Captain Chakotay woke up at 5:30, his usual time. During his lengthy Starfleet Career, he had develope an internal clock that simply would't let him oversleep. During his shore leave time, he'd have to force himself to sleep further. If he wasn't on his post on time, everybody would know that he'd either been delayed or had fallen prey to some illness.
Today, there was no way he could have slept further even if he'd tried. As a matter of fact, his nerves had kept him up even yesterday night. Before going to bed, he called his wife Kathryn and re-told her the events of the day. It was merely one of the wonderwful things in their marriage-they could always share anything at all, and they did so. It was relieving, having somebody you could always rely on to console you, reassure you and help you. Yes, they had a perfect marriage, and he had no desire to change it.
Kathryn would always take all he said for serious, just as he'd take all of her words. But that night, it had been different; Kathryn had seemed genuinely disturbed.
„What do you mean cut off the communications channel?" She asked, her eyes taking on that sharp look that'd come by when she was in important or difficult situations. Or when she was mad.
„I mean it simply like that. Then we went to the transporter room, and at first I was certain the Bajorans would not give us what we wanted…not after the way she had treated them."
„And I assume they didn't?" Kathryn asked sharply again.
„Your assumption is wrong." Chakotay said, unsure of what emotion to display. Admiral Bashir stroke him as brilliant and frightening…but perhaps the latter was closer to his heart, „With two minutes of delay, the Bajorans gave us the three humans which are now on-board our ship."
„What an outrage." One would've thought that with her promotion to Admiral, Kathryn Janeway would've lost her sense for righteousness, but what had happened was the complete opposite. She never let go of her principles, „You see why I didn't like the idea of you coming along on this mission. War heroes can be brilliant, but not always…stable."
He chuckled out loud; „Oh, no, Kathy, she isn't mentally unstable, trust me."
And as he represented her with the other part of Bashir's plan, he watched her jaw drop in awe. She was astonished as well, he could tell. But his astonishment had been more positive than hers. A frown overtook control of her features.
„Chakotay, that technique might be efficent. It also might be ingenious, brilliant and whatever among those terms. But it most certainly isn't Starfleet. It goes against our principles. Reminds me more of Cardassians than of us." She shook her head, „Does Admiral Nechayev know of this yet?"
„No, she doesn't." Chakotay hid a smile. Nechayev had changed with age, even though she would never have admitted it. Her curiosity had indeed grown stronger than her sense for right and wrong when it came to less important matters. She wanted him not to get in the Admiral's way unless she did something extremely out of line, and to give her reports every second day, „She wants reports every second day." Of course, he knew she would've requested every day had it not been too obvious. Not even in front of him did she want to appear like such a gossip.
„Nechayev wants reports every second day?" The line was accompanied by a simulatenous raising of eyebrows, „Is it just me or does she want some new gossip to re-fill her reserves?"
Relieved by the softening of her brown pools, he laughed again; „Something like that. Of course, I shouldn't be telling you, because it's strictly confidential…"
Evidently, she didn't have any desire to go on joking. Her gaze sharpened once more, after a brief smirk, „Now, let's get back to Admiral Bashir. I hope she intends to follow our codex at least when on the surface of Bajor."
Chakotay grimaced; „I hope she does too. But something tells me—„
„I know." She cut in, „I know. A gut feeling she won't." Then she laned in closer to the screen, placing her head on her hands, „Listen, Chakotay. I can understand that you are a tad confused, I know you too well not to see that. You're torn between completely trusting Bashir like your mind thinks you should, and following your instincts. But I'll tell you what to do…not as an order, but as some advice." She inhaled, „Tomorrow, report all of this to Admiral Nechayev as soon as you can. Watch Elizabeth Bashir as closely as you can. If she ever breaks the codex again, go to Nechayev first and inform her. If she does nothing, inform me."
Through the strictness, he saw understanding, love and worry in her eyes. He gave her another smile, placing his hand on the screen.
„Kathy." He began, „Thank you for your advice. But I think I've gone past giving in to my instincts. This woman is remarkable in doing her duty. She gets everything accomplished better than the entire Starfleet Command…and faster. I think I'd be a fool to judge her for that."
So now, as he washed up and got dressed, Chakotay was feeling relieved; relieved becaus Kathryn had merely nodded her head and said; „Fine." Instead of confronting him and opposing him. In her eyes he'd seen disapproval…but he'd disapproved of her course of action more than just once during all these years. That was perfectly healthy.
