CHARACTERS

STATION DEEP SPACE 9

Cmdr. Scott McKnight--Station Commander Human-Male Starfleet

Maj. Tayna Joyel--First Officer Bajoran-Female Bajoran Militia

Lt. Rachel Quill-Science Officer Human-Female Starfleet

Lt. Cmdr. Qo'lek--Head of Security Klingon-Male Starfleet

Dr. Korryn Mayes-CMO Human-Female Starfleet

Chief Robert Lyons-Chief of Operations Human-Male Starfleet

Lt. Megan McKnight-Nurse Human-Female Starfleet

USS TSALAGI

Captain Kira Nerys-CO Bajoran-Female Starfleet

Colonel Bara Tel-First Officer Bajoran-Male Bajoran Militia

Lt. Cmdr. Hinto Tade-Science Officer Joined Trill-Male Starfleet

Lt. Fanle Brins-Chief of Security Bajoran-Male Bajoran Militia

Lt. Kristen Greene-Helm Human-Female Starfleet

Ens. Danielle Morgan-Ops- Human-Female Starfleet

Dr. Katmus Marlene-CMO Bajoran-Female Bajoran Militia

Lt. S'Ling-Chief Engineer Vulcan Female Starfleet

Lt. Cmdr. Ch'Tay-Counselor Unknown-Male Starfleet

"Yes Megan, of course I did! Do you truly think I didn't think it through before I gave that order?!"

It had been a rough day and Scott knew it would be. Soon after Megan's return to active duty, they started to have problems and it did not take either of them long to realize what was the problem. Scott was still feeling guilty about destroying Empok Nor with Megan still on board. Scott knew he was unintentionally taking it out on Megan and to a lesser degree, on the rest of the crew, but he couldn't quite get past it. Dr. Mayes suggested they see a counselor together and the truth was, in spite of how much he hated to go, he and Megan knew it was for the best. Today was "confront your anger" day and Megan had all phasers primed and locked on target.

"Are you telling me that there was absolutely no other option available before you tried to blow me to hell?"

Scott could only put his face into his hands and try to mentally transport out into open space. He gathered his thoughts before he spoke. He knew deep down that Megan was really playing devil's advocate. If she really felt like that, she was certainly doing a great job of hiding it, at least until now.

"Megan, we couldn't get a positive lock with the transporter and we couldn't physically get to you. I had just witnessed Dukat pull the heart of a sacrificial Bajoran and whatever Gary Mitchell had in mind would not have been pleasant. Add to that the danger that they posed to the quadrant. I had to act, no matter what the personal cost."

Megan looked at Scott and noticed the pain in his eyes. She was playing her part a little too well.

"Counselor, I don't think we should continue this," she said as she turned to face the young Betazoid. The counselor looked at both of them, then sat back in her chair and folded her arms in front of her.

"I disagree. I think Commander McKnight needs to continue to…"

Scott's comm. badge beeped and Scott breathed an audible sigh.

"Commander?"

Scott tapped his badge, relieved that station business had mercifully saved him.

"Yes Major, go ahead."

"The wormhole has opened; something's trying to come through."

"I'm on my way."

Megan and the counselor started to protest, but Scott raised a hand to stop them.

"Sorry ladies, but duty calls."

Megan got up to follow him out the door as well. Secretly, she was glad that Scott didn't get the chance to reciprocate and make her face her fears. She was sure that he would have his revenge next visit and a quick glance at the counselor confirmed that her empathic sense noticed her thought and she would make sure that Scott would get his turn. Megan was developing a strong dislike for Betazoids. She turned on her heels and went out the door. Scott was waiting for her at the turbo-lift.

"Ops" he barked.

It didn't take long before the both of them were standing in the Ops, watching the main view screen as the wormhole held a continuous celestial bloom, like a monstrous flower opening to greet the sun.

"Rachel, are there any ships due back from the Gamma Quadrant?"

"There aren't any ships in the Gamma Quadrant right now, at least none that I know of" Rachel replied.

The wormhole suddenly closed with a flash, leaving a small, glowing object, little more than a speck on the view screen yet strangely; it commanded the attention of all.

"Maximum magnification, Lieutenant."

Rachel punched a single button on her console and the view screen centered on the strange yet familiar silver and glowing blue object. Major Tayna smiled and verbalized what all of them knew.

"It's an orb, an Orb of the Prophets."

The orb moved on its own power away from the wormhole, but instead of setting course for Bajor, it suddenly banked right and left at high warp speed. Scott had to act quickly.

"Rachel, track it."

Lieutenant Quill's hands were already dancing on her panel, controlling sensors and calculating distance. She had his answer before he completed his command.

"Commander, it's headed for el'Aena. At its current speed, it will be there in less than an hour."

"That means we'll never get there on time," Scott mumbled.

"Commander, the natives are in no danger" Joyel interjected. "Obviously, the Prophets wish to teach them the same way they have taught and looked after Bajor for millennia. If you're still concerned, there is a ship in the area of el'Aena that could look out for the Orb. In fact, they should probably be contacted and informed that it's coming."

Scott chided himself for not remembering that. Evidently, that counseling session had affected him more than he realized.

"You're right, Major. Contact the USS Tsalagi and give them a heads-up."

Joyel flipped and punched and soon, the CO off the USS Tsalagi was on the view screen. Scott spoke to her with the utmost respect."

"Captain Kira, so nice to see you again."

"It's very nice to see you again too, Commander. I see that you're fine. Hello to you too, Megan. I hope you're feeling well too. How's my station holding up?"

Scott smiled mischievously. Kira was well aware of the events surrounding Dukat and Gary Mitchell.

"We have a few bruises but nothing that won't heal. How's the Tsalagi?"

Kira made herself comfortable in her command chair and sipped on a mug of rak'tajino.

"She's a fine ship, but she's a little small. I cannot wait for my other ship to finish with the testing phase. What can we do for you?"

Scott motioned to Rachel who brought up a replay of the wormhole and the Orb. Kira's eyes lit up like flames.

"Another Orb, coming here to el'Aena. I must be in favor with the Prophets to be allowed to be present when it arrives."

Scott sensed her excitement. He guessed that to Captain Kira, this would be like the Second Coming. Perhaps, in a way, it was. Bajor was destroyed in apocalyptic proportions and then it was totally restored, even better with the help of a legend in the form of Adoyi Nvda.

"So, you'll keep your eyes open and let us know what's happening, Captain?"

"Absolutely, Commander. Well call you later. Tsalagi out."

Scott looked around the Ops and could see the look in his officers faces. Surely, they couldn't let Captain Kira have all the fun.

"Yeah, I know" he started, "let's load up. I'll see you all on the Defiant."