Kathryn
ooo
I'm happy to see that Dr. Reseil Tatnim, head of Daystrom's Astrometrics Team, is my welcoming committee. We'd talked about nebulas at the conference, and had exchanged a couple of messages afterward.
We exchange pleasantries and she nods toward the walkway. "We're heading to the main Astronomy Lab," she informs me. "Admirals Paris and Nechayev are there with Dr. Pakell."
Seems Nechayev is going to be a fixture in my life.Then again, it's better to have her blessing than not.
At the door to the lab, my muscle memory kicks in: shoulders back, spine straight, chin out. Reseil notices and grins. "Is there a button on the uniform that does that for you?" she whispers. "Nope, just years of practice," I whisper back.
We're interrupting an informal conversation: Nechayev is laughing, and the smile doesn't leave her face when she turns to me. "Good to see you, Admiral. Thank you for joining us today," she says. Behind her, Owen gives me a knowing smile.
She introduces me to Dr. Pakell. No need for her quick biography: I know full well that he's the center's director, and has at least four PhD's. I glance at the screen behind him, which holds the image of a familiar star system.
Nechayev clears her throat. She's had enough small talk. "You're curious as to why we have the Romulan star system up there," she announces as she nods toward the screen. "You certainly know the history between Romulus and the Federation, and that we have good reason to keep an eye on them.
"As part of that, all starships that patrol the Neutral Zone are ordered to thoroughly scan the Romulan system — not just for military movements, but for anything scientifically significant."
Owen takes up the narrative. "When the Romulans became an ally in the war, we were able to get a closer look and better scans of their star system. Those new scans detected something out of the ordinary. The Enterprise's recent mission confirmed the findings, as did the Titan's."
Nechayev looks at me expectantly. Ah, a test: "I'm aware of the missions," I reply. And the losses: For a moment, I flash back to Cadet Data giving the 9-year-old me a tour of Utopia Planitia.
"Take a look at these scans in the area near the Romulan sun," Pakell says. The first is from a patrol in 2370. I look for anything amiss, but ... "Nothing unusual," I say, and everyone nods in agreement.
The second scan is from 2375, toward the end of the war. Something has changed ... I check the readout. "Alpha particles — the sun is burning neon, though not much." Another collective nod.
"This is from the Enterprise mission," Pakell says as he puts up the last scan. The Alpha particles are more numerous and clearly noticeable, and I compare readouts from the previous scan.
My God. "The Alpha emissions have more than doubled. It will be burning oxygen fairly soon." I swallow. "And sooner than later, the Romulan sun will go supernova."
Solemn nods around the room. "The last scans were a wake-up call," Nechayev says. "We have to prepare. But how much time do we have? Two years? A decade? We need estimates on the force of the explosion, and how far the shock waves and electromagnetic pulses might reach beyond the kill zone.
"There are space stations and military installations in the area, plus Federation citizens on border planets," she continues. "This will be a massive evacuation, and that's not including Romulus."
"We're setting up a task force to study the data and provide these answers," Owen adds. "A team of the brightest minds from Starfleet and Daystrom. And we'd like you to lead it."
This is more than I could have hoped for. But it's still a shock. "Out of curiosity, why me?"
"The Federation Council agreed that the task force should be led by a senior Starfleet officer. One with a science background, and one who can lead a quickly assembled group of people from different disciplines. Your name was at the top of the list," Nechayev says. "And it doesn't hurt that you are among the few who have witnessed a supernova event."
"When does this start? My obligation to Columbia runs until August."
"We can work around that," Pakell says. "David mentioned that he's asked you to develop a grad-level course. When will that launch?"
"September of next year."
"I suggest that you ask for an extension," Nechayev breaks in. "The Federation president wants a preliminary report by the end of the year, with a full report by next June. Admiral Bordson and I expect monthly reports." She shrugs. "Unless you can tell us that sun won't explode for another 150 years."
ooo
Reseil walks me to the center's transporter station. "I'm being presumptuous, but I am looking forward to working with you. And I hear good things about Scott Archadi."
I almost chuckle; generally, Starfleet officers don't turn down orders, well, save for my balking at a Dip Corps post. "Well, thank you, and I can say the same about you," I say instead. "I've not met Captain Archadi, but I've heard good things about him, too."
