Jon was still a bit shaken after Maxwell's little revelation. Truth be known. Jon couldn't blame him. After all.

At the time, he seriously wanted to be a part of Genie's life. But things hadn't work out. Soval had clearly

come out the chosen mate for her and he had to content himself with the fact that he would be flying solo

in the cockpit. He'd carried on a relationship with Erika Hernandez. Only to truncate it when command had

pulled them in their respective directions. Now here he was in Maxwell's office about to meld with Soval to

see if he could do this. Sighing. He'd reached over and grabbed a drink.

"I really wonder if I can handle this."

He wondered to himself as the cold tea sluiced down his throat. Across the desk from him. Admiral Forrest

was still speaking to Annika about her intentions. She sat there talking animatedly about her telsu. The view

outside the windows behind her had deepened to a darker blue as evening drew on, and it was going to be a

long day. Jon could tell. He felt right now about just tendering his resignation and walking out. He had honestly

thought that little stunt with Genie's fraudulent application would never be found and now that it was in the open,

he honestly felt like tendering his resignation and walking out of the building than going thru with this.

He had read T'Wen's profile and the synopsis presented by Dr. Orratt about her status and the events revolving

around the death of her A'duna. To be honest. He felt he was stepping into a kill zone. Any one who'd experienced

that kind of trauma would lash out at inopportune moments, especially when there was no actual danger near by.

Anyone who was near someone having the episodes he was envisioning would themselves be at risk of bodily harm.

Especially if one took into account the higher body density and strength of a Vuhlkansu. T'wen was an exquisitely

beautiful woman. Black hair, narrow cheek bones ,almond shaped brown eyes, willowy figure. There had been a

video clip enclosed of her speaking to her children. She had a musical voice. Almost like bells. And he could not help

but be captivated by her. Then his attention had been drawn back to the events at the Vulcan consulate. What he had

read would have been horrifying enough. But experiencing something like the brutality that Kaitek had endured would

have been shattering to T'wen since Kaitek had opened the bond and forced her to experience it. He wondered if there

was anything left of the beautiful woman he'd seen in the video.

His attention was drawn back to the room when Annika had finished speaking to Admiral Forrest. He'd noticed that all

during this time while Soval had faced Annika and Maxwell, his attention had been on Jon the whole time.

"I would surmise Jon that you are considering the development of cold feet. Am I correct?"

Soval had turned to face Jon as he asked. His tone brooked no disagreement.

"If it makes you feel better. Both Genie and Bridgett have had those moments. Admiral Forrest himself can attest

that that insecurity is common in human unions."

Jon wasn't sure how to answer. Looking at the Admiral didn't yield any help.

"I would guess you hit the nail on the head Soval. But her past may be a stumbling block."

"Elaborate." Soval prodded him.

"I would rather not. Do you think Annika should know what I will be up against?"

Jon finally replied.

"We will discuss that in the meld Jon. I know exactly what you are concerned about. You should be fine. We have

discussed this with T'wen before we contacted you. She is willing to meet with you to see if you are agreeable for

her. You must trust us in this. If you like we can start with Annika. By the time I finish with her. You should be

better centered."

Jon considered Soval. Then replied.

"That would be fine."

"Very well. We should begin then Annika." Soval turned to the lady across the desk from him and gestured for her

to turn her chair to face him. Soval had stood to move around the desk, moving the chair he was using with him.

Setting the chair down in front of hers and sitting himself. He looked at her and advised her to relax. As he began.

Jon had glanced over at Maxwell, who regarded him the whole time.

"Don't even think of resigning Jon. It wont be the first time an officer faced a demon from his past. Just show some better sense."

Was all he said as Soval began the meld with Annika. Jon wondered if Forrest was a telepath. But nodded turning his attention

back to Soval and Annika. He watched as Soval spoke softly to Annika, and watched her nod in understanding as Soval placed his

fingers on her face, locating the meld points and initiating the meld. As he watched, he was thinking if this was such a good idea.

From what he was given to understand. T'wen had more than enough reason to liquidate any human male she laid eyes on.

Regardless of the need to put that sorry event in her past and living for her children and future.