He slipped into his uniform, and felt glad that the gut instinct was lesser. It wasn't gone, but it wasn't strong enough for him to place it before his mind. Flashing a smile at his own reflection in the mirror, he headed out of his quarters for breakfast.
Chakotay had always liked to have breakfast in the mess hall, together with the rest of the crew; if not sitting with them, than just watching them. It was a way to get to know them better, and to show himself to be more like tham, closer to them in their eyes. It was a habit he'd kept since Voyager.
The Victoria's Mess Hall was bigger than Voyager's, and a lot more modernized.
Each table had its own replicator, and there were tables for two, for four, for six,
even more. The windows were huge; Chakotay could see one entire side of
Bajor.
After greeting the people that passed him by on his way to his seat, Chakotay
ordered some fresh bacon and eggs for himself. It tasted remarkably well, he
noticed. Replicator technology had indeed improved.
As he ate, he thought of the upcoming mission on Bajor. He would be damned if
he refused to admit that he was curious about how Elizabeth Bashir was going to
act down there, but he was also a tad inquiet. He wasn't sure whether it was
because of the gut feeling or not, but somehow he had this image in his mind
that Bashir was going to sever their so carefully built relations with Bajor forever.
Trust her, Chakotay, he said to himself, Everybody can do it; why not you as
well? She hasn't made any serious mistake or anything really agains the law…
the only thing she's broken so far are principles. His and Kathryn's. And the
Federation's usual ones. But it got her where she wanted to go. And she had
the right to her own principles…like James T. Kirk . He never really followed---„
„Bashir to Chakotay." His communicator sounded, making him flinch slightly.
„Chakotay here, Admiral." He said, putting down his fork.
„Captain. I see that you are having breakfast, but unfortunately you'll have to
delay that activity. We'll be going down to Bajor now."
„Now?" His eyes widened, „Admiral, it is seven---„
„Captain." Elizabeth broke his response swiftly and strictly, „Trust me, the
Bajorans will show a lot more cooperation if we are intrusive than if we are
polite and respectful towards them. It is in their nature. After your Maquis
career, you should know it. Report to Transporter Room 3. Bashir out."
Chakotay blinked, unsure of what to think about what he'd just heard. Elizabeth
Bashir's voice had been so cold…nearly icy. Especially at the mention of the
Maquis. And that part about the nature of the Bajorans…For a moment or two, he
was certain she would've made quite a career as a Cardassian Gul. But before he
managed to give it further thought, he dismissed it as leftovers of sleep and of
his instincts. Everybody was cranky early in the morning. Why should Admirals
be an exception?
With a heavy sigh, he pushed away the plate and walked to the transporter room.
By the time he arrived, everyone was already there. The away team, he noticed,
consisted of Dunner(the Security Chief), Helene Sparks(Chief Medical Officer),
Robert Martin(Intelligence Officer), the Admiral, himself, and, he noticed with
unbashed surprise, Catherine LeRose.
The Admiral intercepted his quizzical look just after greeting him, and explained
flatly; „Miss LeRose will be accompanying us to the surface in order to point out
the locations and portray the events to us."
„But the Bajorans will be able to…" He trailed off, giving her another questioning
look.
„The Bajorans tend to exaggerate. Besides, we need both parties to conclude a
succesful trial, don't we?" The Admiral smiled at the last words. Once again
uneasy, Chakotay nodded, opting for remaining silent and obeying orders.
But the wound that was beginning to form on his lower lip showed that he
disagreed with them.
„Shall we?" Admiral Bashir said, and without waiting for the answer, climbed to the transporter pad. Chakotay and the others followed.
„Energize." At those words, the world started to dematerialize before their eyes.
Chakotay wondered whether it would've been easier to be completely dematerialised for the rest of this mission than actually working his way
through it.
The next thing he saw was on Bajor. They had transported in front of the Great
Temple, the residing place of The Kai. The spiritual leader both lived and worked
here, together with a number of Vedeks and other priests. It was one of the
most sacred places of the Bajoran people. During the Occupation, the people
were allowed to hide here as well. The Kai Opaka had given them all the food
and all the resources she could have, protecting them from the Cardassians as
well.
