Icheb

Author's Note: So as far as I know there hasn't been any real explanation of what happens with the Cardassians after the Dominion War ends and that gave me an idea. Hopefully you like it. Also, I received some feedback about the last chapter that disagreed with making Reginald Barclay an instructor at Starfleet Academy. I would just like to point out that Barclay actually was an instructor at Starfleet Academy at the beginning of the episode titled Endgame, so its not like I was pulling that idea out of thin air. Maybe I should make him stammer a bit more, however. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and reviews are appreciated.

While most of the other cadets seemed to find Federation history to be one of the less interesting subjects available at the academy, Icheb found it quite interesting. Ben had assured him that it was one of the less rigorous courses and passing it with a good grade was quite easy because it was a course that was intended to ensure that every Starfleet officer knew the history of the organization they were a part of and had at least some amount of common knowledge. For Icheb, who knew his own knowledge of the Federation was lacking, it was a good way to, if nothing else, get an introduction to the subject.

It did not take long to notice that the Cardassian cadet was taking the course as well. The instructor asked him questions often, specifically on how Cardassians viewed the Federation and how they interpreted Starfleet actions. That was how Icheb came to learn that the cadet's name was Kostek. It was also his belief, even though he had not done an in-depth study of the Cardassian Union, that there was a certain amount of paranoia and militarism to Cardassian actions in the past.

Icheb was walking the grounds of the academy one day after class, attempting to acquire a greater appreciation for nature and art as he had been told several times that it was part of one's humanity, when Kostek approached him, "Your name is Icheb, yes?"

He nodded and turned to face Kostek, "It is. Was there something you needed?"

Kostek, who was a couple inches shorter than Icheb but somewhat broader in the shoulders, shook his head, "No, I didn't need anything. I am curious, however, about what you are doing. I hardly expected to see a former Borg drone staring at trees and flowers."

"You know about me?"

The Cardassian took a few steps closer so they could both look at the grounds that were meticulously cared for by Boothby. Although he had never met the man, Icheb was aware that Admiral Janeway thought highly of the groundskeeper. There were numerous species of trees and flowers and various other flora, but Icheb could not see the attraction of caring for them as Boothby did.

Kostek gestured toward his face, "That thing near your eye looks more like Borg technology than some kind of jewelry. However, a more direct answer would be that I've studied Voyager and its exploits in the Delta Quadrant, most cadets learn about it in fact. The story is an epic, one that will surely be known across the entire quadrant before long. So I think its safe to say that just about everyone in our class knows at least one or two things about you."

He pondered that for a second then looked at his fellow cadet, "I suppose that may be part of the reason why only a few cadets have seemed comfortable talking to me. Perhaps I am not simply another cadet to them."

Kostek chuckled, "Palling around with an admiral won't help change that impression of theirs. Then again, we're similar that way. I'm a Cardassian, you are a former Borg drone as well as a member of a species that isn't native to the Alpha Quadrant. Makes it difficult for us to be just a couple of cadets. But you haven't answered my question yet."

Icheb noticed that Kostek had an easy, deliberate way of speaking and wondered if that was typical of Cardassians, however he did not comment on it, instead he focused on the question he'd been asked, "I have been attempting to acquire a better appreciation for things that are aesthetically pleasing. My former crew mates have spoken about how it helps in reclaiming one's humanity."

Kostek's brows rose for a second, "Well, that sounded much more Vulcan than human to me. Is it working at all?"

He shook his head, "No, it is not. Perhaps it will just take some time."

"Or maybe looking at well-trimmed gardens isn't what you like and if you go about it logically you should see if other artistic pursuits are more to your liking."

Icheb nodded and decided not to bring up Seven's total lack of artistic interest even though she was the only person he felt he could relate to sometimes, instead he decided to ask a question of his own, "I am curious why a Cardassian would be interested in joining Starfleet."

Kostek grinned slightly, "You know, I don't actually get asked that very often. Probably because the other cadets don't talk to me much. Anyway, Cardassia has suffered tremendously because of the last two wars we were in, both of which went disastrously for my people. We used to take pride in our military and how powerful it was. Our fleets made the Federation pay dearly for every engagement, back when Cardassia and the Federation fought relatively minor border wars."

His grin had faded by then and his voice held a somber tone as he continued, "But then came the war with the Klingons. It was humiliating. Not simply the fact that we lost, but that we lost so quickly. Then the Dominion War came and by the end over eight hundred million Cardassians had been killed and that was just by those who had been our allies."

Icheb was not sure what to say. Cognitively, he knew he should offer some kind of condolence for the act of genocide that had been inflicted upon the Cardassian people, but it did not feel like it was enough. He thought briefly of comparing the experience of the Cardassians to the Brunali in an attempt to help Kostek feel better. However, he found himself unsure of that as well. Despite losing eight hundred million people, the Cardassians still controlled numerous star systems and remained technologically on par with the other powers of the Alpha Quadrant while the Brunali were trapped on their single world with no hope of recovery.

Kostek spoke before Icheb could figure out what to say, "Usually when that's brought up in conversation people offer their sympathy. Is that also something you're still working on?"

The words had been delivered with such a tone that even Icheb could tell that Kostek wasn't actually upset, more likely he was curious, "I am not sure what the most appropriate response would be. Simply offering my sympathy does not feel like it would be enough."

That got a chuckle from the Cardassian and a rueful nod, "You're right about that. Anyway, my point is that my people are currently struggling to find their path forward. We're doing quite a bit of … soul searching, I believe the phrase is. I looked around and thought long and hard about who the great peoples of the Alpha Quadrant were. Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Humans. Out of those four, only one of them is vastly different from the rest."

"Humans. Only humans have created a powerful presence in the Alpha Quadrant in a way that does not advance one species over others."

Kostek nodded in agreement, "Just so. Additionally, the Federation remains strong while the Cardassian Union has been shattered, the Romulan Empire stands brittle, and it was the Federation that saved the Klingons from themselves. What makes the Federation so different? I hope becoming a Starfleet officer will help me find the answer."

Icheb was impressed at the level of analysis in Kostek's words, as well as the emotional control. From what history he knew, cultures often reacted with violence and aggression after being utterly crushed and humiliated by outsiders. Kostek was rare in how he was approaching the problem in front of him and his people.

"I hope you find what you're looking for."

Kostek smiled at him then looked back at the grounds, "Thank you, Icheb. So do I."