Title: "Gateway" 24/45
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Startrek and I derive no financial
gain from this story.
Codes: A, T/Tu, Ma, S, R, P angst, drama, romance, humor,
action/adventure
Summary: Captain Archer is relieved of command for a secret mission
into the 24th Century . To find and stop the Suliban renegade Silik.
While he is gone, a Vulcan Starfleet Captain from the future is given
temporary command of the Enterprise NX-01 with his own orders to to
investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.
chapter 24
Captain Soma walked into the ship's sickbay with a specific task to perform...or rather...to have a specific task performed on him. Starfleet regulations required all new personnel to be given a complete physical and bio scan scan at the first opportunity. He had managed to duck it when he first came onboard, citing the ship's status as an overriding reason. However, the ship was fine now and the immediate danger they had been in was past. Still...He could not believe that his era Starfleet did not request he not have to undergo this exam. He had a pretty good idea what Phlox would find once his scan was run through the ship's database. It was a complication he had hoped to avoid, but one he was at least prepared to deal with.
Upon entering, he saw Doctor Phlox who was having a conversation with a junior officer. Phlox saw Soma and greeted him.
"Ah, Captain...I take it your here for your physical and bio scan."
"If your busy Doctor, I can come back some other time." he said. It was a poor attempt and he knew it.
"None sense Captain." said Phlox "Ensign McBride and I were just finishing."
Soma turned to the Ensign and stared at her for a brief moment. "Ensign, do I know you?"
"Oh, I get that all the time sir." she smiled "Its probably my mother you know. Everyone says
I look so much like her....Captain Christine McBride of the starship 'Alexander'...I'm her daughter Julie."
A wave of memories suddenly came flooding into Soma's mind. He realized why the Ensign seemed so familiar and it wasn't because she resembled her mother. The images in his mind were of an older, more mature COMMANDER Julie McBride. A seasoned veteran, who had been the first officer aboard the USS Fairfax. Who, in between postings, took a temporary position teaching at Starfleet Academy where a then Cadet Soma was taking his final classes.
"Yes, that must be it." replied Soma in an almost whispered tone.
"The Ensign will be leaving us once we complete our mission." said Phlox "I was just issuing her enough medication for her allergies."
Soma looked back at the Ensign "Leaving us?"
"Yes, I'm being transferred to the 'Honshu'." she replied "It's not the Enterprise, but if I take the assignment I'll be promoted to first lieutenant and moved into the command grade."
Soma tried to smile "Congratulations"
"Thank you sir." she replied "Its what I really want. Well...what I really want is to command my own ship someday. A transfer to the 'Honshu' is a start."
A second wave of memories, more intense than the first, flooded into Soma's mind. He looked at the young Ensign, but all he could see was the broken and battered body of his training instructor, Commander Julie McBride, as he desperately tried to pull her free of the burning wreckage of the shuttle trainer. The images unfolded in his mind and ended just as they would twenty three years from now with the death of Julie McBride.
"Sir?" said the Ensign bringing Soma out of his haze of memories.
"My apologies Ensign." he said "I was just...thinking." he replied "Good luck on your new assignment. I'm certain if the opportunity presents itself...you would make a fine starship Captain."
The Ensign smiled "Thank you sir."
Soma nodded and the Ensign walked out of the sickbay with Soma watching her walk away.
Phlox looked at Soma "Captain, are you alright?"
"Yes Doctor" replied Soma still looking into the now empty corridor "I'm just...a little tired."
Phlox didn't buy it, but he wasn't going to argue the point "Of course, that's perfectly understandable."
"Lets get the physical over with." he said "I'm meeting Commander Tucker and Sub Commander T'Pol
for dinner."
"It will only take a few minutes Captain." said Phlox "Why don't I run the bio scan first. That way we can
save time and complete the physical while the computer analyzes the scans."
"That's fine doctor." replied Soma
"Well, if you would lie down on the diagnostic table." said Phlox patting the table.
Soma hopped up on the table and laid down. Looking up at the acoustical tiling on the ceiling, he tried to
put the thoughts of Julie McBride out of his mind. The table began to move into the diagnostic chamber.
Soma wasn't claustrophobic, but he had the feeling most people were uncomfortable in the cramped
cylindrical chamber.
"Well, Captain" said Phlox as he adjusted the controls "What do you think of the 21st century."