„You have informed the Kai of our arrival, ma'am?"Chakotay broke his decision
to remain silent. It wasn't in his nature, going against what he believed in
without at least trying to do something about it.
„I have." The Admiral's response was simple and relaxed, „I sent her an urgent
message just before we transported."
The Captain bit his tongue. The other members of the away team seemed to
have no problem with that aspect. Catherine LeRose looked nearly pleased. It
occurred to Chakotay how annoyed and angry the Bajorans were going to be
when they saw her. This was almost like deliberately enraging them, he
observed. Bringing down to the planet the prisoner they'd just stolen from them,
and letting her walk around freely after committing such a serious offense by
the law of Bajor. No, they weren't going to appreciate it for sure.
„I told them we'd wait for them here, in the courtyard." Bashir went on, „ They
should be here soon."
Indeed, withing a few minutes, the door opened, and two confused-looking
Vedeks stormed out and took their positions, each by one side of the entrance.
Just a couple of seconds later, a young, blonde woman accompanied by another
Vedek hurriedly left the building and headed towards them. The disturbance
within her eyes made Chakotay flush slightly, but the Admiral seemed to have no
problem whatsoever with it.
„Kai Elani." She said, formally, emotionlessly, but yet with a touch of arrogance.
As if she was here on a casual visit.
„Admiral Bashir." The Kai was obviously angered, but also too scared to do anything concrete, „I see that you also have no respect for Bajoran—„
She came to an abrupt halt when her eyes landed on LeRose.
It stroke Chakotay as if Elizabeth had expected it, for before the Kai could
recover, she explained slowly.
„Miss LeRose has accompanied us in order to show us the locations and the circumstance of her…crime, as you call it."
„But…but this is absurd!" Elani raised her voice slightly, as much as she
dared, „This woman is a criminal by Bajoran laws! She cannot walk around…"
„She isn't walking around unaccompanied, as you see." Bashir motioned at
the rest of the away team, „She is with us. And you haven't proved her
a criminal yet."
„She deliberately.."
„Says who?" Elizabeth''s voice grew stronger and colder, „Both Miss LeRose and
her friends had…violated your sacred ground by accident. We are here to prove
that. And we will do so."
No, we are here to investigate it. Chakotay increased the pressure on his lip. He
didn't like the imperial note in the Admiral's tone, as if she was conversing with
an inferior officer, not the leader of another race.
„If you think we are going to let you enter the Fire Caves, then you are deluded,
Admiral." He was nearly glad to see the Kai's vocie gain on security. Defend
yourself, oppose, he screamed to Elani from within. He felt too guilty about
all of this not to.
Bashir smiled almost pitifully at the younger woman, shrugging her shoulders.
„Fine with me." She replied swiftly, „But in that case, I am taking those three
people back to Earth and dismissing this case. I'll also mention it that you
did not allow a formal investiagiton to be conducted."
Again the Kai was dumbstruck, opening her mouth and then closing it back
again. For a moment, Chakotay go the impression she was about to faint.
Repressing the urge to offer her help, he watched her regain her nerve
and look into the eyes of Bashir. They were, Chakotay noticed, trying
to be emotionless, but there was some ill-concealed feeling…burning,
powerful..he just couldn't discern what it was.
„I…" Elani finally mouthed, „I will allow you to enter the Fire Caves…
because we Bajorans are peaceful people, Admiral Bashir. And we
admit that you overpower us at the moment. Of coruse, you will
be escorted by two of our Vedeks to make sure you do not violate
anything down there. It is, if that means anything to you, sacred." She paused to
catch her breath. Chakotay felt a pang in his heart upon noticing the widening
smile on Bashir's face. He felt so sorry for the poor young Kai, „I will not contact
Admiral Nechayev myself…not after this. But you may as well tell her…" Another
pause, this time longer. The Kai finally shook her head; „There is nothing to be
said to her. But you, Admiral Elizabeth Bashir…you remind me of someone.
Someone I don't categorize among my pleasant memories."
And she turned around, leaving. Chakotay had to give her credit on the inside-
her last words had been something he had not expected, a sudden display of
dignity he hadn't believe she could've fathomed. But his thoughts soon moved
furhter, to the meaning of what Elani Thessa had said.
Admiral Bashir reminded her of someone. Of whom? His first, rough guess would
have been a Cardssian oppressor, for that would be something no Bajoran would
ever have categorized as a pleasant memory.
