Prologue
2373
Sleeves pushed up to his forearms and raktajino in hand, Chief O'Brien exited the turbolift, nodded to Major Kira, who was on duty in Ops, and made his way to Captain Sisko's office. As the doors hissed shut behind him, he asked, "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes. How have the upgrades been coming?" Captain Sisko was reclined in his chair, elbows on each rest with his fingertips touching in front of his face. He wore an appreciative smile as he listened to O'brien's report.
"Unfortunately a little behind schedule. We've run into a problem with the Cardassian phaser couplings, and my engineering teams are spread pretty thin."
"Hopefully you're short handedness will no longer be a problem." He turned the young woman standing from a seat at his desk. "Ensign, Chief O'Brien. Chief, meet your new assistant - Ensign Estal Tay." She firmly shook the Chief's outstretched hand as he welcomed her aboard. "Three more engineering teams will be coming on the USS Oregon tomorrow, but I suggest you two get to work."
The first thing he noticed was her spotted temples - she was Trill. In her mid twenties - possibly just out of the academy - but as he learned from Dax, if she was joined, there was no telling how many lifetimes she'd lived. She walked a pace behind him towards the turbolift and asked, "Where are we going first?"
"Upper pylon 2, I read a fluctuation in one of the shield emitters this morning." At her nod, he stated his observation. "You're Trill." before directing the turbolift to their destination.
This elicited a small smirk. "I am." She replied, glancing over to him on her right, and then continuing, "And yes, I'm joined."
"Our science officer, Commander Dax, is a joined Trill as well. Have you met her?"
Her smile faltered a little, she averted her eyes, and her hands rubbed together behind her back, contrasting her otherwise confident and upbeat poise. "Y-Yes, briefly. A long time ago." She answered, as they exited the turbolift.