Soma raised a brow "I was born in this century Doctor." replied Soma
"Hold still please." said Phlox "Yes, but I imagine it's been quite a while. After all, your
nearly one hundred and fifty years old."
"Not an uncommon age for a Vulcan." said Soma
"For a full Vulcan, no." countered the Doctor "But you aren't a full Vulcan. In fact, your the first
offspring of a Vulcan and a Human that I have ever encountered."
"I'm sure it must be fascinating for you." said Soma sarcastically as he tried to remain motionless on
the table.
"Oh, very much so." said Phlox smiling "It's one of the reasons I joined the medical exchange program. To
encounter and study new forms of life."
"Glad I could be of service." said Soma wryly
The Doctor hit the control pad and the table slid out of the scanning chamber. "All finished Captain. We can proceed with the physical while the computer performs the analysis."
The Doctor moved to a small table and adjusted several instruments for performing the physical exam. He moved the table to the diagnostic bed that Soma was now sitting on. The Doctor picked up a small red ball and handed it to the Captain.
"I'd like you to squeeze that and release it" instructed Phlox "continuing the action until I tell you to stop."
Soma took the ball and began squeezing it and releasing it. He did this for the better part of a minute and then the doctor told him he could stop. The Doctor ran a scanner over Soma's chest abdomen taking readings for elevated respiration, blood pressure and finally heart rate.
"Excellent" said Phlox "you did exceptionally well."
Phlox was about to begin the second test, when a beeping noise began to emanate from his work station.
"That's odd." said Phlox "That's only supposed to happen if the computer finds an anomaly in the scan."
Phlox walked over to his computer and activated the computer screen. On it were two intertwining strings connected by filaments. They looked like twisted ladders cascading across the computer screen. Phlox of course knew what it was. The building blocks of life itself...DNA...more specifically it was Captain Soma's DNA. In the upper right hand corner of the monitor flashed a series of data streams. Phlox accessed the information and the screen split into three sections. In the new sections, two other DNA profiles appeared and began rotating. Phlox looked at the images with a puzzled expression. He accessed the information further and the screen came alive with DNA comparative sub fields as information from all three screen sections began printing out in a new fourth box. The Doctor read the information and looked up. Captain Soma, who had already hopped off the diagnostic table, was moving towards the Doctor. Phlox turned around, looking Soma in the face.
"Is there a problem Doctor?" asked Soma
"I...I'm not sure." answered Phlox "According to the computer...you...your.."
Soma looked at the Doctor "Hard to accept, isn't it." said Soma
"I should run another scan." said Phlox turning back to the monitor "It must be a mistake."
"It's no mistake Doctor." said Soma "Your computer has accurately assessed my 'condition'."
Phlox turned back to the Captain. Bewilderment filled his expression along with a twinge of fear.
"I suspected you would find out." said Soma "You have always been very thorough."
Phlox stared at Soma "You say that in a very... familiar way."
Soma stared back at the Doctor for a moment and then spoke "Doctor, as the ship's medical officer it is up to you to make a descicion." said Soma "Based on the evidence you have discovered, you must
make two rulings. First, do you have any reason to believe what you have discovered poses any jeopardy to the crew or our mission? Second, does this new information warrant the inclusion of any of the senior officers?"
Phlox studied Soma for a moment.
"Well, Doctor?" asked Soma
"I can find no reason that my findings are either a jeopardy to the crew or the mission or why any senior officers should be made aware of it. " replied Phlox
Soma shook his head "Then I am certified, by you, as competent to officially assume command?"
"Yes, Captain "replied Phlox "You are."
"Very well." said Soma "Then my first 'official' act is to order you to not to reveal your findings to ANYONE at ANYTIME...EVER...and to also destroy the bio scan information once this mission is complete. Is that understood."
Phlox hesitated a moment "Yes Captain."
"Good." said Soma "Doctor, I do not enjoy putting you through the hoops, but it is vitally important that no one ever see your findings. You can understand what that could lead to."
Phlox nodded "I will treat it as the strictest of Doctor/Patient confidentialities."
Soma smiled "Thank you Doctor" said Soma "For what its worth, I'm glad you found out and not some Starfleet medical officer. I know I can trust you with my life and my secret Doctor."
Phlox smiled "I hope that I am...worthy of that trust."
