The Chains of Error - Gibraltar/Full Speed Ahead Crossover

[Nerys Ghemor]

You know who Pava is starting to remind me of now? Garak. It seems that he's doing the very same kind of thing Garak did in "In the Pale Moonlight," and to be blunt, while he may be accomplishing something, I hope he'll be off the Gibraltar again, soon. And into rehab or even prison.

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Re: The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 1)

“You are… Starfleet,” Galmesh murmured, blood dribbling over his lower lip and down his chin. “You are bluffing.”

Lar’ragos sighed with genuine sadness. “Would that it were so.” He touched his burned and gnarled hand to the Klingon’s cheek softly. “Share this memory with me, Galmesh. See what I’m capable of. Drink from my cup of sin…”

In that instant Galmesh absorbed a scant particle of the El Aurian’s long life and tasted from the bitter fount at the center of Lar’ragos’ being.

Galmesh’s agonized howl pierced the surrounding mists and reverberated off the rocky outcroppings for a long time before dying away completely.

*****

I recall that Sandhurst once wanted to let Pava "off the leash." Be careful what you wish for, Captain. Be very, very careful.

It's a terrible thing when Pava takes the gloves off. I almost feel sorry for Galmesh. Almost. I thought I would feel a sense of satisfaction over the defeat of Amberjack's killer.

Not so much.

I have to wonder how many times Pava can let the inner demons out to play before he's unable to reel them back in?

Sorry, Solly Brin fans - Pava is still the scariest dude in all of United Trek. Hands down.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 1)

To me, Solly Brin may be big, powerful, and capable of putting the hurt on you in a big way--but he seems sane, and not sadistic. Big difference.

 

[Gibraltar]

Re: The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 1)

“You are… Starfleet,” Galmesh murmured, blood dribbling over his lower lip and down his chin. “You are bluffing.”

Lar’ragos sighed with genuine sadness. “Would that it were so.” He touched his burned and gnarled hand to the Klingon’s cheek softly. “Share this memory with me, Galmesh. See what I’m capable of. Drink from my cup of sin…”

In that instant Galmesh absorbed a scant particle of the El Aurian’s long life and tasted from the bitter fount at the center of Lar’ragos’ being.

Galmesh’s agonized howl pierced the surrounding mists and reverberated off the rocky outcroppings for a long time before dying away completely.

*****

I recall that Sandhurst once wanted to let Pava "off the leash." Be careful what you wish for, Captain. Be very, very careful.

It's a terrible thing when Pava takes the gloves off. I almost feel sorry for Galmesh. Almost. I thought I would feel a sense of satisfaction over the defeat of Amberjack's killer.

Not so much.

I have to wonder how many times Pava can let the inner demons out to play before he's unable to reel them back in?

Sorry, Solly Brin fans - Pava is still the scariest dude in all of United Trek. Hands down.

To me, Solly Brin may be big, powerful, and capable of putting the hurt on you in a big way--but he seems sane, and not sadistic. Big difference.

The irony here is that Pava isn't 'off-the-leash.' He's upset, yes, over Ariel's death and the other Maquis atrocities, but he's very much in control.

However, with someone like Galmesh, the person being interrogated must believe that the interrogator (Pava) is every bit as dangerous and uncontrolled as they appear.

Aside from some physical damage to Galmesh that the colonel earned by repeatedly attacking Lar'ragos (despite multiple warnings not to), the motivating factors here are all Pava's stated and implied threats of violence.

And how better to utilize the misdeeds of your past than to use them to accomplish good in the here and now by trotting them out to scare the bejesus out of a particularly nasty and homicidal Klingon turncoat?

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Re: The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 1)

Oh, I see...I completely missed the idea that Pava might be controlling himself and not actually losing it and going for the kill. :-/

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

Re: The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 1)

The irony here is that Pava isn't 'off-the-leash.' He's upset, yes, over Ariel's death and the other Maquis atrocities, but he's very much in control.

Perhaps - but what aspect of Pava's personality is in control?
[Vader]"You don't know the power of the dark side!"[/Vader]

However, with someone like Galmesh, the person being interrogated must believe that the interrogator (Pava) is every bit as dangerous and uncontrolled as they appear.

He sure had me convinced.

Aside from some physical damage to Galmesh that the colonel earned by repeatedly attacking Lar'ragos (despite multiple warnings not to), the motivating factors here are all Pava's stated and implied threats of violence.

