Chapter 3 - Cardassians
There was a message on his console when he reached home. A message from Sveta. She had joined a resistance group after the Cardassians had killed her family. The Maquis were growing in number and could use more leaders. The Cardassians were getting closer to his home world. On the message, she pleaded with him to come join them and he could pilot one of their ships. He recorded a short reply and sent it off to Bajor. He couldn't leave, not right now. He was trying to work with Starfleet to provide protection for the settlers in the demilitarized zone. Admiral Paris was on his side and had spoken to some of the other Admirals. Paris had been taken captive by Cardassians and knew the extent of their cruelty.
# # #
The first few weeks of a new semester always passed by in a blur. Learning about his new students was always a challenge. Where they were from and what they brought to his course. There was little time for thoughts of Cardassians, Sveta, or the Maquis.
Leaving his office, he walked briskly through the gardens not pausing to admire the plants or the view of the bay. He had a light dinner and began to grade the tests he had given his students that morning. After looking at the same PADD for the third time in a row, he gave in to the exhaustion and got ready for bed. He called for lights out and closed his eyes.
He was running again, with heart racing and lungs aching for cooler air. The woods were in flames around him as he headed for the clearing he knew was just up ahead. They were gaining on him as he threw himself behind the large rocks. He saw their faces when he closed his eyes. Thick-corded necks and black, obsidian eyes. Eyes filled with hate. Loud voices broke through the trees and he shivered in fear as he pressed up against the cold surface of the rocks.
A sharp noise to his left caused him to flinch and he looked up into the stern face of a Cardassian soldier whose rifle was aimed at his chest. Raising his hands away from his body, he started to stand when the rest of the men came around the side of the rocks. They brought their weapons up and fired.
He awoke, hands clutched to his chest in agony, hair drenched in sweat, gulping in huge breaths of air. Cool air. Darkness surrounded him as his heartbeat slowed and he realized he was back in his quarters, unharmed and safe. He staggered from the bed and once again splashed cold water on his face. Clutching the edge of the sink, he waited until his body stopped trembling and stood up. Dressing quickly, he left his quarters and headed back to Starfleet. He needed to go home. He needed to check on his family.
# # #
He stood nervously inside the Admiral's office. The Commander had let him wait inside for Admiral Paris who was in an early morning meeting. He glanced around the room. Framed photos of past Admirals in the Paris family graced the walls. A small photo of a young man in a cadet uniform sat on the corner of the desk. He remembered hearing about a son who was cashiered out of Starfleet. The side door opened and a white haired gentleman entered and sat down behind the desk.
Looking up, he spoke quietly but authoritatively. "I'm sorry about your family but Dorvan V is now out of Federation boundaries and no personnel will be allowed on the planet."
"Sir, if I could have a leave of absence? I have leave time allotted to me." His voice wavering despite his attempts to control it.
"As I said before. No Federation officers are to go to Dorvan V. Is that clear?" Admiral Paris stood to indicate the conversation was over.
Taking a deep breath, he replied. "Yes, sir. Very clear." He turned and left the Admiral's office. Stopping at his own office he canceled his classes for the day and returned home.
tbc…