"Don't worry Doctor." smiled Soma "I know that you are. Now...if you will excuse me...I have a dinner to attend."
"With...with Sub Commander T'Pol and Commander Tucker." said Phlox
"Yes" replied Soma with a grin "I trust we can forgo the rest of the physical?"
Phlox shook his head "I think that would be wisest Captain. I can only do with one shock per day."
Soma gave the Doctor a smile as he headed for the sickbay doors "I'll try to remember that doc."
Trip Tucker hurried down the corridor desperately trying to catch the turbo lift before the doors
closed. Running past crewmembers he dodged and weaved in a frantic effort to reach the doors.
"Make a hole." he shouted "Commin through!"
Enterprise crewmembers looked at the engineer and wondered if they were under attack again.
Tucker was within three meters of the now closing doors of the turbo lift. In a last ditched
effort he vaulted through the air, twisting his body sideways as he did so, allowing him to
slide between the doors seconds before they fully closed.
The engineer landed at the back of the lift, where the wall of the turbo lift brought him to a sudden
and painful stop. "Oww!"
The other occupant of the turbo lift looked at the Chief Engineer with alarm. "Are you alright sir?"
Crewman Donna Pietsky was attached to the ship's science division and was the assistant
botanist aboard Enterprise. She had seen the Chief Engineer several times at the ship's
weekly movies. She had been thinking of asking him to join her for a movie one week, but
now she wasn't so sure.
"Fine." said Tucker as he rubbed the shoulder that had impacted the turbo lift wall.
"What in the world were you in such a hurry for." Pietsky asked him "You could have just waited
for the next lift."
"I didn't want to be late." said Tucker
"Late for what?" she asked
"Dinner with the Captain." smiled Tucker
"Oh" replied Pietsky "Yeah, I guess a Vulcan Captain would expect you to be punctual."
"Nah." countered the engineer "Cap'n Soma is a good guy. He's not like the Vulcans we've met before."
She looked at him inquisitively "Then why the rush?"
"I don't want to make a bad impression." he said straightening his uniform "Cap'n Archer has known me for years. He knows I'd probably be late for me own funeral."
"But Captain Soma doesn't." added Pietsky
"Right" replied Tucker "and I don't want to give him any ideas."
The young woman giggled.
"What's so funny?" asked Trip in bewilderment
"Sorry Commander." said Pietsky in between giggles "I'm just thinking of what kind of punishment
can be inflicted for making the Captain's dinner cold."
"Hah hah." he replied sarcastically "Well, I'm not going to be late."
She smiled "You just missed your stop."
"What!" he shouted spinning to see the control panel
"I'm teasing." she said "relax."
He gave her a penetrating stare "Your an evil evil woman."
"That I am." she said "Maybe you'd like to find out how evil sometime."
Trip smiled at her and was about to say something when the turbo lift came to a halt and the doors opened.
"I believe this is your floor." she smiled
"Uh, yeah" he stammered "I guess I better go."
She smiled and waved to him as he stumbled down the corridor "Have fun." she said and started giggling again.
She stared intently at the candles as they flickered in the darkened cabin. She focused on the raw light which emanated from the wax cylinders. A appropriate metaphor for the raw emotion which burned so intently in her heart and her mind. Who was this Vulcan Captain and why did she have such strong and overwhelming thoughts of disapproval towards him. She didn't know him. She had only just met him. His service record showed he was a Starfleet officer of remarkable distinction and the reports of the senior officers all agreed that he was doing an excellent job of acclimating to his temporary assignment. Still, she found nothing to dissuade the...feelings... she was experiencing. Not
even her meditations seemed to help.
She rose abruptly and walked to the small view port in her cabin. Looking out, her eyes followed the stars as they passed by. She was a Vulcan. She would not be governed by her emotions. The teachings of Surak held all the answers she would need. It was merely a matter of deciphering them.
She took a deep breath and exhaled. She would attend the dinner with Commander Tucker and the Captain. She would bury these unwanted emotions deep inside where they could not interfere with her performance and professionalism. It would be that simple. She had decided on her course of action. Nothing could move her from that course.
She turned and bent down blowing out the meditation candles. She then headed for the door, stopping momentarily and straightening herself as a familiar and unwanted feeling came over her. This was going to be much more difficult than she wished to admit.
TBC....