Well, Pava did goad the Colonel into attacking him. It was obviously part of his (successful) gambit to make Galmesh lose his temper and control. As to the threats, no one present at the scene had any doubts as to whether Pava could or would carry them out. The emotional trauma that Pava inflicted on Galmesh was quite brutal and effective. Was it a bluff? I have to accept your statement to that effect.

And how better to utilize the misdeeds of your past than to use them to accomplish good in the here and now by trotting them out to scare the bejesus out of a particularly nasty and homicidal Klingon turncoat?

The end justifies the means? I still think Pava is walking a dangerous edge here. How much more of this can he take before the veneer of control slips for good?

Heck, I know I'm over-analyzing this. You do such a damn superb job of writing your characters that they seem quite real. They take on a life all their own.

Somehow, I don't see a happy-ever-after story for Pava. If there is, I'll eat my red shirt.

Awesome story, btw.

 

[CeJay]

And that's why Pava is so damned dangerous. Not because he can kill you wiht just half a knuckle but because he can get in your head, find your one and only weakness and then turn it against you. Is he bluffing? I certainly wasn't able to tell. And worse, bluffing or not, everybody knows he's more than capable to make good on his threats. That, is one dangerous dude.

Gripping stuff.

 

[Gibraltar]

And that's why Pava is so damned dangerous. Not because he can kill you wiht just half a knuckle but because he can get in your head, find your one and only weakness and then turn it against you. Is he bluffing? I certainly wasn't able to tell. And worse, bluffing or not, everybody knows he's more than capable to make good on his threats. That, is one dangerous dude.

Gripping stuff.

Thank you for the feedback.

Though Pava undeniably could carry out those threats, he won't. That's not something he could have said a year earlier.

 

[Dnoth]

I do like how Pava is approaching Galmesh. Yes, he is inflicting pain, but the real threat is from the dishonor that will come to his house and family. I'm not saying threatening one's family is any better (or different) than torture, but in this case, probably more effective. I can't wait to see how this new Maquis state takes shape, but it seems there's more to do before that happens. As always, a great read!

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Welcome back, Dnoth! Glad to see you again. I was actually talking about you over at Ad Astra recently, when their "AWOL" writing prompt came up (inspired by the coward on that cruise ship). I had said I wished you'd write a Windslow piece over there, for that prompt.

 

[Dnoth]

Not to get off topic, but thank you. It's good to be inching my way back toward the UT universe.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I'm glad for that. Hope all is well with you and yours.

 

[McCovey Cove]

Wow, what an intense chapter. Cannot believe you killed off our favorite, outrageous Orion gal. And in such a seemingly senseless 'Tasha-Yar-esque' kinda way, too. Sure, everybody dies, but man, didn't see it coming. RIP.

Wanted to come over here to respond, because I realized that we were getting nothing in response as Ad Astra, which I thought was odd. Until I realized that Sam posts here and I try to not come here at all anymore.

Anyway, Ariel's death seems senseless only because it's out of context to what came before this mission. Sam and I talked about this ending for Ariel quite a bit, but she was always going to die in this story for many many reasons, the first of which is Nerys Ghemor hates her with a passion (I'm totally joking! ). All kidding aside, Ariel's character was always heading for this, and now the impact to Leone and Kincaid is going to show in the following chapters as we gear toward the wrap-up of this Fine Mess(tm). I fully realize that this might've been 'showing my hand' a little with respect toward the FSA characters' individual story arcs, but I'm hoping that people will look back at her earlier days on Farragut as a prelude to a fitting end.

But, for the first time in Ariel's life, she showed a level of love/devotion for someone other than Krystine Leone. In the end, I felt like that rigidity in her makeup needed to finally relent in the end and although she died... she died having realized that.

Hugs' n' kisses,

-- ZC

 

[Gibraltar]

The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 2)

Security and medical personnel were standing by when Lar’ragos and Galmesh transported back aboard Gibraltar. The Klingon materialized on his knees, his head bowed, eyes downcast in abject defeat. It was evident to all present that the man was broken, both in body and spirit. Captain Sandhurst stood back behind the transporter console, allowing his first-responders to attend to both men.

Lar’ragos himself was badly burned, but he refused immediate treatment from the medical technician who approached. Instead, he motioned to Sandhurst that he wished to speak in the privacy of the adjoining corridor.

The two men stepped through the parting doors into the passageway, and Lar’ragos moved off to the side, his body beginning to shudder as soon as he was out of Galmesh’s line-of-sight. He leaned unsteadily against one bulkhead, his left arm curling in towards his body as he gasped in pain. “Gods but this hurts,” he exclaimed hoarsely.

