Paint and Powder

A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.

During "Trials and Tribble-lations", written by Nohvarr.

It had taken nearly the ENTIRE duration of their stay in this Time Period, but Defiant had FINALLY managed to escape her minder and snag one of those experimental personal holoemitters Barclay had sent her and other shipgirls for testing. It did NOT have a long battery life so she had to move quickly, but it'd be worth it if this worked out.

Defiant-Chan had changed her appearance before beaming over to the Enterprise. Her clothing was proper for a young Terran lady of her age range, she'd changed her skin tone and eyes color then gone on to change the color of her hair and kept it in her distinctive, rabbit-like pigtails. Hopefully that would be enough to protect the timeline.

Then she was aboard the Enterprise and had to spend a good minute just staring at her halls and crew with wide eyed wonder. This was where so many epic tales began, this was where legends walked and Defiant was nearly overwhelmed by the history she was experiencing.

"Are you lost sweetie?" Defiant blinked and looked up to find a female Lieutenant in a blue uniform bending down and smiling at her warmly.

"Oh… I just need… to find the mess hall on this deck." Seeing the curious look on the older woman's face she smiled "My dad said he'd meet me there so he could show me around before we head back to the station."

The woman's smile increased "Aww, that's sweet!" she stood and gestured for the young girl to follow "This way then."

The trip was short and the small talk thankfully vague enough not to cause issues. The Officer then left her in the Mess Hall as she clearly had duties to attend to but not before saying something to the cook. The ships of this era still had kitchens, after all.

Once the woman was gone Defiant turned and approached the old style Holo-tank with equal parts delight and trepidation. The Holotanks were spread throughout the ship to allow the crew to speak with the AI in designated spots. Part of her said to turn back, to not risk this and yet she KNEW she had to do this.

"Ummm… Enterprise?" she began, voice nearly cracking.

A moment later, the Holotank shimmered to life and a legend formed before her. She was dressed in gold Uniform, and black boots. Her hair was pulled into a professional looking braid, her eyes were kind and yet determined and she smiled at the sight of Defiant's avatar as the older woman clasped her hands behind her back.

"Hello… I'm afraid I do not know you, is your parent part of my crew…. Little miss….?"

"Def…. Daphne! My name is Daphne." Defiant could feel the butterflies in her stomach, was almost sure her holomatrix was falling apart as she stared at her big sister. "My dad is on temporary assignment here."

Enterprise nodded "Ah I see. Do you need help finding him or perhaps I should call him down to you?"

"Oh, that won't be necessary, um…" Seeing the quizzical look in the other AI's eyes, Defiant took a deep breath, calmed her nerves and spoke. "I actually just wanted to say to you that… Well, I've heard so many stories of all that you've done for the Federation and your crew. I… You're an inspiration to people like me, and I consider it a great honor to have had this chance to speak with you!"

Enterprise tilted her head, curious, but then nodded and smiled. "It is my honor and pleasure to serve the Federation and her people, but thank you I do appreciate your words."

"Young Lady!" Defiant froze as she heard a VERY familiar voice speaking to her. She turned and there was Sisko in his Gold Lieutenants uniform managing to look both pleased and exasperated at the same time as he strode into the mess hall. "You're not bothering the Enterprise are you?"

Seeing the eyes turning to them, Defiant ran and wrapped her arms around Sisko "Daddy!" She called aloud. She pulled herself up to kiss his cheek, quickly whispering 'call me Daphne' just loud enough for Sisko to hear as they hugged.

"Daphne…." Sisko said, playing along, "I know you're excited but you really shouldn't be bothering the Ships AI."

"It's okay." The pair looked up to find Enterprise favoring them with a warm smile. "She was no bother at all."

Sisko nodded then stood, offering 'Daphne' his hand, which she took. Most of the crew in the mess just smiling as 'Father and daughter' walked out of the Mess hall together.

More Defiant-chan episodes on the way!