Disclaimer:See Chapter One.

Chapter Two

To C.

What of me? I am complete in the fullest sense of my kind. It is you that really concerns me, Poocuh. How have things been with you? Don't hold anything back, please.

I have some good news for you though from this war be-darkened quadrant, Sekaya contacted me via letter and it appears they are doing well. I will attach it to mine and you can read it for yourself. Look forward to hearing from you. From A.

To A

Thank you for forwarding Sekaya's letter to me, I appreciated it very much. I will try to attach a reply for you to send on to her, if you would.

A lot has been happening here, as I'm sure you're aware and I'm not even sure where to start with this episode. Things are strained to say the least and I am uncertain as to whether or even if it can be easily mended this time round. We have had our disagreements in the past over our journey thus far, but this episode has left quite a few of us reeling and unsure of ourselves. Trust has been broken it a way that I didn't think it was possible for it to break. How could I have let this happen? Was there anything I could have done differently? Why did he do it? Isn't the rebellion now dead and buried along with its adherents in the Alpha Quadrant? None of us here would knowingly harm those who have become our family. What did he hope to gain? Was there any point to it? As you can guess these questions and others are circling around in my thoughts at present, although they have not affected my function as First Officer as yet; I wouldn't be surprised if they do at some point and in my personal judgements. I believe even our security Chief is unsettled by this whole episode also, not that he would say so out right.

Duty calls. C.

To C,

If these questions are troubling you that is a good sign, but don't get too stressed about finding the answers for the time being. How is your relationship with the Captain? Good, bad or indifferent? How do you feel about Starfleet; your position on Voyager; The Maquis? How do you feel, Poocuh?

You can tell me off if you think I'm asking too many questions, but I'm concerned for you, my friend, very concerned. From A.

To A,

Your letter was certainly short and sweet! You have asked questions that I'm not sure I can answer, or even ask of myself, let alone try to answer for you or anyone else. Unsettled, troubled, disturbed, these are only words but they're all I can find to...to what? How do I feel? You tell me!

Many are the ones who come to my door seeking similar answers to the very same questions and all I can offer is a listening ear, rather than any guidance or solutions as I don't have any. I wish I did. None of what happened makes any sense... Why? Such a small word and yet so load with meaning of untold anguish, pain, hurt and questions that have no answers. How can I help others if I cannot help myself? From C.

To C,

Troubled and very angry is how I would describe you, Poocuh. Being there for those who ask you for help, being that listening ear, will help both you and them. I know it may not seem like it at the moment and as I've said before, don't be too concerned that you can't find any answers, the fact that you are looking is a good sign in that you are not ignoring the problem. May I suggest though that you try to write down your thoughts on the matters that I have asked you about. You don't have to send them to me, just write them, possibly the old fashioned way with pencil and paper. You always were a good observer and I wouldn't mind betting you can still draw people, pictures and places reasonably well. It may prove to be another more productive outlet for your questions and anger, besides the boxing ring. And yes I do remember [b]that[/b] left hook! Hope to hear from you very soon, Poocuh. A.

To A,

I decided to take your advice – I know it will be a first – and started to write about things, in fact I've found myself going back to the beginning of our journey here in the DQ, if not before that.

A journey of a different sort; sometimes the word pictures induce me to draw instead, I'd forgotten how therapeutic drawing can be. It reminds me of the times I drew archaeological finds/objects. Instead of drawing them as they were, I'd do them as they had been or could have been, it would drive the dig professors nuts, but my argument was that we had the object so why not illustrate as it was in the past. That never did go down too well. If you're wondering at my reminiscing I've had a chance to go over some old logs – Lt. John Kelly's logs to be precise as well as some of my own about a world that lived at a faster rate than us. Years, Centuries even all taking place within a few hours, fascinating. Better get this finished to send to you. All the best C.

To C,

You're right that is a first for you. That's not to say I'm displeased, far from it. You always did enjoy digging into history, me too. John Kelly of Ares IV your hero, I hadn't forgotten. I read the logs of that episode, interesting; I hope I can get the chance to go through those logs with you sometime. It is good to know that you are finding your own way of dealing with troubling events by doing something else, just don't ignore those events. I know that the Maquis cause is important to you and I believe even Sekaya understands that now. I'm due on duty soon and the current duty chief medic is a stickler for rules and being on time etc. And I'm sure you must remember my view of rules, protocols and regulations! Look forward to your next letter, my friend, A.