The moment he thought of that, Chakotay suddenly felt his mind digging
something out from the back of his brain. The conference. Gul Dukat.
He had never had the chance of meeting the famous Cardassian in person,
but he'd heard a lot of him during both his Maquis and his Starfleet career.
And there was the description Admiral Bashir had offered. Quite vivid.
Yes, he pondered as he eyed her with the corner of his eye, she did remind
of him. With her head up high, an expression of arrogance plastered upon her
face, the way she evidently looked down upon Bajorans, her ruthless but
careful manipulation…
Get a grip, Chakotay, he scolded himself. She is a high-ranking Starfleet officer.
An Admiral. Just because you do not like the way she does things doesn't mean
you have to label her as a tyrant right away.
He felt slight shame for feeling as if he'd been on the Kai's side during
the argument that had taken place. Again his instincts had taken over. That,
he made a mental note to self, was not going to happen again.
„Is something on your mind, Captain?" So deep in thought, he hadn't heard
Admiral Bashir approaching him. Jolting slightly, he turned to face her.
„Nothing, ma'am." But her flint black eyes told him she knew better, „It's just
that…I feel sympathy for the Kai. This is her planet, and we appear to be doing
everything in our power to prove that not to be true."
He had expected a reprimand, he'd expected her to relent, to perhaps be angry,
but all he got was laughter.
„Indeed, Captain. But we are acting in the best interests of the three citizens of
Earth. Imagine yourself in their place, about to be trialed because you accidentally entered a cave." She stopped, as if to allow it all to sink in, „You may think I hold something against Bajorans, but I do not. I merely value the well-being of our people more than I do their religion."
Either she was a very good liar, trained in the art of deception, or she was telling the truth. Chakotay would go with the latter, this time completely ignoring his instincts. He didn't even want to hear what they had to say. She was telling the truth. And he could finally stop feeling guilty. Once more, he felt relieved and once more he decided he would not question Bashir anymore. He hoped that this time it was final. He was tired of these constant changes.
Before he could say anything, the two Vedeks that were destined to take them to the Caves appeared behind them. The Admiral eyed them slowly before speaking to them.
„Vedeks. I presume you were assigned to take us to the Fire Caves. You'll do so, then, and once we're there, you'll leave us to investigate without interfering."
The Vedeks nodded their heads, obviously complying solely because of Elani's wishes. Chakotay had a hunch she was never going to be elected Kai again after this.
The away team started moving, the Vedeks in the front line, followed by Admiral Bashir at a distance she, the Captain noticed, was careful to keep. He managed to tell himself that was because of respect, even though, had he looked on the inside, he'd have found that to be very unlikely.
He himself was at the end of the line, choosing to walk slowly and take in the sights of Bajor. He had never been to this region of the planet. He found it surprisingly well-kept. Probably because this was quite sacred to them, and because most visitors came here. He couldn't helpt but wonder what they were going to encounter in other, less important parts. If they were going to see anything among those lines at all.
The walk was quite lengthy, but nobody seemed to mind it. After about an hour, during which they had passed through an entire Bajoran city, one of the Vedeks announced they were ten minutes away from theit destination.
Taking in a deep breath, Chakotay eyed everybody. Catherine LeRose seemed tense, but also tired. The three officers besides him and the Admiral looked quite exhausted as well. Chakotay himself felt little tired, for he was used to physical exhaustion.
If Elizabeth was tired, she certainly wasn't showing it. As a matter of fact, when the Vedek mentioned how long it would take them to reach the Fire Caves, he noticed her raise her head even higher, jutting out her chin as if she was preparing for something…an impact, a fight. Yes, as if she was about to fight something. Her posture reminded him of convicts who admitted what they did, and in spite of the punishment were proud of it.
„Here we are." The older of the Vedeks spoke, stepping away from what seemed to be the entrance to the caves. The younger one followed his example. Were they not going to enter.
Amiral Bashir strolled over to the entrance herself, turning to the Vedeks. She gave them both a very strict look from head-to-toe, and before she even asked them anything, the older one sounded.
„In spite of what the Kai might say, we do not intend to enter there and disturb Bajoran sacred ground. „ He seemed to hesitate, but in the end got over it, „It would also be…greatly appreciated if a lesser number of you enter the caves."
