Kitty, Katianna and Tara stood in the Transtream Pad room. Since Kassia and Tara had used it successfully, an effort had been made to get it in shape for use. The plastic that had once been everywhere was gone and instead, the room was gleaming with it's newness.
Tara pulled a little on her dress uniform as it seemed a little tight.
"Are you all right, Tara?" Kitty asked curiously.
"Perfectly," she replied. "I'm just not use to this dress uniform yet."
Kitty smiled. "Well, the Admiral should be here momentairly." She turned to look at the Lieutenant watching the Pad.
"So far everything is on track, Captain," the young man replied.
Suddenly, there was a charge. Then there was a flash across the Pads and then the form of a humanoid was there. Admiral Zultok had arrived. Kitty almost breathed a sigh of relief, still unsure about this new device on her station.
"Welcome aboard Starbase 901, Admiral," she smiled.
"Well, well. I'm still alive, and if I'm on Starbase 901, then this device seems to be functioning properly." Admiral Zultok shook off his clothes and walked away from the pad. "Captain Mallory. It's good to finally meet the grand defender of the Briar Patch."
"Thank you for the praise, Admiral. But I'd be nowhere without my dedicated staff, of which, here are two. May I introduce you to Commander Katianna Nadira, our Intel officer and Chief Warrant Officer Tara Carmichael our Head of Security," she replied with a smile.
Zultok smiled and shook both of their hands. "Commander. Chief." After the introductions, Zultok looked around the room. "So, where's our little heroine?"
Kat smiled. "She's waiting for you along with a few friends in a conference room," she explained. "I hope you don't mind, it's such a big event for her."
"That's perfect. Such an event definitely deserves the most hoopla as possible," Zultok hesitated, "under the circumstances." Zultok approached Kitty. "I'd like to have a conversation with you about the current situation. As you know, it not only concerns this station, but the whole of the Federation."
Zultok walked past the group to the door. "Now, then. Let's join the party." He allowed the door to open and extended his arm, motioning for the officers to go first.
"Please don't take this the wrong way, Sir," Kitty began as she walked with him, Tara leading the way to the room, "But you are certainly more easy going than most of the other Vulcans I have met."
Zultok laughed. "Well, Captain, most Vulcans aren't born and raised in Alabama. I'm afraid I've adopted a bit of what Humans call, the Southern way."
Kitty smiled. "I like that," she replied.
"We're here," Tara said with her softly accented voice. She stopped and opened the door. She went in first, as habit being Security. Kitty and the Admiral followed with Katianna behind.
Several chairs had been set up, filled with a handful of adults and several children. One little girl in the front row stood out with her auburn pulled back in a pollyanna and spots framed her beautiful little face that looked an awful lot like her mother's. She wore a purple velvet dress and sat next to a woman with dark hair that held an infant.
"Well, Laurissa Nadira." Zultok turned to look at Katianna. "She is a mirror image of her mother." Zultok stepped forward. "I suppose I've had you all waiting a while, so I will be as brief as I can be without offending anyone." Zultok smiled and motioned with his hand. "Laurissa Artemis Nadira-Pentragon, please step forward."
Laurissa first looked up to her mother, who nodded. She then got up off the chair and smoothed out her dress a little bit. She then went to the Vulcan that had called her. Her green eyes were very big as she looked up at him.
Zultok turned Laurissa around and faced the assembled. "There are times that test our strengths as officers, as servicemen, and as citizens of our United Federation of Planets. It is during these times that we truly discover what each one of us is made of; we discover ourselves, and we grow. That is the nature of courage."
Zultok placed his two hands on Laurissa's shoulders. "Most of us here have had a great deal of experience with courage. We have all saved many lives, and we have lost many of those that were close to us. Still, regardless of the tragedy and the pain, here we remain, clinging to the ever-growing hope for a better tomorrow."
"It is in honor of this hope, this dream, that today, we celebrate an act of courage performed by the very reason for which that hope exists: our children." He pulled a small black box from his pocket. Then, he knelt in front of Laurissa as she turned around to face him. "Laurissa Artemis Nadira-Pentragon, I, Admiral Zultok of the United Federation of Planets' Deep Range Fleet, on this [date here] day of [month here] 2385 give you a letter of commendation." He opened the box and displayed it to both Laurissa and the room. It was a framed letter with an official seal and signed by the President of the Federation of Planets. Then, he focused it on Laurissa. "Display it with pride. It is moments like these and people like you that make our mission worth pursuing with pride and unwavering intent."
Zultok closed the box and handed it to Laurissa.
Before Laurissa could walk away, Zultok continued, "Now! Ending formalities, I have here a second gift for our young paragon of heroism." Zultok grabbed a PADD and read from it. "From Starfleet Command. Fleet Admiral William Ross is pleased to offer Laurissa Artemis Nadira-Pentragon guaranteed placement and a full scholarship to Starfleet Academy, San Francisco, should she decided to fulfill her dream of, as her marvelously written report stated, 'being just like mom' when she grows up." Zultok turned around and handed Katianna the PADD. "Congratulations. You have a remarkable daughter."
