Paint and Powder

A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.

Enterprise: "The Enemy"

Worf entered his quarters, weary in spirit more than body. Geordi had been lost on Galorndon Core below, and they had captured a Romulan. A Romulan who was dying.

It wasn't hard to discern the reason for Enterprise's avatar being there in his quarters. He narrowed his eyes.

"Enterprise," he stated.

"Lieutenant Worf," she replied, hands held behind her back as she stood at military ease.

"You too wish to discuss the situation?" Worf growled, going to his desk and looking through paperwork. Enterprise was silent for a moment.

"You are the only one who can save the Romulan from death," she pointed out.

"Yes. Doctor Crusher told me as much," Worf grumbled, flicking through a report on the phaser array maintenance logs.

Enterprise walked over to stand beside Worf, prim and proper.

"If he dies... The Romulans coming here may open fire on us," Enterprise continued quietly, "this may result in war. A war the Federation is not prepared for."

Worf paused in his reading. He slowly nodded.

"... Yes," he said.

"Therefore," Enterprise concluded, "is it not logical to donate plasma so the Romulan can live?"

Worf sucked in a deep breath.

"... Yes."

"Then, why do you not do this?" Enterprise pressed. Worf glared up at the avatar.

"You know why," Worf ground out, a half repressed snarl, "they killed my parents. Slew my family."

"This Romulan didn't do that," Enterprise pointed out.

"No... But his race still did it," Worf growled. Enterprise grit her teeth.

"I understand that a hurt like that cannot-"

"Do you?!" Worf demanded, eyes burning "do you truly understand that loss?! Can you?!"

The lights in Worf's quarters dimmed. The gravity became heavier. Enterprise herself glowed unnaturally bright in the suddenly darkened quarters. Fury was on her face, in her body language, a rage that she was barely holding back.

"I know," she ground out, "all 709 crewmembers who were murdered at Narendra III. Their faces, names, histories, voices, will be with me until the day I cease to exist. I know how every. Single. One of them died. They died within me, as we fought the Romulans. I took satisfaction in killing so many Romulans that day-All for your people. I sacrificed everything I had to destroy them. They sacrificed more. So yes. I think I can understand your loss, Worf. I think I understand it perfectly."

Worf was acutely aware that this avatar, if angry enough, could flatten him with hundreds of gees. Could evacuate all the air from his quarters to kill him. Could do so many things.

It was little comfort at that moment to realize she probably wouldn't. Probably.

Enterprise blinked, as though suddenly realizing what she was doing. The lighting and gravity returned to normal, and the storm within the avatar dissipated. While Worf knew the avatar did not age, Enterprise had never looked so... Old. So worn out, and tired.

"... Forgive me," Worf said softly, "I did dishonor to you."

Enterprise nodded slowly, accepting the apology.

"Worf... I know war. I know it too well. I have fought so much. Lost so much. There are times when war is the only option, and it must be fought and won. But... Is this that kind of situation?"

Worf looked down at the computer screen, not seeing the words.

"... I cannot just do it," Worf admitted. "I just... I cannot."

Enterprise was silent. She slowly nodded.

"... I understand," she murmured. "I do not agree... But I understand."

Worf sucked in a deep breath through his nostrils.

"... If the Captain ordered me to do so... I would," Worf admitted quietly.

"You know he won't do that," Enterprise said, "he would never want to put you in that position!"

Worf stared at the bulkhead, and slowly nodded.

"... I know."

Enterprise clenched her fists... And slowly nodded again.

"I see," she said. "Excuse me, Lieutenant Worf."

She vanished, leaving Worf alone.

This was a very good episode. I suggest you give it a watch.