Chakotay nearly smirked. After all she had done, Admiral Bashir certainly wasn't going to grant such a request to a simple, old Vedek---
„Fine."
She'd said it flatly, matter-of-factly, without giving it much thought at all. Chakotay nearly choked on his own tongue. He hadn't expectd such a gesture from her. This woman was certainly full of surprises, he noted…and he was relieved to see her agree to the Vedek's request. It did show traces of the Federation and the Starfleet codex. Again he turned off his instincts, and stopped at that.
Admiral Bashir must have seen his approval, because she flashed him a smile, and then turned towards the rest of the team.
„Dunner, Sparks, Martin, you'll be staying here with Captain Chakotay. I will be taking Miss LeRose down and questioning her there." A murmur of agreement came through the entire team, and Chakotay was too satisfied by the former act of hers not to agree himself.
„I will also use the opportunity to take some scans, and I will bring them to you for further analysis." This time she was referring to Martin and Sparks. Dunner was the Security Chief after all.
„Yes, ma'am." The two replied in unison.
Nodding her head, Elizabeth turned on her heel and, beckoning LeRose to follow, headed into the caves determinedly. Chakotay couldn't help but detect she'd kept the same posture.
„You idiot!" A woman hissed, turning abruptly on her heel. Anger was dripping from her words, and it sounded scary in the dark surroundings, „You stupid, God-forsaken idiot!"
„I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Another female voice was heard, „I had no idea they'd placed sensors…"
„Had I not warned you?" The other, stricter voice, went on, now sounding enraged, „Had I not told you they'd be guardning it extremely well?"
„You had, you had!" Now the voice was even more scared, as if backing away, „But we…I…we…"
„Speak!" The hesitation was obviously annoying the already unnerved woman, „Speak, fool!"
After a short pause, during which the one that was supposed to speak seemed to gather courage, the silence was broken again, „We didn't see what could possibly be important here. Because you never told us why were we supposed to take those devices and bring them---„
A broken, irritated laughter came.
„So you thought that I was lying to you?" Before giving her colleague a chance to speak, she moved closer, „So now, here I am, causing interplanetary incidents, just because you didn't know why you were doing your task? Even though I gave you gold-pressed latinum? Five hundred bars? To each of you?"
„I---I…I'm so sorry, I—„
„Sorry?" Apologies obviously did not interest her, „Sorry? Well…tell that to---„
Footsteps were heard; footsteps of two people approaching.
„We must go!" The angry woman hissed again.
They were soon lost in the darkness, together with any evidence they'd been there at all.
The doorbell sounded inside of Admiral Elizabeth Bashir's ready room. It appeared to have been a prelude to silence, though, for no one had said a word for a few seconds. Then, suddenly, quietly but securely, came a ;
„Come in."
Chakotay stepped into the room, and was once again amazed by the novelties of the Sovereign class. The ready room was enormous, and it consisted of two rooms; one for admittance, one private for the Captain, equipped like a modern living room. It looked better than his own office back at the Academy.
His eyes sought for Admiral Bashir, finding her standing by one of the windows, from his point of view deeply immersed within something. He thought he could see what.
Before the window of the ready room, there was one motive that dominated among the entire starry sky. It was black, shiny, only a tad lighter than space itself. Chakotay recognized it right away, foremost because it was the only station near Bajor, and secondly because of its evident Cardassian design.
Deep Space 9, formerly Terok Nor, was still being used by Starfleet. As a matter
of fact, it was one of the most proseperous stations they had. Furthermore, it
was where Elizabeth Bashir had served for seven years, during the Dominion
War and just after the Occupation Of Bajor.
„Enjoying the view, Admiral?" He said pleasantly, as the door slid closed behind
him.
A short exhale combined with laughter came from Elizabeth.
„You could say so, Captain Chakotay." Her voice was nearly melancholic.
The Captain was determined to show understanding; Deep Space 9 was to her as
Voyager would have been to him under simillar circumstances.
„Perhaps we should dock at the station…visit it?"
„No." The refusal was sharp and almost too quick, „No. We have to focus on our
mission and its success."
Somehow, Chakotay could feel that it had nothing to do with the misson and its
success…more with bad memories or overall memories she couldn't or wasn't
ready to face. He could understand, he really could. Even though he most
likely wouldn't have acted like that.