Sandhurst appeared surprised by the sudden shift in Pava’s demeanor. He moved to touch his combadge, but Lar’ragos intercepted his hand. “No—wait… give me a moment.” The smaller man steeled himself, calling on the last of his physical and emotional reserves. He straightened slightly. “Sorry, I didn’t want to give Galmesh the satisfaction.”

Sandhurst bobbed his head. “What did he say?”

Lar’ragos gritted his teeth, exhaling sharply before replying. “They’re on the third largest moon of the Terikof Belt, fled there right after Galmesh found out Kincaid was coming to the negotiations. Approximately twenty-five Maquis with three of their oldest and least reliable ships. A corsair and the equivalent of two moderately armed shuttles.”

Sandhurst’s face relaxed ever so slightly. “Nicely done, Pava.”

The El Aurian reached out to grasp Sandhurst’s upper arm with a blistered hand. “I wanted him dead, Captain… for what he did to Ariel.”

“I know,” Sandhurst replied soberly. “I’ve never seen you take to someone like that. I guess even you weren’t immune to her charms.”

“That’s not it,” Lar’ragos snapped, though Sandhurst couldn’t tell if the outburst was irritation or just the searing pain his friend must be experiencing. “We were two of a pair, her and I. Just like you said.”

“I’m sorry this mission turned out this—“

“No!” the El Aurian practically shouted, his face tight with anguish. “When I looked at her I saw all the things I hate about myself. The compromises, the lies. I tried to save her, and I failed. I think… in a way I was trying to save myself. I can’t be this man anymore, Donald.”

“Pava, I—“

“I want to come home!” Lar’ragos cried, his eyes bright with desperation and yearning. The burned flesh around his mouth cracked, dribbling fluid. “Let me come home,” he croaked.

“There’s no place for you here,” Sandhurst answered automatically without thinking.

The light in Lar’ragos eyes dimmed, and he let go of the captain’s arm as he slumped towards the deck.

Sandhurst caught him and eased him the rest of the way down before calling for the medics.

*****

“How can you expect us to defend our territory without an established military force?” Kincaid blurted in exasperation. “That’s preposterous and you know it!”

“How then can we be assured that any military craft flying the Maquis flag won’t suddenly cross the border on a whim and attack Cardassian colonies or outposts?” Provost Thera countered.

Diaz leaned across the table, her piercing gaze focused wholly on the Cardassian civilian opposite her. “I’m sure you understand that leaving our new state without a genuine means of organized self-defense will only encourage further armed vigilantism? And those groups will not be answerable to any centralized authority. What you’re proposing would only result in another self-destructive cycle of arms buildups and terrorism.”

“So you are admitting that you are a terrorist?” Legate Tusek fairly hissed.

“Yes,” Diaz answered, nodding vigorously. “I was, am, and will continue to be until such time as I am representing a legitimate, lawful state.”

Tusek fell silent in the face of her candid admission.

“Every government in this quadrant has a military wing,” Kincaid observed. “You cannot call our state a legitimate political entity and then deny us the right to armed defense. To do so would make our territory a haven for piracy and organized-crime.”

Thera sighed, falling back into her chair tiredly. “No, no, I suppose not. But can you understand our reticence, given your group’s history?”

“We can,” Diaz broke in, interrupting what was to have been Kincaid’s retort and earning herself a hard look from the man. “But just as you learned to accept an independent Bajoran government, you will learn to accept us. It will not be easy, nor will it always be comfortable for either side, but the only alternative is continued warfare that none of us can afford.”

Legate Tusek exhaled sharply in a humorless burst of laughter. “In that we can all agree.”

“And,” Kincaid interjected, “given your history, I’m sure you can understand our reticence at not being able to defend ourselves against a potential Cardassian invasion?”

Diaz winced internally, expecting a violent reaction from the Cardassians, especially the legate. However, Tusek merely looked to Thera and offered his species’ equivalent of a shrug, as if conceding Kincaid’s point. He turned back to Diaz. “Before the depredations of the Klingons I might have argued that point… but no longer.”

The doors parted to admit Sandhurst who appeared careworn but resolute. The Cardassian and Maquis representatives fell silent, all eyes turning to the captain.

“Galmesh has revealed the location and strength of his remaining forces. I’ve dispatched Gallant and Hawking to capture or destroy the last of his holdouts.”

