The Captain had a working breakfast conference, so the away team beamed down just as the first sun was rising on Omnia. The Doctor and Data were slated to visit the main trauma center in the morning. They would return to the Capitol for lunch with the Captain and four Security Officers.
The morning once again went by far too swiftly for the Doctor. The Omnians had very advanced methods of combining the plethora of healing plants and herbs on their planet with innovative technology. Because of the protective scales, they dealt with very few injuries like lacerations or punctures; on the other hand, the torrid temperatures, especially along the planet's equator, brought a host of different health issues for the reptilian humanoids.
The Doctor who was their escort was articulate and passionate about his work. He shared insight as to how the two factions on the planet had grown so vastly different. There was not only ocean separating the two major land masses, but mountains and desert. Until the advent of air travel, the two cultures had been virtually isolated. The rare seagoing vessels that might make the crossing, usually did not return to their origin. Both sides were surprised by the differences in beliefs, religion and political structure which had evolved. Neither wanted to change their traditions to the others'. When it became clear they needed to unify to protect the entirety of their world from outside forces, the true battles began over everything from which alphabet to use, to what to call the continents.
The tall Doctor's yellow-gold eyes filled with sorrow as he described the cost of extremist actions. The majority of the population were willing to compromise, but a few took it upon themselves to use guerilla tactics to disrupt all attempts at unification.
Beverly was fascinated watching the Omnian Doctor work with his tools and instruments. His long fingers were incredibly facile.
It seemed like they had only just arrived when their escort announced it was lunch time. They returned to the same long, cool room where they had eaten the day before. As she entered, she automatically sought out one figure in the wood paneled space. As soon as she saw him, as if feeling her eyes on him, he glanced away from the conversation he was having and met her gaze. Their glances caught only for a moment, but volumes seemed to be exchanged between them.
She was seated again on his right. They approached the table at the same time, and he held her chair out for her. She loved the small, archaic gestures that were so much a part of him. Things like opening a door, or holding a coat... conventions that had fallen out of fashion as the expense of gender equality.
He looked tired. Not just tired, she decided, but weary. She knew he had returned to work last night even after the late hour they had beamed aboard. She lightly touched his arm as he sat. "Rough morning?" She asked, quietly enough for only him to hear.
"We are almost there." He said, his sigh expressive. "They *are* trying."
Knowing he needed a break from the pulls of the politicians around him, she monopolized his attention during the meal with tales from her tour of the trauma center. Since she did much of the talking, he was actually able to eat a decent meal, something he had not been able to do the previous day, or at the banquet last night.
Because the days were long on Omnia, lunches were kept leisurely, a chance to recharge for the afternoon ahead. Without being rude, the Captain and the Doctor lingered over a fragrant, tea-like stimulant drink served with fruit after the meal.
"Thank you," he said, hazel eyes warm on hers. "I needed a break."
Her smile was brilliant with pleasure. "You looked like you did."
"Was that a professional opinion, Doctor?" An eyebrow rose in teasing.
"Maybe..." She seemed as if she were going to say more, but broke off. She lifted the warm drink and sipped appreciatively. "We need to bring some of this back to replicate."
"Mmm" he agreed, looking at her over the rim of his cup.
"Do you think you'll finish this afternoon?" She asked, when they were rising from the table.
"It appears so. Most of the heated details were hashed over in this morning's session. We should have the final draft done for everyone to take home tonight to read over, and then ratification tomorrow." His hand drifted to the small of her back as he gestured her ahead of him through the doorway. He found familiar StarFleet issue uniform under his touch, but remembered freckles and satiny warmth from the night before.
They walked out of the Capitol into the plaza. Each raised a hand to shield their eyes against the bright white heat of twin suns. "There's my shuttle." She said, half-turning to him. I'll be gathering samples this afternoon. Our 'tour guide' has been lovely."
He smiled at her, but it seemed a little forced due to squinting, the brightness of the day light exacerbated by the contrast from the darkness inside the building. "Since we missed breakfast, will you join me for dinner?" He was scanning the plaza as they walked.
"I'd love to." She said simply. "Just call for me when you are ready." They were walking toward the land shuttle, his hand at her elbow to steady her for the step up.
Then chaos erupted.