EarthStarfleetMedical:

"Ensign Darkka!" the voice of the chief medic of her department broke through her troubled thoughts his tone angry sounding. "That's the third time I've called you," he snapped glaring at her. "What is the matter with you woman? If I didn't know any better I'd say you were lovesick," he sneered, leaving the Medical Ensign seething inwardly long after he'd left the ward. She calmed herself as she went about her duties; after finishing her shift, she tried not to run as she made her way to the Pathfinder building.

Pathfinder Project:

She discovered Admiral Paris doing his daily duty rounds of the area and yet she noted something unusual was also taking place. She managed to collar Barclay.

"Reg what is going on?" she hissed in his ear.

"Trial of sorts of whether a hologram has the same rights as any living being over any literary works he/it produces."

"The Photons be free program!" she asked, her anger calming down. Barclay nodded his eyes wary, he also added there'd been no letters or messages from anyone, especially her own project.

"Thanks, Reg. You'll..." He nodded his understanding of what she was asking and gave her a hesitant smile. With that she had to be content and left to return to her quarters at Starfleet Medical.

To A,

Must appear as if I've been neglecting you, these last few months, but as you know we were given our first assignment from Starfleet Command in six years and Janeway was thrilled to be asked. It certainly put the Prime Directive in perspective and as to why Starfleet has one. Although as I reminded the Captain it wasn't our fault as to how the people on the planet decided to use the information and technology sent by the 'Friendship One' probe, but their own. Of course some did blame us – or rather humans in general for the mess their planet ended up in. Shows the wisdom of not giving a young child a sharp blade, unless you're prepared to be injured by them; Better to teach them how to use it first in a productive manner and with parental guidance. I have my own duty to perform as shuttle pilot. And yes I do remember your views of protocols. All the best C.

To C,

Hope you didn't loose the shuttle, or did you? The closer you get to Earth the more uneasy I become; whether this is due to the excitement of seeing you again and meeting you in person or because of events here, I just don't know. I wish I could go into details but I'd better not for your sake as well as my own. Your words about Friendship One had a very profound effect on a certain Admiral here. How are things with you, Poocuh? I'm weathering my duty Medic chief. Look forward to your reply, from A.

Voyager Astrometrics:

"Commander, this arrived in the latest data stream for you," Seven said holding out a PADD to the male in command red. "Why does the person not put their full name?" she asked puzzled, as she watched him read the short written message that required his code to unlock the words.

"She, Seven," he informed her with a soft smile.

"Do you know who this 'she' is?" stressing the gender with anger in her tone.

"I think so, although I'm still not fully sure as to whom she is," he said quietly, and then noted the look the fair-haired woman gave him, thus he decided to respond. "Seven, she is a friend, a very good friend."

"Judging by the messages you have been getting from this 'very good friend' over the last year there is more to it than that," she snapped turning away from him. He smiled amused and caught her hand and pulled her to him, holding her there.

"Jealous, Seven?" he queried amused. "Such an emotion does not become you," he told her seriously, his dark brown eyes holding her blue ones. He softly smiled again, he let her go and then left, taking the PADD with him.

To A,

I look forward to the day when we can meet too. How are things with me? As well as can be expected, I suppose. I need to tell someone my news or I'll blow a fuse, I think is how one T. Paris might put it. I have that special person you once asked me about, or at least I'm dating. Young, blonde, blue eyed a figure of unique proportions and as naive as a teenager. What am I thinking? But it's fun! She showed a side of her I didn't think existed and yes I lost a shuttle. Seems to be an unfailing habit of mine; not due to my piloting skills, often it is just the circumstances I find myself in or that's what I keep telling the Captain. She asked me about you, did I really know who I was writing to. I know you are a very good friend. There are times when I feel lost; it has only been your letters that has kept me... I have a date to prepare for, I'll finish this later. From C.