Chapter 2: The Beginning
"Thanks for the lift to D.S.9, Captain. I didn't expect that my grandmother had called in so many favors" Anastasia said. "It's not a problem." Captain Daniel Lincoln of the U.S.S. Liberty said, wishing her well on her travels, as she climbed aboard the transporter pad, and took one deep breath; as quick as the Captain said "Energize" she was gone. He was sad to see her go, she would never know that he had been a cadet with her Father and worked alongside him until he got a new assignment and title. "Fare thee well, little sparrow"
And just as quick as she had dematerialized, she rematerialized. "Welcome, Lieutenant-Commander." The Head of Security, Odo welcomed her. "Please, call me Anastasia. Lieutenant-Commander is… too formal for me." As she said this, she smiled and he nodded his head and continued by saying, "Please know that I am available should you need any security services. I will need to ask for your weapons, should you be carrying any on you or in your luggage." "I carry nothing but my phaser that was issued a week ago. However, if you need it, I am willing to oblige." unholstering, passed her phaser to Odo, who began to examine it.
"Welcome aboard Deep Space Nine, Anya." She heard a very familiar voice say. She smiled and turned to see her dearest and longtime friend, Julian Bashir, waiting to embrace her. "How are you, my dearest friend?" as she walked up and warmly embraced him. "I am well...Tired from the trip here, but I will be alright. Is he here?" "Yes. He is up on the Promenade in his tailor shop. But before you see him-" "I must go and meet Captain Sisko." Anya finished his sentence. "Exactly… Let's take your things up to your room, and then I will escort you to see the Captain."
Anya was surprised at how large her chambers were, only to find out that she had been given Admirals quarters, (much to her protest and dismay) on the fact that she was a grandchild to one of the best admirals Starfleet. "The captain insisted you were to have the best quarters on the station. Your grandmother made many friends here" Julian said, not paying attention to the look on Anya's face. There were not many decorations, and it was all standard issues from Command. "They haven't changed the settings or styles in years, have they?" She asked Julian. "Unfortunately, no. I wish we had the time to spruce it up for you, but you are welcome to decorate how you see fit. The Captain has already left the sampler available on the Computer Mainframe for you to work with."
"Perfect…" Anya replied, setting down her bags and turning to Bashir, "Are you ready to introduce me to your Captain?" ~
Captain Benjamin Sisko was waiting on Promenade for the recruit Starfleet had assigned to the station. He had been requested to take the new Lieutenant-Commander on as a favor to Admiral Jennesa Worthington as her dying wish. He had served under the admiral for a few years when he was a lieutenant and was surprised she had reached out, knowing he would do her the honor of paying back a favor. He was more than happy to help out an old friend, and be a home base for the Lieutenant Commander while she worked on her mission. Having heard about her and her story from not only the Admiral, but from Dr. Bashir who knew her personally, he was looking forward to meeting the legend in person.
"Captain, here she comes with Julian." Major Kira Nerys, his next in command, stood beside him watching her approach, Captain Benjamin Sisko turned away from the Promenade no longer watching her approach. "Lt. Anastasia Worthington… I worked under her grandmother, Admiral Worthington. Strong woman, with a great mind. Able to negotiate with anyone and debate any topic. When she gave a command, she meant it." Sisko said, "She said you were the most stubborn student she ever had, Captain." Anastasia said. Jadzia Dax, Major Kira, and the Captain jumped. "You and a couple of other students were the most stubborn, but you always turned in your work on time and knew when to shut the hell up, that is."
"You look just like her… With your mothers' eyes and fathers' freckles." Anastasia smiled. "Thank you, Sir." "You're welcome. Let me introduce you to the crew members you will be working with. Major Kira Nerys, my second in command. Jadzia Dax, one of the best science officers, and a dear friend of mine. Chief of Security, Odo. You already know Julian Bashir…" "Pleasure to meet you all" she replied, shaking hands with everyone, and turning back to the captain, "You all have permission to call me Anya or Anastasia, formalities seem weird to me still. I appreciate you allowing me to come here and wait for Voyager and Enterprise to arrive." "Not a problem. Happy to help out with anything. Besides, I couldn't say no to the Admiral. She was a great leader, and a great Captain to work under as a lieutenant. I just wish I had said so in person. I do apologize for your loss, she was a wonderful person." Captain Sisko looked at her, seeing her straighten up as if shouldering a blow. "She would have been honored to know that you cared, Captain. There are many who will miss her, but not as much as I will."
Tears in her eyes, She nodded to the Captain and said in what seemed like a stronger tone, "Have we heard from the others? When will Voyager and Enterprise be here?" Turning to her computer screen, Jadzia pressed some commands and looked back at Anya. "They both should be reaching us in the next few hours. In the meanwhile, a few of us thought we would show you the important things about the station, where to find things-" "Actually, I have someone I would like to see. Does anyone know where I can find Elim Garak? My grandmother granted him asylum here and I wanted to see him again. If that's alright with you, Captain?" "That should be fine, but understand, he may not be as you remember him." Captain Sisko gave her a look of warning. " I hope he isn't as I remember him. He wasn't any fun then." She smiled. "Lead the way?" Looking toward Julian, he smiled. "It would be an Honor."
