"

<tag Grace>

[Deleted]

Cyle continued to stare out the window as the conversatoin progressed, he knew he should probably cool down, after all Nick was his friend. 'did i just think that' Cyle thought as he shot a quick 'well, i guess you could call us friends, i mean we have been getting along, well more like aquantances than friends.

Inwardly Cyle softened a bit, and slowly but surely grinned as he kept looking out the window. He finished eating his fires before any noticed and kept his face buried in his shake, not looking at any of the occupants of the table. 'i guess i'll be a little more friendly, at least towards him and Zhuk.

[nickgrayson]

Nick took another bite of his French toast, which seemed to taste a little bit better again. He listened to Hannah talk about she was getting along in Engineering.

He glanced over at Cyle and for a brief moment he thought he had seen him smiling, but shook his head slightly, and dismissed it as a trick of his mind. He did notive however that the fire in Cyle's eyes had dimmed. He was glad to see him cooling off. It wasn't good to ever stay mad at a person. *Not if you are Denara, of course...*

Then, when Hannah had finished speaking, he looked back at her and, knowing how well CEO's loved their engines, asked her "So, how do the Nevada's engines compare to those on the Hanson?"

<Tag Hannah>

[gracemitchell]

"Melain, I think you own it to yourself and Danara to talk this over. She has a right to know why you are finding it difficult to be around her. And she shouldn't have to choose between you and her grandfather. Perhaps the two of you could come top my office, talk this through with me as a mediator."

"But what if she chooses her grandfather over me, or what if she hates her grandfather after I tell her, or she denies everything?"

"That is why I am suggesting that I be there. Melain, it is different that a Bajorian and a Cardassian are friends, and it is also a sign of healing. Now, you know information about her grandfather that is appalling to you, however and old saying goes 'The sins of the fathers are brought on the children'. In other words, Danara can't be held responsible for something her grandfather did as Massally should not be held responsible for something you do just because your related. It isn't fair to Danara for you to withhold your friendship from her, especially when she doesn't know why. You two need to talk this over, you owe it to Danara."

"What you say makes sense, I just don't know if I am ready."

"Melain, your coldness to Danara is having an impact on other members of this crew, this needs to be cleared up before we head out again. Do you think it is fair to Danara to have a blemish on her record, like a reprimand because you won't talk to her?"

"I see your point, Grace. Could you talk to Danara and set up a time for you, her and I to talk?"

"Yes, why don't you come to my office in 2 hours. By then I should have talked with Danara."

"Thank you, Grace, but I am not looking forward to this meeting."

"At least afterwards, you'll both know."

With that Grace left in search of Danara to convince her that the time for talking had come.

<Tag Melain>

[hannah]

“The engines on both ship have about the same technical specifications, but I have always preferred the sovereign class ship as it’s a bigger ship and I prefer isolinear circuits to gel backs,” Hannah said actually quite enjoying talking about engineering, “I believe even though gel backs store more information and run faster, isolinear circuits are better as they are easier to replace as they can replicated and less prone to damage.”

Hannah stopped herself she could go on for hours talking about the advantages and disadvantages of both ships, but that would bore all three men and she didn’t want to do that. She took another spoonful of the stew and then turned to Nick.

“Do you prefer tactical or Operations?” she asked Nick, remembering he had trained aboard the Hanson in the Operations position.

[Deleted]

Almost two hours after her talk with Grace melain was sending the burn't Marine back to his quarters with orders to rest and return to mild duty the next afternoon. The Medical team from the Assailent where now taking care of both the other borg victims. Andrew West had decided that staying on the Nevada would mean giving Melain a lot of unecesary hassle, and he did not want to be seen by his collegues in his present state. He was a proud man so Melain could understand this.

On her way to Grace's office Melain stopped by her quarters to grab the PaDD that had all her research on it. She glanced over it quicly on her way through the corridors, and almost collided with Javell.

