"Long Windedness"
(Previous Post: Serena's 'Executive Decision')
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Main Engineering
After returning to the main engineering deck, David
had a chance to pour through repair PADDs and the
like. Normally, he'd take the completed report to
Sabrina, but since David and the ANUBIS' commanding
officer hadn't said a word to each other in about a
week, he chose the latter.
"Computer, forward completed report on warp engine refit to Captain Rikar, Commodore Simmons, and Admiral Koneki."
The computer made its customary bleeps of acknowledgment when the doors to the engineering deck opened.
"David? David are you in here? OW!" the massive CEO heard from his office. He peeped out just in time to see the CSciO and HATHORs XO stumble over a plasma coil.
"You OK?" David asked as he approached Maya.
"I am fine Lieutenant" she said glancing around, "but I'd pass out demerits for having a department so..." and she shrugged, "out of order. I mean... look at this place" she said tossing her hands in the air, "plasma vents, secondary core back ups, and is that a torque inducer?! David... that could cause someone serious injury!"
"Calm down Commander" David snickered as he pointed to his warp specialists, Ken Yates and Karen Watkins, "*they're* still working on the new pool table."
Maya turned and saw the two engineers grinning.
"Sorry about the mess Commander. We'll have this place cleaned up in no time." Karen said as David huffed.
"You got at least 2 more weeks. I wouldn't be that hasty Ensign."
"You got it Boss" she said as she crawled under the pool table.
"So... you needed to see me?" Maya asked.
"Oh... yeah" David said looking around. A deck above, there were engineers everywhere. The deck below, the same thing. David wanted a little privacy.
"Attention everyone, take a break." the CEO said as
several engineers groaned and David folded his arms
across his massive chest.
"This *isn't* a democracy people" the CEO said as the engineers filed out. Once everyone was gone, David looked at the CSciO.
"Maya... I've had this talk with Sabrina, with Serenna, and now I need to have it with you."
The Shillian scientist and now executive officer shook her head, "OK. What's on your mind David?"
"With all that has transpired, where is your trust level with me?"
Maya's eyes widened slightly. "Good question. One that I haven't pondered."
"Why?" David asked as he leaned against the pool table.
"Well... for one, there wasn't never a question of trust between you and I. I mean, I don't mean that I don't trust you, but there were several times there when I..." and her voice drifted off.
"When you what?" David asked. Maya paused and paced away wringing her hands back and forth.
"Maya... just say it. However good or bad."
Maya winced, "There were times when I was scared to be near you... or alone with you."
She closed her eyes tightly awaiting David's explosive tirade. She slowly opened her eyes to see David looking at her.
"But I don't think that was the answer you were looking for." Maya said.
"Its a honest answer" David replied, "and I guess with all that's happened, a *lot* of people don't or have a problem trusting me."
Maya approached the massive engineer. "David, I'll be completely honest with you again. I'm thankful for the journey that we have shared, especially the journey to save your life and career."
"Huh?!" David said.
"I mean... SDS!" the scientist said with a beaming smile, "never in my life did I think that I'd research something of that magnitude... or be apart of a..." and she paused thinking about Enaii's sisters and how they helped... somewhat... her, Lea, and Susan. "...a group of people to save a fellow officer" she said placing her hand on David's arm, "and friend."
David smiled, "Thanks Commander. I needed that."
"Will there be anything else Lieutenant?" Maya asked.
"Matter of fact, there is Commander. Pravat."
"Pravat?" Maya said.
"Yes, Pravat" David replied, "I've seen the look. And I know that there's something brewing there between you two..."
Maya's face darkened a bit as she tried to keep her composure.
"Don't fret Maya. It was the same look I used to have whenever Sabrina was around me. But more to the point... I think he has it in for me."
"Who?" Maya asked.
"Prav" David said, "there was this... look he kept giving me. And when I went to talk to him face to face to apologize for any misgivings I might have caused while I was under Richard's control, he exploded."
"Exploded how?" Maya asked.
"Well... he says that me being possessed by Richard is a bunch of bull... and I still think he's miffed that the rank got pulled."
"Oh" Maya said, "the rescue mission on SURIAL. He was a bit upset when he returned."
"Pissed is more like it" a voice from behind the CSciO as she wheeled around.
"Pravat" Maya said, "what brings you by?"
"Well... I've been trying to contact you since I heard about this little surprise party for Lea..."
"A party for Lea?" David said.
Maya nodded, "Yes... that was something I wanted to discuss with you. We're putting together a little party for Lea in Sickbay at 1930 hours. You're more than welcome to come."
David was about to reply when Pravat cut him off.
"That's why I was looking for you. I wanted to tell you that I'm not coming..." he paused and nodded towards David, "if *he's* coming."
"But why?" Maya asked, "Pravat, this is time for a celebration. Not to distance yourself..."
"You heard me" the MCO said never taking his eyes off of David, "true enough Lea said his sorry ass... which is more that what *I* would have done..."
"Pravat!" Maya said but David cut her off.
"Its OK Commander. I got a lot of work to do here and making final preparations for the HATHORs departure. Just give Lea my best" the CEO said as he turned and headed deeper into his domain. When David was out of earshot, Maya wheeled on Pravat.
"I can not believe you did that. That is so unfair."
"Unfair how?" Pravat asked, "that I'm being cautious about him when everyone else has welcomed him back into the fray? Maya... I can't believe that you buy that story of his."
Maya shook her head, "I, along with Lea and Susan" and she paused again thinking about Enaii's sisters, "and some help from other scientists worked diligently to find the cause for David's behavior. And it was proven that he was possessed by his brother..."
Pravat tried to counter, but Maya cut him off.
"The one thing I've learned in my association with David is that he is a enigma to himself. It is what makes him who he is. And it was something he told me after we met and after our first mission together. That when you remove all lies, deceit, and falsehood you are left with the insurmountable truth. And that is what we had. David was possessed by his dead brother. His soul was dispersed onto him at the time of Richard's death. His actions were that of Richard..."
"Come on Maya" Pravat said, "not *every* outburst, loss of temperament, *nor* him doing whatever the hell he wanted to was all his brother's fault! A man *has* to be responsible for his actions *and* his misdoings. And for that, be punished..."
"Just as General Alvarez punished you for not letting Lea fix you up on SURIAL?" and Pravat's eyes narrowed.
"Same thing... same kind of circumstance. The only difference is that *you* didn't face a court martial and the loss of your career and livelihood. David almost did" and she sighed, "look... please don't make me choose sides. This isn't about David... its about Lea."
The MCO smirked at her.
"Please.... besides, I'll need help setting things up and I need someone to distract Lea."
Pravat sighed. "OK... but just this once" he said holding up his index finger.
Maya smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll need you there no later than 1900."
"I'll be there" and she turned to leave. As the doors closed, Pravat looked in the direction where David walked off.
"Just as I said, you may have everyone believing you have changed... but not me." he said as his eyes narrowed. He turned and left the engineering deck.
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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 #530
Stardate: 60329.1700
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