During the silence, his eyes were drawn to an object on her desk-a small,
rectangular frame. Craning his neck and approaching it, he spotted figures
-people on it. They all wore Starfleet uniforms and had smiles plastered
across their faces. They all seemed faintly familliar to him, as if he'd
seen them before…
„It's a lovely picture, isn't it?"
Awestruck, Chakotay bolted upwards. Without turning around, the Admiral
had known what had captured his interest so. It gave him a creepy
sensation of being watched.
„It most certainly is, ma'am. Who does it represent?" He saw that there was
genuine interest within his voice. He was curious by nature, he had to admit
to that.
The Admiral circled around the table, sinking into her chair and grabbing hold
of the frame.
„It's the crew of DS9…just after the Dominion War." The sadness that flashed in
her eyes was clear, just as it was in the eyes of the young woman she pointed
out on the photograph. It was, Chakotay heeded, within those same, flint black
eyes, surrounded by the same dark hair. The woman on the photo was more
beautiful, but solely because of age.
„That's me." She said, even though he needed no words to see that, „This here's
Julian…my late husband." Her voice cooled down a bit, but she went on, „Next
to him is Ezri…Dax. His first wife. Above them is Kira Nerys…Miles O'Brien's to
her right. Worf, the Klingon…and I think that covers everybody."
„It must be nice to have all those memories to hold on to." Chakotay remarked,
Voyager venturing into his mind again.
„Sometimes it is. But from time to time…I wish some weren't here."
For a few moments, both were quiet, gazing into emptiness. Then, Bashir
seemed to be woken, for she inhaled deeply and beamed at him.
„Well, what business did you have with me, Captain?"
Watching her place the photo away, he returned to work. It was almost refreshing to do so. Yes, memories could bring pain.
„I'm here because of the proof you've found in the Fire Caves…" He began,
only to be cut short.
„That would mean nothing, Captain."
Getting the joke, he smirked, but was still serious on the inside.
„Admiral…Sparks and Martin do not think so."
And, before her sharp gaze flashing beneath a pair of elegantly curved eyebrows,
he recounted to her the events that had occured previously.
As soon as they'd returned from Bajor, Bashir had withdrawn to her ready room. Chakotay had chosen to give her some privacy, and accompanied Sparks and Martin to data analysis instead. For some reason, he had an urge to be well-briefed on everything concerning this situation. Perhaps because his report to Nechayev was due this evening. She'd want every detail, he was certain of that.
The two officers had headed to the lab, and he'd followed them willignly and eagerly. They'd claimed that they needed no help from him, but he assissted them none the less. He'd always hated standing around and doing nothing while others worked hard. A bad habit, some said, but in his eyes it was far from being negative.
After hours of work, they were finished. As expected, everything had turned out to be fine with the data-usual readings for such a place, no unusual energy patterns, no unusual particles, nothing out of order at all. But just as they'd been about to brief the Admiral on all this, Sparks discovered something strange. As she had been running one final scan of all the data altogether, she'd found a gap.
„A gap?" Elizabeth's frown deepened.
„Yes, a gap. Evidently, someone had tampered with the scans you had taken inside that cave and erased two files."
Chakotay was unsure of what to think of this matter. At first, he had not believed it, but Sparks had presented him with all the proof necessary. Suspects? In his mind, there were plenty. Perhaps the Admiral was going to be more…handy with such a problem.
„Do you have any idea who might have done such a thing…and why?" Elizabeth raised her hand to her mouth, appearing deep in thought. Unfortunately, all Chakotay could do was shake his head.
„No, ma'am. But whoever did it was very careful to cover their tracks afterwards. Sparks is still working on it, but she believes it is going to be extremely difficult, if possible at all, to find any traces."
„Tell her to keep trying her best." Bashir's eyes raised to meet his, „I know what you're thinking, Captain, and I too would hate to have to admit the Bajorans had been right to imprison those three. But I'm afraid we must consider that possibility." She paused, giving him time to realize she was right. If it turned out the Bajorans had been right, it would've not only damaged the relations with Bajor, but also embarassed Starfleet publically.
„Work with them, Captain." Bashir said, getting up and strolling back to the window, „Supervise them all closely."
She turned around, a glint in her eyes, „And remember, Captain…no one can be trusted."
That's it! I hope you don't mind I'm not really moving quickly with this story...I intend to divulge it all to you nice and slow. Reviews, please!