"I was just about to contact you. I got the service times for the temple, the next one is in fifteen minutes. if we hurry we can make it." Javell explained eagerly.

"Oh I can't." Melain exclaimed. "I have a meeting with Grace."

"Your discussing that Cardassian arn't you. he does not deserve ot be on this ship, she treats you horrible." Javell commented.

Melain shook her head, amazed at him "No, no... It's more complicated then that. She's not just a Cardassian she is, or rather was my friend. I can't believe you just said that."

Javell seemed to panic 'That's not what I meant... I'm sorry, but Cardassians... confuse me. I don't know what to think about them."

"You aren't the only one. Go the the service without me, say a prayer on my behalf."

"For who?" Javell asked.

"Danara." Melain replied. "please, just do it. Pray she will have an open mind." Javell nodded, gave Melain a quick hug and headed toward down the hallway.

----------

Danara and Grace where already seated in the office, and Melain realised she was late. "I'm sorry, I met someone in the halls and it seemed rude to shrug him off."

Grace nodded, and danara looked up momentarily. "Why don't you start Melain."

Melain took a seat across from Danara, it felt very warm in the room. There was already a steaming cup of tea on the table in front of her, Jumja, her favorite, how did Grace know? "I believe I am to blame for your anger lately. I have been ignoring you, being rude."

"Yes you have!" Danara agreed. 'I thought you learned to be better then that."."

Melain looked over at Grace , Danara thought she was being cold because of the occupation. Grace made a simple gesture with her head, urging melain to continue. "That's not what this is about. Danara when I was on Bajor I looked into my family's past. Things didn't make sense, so I digged deeper... too deep. Your grandfather served on Deep Space nine, he was a Glinn during the occupation." Danara nodded and Melain found her voice began to crack with emotion. "At one time it was discoverd that several Bajoran's on board the station where setting up survailence devices in the bars. One individual was caught doing this. him and his wife where both killed without a trial. Your grandfather orderd their deaths. The rebel was my father, his wife was my aunt. She lied you see because my mother was pregnant at the time and she knew they would have no mercy for the child, for me."

Danara closed her eyes, it seemed like time stood till for a moment, "You have proof of this." she finally spoke. "where."

Melain handed her the PaDD, "Here, check the Bajoran archives if you don't believe me, or the Cardassians it doesn't matter."

"This... this is why you've been angry with me." Danara's voice was hoarse.

"If it was the other way around, how would you respond." Melain asked.

Danara turned to Grace "I... I don't know. Councillor, may I go. I need to think. I don't know what to... to... say... do... no trial... no mercy.... the wife too."

"Go, I cannot keep you." Grace replied. Danara stood, and excited the rom, the PaDD clutched tightly in her hand. Melain stood and went to follow. "No Melain, she must be alone now"

[nickgrayson]

“The engines on both ship have about the same technical specifications, but I have always preferred the sovereign class ship as it’s a bigger ship and I prefer isolinear circuits to gel backs,” Hannah said. And Nick could tell she was actually quite enjoying talking about engineering. “I believe even though gel backs store more information and run faster, isolinear circuits are better as they are easier to replace as they can replicated and less prone to damage.”

She stopped talking, and Nick could tell it was because she didn't want to bore them. Personally, while he didn't know much about isolinear chips vs. gel pacs (though he knew some from the Academy classes he took), he loved to listen to people talk about what they love to do. He was about to ask her to continue when she took another spoonful of the stew and then turned to Nick: “Do you prefer tactical or Operations?” she asked.

The two of them had served together aboard the Hanson for there cadet cruise, where Nick had trained for the Operations position.

