"Milady, the man Scott has returned. Shall I show him in?"

The young girl, who Adoyi Nvda had learned was named Shir'ra, had never left her side. Her parents were among the people simple swept away by Kostemojen and left Shir'ra with no family, except Adoyi Nvda.

"Yes, child, send him in."

Shir'ra frowned, Adoyi could tell she didn't really want Scott to come and she knew why. Shir'ra didn't want her to leave again. The truth was, she didn't look forward to what she was about to say. Scott entered with a sour face. Adoyi knew that Scott had already anticipated.

"Come in, Scott."

She got up to meet him, planting a long kiss on him. Scott turned to look into her eyes. They still shone with an even stronger hue of purplish-blue.

"Scott, there's something..."

Scott held up his hand to stop her. She could see the slight wetness in his eyes and a tear began to run down her own cheek.

"I know, Megan. I understand. I don't pretend to like it, but I understand. Maybe someday you can come back and I'll be waiting."

Megan jumped into his arms and held him tight. She looked over his shoulder and saw Shir'ra as she stood in the door, horrified.

"Milady, has he hurt you?"

Megan laughed out loud and reassured her.

"No, he did not hurt me."

Shir'ra slowly walked toward the pair, unsure what to do or say.

"Is the man Scott going to take you away again?"

Megan stepped down on her feet and walked to the girl and gathered her into a strong embrace.

"No, child, I am staying here with you and your people. I must beat the Pah-Wraith first, but when that is done, there is much work to do here. I must remain here until that work is complete."

Shir'ra looked up at Adoyi and smiled. Adoyi knew what she wanted to ask and answered it for her.

"You can stay with me as long as you like, but you have to like the man Scott. He'll be like your step-father."

Shir'ra smiled. "I can do that" and she hugged Scott.

Kira paced back and forth across the bridge like a caged paluku waiting for the feast fire to consume it's flesh. She didn't like this plan, not one bit, but she also knew how important it was that the Tsalagi and the Defiant didn't fail. Still, she would rather face a Cardassian dreadnought that perhaps condemn her friend Megan to a probable death.

"Captain, the Defiant is hailing us."

Kira suddenly snapped out of her thoughts and realized that she had been staring into thin air.

"On screen."

Scott's faced filled the screen and Kira could plainly read the concern that weighed heavily in his eyes.

"Are we ready, Kira."

Kira sat in her chair and tried her best to emit as much confidence as she could muster.

"Just give the word. I would think that both ships deflectors would give enough power to effectively isolate both of them for everyone else. You do realize, Commander, that Kostemojen won't be fooled for a moment. He is the most powerful of the Pah-Wraiths."

Scott almost smiled like a school-boy.

"I know that, Captain, but Adoyi Nvda is the most power Prophet on el'Aena. My bets are on her for the knockout."