"Realization"
(Previous Post: Tallulah's 'Something to Celebrate')
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Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Section C
The Chief Engineering Officer of the USS ANUBIS stood motionless as he looked into the interior of the complex. 3 of the 4 SCRARB class cruisers were docked inside along with the newest member of the family, the USS HATHOR. With all that's happened in the past 48 hours should have amazed the CEO, but it didn't. Nothing seemed right in his life since his return. The conversation he just had with his CO proved that as the last thing she said to him echoed in his mind...
**"It always has to be about *you* doesn't it?!?"... "You're too bloody self-involved to see past the events of your own life and into the lives of the people you've destroyed."... "Lt. Dawson… I will make this as clear and direct as I can. *WE* do not need your help. *WE* do not need your protection. *WE* do not need you watching over us. In plain and simple terms, *WE* do *NOT* need you."**
Her words were like the time she stabbed him in the chest... and he wished he could go back to that time on the AVALON and his life could've ended then. But she rallied with the help of Doctor Beth Ennis and saved his life. Other thoughts bounced around in the CEOs head in times when she saved him... and he her. So why was she so adamant about hating him. Sure enough, she said she didn't hate him, but he could tell. The way her eyes bore into him. The way Talia's eyes did the same. The engineer rubbed his temples as he felt a headache coming on... but there was one constant in the world to take his mind off the present...
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David found his way to the DEFIANT-X class ship and to his new domain for the duration of the shakedown cruise... no... not his. Elan's. David shook his head. Was the universe out to curse him? Was there some power testing the massive CEO? He felt as it was because from where he stood, everyone's feelings towards him had changed and not for the better. The deck was quiet. It was less than 72 hours before they were set to launch so David did what he did best.
"I may be assigned as the assistant CEO, but Serrena's gonna get the same numbers James and Sabrina got..." and his voice trailed off. What was that strange feeling that overcvame him at the mention of her name? He shook it off and got to work.
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David slid out from under the EPS control console as the Oltharian giant entered the room. He smiled.
"So... I see that I don't have to ask my assistant to finish up the repairs the base's staff failed to do."
David never glanced in Elan's direction. "Computer, run a level 2 diagnostic on the EPS conduits and taps. Cross referrence to Starfleet specifications."
The computer made its customary bleeps as Elan approached.
"David... is something wrong?"
David side stepped the Oltharian enginer and slid under the backup STF generator, "There's nothing wrong Elan" David said from under the panel, "could you hand me that torque converter?"
Elan handed his friend the tool and knelt by his side.
"David... I have known you far too long to not know something's bothering you."
David slid from under the panel, "Seriously... nothing's wrong," he said getting to his feet. "Computer, run level 2 diagnostic on the STF. Cross referrence to Starfleet specifications."
The computer bleeped again and as David headed for the warp core, Elan cut him off.
"David" he said looking down on his friend. Both men were huge for their sizes, but Elan still stood a complete foot over David.
"I had it out with Sabrina" David huffed, "she hates me."
Elan blinked. "I don't think that Captain Rikar has it in her to hate anyone David."
"Well, she sure as hell hates me" David said picking up a PADD and examining the core, "even to the point she damned near bit me in half."
Elan shook his head, "I still find that impossible."
"Go ask her" David replied, "as far as I'm concerned, she no longer exists to me... other than being my commanding officer."
Elan blinked as to what he heard. "David, you can't be serious..."
"I AM!" David replied hotly, then sighed. He placed the PADD on the console, "Elan... there's several things I know about the universe and where we find ourselves in it. *And* I know several things about Sabrina that others don't know. And when she's pissed... *I* know," and the massive engineer paced away from his friend, "and what she said to me. *Me* of all people..."
"David" Elan said, "you have to understand that Captain Rikar is still in a state or mourning..."
"But her blame is misplaced!" David replied, "how can she blame me for Enaii's death?! When I can no more blame Admiral Koniki for the death of my parents. Its what we do..."
"But you did force Commander Enaii's hand..." and Elan smirked at his choice of words because he could see the look on David's face... disbelief... shock."
"See... even *you* think I'm responsible for Enaii's death." David said.
Elan chose his next words carefully, "You were."
David's eyes widened as Elan held up both hands.
"Hear me my friend" Elan said, "even though *your* actions lead to Enaii's death, we all know that it wasn't you that did it. It'll take sometime for Captain Rikar to realize that, but she will in the end. She just needs time David. It is still fresh on her."
"But to blame me?!" David said thumping his index finger into his chest, "after all *we've* been through..." and he paused, "she also found out about my pact with Enaii."
That shocked the massive Oltharian, "Pact?"
"Yes" David said, "Enaii and I made a deal. She'd help me uncover the truth into my parents death and I had to promise her that if something happened to her that I'd watch over Sabrina and Talia."
"An honorable agreement" Elan said with a smile.
David harumped, "Not when she found out and told me in not so many words that she and Talia won't and don't want my help... or protection." David sighed, "what am I gonna do Commander?"
Elan smiled at David's play on his former status. "You do what you have to do David. Now... she told you that she doesn't need or want your help or protection, did she?"
"That's what she said." the ANUBIS' CEO replied.
"Was Captain Rikar in uniform?" he asked with a big grin.
David opened his mouth and smiled. "No... she wasn't."
"No uniform, no orders" Elan said and placed a friendly hand on David's shoulder, "but just a little caution. Don't make your actions blatant. Remember she's still hurting."
"But how?" David said, "One of the things I remember clearly about Sabrina is that when she makes her mind up its harder than duranium. I feel as if I owe it to her... and Enaii."
"Wanting to honor an agreement with someone even after their flame has been extinguished is the start of realization David. You don't have to be there physically to protect Captain Rikar or little Talia, but your actions from *today*," and Elan thumped his fist in his hand, "on can do just what Commander Enaii wanted you to do. Live life David and your pact with Enaii is safe. Now... how about we get this warp core started up and tested before we disembark?"
Elan smiled as David nodded. The Oltharian engineer crossed the deck as David peered into the cold core. He could see Enaii's reflection staring back at him. Her ice blue eyes scowled at him and he could swear he heard her voice."
**Do *NOT* fail me... nor disappoint me Lieutenant,** as her image faded away.
David picked up a PADD. "A deal's a deal..." the CEO said, "guess I'll have to work on being more... discreet" he said with a wicked grin, "and wherever you are Enaii... you're gonna owe me *big* time."
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as
Lieutenant David Dawson
and
Assistant Chief Engineer
"A Starfleet officer... that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2005 post #496
Stardate: 60328.1800
Setting: USS HATHOR, Deck 3, Main Engineering
Stardate: 60328.1830
Setting: USS HATHOR, Deck 3, Main Engineering
Stardate: 60328.2230 (4 hours later)
Julian Knight (d_dawson_1@yahoo.com)
Chief Engineer
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
USS HATHOR NCC 74211
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