Author: Quills
Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Series: ENT
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Paramount owns Startrek and I derive no financial
gain from this story.
Codes: A, T/Tu, Ma, S, R, P angst, drama, romance, humor,
action/adventure
Summary: Captain Archer is relieved of command for a secret mission
into the 24th Century . To find and stop the Suliban renegade Silik.
While he is gone, a Vulcan Starfleet Captain from the future is given
temporary command of the Enterprise NX-01 with his own orders to to
investigate the 'Temporal Cold War'.
chapter 24
Captain Soma walked into the ship's sickbay with a specific task to perform...or rather...to have a specific task performed on him. Starfleet regulations required all new personnel to be given a complete physical and bio scan scan at the first opportunity. He had managed to duck it when he first came onboard, citing the ship's status as an overriding reason. However, the ship was fine now and the immediate danger they had been in was past. Still...He could not believe that his era Starfleet did not request he not have to undergo this exam. He had a pretty good idea what Phlox would find once his scan was run through the ship's database. It was a complication he had hoped to avoid, but one he was at least prepared to deal with.
Upon entering, he saw Doctor Phlox who was having a conversation with a junior officer. Phlox saw Soma and greeted him.
"Ah, Captain...I take it your here for your physical and bio scan."
"If your busy Doctor, I can come back some other time." he said. It was a poor attempt and he knew it.
"None sense Captain." said Phlox "Ensign McBride and I were just finishing."
Soma turned to the Ensign and stared at her for a brief moment. "Ensign, do I know you?"
"Oh, I get that all the time sir." she smiled "Its probably my mother you know. Everyone says
I look so much like her....Captain Christine McBride of the starship 'Alexander'...I'm her daughter Julie."
A wave of memories suddenly came flooding into Soma's mind. He realized why the Ensign seemed so familiar and it wasn't because she resembled her mother. The images in his mind were of an older, more mature COMMANDER Julie McBride. A seasoned veteran, who had been the first officer aboard the USS Fairfax. Who, in between postings, took a temporary position teaching at Starfleet Academy where a then Cadet Soma was taking his final classes.
"Yes, that must be it." replied Soma in an almost whispered tone.
"The Ensign will be leaving us once we complete our mission." said Phlox "I was just issuing her enough medication for her allergies."
Soma looked back at the Ensign "Leaving us?"
"Yes, I'm being transferred to the 'Honshu'." she replied "It's not the Enterprise, but if I take the assignment I'll be promoted to first lieutenant and moved into the command grade."
Soma tried to smile "Congratulations"
"Thank you sir." she replied "Its what I really want. Well...what I really want is to command my own ship someday. A transfer to the 'Honshu' is a start."
A second wave of memories, more intense than the first, flooded into Soma's mind. He looked at the young Ensign, but all he could see was the broken and battered body of his training instructor, Commander Julie McBride, as he desperately tried to pull her free of the burning wreckage of the shuttle trainer. The images unfolded in his mind and ended just as they would twenty three years from now with the death of Julie McBride.
"Sir?" said the Ensign bringing Soma out of his haze of memories.
"My apologies Ensign." he said "I was just...thinking." he replied "Good luck on your new assignment. I'm certain if the opportunity presents itself...you would make a fine starship Captain."
The Ensign smiled "Thank you sir."
Soma nodded and the Ensign walked out of the sickbay with Soma watching her walk away.
Phlox looked at Soma "Captain, are you alright?"
"Yes Doctor" replied Soma still looking into the now empty corridor "I'm just...a little tired."
Phlox didn't buy it, but he wasn't going to argue the point "Of course, that's perfectly understandable."
"Lets get the physical over with." he said "I'm meeting Commander Tucker and Sub Commander T'Pol
for dinner."
"It will only take a few minutes Captain." said Phlox "Why don't I run the bio scan first. That way we can
save time and complete the physical while the computer analyzes the scans."
"That's fine doctor." replied Soma
"Well, if you would lie down on the diagnostic table." said Phlox patting the table.
Soma hopped up on the table and laid down. Looking up at the acoustical tiling on the ceiling, he tried to
put the thoughts of Julie McBride out of his mind. The table began to move into the diagnostic chamber.
Soma wasn't claustrophobic, but he had the feeling most people were uncomfortable in the cramped
cylindrical chamber.
