Personal Log, Lieutenant Commander Lorza. Stardate 66451.6. The Dynasty is now en route to the location of the stolen USS Sturgis. Since I'm not really needed on the bridge at the moment, my husband has suggested I take a break. I enjoy my work, but honestly, my heart really isn't in it right now. I have other things on my mind. Damn, I miss my girls. I've decided to get in a good workout, and I've asked my friend, Raven Suro, to join me in the holodeck.
Aboard the USS Dynasty, Lorza approaches the control panel for one of the ship's holodecks. Instead of her uniform, Lorza is dressed in shorts and a tanktop.
"Computer, activate Workout Program Lorza One." Lorza says.
"Program complete. Enter when ready." the computer says.
Lorza approaches the holodeck door, and after a moment, enters.
A few minutes later, Ensign Raven Suro enters the holodeck. She is dressed in workout gear, just like Lorza. She is also carrying a large, black bag. The holodeck now has the appearance of a large gymnasium, with various pieces of exercise equipment. Raven sets her bag on the ground, and watches Lorza, who seems oblivious to her friend's arrival, as she is busy hitting a punching bag. Due to her superior strength, Lorza hits the bag so hard that it breaks off of its chain, and flies several feet, landing near a pile of several identical bags.
"Started early I see." Raven says. Lorza looks at her, and manages a brief chuckle.
"Sorry, Raven. Had to… let off some steam." Lorza says.
"It's okay. I get it." Raven says.
"Do you? You don't have children." Lorza says.
"No, but I have a little sister. If someone snatched her, I'd feel like you do. Angry, and afraid for her safety. And… I'd do anything in my power to get her back." Raven says.
"I'd like that, but… I have to restrain myself. If I don't… if I just… unleash myself, then it's going to take me to a very ugly place. A side of myself I don't like, and that I've done my best to keep locked away." Lorza says.
"The blood rage. Don't you take medicine to stop it?" Raven asks.
"Sedramine… doesn't stop it completely. I can still enter blood rage if I become angry enough, but… the effects will be less severe, and it won't last as long." Lorza answers.
"So… half a blood rage?" Raven asks.
"More or less." Lorza answers.
"If I may ask… when was your last blood rage?" Raven asks.
"Five years ago. I was on an away mission. We were attacked by Orion pirates. Two of our team members were killed, and Jen was hurt pretty bad. I lost it. I ended up killing three of the pirates, before the rest decided to run for it. Starfleet… ruled that I was protecting my team and my actions were justified. Still, I don't like what happened. I'd rather not have a repeat of it. Maybe it would be better for everyone if I... stay out of this." Lorza says.
"They're your daughters? Can you… stay out of it?" Raven asks.
"I don't think so." Lorza answers.
"Then do what feels right to you. To hell with what everyone else thinks." Raven says.
"That's what I like about you, Raven. Always straight to the point. Only an ensign, but not afraid to make your opinion known." Lorza says.
"I'm on this ship, learning from the best crew in the fleet. Hopefully, by this time next year, I'll have another pip on my collar." Raven says.
"Maybe you will. Just be patient. You only graduated from the Academy seven months ago." Lorza says.
"I was lucky to get this post. I wasn't even in the top ten of my class. That's why I'm only an ensign." Raven says.
"There's nothing wrong with being an ensign. You have to start somewhere." Lorza says.
"You, the captain, and Commander Dalton all started as lieutenants." Raven says.
"That doesn't mean we're better than you, or any other ensign. It just means we got lucky. Someday, you'll be in my place, giving advice to young ensigns, and… maybe making a new friend along the way." Lorza says. Raven smiles.
"Thanks, Lorza. My first day here, I was terrified. I didn't know anybody. Then, I met you. I'm glad I did. You're the kind of officer I want to be." Raven says.
"As long as you don't inherit my temper." Lorza says.
"There's nothing wrong with getting angry." Raven says.
"There is if you're strong enough to decapitate someone with your bare hands." Lorza says.
"Is the blood rage really that bad?" Raven asks.
"Yeah, it is. When we're in blood rage, we're basically mindless killing machines. For the most part, we can't be reasoned with, and we just have to let the rage run its course." Lorza answers.
"Is there any way to… get you out of it?" Raven asks.
"Someone with a really strong emotional connection can, sometimes, get through and calm us down. Jack can. He's done it before. He knows me better than anyone, except for maybe Vezzi." Lorza answers.
"So, Commander Vezzi… has been your friend for a long time." Raven says.
"Since we were kids. Almost sixty years." Lorza says.
"Sixty years? Right. I keep forgetting, you're a little older than you look." Raven says. Lorza laughs.
"Thanks, Raven. I needed a good laugh." Lorza says.
"Glad I could help." Raven says. Lorza smiles.
"So, are you ready to get started?" Lorza asks.
"I'm good to go whenever you are." Raven answers. Lorza nods.
"Computer… one Japanese katana… traditional length." Lorza says.
A katana materializes on a nearby table. Meanwhile, Raven takes a similar weapon out of the bag she brought with her.
"Replicated? You should get a real one. Japanese steel… with a twist. Duranium plating. It'll cut through almost anything." Raven says.
"So will my fist." Lorza says. Raven laughs.
"Since you're so strong, do you even… need a sword?" Raven asks.
"For the most part, no. But… we'll be going up against kasari. I'll need more than just hand to hand. Besides, I like swords. Maybe someday… when I'm a captain, I'll make my crew learn how to fight with melee weapons." Lorza says.
"Probably a good idea. Especially if the klingons ever become our enemies again." Raven says.
"You think they might?" Lorza asks.
"I wouldn't be surprised, honestly. My dad works for Starfleet Intelligence, and he says that some of the klingon houses want to go back to the old ways." Raven answers.
"It's certainly possible. The klingons withdrew from the Khitomer Accords once before. They could very well do so again. It depends on who's in power. Chancellor Martok is a strong supporter of peace with the Federation, and has many friends in Starfleet. Someday, there will be another chancellor. Who knows how they'll be?" Lorza asks.
"We'll jump off that bridge when we come to it." Raven says.
"I thought the saying was we'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Lorza says.
"That's the normal way, but normal is boring. I like my way better." Raven says. Lorza chuckles.
"I think I do too." Lorza says.