Adoyi Nvda rested quietly on the soft fur mat on the low bed in the simple hut. For the first time since she joined Starfleet, she felt completely at home, completely safe and relaxed. She never really felt this way before, even with Scott. For a fleeting moment, she felt ashamed. She sat up and looked about the hut. A young girl, maybe eleven or twelve, joined her in a moment.

"You must rest milady. You have not yet regained your strength."

Adoyi Nvda lifted her hand.

"Don't worry, child, I am fine. I simply want to sit up now."

The young girl hurried to help her up and then presented her with a tall mug of a sweet liquid that Adoyi Nvda recognized as the juice of a berry that has healing and energizing properties. Nobody had educated her about the local flora and fauna, she simply knew.

"Thank you, child," she said between sips.

"Would you like some food as well, milady."

Adoyi was hungry and she nodded to her. The young girl slipped out, returning moments later with a bowl filled with various fruits. Adoyi was happy here and she knew one thing now for sure. This was now her home. Somehow, she have to make Scott understand.

"Welcome home, Commander. You're cleared for landing pad B."

Scott finished the last sip of his coffee and watched as the Sequatchie settled onto the landing pad soft as a feather.

"Tayna, is the senior staff assembled?"

"We're all waiting in you office as ordered."

Scott put his cup back into the replicator slot and pushed the recycle button, then turned to the open door.

"I'll be right there in a moment. McKnight out."

Scott was off the runabout and into the turbo-lift.

"Ops," he barked and waited until the lift stopped in the Operations Center. As expected, the empty stations greeted him. He looked up at his office and noted the staff through the open door. He didn't want this to be a long meeting.

"I'm not going to waste time, so please hold all you questions. Megan has fought with Kostemojen and due to the interference by myself and the Tsalagi, wasn't able to finish and unfortunately, over 300 natives lost their lives. Kostemojen has said he would be back for a rematch and Captain Kira and myself have a plan to protect the innocents. Also, Ben Sisko has talked to me and I know that we will be needed both at el'Aena and at DS9 and I want to be prepared for anything. Chief, I want the Defiant loaded for bear. We will act if the Tsalagi need us. Other Bajoran ships are on the way now. One more thing, Megan probably won't be returning to DS9 for a while so Dr. Mayes, I suggest you think about who in your staff could replace her in sick bay. Now then, any questions?"

Nobody spoke. Scott scanned over all their faces and saw the shocked look that each of them shared.

"Scott," Rachel began, "are you saying that Megan won't survive? Why wouldn't you..."

Scott raised his finger to stop her. He knew that question would come and he was prepared.

"I have every confidence that Megan will win but, as Adoyi Nvda, she has a job to do and I'm quite satisfied that she will stay to do it. Now then, Chief, how long until the Defiant is ready?"

"Give me another three hours, Commander" Chief Lyons replied. "I want to make sure its in top condition."

Scott nodded his approval.

"I would expect nothing less. All right, we leave in 6 hours so let's get on it."

"Captain, the Defiant has just dropped out of warp. Commander McKnight is hailing."

Kira stepped out onto the bridge as soon as she heard the Defiant had arrived. Bajor had sent three ships already to join the Tsalagi at el'Aena. Kira sat in her chair and made herself comfortable.

"On screen."

Scott was sitting in the command chair of the Defiant. Kira suddenly felt very out-of-place, like she could see Captain Sisko in that chair on the screen.

"Greeting, Captain Kira. Is everything ready on your end?"

Kira smiled broadly.

"We're all ready, just give the word and we'll be there."

"Great, I'll beam down and leave Rachel in charge here. I'll take Tayna with me, I think I owe that much. As soon as I see something happen, I'll call up and let everyone know. Defiant out."

The screen went blank and Kira mouthed to herself. Bara saw her and turned to face her.

"What was that, Captain?"

"Oh, I was just wishing Scott good luck. I say 'May the Prophets guide you'. I have a sick feeling he'll need all the help he can get."