"Well, Captain" said Phlox as he adjusted the controls "What do you think of the 21st century."
Soma raised a brow "I was born in this century Doctor." replied Soma
"Hold still please." said Phlox "Yes, but I imagine it's been quite a while. After all, your
nearly one hundred and fifty years old."
"Not an uncommon age for a Vulcan." said Soma
"For a full Vulcan, no." countered the Doctor "But you aren't a full Vulcan. In fact, your the first
offspring of a Vulcan and a Human that I have ever encountered."
"I'm sure it must be fascinating for you." said Soma sarcastically as he tried to remain motionless on
the table.
"Oh, very much so." said Phlox smiling "It's one of the reasons I joined the medical exchange program. To
encounter and study new forms of life."
"Glad I could be of service." said Soma wryly
The Doctor hit the control pad and the table slid out of the scanning chamber. "All finished Captain. We can proceed with the physical while the computer performs the analysis."
The Doctor moved to a small table and adjusted several instruments for performing the physical exam. He moved the table to the diagnostic bed that Soma was now sitting on. The Doctor picked up a small red ball and handed it to the Captain.
"I'd like you to squeeze that and release it" instructed Phlox "continuing the action until I tell you to stop."
Soma took the ball and began squeezing it and releasing it. He did this for the better part of a minute and then the doctor told him he could stop. The Doctor ran a scanner over Soma's chest abdomen taking readings for elevated respiration, blood pressure and finally heart rate.
"Excellent" said Phlox "you did exceptionally well."
Phlox was about to begin the second test, when a beeping noise began to emanate from his work station.
"That's odd." said Phlox "That's only supposed to happen if the computer finds an anomaly in the scan."
Phlox walked over to his computer and activated the computer screen. On it were two intertwining strings connected by filaments. They looked like twisted ladders cascading across the computer screen. Phlox of course knew what it was. The building blocks of life itself...DNA...more specifically it was Captain Soma's DNA. In the upper right hand corner of the monitor flashed a series of data streams. Phlox accessed the information and the screen split into three sections. In the new sections, two other DNA profiles appeared and began rotating. Phlox looked at the images with a puzzled expression. He accessed the information further and the screen came alive with DNA comparative sub fields as information from all three screen sections began printing out in a new fourth box. The Doctor read the information and looked up. Captain Soma, who had already hopped off the diagnostic table, was moving towards the Doctor. Phlox turned around, looking Soma in the face.
"Is there a problem Doctor?" asked Soma
"I...I'm not sure." answered Phlox "According to the computer...you...your.."
Soma looked at the Doctor "Hard to accept, isn't it." said Soma
"I should run another scan." said Phlox turning back to the monitor "It must be a mistake."
"It's no mistake Doctor." said Soma "Your computer has accurately assessed my 'condition'."
Phlox turned back to the Captain. Bewilderment filled his expression along with a twinge of fear.
"I suspected you would find out." said Soma "You have always been very thorough."
Phlox stared at Soma "You say that in a very... familiar way."
Soma stared back at the Doctor for a moment and then spoke "Doctor, as the ship's medical officer it is up to you to make a descicion." said Soma "Based on the evidence you have discovered, you must
make two rulings. First, do you have any reason to believe what you have discovered poses any jeopardy to the crew or our mission? Second, does this new information warrant the inclusion of any of the senior officers?"
Phlox studied Soma for a moment.
"Well, Doctor?" asked Soma
"I can find no reason that my findings are either a jeopardy to the crew or the mission or why any senior officers should be made aware of it. " replied Phlox
Soma shook his head "Then I am certified, by you, as competent to officially assume command?"
"Yes, Captain "replied Phlox "You are."
"Very well." said Soma "Then my first 'official' act is to order you to not to reveal your findings to ANYONE at ANYTIME...EVER...and to also destroy the bio scan information once this mission is complete. Is that understood."
Phlox hesitated a moment "Yes Captain."
"Good." said Soma "Doctor, I do not enjoy putting you through the hoops, but it is vitally important that no one ever see your findings. You can understand what that could lead to."
Phlox nodded "I will treat it as the strictest of Doctor/Patient confidentialities."
Soma smiled "Thank you Doctor" said Soma "For what its worth, I'm glad you found out and not some Starfleet medical officer. I know I can trust you with my life and my secret Doctor."
Phlox smiled "I hope that I am...worthy of that trust."