He pondered her question a moment before responding. "Well, I like both of them. Tactical/Security was my first choice, and OPS only my second or third. But Commander McCormick," he turned to the other two for a moment, "she was my instructor," turning back to Hannah, "made it a lot better than I had originally thought it to be." He smiled at the memory of the mission. He had to man the station by himself at several points while McCormick performed other duties. "It could get very stressful and hard to follow at times, with all different ship's areas clammoring for more power." He took a sip of water. "But, Tactical is nice, in that it isn't so stressful like that. But you're in charge of the whole ship's arsenal, both weapons and personell. A very big responsibility, and stressful in its own way." He sat a moment, trying to figure which he liked more. "Um...you know, I don't think I can pick a favorite. At least not yet. I am leaning towards Tactical, but maybe that's only because this ship is full of great people." He looked around the table, seeing two of his friends, as well as the Commander (not a person he knew well enough to call a friend, but a friendly person none-the-less).

After a few more minutes, Nick let out a loud yawn. And, despite wanting to stay and chat, he knew he needed some sleep after this long mission they had just gone through. He stood up and then excused himself. "Sorry, but I think I should be getting some rest. Good luck with those isolinear chips Hannah," he said, smiling to the engineer. Then he nodded to Zhuk, "Goodnight sir." Then he turned to Cyle, "See-ya later Cyle. Nice talking to you." He dropped off his tray on his way out and then headed for his quarters for some well needed sleep. He hoped that Cyle would be in a better mood the next day, since they'd be back to work.

His bed was very soft, and sleep found him within moments...

[hannah]

“Goodnight,” Hannah said to Nick as he walked away. She finished her stew and then looked up at the two men sat at the table.

“I better go too, got an early start,” she said with a yawn.

“Goodnight, a pleasure talking with you,” she said as she stood up.

Hannah picked up her tray and placed it in one of slots dotted around the room. She pressed a button on the device and it disappeared. She then exited the messhall heading for her quarters. She had enjoyed their conversation and actually getting to know Nick better, they hadn’t spoken much on the training cruise with so many other cadets onboard.

She entered her quarters and changed quickly out of uniform in her pjs. Then Hannah headed over to the replicator and ordered herself a glass of water. She took a couple sips of it and placed it down on the cabinet next to her bed.

She lay down on her bed. She was worn out from the long day and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was asleep.

[gracemitchell]

"Melain, she will need some time to process the information you have given her. From what I know about Danara, she has always counted on you as a friend. Being the only Cardassian on the ship, she can feel very lonely at times, but you were always someone she counted on, as well as Frek."

"Frek doesn't show her friendship. The two of them are more antagonistic towards each other!" Melain said surprised that Grace would think that.

"Different people have different ways of expressing friendship towards one another. It may seem on the surface to people that Danara and Frek aren't friends, but in Danara's eyes they are. To her when she gives Frek a hard time about his accidents, it is in no way different from when you tease him. If you have a chance watch her eyes when she talks to different people, inside she is really one of the warmest persons I know. Since she is the only Cardassian on board, she felt somewhat seperate from the other crew, with you as her friend and Frek as her antagonist (for lack of a better word) it made her feel more a part of the crew, then if she had come on board by herself."

"Are these things she has told you? If so aren't you breaking a confidence?"

"She has told me none of this. I am a people watcher. During any normal conversation I can get information from someone just by looking in their eyes, reading their body language. What they don't say can sometimes tell me more than what they do say. It is what I feel helps me to be a decent Counselor, I not only listen in private, I listen in public."

"In other words, your a Counselor first, and a friend second."

"No I am a friend first and formost, the counselling part is just a bonus when a person needs it. For instance, I have know for sometime that something has been bothering you, I just waited until something drastic happened to get you to talk about it. Now, if you widh to talk about Danara's grandfather in more detail to me, I am here to listen."

"Is that your way of saying, you think I haven't come to terms with it yet?"

"Yes. Since it has had a profound effect on your friendship with Danara, then you haven't dealt with all the repercussions. Like how you came by this information, you had to investigate into the past to for this information. How does that reflect on your relationship with your family now?"

<tag Melain, I'm in a pschoanylical mood, I think>