"Thank you," Katianna replied, almost completely overcome by the generosity of Starfleet.
"Thanks!!" Laurissa also piped in excitedly. "I can go to Starfleet when I grow up? Just like my mom? Really?"
Zultok smiled and knelt in front of Laurissa. "Yes. Just like her." He turned toward Kitty. "Though from what I've read about the commander, I wonder if having two of them is such a good thing."
Zultok looked around, noticing that no one had found that very funny. "What? I'm a Vulcan so I can't make a joke?" he asked with a wide smile on his face.
The room began laughing at that. Kitty had been smiling and Katianna had laughed herself, wondering just how much he knew of her and what she was doing. But before the Vulcan could leave Laurissa got his attention once more.
"You're a real Admiral?" she asked, looking at him, her green eyes gazing at him with wonder.
Zultok nodded. "Yes, I am. Why do you ask, young lady?"
"Wow... I never thought I would be THAT important!" she replied with a big smile.
Katianna having overheard her, went to her daughter and embraced her. "You've always been that important." Tenderly she kissed her cheek.
"I meant like you, Momma!" she giggled.
Zultok smile grew softer as he turned to Kitty. "May we speak in private?"
"Certainly, Admiral," she replied, and lead them out of the conference room.
Kitty lead the Admiral to her Office. As she took a seat behind her desk she waited for Zultok to take a seat.
"I'm sure you know that I would not have been allowed to come here if the only point of this trip was to hand an award to a little girl," Zultok began.
"Of course," Kitty replied. "Though I know Laurissa was quite excited to see you." A smile played across her lips. "But to business..."
"Unfortunately, though I enjoyed meeting her as well." Zultok crossed his legs. "Certain information regarding the adventures of Commander Nadira distress me. She is pursuing a one-person war against two demons, similar to the Pah-wraiths reported by Captain Benjamin Sisko over 10 years ago, yes?"
Kitty was silent for moment, but she nodded. "Yes. Though she's not entirely alone. Others assist where they can," Kitty explained. After all, Kassia and Tara had been as helpful as possible. Though it all did come back to Katianna, Kitty thought.
"There's a lot of pressure on my part to see you more involved in this. The higher ups are worried about what this might mean; the last time Amojen was free, the Federation saw its worst war in the past few decades. Even Sisko is seeking a transfer, though he has been thus far denied. I'm trying to contain the commotion at the top, but I can only do so much." Zultok sighed. "I understand. I know about the situation on DS9, and I know that the saving the world business usually ends up being a one-man mission, but my superiors are starting to buckle under the pressure of 'certain' influences."
She sighed. "Unfortunately, what I know and understand, Katianna was the one chosen for this... And I don't mean chosen by Starfleet or by me. You know about Sisko and you yourself said it's usually a one-man mission. Though we have tried to help her not be alone, as much as we can."
"All I need you to know is that these 'influences' control a great deal of the movement at the top." Zultok stood up and moved across the room to a console. "Computer, play Van Halen, highest volume setting. Suddenly the room burst with sound. Zultok walked over to Kitty and leaned over to her, having to scream into her ear so that she could hear him. "THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THIS STATION, WAITING UNDER THE WINGS! THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT TO SHOW THEMSELVES, AND WHEN THEY DO... THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY!" Zultok moved away so that Kitty could see how serious he was. Then, he leaned over again. "DANIEL IS THE PRIORITY! THEY WANT HIM, AND THEY WILL DO WHATEVER THEY NEED TO GET HIM! EVEN IF THAT MEANS ALLYING THEMSELVES WITH THE DEVIL HIMSELF!" He paused. "REMEMBER, CAPTAIN, NOTHING WILL BE WHAT IT SEEMS!" He pulled away and back to his chair. "COMPUTER, SOUND OFF!" The sound shut off, and the room was silent, though both officers could still hear the ringing in their ears.
"I guess I'll leave you with that. I'll do my best to keep things from getting ugly on official channels. Keep me as informed as you can, but trust no one. Not even me." With that Zultok walked out of the captain's office.
Kitty sat there stunned. Her once jovial mood completely crushed as complete concern overtook her.
As Kitty returned to the conference room, the party was in full swing. She noticed the Admiral had come back to enjoy the festivities. She saw Katianna, with Laurissa hanging around her legs, as she talked with Paul, Kassia, Tarik, Len and Danni. Tiyanna was with Zachary and Arianna near Troy who was in an animated conversation with Lazarus and Jovani. Tara with Zoe in her arms and Jayson by her side was speaking with Ryan and Miranda who had Caprice.
Suddenly, Tara approached Katianna and Laurissa with Jayson and Ryan.