"Don't worry Doctor." smiled Soma "I know that you are. Now...if you will excuse me...I have a dinner to attend."
"With...with Sub Commander T'Pol and Commander Tucker." said Phlox
"Yes" replied Soma with a grin "I trust we can forgo the rest of the physical?"
Phlox shook his head "I think that would be wisest Captain. I can only do with one shock per day."
Soma gave the Doctor a smile as he headed for the sickbay doors "I'll try to remember that doc."
Trip Tucker hurried down the corridor desperately trying to catch the turbo lift before the doors
closed. Running past crewmembers he dodged and weaved in a frantic effort to reach the doors.
"Make a hole." he shouted "Commin through!"
Enterprise crewmembers looked at the engineer and wondered if they were under attack again.
Tucker was within three meters of the now closing doors of the turbo lift. In a last ditched
effort he vaulted through the air, twisting his body sideways as he did so, allowing him to
slide between the doors seconds before they fully closed.
The engineer landed at the back of the lift, where the wall of the turbo lift brought him to a sudden
and painful stop. "Oww!"
The other occupant of the turbo lift looked at the Chief Engineer with alarm. "Are you alright sir?"
Crewman Donna Pietsky was attached to the ship's science division and was the assistant
botanist aboard Enterprise. She had seen the Chief Engineer several times at the ship's
weekly movies. She had been thinking of asking him to join her for a movie one week, but
now she wasn't so sure.
"Fine." said Tucker as he rubbed the shoulder that had impacted the turbo lift wall.
"What in the world were you in such a hurry for." Pietsky asked him "You could have just waited
for the next lift."
"I didn't want to be late." said Tucker
"Late for what?" she asked
"Dinner with the Captain." smiled Tucker
"Oh" replied Pietsky "Yeah, I guess a Vulcan Captain would expect you to be punctual."
"Nah." countered the engineer "Cap'n Soma is a good guy. He's not like the Vulcans we've met before."
She looked at him inquisitively "Then why the rush?"
"I don't want to make a bad impression." he said straightening his uniform "Cap'n Archer has known me for years. He knows I'd probably be late for me own funeral."
"But Captain Soma doesn't." added Pietsky
"Right" replied Tucker "and I don't want to give him any ideas."
The young woman giggled.
"What's so funny?" asked Trip in bewilderment
"Sorry Commander." said Pietsky in between giggles "I'm just thinking of what kind of punishment
can be inflicted for making the Captain's dinner cold."
"Hah hah." he replied sarcastically "Well, I'm not going to be late."
She smiled "You just missed your stop."
"What!" he shouted spinning to see the control panel
"I'm teasing." she said "relax."
He gave her a penetrating stare "Your an evil evil woman."
"That I am." she said "Maybe you'd like to find out how evil sometime."
Trip smiled at her and was about to say something when the turbo lift came to a halt and the doors opened.
"I believe this is your floor." she smiled
"Uh, yeah" he stammered "I guess I better go."
She smiled and waved to him as he stumbled down the corridor "Have fun." she said and started giggling again.
She stared intently at the candles as they flickered in the darkened cabin. She focused on the raw light which emanated from the wax cylinders. A appropriate metaphor for the raw emotion which burned so intently in her heart and her mind. Who was this Vulcan Captain and why did she have such strong and overwhelming thoughts of disapproval towards him. She didn't know him. She had only just met him. His service record showed he was a Starfleet officer of remarkable distinction and the reports of the senior officers all agreed that he was doing an excellent job of acclimating to his temporary assignment. Still, she found nothing to dissuade the...feelings... she was experiencing. Not
even her meditations seemed to help.
She rose abruptly and walked to the small view port in her cabin. Looking out, her eyes followed the stars as they passed by. She was a Vulcan. She would not be governed by her emotions. The teachings of Surak held all the answers she would need. It was merely a matter of deciphering them.
She took a deep breath and exhaled. She would attend the dinner with Commander Tucker and the Captain. She would bury these unwanted emotions deep inside where they could not interfere with her performance and professionalism. It would be that simple. She had decided on her course of action. Nothing could move her from that course.
She turned and bent down blowing out the meditation candles. She then headed for the door, stopping momentarily and straightening herself as a familiar and unwanted feeling came over her. This was going to be much more difficult than she wished to admit.
TBC....