Kincaid appeared skeptical. “Galmesh talked?” He shook his head. “I’m not sure I’d trust whatever he told you, Captain. I can’t see him offering up information freely, no matter how thorough your interrogation.”

Sandhurst smiled thinly, the expression bereft of humor. “Commander Lar’ragos can be… rather compelling, when needs be.”

The Maquis leader’s face hardened at the implication, but realizing the necessity of such methods he held his tongue and nodded curtly in response.

Sandhurst resumed his empty seat at the table. “It seems I’ve interrupted a spirited discussion. Please, by all means, continue.”

*****

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

A strong mix of hope and despair in one chapter - nicely done!

It looks like all sides are moving towards a satisfactory compromise - something that actually might bring peace and stability between the Maquis and Cardassians. The harsh realities of war and the ugly aftermath have opened the eyes of all parties.

Things have certainly changed.

As for Pava, I really feel for him. He seems lost and broken, and his plea to "come home" was both surprising and heart-wrenching.

Donald's reply seemed rather callous - whether from being caught off-guard, or truly beleiving that Lar'ragos is more of a liability than asset to Gibraltar. What's that old saying? "You can't go home again." I, for one, hope that he can.

Great stuff. I'm impatiently waiting to see how this places out.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I think Pava is a liability not just to the Gibraltar in general and to himself--but a liability to Sandhurst in particular, and he knows it. What Pava needs is not to go back to "status quo ante bellum," but to be forced to really change himself in ways he's never had to before.

I'm glad to see the talks with the Cardassians going well. I think these Cardassians are a pretty levelheaded bunch, actually, and that bodes well.

 

[CeJay]

It's not often that you invoke such sentimental feelings for our favorite super-soldier badass.

In my opinion these guys are both tragic, suffering figures but instead of supporting and drawing strength from each other, they are wired at cross purposes for the moment. I do hope that that may change in the near future and before it's too late for either one.

And of course, as always, great chapter.

 

[Gibraltar]

A strong mix of hope and despair in one chapter - nicely done!

It looks like all sides are moving towards a satisfactory compromise - something that actually might bring peace and stability between the Maquis and Cardassians. The harsh realities of war and the ugly aftermath have opened the eyes of all parties.

Things have certainly changed.

As for Pava, I really feel for him. He seems lost and broken, and his plea to "come home" was both surprising and heart-wrenching.

Donald's reply seemed rather callous - whether from being caught off-guard, or truly beleiving that Lar'ragos is more of a liability than asset to Gibraltar. What's that old saying? "You can't go home again." I, for one, hope that he can.

Great stuff. I'm impatiently waiting to see how this places out.

I'm not entirely sure even Sandhurst knows exactly what he meant by that.

Pava's been left wrecked by this mission and it's personal implications, and whether he can pick up the pieces and move on is anyone's guess.

Thank you for the terrific feedback!

I think Pava is a liability not just to the Gibraltar in general and to himself--but a liability to Sandhurst in particular, and he knows it. What Pava needs is not to go back to "status quo ante bellum," but to be forced to really change himself in ways he's never had to before.

I'm glad to see the talks with the Cardassians going well. I think these Cardassians are a pretty levelheaded bunch, actually, and that bodes well.

The Cardassians are nothing if not a pragmatic people, and in this case they know all too well the terrible costs of war. They also know a fantastic deal when they see one.

As for Pava, I think he may well be at just such a turning point.

It's not often that you invoke such sentimental feelings for our favorite super-soldier badass.

In my opinion these guys are both tragic, suffering figures but instead of supporting and drawing strength from each other, they are wired at cross purposes for the moment. I do hope that that may change in the near future and before it's too late for either one.

And of course, as always, great chapter.

As do I, CeJay. Of course, it seems fated that nothing will ever come easily for either of these men.

 

[Gibraltar]

The Chains of Error - Chapter 10 (Part 3)

As the day’s negotiations wrapped up and the Maquis and Cardassian delegates were escorted out of the meeting chambers, Sandhurst gestured for Kincaid to remain behind. “A moment, please, Commander.”

The clatter of three padds in a stack sounded within the conference room as Kincaid regarded Sandhurst with a curious glance. "You're not going to take me into custody, now, are you, Captain? I think a few more brokered deals and we might have ourselves a little slice of history."

“Seeing as you’ve been so kind as to surrender, we can forego the brig. I think guest quarters will suffice.” Sandhurst downshifted his demeanor, looking serious suddenly. “I wanted you to know, the mission to bring in Galmesh wasn’t without casualties. Commander Elannis was a fatality.”