"Laurissa," Tara began. "I have a couple of friends that would like to say hello to you."
"So you're the one we owe the big thank you too," Ryan said.
Laurissa just smiled.
"My name is Lt. Ryan MacLeod. Tara and I have been friends for a long time. I don't know what I would do without her," he said. At that he winked at Tara.
Tara smiled.
"Yes, we definitely owe you one," Jayson replied.
Admiral Zultok managed to get Stephan Maruu alone for a moment at the punch table. "Have you thought more on becoming an Admiral? The position is still on offer, Stephan. It would be good for you to get back to work again."
Stephan hedged. "I don't think I can just yet. I have... some personal things I need to take care of. Maybe in a few weeks I'll be ready," he replied, thinking of Nicole. His emotions were going crazy. He wanted to see her, but didn't want to as well. He was confused and knew that he had to sort things out.
"The position will be there for you when you're ready."
"Thank you, Admiral," he replied.
"And you would not believe just how brave she is. Without that little girl, we wouldn't be here," Kassia said.
"Then I am thankful she showed up when she did," Tarik smiled, kisses Kassia gently.
"Me too!" she replied.
"I just knew we had to do something," Laurissa replied. "I didn't know Momma and everyone was in that much trouble!"
Everyone laughed. But as Kat's eyes looked around the room, she met Kitty's stare and sensed something was wrong immediately.
"I need to see the Captain a minute, honey. You keep being the star of the show, okay?" Katianna said as she winked at her daughter.
"Okay, Momma! Uncle Paul can watch me!" At that, she leap into his open arms.
Katianna quickly went to Kitty.
"What is it, Captain?"
"Are you enjoying the celebration?" she asked.
Kat gave her a puzzled expression.
~We can't talk aloud~ Kitty explained, ~I've just had an eye-opening conversation with the Admiral...~
"The party's great! I can't thank you enough for setting all of this up," Kat replied trying to keep up the pretense. ~What are you talking about?~
~I was just informed that there are people aboard the Station that very much would like to get their hands on Daniel...~
~What?! WHO??~
~I don't know. I don't think he does either. But Admiral Zultok made it very clear that Daniel was he prize they were after~ Kitty continued.
~So it's not bad enough I have demons to fight, now I have to possibly worry about our own people?~ Kat replied with frustration.
~I'll do what I can~ Kitty replied. ~I'll find security people we can trust and set up a detail to keep and eye on the kids... Maybe we should consider teaching Laurissa and even Kara some self-defense. That way they will have something to fall back on.~
~Only if you throw in weapons training too~ Katianna quipped. ~How am I suppose to take care of the demons, and now this threat? I'm spread too thin as it is!~
~We'll get you through this... This at least, is something I can help with~
Katianna nodded slightly with understanding, but the uneasiness and panic was filling her again. She needed to get back to her training. If she was ready, physically, then maybe nothing bad would happen... Maybe she should even think about setting up a program for Laurissa. Something easy to get her started. But something... anything... She had to keep Laurissa and Daniel safe...
"Why don't you go back and enjoy the party," Kitty said.
"I think maybe I should head to HoloPursuits and get back to my training..."
"Not today, Commander... This is your daughter's big day. Be here for her," the Captain said, slightly pulling rank.
"Only for awhile. If I'm not ready to do what I have to do, none of this is going to matter... Then if you don't mind, have a security escort for my family back to my quarters?"
Kitty nodded. "I've already been thinking about it."
Reluctantly Katianna returned to Laurissa. Though she put on her social face, Laurissa could feel her mother's unease and when she informed her daughter she had to leave to go train in the holosuites, her daughter's face fell.
"But, Momma... why can't you stay with me just for today?"
Kat's heart broke as she held her daughter and kissed her head. "Because I have to do this. To protect you and your brother..."
As she began to walk out a hand grabbed her arm. "Are you so sure you're doing ze right zing, Kat?" It was Paul. "Zat eez ze 'eart of your daughter you just broke."
"I wouldn't have done it, if I didn't need to," she replied, her emotions close to the surface. "Believe me. Now I have to go..."
Without another word, she vanished out the door.
Stephen sat at a table in front of the Bistro. He waited, drinking his coffee and watching as people walked by. He smiled as two women walked past him. They winked back at him.
Before long, a man in a brown cloak approached his table and stood behind him. "You are the Kosst?"
Stephen smiled evilly. "Do you want to lose your tongue?"
The cloaked man with sandy blond hair and blue eyes growled and sat. "We have been told to come. To wait. We have waited, and you took a longer time than expected."
"I was busy. Besides, I'm here now. Did Luther manage to get all of you monsters plastic surgery?"
"It will wear off in five weeks."
Stephen took another sip of his coffee. "Then, that's when we'll go. Make all the preparations."
The man in the cloak bowed his head, stood up, and walked away.
Stephen finished his coffee and walked off in the opposite direction.