Personal Log: Commander McKnight in Runabout Sequatchie in orbit around el'Aena. I can honestly say that last night was the hardest night I have ever had. Even when I thought Megan was dead, I slept better than I did last night, when I did sleep. This time is worse. I know that she might not survive another battle with Kostemojen and I can do absolutely nothing I to help her.
Scott stepped to the replicator and ordered a strong coffee. He didn't need a mirror to know how large the circles were under his eyes. Megan's tent was far too full of attendants, eager to see to her every need and he began to feel more in the way and frankly, unwelcome. Sure, the inhabitants were friendly enough to him, but she was more than their appointed queen, she was their goddess. The last time they saw Scott, he took her away and they didn't want her to leave them again. Scott decided to take his mind off Megan for moment and check in with the station.
"Sequatchie to Deep Space Nine."
For several seconds, static filled his ears until Major Tayna's voice finally chimed in.
"Yes, Commander?"
Scott smiled to himself. If anything, Tayna and Rachel would run the station even tighter than he did.
"Just checking in. How's the station? Are you keeping Quark in line?"
Tayna laughed lightly, just loud enough for Scott to hear.
"Qo'lek has threatened to hunt him down like a targ, but he's been behaving. The rest of the station has been status quo. How's everything there? We heard about the battle. Is Megan all right?"
"She was exhausted, but the natives have been wonderful in caring for her. She should be up on her feet in another day."
"I'm glad. Commander, I have to tell you, Rachel has been monitoring some unusual readings from the wormhole."
Scott scowled to himself. "Define 'unusual' for me."
"The neutrino emissions have increased, even while the wormhole has been closed. The only way we know something has come through is to visually watch it through a window," Rachel replied.
"What..."
Scott's world suddenly whirled and he stood in an ocean of white, his own heartbeat boomed in his ears. He felt weightless, untroubled and yet, concerned for everything. He had been here before and he knew where he was. The Prophets were calling him; this was their realm.
"Hello," he called out.
"Yes, I'm here." Benjamin Sisko suddenly stood in front of him, still wearing his Starfleet uniform. "We need to talk, Scott."
"Talk? What do we need to talk about?"
"Megan cannot go back with you, and you cannot stay with her. She has work to do here, on el'Aena and you have quite a bit of work still waiting on Deep Space 9. If you stay here, you will only make things worse for yourself and for Adoyi Nvda. Kira can handle things here, she has a fine crew."
Scott went from stricken to angry. "What do you mean Megan can't go back with me. I love her."
Sisko stepped closer. A sense of calmness and clarity seemed to emit from him.
"I know you love her, just like I love Kassidy and Jake, but I have work to do and they know I'll be back with them when the time is right. The same is true for Megan. When her work is finished, she will return to you but for now, Adoyi Nvda is needed here, on el'Aena and you will be able to see her, from time to time. Your own work will bring you back here many times in the near future. I know of the plan you and Kira have to protect the inhabitants and I approve. Whether she survives is to be determined yet, but if she does, you and the entire crew will have much work to do. Go back to DS9 for now. You'll be back here in another day or so, trust me."
With a flash, Scott stood in front of the monitor holding his still hot coffee.
"Commander, are you all right?"
Scott shook his head and cleared his vision.
"Yes, I'm fine."
"You looked like you phased out on us for a moment."
Scott's eyes grew bigger; he knew what he had to do.
"Computer, set a course for DS9 and engage at warp 3."
Sequatchie turned slightly and swooped into warp, leaving the planet behind.
"Commander?"
"Major, I just had a conversation with Ben Sisko. I'm on my way back to DS9 for a day or so. Tell the Chief to make sure the Defiant is ready within the next 29 hours. When I come back here, it will be with the Defiant and the rest of you. I think I know what's starting. Megan will be fine, I'm sure of that."
"Acknowledged Scott, anything else?"
Scott smiled slightly. "Just have a fresh pot of coffee in my office; I'm going to be busy."
Ready Room on board USS Tsalagi.
Kira looked around and only her heart beating gave her any sense of time in this white, featureless world. Captain Sisko, the Emissary stood to her side.
"So, Captain Kira, you've done quite well for yourself. You have a fine ship and an excellent crew, maybe a better first officer than I had."
"Hey!" Kira's eyes grew wide. "I think you had a great crew. Mine is probably equal to it and my first officer learned from me."
They both smiled together. It felt good to have a light moment together for the first time since Sisko defeated Dukat in the Fire Caves.
"Well, I see you're the same old Kira," Sisko laughed. "When you return to your ship, you'll find out Commander McKnight has left orbit. Don't worry; he'll be back in a day with help. I need for you to get reinforcements from Bajor to join you here."
"Why?" Kira asked.
"I can't tell you right now, but they will be needed soon enough and I know Starfleet won't send help in time."
Kira nodded. "You are the Emissary. I'll call for any available ships."
Sisko nodded with her. "I knew I could count on you."
With a flash, Kira stared at the wall ahead of her, decorated with paintings of the many beautiful natural wonders of Bajor.
"Captain, Commander McKnight just broke orbit. He was on a course for DS9 when he went into warp. Shall I call him?"
Kira tapped her comm. badge. "Don't worry about it; I know what he's going to do. Get me the Chamber of Ministers on sub-space and have Major Bara join me here."
"Yes ma'am."