"I'm sorry..." Kincaid shook his head briefly. "What?"

“Ariel Elannis is dead, Mr. Kincaid.”

"There must be some mistake, Captain," replied Kincaid, though his tone suggested that he didn't believe his own words. "Ariel's dead? How?"

“Galmesh,” Sandhurst answered simply. “He didn’t go down without a fight.”

The remorse within Kincaid's eyes turned to anger within a flash. "Galmesh did it?" he snapped off with barely concealed rage. "That son of a bitch!" he shouted. His fist slammed against the unyielding surface of the conference room table loud enough to bring one of the guards inside while the other had his back.

"Sir?" the guard asked, his hand on the butt of his type-two phaser.

Sandhurst held up a hand. “We’re okay, Mister Ackerman. Commander Kincaid’s just received some bad news.”

As Ackerman retreated back to his post, satisfied with the captain's explanation. Kincaid paid no attention to either of them. He spat his anger once more, "Christ, I don't believe it. I just don't fucking believe it."

Sandhurst looked nonplussed. “Forgive me for saying so, but I was under the impression there was little love lost between you and Elannis.”

"Oh, we tended to antagonize each other," Kincaid assured the captain. "And she's made it her life's mission to hunt me down when I left Farragut to join what was then known as the Brigade... but we served together five years before then." His tone grew much softer than before. "Regardless of the present circumstances, I respected the hell out of her. I just..." He shook his head a couple of times as he continued, "This really took the wind out of me, Captain."

Sandhurst nodded sympathetically. “I can’t pretend to understand, Kincaid, but I’ll take you at your word.”

"Does Admiral Leone know yet?" he wondered aloud. "This is going to crush her. Absolutely crush her."

“Not yet. We’re still within the Badlands comms blackout.”

"Right." Kincaid stared at the wall for nearly a full minute. He swallowed hard and exhaled through his nose, causing his nostrils to flare as he did so. "The first time we met, we clashed over rank and position. She was the acting XO until I stepped aboard Farragut."

A sad smile crept across Sandhurst’s features. “I know that feeling, actually. My first XO and I had similar issues.”

"Yes, but did your XO use her 'charms' to try and subdue you into seeing things her way?" Kincaid's lips curl upward in a small smile. "I was furious with her, but damn if she didn't just get to you right away. I always said that when you meet... er, met her, either you loved her to death or hated her guts. There was nothing in between."

“Amen to that, Commander.”

"Uhm," Kincaid said, "thanks for letting me know." He gathered his notes and prepared to leave, but stopped just before actually moving. "I'm assuming you're going to be informing the admiral as soon as we clear the interference?"

“Yes.”

"I wish I could be there with you when you do, but I doubt she'll be in any mood to deal with me while she's processing this bit of news..." Kincaid sighed. "I wish you good luck, sir."

“And to you, Commander. I hope what we’re trying to achieve here comes to fruition, otherwise all the blood that’s been spilled will have been for nothing.”


*****

Rear Admiral Leone regarded the view from her office overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Though a majority of her staff had already departed for the evening, she remained within the confines of the moderately-sized room trying to distract herself from the waiting. She folded her arms across her midsection and allowed her vision to focus on the middle distance between where she stood and Alcatraz Island.

The doors parted soon after to admit her Flag Lieutenant, Charity Szostak. Leone turned toward the interruption of her silence with a quick glance before returning to the window. "I didn't realize you were still here."

Charity took enough steps inside the office to allow the doors to close behind her before she said, "If you stay, I stay, Admiral."

Leone sighed, not wanting to let her irritation show. At times like these, the consistently upbeat lieutenant managed to get under her skin. "Be prepared to stay all night, then. I'm not leaving here until I receive word from Gibraltar on mission status. It's been hours since their last update."

"Can I get you something, in the meantime?" Charity took another step forward, ready to take orders.

Another inward bristle. A choice reply bubbled to the surface and nearly escaped her lips. Leone grit her teeth and shook her head. She told the young officer in a flat tone, "Solitude."

Charity pressed her lips together briefly. With a single nod, she moved to depart. At the exit's threshold, the desktop terminal's indicator activated with a flashing light and a muted beep. Out of habit of answering all of the admiral's calls, she moved back inside the admiral's office.

"Leave it!" Leone said as she moved to her desk quickly. "Dismissed."