Actually, I was surprised to learn that my leads were already in place: Reseil for the Daystrom team; Archadi for Starfleet's team. But I suppose it does save time, and at the moment, I have no cause to quarrel with either pick.
We're quiet for a moment, then I float the question. "Have you heard from anyone on Romulus?"
Reseil shakes her head, "We don't have official contact, but we do have a few friends. We've quietly sent them messages; nothing specific, just trying to initiate a conversation. No one is answering."
ooo
Tom
Turns out my day included a quick trip to Wisconsin, and I swing by my studio on the way home. Molly greets me in the lab, meaning that Kathryn is here.
I knew she did Barre exercises as part of her fitness routine; she'd mentioned using the rec center at Columbia. When I put up the hologrid, she asked to use it. "Perhaps I'm getting fussy in my old age, but I'm tired of dealing with locker rooms," she joked.
I slip in and she smiles but doesn't stop. I stay quiet and watch, and once again I marvel at how petite she is, and how strong. And how good she looks in a leotard ... I turn my attention to Molly before I embarrass both of us.
Kathryn finishes, and walks over to me as she towels off.
"So, does my father have a job for you?"
"Actually, it's Admiral Nechayev who has the job, with the CNC's blessing," she says quietly. "I've been tapped to lead a ... research group made up of Daystrom and Starfleet scientists."
"Sounds impressive. What kind of research?"
She wipes her face with the towel, and when she's finished, the command mask is in place. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you. It's classified."
Oh, shit. "Where are you working? And how long?"
She answers and my stomach knots. "Toronto? Do you have to move up there?"
"No, it's an easy transport," she assures me as we move to the lab. "I will be spending a lot of time there at first; we're on a tight deadline. But I intend to work at home for part of the week, especially since I'm still teaching at Columbia. The main part of our work will wrap up in June." She gives me that lopsided grin. "Don't worry; I won't leave you homeless."
I let out a sigh of relief … and I'm not sure what possesses me, but I lean in and kiss her square on the mouth. She just looks at me, mouth slightly open, eyes wide, and I think I've blown everything to hell. I just open my mouth to apologize when her shock melts into a very wicked grin, and she snakes a hand around the back of my neck.
"Very nice, but I'm sure you can do even better than that," she purrs as she pulls me to her….
And yes, I can … and so can she … and things start to get very intense when she gasps and jumps out of my arms.
"What the hell was that?" she demands as she looks around. "Something just brushed up against my legs, and I know it wasn't you."
Uh oh. I know what it was. "Er, it's Tiger," I explain as I point to the half-grown orange tabby watching us from under the desk. "He's been here a while, though I don't know how he gets in and out. He's been a lot friendlier since I started leaving food and water. He and Molly seem to be getting along," I offer.
"She's used to cats from the farm," she says, then shakes her head and gives me a look of half exasperation, half affection. "You certainly know how to make an impression on a girl … but I think our friend should stay here. I'm only allowed one pet under the housing agreement."
ooo
Tom
The reality of Kathryn's new assignment didn't register until two Starfleet engineers showed up to install a security package in her office. That evening, I came home to find the house vid next to her unfinished painting.
"They put in a new terminal. I had them install this out here so you can use it," she says apologetically.
"It's OK, I know the drill," I tell her. "I hope it doesn't make your painting too awkward." She just gives me a small smile and shrugs.
As she said, she's doing double duty with Columbia and 'Fleet. But I can tell when she's on Starfleet business: The new sound dampener is on, and I can watch, but not hear her. Too bad I can't read lips very well. Then again, maybe it's best that I don't know.
ooo
Kathryn
ooo
One down: My seminar comes to a close, and I leave Columbia after assuring Dr. Reddick that I will develop that grad course for him. Though God only knows when that will be.
Tom isn't home. No surprise: the gallery show is this weekend. I take Molly out, and on a whim, stop by the deli before we head to the studio.
He's surprised to see us, and I lift up the bag in explanation. "The loft seems like an excellent place to watch the sunset. I brought a picnic and some wine. Join me in a toast to the end of my first teaching experience?"
"Absolutely," he says with that devilish grin. "I can use a break."
There are plenty of chairs up here, so we pull a few to the ledge to create a makeshift table. Thus settled, we toast my class and his upcoming presentation, and eat and drink and laugh together as the sun slips into the horizon ...