Once alone, she activated the terminal to see the incoming transmission from Gibraltar.

A haggard looking Sandhurst appeared onscreen, the dark circles under his eyes speaking eloquently of the toll the mission’s stress and lack of sleep had taken on the man. “Admiral, sir,” he began. “Gibraltar’s just cleared the Badlands. Galmesh and company have been captured, Commander Kincaid has surrendered and been taken into custody, and the Maquis and Cardassians have hashed out a provisional agreement that sets the stage for an independent Maquis state in the old DMZ.”

There was no satisfaction in his face or voice as Sandhurst announced, “To put it succinctly, sir, mission accomplished.”

Leone allowed herself to sink into her chair. Unable to keep the satisfaction from her voice, she said, "Excellent work, Captain." Satisfaction turned to elation. "I would appreciate it if you would turn over Commander Kincaid and Ms. Diaz to Commander Elannis' custody. She'll be returning on Gallant."

Sandhurst blanched visibly. “There’s more, Admiral.” He took a breath, steeling himself to deliver the unhappy news. “I regret to inform you that Commander Elannis was killed in the line of duty.”

The admiral studied the captain's face for a moment; unsure of whether he was capable of playing a joke on her. The smile slid from her expression. "I beg your pardon?"

“Ariel is dead, sir. She was killed by Galmesh in close-quarters combat after chasing the colonel’s shuttle down onto a Class-M asteroid in the Badlands.” Sandhurst closed his eyes briefly. “She died saving Commander Lar’ragos’ life… “

Although her eyes stared in the direction of Captain Sandhurst's image, she did not focus on him. The confirmation of his report left her heart pounding hard within her chest, and her throat muscles contracting as she kept swallowing air with no explanation. Her head made slight movements down, then up. She felt her composure spiraling out of reach before the sting of tears reached her eyes.

In an effort to maintain her control over her emotions, she cleared her throat and forced her voice to pass through her now-tight throat. She fought through the dizziness in spite of her seated position to say in a voice barely above a whisper, "I trust this will be in your full report, Captain."

The captain inclined his head slightly, his expression radiating unspoken sympathy. “It will, sir.” He paused, hesitating a brief moment before adding, “For what it’s worth, sir, I grossly misjudged her, and for that I apologize. She was everything you claimed, and more. She gave her life to save my oldest friend… she died a hero.”

"I'm... uh, gratified to hear that, Captain," Leone managed to get out before she could no longer trust herself to speak. Although she had succeeded before, her composure visibly crumbled before Sandhurst as her cheeks grew we t with the trails of tears. "I... need..." she began before she closed her eyes as if she wanted to squeeze them dry. Not trusting herself to open them once more, she continued in a hastened voice, "I need to contact her family, straight away. If you will excuse me..."

She didn't wait for a response from Sandhurst; her hand reached forward out of memory and touched the transmission closed. The last of her strength against the tide of emotional turmoil fleeted away within moments. With her ordered solitude finally upon her, she laid her head against the top of her desk and sobbed openly.


*****

Sandhurst let go a long, heaving sigh as he reclined back in his desk chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose with one hand in an unconscious gesture. He had been forced to deliver such terrible news all too often in the past two years, but the task was of a kind that got no easier with repetition.

He supposed that perhaps Pava was right, that the El Aurian and the Orion had been similar in many respects. Both of them had been ill-suited to more typical Starfleet careers, and each of them had been tasked to utilize their own unique gifts in defense of the very society that shunned them for employing those talents in the first place.

They were outcasts of a sort, tolerated by their comrades in uniform because they could always deliver in a pinch, but neither of them would ever be embraced as a true brother or sister, at least not by the rank-and-file among Starfleet.

Sandhurst stood, refusing to allow such morose thoughts to mire him in his own ready room. He moved for the doors, towards the bridge, towards the future and whatever challenges and adventures it held in store.

*****

 

[TheLoneRedshirt]

It was interesting to see the reaction to Elannis' death from two of the major players - Kincaid's anger and Leone's devastation came across quite believably. You did a masterful job of capturing the raw emotion and initial denial from both - and provided a seamless transition from the previous chapter. It also helped me better understand Sandhurst's abrupt response to Pava. The Captain's mind was clearly on other matters.

Death notifications suck. Sandhurst did a decent job of passing on the sad news. Obviously, he would just as soon not have more practice.

I am reading the concluding paragraph as the end of the story - am I right? If so, let me congratulate both you and Michael Garcia on a job well done! Excellent story.